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Revenge | Chapter 14 | Chapter 14
"It's just your standard advance and hold operation. Take up post at the end of the road and hold ground until relieved. The top brass has started noticing increased LRSA armoured presence in this area, we're not quite sure to what extent, so they want tunics at the crossroads ready for them. Quarter master has assigned us an anti-tank weapon to give us that little extra punch. Scattergun should be bringing it with him when he finally shows up." Stitcher stood addressing her section, but nopony was really paying much attention. We were due to have set off fifteen minutes ago but the other sadist and her basic Scavenger friend were still nowhere to be seen, and one of them was supposed to have our anti-tank weapon that we apparently needed.
Sat upon a wooden crate labelled 'Caution: High Explosives', I played around with the sights on my rifle, flipping between day sight and night sight absentmindedly whilst day dreaming to myself. My head was still throbbing angrily, and I felt like death, but I was slowly starting to get used to it. Wraith and I had conversed briefly before the rest of the section had got together, trying to thresh out a plan to get us out of the Ruins. So far our best option looked to be staying put for as long as it took for a truck to arrive to take ponies down to the less busy section of the Ruins and just play it from there. But that relied on us not being found out, or killed by the Scavengers, or killed by the LRSA, or killed by the freaky pink pony that was following us.
When I'd pointed out to Wraith that I'd seen Perky spying on us, he'd gone dead silent and almost seemed to drain of colour. He was persistent, I'd give him that, but I had faith that he would soon give up, either through loss of interest or intervention from our new Scavenger buds. Whatever the outcome, I hoped it happened sooner rather than later. The psychopath was giving me the chills.
After what felt like hours had passed, but in reality was only five more minutes, the sadist (who I now knew to be called Hack'n Slash) and her pal (Scattergun) managed to put in an appearance. Needless to say, Stitcher was not happy at their unpunctuality, and was quick to round on them with malice in her voice, "Where have you two been? I said oh six hundred, did I not? Everypony else managed to show up on time, why couldn't you?"
"Sorry, ma'am. We had a sermon to attend."
"A sermon? Give me strength. Get those horrible garments off and grab your gear. I went to the liberty of having it dragged out for you. Be thankful I didn't also put it on the roof." Stitcher turned away fuming and left the two to remove what looked to be charcoal black robes that came up over their heads as hoods. They did look rather intimidating, and when they removed them I saw that Hack'n Slash had markings painted onto her face with some sort of red chalky material, and Scattergun had some twisted metal ornament dangling around his neck. With what was most akin to a sigh of exasperation Stitcher ordered that they remove the symbols, an order which they complied with only very grudgingly.
After Hack'n Slash had fastened her assault webbing and Scattergun had shouldered a rather large and heavy looking tube, we set off towards the entrance to the sector, Stitcher grumbling to herself along the way. I hurried to catch up with her and fell into step beside her, casting her a sideways glance, "Not happy, huh?"
"It's like being in charge of foals. They're so wide eyed and will believe anything those crackheads will tell them. And they take it so bloody seriously, too. Promise me you'll never fall prey to their propaganda."
"You needn't worry." From what I'd pieced together from brief snippets of conversation, the 'chaotics' as I believe they were called weren't exactly very nice ponies. Granted, being a Scavenger kind of meant not being nice generally, but these religious fanatics were a little more not nice. Apparently they used LRSA prisoners as sacrifices for their rituals and 'sermons' and they were extremely strongly bonded. Insult one and you insulted all of them, was basically the gist of it. Pack mentality.
Stitcher stormed out the main entrance with only a few curt words to the unfortunate stallion in charge of logging those who passed, and carried on down the street, the rest of her section in tow, some of us almost jogging to keep pace with her. I fell back to march next to Wraith, not feeling very safe around Stitcher. We trotted/jogged back up the street, passing the innumerable piles of LRSA fallen and the immolated husks of ex-tanks. My head pounded with every step I took, my rifle feeling unusually heavy around my neck. I was glad I'd opted to leave my saddlebags back in the barracks.
We came upon the crossroads, the site of many a previous firefight, and Stitcher called us all down into a ditch to avoid having to address us in the open. She pointed up towards a building nearby, right on the corner, that had most of its second floor wiped out by artillery or tank fire or something of a similar destructive nature, "That's where we're setting up post. Here's how I want it set up, you listening? Get the machinegun set up quick sharp right on the edge, in whatever position grants it the greatest arc of fire. I want three ponies on it at all times, hear? I also want one pony further back with the AT, likewise to be manned at all times. We can't rely on the LRSA being nice enough to wait for us. The rest of you, start setting out bedding and scanning for Russians. If you see one, shoot him dead, we can't have anypony spying on us. Sergeant?"
It took me a few moments to acknowledge that she was referring to me, "Yes, yea, sorry?"
"You're in charge of the machinegun. I want you with it to act as its spotter. You see something worthy of unleashing hell on, point them out to the gunners. We're relying on you to keep your guard up, not letting any of the bastards past us. This is something we can't afford to fuck up."
"Yes ma'am, sure that sounds like something I can do."
"I'm glad to hear it. Right, enough pissing about, get a move on. Come on, get up, arses in gear let's move."
There was a frantic scuffling of many hooves as the whole section desperately scrambled to get up to our sentry point, nobody willing to piss Stitcher off any more than she already was. As I hurriedly made my way up a crumbling flight of stairs, a Raider biting at my fetlocks, I couldn't help feel a sense of dread come over me. Spotter. So it was my responsibility to choose targets for the gun, despite the fact that the LRSA were technically on my side. By doing this I would be helping the Scavengers gain an advantage, which was exactly the opposite of what I wanted to do. But what were my options? Disobey and face being found out, or worse? Surely a few dead LRSA now wouldn't be too much of a problem when you considered the number of lives I'd be saving in the end? That was the belief I clung onto, the belief that would enable me to kill on the side of the Scavengers. Maybe.
We burst out into our position, panting hard from the physical exertion. I felt more sorry for those who were carrying all the heavy kit, at least I was only encumbered by an assault rifle. Stitcher came in behind me and instantly set about getting things moving, "Lambda, set up that field radio, I want comms with command in fifteen. Get that machinegun set up pronto and get on it, and somepony prime that rocket launcher, I want us ready to face anything they can throw at us. Wraith, Reticule, you're our advanced warning, so keep eyes down scopes and alert us to any changes. Sergeant, give Vickers a hand with the machinegun. The rest of you lay out some bedding and get a hex stove on, I'm starving." There was a brief chorus of 'Oo-rah' from the ranks as we all set about our duties. Stitcher dug a pair of binoculars out from her tunic and set up behind the shot out wall, keeping low and scanning the buildings across the streets.
I personally had no idea how to set up a heavy machinegun, so whilst Vickers played around getting the tripod set up, I just held the main gun for him, whilst another young mare held onto the spare barrels and ammunition. Behind me, a stallion was struggling to get our AT weapon loaded and ready to be fired, and I could see Lambda sighing in relief in a corner as he got the heavy looking radio slung off his back. Wraith and his new buddy were busy surveying the streets, and some mare was trying to spark a small metal cube, filled with a white fuel.
"Give us that there, Sergeant." I failed to respond, and Vickers tapped me on the side of the head to get my attention. "Hello? I know you're a Sergeant an' all but do we 'ave to tell you everything twice?"
"Sorry, here, take it." Vickers relieved me of the (incredibly heavy) weapon and set it up on the tripod, the other mare clipping a box of ammunition onto the side and feeding a belt into it. I fell back onto my haunches. I was already exhausted. And my hangover still hadn't gone away, my head throbbing angrily and my body protesting loudly at the physical torment I'd put it through. This was going to be a very long day. I just hoped it would go by quietly.
"Machinegun's ready, ma'am!"
"Good, where are we with that AT? And why haven't we got fucking comms up yet? We're blind out here without a comms link, come on ponies, stop arsing about! Somebody give Lambda some help over there, for fuck's sake, can't you see he needs it? Stop laying about and get mobile!"
"Yea ma'am!" came a multitude of replies. Stitcher made her way over to the (now silently burning) stove, where the young mare that'd set it up put had a mess tin full of water, and was now heating up some rations to be enjoyed by all those who lacked a sense of smell, and tolerated by the rest. The machinegun now ready, I peered over the wall into the streets below. I didn't really know what I was looking for; it was more to just give me something to do.
"Target! North-East! One hundred metres, on the second story!" Reticule called out and Wraith quickly followed this up with a single, swift pull of the trigger. Off in the distance, I fancied that I could hear a faint scream. Stitcher was quickly up beside us, rifle at the ready.
"Target down," murmured Wraith in his matter of fact tone.
"Can you confirm the kill?" Stitcher asked, warily. "I don't want him crawling back to his lines and reporting us."
"I got him right in the left eye, he's not getting back up." Wraith opened the bolt of his rifle in a plume of cordite smoke.
"Was there anypony else with him? Can you say what he was doing here?"
"I can't see anypony else and we're not taking return fire. I can't say for sure why he's here, maybe just lost."
"Well he wouldn't be the first we've come across out here. Good shot. And good call, too. Now we can rest somewhat safe in the knowledge that they still don't know our strength. Vickers?" Stitcher came up behind the stallion and rested a hoof on his shoulder. The stallion merely grunted in response, fine tuning the sights on his weapon. "Don't open fire until the Sergeant gives you the order. Obviously exercise initiative, but I don't want to give away any more than I have to. Keep the gun silent until we need it."
"Yes ma'am. As you say."
Stitcher returned to her position next to the stove, still waiting on the water to fully boil. Lambda called over something about the radio being set up, and Stitcher shouted back at him to get command on the line for fuck's sake. Vickers leant forward onto his weapon and sighed, turning to face me, "You know what you're doing, right?"
"Well I've never spot for a machinegun before so, no. Not really."
"Right well it's quite simple. Obviously if I see something worth shooting at I'm gonna go ahead and do it, whether you order me to or not. But if you catch somepony that I maybe 'aven't seen, or you reckon is a bigger threat to us than what I'm already firing at, you point them out to me. Just yell at me who it is you want dead, roughly what direction they're in, their approximate range and anything that'd make them easier to pinpoint. Like you 'eard Reticule call just now. Alternatively if you want me to stand down or 'old fire, give the order. Got it? Good. I'm used to 'aving a more experienced spotter but artillery is a son of a bitch, isn't it?"
I looked hard at Vicker's face. Now that I studied it, there was a deep gash leading from his right temple all the way down to his neck. His right ear was also rather badly mangled, and it looked as though he was missing several teeth on that side, "You look a little worse for wear yourself."
"Mmm. Not quite as worse for wear as Bearing, though. At least I'm still together and not spattered against the back wall of some god forsaken building by something that I couldn't even fight back against," Vickers slapped the side of his weapon angrily. "Fucking LRSA shit rags. Who the fuck do they think they are, coming over 'ere to a country that isn't even theirs? Well, if they're gonna come all the way over 'ere, I've got the perfect souvenir for them. Let's see 'ow much their wives enjoy getting their 'usbands sent back to them in an envelope." Vickers snarled and panned the machinegun from side to side, mimicking a sweeping action. "You can call me cold 'earted, but I'm sure as hell 'ot blooded!"
"I've got command on comms, Stitcher!"
"Excellent! Pass them over." Stitcher walked over, avoiding the loitering Scavengers that flanked her on either side and picked up the radio's receiver, slapping a pair of headphones onto her head. "Yes sir. Yes sir, we're all set up here. Only one contact, sir, and we think he was alone. Yes, we put him down. Oh? Right, okay. Yes, right, I see. Okay sir. Yes sir, we'll await their arrival, we're set up at..." Stitcher pulled a map out of her tunic and glanced over it. "Grid coordinates 438,271, on the second floor. Yes, let them know that, they may not find us otherwise. Understood sir. Copy that, Delta one-one out." Stitcher removed the headphones and gave them back to Lambda, and turned off the receiver. She slid her map back into her pocket and called me over to her, as well as another Corporal.
"What news, ma'am?" began the other Corporal whom I presumed was a section leader.
"Well, our guys back at camp have intercepted a Russian signal. They were only in for a short while before the Russians cut off and re-encrypted their network, but they managed to get some advanced warning of Russian armour moving into this sector. They don't know exactly how much armour, but they believe it's being supported by an infantry force. This bears all the hallmarks of an LRSA assault, so expect some fighting in the days to come. As such, the brass in their infinite wisdom is sending us a section of pioneers, who are going to mine the crossroads to make it harder for them to fight back against us. They'll also be bolstering our ranks with an extra AT weapon and a light machinegun. Our orders are to protect them from snipers, ambush teams, advance scouts or anypony who may threaten them. As you likely all remember our pioneer's barracks took a hit a while back and training the poor sods takes a while, so they haven't got many to spare, and certainly no more that they'll be sending our way. Right, you guys have your orders, relay them as necessary. Dismissed."
The Corporal nodded once and retreated back into the relative safety of the bombed out building, whilst I was left to move back up to the front with my ever so slightly insane gunner. He looked over at me, "What's the word?"
"They reckon that the Russians are amassing for an attack. Headquarters is shipping some pioneers our way to mine the area and we're supposed to stop them getting fucked over by snipers. They're bringing some extra firepower with them."
"Uuurgh I 'ate pioneers. Bunch of whiny twats who don't know their ass from their elbow when it comes to combat."
"They have their uses, I guess. Do you want to be in charge of sitting in the middle of a cross road handling high explosives?"
I could see him thinking for a minute, as if seriously considering it as an option, "No, I guess not."
"Well shut the fuck up then."
We all sat together for another fifteen minutes, our resident chef sharing out ration packs to those with the stomach to force them down. Thankfully, everything was quiet. Or as quiet as things could get in the Ruins. We saw head nor tail of anypony, LRSA or otherwise. HQ came on over the radio again at one point, letting us know that the Russians had just ambushed a scout party in what was supposed to be a safe area, and they suspected that the radio net had been compromised. As such, we were to maintain radio silence and wait to be relieved by a relief section before falling back. Until then, we held our position at all costs. I also noticed that I suddenly felt more terrified of the Russkis than by the Scavengers on either flank of me.
It was only when we heard somepony ascending the stairs behind us that things got interesting. Immediately every free rifle, handgun, sub machinegun, knife and rocket launcher was aimed at the stairs, awaiting the arrival of something to fill with holes. A young stallion, a look of great surprise on his face and a steel helmet resting on his head appeared and almost instantly shrivelled back. We all relaxed with a collective, exasperated sigh. He laughed nervously, "Aheh, uh... hey."
"You useless piece of shit, get in here," Stitcher sheathed her machete.
"Sorry about that, didn't mean to startle you guys." The pioneer was of about average height, a large and very heavy looking pack weighing down on him. He had a sub machinegun slung around his neck and a reel of cable poking from his pack. He bore the rank of Sergeant. "How're things? You guys holding up well? Where're the Russians?"
"Things are awful, we're holding up fine and the Russians are that way. Are you gonna mine the road or what?"
"Alright, shitty death. Just letting you guys know we were here. Cover our asses, okay? Let us know if you see any approaching Russians and I'll bug my guys out and haul ass back up here. And... uh... try not to startle us, we're handling some very sensitive munitions."
"Try not to... are you fucking serious? 'Oh, my apologies for startling you, it's just that this is a fucking warzone!' Get a move on, stop bothering me and my section."
The pioneer was quick to turn about and make tracks before Stitcher bucked him in the arse. I took the opportunity to peek over the wall I was sat behind, and saw about a section's worth of khaki clad pioneers spilling into the crossroad, about half of which began to unload heavy looking explosives from their cases, burying them under rubble or other precarious positions where they would be detonated at even the slightest disturbance. They hid directional mines on each corner, and even strung a tripwire over a likely position of cover. By the time they were finished the whole place was covered in live munitions, ready for an unfortunate soul to trip them. The pioneers began to pick their way back to us with extreme caution, taking care not to set off their own traps.
The pioneer Sergeant was first to reappear back up in our little hollow, taking up position in the back next to the radio. One by one, the rest of the section poured in, including one struggling under the weight of another anti-tank weapon, and one with a GP machinegun slung over her back. There was also a pair that carried what looked to be an anti-tank rifle between them, ready to be set up should our heavier weapons run out of ammunition. Now it was just a matter of tense waiting. We knew the Russians were just a few roads up, and likely ready to move. With radio silence being maintained we had no way of being updated of any movements or occurrences, so we were essentially on our own.
Stitcher came round and made sure everypony was loaded up and ready. She gave specific orders to various individuals, regarding how she wanted things to operate. We were to hold fire completely and remain out of sight until Stitcher gave us our fire order. Then we were to prioritise armour, followed by officers and weapon teams. My job was as it had always been; to point out any potential threats to my machinegun crew. Ooh, I was not looking forward to this. I didn't want to kill LRSA soldiers. Technically I wouldn't have to. All I had to do was yell fire orders which would hopefully either be ignored or become ineffectual quite quickly. I wouldn't actually have to do any shooting.
Minutes passed. Hours went by. All in all I think we sat waiting with held breath for about three, maybe four hours. Stitcher came up beside me at one point and showed me a map, with many things marked onto it, "Okay so we're here. Chances are the LRSA are going to attack down this road in a head on attack. They likely don't know we're here and won't be expecting resistance until further down towards camp, so we've got surprise on our side. Last I checked the only armoured units in this area was an element of the fifth cavalry regiment. They're a light armour group so I'm not expecting MBTs. I think the worst we can expect to come up against is recon vehicles or AFVs, unless they intend to really give us hell. Your job is still to take down infantry, so don't waste ammo trying to kill vehicle crews, leave that to the hunters and our AT."
"Right, so basically exercise common sense?"
"A bit less of the sass would be nice, Sergeant."
Wraith and Reticule ducked down in perfect synchronised harmony with one another, Reticule calling out in a hushed voice, "We've got contact! About a section's worth of infantry and two AFVs, likely with more infantry inside. Maybe more in the buildings. I think their commander's inside one of the vehicles, I didn't see any officers on the ground."
"Shit, okay, places ponies. We go loud on my mark, make sure you're cocked and loaded." Stitcher quickly gave the sights on her weapon a quick check over, and I took the opportunity to give my own rifle a scan. All good, ready to go. Vickers to my side ducked his head somewhat to make himself less noticeable. Everypony in the hollow was silent. I could see one of the pioneers shivering in either fear, anticipation, or a desperate need to pass water. Maybe all at once, I don't know. Over the wall I could hear the low rumbling of heavy wheels on concrete. I heard words in Russian being exchanged between units. With every passing second they pulled ever closer.
Stitcher rapped a hoof on the helmet of our AT gunner. Immediately they moved up to the wall, peering over. Time seemed to speed up for a moment as they rose up, weapon hefted onto one shoulder, and fired off our rocket. There was a colossal whoosh as the projectile was launched and smoke billowed out into our alcove. Moments later there was a colossal thud, followed almost immediately by an explosion of almighty proportions. Wraith and Reticule poked their heads out and began firing off shots, as shouts from the soldiers below began to ring out across the street. I looked over the wall at the carnage below.
The lead vehicle had been well and truly knocked out, having burst into flames and veered off into a wall. Most of the infantry had scattered in such a way that I couldn't see very many of them, and the gunner on the remaining vehicle was quickly spinning his gun around to try and return fire. Somepony somewhere yelled, "Open fire!" and everypony with a clear shot began to pour lead into the street. Vickers kicked into action with a yell, sending bright red tracers down range into the ranks of scattered infantry. The street was a sight of sheer carnage.
It wasn't long before return fire was becoming a problem. The gunner on the AFV sent a burst of high calibre rounds into our position, thankfully only succeeding in suppressing Wraith and Reticule. I spent a few moments gauging the gunner's position and called out to Vickers, "Gunner, fifteen metres, on top of that AFV!"
"I got him!" Vickers sprayed the vehicles with a prolonged burst of fire, most of the rounds ricocheting off its armour, but a good number of them succeeding in carving up the poor Russian on top, officially silencing the gun. Meanwhile, the back doors to the vehicle had opened up and more infantry were spilling out to join the fight. One of them made to clamber over some rubble and inadvertently set off a shrapnel mine, filling him and his friend nearby full of ball bearings. Somewhere the Russians had managed to set up a machinegun of their own and began firing back at us. That was about when I had to duck back down for a moment of respite, but from what I could tell Wraith poked his head up for a moment and silenced their new gun. I heard the bassy pound of a directional mine going off and I assumed a group of them had tried to break into a building for cover. There was a call of what sounded like, "Mina!" and I presumed that they had finally caught on to the fact that hidden explosives were making their jobs difficult.
It was about this point that the LRSA had organised themselves enough to return effective fire. A small group of soldiers unloaded a vicious salvo in our direction, forcing us down into cover. A lucky shot claimed Reticule, shattering his scope and burying itself in his right eye. The Scavenger collapsed in a heap, deep blackish red blood seeping down one cheek. Vickers retaliated with a burst in the general direction of our attackers. He didn't kill anypony, but he was successful in forcing them back into cover before they could unleash another salvo on us. I could hear many shouts from the soldiers below, some sounding like rousing orders, some like taunts and others like shrieks of terror.
"Grenade out!" A Scavenger behind me hurled what looked like a stick grenade out into the street. After a few seconds, there was a deep thump as the grenade detonated, sending up a cloud of dust and completely disintegrating a Russian Sergeant who hadn't gotten out of the way in time. I scanned the scene and my eyes soon fell upon a terrified looking soldier who was fumbling in his webbing for something. He was crouched low behind a large slab of rubble, staring up at our position. It seemed as though nopony else had noticed him. I gazed into his goggled eyes, and my breath caught as I saw him pull a grenade of his own from his webbing. In panic I swung my rifle about and lined up a shot, pulling the trigger and sending a round down range. The bullet caught the soldier square in the chest, sending him sprawling to the floor. He dropped his grenade and clutched at his shattered sternum, hacking up a cloud of blood before spasming slightly and lying still.
I didn't even have time to comprehend what I'd just done.
A sharp crack, discernible above the low thud indicative of the Russian assault rifles, rang out. A moment later a bullet passed cleanly through Scattergun's throat, knocking him down with a loud gurgling screech. The bullet ricocheted off the ceiling and slammed into our field radio, sending sparks flying into the air and scaring the living shit out of Lambda. Scattergun clawed at his throat, trying desperately to stem the bleeding as his viscous lifeblood pooled in his mouth and seeped out from around his hoof. As I stared at him in abstract horror, another crack rang out and this time Vickers was hit in the face, not killing him but taking off a large section of his jaw. He gritted what remained of his teeth in pain and crawled away from his weapon, leaving our primary piece of suppression equipment unmanned.
Stitcher called out, "Sniper! Watch and shoot, stay low! Sergeant, get on that gun!" Having just hollered such an order, she immediately sent a three round burst into the shoulder of an overzealous Russian. I looked anxiously over at the machinegun's loader, who stared back expectantly. The crack of the sniper's rifle rung out once more, this time only narrowly missing Stitcher's ear, forcing her to the ground. The bullet pinged off the back wall and hit something with a soft thunk. Following my orders like a good little bitch, I hauled myself behind the machinegun with a gulp of anticipation and my heart thundering in my chest.
From my new vantage point, I had a good view of the situation. Russians scattered everywhere, dead and living and partially dead. Most of the resistance was scattered, with only small groups of soldiers crouching behind rubble and jersey barriers. It looked as though a few of them had noticed our machinegun going silent and were chancing their arms poking their heads out of cover to look for targets. I needed to get fire on them before they got fire on us. With shaky hooves I clutched at the weapon's trigger, swinging the (very heavy) barrel round to bear on a group of three Russians that were getting a little too close for comfort. A short squeeze of the trigger sent a spray of rounds down wind. My burst claimed one of them and sent the other two scrabbling back into cover. With me now on the machinegun, those Russians that had been feeling brave were now solidly back to cowering in cover.
I winced painfully as a bright white glint caught my right eye. It was only for a fraction of a second, but it was certainly noticeable. It took me a second or two for my brain to click. With a sharp gasp, I ducked my head quickly down to the side just in time to avoid being hit in the nose by a sniper's bullet. I was vaguely aware of a shriek to my right. When I looked back, Hack'n Slash had been hit in the shoulder by the ricochet, and she grabbed at the mangled flesh painfully. I was prepared to resign her to being just another casualty, but just when I'd expected her to crawl back into the relative safety of the building, she defied all my expectations. Her eyes filled with fury, and she growled in rage. Using her hoof, dripping in her own blood, she traced a series of obscure symbols onto her face, similar to the ones I'd seen on her earlier that morning. With a shriek of defiance, she raised herself up to full height and, with her one good foreleg, brought her weapon to bear and emptied her entire magazine into the street. I saw off in the distance, crouched down behind a mound of old mortar, a black clad soldier was cut down by a sheet of lead, dropping a long, scoped weapon behind him.
This act of reckless abandon seemed to shatter the remaining Russians. With their officers dead, one of their vehicles destroyed and their sniper slain, the survivors quickly piled into their last remaining AFV. The driver, not wasting any time messing about, slammed the vehicle into reverse and pelted back down the way he'd come, taking a short moment to swing the vehicle around and speed off, with maybe half a section's worth of shot up Russians in the back. What Scavengers had a good view started to fire shots uselessly after it, aiming to hit a tyre of something else important to stop it escaping. Despite all efforts, however, Stitcher quickly waved a hoof in the air, "Cease fire! Cease fire! Don't waste your ammo, you might need it soon."
I released a breath I wasn't even aware of holding. My hooves shook, despite all my efforts to steady them. What had I done? I'd killed for the Scavengers. Sure, it was in self-defence. If I'd not killed that soldier he'd have killed us all in one go. If I'd not unleashed a burst from the machinegun they'd have rallied and I'd probably have been hit in a ricochet or something. But that didn't make me feel any better. If anything, it made me feel worse; it felt as though I was lying to myself. I slumped to the side, back to my original position, resting my head back against the wall. I exhaled deeply, removing the garrison cap from my head and playing with it anxiously. What had I gotten myself into? How had I managed to get into this mess? Maybe I should've just fled to Canterlot, or some other NSA colony and avoided all this, lived out the rest of my days behind the safety of walls and armed guard.
"Hey, you alright?" I started and looked up at the bloodied Hack'n Slash. She was smiling weakly, but her lip quivered ever so slightly and tears streamed down her face silently, cleaning away some of the blood she'd painted onto it. I couldn't tell if it was from the pain of her wound or for some other reason. She collapsed next to me, leaning back against the wall and wincing slightly.
"Yea. I suppose. That looks pretty painful, are you okay?"
"I'm fine." She sniffed and grinned painfully. "It's nothing really, just a little gooey."
"What about Vickers? And the rest of the casualties?"
She frowned, and choked slightly, "Reticule died instantly. Vickers is wounded, and he won't be able to talk very well anymore, but he'll live. Scattergun... He fought on. He tried his best. He drowned in his own blood." She half whined, half spat the last sentence, in a peculiar combination of grief and rage. "He's with Discord now, ready to receive his reward, and ready to be reborn. Praise... mighty Discord. He had embodied the sixth law; fear not self-sacrifice. I shall honour his memory, and draw blood for blood. He will be avenged." She scowled through her tears, and pushed herself back up to her hooves, almost falling over as she struggled to steady herself on her crippled leg. "I'll show them what it means to fuck with the Church of Discord! Maybe even earn myself a cross of honour in the process!" She laughed, and looked over at me, her gaze falling upon the cross on my chest. She frowned for a brief moment, before limping away to sit next to the corpse of her friend.
Total casualties consisted of Reticule, Scattergun and the pioneer Sergeant. Vickers was being treated by the medic, who was busy wrapping a bandage around his head. The wound was very large and looked phenomenally painful, and his right eye seemed to be swelling somewhat from the trauma. I was aware of a presence at my side, and looked up to see Stitcher staring down at me, "Good shot, Sergeant."
"What?"
"I saw you take down their grenadier. You probably saved the lives of every Scavenger in here with that shot. Nicely done."
"Thanks, ma'am," I said, very half-heartedly. I didn't care about that. Part of me wished I'd just let him throw his grenade. It was the first shot I'd fired from my new rifle, and it had claimed the life of somepony who was technically on my side.
"Hey, why so glum? You're still alive, and you're not wounded. That's an achievement in and of itself, trust me. You did your job and you did it well, that's all that matters. Stay alert, they might counterattack us before relief arrives. Get some food in you, it'll help. And maybe get some rest, we've got a sentry already."
"Yes ma'am." I tossed a weak salute in her direction and she smiled back, quickly reminding me that we weren't supposed to salute officers in the field. I claimed it was a result of exhaustion, but noted it as a mistake not to make again.
I forced down a ration pack and pushed a young pioneer off his roll mat, claiming it as my own and falling asleep almost instantaneously. I slept deeply, and I don't know how long I slept, but I was awoken by a thirty-something Raider shaking my shoulder and grinning down at me, "Wakey wakey, Sergeant. You must've been out like a light. Grab your kit and get your ass out of here, you're section's bugging out. Say hello to your relief!" I spent a few moments in a haze, staring wistfully up at the Raider only half conscious of what he was saying. Eventually my mind cleared somewhat and I fully comprehended what he'd said. Relief? How long had I been out? I looked around. Everypony was different, and I was met by an array of faces I'd never seen before. Hack'n Slash was still there, her wound now properly treated and waiting patiently for me to rouse myself. Not wanting to stick around in this hellhole any longer than I had to, I picked up my rifle and slung it round my neck, dragging myself past the new faces and past Hack'n Slash and down the stairs, meeting up with the rest of my section and the remaining pioneers, now down a Sergeant.
Stitcher smiled at me, "Glad to see you up, Sergeant. File in and we'll get the fuck out of here. Section, by the right, quick march!" The lot of us, minus me obviously, stepped off in unison at a brisk pace. I quickly stumbled to fall into step, not being used to marching myself and eventually resigning myself to just walking quickly. Behind me, the pioneer's acting Sergeant also called her section to quick march behind us, creating an impressive column of tired and beaten up Scavengers. I was the rightmost on a file of three, with Hack'n Slash to my left, struggling to keep up with the pace as her wound clearly gave her trouble.
We marched for a good while. Hack'n Slash eventually started talking to me in an attempt to distract herself from her pain, "So... how're you doing?"
"Fine. Absolutely shattered, mind."
"That's good. Listen, this is going to sound really weird, but just hear me out on this one. Okay, I know you're not a believer, but it would be of great comfort to me if you could find it in yourself to pray for Scattergun. Yea, yea, I kinda expected you to make that look. It's just... I dunno, I think you're pretty cool. Much cooler than our last Sergeant, that's for sure. I just feel like Scattergun would have appreciated the gesture, even if you don't believe in the power of mighty Discord."
"Yea well I'd love to, but I wouldn't even know how."
"You could attend our sermon this evening."
"Yea, no." I meant no offence to her, but something about being stood amongst a crowd of black clad religious maniacs didn't appeal to me.
"Okay, well I could come round and show you later. It wouldn't be any trouble. You don't even have to convert if you don't want to, but I want to show you something. Something that will prove to you the power of mighty Discord."
I thought for a moment. On one hoof, it all sounded like a load of bollocks, as Stitcher had said, and I didn't want to get enrolled in some sort of cult if I could avoid it. On the other hoof, I was curious. I know it's stupid, but the whole thing they had going on was... intriguing. Part of me wanted to know more. Part of me wanted to know just what made these ponies so fanatically loyal to their beliefs, to the extent that they're willing to fight with such reckless disregard to their own self-worth.
"Alright, fine. I suppose there's no harm in just showing me. But you'll not get me believing in all that bullshit, no offence."
"None taken. I was sceptical for a long time myself. But believe me, what I'll show you will blow your mind."
We arrived back at our little encampment shortly after, and after a short debrief we each went our separate ways to perform our various duties. I myself had some serious work to be getting down to. There was a bottle of vodka in the mess that I needed to have a stern talking with. Perhaps the spirits would numb me to the horrors. I gave Wraith only a passing nod as I made my way to the barracks, not particular interested in talking to anypony. Before I could second guess myself I had thrown myself down at the bar and thrown a packet of cigarettes at the unfortunate mare now behind the bar. With alcohol now purchased, suspended above my head in a field of magic, I made my way back up to my room, where Stitcher had already managed to stow away her kit. She looked at me with concern, "Are you going to drink all of that?"
"Maybe I will, I haven't decided."
"Hmmm. Just be careful, okay. I've lost a friend to drink before, I don't want to lose my Sergeant, too."
"I promise to be responsible, ma'am. I won't let anypony in, I won't set fire to anything, and I won't sell the barracks."
"Funny. Well, it's your liver, you do what you want. I'm going to an officer's sit-rep. Turns out high command has pulled their heads out of their arses and realised we field commanders don't know shit about what's going on. I'll be back in an hour."
"Cheerio."
Stitcher left me to my vices, and as soon as the door slammed shut I unslung my rifle and slammed it down on the desk. Twenty nine rounds left in the magazine. One Russian down. I pulled a knife from its scabbard on my stolen uniform, and carved into the metal of the rifle's body a single straight scratch. How many more would I be carving into this thing before this was all over? I didn't want to think about it. With my magic I pulled out the chair from under the desk and sat myself down, resting my head in one hoof and staring down at the solitary scratch on my rifle. I pulled the cap off the bottle and took my first swig, once again feeling my throat burn painfully, and then that pleasant warmth in the pit of my stomach. Time to get royally shit-faced.
As I sat there, cradling the bottle of vodka in my hooves shakily, I heard somepony call up at me from below the window. Pushing the chair back (and almost falling off it in the process), I made my way over to the window and pushed it open with a grunt, gazing down at whomever would dare to summon me. Hack'n Slash was stood directly below me, looking up expectantly. She had her robes on again, and her face was once again painted with the same red chalky substance I'd seen on her not long ago. She smiled as I looked down at her, "Hey! You said you'd let me show you something, right? Can I come up? Corporals aren't allowed in there without permission."
"Yea, fine, whatever." I veritably spat back at her.
"Great! I'll be up in a few moments." She didn't seem to have picked up on the malice in my tone, or had simply chosen to ignore it. I had to praise her enthusiasm. It was somewhat heartening to see somepony so blindly devoted to a cause, so hopeful for their future.
True to her word, there was a rap on the door not a minute later. I trudged to the door and flung it open, staring into the pleased face of Hack'n Slash. She didn't wait for me to invite her in, and immediately set about preparing for what she had in mind, first drawing from beneath her robes a small metal box full of red chalk. With interest, I watched her trace a perfect circle on the floor, maybe a metre in diameter. Curiosity piqued, I approached her with a question, "So what is it you're going to show me?"
"Well it's more what I'm going to let you experience. It's one of our oldest rituals, and the one that convinced me to convert. Basically, I'm going to try and call the mighty lord Discord to us, and he's going to talk to us!" Had she said this with any more joyous anticipation she'd probably have exploded. I, on the other hoof, was somewhat more reserved.
"So you're going to try and summon a make-belief god, and try to convince him to settle down for a natter?"
"Just you wait."
The cultist before me proceeded to trace several lines inside the circle, forming a five pointed star. On each point, she placed and lit a tall, slender candle, each made of black wax. As she struggled to light one of them, she looked up at me and chuckled, "You wouldn't mind closing the blinds, would you?" Her voice quivered slightly, which struck me as slightly odd, and her hoof shook slightly. Doing as I was told, and now intrigued, I pulled the blinds shut. The room was cast into darkness, lit only by the light of the five black candles. I turned back to see Hack'n Slash drawing a hefty leather bound book from under her robes, flicking through the pages, her brow furrowed, "I always forget this part. I can never remember which points the salt goes on." The book she held in her hooves had the same five pointed star insignia on the front, above which was written 'The Church of Discord', and below which was inscribed 'Praise Mighty Discord'.
Whilst my guest was preoccupied, I took the opportunity to more closely examine the markings on her face. Her right eye was completely encircled by a ring of the substance. A line, curving down from the circle, ran over her nose and up her muzzle, disappearing under her hood. There was also a sharp point on the inside of the circle, originating at the apex and falling down over her eye, tapering to a point just as it reached the bottom. It all seemed very peculiar to me. I was quickly jolted back to life as she exclaimed excitedly, "Ah, that's right! Salt goes on the point that faces the south! You'd think I'd remember that by now but apparently not."
"Yea, apparently." I whispered, clutching my heart tightly and panting.
"Right, I think we're just about set up," she closed the book and placed it in the centre of the circle, before clopping her hooves together a couple times. She gestured at me with hooves pressed together. "Typically I'd have you in robes as well, but seeing as you're not even an Initiate and don't have any, we'll make do without. Uuummm... Right okay, you sit there and I'll sit here. Now I need you to promise me a few things before we begin."
"Alright," I responded, planting my rump down on the edge of the circle with a thump (remember, ass not fat).
"Okay, cool. First, I need you to clear your mind of any preconceptions you have. I know you're a sceptic but just let go of that for a few minutes whilst we do this. It's not that it won't work it'll just be... dangerous. Secondly, you have to do exactly as I say without hesitating."
"Right." This one gave me issue. I had no way of knowing what she was going to ask me to do. As curious as I was, there were still certain limits I had and was reluctant to cross. But I agreed nonetheless, content in the knowledge that I could just abort if things starting to go badly.
"Great. Um... I'm going to go first, if that's okay. I need you to remember that no matter what you see, you are in no way to touch me, talk to me or otherwise attempt to interact with me. Not for your own sake but for mine, as in doing so you could kill me. I'm putting my trust in you for that one. I'm going to need to make some incantations, and you can't interrupt me or you could ruin the whole thing. Promise you won't? Good. I think that's everything. Oh, wait, one last thing. This is gonna feel really weird. Just... try to stay calm. Try not to panic or you could hurt yourself... or worse. Okay, that's everything, just place your hoof on top of the book for me." I did as I was asked, and she too leaned in to place a hoof on the surface of the book.
For quite a while we sat in silence. True to my word, I did my best to not think about how ludicrous the situation was. I wanted to see where this would go. After what seemed like hours in silence, Hack'n Slash spoke once more, "Okay, close your eyes. I'm going to begin the ritual. Once I finish talking you can open them again." I did as I was commanded. "Right, here goes..."
"Spirit of the Lord mighty Discord, I call for thee."
"He who is spirit of chaos, I spill my blood for thee."
There was the audible sound of a blade slicing through flesh, and yet I did not hear Hack'n Slash even wince.
"He who is spirit of disharmony, I provide passage for thee."
"He who is spirit of anarchy, I provide my body as a vessel for thee."
"Come forth, spirit of our Lord mighty Discord!"
"My mind is open to thee!"
"With my blood, my mind, my body, I call upon thee!"
"Spirit of mighty Discord, I beckon thee..!"
"Come!"
Silence.
I opened my eyes. All of the candles had extinguished. Save for one. The candle closest to Hack'n Slash remained lit. The flickering yellow light illuminated one half of her face, that which wasn't shrouded under her hood. I could see a bleeding wound on the arm that reached out and touched the book, and in her other hoof was a dagger. The dagger glinted in the dim light, and along its edge, pooling at the tip, was a trail of blood, made black by the glow of the candle. With a sharp motion, Hack'n Slash's head snapped backwards, making me start somewhat. If I listened carefully, I could hear a shallow breath slowly escaping from her open mouth. My skin began to crawl. From somewhere I thought I could hear an ominous, low moaning. It seemed to emanate from the air itself. Something seemed very off.
For about three minutes I sat there, and in that time Hack'n Slash didn't move a muscle. Nor did she draw breath and move to cradle her bleeding arm. Just as I was on the verge of ignoring her advice and giving her a kick, her head snapped forward again, hanging against her chest. Her hood had fallen back around her shoulders, freeing her mane and allowing it to fall over her face. Ever so slowly, she began to raise her head. As she did so, the remaining four candles spontaneously relit. I looked back at Hack'n Slash. She beamed at me, what looked like a tear in one eye, "I knew he would answer." She gazed up at the ceiling. "He's still watching over me. I never doubted you, my loving, mighty Discord." With the same hoof that clutched at the dagger, she performed the gesture I had seen her perform many times over.
"Now it's your turn."
"I'm not sure I want to do this anymore."
"Trust me, so long as you do exactly as I say, you have nothing to worry about. Now close your eyes."
"I really don't think..."
"Close your eyes!" This came more as a command than a suggestion, and I quickly did as she said. By this point I have no shame in admitting I was scared. I was scared of Hack'n Slash and I was scared of this strange cosmic power that seemed to be present. I didn't want to experience this anymore, I had expected this to be some sort of pseudo-magic, not real. "Calm yourself. You have nothing to worry about." I tried to slow my rapid heart rate, taking steady breaths and trying to rationalise as best I could.
"I'm going to make another incantation. Don't interrupt me, and don't resist his power."
"Spirit of the Lord mighty Discord, I thank thee for thy gift."
"Spirit of my Lord mighty Discord, I beg that thee stay."
"Here, with thy most loyal following, is an un-believer. I beg that thee show them thy power."
"Spirit of chaos, he who is great and mighty, I summon thee once more!"
"With my blood, my mind, my body, I pray that thee stay!"
"Spirit of mighty Discord, give thy gift once more!"
"I beckon thee..!"
"Come!"
A moment of silence.
My heart pounded in my ears.
I nearly cried.
Before I even had time to react, I felt the world around me simply flash out of existence. In panic I opened my eyes. I couldn't see anything. All I could see was darkness. I tried to scream but found myself unable. I felt weightless, it was like I was floating in the ocean. It seemed as though ever movement I made had no effect, I simply floated there, a mind in a sea of black.
But I wasn't alone.
I could feel another presence. It was big. Very big, and very powerful. It spoke to me.
You?
It's voice was deep and powerful, and seemed to echo loudly. It seemed to have a somewhat arrogant and nasally tone to it. I tried to respond but still I couldn't.
I know you.
What was this? This wasn't real, how could this be happening? Ohhh wake me up, wake me up, wake me up!
You are arrogant.
No, no, no, no, no, no! This wasn't happening!
You are foolish. You are involved with something much greater than yourself.
Please! Make it stop! I only want to help ponies! Let me go! Wake me up!
You meddle where you are not wanted. You have become an unwanted glitch in my game.
I only want to help! Let me go!
You fail to understand the true scale of what you have done.
Already you have caused me great strife.
You seek to restore order to my perfect kingdom. ...
You will fail.
I'm sorry! Please, wake me up! Let me go!
You won't play my game the way I intended it.
Fine.
Be that way.
You will be struck down soon enough.
But until then, I have a new game you can play.
Wake me up!
A weighty choice... is yours to make. No!
A right selection or a big mistake.
I don't want to play!
If a wrong choice you choose to pursue.
Please!
The foundations of home... will crumble... without you. no
Interpret that as you will.
Many have tried, none have succeeded.
Nopony has ever beaten me.
And I won't let you be the first.
Discord always wins.
Weak.
Arrogant.
Knackered.
Egocentric.
Unwanted.
Powerless.
Bye bye. ... ... No. ...
Please.
Let me go.
I don't want to.
Wake me up. ...
Please.
Wake me up. |
Hidden Darkness and Silent | pre | "No," he said. "I don't like showing people my eyes. They judge the crap out of me after that." Rarity raised her eyebrow.
"Really?" she said. "You just told me about these... things that you have created, and you think I'm going to judge you by your eyes?"
"Well, its happened before," Hidden Darkness said.
"Really?" Rarity asked.
"No, but still, I don't like people seeing my eyes. I've kept them hidden for so long, showing them to you now would be like me not creating anything!" Rarity frowned.
"But I thought you stopped creating these...things?" Rarity said.
"Technically, that's true," Hidden Darkness said. "But only because I was locked in a cell for the past five years!"
"Why were you in there again?" Rarity asked. Hidden Darkness shrugged.
"I'm not sure," he said as he turned to Luna. "Why was I in there?"
"You were deemed to dangerous to be free," Luna said uncomfortably. "You were able to create life!"
"And so you trapped me underground for five years?" Hidden Darkness asked.
"And weren't you too dating?" Rarity asked. Hidden Darkness nodded.
"That's sad," Rarity said. "How could you do that to you're lover?" Luna sighed.
"I don't know why," she said. "They convinced me that Hidden Darkness was dangerous and needed to be locked up." Suddenly, there was knocking on the door.
"Are you expecting someone?" Hidden Darkness asked Rarity.
"No," she said. "Could it be one of you're creations?"
"I doubt it," Hidden Darkness said as he opened the door and got punched.
"Oww!" the puncher cried.
"Hello, Water Works," Hidden Darkness said. "You still can't control you're fist?"
"Why is you're face so hard?" Water Works said.
"It's not hard, you just can't control you're water too well. At least you can hold yourself together," Hidden Darkness said. "Last time I saw you, you were a churning puddle of water!"
"It's you're fault I'm like this!" Water Works cried as he tried to slap Hidden Darkness, only for his hand to turn into a formless stump.
"It was your fault. I warned you not to go near that machine!"
"Come inside, and we can talk," Hidden Darkness said.
"Is Luna in there?" Water Works asked, trying to reform his hand.
"Yes," Hidden Darkness said. "Why do all of you guys have a crush on here?" Water Works shrugged.
"She was one of the first females we saw. Besides, I liked her before I transformed," he said. "And she was one of the only females we saw."
Rarity couldn't take her eyes off of Water Works.
He's see thru! she thought. Why is he not wearing clothes? Is he not completely solid? And where's his heart?
"Rarity!" Luna said. "Did you here what I just said?" Rarity looked at Luna.
"I'm sorry, what were you saying?" she asked.
"Are you willing to try and make some kind of clothing for Water Works?" Luna asked again. Rarity squealed!
"Oh, I'd be glad to!" she said.
"Good," Water Works said. "It's hard holding myself together for so long!" Rarity stared at him.
"Wait, the clothes need to help keep him together?" Rarity asked. Water Works nodded.
"That's what we were talking about just now," he said. "Were you not listening?"
"Not really," Rarity sighed, blushing slightly. "This all is still a bit much too take in. A few nights ago was Toxicon, and now you! What's going to be next, a person made out of bugs?"
"Actually, he's not made out of bugs," Hidden Darkness said. "Thypohid basically is a bug!" Rarity's jaw dropped.
"You actually have made someone who is a bug?" Rarity asked.
"He's part bug, actually," Hidden Darkness said. Rarity started to breath heavily.
"I hate bugs," Rarity said.
"Yes, but he's part human as well!" Hidden Darkness said. "He looks like something out of sci-fi!"
"As long as I don't have to touch him or anything, I'll be good," Rarity said. "Now if you'll excuse me, I think I should go to sleep so I can get a good start for the clothes." |
Hidden Darkness and Silent | Thypohid | A few days later, it was finally Friday! However, the school staff had gotten more complaints about bugs than they normally did, so Celestia decided to call an exterminator to check out the school, just in case they had an infestation. However, Hidden Darkness knew better. Thypohid had returned from wherever he was hidden. So, after all the kids left for home, Hidden Darkness watched the clock. Silent was supposed to arrive soon with some stuff that would help attract Thypohid. Hidden Darkness sighed and opened a drawer in his desk and pulled out a packet of skittles. As he opened the bag, he noticed that there was something shining from the air vent, and it wasn't the metal. He stared at it.
"Really, Silent?" Hidden Darkness said. "The air vent?" Silent chuckled as he pushed against the air vent cover.
"Of course!" he said as the cover popped off and climbed out. "I didn't like the floors."
"So instead you climbed into the air vent?" Hidden Darkness asked. "You know what, it doesn't matter, I do weird stuff all the time too. So, you've got the sugar, right?" Silent nodded.
"You're sure this will attract Thypohid, right?" Silent asked.
"Yes," Hidden Darkness said. "He's part bug, and bugs like sugar."
"True," Silent said. "So, how do we do this?" Hidden Darkness shrugged.
"I think if we leave the sugar out in a big area unattended, he might come to it," he said.
Hidden Darkness was watching the pile of unwrapped candy thru the security camera.
"Any second now," he said.
"You've been saying that for the past three minutes!" Silent groaned. "Either he's not here, or he's just better at waiting then us." Hidden Darkness frowned.
"Impossible!" he said. "We both waited for five years in an asylum for being to smart!" Silent sighed.
"That is true," he said. "But we did create some pretty weird stu- THERE HE IS!" Hidden Darkness looked at the screen, noticing that there was, in fact, someone there. Someone very bug looking. He smiled as he saw the green skin, white hair and clawed hands.
"Here we come," he said as he and Silent exited the security room.
Thypohid shoved a pack of skittles down his throat and swallowed.
I don't know how all this got here, he thought. And I don't care!
"Hello, Thypohid," a familiar voice said as Hidden Darkness and Silent stepped out of the shadows. Thypohid's head whipped around to see where the noise came from.
It's him! Thypohid thought.
"You remember us, right?" Hidden Darkness asked. "Me and Silent? We created you." Thypohid made a clicking sound as he slowly stood up.
"Of course I remember you," he said. "You gave me the white sticky stuff!" Silent snickered.
"The white sticky stuff?" he asked.
"He means sugar," Hidden Darkness said. "Anyway Thypohid, why don't you come with us back to your old home? We've upgraded it!" Thypohid gasped.
"More sticky white stuff?" he chirped. "Of course!"
"Well, that was easy," Silent said.
"Oh, wait!" Thypohid said."I have more abilities!" Hidden Darkness pumped his fist.
"Yes!" he cried, then blushed slightly and looked at Thypohid. "Sorry. So, what are these new abilities?" Thypohid hunched over and grunted. A few seconds past and nothing happened. Silent looked at Hidden Darkness. Hidden Darkness shrugged as they suddenly heard the sound of ripping flesh. Hidden Darkness and Silent gasped and stared at Thypohid as bloody spider legs emerged from his back.
"Wow," Silent said. "How can he do that?" Hidden Darkness shrugged.
"I don't know!" he said. "I don't remember adding spider to the bug list! Thypohid, how many other abilities do you have?"
Finally, after a few hours of examining Thypohid's new abilities, like a stinger, Hidden Darkness and Silent had to stop.
"Ok, Thypohid, time to go to your upgraded sleeping place!" Silent said. Thypohid gasped.
"Can I bring my friends?" he asked. Hidden Darkness raised his eyebrow.
"What friends?" he asked.
"These friends!" Thypohid said, as he started making clicking noises for a few seconds. However, there was still a noise going, and it wasn't Thypohid. A second later, a praying mantis hoped out of an air vent. Then a few more hoped out, and then some mosquitos and fleas came out. Thypohid stretched out his clawed hand and the mantises jumped onto his hand, and the mosquitos and fleas burrowed into his hair. "So can I keep them?"
"Wow, it's so much bigger!" Thypohid exclaimed as he entered his new room (a.k.a. an asylum cell).
"We should probably tell Celestia about getting Thypohid back, right?" Silent asked as Thypohid released his bug friends into the room.
"Yeah," Hidden Darkness said. "And that her bug problem is over."
"This was suprisingly easy," Silent said. Hidden Darkness nodded.
"I know, it's weird," Hidden Darkness said. "That could mean something bad is going to happen soon." |
Hidden Darkness and Silent | The Freak of Canterlot High | The next day, Hidden Darkness told Luna that he and Silent had managed to get Thypohid back into the asylum.
"Really?" Luna asked. "And I'm guessing that he was why we had more bug complaints?"
"Yep," Hidden Darkness said. "And we've only got two of my creations left: Freak and Shifter. And both should be easy to find." Luna tilted her head.
"How easy?" she asked with a playful grin. Hidden Darkness raised his eyebrow.
"Really?" he asked. "Look at how easy the others were to find. Plus, people would freak out if they saw Shifter and Freak." Luna giggled.
"I was being sarcastic," she said. Hidden Darkness sighed.
"This why I don't like most people," he said. Luna frowned.
"Really?" she asked.
"Nope, I was being sarcastic!" Hidden Darkness said and laughed.
Freak opens one of his eyes as he heard his garbage boxes opened.
Is it worth it to scare him away? he wondered. I probably should. He slowly crawled thru his the trash thru a hole in the bottom. As he dropped out he started thinking about how to scare the guy away.
Tentacles? Or my face? he wondered. Better do tentacles.
Hidden Darkness was lazing around on his couch, wondering about how he would locate his last two creations when he heard rapid knocking on his door. He opened his eyes and looked at it thru his goggles.
"Who is it?" he called.
"It's me! Rarity!" Rarity called from the door. She sounded worried. Hidden Darkness sighed. He stood up and walked towards the door. He opened the door and Rarity stepped in.
"Wow, must be serious," Hidden Darkness said. "You just walked in here." Rarity blushed.
"Yeah, it is serious," she said. "But to the point, did you create any monsters before you went to the asylum?" Hidden Darkness shrugged.
"I wouldn't exactly call them monsters, but if by that you mean freaky looking ones, then sure," Hidden Darkness said. "Two of them. Unless you're scared of bugs, which you are, then three."
"Oh yes, Thypohid," Rarity said dryly. "The bug. Anyway, back to the point, something was recorded scaring away a man from a trash can. Perhaps you created him?" Hidden Darkness sighed.
"Most likely. Did he have purple skin?" Hidden Darkness asked. "And tentacles? Oh, and knifes buried up to the hilt in him? And giant creepy teeth?" Rarity stared at him.
"Wow, you really did crate it," Rarity said. "Well, except for maybe the knife part. The camera only got its face.
"Him," Hidden Darkness said. "He has a penis, ok? And yes, I did create him." Rarity blushed.
"All you needed was to say he was a boy," she said.
"I know, but it's funnier to say it like that," Hidden Darkness explained. "People have the funniest reactions."
Freak opened his eyes as he heard footsteps approach his trash can.
I should've taken out that security camera before I scared that dude, he thought as he silently dropped down out of his trash can and onto the floor. He was about to use one of his tentacles to destroy the security camera when he noticed the color of the person's legs: They were black. Freak grinned.
Hidden Darkness? he thought. My creator is here! Lets have some fun!
"Freak!" Hidden Darkness said. "I know you're under there!" Freak growled in response.
"Hello," Freak said in a deep, gravely voice. "It's nice seeing you again."
"You can only see the bottom of my legs," Hidden Darkness said. "Why don't you come on out! You won't go back to the tube."
"Really?" Freak asked. "How different is this new cell going to be?"
"Bigger," Hidden Darkness said. "A lot bigger. There's a bed, and.....actually that's it. Just a lot of room and a bed."
"Sounds awesome," Freak said. "Is Shifter there? Or Filthy Rich?"
"Neither of them," Hidden Darkness said. "Why do you want to know if Filthy Rich is there? I thought you hated him. I know I do."
"Oh, I do," Freak said. "That's why I want him there! So I can rip him limb from limb!" Hidden Darkness sighed.
"Unfortunately, he is not there," Hidden Darkness said. "Shifter also isn't there, but I'm sure he would want to help you rip Filthy Rich limb from limb."
"Dang it!" Freak growled. "Eh, Shifter will be there soon though, right?"
"Yes, now come out! I want to freak out my neighbor!" Hidden Darkness said. |
Hidden Darkness and Silent | Memories of the past | A few days after Freak had appeared and went back to the asylum, Hidden Darkness, Silent, Luna, Celestia and Rarity were talking about the past.
"Isn't that illegal though?" Rarity was asking. Hidden Darkness shrugged.
"I don't legally exist, remember?" he said. "It's only illegal if you can actually trace both ages. Besides, first of all, mentally I wasn't a minor, but physically I was, and second of all, Luna wasn't complaining." Luna blushed.
"Stop it!" she playfully complained. "Although I never did." Rarity blushed and groaned.
"Anyway," she said. "What about before that?" Did you ever have any girlfriends before Luna?"
"No idea," Hidden Darkness said. "I have amnesia about everything before I was 15." Rarity gasped.
"Really?" she said. "What's that like?"
"I don't care," Hidden Darkness said. "I've never much liked looking back anyway."
"Really?" Celestia said. "Did you develop that philosophy when you were in the asylum?"
"Yes," Hidden Darkness said. "The five years of my life that I'll never get back."
"Why did you get put in there again?" Rarity asked.
"Luna and I realized that he was too dangerous," Celestia said. "He was able to create life."
"I remember that night so clearly," Hidden Darkness said.
"Of course you do," Celestia said.
"Actually, it was for a different reason," Hidden Darkness said. "It was supposed to be the happiest day of my life."
"Why?" Celestia asked. This was new to her and Luna.
"Wait, you didn't find it?" Hidden Darkness asked. "How?"
"Find what?" Luna asked.
"The ring!" Hidden Darkness said. "I was going to propose to you that night." Luna, Celestia and Rarity all gasped at the same time. Luna could feel her heart breaking.
"Seriously?" she asked. "How?" Hidden Darkness sighed.
"You remember how we would stargaze, right?" he asked. Luna nodded. "l had reserved a private room in the observatory, because they all have stars panted onto the walls, and then while you were looking through the telescope, I would point out an odd looking star. You would have gone to check it out, and then once you realized that it was a ring, I would start this speech and ask for your hand in marriage." Hidden Darkness looked at Luna to see that she was crying, along with Rarity and Celestia, but Luna was the only one that was really important.
"Seriously?" Luna sobbed. "Why did you forgive me?"
"Because even though I don't like it, I still have feelings for you," Hidden Darkness said. "You were my north star in the confusion that my life was."
"That's so romantic!" Rarity said as she started to cry. Her phone vibrated, and she pulled it out as she fanned her face with her other hand. "I'm sorry, one of my friends is at my house."
"Invite her over," Hidden Darkness said. "I have a feeling that you want to hear more of my past, despite there not being much." Rarity smiled
"Thank you, but I don't think I should," she said. "My friend is very shy."
"Fluttershy?" Celestia asked. "Isn't she the one that's good with animals?"
"She's good with animals?" Hidden Darkness asked. "Definitely invite her over!" He stood up, and started walking towards the door.
"Where are you going?" Luna managed to say in between sobs.
"I'm going to get Thypohid," Hidden Darkness said. "If this friend of yours is good with animals, then maybe she could help us help Thypohid.
Hidden Darkness finally got Thypohid to his house. Thypohid had gotten a little distracted on the way by various things, but fortunately, Hidden Darkness didn't live very far from the school. Thypohid chirped and clicked happily as they walked towards Hidden Darkness's house.
"So this is your house?" Thypohid asked.
"Yep," Hidden Darkness said as he opened the door. As they entered, the room became quite. Rarity looked terrified, and Fluttershy looked slightly fascinated, but still terrified.
"Luna!" Thypohid exclaimed. "Celestia! It's good to see you two again! Who are these two?"
"The scared girl is Rarity," Silent said. "And other one is Fluttershy." Thypohid extended his clawed hand towards Rarity.
"Hi!" he said. "I'm Thypohid!" Rarity looked at his hand and moved backwards a little. Thypohid's hand was still extended, but he moved on to Fluttershy after a few seconds.
"Hi! I'm Thypohid!" Thypohid said again. "Who are you?" Fluttershy shook Thypohid's hand nervously. After a few seconds of getting used to his hand, she answered.
"Um, I'm Fluttershy," she said. "If you don't mind me asking, what are you?" Thypohid chirped.
"I'm part human and part of different bugs," Thypohid said. "You smell nice." Fluttershy blushed.
"I've been told about you," Fluttershy said.
"Yes, could you get to know him?" Hidden Darkness asked. Fluttershy nodded.
"Sure!" she said. "This won't affect my grade, will it?"
"You're in my class?" Hidden Darkness asked. Fluttershy nodded and started blushing again.
"I'm in the back of the class," she said.
"That's good," Hidden Darkness said. "Thypohid, you can come to school with me so you can hang out with her." Thypohid clicked and chirped, apparently happy.
"Nice!" he said. "But where will I be? And are all kids like the purple haired girl?"
"No, she's just scared of bugs," Silent said. Typhoid frowned.
"Why?" he asked. "Bugs aren't scary. Except for female praying mantises. The bite of the head of the male after sex."
"Um, how much do you know about bugs?" Fluttershy asked.
"A lot," Thypohid said. "I am only part bug myself." Fluttershy lightly blushed.
"Right," she said. "Well, I have Mr. Darkness's class first thing tomorrow morning, and unfortunately it is getting late. Sorry, but I have to go."
"Seriously? First thing tomorrow?" Hidden Darkness said. "You are truly a master of staying hidden. Also, you don't have to call me Mr. Darkness. Thypohid seems to like you, and his only other friends are insects." Fluttershy looked at Thypohid.
"What kind of insects?" she asked.
"Uh, lets see," Thypohid said as he started searching his green hair. Every few seconds he would pull out an insect. "I have a praying mantis, a few stick bugs, some fleas, and some spiders."
"Where did you get those stick bugs?" Fluttershy asked. Thypohid shrugged.
"Are they not common around here?" Thypohid asked. As Fluttershy and Thypohid continued their conversation, Hidden Darkness turned to Rarity.
"Hey, Rarity," he said. When she didn't move, he started snapping his fingers under her ear. That got her to move.
"Yes?" she asked, obviously trying not to look at Thypohid and his bugs.
"How good is Water Works suit going?" Hidden Darkness asked.
"Good," Rarity said. "I'm just trying to figure out how to make the outfit hold in the water."
"Have you used a thin layer of cotton on the inside?" Hidden Darkness asked. "I'm 97% sure that that should work."
"No, I did not think of that," Rarity said. "But I will do that! But why cotton?"
"Good," Hidden Darkness said. "It must be cotton because it absorbs water."
"Ah, that makes sense," Rarity said. "Do you really still have feelings for Luna?" Hidden Darkness groaned and lightly blushed.
"Yes, even though she helped put me into the asylum for 5 years."
"You're so romantic!" Rarity said. "I wish I could get a boyfriend like you."
"Toxicon is romantic," Hidden Darkness said. Rarity gagged.
"Ugh, no, not him," she said. "I am not going to date him."
"Why?" Hidden Darkness asked. "Is it because of what he's made of?" Rarity blushed.
"Well, you have to admit, it's kind of disgusting," Rarity said. "Sewer water?"
"And swamp water," Hidden Darkness said. "I'm still not sure how he's even alive. I need to do some more scans of him. But you won't date him because of what he's made of?"
"Pretty much," Rarity said. "I'm sorry, but yes." Hidden Darkness shrugged.
"I don't care too much," he said. "But Toxicon might. Honestly, some of the people that I have made help prove the point about needing to judge the physical appearance."
"Yeah, I suppose that's right," Rarity said. "But, to be fair, they do look freaky." She glanced at Thyphoid.
"Freak looks freakier," Hidden Darkness said. "Which is obvious." Rarity sighed.
"I don't know," Hidden Darkness said. "That would be up to you. But you should go with Fluttershy and talk with Thyphoid. He's actually kind of cool."
"Sure," Rarity said. "I hope you and Luna work things out, by the way." |
Hidden Darkness and Silent | Chapter 12 | The next day, lunch finally arrived. Typhoid could finally come out of the storage closet in Hidden Darkness's room. Typhoid glanced around the room.
"Fluttershy is going to be here, right?" he asked.
"Yes," Hidden Darkness said. "Possible Rarity as well. I'm honestly not sure." As he finished saying that, the door opened and Fluttershy entered.
"Hi," she said.
"You're here!" Typhoid exclaimed and hugged Fluttershy. "You still smell good." Fluttershy was blushing as Typhoid stopped hugging here, her D cup breasts jiggling slightly.
"Yes," she said. "Good seeing you too."
"So, what do you want to know?" Typhoid asked. Fluttershy shrugged.
"What are you able to do?" she asked.
"I have retractable spider legs!" Typhoid said. He hunched his shoulders, and grunted. A few seconds later, the legs popped out. Fluttershy gasped.
"That's awesome!" she said. "How does that work?" Typhoid shrugged.
"I'm not sure, but it works the same with my penis," he said. Fluttershy blushed.
"So, your able to drop that out at will as well?" she asked. Typhoid nodded.
"Yep, same as my spider legs," he said. "If I concentrate enough, they both kind of...grow out of me. I'm not quite sure how to explain it, but it's like there's a pocket specifically designed to hold that part."
"Interesting," Fluttershy said.
"If you want, I drop my penis out now," Typhoid said. "Although it's hard again." Fluttershy squeaked and blushed even more.
"Way to much information," she said. I wonder what's like? Part bug, part human?
"Yeah, that was kind of unnecessary," Hidden Darkness said. He rubbed his chin as a thought struck him. "Actually, Fluttershy, you're good with animals, right?"
"Yes," Fluttershy said. "And that does include bugs as well."
"That's good," Hidden Darkness said. "If you don't mind, and that's a really big if, at your house after school, could Typhoid have the honor of losing his virginity with you?" Fluttershy squeaked again as her pupils shrunk and her blush increased tenfold.
"You want me t-to have sex with Typhoid?" Fluttershy stuttered.
"Yes, if you don't mind," Hidden Darkness said. "I know you don't usually like this kind of attention, but I would like to see the effects of sexual intercourse on Typhoid, and if he's compatible with a human."
"If it's ok with you too, then sure," Fluttershy said, all while she kept blushing. "I know we just met, but if it's for science, then sure. Besides, I trust Typhoid enough to lose my virginity with him."
"Good," Hidden Darkness said. "Typhoid, tell me everything."
Later that day, after school had let out and after almost all of the students had left, Typhoid finally left the closet again.
"Hi," Fluttershy said. "So, uh, are you two sure we should do this?"
"Yes," Hidden Darkness said. "Typhoid trusts you, and you seem to trust him."
"I know, it's just that this is all really sudden," Fluttershy said. Hidden Darkness sighed.
"Fluttershy, don't worry, it's not going to hurt too bad, and it won't be illegal." Fluttershy nodded.
"Ok, that's good," she said. "I'm just nervous."
"So am I," Typhoid said. "But don't worry, it'll be ok. Besides, Hidden Darkness told me how to have good sex." Fluttershy blushed.
"Well," she said. "We might as well go home now."
"No time like the present," Typhoid said.
"I will call you a few hours after school," Hidden Darkness said. "You should be done by then."
A while later, after school (way after school), Fluttershy heard her phone ringing. She looked at a still sleeping Typhoid and she answered the call.
"Hello?" she asked.
"Hi Fluttershy," Hidden Darkness said.
"Hi," Fluttershy said. "I was expecting you to call soon."
"Yeah, I need directions to your house," Hidden Darkness said. "By the way, how was it?" Fluttershy blushed.
"Good," she said. "I accidentally peed on him." She could here Hidden Darkness snickering.
"That's actually what happened with my first time with Luna," he said. "She accidentally peed on me! Like father, like son, I guess. Well, can you please tell me the way to your house? I will explain some things there." |
Hidden Darkness and Silent | Shifter | The day after Typhoid lost his virginity, Hidden Darkness was in his lab, staring at the screen with the trackers on them. Almost all of his creations had been recovered, all but one: Shifter.
He's to weak willed to live up there for too long, Hidden Darkness thought. I hope that the government hasn't found him. Although they shouldn't have. Although...now I could go anywhere. They've all been found. He turned around and saw Luna walking towards him.
"Have you checked the time recently?" Luna asked. Hidden Darkness shook his head.
"I've been a little busy with trying to find Shifter," Hidden Darkness said. "Have I missed the first class again?" Luna nodded.
"Cheerilee had to sub for you, so come on, we need to go back up," she said. "Speaking of Cheerilee, I think she has a little crush on you." Hidden Darkness laughed.
"Yeah, I'm not going out with her," he said. "Sorry, but I'm not interested in her."
"Does that mean -" Luna started.
"No, I'm not going to go out with you either," Hidden Darkness said. "Not until I can trust you a little more." He pushed the button for the elevator, and it let them in.
"Really?" Luna deadpanned. "I got you out of the asylum." She pressed the button for Celestia's office.
"Which you put me in," Hidden Darkness said.
"I helped you get Inkwell and Toxicon back in their cells," Luna said.
"That's true," Hidden Darkness said. "You did have to have sex with Toxicon." Luna blushed.
"Ugh, don't remind me," she said. "That was disgusting."
"But did it feel good?" Hidden Darkness asked. Luna signed and blushed.
"Yes," she said. "Not as good as you, but yes."
"Of course it didn't," Hidden Darkness said. "I believe you peed on me during our first time." Luna blushed.
"Again, I'm sorry about that," Luna said. Finally the door opened and let them out. Celestia looked at them.
"Good, you're here!" she said.
"Yes, I'm sorry I forgot the check the time," Hidden Darkness said.
"Yeah, yeah, that doesn't matter right now," Celestia said. "But Shifter just showed up!"
"Ok, good," Hidden Darkness said. "Where has he been? And where is he now?"
"He's hidden in your classroom," Celestia said. "I believe the closet that Typhoid hid in yesterday."
"Really?" Hidden Darkness asked. "Isn't Cheerilee teaching my class now?"
"Yes," Celestia said. Then she grinned. "Speaking of which, I think she has a crush on you!" Hidden Darkness groaned.
"Yeah, so I've heard," he said. "Now, on to important things: What do we make next?" Celestia frowned.
"What do you mean, what do we make next?" she asked.
"Exactly that," Hidden Darkness said. "What kind of genetic anomaly do we make next?" Luna grinned.
"Well, I wouldn't mind if you gave me a genetic anomaly," Luna said. Celestia blushed and Hidden Darkness frowned.
"As in you want me to get you pregnant or you want me to make someone and give it to you?" Hidden Darkness asked.
"Pregnant," Luna said. "Although, we do need a female anomaly. Am I the only one who's ever wondered why we don't have one?"
"Well, can you imagen a female Toxicon?" Hidden Darkness asked. "Besides, it's easier to make a male."
"Ok, you have a god point," Luna said. "I can't imagen any of the anomalies as females. But we should make a female anomaly." Hidden Darkness nodded.
"We should," he said. "But what should she be like?"
"Like a fish!" Celestia said. "You know, like a mermaid or siren, but without the tail." Hidden Darkness nodded.
"That actually sounds good," he said. "But before anything starts on her getting created, I am going to need some genetic material."
"I'll do it, I guess," Celestia said.
"Really?" Hidden Darkness said. "You want to be the mother of a fish person?" Celestia shrugged.
"Why not?" she said. "Who's going to be the father?" Hidden Darkness shrugged.
"Probably me or Silent," he said. "Now, the next class is going to start relatively soon, so I should probably get to class. We will talk later, and I should have more ideas about this fish girl."
When Hidden Darkness arrived at his classroom, Cheerilee was just finishing up the class.
"And that's why you don't do drugs!" she said. "At least until after you're 25. That's when your brain is completely developed." The bell rang, and everybody started packing up.
"Hello, Cheerilee," Hidden Darkness said. Cheerilee's eyes seemed to change as she saw him.
Oh, she's defiently got a crush on me," Hidden Darkness thought.
"Hello, Hidden Darkness," Cheerilee said seductivly. "What are you doing tonight?"
"Work," he said.
"Maybe I could help," she said. Hidden Darkness shook his head.
"That's extremely doubtful," he said. "Unless you know how to splice genes, and combine them with other genes, then you'll actually be able to help." Cheerilee pouted.
"You know I'm practically offering you sex, right?" she asked. Hidden Darkness nodded.
"Yes, that's quite obvious," he said. "I just don't want sex, with you, or with anyone. Now out." Cheerilee sighed as she walked out of the door. Hidden Darkness walked over to the closet and opened it up. For a few seconds, he could see no one. Then a spot in the back seemed to shimmer, and suddenly Shifter was standing there. He was slouched over, knees bent, and still looked like he was trying to hide. He was a brown colored little bald guy, and didn't like big crowds.
"Hello, Hidden Darkness," he said in a low voice. "You're finally back." Hidden Darkness smiled through his mask and nodded.
"Yep," he said. "All of you are back." Shifter smile seemed to falter just a little bit.
"Does that mean you're leaving now?" he asked. "Please don't leave!"
"Ah, Shifter, you know I can't stay here now," Hidden Darkness said. "Celestia released me because she needed me to track you guys down. And Luna got me trapped in that asylum once. She might do it again."
"But it was only once!" Shifter said.
"Yeah, and I was trapped down there for 5 years!" Hidden Darkness said. "I need to get out of here." Shifter nodded.
"Where will you go?" he asked. Hidden Darkness shrugged.
"Somewhere where I can't be found," he said. Of course, I'll need to make anothe lab, but I won't be found easily."
"Can I come with you?" Shifter asked.
"I don't even know where I'm going," Hidden Darkness said. "And you'll probably slow me down. Sorry, but at the end of today, I'm dropping you off at your new room, and then bye."
The rest of the day passed by supriseingly quickly, until finally, the final bell rang. The kids started clearing out, but Twilight stayed behind.
"Mr. Darkness, why do we not have any homework?" she asked.
"Why are asking that?" Hidden Darkness asked. "You're like, 16. An education is good, but you don't always need homework." Twilight slowly nodded, and decided to except that as an answer. The closet door opened as the front door closed.
"So, this is it?" Shifter asked.
"Not quite yet," Hidden Darkness said. "I still need to take you down to your room." Shifter nodded as they started walking towards Celestia's office.
"What after that?" he asked.
"Maybe we'll see each other again in the future," Hidden Darkness said. "We might not, but we might. I don't know." They had finally reached Celestia's office. It was empty. Shifter entered first and looked around.
"So when will you leave?" he asked Hidden Darkness. When Hidden Darkness didn't answer, Shifter turned around to see that he wasn't standing where he should have been. He poked his head outside of the room to see no one anywhere. "How did he do that?" |
A New World For A Time Patroller Hero | pre | "Haha! Looks like we're going to have an easy day!" she exclaimed as she began to carry the baskets towards the barn.
-A few minutes earlier-
In the castle of Canterlot, Luna was sleeping peacefully. Well, she looked like she was sleeping, but actually, she was working. During the night, she would go into a place called the dream realm.
No, not the one from Kingdom Hearts.
This was a different dream realm. It was the place where Princess Luna had the ability to go into other people's dreams. With it, she helped those who were having bad dreams, pushing those dreams in a good direction so that they could become good in the process.
As she had just finished helping someone with a bad dream, she was now back in the bright endless blue void and she was just about to call it a day (or night) until she saw a door she had never seen before. It looked weird and by that, it didn't look like a door, but rather a metal wall with a line going through the middle of it.
She then started to walk over to it, but as she did so, she sensed this strong and unnerving power coming from it. Like, it wasn't magic, but something else.
"I wonder if this is the dream of what we sensed before," she thought to herself as she reached out to the door thing when all of a sudden, the door split open and she was brought into the dream.
When she opened her eyes, she looked around and all she saw was... nothing. Just a white endless void. She then started to look around confused, wondering why someone would just dream about nothingness. As she walked around, the sound of her shoes echoed across the void. She then saw something in the distance. Something huge. It looked like it was an entire army! She couldn't believe what was happening. Why would someone dream of an entire army?
She was just standing there confused when all of a sudden, something caught her eye. She looked on to see a strange figure in the distance wearing all orange.
"That has to be whoever is having this dream or nightmare. I have to go help them," she said in her mind. She was about to use her magic to help them when suddenly she saw the figure throw up its arms as a giant white light covered them and the power behind it made a shockwave, causing Luna to lose her footing and be sent flying a few feet away before she was able to readjust herself and touch the ground of the void again.
She then looked up and her face changed to utter shock and terror as she saw that the figure had just finished off the army in that short amount of time, noticing the unconscious soldiers (or at least she hoped they were unconscious) on the ground below him. She then saw some more figures in the air, thinking that they were his main goal considering that they looked different from the ones on the ground. She then heard the vague echo of the voice of the figure in orange as it threw its arms up again.
"Let's get serious! Kaioken!"
"Kaio- what?"
She was confused as to what he had said, but she didn't have time to think about that when the stallion was engulfed by a huge red light and created another shockwave that pushed her back again. This time, she was able to hold her ground (or as best as she could) before getting up to see the stallion start to fly at a speed that she was barely able to keep up with right towards the purple figure in order to attack. However, before he could do so, time seemed to slow down and she saw the stallion looking at her direction.
Or was he looking at her?
"W-wait, does he see me? But... how is he able to see me?"
She didn't have time to contemplate the rest of that thought as she saw that the stallion was about to get hit and then... she opened her eyes before immediately sitting upwards, panting and sweating like crazy. She then looked around to see that she was in her bed and the sun was just coming up to say good morning. She was out of the dream realm and back in the real world. That stallion must have woken up from pure shock.
To be fair, any sane pony or creature would.
She then immediately got out of her bed and quickly went to tell her sister aboıt what had just happened... right before she could get her favorite slippers on.
-Back at the apple farm-
After a few punches and some kicks, Ryan and Applejack had filled up the barn with boxes full of apples. They were standing right in front of the entrance of the barn looking at the hard work they had done.
Well, for one of them, it wasn't very hard work at all.
As they looked at the barn, Ryan couldn't help but feel satisfied with the work he had done with Applejack. Even though he hadn't broken that much of a sweat, it was still satisfying to see a job well done. While they continued to look, Applejack took off her hat and wiped the sweat off her head.
"Whew! Boy, that was some hard work, huh, Ryan?" she asked as she then started to fan herself with her hat.
"Well, not much of a workout, but still some pretty good training" he said as she just slugged him in the shoulder for being cocky.
Ryan just rubbed his shoulder, pretending that it hurt. At that moment, Apple Bloom ran over to them, covered in mud and panting hard.
"Looks like someone is working hard," Ryan said as he could see with his keen eyes a couple of bruises on her legs and arms, along with the fact that she's covered in mud. Apple Bloom then nodded as she wiped the sweat off her head.
"Yeah! I'm trying to work hard to become just like you!" she exclaimed as she then started to fight the air. Well, from Ryan's point of view, it was a very poor attempt to recreate some karate moves while making sounds that went along with them. It just made him cringe a little bit while Applejack was laughing at her sister messing around.
Ryan was about to say something when all of a sudden, something caught his attention. Upon looking behind himself, his eyes became extremely wide.
"Hey, Applejack?" he asked as the calling of her name got her attention and she looked at him to answer, "Yeah? What's up?"
"Does this place usually have people screaming, houses burning, and the fact that it gets attacked?" he asked as he then got a serious face and Apple Bloom stopped what she was doing.
While her and Applejack had confused expressions on their faces, they both looked at each other and then back at him before Applejack replied, "Ummm... No, I don't think so. Well, not on a regular basis, but still no. Why?" she asked as both her and Apple Bloom got a little worried.
"Oh, so that's not normal?" he asked as he then pointed towards the town and as soon as he did, Apple Bloom and Applejack looked to see what he was pointing at. Both became scared and horrified to see the town of Ponyville on fire and smoke coming from it as a result of an explosion.
Even though Applejack managed get out of her shock, Apple Bloom was still unable to do so. As she then got serious as well, she replied, "No, that's not normal at all. PONYVILLE IS BEING ATTACKED!!"
That was just what Ryan needed to hear as he then started to run towards the town with Applejack running with him, Apple Bloom then finally got out of her shock and saw her sister and Ryan running in the direction of the town.
"H-Hey! Wait for me!" she yelled as she then started to run after them, but she didn't get far before Applejack looked behind her, stopped in her tracks, and blocked her sister's path.
"Oh, no, you don't. This is too dangerous for you to come along, sugarcube."
"What?! But, I wanna help-"
"NO! I know you've been through worse, but this feels different. I want you to stay here," she said as Ryan stopped to see Applejack wasn't running with him.
He then shouted, "Applejack, come on!"
"Coming!" she shouted back before turning back to her sister.
"I promise, we'll be fine. Now, please stay here," she said and then started running over to Ryan, who also started to run once again, heading for the town. Apple Bloom then looked at the town starting to run back to her home.
-At the entrance of Ponyville-
Ryan and Applejack had ran up just in time to see one of the buildings in the town get blown up. Ryan shielded Applejack to make sure she wouldn't get hurt and when the explosion was over, he then looked around to find the cause of all this destruction. Applejack also began to looked around and then saw a shadow in a cloud of smoke coming from the building that had just been blown up.
"Ryan! Up there!" she exclaimed as she then pointed toward the shadow. Ryan then looked up and saw the shadow in the smoke before looking closer at it to see the shadow starting to take a form.
A form that Ryan knew all too well.
He went wide-eyed as he continued to watch the smoke die down and then saw the person he was all too familiar with.
"No. It can't be," he managed to utter as he continued to watch the figure fully come out of the smoke. It was wearing an evil smile, and had a huge purple and black ki dancing around them with eyes glowing red.
"Turles?" |
A New World For A Time Patroller Hero | Chapter 4: The Saiyan Threat | Seeing him floating there Ryan was both confused but also shocked to see Turles just floating there. He didn't understand it, Turles should be dead but then again this feeling and the ki he was getting from his was one all too familiar to him, this was Towa's magic at hand. He knew Towa's magic was going to show up sooner or later but the power he was feeling from Turles compared to the last time he saw him was a big difference. Last time he faced him in his normal form but now he might have to take it up a notch.
However for someone else besides Ryan that was ready to fight, the farmer was shocked and terrified and pissed at seeing the figure floating there and seeing what it had done to her home and possibly her friends, Applejack looked at the figure seeing the person standing there, they weren't a pony due to the lack of fur and they also had big black spiky hair just like Ryan's, she also saw that they were just like Ryan but this guy had some sort of brown skin and they had a monkey tail! And it looked like he was wearing some kind of armor as there were some strange things about it as it looked like no armor she's seen before.
The man was wearing a big chest plate that was big and had a dark blue and black color going on. It also had shoulder pads that were pointed at the ends and along with some gloves that were dark blue and white that wrapped around his thumb and across his hand and they went all the way up to his elbows and were also pointed at the end. The man also had big boots that were like Ryans but were the same color as his armor and their tail wrapping around their waist. Another thing that caught her eye was that he also had the same thing Ryan had on his head but the one this guy had was red.
All the sudden the man then saw Applejack and smiled as he lifted up a hand at them and what surprised her even more was that all the sudden a big purple ball formed in his hand.
"W-what the?! First this guy is flying with no wings and now he's using magic!?" she thought to herself as she slowly started to back away from him.
Turles was just about to blast her into nothing but dust when all the sudden Applejack saw Ryan immediately just appeared right next to the men and literally bitched slapped him in the face sending him into an already destroyed building just in time to save Applejack. Applejack was immediately shocked more by what Ryan just did as that though a whole butch more questions she had, she then saw Ryan vanished inn thin air when all the sudden he appeared next to her as he then grabbed her and already they were in a different location as she then looked around to see they were behind a broken buildings wall.
"W-What the? H-how in Appleloses did we get here, a-and how did you do that and-" she wasn't able to continue when Ryan then put his hand over her mouth to stop her from talking.
"I'll answer questions later, right now we have bigger problems to deal with" he said as right on cue the building Ryan sent Turles into immediately exploded to reveal Turles flying in the air looking around for Ryan and Applejack.
Ryan then peeked over the corner to see where Turles was, "listen, I'm going to distract him while you go help anyone who is in danger" he said as Turles blasted a building that was right across from them.
"Wait what?! No way, partner! You can't just face that monster all on your own! I'm going to help you!" she said as she was determined to help.
"You can help me by making sure no ones hurt," he said as Turles then destroyed a building that was right next to them as Applejack and Ryan then covered their eyes from the debrey and smoke. Ryan saw that they didn't have time to discuss this anymore as he then turned to Applejack as he then gave her a thumbs up, "Don't worry I can handle him" he said as he then jumped up in the air as he then started to fly upwards in the air surprising Applejack even more.
"H-HEY! GET BACK HERE!" She said as she then had to take cover again from a blast by Turles.
Ryan flew over to Turles and he opened his hand and formed a bright ball of yellow energy in his hand and threw it at Turles hitting him dead in the face getting his attention. It didn't hurt him but it did leave a mark on his face as it was bleeding a little bit, Turles then turned his head to face Ryan, "Good I got his attention, what the hell was step two?" he said to himself as his white aura surrounded him and danced like white flames, he then immediately started to fly off in a direction away from the town as Turles let out a prime rower as his eyes glowed a dark red as he was also surrounded by a aora of his own but his was a dark purple and black and it was dancing around his body crazily and then started to give chases after Ryan.
As Ryan was flying at high speeds he saw that he was now in a wasteland, "Huh, might have gone a little bit further than I needed to but this works" he said in his head as he then looked behind him to see if Turles was right behind him to see he wasn't, "Where did he-" he then was immediately brought out of his thoughts when he was kicked in his side sending him straight into the ground hard and fast making a huge crater in the ground.
And almost immediately Turles then charged up a ki blast as he then set it into the crater making a huge explosion that was so big it could almost be seen miles away. As the dust settled and the smoke cleared up Turles saw that there was no one in the crater as it was just dust and broken rock but no Ryan, thinking he already won to only to be punched across the face by Ryan as he then grab Turles by the leg before he could be sent flying as he then started to spend him around in a circle motion as he then let go sending him into a nearby rock formation as that said rock formation then started to crumble down on top of Turles leaving a giant pile of rocks apon rocks completely burying him.
"You're going to have to try harder than that Turles if you want to bring me down!" He yelled as he then brought both hands to his side as bright yellow orbs formed in his hand as he put his arms in front of him and putting his hands together holding them sideways as he then started to fire multiple ki blast at the pile of rocks as there was huge explosions and a huge dust cloud started to get bigger and bigger as he was not letting up on the assault.
As he continued his assault the dust cloud was getting bigger and bigger as he continued to rain hell down upon him. After a few minutes later he then stopped firing ki blast as the last blast made a huge explosion that made the dust cloud shoot up into the sky completely covering the area, as Ryan had to shielded his eyes to stop any dust to get in his eyes as he then looked to see nothing but dust all around him. Almost immediately Turles flew out of the dust cloud that was right in front of him as time seemed to slow down as Turles was flying towards him with a fist railing back, as soon as Ryan saw that he then brought his one of his arms in front of his face as time resume for Turles to bring his fist into Ryans arm and set him flying across the sky.
With that first punch that sent him flying Turles immediately gave chase after him and was already in front of Ryan only to bring a barrage of punches and kicks to Ryan as he was forcing Ryan to go on the defensive. As Turles brought down upon him the many kicks and punches, he was able to block or dodge them all he was being forced backwards in the sky at high speeds only for Turles to try and hit Ryan with a back spin kick, efeis on the word TRY as Ryan was able to dogged it by leaning backwards to see Turles's leg go right over him.
As Turles saw that he missed he then tried to punch him when Ryan blocked his fist with his feet and used that opportunity to lunch himself back to the ground as that also made Turles fly backwards a little bit in the sky witch just pissed him off more and then flared up his ki and flew down at Ryan. Ryan in the meantime then started to do back spins while in a cannonball position and as soon as the ground got to close for comfort, Ryan then stopped spinning and put his arms and hands out to catch himself on the ground and to push himself up in the air backwards only to see Turles to fly in and punch the ground to completely crack it and brake as rocks flew up in the air as Ryan then started to do back flips fast to get some distance away from Turles.
After Turles saw that he missed he then took his fist out of the ground and flew forward at Ryan as Ryan then started to hop backwards away from Turles still keeping a good distance away from him, and when Turles did get close to him He would either block or dodge the punches and kicks like he was toying with him.
When Turles then tried to hit him with a kick Ryan jumped over his attack and without giving Turles a chance to recover he then reeled his right leg back and swung it forwards into Turles's chin sending him flying a few meters away from him and leaving a big bruise mark under his chin. "Come Turles, I kicked your ass before and I can sure as hell do it again" as he said that he then took to the sky's flying at high speeds with Turles doing the same with rage in his eyes to murder Ryan.
As they came into the sky passing some clouds Ryan then turned around just in time to see Turles about to hit him as Ryan then realed his fist back too and they both cast their punches at each other and when they collided it made a huge shockwave.
Ponyville: After Ryan and Turles left
As Applejack got up from her hiding place she saw two bright lights, one white and the other purple disappear in the distance, seeing that even if she tried to go help him there was no way she could keep up with him. So she might as well just let him do it alone, plus he did have a point that she needed to help those who are hurt and immediately started to look around.
"HELLO!? IS ANYPONY HURT?!" She asked as she then heard somepony groaning as she then started to follow the sounds seeing a familiar rainbow color main poking out under some rubble, "RD!!" She then started to get the dabre off of her and when she was able to, she then grabbed her friend's hand and pulled her out and laid her down on the ground.
"RD! PLEASE TELL ME YOUR OKAY!" She said as she saw her friend was covered in some cuts and bruises nothing to major, but she did see that her wing was dislocated a little bit as some blood was around her body as she saw a big stream of blood running down her head.
Worried for her friend, she picked her up in her arms bridal style and immediately started to run to the hospital. As she did she looked at her friend in her arms, "Please be okay" as she said that she quickened her pace.
Cloudsdale: 10,000 feet in the air
In the beautiful city of Cloudsdale a place in the sky literally made out of clouds as there were houses, shops, hotels, and even an arena. It was really a place of beauty and wonders as many other pegasus ponies were either flying around in the sky or walking on the cloudy ground going to and from places and having a normal day.
In the middle of this street two pony's were walking around the city, the first one was a male pony as he had a bright white fur coat and had a violet mean and tail that had a hit of silver in both of them. He had eyes that were a dark navy blue, he was wearing a violet scarf wrapped around his neck and down the back of his neck, he had a bright blue and white jacket with the zipper open revealing a gray like shirt with some lose blue jeans and also wearing some grayish white shoes, along with on the back of the jacket having two holes for his wings to go through and resting on his back saying he was a pegasus. On the left side of his pants was a mark that had a snowflake on it with two white wings on the side of the snowflake.
Next to him was a female pegasus that was cyan blue and had silver white mane and tail as she was wearing a red and black dress as she was also wearing a jacket along with some shorts as the jacket was red and the shorts were black as she had some black heel shoes. Her eyes were a dark navy blue as she was wearing some blue lipstick as her dress was hiding her tail as there were two holes in the back of her dress for her wings too as they were resting on her back too.
They were just having a wonderful day as they just got off of their jobs as they were having a wonderful day to enjoy their day, that is until a giant hole was made in the middle of the street making them fall to the ground and fell do to the hole being made as the same thing happened with some others that were walking around falling to the ground too while some ran away or flew away screaming in fear.
Those who were still around the hole looked up to see a figure flying upwards as another fast speed figure flew through the hole and up to the figure and immediately there were shockwaves when the two met and everyone that was watching started to panic and started to run or fly away not knowing what was going but didn't want to stay to find out. The two that were walking were about to start running when all the sudden a purple blast came from one of the figures in the sky and landed right in front of them as it then exploded. When it did it set them flying backwards while the guy skid across the ground the girl then went into the hole as the blast hurt her a little bit but also knocked her out.
The man then saw this and tried to go after her but he then wrists in pain as he looked to his side to see his wing was burnt a little bit not able to let him fly. He then panicked as he ran to the edge of the hold seeing the girl falling to her death, "NOOOOOO!!" he screamed out as he thought that this was it.
That is until one of the figures flew fast downward into the hole and was right at the girl, the figure then flew upwards fast and came through the hole again as he then landed in front of the guy at the edge of the hole. After getting a good look the guy saw that they were a person but he never seen them before, as he looked at him had had orange clothes as they were also had to guess they were a guy too do to their body, the guy then set the female next to him as he looked at the male pony, "Get out of here now, find shelter, find a doctor and go!" the man in orange said as he then jumped up in place and a bright white aura appeared around him as he then flew off into the sky followed by a purple one, guessing it was the other figure and they both flew off.
The male looked at the girl as he then held her close as he then picked her up and started to run off to try and find a doctor for her running at full speed.
In the sky: a few minutes before
Ryan was flying away from Trules trying to get a good ways away from him to try something but he needed to lose him to do it. He then looked back ready to block another attack, that is until he saw a ki blast heading straight at him as he didn't have time to react fast enough as it hit him dead on making a huge exploeshion in the sky sending Ryan flying higher in the air and sending him flying through a cloud.
As he flew higher in the air he then stopped himself as he looked he saw he just flew through the ground of a city in the sky. Before he could question it he saw Turles flying right at him as he then had to go on the defiance again and started to block all attack's as he felt his power shoot higher than before.
"Damnit he's getting stronger as he continues to fight me, I need to end this quickly"[i/] he thought to himself as he then saw Turles charging a ki blast, he then quickly swated his hand away before he could blast him and insted he fired at the city below, "Damnit, I need to finish this now before we run into another place full of incant people er ponys"
He said to himself as he saw a pony falling down to the earth because of the blast, he then quickly punched Turles hard in his cheek and kneed him hard in the gut and finished with a spin kick to his face, sending him backwards across the sky. He then immediately flared up his ki as his aura grew bigger and he made a divebomb to the falling pony, he was able to reach her just in a few seconds as he then wrapped his arms around her and flew back up to the city as he flew back up through the huge hole in the middle of the city. He then flew though it as he then landed next to another pony that was standing next to the hole, Ryan then set the pony in his hands next to the pony in front of him as he then looked at the pony in front of him.
"Get out of here now, find shelter, find a doctor and go!" he said to the pony before he then flew up high above the city as he then looked and saw Turles already recovered from that attack he gave him as he then flew away from the city fast.
As he was flying away from the ctiy he then saw behind him a bright light as he then dogged ot as it was a ki blast, he then looked behind him to see more ki blast being throw at him. He then flew faster to dodge them all as he decided to end this before anything will get hurt or worse, he then stopped in his tracks and flew at extreme speeds to pass the clouds.
After seeing Ryan go up in the skys higher he then followed suit, after he was above the clouds he then looked around to see that Ryan was nowhere to be seen until he then heard his voice, "KAAAA......MAAAA!" after hearing where his voice was coming from Turles immediately turned around to see Ryan that was hiding behind the clouds, he saw he was cupping his hands and hold them behind him and in between his hands there was a bright blue ball that was growing bigger and bigger by the secound, "HAAA.....MAAAA!" Turles then powered up a ki blast and fired at Ryan but before the blast could hit Ryan he then all the sudden vanished from sight, that is until from the corner of his eye Turles then turn his head to look to see Ryan right next to him giving him no space to move out of the way. In a last ditch effort Turles was about to throw a fist at Ryan but it was too late, Ryan then trusted his hands forward at Trules, "HAAAAAAAA!!!" when he did, he unleashed a huge blue ki wave at his enemy with a mighty roar as the blast completely engulphed him as the blast went strate in the air high in the sky, in the blast Turles was traveling with the blast inside it as his body started to break down and be completely destroyed by the attack that there was nothing left of him.
After a few minutes later the blast started to die down and then gone, what was left was Ryan still holding his hands in the same position as he was panting a little bit, not going to lie the kamehameha wave does take a little bit out of him. He then let his arms fall to his side after seeing he turned the villain from his past to nothing but ash, as he saw the threat was gone he then quickly flew back to ponyville and wasted no time as he was there in a minute and landed in the middle of the town seeing more peop- err ponies as some of them helping one another and repairing the damage. He then started to look around the town as some saw him and almost got more scared thinking he was either like Turles or was Turles.
"The hell is with everyone here? They look like they're all scared of me, do they think I did this? I don't even look like Turles, if I was Goku I would understand that but come on" He said to himself in his mind as they all started to run away from him. "Great, now they are scared of me..... fantastic"
"RYAAAAANNNN!!!"
Hearing his name being called he turned his head to see Applebloom running towards him at full speed like her life depends on it. After a few seconds later she finally reached him she stopped in front of him panting like crazy trying to catch her breath.
"R-Ry- oh celestia *pant* *pant* R-Ryan i-it's *pant* A-Applejack s-shes *pant* at the hospital!" She said in-between her breaths while yelling the last part before going back to catching her breath. Hearing that from Applebloom Ryan immediately went wide eyed hearing what she just said.
"WHAT! What happened?! Is she okay?!" He asked as he was worried about what happened to his friend.
After getting some of her breath Applebloom was able to talk a little bit again "*pant* I-I d-don't know *pant* all I know was th-that *pant* she was at the hospital and *pant* that's all I heard!" she panted out, almost losing her breath again.
Hearing that he needed to know what happened to his friend, he then focused on where Applejacks ki was, and when he found her he then grabbed Applebloom and started to carry her on his back "Hang on, super speed!" He then started to run very fast leaving a cloud of dust in his tracks running down a dirt road leading to the hospital as he saw the building in his view.
As he was running Applebloom was holding onto his gi for dear life from him running this fast "G-GAHHHHHH!! R-RYYYYYAANNNNN!!! S-SLOWWW DOWN!" she begged as he continued to run to the hospital.
After a while Ryan finally got to the hospital as he then skidded to a halt at the front door of the hospital. After he stopped he then set Applebloom down on the ground again as he then opened the door "Come on Applebloom! We need to see if Applejack is okay!" he said to a dizzy Applebloom trying to stay on her hooves.
"R-Right ch-check on my sis" She said as she almost fell on the ground but was able to stop herself from falling as she shook her head to see straight again, after she did she ran inside with Ryan running in with her to find Applejack with Ryan thinking to himself.
"Come on Applejack please be okay" |
A New World For A Time Patroller Hero | Chapter 5: Not Your Enemy | Far away in the high mountains the capital city of canterlot, a place where most of all of Equestrias population is in canterlot as it is were the rich live and most of all the Princesses, Celestia and Luna, live too as they have their castle on the side of the mountain it is on looking over all of Equestria.
Inside were the two rulers in the dining hall with six others sitting with them; Fluttershy, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Starlight, Spike, and Princess Celestias student Twilight.
As they were talking and enjoying a nice relaxing afternoon Pinkie was all the sudden started to shake like crazy as it looked like she was having a seizure, her body looking like it was constantly changing size and shape as she even started to jump out of her chair and literally started to bounce up and down the walls and ceiling.
After all that she then landed on her chair again being all dizzy, "WHOA! That was one big dozey!"
Rarity then looked at her friend a little concerned "Pinkie dear, are you okay? What was that about?"
"I don't know, usually whenever I get dozeys I can usually tell what was going to happen but this...nope! Not a clue"
Hearing that the drake then immediately got under the table taking cover, "what is it?! Something falling from the sky! O-or aliens invading Equestria?!" He said as he was almost hyperventilating, scared as to what it was.
"Spike calm down, one: there is no such thing as aliens," said the Princess of Friendship not believing in such things, "and two: I'm sure whatever it is we can handle it" hearing their friend say that all of the other girls and even Princesses nodding seeing that they can handle anything.
Celestia then was about to take a sip of her afternoon tea when both her and Luna felt a very strong power come out of nowhere making Luna almost fall out of her chair and Celestia drop her cup as it fell to the floor breaking and shattering into peace's. Hearing the cup break it made everypony there look at their rulers to see them looking out the window as they were all confused.
Before they could ask them what's wrong Celestia was the one to break the silence, "Luna, did you feel that?"
"Indeed sister, tis the same thing we've felt last night before it disappeared" she said as she remembered the feeling of the power but it felt a little weak like it was still hiding but slowly showing itself, whatever it is.
All the friends around the table would look at each other a little worried at what could trouble their princesses before Starlight then cleared her throat, "Umm excuse me Princesses but umm what's going on? Is everything okay?" she asked, still a little worried as to why they were looking out the window.
After a second or two the two Princesses looked at each other then looking at their friends as Luna spoke up, "You all didn't know this, but last night, we and our sister felt a very strong and very powerful feeling coming from the Everfree forest that was near Ponyville" hearing that they all let out a gasp and looked at each other before Twilight spoke up, "Do you know what it was Princesses?"
They then looked down and shook their heads as they looked up and Celestia spoke up again, "We do not Twilight, before we could find out what it was it disappeared and we couldn't sense it again"
"Disappeared? You mean it vanished?" asked the shy Fluttershy in a quiet voice and with some concern in her voice afraid that there was something powerful in their hometown as she was worried for their friends in Ponyville.
"Not so much as disappeared dear Fluttershy but more of, it hid itself" Luna answered as Twilight raised an eyebrow at that.
"Hide itself? How is that possible? Nothing can just disappear like that" she said as she was confused as to how something just shows up and disappears.
"Not so much as disappear my faithful student, it hid itself from us so we couldn't detect it" Celestia answered, but before she could say any more the doors of the dining room were swung open as a guard ran in over to the Princesses and immediately took a knee to them, panting after they have ran as fast as they could to get here.
"Y-Your highnesses! I-It's Ponyville! It's been attacked!" the guard said inbetween breathes, at that everypony gasped as they looked at each other before Twilight got up and walked over to the guard.
"Was anypony hurt during the attack?" she asked as she was worried for her home and all her friends.
The guard shook their head to her question, "No your highness, but not that we know of right now. But there is something more important"
"What is it?" Celestia asked as she was still worried for her subjects.
"The thing that caused the attack, it's unlike anything we've seen"
Ponyviel Hospital: In one of the rooms
In one of the rooms of the Ponyville Hospital Applejack was sitting in a chair next to a hospital bed that had a pony in it, the pony had bandages all around their chest area, around one of their legs, and some wrapping around their head.
The pony in the bed was Applejack's best friend as they were female and they had blue fur and a pair of wings that also had bandages around them as both their hair and main were rainbow color as it looked like the inside of a bag of skittles.
While sitting down Applejack was just looking at her friend still worried for her friend as the only thing that was being heard through the room was the beeping of the heart monitor echoing through the room as Applejack was left with her thoughts.
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN I CAN'T SEE HER!?"
She then was brought out of her thoughts as she heard someone yelling outside of the room, maybe a pony who has a family member here or a friend and they can't see them for some reason. But something about that voice sounded familiar to her for some reason.
"WHERE IS SHE?! SHE'S MY FRIEND AND HER SISTER! WE HAVE TO KNOW IF SHE'S OKAY!"
She then immediately sat up as she remembered who that voice belong to. She then turned to her friend and hold her hand softly, "I'll be right back RD" as she said that she then let go of her hand and got up out of her chair and left the room and into the hallway.
When Applejack left the room and closed the door a dark portal open up as a being stepped through and looked around before laying eyes on the pony girl in the hospital bed.
"Well, well. It looks like you were able to survive that attack," the figure said before it made its way to the window in the room and looked out to see that the little village was still, kind of, intact. Seeing that it was it made the figure frown at this.
"So it looks like this was a failed experiment, this place is still standing, your still alive, and what's worse. Is that now there is a pesky Time Patroller here! This just throws a hold bunch of monkey wrenches into my plans!"
With that it sighed before smiling and turning back to the still open dark portal and started to walk back to it, "Oh well, this just means I need to try a little bit harder. And hey! Plus the fun for trying to destroy a Time Patroller and a world all in one! Haha! Oh this will be fun" it said before it reached the portal.
And just when it was about to leave it then turned to the pony on the bed again and smiling, "Hmm considering that you not only saved the day but saved the pony I was trying to get rid of" it said as it raised it's hand to the blue pony and for a quick moment she glowed brightly before the glow disappeared, "and because of that I'll give you a little prize but don't expect me to do it again haha" with that the figure then left through the portal and it then disappeared.
In the waiting area of Ponyville Hospital
When Applejack left her friends room she would follow the yelling of her new friend before finding herself in the waiting room, only to find Ryan yelling at the nurse behind the table as it looked like he was going to kill the poor gal as she saw her sister pulling on Ryan's baggy pants to try her best to hold him back but was failing.
Before he could kill the poor gal Applejack walked over to him and hold him back while putting a hand on his shoulder, "Whoa there sugarcube! No need to rip the poor nurses head off"
Feeling someone pull him away he then would see Applejack and his anger quickly went away and replaced with happiness. "Applejack! You're okay!"
"Of course I am sugarcube, why wouldn't I be?"
"Well when I came back I found Applebloom running over to me saying you were in the hospital and I thought the worse so I quickly came this way"
Hearing the concern from her friend she just giggled a little bit before patting his shoulder, "Don't yah worry sugarcube I'm not hurt, I just found my friend hurt and I brought her here to help her"
Hearing that Applebloom came over to her sister and looked at her, "who was it? Are they okay?"
"It was RD, and she's fine now but when I found her oooooh boy! Did she not look to hot"
Hearing that name Ryan would just tilt his head a little being confused as to who they were talking about.
"Umm RD?"
Hearing the confusion in his voice and seeing the look on his face she just smiled "hehe RD is short for Rainbow Dash, she's a good friend of mine for a long time"
"Ooooooh okay, sorry I was a little confused"
"Heh it's okay sugarcube"
As they were talking Applebloom then took off the thing on her face and walked over to Ryan and gave it back to him.
"Here! I made sure to not let it break"
Seeing his scouter in her hands he then smiled as he took it back, "Thanks Applebloom, I really love this thing so I appreciate you not letting it break" after he said that he then put it on his face as he then made sure it worked.
But before he was able to it showed it went off as the loud beeping noise caught both the Apple sisters' attention as they were confused by it, "What in tarnation is going on? Why is your little uh thingamajig beeping?"
They would also see he put on a serious face before turning to look behind him to look out the door, "I think that we're about to have some company"
Applebloom would be a little confused as Applejack would be worried, "Is it that thing again?"
"No this is different" he then looked back at them over his shoulder to look at the girls, "Stay here, I'll be back" after that he then looked back at the doors and walked out of the building.
When he did he would see a shadow approaching to where he was, he looked up to see some sort of carriage thing and when he looked up at it his scouter again went off reading a few small but also a few high power levels. He then saw the carriage descending and landed in front of him as he was able to see that it was being pulled by two pony soldiers that had wings and they had white fur too, it even looked like they were twins or something with how so similar they looked alike.
He then made the conclusion that they were soldiers with the armor they were wearing that looked like it was pure gold on them, having chest plates, helmets the whole thing, they looked like they were another form of Roman Soldiers.
After he was done looking at them he saw the carriage open to let out a lot of ponies that looked like they were all female out of it as he could see so many different color ponies he thought he was having a seesher just by looking at the rainbow of colors in front of him.
The first that would catch his eye was a bright butter yellow one that was quite kind looking with a light pink main and tail behind her as some of her hair was hiding half of her face, but he was still able to see her blue eyes as anything she looked like she was a shy one. He saw she was wearing a white tracksuit and white track pants and on her shoulders were pictures of blue butterflies with pink wings. Speaking of wings she had a pair of her own wings that were the same color as her fur sticking out behind her.
As soon as she saw him looking at her she let out a small little cute "eep" and hid behind one of the other ponies. That being said that made his attention go from her to the one she was hiding behind, this one had bright white fur as he saw she had light purple main that had white strips in it a little bit as it was also curled and neatly made and she had bright blue eyes too with wearing a little dress that looked fancy and on the sides of the dress had blue gemstones and not only on it but there was one that looked like it was a sowed drawing of three blue gems. She didn't have any wings but instead one he never seen yet as she had a white horn on the top of her head poking through her hair.
Next in line was a-
"HIYA!"
Ryan had to blink a second before he could register a bright pair of blue eyes were in his face as his brain registered what was going on, "Gah!" he then quickly backed up as he saw in front of him a pink one with a bright light blue top and a white skirt around her waist as it had balloons all around the skirt along with some glitter....lots of glitter.
He even saw her main and tail were dark pink and looked like it was some cotton candy hair with how curly and puffy it was as not to mention the bright happy smile that he didn't think was possible, he also saw she was just like Applejack, she didn't have any wings or any horns on her head at all.
"Opps! Sorry! I was trying to surprise you! But I think I scared you instead! My bad!" she said as before Ryan had time to process what happened or even ask she immediately closed the distance between him and her in seconds.
"W-What the-" he wasn't able to finish his sentence before she took his hand and started to give him a very VERY fast handshake almost making Ryan fall over on his face due to how fast she was shaking his hand.
"Hi!I'mPinkamenaDianePieorPinkypie!Witcheveryoulike!Areyounewhere?I'veneverseenyouaroundherebeforeactuallyIdon'tknowwhoyouareorwhatyouare!Areyouanalien?Doyoulikeparty's?Iloveparty's!Ilovealotofthingslikepink!Doyoulikepink?What'syourfavoritecolor?Wereyoutheonewhodestroyedmyhome?Where'smyfriendand-" she then was cut off by a purple hand covering her mouth as the still surprised Sayian trying to process what the hell just happened he then turned to see a purple mare wearing a purple dress with dark purple shorts and on the chest of her dress was a purple star.
He then saw her mane was dark purple with a light purple going through the middle of her hair and tail as she had dark purple eyes. What he also saw was that not only did she have wings but a horn too! He then saw her glare at him before pulling the pink one away, who was still trying to talk even though her mouth was still covered.
He then looked at the rest of them, he then saw a bright pink and purplish one that had bright teal eyes purple and teal mane and tail as she also had a horn too, she was wearing something that was pretty similar to the purple one but it was bright light blue dress with white pants as on said white pants was a purple star with blue dust around it.
As he was looking at her he would notice something behind her as he was able to see it was some sort of a dragon, he saw that it looked like he was wearing a black and green jacket with black pants and green flames on them, he could see that he was a purple color dragon and he had bright green skales on his head and on the sides of his cheeks.
He then looked at the last two as one of them was a dark blue fur with a long black and blue dress as she had bright blue eyes as he saw that she also had both wings and a horn that looked longer then the others, he even saw a moon on the side of her where her thigh is, as she had a mane and tail unlike he's seen before as it looked like the starry night and her hair and tail were flowing in an nonexistent air.
He then looked at the last one that looked like the tallest out of all of them, as she had white fur with the same type of eyes as the blue one, she had a bright white and gold dress that was very similar to the blue ones dress as she had a symbol on the thigh of her dress that had a picture of the sun, and just like the blue one she had both wings and a horn and her mane, witch had a lot of colors in it but the ones that showed was bright teal and bright pink in it. One other thing he noticed about her and the blue one that stood out was not their huge breasts but he saw a look he knew all too familiar with....they looked really pissed.
After he saw what was in front of him he then tried to start a conversation as he waved at them a little but still had the same serious look on him, "Hey there" just him speaking made all of them, side the blue and white one still looking at him pissed, all surprised that he spoke to them.
Seeing that he lowered his hand as he looked at them, "Umm can I help you?" He asked hoping to know what was going on.
His answer came as the blue one stepped forward and looked at him more pissed then ever, "Yes you can, you MONSTER!!" With that her horn glowed a bright blue unlike any light he's seen before.
"Monster? Wait does she think I did this to the village and- oh fuck I think she's about to blast me....OH. FUCK! SHE'S ABOUT TO BLAST ME!!" he thought to himself as he saw her hands glow too and shot a huge blast at him! He then quickly crossed his arms together and held them in front of him to block it.
When it made contact it made a huge explosion making the ground shake around like crazy before a few minutes later it stopped as everyone there saw the huge dust cloud around them. The white one turned to face the blue one as she was very angry, "LUNA! What were you thinking!"
Hearing her name she turned to look up at the white one confused, "What? I had to do what I need to do to protect our subjects"
"By almost destroying the hospital that's in front of us FULL of our subjects!" she yelled to her as the blue one, named Luna, then started to think about it as she then realized her mistake, "I'm sorry sister I didn't-"
"Okay lady what the fuck?"
Hearing a voice coming from where Luna blasted to see a figure starting to show as everyone stared in disbelief as Luna was the one to break the silence, "Th-That's not possible"
After the dust cleared it showed Ryan standing there still with barely any scratches on him as the hospital was still standing too, he then put his arms down to the side and looked at the blue one again, "I just got out of a fight not even, like, eleven minutes ago so I'm going to need to rest a little-" before he was able to finish his sentence he saw a blast coming at him again and before it could hit him he then jumped out of the way as it hit were he was standing as he was off to the side now.
"Never mind then we're back in business!" Ryan then got in a fighting stance as he got ready to fight the blue pony lady.
Seeing she missed she turned to him and was ready to blast him again. "I will protect my subjects, you monster!" |
A New World For A Time Patroller Hero | Chapter 6: Hero Vs. Princess | It was a beautiful day in Ponyville, the sun was shining, the flowers were blooming, the birds were singing. Nothing like a beautiful day today......except the fact there was a huge explosion near the hospital as at the front of the building the two rulers and the main six-plus starlight, oh and spike too.
The moon Princesses was charging her horn as she had her hands glowing in a dark blue aura as she was giving the person in orange a death glare, "it seems you are more resilient than we thought, but that won't stop us from destroying you monster!" She yelled as she then formed a small blue orb in her hand and threw it at the man.
As the orb was heading for Ryan he quickly used rapid movement to disappear from sight to dodge the orb only to reappear five feet away from the spot where he was standing, he skidded to a halt as he saw the orb hit the spot he was standing making a big explosion causing a huge dust cloud to appear as Ryan used his arm to shielded his eyes from getting dust in his eyes.
He then looked over to where the person he was being attacked by, "Hey! Will you cool your jets already! I like to fight as much as the next person but can we do this somewhere else? There's too many innocent poep- I mean pony's, man that's weird to say, anyways there's too many innocents around. Along with the fact we are in front of a hospital!" He said as he was really pissed that someone would fire ki blast so close to a building full of injured peop- er pony's fuck this is confusing!
However, to the others, they all had mixed reactions to what he said, especially Princess Celestia. Why would a monster that was attacking ponyville all the sudden care about the innocent now? However, her thoughts were interrupted by her sister firing another magic orb at him, this one they saw him duck down to avoid it.
"MONSTER!! DO YOU TAKE US FOR A FOOL?! YOU DESTROYED OUR SUBJECTS TOWN HURTING SO MANY AND YOU EXPECT US TO BELIEVE YOU CARE ABOUT THE INNOCENT NOW!?!" She yelled in the royal canterlot voice making him cover his ears for a moment hearing her yell.
To Ryan, he was surprised that someone could rival Majin Buu in yelling so loud, "GAAAH!! Damint lady! Didn't your mother ever teach you how to use your inside voice?! Fuck I think my eardrums broke" he said as he then started to pick his ears to see if they were bleeding or not from the lady toughing a hissy fit.
The moon Princesse was now furious! First, this monster destroys her subject's town, and now he's insulting her! She had enough of this as she started to charge up two magic orbs in her hands ready to end him. Ryan took a moment to look at his finger, thankful that his ear wasn't bleeding, however, his eyes saw that she was about to release a very powerful attack that looked like it could level the building next to him if she fired that attack, "Damint didn't you hear me! There are too many innocent people nearby! Let's take this somewhere else!" He yelled as he tried to reason with her however he saw her put her hands together to combine the two orbs making an even bigger one that was very big.
Seeing her not listen to him and not care about the innocent around her. Now he was pissed, he then used rapid movement to quickly disappear from where he was standing and he then reappeared a few feet to her left. Catching her off guard he reared back his arm and quickly made a fist before he threw a punch at her, due to him being too far away from her the punch wouldn't hit but he used the force of the punch to make a small shockwave and sent it to her face.
As reality caught up to Luna she just noticed he was gone and the next it felt like someone hit her hard across her left cheek causing her to lose focus and her horn and hands stopped glowing making the huge magic orb to disappear. With the force of the shockwave, it made her head go to the side and her body to fly to the right a few feet.
Using this moment Ryan again used rapid movement to quickly reappear under the moon Princes body, he quickly did a handstand and reared back both of his legs to thrust them upwards in the air as his feet made contact with her back as that attack sent her high in the air, and again he disappeared only to reappear in the air above the luner princess. He quickly put his hands together and cupped them together as he then reeled them back only to slam them down on the princess using a double axe handle on her witch in turn sent the poor lady back down to the ground fast.
When she hit the ground hard a huge dust cloud went into the air, before long it settled down to show a medium size crater with Luna in the middle of it with her arms, legs and wings spread out. Her eyelids were clenching hard as she was trying to fight the pain from the attack.
Ryan then quickly let himself fall before landing on his feet and landed near the edge of the crater, looking at the lady in it as her now beautiful dress now had some dirt on it making it a little dirty.
Twilights POV
I didn't know what I was looking at, a few feet away from us we saw the weird being standing at the edge of the crater he put princess luna in, it's impossible! How can somepony be able to do what? I'm guessing it's him based on his voice and body shape, but still it's impossible!
As me and my friends were both shocked and speechless at what we saw, I then turned to look at Celestia to see her wide eyed at the scene in front of us, "P-Princess?" Hearing my voice she spanned out of and looked at me, "W-What just happen?" I asked as she realized what I was asking about before looking back at the man again.
"I'm not sure my faithful student, but it seems that this...thing...seems to be more powerful than we thought"
After she said that it just made me question this thing more, how was he able to move that fast? How was he able to disappear like that? How was he able to be this powerful? How was he-
"HEY! YOU LOT!"
All the sudden hearing the man's voice again brought me out of my thoughts as we were all looking at him now seeing he was also looking back at us. I didn't know why but just seeing his black eyes looking back at us just sends a chill down my spine.
"If your any smarter than your friend here" he said pointing to Luna in the crater, "The I suggest you actually just listen to me and-" before he could finish his sentence a bright blue beam shot out of the crater at him, however before it hit him he was able to just move his head back just enough for it to miss him.
He then used the momentum from that to do a few backflips away from the crater, when he was a good feet away from it he stood straight holding his chin just to make sure he didn't get hit, "クソ野郎!" We heard him say something I'm not sure I ever heard before.
All the sudden Luna shot out of the crater flapping her wings as she was flying in mid air a few four feet in the air, "THOU SHALL PAY FOR THAT MONSTER!!" She yelled again which in turn made him cover his ears a little bit before yelling back at her, "Again! Why all the yelling?!" He asked her but all we saw him get in response was Luna firing a magic blast at him.
3rd person
Ryan then saw her shooting at him again and again he then dodged it but he jumped to the side throwing his body to the side as the blast hit where he was, he then landed on his hands before he used this momentum to push himself off the ground launching himself in the air straight at Luna, he then stretched out his left leg aiming to kick her in the face.
Luna quickly saw this and moved her head to the side to just barely missing her thinking she cut it close, however that wasn't the case as Ryan took his right leg and swung it to the side hitting her straight in the face sending her across the air, he then in turn started to spin to the left as he spiraled downwards to the ground as he landed on his right foot and holding his left in the air.
Luna quickly stopped herself in mid air before looking to were her attacker would be only to see he was nowhere to be seen, this confused her until she felt a presences behind her making her eyes go wide before she quickly turn around to see he got the drop on her as he sent his right elbow into her back sending her down back to the ground.
But before that could happen again he quickly used his left foot to swing under her and kick her upwards in the air again, he waited until she was at his head level he then sent his right fist into her stomach making her go down to the ground fast.
As she was she quickly recovered only for her to land on her hooves and digging them in the ground and unflaring wings to slow herself down. When she came to a stop she looked in front of her to see her attacker landing not too far from her as he got into a fight pose. Luna was panting a little hard as those attacks were like nothing she had seen before, making herself rub her stomach a little bit from such a hard punch.
Ryan quickly took notice of her rubbing her stomach to see that she was hurting, he then looked at her hoping they could end this, "Listen can't we just end this already?" He asked as he was hoping she would call it quits.
She looked at him confused as to why he wants to end this, she then thought he was saying she was weak and he wasn't even trying, now she was even more pissed at him, "Yes we agree to end this here and now" she said as she then started to charge up her horn and before anything she formed a orb of magic in her hand that was bigger than her upper body.
When Celestia saw this she quickly took note of what she was about to do, "SISTER DON'T! THAT ATTACK IT'S TO POWERFUL!!" She said hoping her sister would listen, but that wasn't the case when her sister let out a loud yell before thrusting her hand with the orb in it forwards at Ryan as it then launched sending a huge magical beam at him.
As the beam was heading for Ryan it was tarring up the ground as it traveled, grass and dirt and flowers coming off the ground because of it. but with all of this, all Ryan did was stand there waiting for it to get closer. Seeing him not wanting to dodge, Luna thought that she had him....that is until he then used his right hand to back hand the beam away from him and then behind as it went to a mountain. When the beam touched the mountain there was a huge explosion that looked like a huge bomb went off, the shockwave took a minute or two to reach him and the group casing the wind to blow past them very hard and fast making everyone's hair fly backwards as they all, minus Ryan who had his back turn to the mountain just stood there unfazed by the wind.
When the wind died down everyone looked to see the man still standing with his hand in the air like he backhanded someone, he then returned to a normal standing position as he looked at Luna with a very serious look that could melt steel.
"Are you going to listen to me now?" He asked as he saw the shocked face she had making him think that was one of her powerful attacks, however she quickly shook her head to clear her thoughts and looked at him with a normal expression on her face, "We see we have misjudged your strength" she said making Ryan release a sigh of relief.
'Finally, she's come to her senses and now we can just talk this out peacefully and-'
"But that means we would have to use more power to distort you monster!" She yelled before she then fired another magic orb at him fast.
'God damnit' he said in his mind before he backhanded that blast away only to get kicked in the face by a hoof that belonged to the pony he was fighting.
He then backed up a little bit seeing she was standing where he was, wondering how she got the drop on him, thinking that she must have used that orb to distract him to get the drop on him and land a kick to his face. But what was banging on his head, besides the pain, was how she was able to close the distance between him and her so quickly. However he got his answer by seeing her horn light up and all the sudden disappearing and reappearing behind him in a bright flash and kicking him in the back sending him forwards and then doing the same thing again, reappearing in a flash of light kicking him in the face and when he tired to use his leg to do a spin kick he launched his leg only for him to hit nothing.
Confusing him he then quickly turned to where she was only to see no one there, he then felt someone kick him in the back uppercut him in the chin send him upwards a couple of feet in the air only to get hit by a blast in his chest that sent in a go ways away from his attack. Turning his body upright he then used his back left leg to dig into the ground to slow him down to a halt, looking up to see the lady he was fighting with smirking before disappearing in a flash of light.
'Teleportation, fan fucking tastic' he thought to himself before he then saw in the corner of his eye to his right, reacting quickly he put up his right arm to block a kick from her.
Satisfied that he can track where she was by the flash of light the teleportation gives off but there was a problem, if she was in his line of sight he could see the flash, but anywhere else he's screwed. But when he saw her disappear again he noticed something or in this case he heard something, however he couldn't tell if it was from something else so he got ready to be attacked by her only for him to hear a sound again behind him, using that he quickly did a 180 turn and put up both arms up and crossing them in a x to block a kick from her.
He was able to see a surprise look on her meaning he just got her number, every time she teleports there's a flash and some sort of popping sound every time meaning he could track her. He then did a sipn as she moved away from him but not fast enough for his fist to graze her cheek, cutting it a bit while blood came out a bit.
He then saw her disappear again and again he heard that sound he then quickly dodged a punch from behind him as he counter attacked throwing a punch of his own at her before he saw he disappear just before his fist made contact, he then heard her teleport behind him again as he then saw her about to punch him but he vanished from sight before she could hit him.
He then reappeared to her right to nail her in her jaw taking her off guard, he saw her disappear and again he did to before she was able to hit him and again he counter attacked hitting her in her back, over and over again they continued to disappear and reappear trying to hit each other, well more of Luna trying to hit Ryan with Ryan hitting her and her missing. To the spectators they were shocked at what they were seeing they would see the two fighters disappearing and reappearing over and over again, however what they were worried is that their princess was getting pummeled out there, getting hit after hit after hit not seeing her able to land anymore punch's to the binging in orange.
Clestia was now worried for her sister, she was able to get the upper hand on him but after a while it looked like two things happen that it looked like only she was able to see, he was able to find a way to counter attack any of her sisters attacks but the second thing that she noticed was what worried her the most, he was able to adapt to the his new situation and most of all he was able to learn as he was fighting, like this was some sort of game to learn from your opponents attacks.
'This isn't good, no matter how hard Luna tries to attack him he finds a way to counter attack. If this keeps up then it won't be long before Luna is done for' Clestia said in her thoughts as she then turned to the main six, "We need to end this before this gets out of hand, Twilight do you know where Rainbow Dash and Applejack are? We really need their help" She asked as hearing her teacher's voice say her name she quickly turned to her after hearing the question.
"O-Oh! Umm w-well n-no I don't, before we left they decided to stay behind and w-well I don't know" she said as she was now really worried that her friends might be hurt or worse.
Just then Twilight just realized something as to where they were as she looked back to see the hospital, she then smiled as she looked back at Celestia now with hope in her eyes, "But if anything I bet they might be in the hospital right now! If they were hurt they might be in there" she said thinking that her friends were okay.
However the light pink one, Starlight, just thought of something before she spoke up, "Um Twilight that's a good thought but if you all remember that...thing...just walked out of said hospital, who knows what it was doing in there!"
She was right they had just seen him walk out of the hospital, they didn't know what he was doing in there, he could have been hurting pony's or worse he could have-
"GIRLS!! WHAT IN TARNATION IS GOING ON HERE?!"
Twilight was brought out of her thoughts as her and everyone turned to the fermillier sound of a southern accent all of them turned to see Applejack running over to them, before she would get close to them a pink blur was seen before long Applejack was almost tackled to the ground by her pink friend
"APPLEJACK! YOUR OKAY! WE THOUGHT THAT BIG BAD MONSTER GOT YOU AND-" before she could say anything more Applejack covered her mouth with her hand.
"Whoa there! It's okay I'm fine" She said as she then noticed two things, her friends and the princess are here, and there were a lot of explosions behind them.
"Okay what's going on here?" She asked as Twilight walked over to her to help pry Pinkie off her.
"Well while we were at canterlot we just got word that ponyville was attacked! And we were also told that a monster did it, so we came over and found it here" she said as Applejack had a confused look on her face.
"Wait you found it? But Ryan said he defeated it" when she said that now it was their turn to have confused looks on their faces as Twilight spoke up.
"Wait, who's Ryan?"
"He's a new friend of mine that just came here and help take care of the monster that attack ponyville" when she said that Clestia walked over to her now a little more confused and had a feeling something was wrong, "Applejack, can you please tell me, was he wearing all orange and had a black mane?"
"Huh? Umm yeah I think so why?"
And now that comfred what she was thinking as she wish to slap her head for not figuring it out sooner, 'oh buck'
Back with the fight
Ryan and Luna were still going at it as they continued to trade blows, after they landed she tried to teleport behind him to give him a good hit, however when Ryan saw her lighting up her horn he immediately appeared in front of her as he then grab one of her hands and her horn firmly, "ENOUGH WITH THAT MAGIC BULLSHIT!!" He yelled as he was really annoyed from all the teleporting and magic blast.
When Luna registered that she got grabbed by her hands and horn she blushed a little red from the feeling of grabbing her horn, "Y-YOU MONSTER! LET GO OF US THIS INSTANT!!" She said as she struggled in his grip trying to break free.
However Ryan got a good grip on her and he wasn't going to budge, he even felt her power slowly go away making him think that these pony's horns are just like Sayian tails, when you grab them they lose all their strength. But he would have to think about that later as he still had her trapped, "Not until you stop and listen to me!"
"I think I can do that"
Both Ryan and Luna stopped in their tracks as they both looked to where they heard a calm voice next to them. When they looked over Ryan saw the tall white pony lady walking over to them calmly and with a normal face expression like nothing was wrong, as she was Ryan could feel that she was more powerful than the blue one he was fighting. Then all the sudden her horn glowed a bright yellow and before he could reach the blue one disappeared in a yellow flash and appeared next to the white one making Ryan think that this was going to be a two on one as he then immediately got in a fighting stance ready to go.
Luna panted a little bit as he blush went away as she looked over to her sister, "Thank you sister for freeing us" she said as Ryan caught that first part, sister, now he sees why their energy's feel the same.
Ryan then put his attention to them as he put on a smile, "so she's your sis huh? Well that makes sense, you both look the same" he said as Luna quickly turned her head back to him and smiled too, "Indeed she is, she has to come to help us defeat you" as she said that he could see that smile she had was one of confidence and cockiness, to witch Ryan quickly replied, "So that means its two on one huh?" He said as he looked at the two of them before smiling more, "I like those odds"
When he said that both the sisters and the pony's behind them were surprised to hear him say that a two on one fight was fair to him, even though he has a disadvantage. It took Clestia to regain a little bit from him saying that as she continued to look at him, "So, you wish to continue fighting?" She asked as she waits for his answer, to which he immediately did, "You bet your ass lady" after that there were gasps of shock that he would say that to the Princesses.
The Princesses were a little taken aback too but Luna replied first, "Very well then monster, are you ready sister?" She asked as she looked at her sister as she did in return and nodded, "Indeed Luna" after she said that Luna nodded and looked at Ryan again, "Prepare monster for we-"
"Surrender"
"Yes sister we surren- WAIT WHAT!?"
"What?" Both Ryan and Luna asked at the same time as they both looked at the white pony both confused as to why she just said they surrender.
Luna was the first to say something to her sister, "Sister, we don't think our hearing is right, but we thought you said that we surrender?"
"You heard me right Luna, I said we surrender" she said, making her sister's eye twitch a bit....then immediately she got in her sisters face.
"SISTER! WHY IN TARTARUS WOULD WE SURRENDER TO A MONSTER LIKE HIM?!"
"Because Luna, I saw two things that made me want to stop this fight
"And what did you see that made you jump in?!" she asked, still full of anger at her still cualm sister, which to Ryan's eyes it looked like he was looking at another Goku and Vegeta, ones calm minded, the other a prideful little shit.
Keeping her motherly figure she looked at her sister, "Simple, the first thing I saw was you were having your flank handed to you" she said as her sister blushed a bit out of embarrassment that they were seeing their ruler getting beaten up, "the second-" she paused to look at Ryan who was still standing in a fighting pose and still looking with a serious face, who she in turn smiled at, "I believe that we should hear your side of your story"
Hearing this Ryan dropped his pose but still kept his serious face on showing he wasn't going to let his guard down, "Finally, someone willing to actually listen here"
Hearing this she smiled more and turned around, with her hand she motian for him to follow her, "Come, I feel like we should have some proper introductions and hear your side of the story" she said as she then started to walk back to the hospital.
Her sister would be shocked the way her sister was taking this so lightly, she then looked at Ryan one final time giving him the stink eye before following her sister.
'Yeah that's right, keep walking bitch' Ryan said in his mind as he was watching the two horse lady's walking away.
He then started to walk over to where they were walking before then all the sudden he got a really high power level from his senses and scouter as he then quickly looked to the right where it was coming from and when he did...there was nothing, nothing.
As soon he looked in that direction the scouter went silent and he couldn't feel that high power anywhere, it completely vanished.
'What was that? I know for a fact I sense something' Ryan thought to himself before a while later he finally looked away from that spot to see a lot of those pony's waiting, he then continued to walk over to them still thinking about that power level he sensed. For now he would have to deal with this mess before dealing with that.
'I know I sense something....right?'
Somewhere in the mountains
Inside a cave in the dark of a mountain, a dark figure smiled as he then started to open a portal revealing a pair of red eyes as something was manifesting inside it as the dark figure made its way over to him before smiling at it.
"It seems I need to kick it up a notch to destroy this place since a Time Patroller is hear, this will be more fun hehe" |
A New World For A Time Patroller Hero | Chapter 7: Introductions | Once regaining focus and walking over to the hospital he would see they all went inside, so
seeing nothing else to do he followed and walked into the hospital. Once in he saw all of the ponies that came here and the two apples in the lobby, as well as the white and blue ponies he
saw earlier, with the blue one immediately noticing him and glaring at him, and Ryan giving
one right back at her.
Feeling the tension in the room everyone(besides Luna) would turn and see that Ryan walked
into the hospital, once everyone did Apple Bloom would run over to him with a confused look on
her face.
"Ryan! What's going on?! Why were you fighting Princess Luna? What's going-" just as Apple Bloom was about to continue, Ryan stopped her by putting a hand on her head stopping her from talking as he was looking at her.
"Apple Bloom, I think you should head back to the farm"
"W-What? Why?"
"Because this is going to be a conversation between adults, and besides, your gran and brother might be very worried about you right now." he said to her before giving her a big kind goofy smile, one he learned from a certain saiyan, "Don't worry about me, I'll be fine. Okay?" he asked her as she looked at him, before smiling too and nodding her head.
"Okay" Once she said that she ran out of the hospital and started to head back to the farm.
Once she left the hospital, Ryan's smile faded quickly before turning into a more serious look. looking back at the other ponies that were standing there a few feet in front of him. They continued to stare at each other for what felt like hours before Ryan's voice broke the silence between them.
"So, I'm assuming you all have questions?" he asked them, waiting for a response from them, where Celestia was the one to answer.
"Indeed we do, but before we do ask our questions," Celestia said as her horn glowed a bright yellow, that's when Ryan felt something cold around his wrists, and looking down he saw he was now in cuffs. "sorry, but we just need to be sure"
Seeing her friend now in cuffs, Applejack ran over to him and stood in front of him trying to defend him. "HEY! Why is he in cuffs?! he didn't do anything wrong!"
Hearing this from their friend, the others would be confused by this before Twilight spoke up.
"Applejack, we don't know that for sure. We got word of something like him attacking Ponyville."
"But that doesn't mean he did it!" she yelled at her friend, but before she could continue Ryan just put a hand on her shoulder, causing her to stop and look at him confused.
"It's okay AJ, I'm fine with this"
"What!? But you didn't-"
"I know, but right now they don't know that. The best thing for me to do is to just wait and go along with this. If I try to resist it would just make things worse, so for now just go with it, okay?" he asked her, trying to reassure her that everything was okay.
Seeing and hearing this from her friend she would let out a sigh before she nodded and just walked over to the side, letting Ryan look at the others again.
Seeing this Celestia softly smiled at this, "Well then, now that's over. I think introductions are in order"
"Yeah, I would like that," Ryan said, as he was now glad that everything was calm and he could talk.
"Good, now then, allow me to start off," she said before putting a hand on her huge chest, "My name is Princess Celestia, co-ruler of Equestria"
She said before standing tall and proud, holding both hands in front of her as she looked at Ryan. As she did this he immediately studied her, seeing her take on an authoritative yet calm and caring look, as he would have to guess she must have been doing this a long time to show authority yet be relaxed about it.
"And this is my sister, Princess Luna, she rules along with me"
She said as she moved her hand to motion to the blue alicorn to her left, Ryan would immediately analyze her like he did with Celestia as he would immediately see a difference. While Celestia had a calm and somewhat motherly aura around her, Luna stood proud held her hands behind her back, and took on a tough authoritative look.
'Hmm, interesting. Sisters, but Celestia seems to be more the calm and caring type of princess, while Luna seems to be a more strict and stern type of princess' Ryan thought to himself before putting his legs together and giving the princess's a bow of respect.
"It's a pleasure to meet you your Highnesses" He said, even though one of the said highnesses tried to send him to King Yemma, he still showed them respect. Once he gave them a bow he stood back up and looked at them, seeing that they were shocked that he would be so polite for a monster that attacked Ponyville.
As a minute or two passed, Twilight shook her head before stepping up to him and introducing herself, "Umm Well I'm Princess Twilight Sparkle, and these are my friends," she said before motioning her hand to her friends. Each one spoke up to introduce themselves, as the first one was the white unicorn girl.
"Hello darling, I'm Rarity, owner of the Carousel boutique and fashion. And speaking of fashion, I don't think rags is a good clothing darling" She would say as she looked at what Ryan was wearing, though, her comment made Twilight and Applejack roll their eyes at her, while Ryan just seemed confused.
Only for AJ to face palm before speaking up, "Seriously Rare? All you talk about is someponys clothes"
"What? I'm just saying, look how baggy they are" the white mare, now known as Rarity would say in defense.
"But these aren't rags though," Ryan would say as he chipped in, "this is my fighting Gi, it's meant to look baggy to help me move around in a fight" Ryan would explain as said explanation would make Rarity gasp a bit before tapping her chin.
"Huh, baggy enough to move around in" she would ponder to herself before Twilight would help speed things along.
"Anyways!" She would say, breaking Rarity's thoughts as she would laugh a bit embarrassed, before letting the others introduce themselves. Next was bright pink-
"Hiya!"
"Gah!"
Before he knew it, the pink pony would be in his face again so quickly, that it actually surprised him, as he stepped back a bit from both the shock and from her invading his personal space.
"Oops! Haha! Didn't mean to scare ya again silly! My name is Pinkamena Diane Pie! Or Pinkie Pie! Or just Pinkie!" She would say before putting on a bright smile that went from ear to ear with her, which also looked off-putting.
"Umm, Yeah, I believe you said that when you did the same thing when you first got here" Ryan would say as he stood back up straight again, regaining himself as he looked at the pink pony.
"*GASP!* You remembered that!? Oh gosh! That was back in chapter five! And where on seven!"
"I- Wait, What?" before he could even ask about what she said, AJ would tap Ryan on the shoulder before leaning over to whisper in his ear.
"Just go with it, it's just pinkie being pinkie"
Hearing that, he would look back at AJ to take in what she just said, before nodding and looking back to see Pinkie was now back with the others. With that out of the way, he saw the yellow butter pony look at him, before taking her pink main with a hand before using her hair to hide herself behind it. Looking at him and at the ground before looking back at him.
"Umm I-I'm F-Fluttershy" She would say in a shy and quite voice, granted anyone would have difficulty hearing her, but luckily Ryan had good enough hearing to catch the name, and the shyness in her voice.
"Umm right, Fluttershy. Look if you don't want to talk or anything, I won't force you too" After he said that everyone, minus Celestia and AJ, would seem surprised about this, Fluttershy more so.
"OH! Nononono I mean, if you want me to umm...th-thank you" She would say before going back to hiding behind her hair. As next to step out was the out pony, being a light pink color.
"I'm Starlight Glimmer, student of Twilight Sparkle" She would say with a bit of pride in her voice, as for a second, Ryan almost though he heard Vegeta speak out. Next would be the last one, though, he didn't look like a pony, but more like a lizered or a dragon...maybe a lizered.
"And I'm Spike the dragon!" He would say before puffing out his chest and pointing a thumb towards himself. Hearing his voice made it sound like he was kind of young, if being as tall to Ryans hips didn't give it away. But also hearing that he was a dragon kind of got Ryan's mind going, as the only dragons he knew were the Shenron, seeing one that wasn't them really shocked Ryan a bit.
After that, the purple pony, now known as Twilight, would step forward again before speaking, "And it already seems like you know AJ here"
"That I do" Ryan would respond as he looked at all the ponys and dragon that spoke.
Learning who was who quickly, the white one with fashion on the mind was Rarity, the hyperactive pink one was Pinkie Pie, the yellow shy one was Fluttershy, the unicorn with a purple mane with a teal streak in it was Starlight and finally the dragon seemed to be Spike. Now knowing the names he gave them a bow of respect too before introducing himself, "It's nice to meet you all, I'm Ryan"
Hearing his name, Twilight immediately raised an eyebrow and tilted her head, "Wait, just Ryan?"
"Well if you want me to be formal about it, it's Son Ryan or Ryan-san"
Hearing his name like that made all the ponys and dragon raise an eyebrow at his named, kind of finding it a bit odd.
"Oh come on! After hearing all your names, I don't think any of you have room to judge" He would say, making some rub the back of their heads and a few smiling sheepishly from it too, they won't lie, he had a bit of a point.
After that Celestia was the one to bring the attention back to the topic on hand, "*Ahem*, anyway, Applejack. You said that mister Ryan here-"
"Just Ryan is fine your highness" Ryan would say, cutting her off in her sentence.
"Of course, Ryan. As I was saying Applejack, you said that Ryan here isn't the monster that attacked Ponyville, correct?"
"Yes, your highness! Ryan here was helping me out on the farm, and he went to fight the monster that was attacking Ponyville, you have my word that I'm telling the truth" hearing that Celestia would then smile softly before looking to Ryan, looking at him in the eyes as he did too.
Suddenly the whole world around them disappeared, both standing in the void as they both studied each other's soul and heart. As if an hour passed, when it was just a few minutes, came back to reality before the sun princess smiled softly, and looked over to the farm pony, "I believe you Applejack," she said before she used her magic to make the cuffs around Ryan's hands disappear.
Seeing this the other ponys, besides Applejack, would go wide-eyed in shock before Luna turned to her sister in anger, "SISTER! You CAN'T be serious! You're just going to believe them just like that?!" she asked in frustration, however, Celestia calmly move her head to look at her sister with that same smile before answering her.
"Luna, when you tried to destroy the "monster" you almost hit the hospital, and he was very concern about that," she said making Luna flinch a bit as she remembered that she did almost hit the hospital.
"And while we're on the subject about the hospital, we saw him walk out of the building, but look around you," she said before she motioned with her hand to have her sister and the others look at the building, "the building and everypony in it is all okay"
"I-I...W-Well, I guess that is true"
"Umm d-don't forget he kept trying to try and talk with us and not fight" the shy soft spoken Fluttershy said, bring everyone attention on her before Celestia nodded her head at her.
"That is correct dear Fluttershy, so sister? Can a cruel and heartless monster, have a heart and care for the well-being of others? And not only that, but who are we to doubt the Emelemt of Truth?" she asked her sister, making not just Luna, but the other ponys and dragon go wide eyed a bit, besides Ryan, AJ and Celestia of course.
After hearing that Luna would realize her mistake as she looked over at Ryan, then to Applejack, and then back at Ryan.
"I-I see," she said before she then walked over to Ryan and held her hands in front of her, and hung her head low before she spoke to him, "We are sorry for thinking you were the one who attacked Ponyville, please forgive my misjudgment" she said as she knew that he probably wasn't going to but at least she said sorry.
"Eh, don't worry about it, wouldn't be the first time a lady tried to kill me if I'm being honest," he said before putting his hands on the back of his head and smiling a bit, and just being relaxed about the situation. Shocking Luna a bit as he forgave her so easily.
"R-Really?"
"Of course, there's Bulma who just scares me for good reason, there's Chronoa-"
"What? No, I mean the forgiving part. You really forgive me that easily?"
"Oh, Yeah, of course I do"
"B-But-"
"Look, I get it, you were just worried for your subjects is all, no harm done...well, poor choice of words, but you get what I mean" He would say as he put his hands back in front of him again, still wearing that smile on his face, as for some reason, it just made Luna want to smile back too.
"That We do, thank you" She would say before going back over to her sisters side.
"No problem" he would say before looking back at Celestia, "Now that we know I'm not the bad guy, you mind?" He would as before holding up his hands and showing the cuffs on his hands.
Doing so made Celestia giggle a bit before nodding, with a glow of her horn and a wave of her hand, the cuffs disappeared from sight in a flash.
"Thanks" He would say before rotating his wrists a bit from how tight the cuffs were.
As he did, Twilight would look around the hospital a bit before looking at Applejack, "AJ, where's Rainbow Dash?" She would ask her friend, getting the attention of her other friends, princess's and Ryan. Looking at Twilight before at AppleJack.
Hearing the name Rainbow Dash made Ryan look away, to let AJ explain to them the story, as he knew already from being friends with Applejack for such a smile time, he could tell this one was going to hurt her a bit to tell. As seeing Ryan look away and Applejack taking a hand to grab the tip of her hat, before pulling it down to hide her face, was already not a good sign to them.
"*Sigh* I won't lie to y'all but, Rainbow...poor gal isn't looking to good right now" hearing Applejack say that, already made her friends go more wide eyed, with Fluttershy slowly going into tears. Letting what she said sink in for a bit before Spike broke the silence, "W-What happened?"
Hearing that question, AJ would look up a bit to look her friends in the eyes as she spoke, "It ain't purty everypony, after Ryan here went to take down the monster that was destroying Ponyvile, I went around trying to help out anypony I can, till I suddenly found Rainbow, laying under a pile of rubble" Just saying that made a few of the group gasp from hearing Applejacks story.
"Poor gal was out cold, by the time I got her out of there, RD didn't look to good. She had bruises and some pretty bad scars"
"Sounds like she tried to fight Turles" Ryan would chime in as he looked over at Applejack.
Hearing what Ryan said, Celestia would try and get an answer out of what he said, "You knew the name of the monster?"
"Yeah, but questions for later, for now, let AJ speak" hearing this Celestia would simply nod before both gave Applejack their attention again.
Having the floor yet again, Applejack would continue, "After I got her up, I immediately rushed her to the hospital, after she was checked in, and few moments of waiting, the doc gave me the new," she would say as her friends waited on beated breath on what she was about to say next, "Doc told me she was pretty banged up, but after a while in the hospital, she would be fine." hearing that made of her friends let out a sigh of relief from hearing that.
"Don't get your hopes up" Ryan would say, getting the others attention, "She may just said she'll be fine" he would say, before looking over at Applejack with a solom face, understanding the pain behind the plan face AJ was trying to hold up, "But there's a "But" coming, isn't there?" after asking that, the others would look at AJ again, and all they needed was to see Aj hide her face behind her hat, to already tell this wasn't good.
"...But, the doc said that they tried all types of healing magic on her, though, not even time in the hospital would help her, as her wings were so badly damage to the point...that RD won't EVER fly again" she would say, as her voice chocked up a bit at that last part.
As Ryan would see the other start to tear up, Fluttershy and Pinkie already sniffling and crying a bit, while seeing the sisters hung their heads low with a sad face to the triable news. Letting what they heard sink in, Ryan would then break the silence.
"You should all go see her, at a time like this, it's best to have you guys by her side for this"
Hearing this, AJ would look up at Ryan before nodding at what he said, as she sniffled a bit before pulling her hat back up again.
"Yar right partner, come on ya'll, shes down the hallway" AJ would say before leading the way to Rainbows room, followed behind Ryan, then Twilight, then the others.
Soon, everyone would be following AJ close behind before coming up to the door to the room, Ryan would move up ahead to help get the door for them, already feeling the sadness in the air from the ponys and dragon, as he would take the handle of the door and slowly opened it, going in a bit to hold the door open for them.
"Here, I got the-" Not being able to finish his sentence, immediately he would act on instinct, as he would dodge on his right, before a blue blur went past his head and out the door, shocking everyone before Ryan turned to see a blue pegasus pony with a rainbow main and tail. "W-What the-"
"Round two monster!" She would say before standing up and using her wings to hover in the air, ready to charge him again.
"What- Oh come on! We just got through this!" Ryan would say as he got into a battle stance.
"Yeah! And I'm about to go through you!" She would say before she started to fly towards him again, only to be stopped by Applejack grabbing her tail and pulling her back.
"Whoa! WHOA! Easy there girl!" AJ would say as she pulled her friend back to the ground, as Ryan would stand back up straight as everyone would look in shock.
Before the blue pegasus could say anything, AJ would immediately give her a tight hug, almost on the verge of tears.
"Wh-What the? AJ whats going on?" She would ask her friend before Applejack would simply pull away, wiping any tears from her eyes as she looked her friend in the eyes.
"Heh, we have some explaining to tell yah hehe"
"Umm, yeah, before you do," the two would hear from Ryan as they looked over to see him holding his hand in front of his eyes, and his head looking away, "you mind putting her hospital gown back on?" he would ask as AJ and RD would also see the other ponys looking away, while Fluttershy was covering spikes eyes.
As the two would look down to see that was fully naked, making the two blush a bit before stepping away from each other as AJ covered her eyes with her hat, and Rainbow doing what she could to cover herself up.
"Umm yeah, thats probably a good idea" Applejack would say as the two blushed more in embarrassment, before Rainbow immediately flew past Ryan in a blur to get her gown. |
Seven Saviors | pre | "Right," Lightning chuckled. "Talk to you all later."
With that, the chat windows blinked out of existence until only Lyra and Lightning's windows were the only ones active. Lightning was about to deactivate hers but stopped when Lyra let out a shout.
"Hey, think maybe you and Sunset can stop by my place tomorrow after school?"
Lightning blinked, then said "I don't know. It all depends on her. Why?"
"Well," Lyra giggled awkwardly. "Since she's going to be a part of our group and all, I thought we could have a little fun for a while. You know, help her get her mind off things for a while."
Lightning thought about it for a moment, then said, "I'll try, but I make absolutely no promises."
"That's fine," Lyra smiled with a sigh.
"Hey," Lighting snapped. "Don't get all mopey on me. I said I'd see what I can do. Just promise me that if she says yes that you'll dial back your craziness a bit. The girl's been through enough as it is!"
"I'll try," Lyra smiled.
"I guess thats all I can ask," she groaned. "Anyway, see ya when I see ya."
"Yeah!"
With that, the two logged out at almost the same time. As Lightning closed her laptop, she couldn't help but glance at her sleeping guest. Even knowing her situation, it disturbed her how quickly Sunset accepted her current arrangement. While the one bedroom apartment her Grandfather payed for wasn't the greatest place in the world, she kept it in pretty good shape. The place was in a relatively safe neighborhood as well, with the only real crime being the occasional shoplifter or lawn thief. Though if one were to compare her simple home to Derpy's, she was practically living in a slum. But Sunset treated the place like it was a sacred temple and the faux leather sofa like the softest feather bed in the world. The second Lightning gave her a blanket, Sunset looked like she was in heaven until she finally fell asleep watching TV. It broke her heart to see how such simple luxuries seemed like precious gold to her friend. That all should've been things she was supposed to take for granted. But to Sunset, they were sacred treasures that she had to enjoy while she could. With a sad smile, she placed a hand on her sleeping friend's shoulder.
One way or another, she was going to help her get through this. ***
"WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?!"
Scootaloo cringed away from her phone as Sweetie's voice blasted out of it.
"I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" she whined as the ringing in her ears started to fade.
"YOUR SORRY?! YOU THINK THAT'S GOING TO MAKE THINGS BETTER?!"
Scootaloo groaned as she set her phone to speaker mode to spare her ears. She saw this coming when she posted the video, but that did little to prepare her for Sweetie Belle's verbal assault.
"Yah really dug a hole this time," Applebloom sighed through the phone.
"What did ya expect me to do!" she exclaimed. "She hit Rainbow Dash!"
Two sighs could be heard from the two lines. While they couldn't really blame their friend, it didn't make their decision any easier.
"Look Scoots," Applebloom sighed. "We get why you did it. Heck! If something like that happened to AJ, I'd probably do the same thing if I got the chance. But we can't afford to be reckless with the account anymore."
"So," Sweetie continued. "As of right now, we're changing the account's password."
"What?!" Scootaloo yelled, jumping to her feet.
"We can't trust ya with access to the account anymore," Applebloom said, tone somber. "With Meme Queen running around, every move we make with it could be life or death for us."
For a moment, the sporty girl was a silent torrent of emotions. Anger, shock, sadness, and many more feelings whirled through her core as she struggled to accept what her friends had told her. Eventually, she took a deep breath to calm the storm inside her until a strange mix of sadness and resolve took its place.
"Okay," she sighed, tone hollow. "I get it."
"It's not a total cut-off," Sweetie amended as she picked up on her friend's tone. "You'll just have to let us know when stuff like this happens."
"Yeah, sure," Scootaloo sighed. "Anyway, can we talk about this tomorrow? It's getting kind'a late."
"Yeah, ah think we can do that," Applebloom yawned. "Might be easier ta' figure out what all that was about after a bit of shut-eye."
Sweetie let out an affirmative grunt from her end.
"Yeah, night Scootaloo, Applebloom."
"G'night."
"See ya."
With that, the phone let out a soft click, signaling the end of the call. With a groan, Scootaloo picked up her phone off of her bed, hooked it up to its charger on her bedside desk, then tuned off the light. As she walked back to her bed, her body felt like a bolder was dropped on her back. All of the stress from the whole ordeal today really weighed on her. But what really added to her anxieties was what she witnessed in the locker rooms. She could see it in her mentor's eyes, hear it in her voice; she wanted to hurt Sunset.
The memories of what happened today sent a chill down her spine. As such, only one thought crossed her mind as she threw herself on the bed.
Hopefully, Lightning Dust can keep her safe.
And with that, Scootaloo's mind faded into the land of dreams. ***
Sunset navigated the school hallways with a little more pep in her step than she had in days. While this was partially due to getting a full nights sleep in an actual warm bed for the second time in a row, the bulk of her joy came from the green girl walking at her side. After she was abandoned by her former friends, Sunset had accepted the hand fate had dealt her and let herself fall back into a life of loneliness. That was, until she was pushed to her breaking point and added a new regret to the long list she already had in her mind. But now she had Lightning Dust at her side, a friend that was willing to put her reputation, and maybe even more, on the line just to keep her safe. While she hoped that it wouldn't be tested, Sunset was more than happy to have such a loyal friend in her life.
"So," Lightning sighed as she threw an arm across Sunset's shoulders. "Where's your next class?"
"Just up ahead," Sunset smiled.
"No. I mean the next class," she sighed, giving a staring student a death glare. "The only class we share is third period History. Need to make sure you get to the other ones safely."
It unnerved her a little how serious Lightning was taking her new role as her open protector, but after she got the whole story about what happened with Rainbow in the girl's locker room, it was greatly appreciated. To say Sunset was shocked was an understatement, though it did make one thing crystal clear; they were not friends anymore. In fact, they probably never were friends to begin with. And they never would be.
"Room 204," Sunset whispered.
Lightning winced.
"Miss Harshwhinny? Wow, that sucks."
Sunset giggled.
"Oh come on, she's not that bad."
"She teaches Honers Physics and gives enough homework to build a house bigger than my apartment," Lightning deadpanned. "Hence the nickname 'Math Devil'".
"She's always been nice to me," Sunset shrugged.
"Only cuz you eat math for breakfast with a mug of genius each morning," she smirked.
"Whatever," Sunset smiled.
As she closed in on her first period class, she couldn't help but marvel at how good it felt to laugh again. Just the simple act of interacting with another living being just seemed to fill her with new life in these trying times. Even while she felt like she was under constant observation by her fellow students, just these small moments gave her a small semblance of normalcy that she thought Anon-a-Miss took from her. It was a breath of fresh air that she desperately needed to heal.
As she was about to step into her first class, Lightning tapped her on the shoulder.
"Hey, so, what do you think about Lyra's offer?" she whispered.
Sunset frowned.
"Tell her... I'll think about it."
Lightning nodded with an understanding smile and headed off to her own class. All the while, the fiery haired teen mulled over the mint colored girl's offer. Carefully, she weighed the pros and cons such a proposal presented to her and wondered if it was really even worth the few risks she could find as she texted her class schedule to Lightning. ***
What do you mean you're canceling your gigs with me?! Pinkie typed, hands shaking as they clutched her phone.
About an hour after she came home form the roughest school day she had in years she received a message from her favorite DJ informing her that she no longer wanted to work with her.
Her phone vibrated and Pinkie gawked as she stared at her phone.
Just that. I don't want to have anything to do with you're parties. I think Cheese could give me a WAY less toxic rep than you.
Struggling to find the words needed to describe what she was feeling, Pinkie frantically typed a response, desperate to find a way to salvage this situation. While Pinkie's parties were massively popular she knew that a large percentage of their appeal came from Vinyl's reputation. The young DJ could turn a great party into a fantastic one with her wild beats and amazing charisma. The second she got her hands on a turn table, it was as if she filled the room with magic and you couldn't help but let it take you away form all of your problems.
Is it because of what Sunset's posted lately? Don't worry! I'm sure Meme Queen can bust her and that big meanie pants can get what she deserves!
She waited a few minutes and was shocked when instead of a text, she got a call. With a relieved sigh, she accepted the call and put the phone up to her ear.
"Yeah?"
"Listen," Vinyl growled. "If you say anything like that to me again, I swear I'll PUNCH YOUR FACE IN THE NEXT TIME I SEE YOU!!! DO YOU HEAR ME?!"
Pinkie flinched away when Vinyl's voice roared out of her phone's speaker.
"Y-Yes," she squeaked. "B-But I-"
"Good!" Vinyl snapped. "Now do me a favor and FUCK OFF!"
With that, the call ended leaving a silent room with a trembling Pinkie Pie standing in the center. It took everything she had not to breakdown in tears. ***
"Excuse me?!" Rarity exclaimed, voice echoing through the now empty boutique.
"Did you not hear me?" Octavia asked, tone neutral and arms crossed. "I would like to cancel all of my orders."
Rarity shook off her shock then immediately shifted to damage control. Of all of her clients, The Melodies were her biggest and most influential of them all. Not even The Riches could hold a candle to the prestige Octavia's family could give Rarity's business. In addition, the girl was one of the few clients the budding fashion designer had formed a kind of bond with. Not quite a friendship, but she was very hopeful that with enough time that would change.
"I see," she said, anxiety hidden behind a polite smile. "Any particular reason?"
Octavia's calm mask cracked slightly as a trace of a glare bore into Rarity.
"Does a lady need a reason, or is a simple change of heart not good enough?"
Rarity flinched at the barely contained rage in her client's features and venomous tone. While she knew the girl was capable of it, she had never seen Octavia angry before. Something that she considered a blessing as she took in her soon to be former client's visibly restrained display.
"O-Of course," she said, a nervous chuckle slipping pass her lips. "I was merely curious."
Octavia sighed and with slightly less aggression held in her features said, "To be honest, recent events have lead me to question the character of this establishment. As such love, I feel it is for the best that I sever such a questionable tie from my family's name. I'm sure you understand dear. It's nothing personal, I am simply doing what I think is best for my lineage."
Every word that left Octavia's mouth was like a dagger to the heart to the now stunned designer. While a small part of her was relived that no apparent malice guided the musician's actions, it still crushed her to hear that her name had been damaged to such a degree that it would've caused harm to Octavia's social standing by mere association. Trembling slightly, Rarity struggled to find her voice as she tried to continue the conversation.
"Y-Yes darling, completely understandable. But if I'd be so bold, where will you be sending your business if not with me and my family?"
"Hard to say," Octavia sighed. "It will take some time to find someone with your skills, but I think I can manage. I have heard rumors of a talented seamstress in Canterlot City's southern district. I believe she went by Polomare or something to that effect. Anyway, have a good day Rarity. Hopefully the next time we meet it will be under better circumstances."
With that, she turned and exited the building, leaving a stunned Rarity to fall to her knees as all the strength seemed to drain out of them. ***
Sweetie Drops was one of the biggest candy shops in the city. Unlike most shops like it, all of the products are hand made by the owner and her family using methods and recipes passed town from generations of confectioners. In many ways, this made it the candy equivalent of the Apple family. A fact that lead to the two forming a kind of alliance of sorts where one would supply ingredients to the other in exchange for advertising and distribution. It was for this precise reason that the atmosphere in the titular candy store was so tense as the heiresses of the two families clashed.
"What the sam hill are ya talking about!?" Applejack gaped. "Our apples are just as good as they've always bin!"
Bonbon raised a brow at the apple farmer.
"Really, then mom and I must be pretty stupid, cuz they taste way too bitter for us to use to make our caramel apples. In fact I think most of them are too rotten for us to use for much of anything."
"B-But what do you expect us to ta to with ten crates of sold apples? They ain't something we can just resell!" Applejack exclaimed desperate.
Bonbon shrugged from her position behind the cashier's counter.
"Beats me. Maybe you can use them all for fertilizer. Honestly, I could care less. Regardless, Sweetie Drops prides itself on making the best quality candy in the city and we can't do that with subpar ingredients. That said, you have ten days to pick up the crates before we make arrangements to have them disposed of. We will also be expecting a full refund for all apples not used as part of our family's agreement in regards to customer satisfaction no more than a day after the removal of the defective product. We also will not be accepting anymore products from Sweet Apple Acres until you can prove to us that you can provide us with quality ingredients again."
Applejack was floored. Granted, this wasn't the first time someone talked ill of her family's main crop, but for one bad bushel of apples to do this much damage to such a loyal business partnership was a huge pill to swallow. Desperate, she racked her brain to find a way to turn this around. While they had Barnyard Bargains as a powerful business ally, Sweetie Drops helped bring attention to the farms baked goods and more experimental ventures such as their apple jam. But now, not only did the farm stand to lose its biggest form of advertising, they now owed said sponsor a considerable amount of money.
"T-There's nothing ah can say that can change this, is there?" Applejack asked, fear gripping her heart.
"No," Bonbon said, tone as cold as ice and face equally readable. "There isn't."
With that, Applejack slumped her shoulders in defeat then said, "Ah get it. Ah'll send word to the farm and make the arrangements to get the apples out of here. No point lettin' them go to waste, right?"
"Right," Bonbon said, giving the cowgirl a sympathetic smile. "And thanks for being such a good sport about this whole thing."
Applejack nodded and with the shadow of her hat hiding her face, turned and left the store. As soon as she left, Bonbon's smile turned into a triumphant smirk as she stepped away from the counter and into the store's back room. There, she found her mother standing not too far from the door dividing the two sections of the store, a big grin plastered across her face. The two looked almost identical with the only main differences between them being the obvious age gap and that while Bonbon had a more beige tone to her skin, her mother was more of a light gray with spirals of white decorating her pink and blue curls.
As Bonbon got close to her she asked, "You enjoyed that, didn't you?"
Bonbon's grin grew slightly.
"More than you know."
Sweetie Drops' smile rivaled her daughter's as she threw her arms around her in a proud hug and said, "Let Sunset know that the next time she comes here, there's a bag of sweets waiting for her."
Bonbon smiled and said, "I will mom. I will." ***
"I can't believe I'm doing this," Sunset sighed from the passenger seat.
"Aw c'mon, it won't be that bad," Lightning chuckled as she drove through the busy city streets. "Lyra's a pretty cool girl once you get to know her."
Sunset let out a sigh as she stared out the passenger window. After she gave it some thought, she decided that it wouldn't be so bad to at least try to be friends with the rest of Derpy's group. And when she considered how well things turned out with Lightning Dust, she didn't see the harm in giving Lyra a chance. It also brought Bonbon's proposal to mind, but she decided to shelve her thoughts on that matter for another day. For now, she had to deal with a mint green girl who wanted to "Prove the existence of the fantastical." Assuming she didn't turn into some lab experiment, this could be a very interesting day.
"If you say so," Sunset groaned. "But if she does anything weird to me, I can't be held responsible for what happens."
"Deal," Lightning smirked.
After a few minutes of silence, the two pulled into the driveway of a two-story condo. Standing by the door to greet them was none other then the infamous Lyra herself, a shy smile decorating her face. The second Lightning killed the engine, the two girls stepped out of the vehicle and stepped towards their hostess.
"Hey Ly," Lightning smiled as she approached the girl.
Lyra frowned.
"You know I hate it when you call me that."
"Yep," she said, smile turning slightly sinister. "Your point?"
Lyra shrugged, her own confident smirk creeping across her face.
"None really. Though I could always let Sunset know your team nickname if you want."
"I'll-be-good!" she said stiffly, body turned tense.
The sound of someone clearing their throat snapped the two girls out of their verbal sparing match and reminded them of why they were here in the first place.
"Right," Lyra laughed awkwardly. "Shall we?"
With that, she held open the door for her two guests as they stepped pass her into the house. Lyra's house was surprisingly plain for someone so eccentric. Simple white walls and the standard furnishings one would normally find in a house. It was such a drastic difference from her host that Sunset couldn't help but feel a little unnerved. When they got to Lyra's room, Sunset felt a little more at ease. The door was painted white like all the others she saw, but it was decorated with posters and stickers of various mystical creatures. Some of them were easily recognizable to Sunset as dragons and griffins while others were a little more obscure and bizarre.
Lyra turned towards her two guests with an sheepish smile and said, "Sorry if the place is a little messy. I didn't really give myself a chance to clean up."
With that, she opened the door. What caught Sunset's attention was the sheer volume of fantasy world paraphernalia that filled the room. Posters of all kinds of strange creatures covered the walls to such a degree that Sunset had to actively try to find a gap to see the white paint. In addition to a bed and dresser, three bookshelves loaded with various figurines and tall stacks of what looked like cards lined the far wall opposite the door. A coffee table stood about two feet away from the bed with a dragon-covered table cloth decorating it. HIdden away in a corner of the room hung a twenty inch flatscreen TV with no less then three game consuls hooked up to it from below.
The three girls walked in and took a seat at the coffee table on the floor. Lyra seemed a little anxious while Lightning's body language told anyone who payed any attention she was quickly starting to grow bored. Sunset, meanwhile, was taking in her new surroundings with growing intrigue as she took note of each of the exotic creatures on display around her.
"So Ly, what's on the schedule tonight?"
"Well," Lyra nervously giggled. "To be honest, I didn't think I'd get this far, so I thought I'd just wing it and see how things go."
Lightning groaned.
"Really Ly? I mean, yeah I'm okay with hanging out and stuff, but I don't know if Sunset's cool with just sitting around all night, right Sunset?"
When she didn't get a response, she looked and spotted the girl in question not sitting next to her but instead standing in front of one of Lyra's bookshelves.
"You okay there Sunset?" Lightning asked, making the girl flinch.
"Yeah, I'm fine," she said, setting something back on the shelf.
This didn't go unnoticed by the mint teen, and a small grin decorated her face.
"Their called Magic cards by the way."
Sunset stared at her, brow rased in confusion.
"The cards you were checking out just now."
"Oh," Sunset said, a trace of interest in her tone.
"If you want, I could teach you how to play."
"Are you kidding me," Lightning groaned. "I remember the last time you tried to teach me to play. It took forever to build a deck let alone play the damn game."
"That's just cuz you didn't get the rules," Lyra huffed. "Besides, I have a few pre-made decks just incase something like this happens. So what do ya say Sunset?"
After a moment of thought, she decided to give it a shot. If nothing else, the artwork on the cards looked interesting and it wouldn't hurt to at least try her host's hobby.
"Sure, why not?"
Lyra practically glowed with joy as she jumped to her feet while Lightning sighed in defeat.
This was going to be a long night, she thought as she pulled out her phone.
With a few light skips, Lyra made it to her closet and slid the door open to reveal a clear plastic dresser. She quickly pulled one of its shelves open to reveal dozens of multicolored rectangular boxes about the size of a soda can. Frantically, she trailed a finger across them all the while muttering, "Where is it? Where is it? I know its in here somewhere."
After a few minutes, she let out a happy, "Ah hah!" and pulled out two of the small containers, one purple and the other white.
"Alright! lets get to the table and we can get this thing started," she cheered.
Once they got to the table, Lyra explained the rules of the game and how to use the cards. Once Sunset assured her that she understood, the game was on. At first, nothing really spectacular happened as the two players slowly set their fields with land cards, but as soon as Sunset summoned her first wizard, things took off. It wasn't long after that that Lyra summoned her first knight and then the two girls began performing combos to get an edge over each other. Both made this an incredibly close match with Lyra's knights and solders fighting as a unit and Sunset's wizards holding a strong presence on the field and granting her more spell utility. The match was so close, even Lightning was pulled away from her phone with baited breath as she watched the proverbial tug-o-war that the game had turned into. Eventually, the two players were down to the last sliver of their life, with Sunset holding onto a measly 2 life while Lyra held 6.
"Looks like this is the end," Lyra smiled as she looked at her as she eyed her solitary creature. "I send my Pegasus Courser to attack you. And since none of your creatures can fly, you can't block me. Plus, I activate Adamant Will to turn him into a 3/5 with Indestructible. Game over!"
"Not quite," Sunset smirked as she tapped four of her own land cards. "I cast Blink of an Eye. Pegasus Courser goes back to your hand and since I payed the kicker cost, I get a free draw."
Lyra gawked at her opponent as she took in what happened, then returned her card to her had as Sunset drew from the top of her deck.
"Nice," Lyra smirked then tapped her remaining land to resummon her Pegasus Courser. "That's all I've got this turn, all yours."
"Thanks," Sunset smirked, as she drew a card from her deck. "Now its really time to end this."
Lyra raised a brow at that.
"Uh, Sunset, none of your creatures are strong enough to kill me this turn, even if I don't block with PC."
"Who said I was going to attack?"
With that said, she tapped all of her remaining land and with the biggest smile ever slapped a card onto the table.
"I cast Fight With Fire, and since I payed the kicker cost, I can deal ten damage distributed as I want among any targets on the board. I win!"
The room was silent as everyone processed what happened. Then, a light snicker filled the air and in a matter of seconds Lyra fell into a massive laughing fit as she fell onto her back.
"T-That was the greatest match I've had in a long time," she said, pulling herself back into a sitting position and wiping happy tears from her eyes. "You sure you've never played before? You're a freaking natural!"
"Thanks," Sunset smiled, a laugh slipping past her lips. "That was a lot of fun Lyra. I don't think I've ever played anything so intense before."
"No kidding," she said, her smile suddenly more sad. "I really owe a lot to this game."
"Huh?"
"Uh, don't worry about it," Lyra blushed a slightly forced smile replacing her glum one as she turned toward Lightning.
"Hey, what time is it?"
Lightning looked at her phone and her jaw dropped.
"Shit! It's already seven-thirty! We need to go or Derpy's gonna kill me!"
Quickly, the two girls scrambled to get all their cards together to put them back into their respective deck boxes, but when Sunset handed hers back to Lyra, she shook her head and pushed it back towards the fiery haired teen.
"Keep them," she smiled.
"But-"
"I can always build another one if I ever get the urge and besides, I built it with you in mind to begin with. Think of it as an early Christmas gift from one Planeswalker to another."
Speechless, Sunset took the small purple deck box, and help it in a gentle embrace, happy tears leaking down her cheeks.
"Thanks Lyra."
"No prob, Sunset" she smirked. ***
A soft clicking filled the air as a lone teen sat, her computer the only source of light in the dark room. In its light her yellow skin and pink hair showed her stress as her teal eyes scanned the screen before her.. Sitting open on her desk by her keyboard was an almost ignored faux leather bound journal filled with entries written with two different styles of penmanship.
"Don't worry Sunset," Fluttershy muttered to herself as she examined yet another old post. "I'll prove to everyone that you're not behind this. I swear." |
Seven Saviors | Ch.6 The Seventh Savior | The halls of Canterlot High were silent as a tomb, the sun just barely rising past the horizon. Aside from the Janitorial staff, only a small handful of people were dedicated or insane enough to come to work at such an unholy hour. Principle Celestia and Vice Principle Luna were two such individuals, though to say they had been sleeping lately would be the biggest lie ever told. The two worked tirelessly to deal with the new plague that had infested their school, but every time they seemed to be making any progress, a new rumor or update to that accursed blog would drop them all the way back to square one. Contacting the people running the sight didn't do any good, as they weren't able to act unless something illegal was posted. As it turned out, spreading small rumors wasn't bad enough for them to get involved, no matter how much they personally wanted to. Until then, it was all up to the two of them to keep the school from tearing itself apart. In addition, Blueblood was doing everything he could to work the courts in their favor, but the progress was slow going.
I just don't know what went wrong, Celestia thought with a long sigh as she stared at her computer's monitor. In less than a week, the whole school has become a war zone! How could one blogger cause so much damage?
A knock at the door dragged Celestia's attention away from her computer.
"Come in," she sighed wearily.
The door opened and when she saw who walked in, all the blood in her veins turned to ice. Standing before her was a towering man in a light-grey suit that added an extra layer of definition to his pale-blue skin and eyes. His short white hair was styled into a manner that could only be described as professional. The man's cold expression hid his impressions of his surroundings behind a mask of indifferent professionalism as he stared at the scared Principal.
"Good morning Principal Celestia," the man said as he stepped closer to her desk.
"G-Good morning, Windago Slate," she said, throat suddenly dry. "To what do I owe this visit."
"Business I'm afraid," he sighed as he reached into his suit pocket.
In one fluid motion, he drew a small folded piece of paper and placed it onto the desk. Celestia stared at the folded paper as if it was a coiled cobra. Windago Slate is an investigator for counseling cases that his sister took on. His job was simple; confirm if his sister's client was in her line of work's main focus, and just how bad their condition was. While this was a noble venture between the siblings, there was a single fact that made the Principal uneasy. They focused on cases centered around failed suicide attempts. The last time she received a visit from the aged man before her, she was informed of her sister's failed attempt. Those were the most heart-wrenching three years of her life. She helped Luna heal and while they were now closer, it was still something that never should've happened. Now, it would seem, that time had repeated itself. But instead of her beloved sister, another poor soul had tried to end their life.
With trembling hands, she took the paper and unfolded it. As she read the words printed across it, her fear shifted to confusion.
"You want access to the student records room?"
He nodded.
"My sister's newest client is a student of this school. Normally, I would investigate more open networks of information, but for some reason, no such information exists. It is as if she simply emerged from the aether."
Celestia's heart sank at that. A theory formed as to who Windago may have been investigating, but she refused to acknowledge it until she had more information.
"I see. Any idea who she might be?"
Windago's eyes narrowed slightly as he responded with a cold "No. The client requested that they remained unknown to anyone not related to the case."
"I understand," Celestia sighed. "I hope your sister's client will have a speedy recovery."
"Likewise," he intoned, a faint trace of a smile decorating his ancient features. "Good day Principal."
With that, he turned to leave, but just as his hand touched the doorknob, the Principal said something that made him pause.
"Please help Sunset recover."
After a brief pause, he glanced over his shoulder and answered, "I don't know any 'Sunset', but if she ever makes it to my sister's office, we will do everything we can to help her."
With that, the man made his exit, the empty hallways echoing with his steps as he went on his way. ***
"So," Scootaloo whispered as she kept an eye out for eavesdroppers. "Have you found out anything yet?"
"No," Sweetie Belle sighed as she skimmed through her phone. "None of the leads I found were close to the kind of things Meme Queen can do."
Applebloom let out a frustrated groan as she glanced at the empty classroom. The three decided to meet-up for class early to compare information. Unfortunately, there wasn't very much to discuss. The only thing they managed to determine was that Meme Queen wasn't someone from the Elementary Department or any of the Computer Clubs. This was thanks to Sweetie Belle's own hacking skills and Scootaloo's careful observation of the students in the club rooms. Meanwhile, Applebloom investigated Lightning Dust as a possible lead, but turned up nothing beyond the fact that she was completely convinced that Sunset was innocent.
"Ya'll think maybe Lightning's the one after all?" Applebloom said as she laid her head down on her desk.
"Not likely," Sweetie sighed as she set her phone down on her desk. "Lightning Dust isn't all that good with computers, right Scootaloo?"
Scootaloo nodded.
"Yeah. Before all this started, I remember Rainbow saying something about how Lightning needed her help just to change her phone's wallpaper. There's no way she's Meme Queen."
"That's good ta' hear," Applebloom sighed as she sat back in her seat. "Given her reputation, I'd hate to see what she'd do to us if she was!"
The three girls trembled, as rumors and pictures of Lightning's infamous fights came to mind. One especially brutal fight from the girl's Junior High years came to mind. Even now, Gilda walked with a limp, even though her legs were completely fine. A scar the retired bully would have to live with for the rest of her life. Of course, Gilda's parents tried to go to court, but given their daughter's reputation and all the evidence that favored Lightning's case as self-defense, the sporty girl got off with community service while Gilda was given a chance to rethink her life. It also didn't hurt that the former bully was given mandatory counseling sessions as an alternative to going to a Juvenal Detention Facility.
"Hey, I heard there was some mess down at Sweetie Drops yesterday," Scootaloo said, eyeing Applebloom. "Are things okay?"
Applebloom flinched, then responded with a nod.
"Apparently Miss Drops wasn't happy with her shipment o' apples this month and demanded a refund. Somethin' about how they didn't taste right. Ah heard she had her daughter give AJ the bad news. She was even gonna go so far as ta' sever ties with our farm for a while."
Sweetie and Scootaloo gasped.
"She wanted to break away from the Apple Family!?" Sweetie exclaimed.
Applebloom shook her head.
"Nah, just Sweet Apple Acres. Luckily, Granny was able to work something out with Miss Drops and she'd only get a refund for the crates that hadn't been opened while the rest 'll be used for mulch. She also agreed to lift the boycott once February comes around, but only if Big Mac or anyone other then AJ makes the delivery."
"Well, that's weird," Scootaloo frowned. "What's Miss Drops got against Applejack?"
Applebloom shrugged.
"You think that's bad?" Sweetie sighed." Yesterday, my big sis lost her biggest client."
"How'd she manage that?" Applebloom asked.
"No one knows! She just walked in yesterday and decided to cancel all her orders! She even said she would go to Seri instead. Can you believe it? SERI OF ALL PEOPLE!"
"Wasn't she the one who stole someone's designs to beat your sister in a fashion contest?" Scootaloo asked as Applebloom tried to get Sweetie to calm down.
"YES!"
"Ouch," she cringed.
After they managed to get their well dressed friend to calm down, the three girls lapsed into quiet contemplation. As it stood, none of them had any way to find Meme Queen before she found them. As a result, they were constantly on guard of every interaction they had with any of the high schoolers, especially when it came to their sisters. The stress of trying to keep their collective secret from them was an olympic ordeal even before they were targeted, but now it took everything they had not to run out the door screaming the second they saw their family. It was especially difficult for Applebloom, as her older sibling had a real knack for spotting lies. In more ways then one, it was a miracle that she was able to fool her for so long. But how long could they keep up the charade?
"I guess we have no choice," Sweetie sighed, drawing the eyes of her two friends. "We need more information. More information then we can get with our flimsy resources."
They nodded, unsure of where this conversation was leading.
"So...let's get some better ones."
With that, she turned on her phone and showed it to them. Applebloom and Scootaloo gaped at what they saw and what it meant. Sweetie frowned as she turned off the screen before she put her phone away.
"Let's meet at my room after school today," Sweetie said, face unreadable. "It's time for plan B." ***
The atmosphere in the classroom was so thick, it could be cut with a chainsaw as its inhabitants tried to focus on the teacher's lesson. In the back corner of the room, one student was barely paying attention to what was being covered. Instead, her focus was on a list of names in her notebook sitting on her desk. Fluttershy sighed as she gave the list a weary once-over for what felt like the fortieth time. While it was an impressive collection of fifty, all but a small handful of them had lines drawn through them, her friends among them. Again, she found herself trying to find some kind of link between the names, but none of the few links she could see made any sense.
As she let out another frustrated sigh, her gaze drifted towards her backpack, and the leather-bound journal inside. Thoughts of the night that it came into her possession moved to the forefront of her mind for not the first time in the past six days. When Fluttershy saw the dead look in Sunset's eyes as she left, it stirred something in her, something that made her start to rethink this whole situation she found herself and her friends in. It was also this very same thing that lead to her taking the journal that Sunset left behind. For the first two days after sheltering the book, Fluttershy waged an internal war with herself. One half of her refused to believe that Sunset was innocent while the other half was in league with the strange feeling that something wasn't right. By the third day, Fluttershy found herself drawn to the journal by the strange feeling, as if the answer to what she had to do next was somehow contained within its pages. Naturally she resisted, whether it was because of fear or stubbornness was a mystery to her at the time, but eventually the urge became too strong. Justifying it as a form of revenge for violating their trust, Fluttershy opened the journal. At first she didn't see anything too unusual, just some simple back and forth messages between Sunset and Princess Twilight, but when she skimmed to the more recent entries, things took a drastic turn. Not known to most, Sunset had a very particular way of writing. In fact, she was almost fanatical when it came to her penmanship. Apparently, it was a tick she developed and hung onto from when she lived in Equestria due to everything being written with permanent implements such as quills. As a result, she took special care to keep her writing in the same formal cursive she used in her native land. But in the later entries, the writing was shaky and unfocused, like her hands were trembling. Something that also caught her attention were the dried stains on the pages. Much like the condition of Sunset's words, the water damage to the pages was barely noticeable at first, but as she closed in on the last entry in the book, the pages were almost dominated by them. By the time she made it to the last entry, it was covered with what Fluttershy quickly noted as tear-stains and Sunset's beautiful calligraphy was replaced with sloppy chicken scratches. Princess Twilight's writing was the only thing that held any kind of consistent grace as it told her about having trust in her friends and to believe in family. Those words hit Fluttershy like a punch to the gut, while what she read next was a bullet to the head.
I'll try Twilight. But if they reject me again, I don't know what I'll do.
The words. The look in Sunset's eyes. All of it hit her hard, but the pain and guilt she felt at that moment as her doubts towards Sunset's innocents were ground into dust were nothing compared to what happened next. As her fingers traced across Sunset's shaky letters, they touched one of the tear-stains. The effect was instant, as the most unbelievable wave of sadness washed over her. This was not the pain of something as petty as being denied something you want or being told something moderately hurtful, this was the pain of loss. The loss of love. The loss of hope. The loss of the will to live. It was pure, unbearable agony beyond anything the pink-haired teenager had ever felt in her young life, and she knew that this was what Sunset felt just moments before she stepped into the Sugarcube Cafe. There was no doubt about it now; Sunset was innocent.
With this new revelation came a new sense of resolve. She had to make this right, but to do that, she needed to get a better look at the situation. So for the next three nights, she looked over each and every post Anon-a-Miss made up until Meme Queen challenged her and what she found was actually very shocking. Much like with the journal, Sunset was very particular with the font she used in her texts almost to the point of it being a compulsion. None of the posts used Sunset's preferred font even once. While this was a good start, she knew this wasn't going to be anywhere near enough to clear Sunset's name. Afterwards, she decided to make a list of all the post targets and see if any of them had any kind of links to Sunset or any of her friends before the whole mess started. Her first suspect was Trixie, but that didn't seem very likely due to there already being a post dedicated to a failed magic show she preformed in that resulted in her hat getting lit on fire. The next person on the list was Fleur De Lis, but that was even less likely due to the girl having transferred to Crystal Prep a year ago after some nasty rumors of her were spread around the school. As the nights went on, the list continued to grow before it just as quickly began to shrink. Now Fluttershy sat in class with a suspect list that had been reduced to a set of names that she only added as a means to completely cover her bases. Unfortunately, her friend's seemed to be the most likely suspects of the crimes against Sunset. There was only one question that made her hesitant to place blame on them.
Why? she thought for the hundredth time. Why would they do this now? They had plenty of chances to do this after the Fall Formal so why wait until now? What changed?
No sooner had that thought crossed her mind did the bell signal the end of class and the start of lunch. With a frustrated sigh, she gathered her things to leave. Normally, this would be one of the more pleasant parts of her daily routine, but after her most recent revelation it felt more like an uncomfortable chore. As she reluctantly left the classroom and made her way towards the cafeteria, her mind continued to try finding links. This proved to be a futile venture as even when she got to the point of collecting her loaded tray from Granny Smith, she couldn't find any that made any real sense. With an aggravated sigh, she slumped into her usual spot at the table she shared with her "friends". As she took in her surroundings, she noticed that they seemed more out of it than usual. All of them were slumped in their seats, food completely ignored. The only one who at least seemed to be attempting to pretend to eat was Rainbow Dash. But as she picked at the contents of her plate, it was obvious her focus was elsewhere.
An annoyed sigh slipped pass her lips as she took her seat.
Great, She thought bitterly. What are they going to blame Sunset for now?
As if on cue, Pinkie let out a melancholy sigh.
"This sucks," she groaned. "I can't believe I lost my best DJ."
Everyone at the table looked at her, two in shock and two indifferent.
"How did that happen?" Rarity asked.
"I don't know!" Pinkie exclaimed, throwing her hands up before letting them flop down onto the table. "She just messaged me yesterday out of the blue and told me she didn't want to work with me anymore!"
"There had to be more to it then that," Rarity pressed.
"Well," the pink teen hummed. "She said something about me giving her a toxic rep and that she would do better with Cheese."
This got a reaction out of Rarity and Applejack.
"Really?" Rarity frowned. "Funny. Just yesterday I lost my biggest client for similar reasons."
A deep growl emanated from their farm working friend that grabbed all but Rainbow's attention.
"I take it you experienced something similar, dear?" Rarity asked, brow raised.
"Damn strait Ah did," Applejack growled. " Ah was called over ta' Sweetie Drops cuz the boss lady wasn't happy with the latest shipment of Apples. Said they tasted bitter or some nonsense. Now we got a bunch of crates full of apples we can't sell and a few we gotta figure out what ta' do with before they spoil!"
In spite of herself, Fluttershy couldn't help but crack a slight smile at their misfortune. While she normally would feel bad about that, even a person with her saintly patience had her limits. In her eyes, they deserved every bit of misery they received, and so did she. Yes, she was doing everything she could think of to help Sunset, but that didn't change the fact that she contributed to the pain she knew the fiery haired girl had to endure. When this was all over, she was going to do whatever it took to earn back Sunset's friendship. No matter what it took.
"Do you think this is Sunset's doing?" Rarity sighed, the name said as if it was some foren swear.
"Ah know it is," Applejack growled as she turned to glare a hole into the girl in question several tables away. "Ah don't know how she did it, but Ah'd bet apples ta' oranges that she had something ta' do with it!"
A spark of anger took form in Fluttershy as she heard Applejack's declaration. Part of her wanted to scream at them for how stupid they were being, but she knew that it would be a pointless endever. Just like all the other times she tried to talk some sense into them. She even showed them the journal and the tear stains, but they refused to listen. It was clear that unless she found the real culprit, the girls would continue to believe that Sunset had gone back to her old ways. And as long as they thought that, blaming such grievances on the poor girl was going to be the norm. At the moment, Fluttershy was happy that Sunset had Lightning Dust to watch over her and keep her company. In addition to being able to breath some life into the girl, Lightning was an extremely capable fighter if the rumors were anything to go by. With all of that kept in mind, Fluttershy was sure that her former friend was in good hands.
"She even turned Lightnin' on RD for peet's sake!" Applejack continued. "Right Rainbow?"
Rainbow flinched out of her trance as everyone's attention was centered on her. A second later, her shock returned to indifference as in a toneless voice said, "Yeah, whatever," before she resumed picking at her plate.
Applejack growled as she went back to glaring at Sunset.
"That damn snake crossed a line this time," she grumbled as she speared a large chunk of her potato salad. "And Ah'll fix that."
As she watched Applejack eat her food, a sense of dread washed over Fluttershy as her mind processed what she said. A single thought echoed through her mind as she forced herself to eat her food. A promise she swore to make a reality if it came down to it.
Over my dead body! ***
The halls were quiet as Sunset stood outside the Gym's locker room. Lightning had just finished Track and Field practice for the day and was in the middle of changing out of her PE uniform with the rest of her new team. Since Coach Spitfire was so particular about who entered the Gym, she was forced to wait outside for her bodyguard/friend. As she did she closed her eyes and took a moment to enjoy the tranquility of the empty halls. Many thought the school was creepy when there wasn't anybody around, but Sunset found it soothing. Part of that was probably because the empty halls use to be her home at one point. She chuckled a bit as she remembered how her past self struggled to make sense of the new things in her environment. Before then, she lived in an abandoned apartment complex ten blocks away from the portal, a young teen moving with the grace of a drunk as she tried to find some shelter. Those first three years were hell as she forced herself to learn the rules of survival in this world. Eventually, she found a way to make some quick money using her mastery of mathematics and a set of stolen poker cards after she ran out of bits and found the school to be a much more preferable shelter than the shack of an apartment she had prier. In time, she figured out how to use a computer and with a bit of tweaking here and there, was able to make some fake papers so she could enroll into her new home. It didn't take long, unfortunately, for her to see just how much of a hassle living in the school was going to be. That was around the time she discovered the abandoned warehouse and decided to divide the use of the two shelters for her needs; the school for its internet and the warehouse for everything else. About a year later, the Fall Formal came and Sunset entered what she thought was a better chapter in her life.
Where did it all go so wrong?
She was so lost in her thoughts, she didn't notice the presence of another person until they were right in front of her. Suddenly, she felt two strong hands grab and pin her shoulders to the wall behind her, shocking her eyes open. She was immediately greeted by the furious green eyes of her former friend Applejack.
"W-What" she stammered.
"Shut up snake!" Applejack snarled. "Ah' don't know what ya got planned, but Ah'll be damned if Ah'll let ya' mess with mah family's friends! Now what dirt do yah have on the Drops?! Tell me!"
"I-I," Sunset stammered, body trembling as she tried to find a way out of her situation.
"Ah said TALK DAMN IT!"
"LEAVE HER ALONE!!!"
Before either girl could react, a yellow and pink blur slammed into Applejack. The stunned farmer stumbled away from her victim as Sunset slid down the wall to her knees. Both girls looked at the newcomer with wide eyes as they struggled to accept who they saw standing before them.
"F-Fluttershy?" Sunset stammered.
For a moment, Fluttershy gave her a warm smile before she shifted her gaze back towards Applejack, warmth replaced with cold fury. Applejack watched the brief interaction between the girls and let out a frustrated growl.
"Y'all too Flutters?"she snapped. "What's she got on ya'? Cuz Ah know Ah can-"
Before she could finish, Fluttershy closed the gap between them and in one lightning fast motion slapped her across the face. Stunned by the sudden attack, she didn't have time to brace herself for the arm lock the normally timid girl put her in.
"Wh-Shy? What the sam hill are ya'-"
Again, Applejack was interrupted, this time by a harsh tug on her bound arm. With a yelp, the cowgirl was guided away from her target, all the while cursing a storm big enough to flood the whole city. All the while, Sunset watched in shock as the two girls drifted away from her until they came to a turn in the hall. But just as they were about to make the turn and disappear from her line of sight, she locked eyes with her timid former friend. Time seemed to freeze as they held each other's gaze until Fluttershy gave her another warm, yet sad, smile before she pulled Applejack that final few feet away.
A minute later, Lighting Dust dashed out of the locker rooms, a fusion of worry and fury decorating her features as she bombarded the still kneeling Sunset with questions. Sunset didn't answer, but one question echoed in the the forefront of her mind.
Did Fluttershy just...save me? ***
Derpy yawned as she stared at the glowing screen in front of herself. She had been working for six hours strait, carefully sorting through her intel. In all that time, she was able to narrow down who's Mystable accounts she should investigate. This was mostly thanks to the lead she was able to get from Coach Spitfire's favored list. There was only one slight problem; most of the names on the list were past Anon-a-Miss victims and a sixth grader! In addition, the remaining students were people she already hacked and found innocent the day before. Doing a direct hack of the Anon-a-Miss account proved to be just as useless as it was linked to a dummy email account that could only receive messages but not send them, effectively leaving next to no digital trail for her to follow.
Grrrr! God damn it! she thought bitterly as she glared at her screen. Whoever this person is, they know how to make it harder to find them. If i could just find one IRL link to them, I could shut them down faster than Sunset could ace a test!
"Sunset," she muttered as thoughts of her new house guest crossed her tired mind.
For the hundredth time, Derpy found her thoughts drifting towards her. She couldn't help it! There were just so many things she found so amazing about the girl. The warm brilliance her eyes held as they took in the world around them. The smile she seldom gave that brightened whatever room she was in. Her nice sleek figure that showed she took good care of herself. Her laugh and the cute way she blushed. Derpy quickly shook herself out of her treacherous thoughts before she gave her computer her undivided attention.
Get a hold of yourself Derpy, she thought with a grimace. You need to focus on this. Sunset's already got a ton of stuff on her plate as it is. She doesn't need you to add more to it all.
A slight stinging from her left eye reminded her just how long she had been working. An irritated groan escaped her as she reached for a small bottle of medicated eyedrops on her desk by her computer. While it had been years since the accident, it never got easier for her to deal with this part of her routine. Six years ago, Derpy and her sister Dinky were hit by a car on their way home from school. Thanks to some quick thinking on Derpy's part, Dinky managed to get through it with a few bumps and scrapes, but Derpy wasn't quite so lucky. After three days of tireless work, the ER staff were able to get her stable enough to let her body heal on its own, but it was a process that left her in the hospital for three weeks under careful observation. After two more months of rehab, she was able to leave the hospital, though it was with a souvenir that would remind her of the incident for the rest of her life. While her prosthetic eye didn't normally give her too much trouble, it did make her a constant target of bullying. It also made being a hacker difficult due to needing to be moisturized every so often if she stared at a screen for too long. Though as much of an inconvenience as it could be, she wouldn't go back to prevent the events that lead to her receiving her injury. If it meant protecting her sister, she'd do it again in a heartbeat. Thankfully, Dinky was off at their Grandparent's house for the holidays and wouldn't be exposed to all the drama coming from CHS. One of the few small blessings she could count in this circumstance.
I wonder how she'd react to Sunset living here? she thought idly as she applied her medicine.
At that moment her computer let out a soft ding, indicating that someone had sent her a PM on the Meme Queen account on Mystable. This brought a frown to her face as she glared at the screen. As it stood, she made sure to have the account blocked from receiving posts from anyone except for her friends, Sunset, and Sunset's former friends. While the first two were aloud access for obvious reasons, the last set of people were a new addition. After what happened in the girls locker room, Derpy thought it would be a good idea to keep an eye on the Rainbooms digitally while Lightning did the same IRL. The reason she allowed them access was because it was easier and faster for her to hack an account when the flow of data was a two-way-stream. Of course, she made sure to have the account linked to a false email account, dumped a tone of firewalls to keep people out and as a last line of defense, linked the account to an IP address for an abandoned factory in Detrot.
Her frown softened slightly when she saw who the message was from.
How did Fluttershy know she had access and how did she get the password?
Shaking her head, she checked the PM for viruses or any other hacking software then opened it. In it was a short list of names accompanied by a collection of information on each person. What took her back a step was that the list consisted mostly of Sunset's original gang, sans Fluttershy herself. While Fluttershy had recently been removed from Derpy's list of possible suspects due to reports of the shy girl's actions at school today, it still left her a little suspicious that she would turn on her friends so suddenly. She noticed an additional file attached to the message and clicked it, expecting another list of names. What she got instead almost made her fall out of her chair in shock.
Dear Meme Queen
The following list is of people that I think might have something to do with Anon-a-Miss and all the evidence I've been able to gather. I don't know how else I can help aside from giving all of this to you. I hope this can in some way help you clear Sunset's name and bring the real Anon-a-Miss down for what she's done. Please stop all of this madness and bring the school back to how it use to be. I want to see everyone happy again, even if Sunset never wants to see me again when this is all over, I want to see her smile again. I want her to be happy. Please let her know that, even though this isn't even close to enough for her to forgive me, that I am sorry for abandoning her when she needed me the most.
Sincerely, Fluttershy.
As Derpy reeled her emotions back in, she smiled then proceeded to compare her notes to the ones provided by Fluttershy.
Looks like things are looking up. |
Seven Saviors | Ch.7 Secrets | Nice, peaceful mornings were something that Sunset enjoyed in the smallest of quantities. At least, that's how it was before Derpy dragged her into her home. Gone were the nights spent sleeping with one eye open with the fear that someone would sneak into her shelter and kill her in her dreams. Gone was the worry that her food would spoil from not being able to feed fuel into her generator. Now she had a place that she could call home without any of the fears she grew accustomed to. She didn't even need to sneak into the school to use their computers for assignments like she use to. The biggest and best change by far was that now she had a group of friends that she knew had her back. Granted, it would still take some time for her to open up to them completely, but as things stood, it was a very good start. At the same time, there were a few things that happened recently that made the girl's head spin. The biggest of these being the incident the day before involving Applejack and Fluttershy. While she was a little happy to see the shy teen had a change of heart, she couldn't help but be leery of her motives. But that little inquiry was quickly put in the back of her mind as her host brought the most unusual proposal to the breakfast table.
"A rave?" Sunset asked, brow raised. "You want me to go to a rave?
"Eeyup," Derpy smiled over her breakfast muffin. "Vinyl's got a gig tonight and I think it would do you some good to have a bit of fun."
"But what about-"
"The club Vinyl works at is very exclusive," Derpy interrupted with a tired smile. "You have to either break the bank or get invited to get in. Kind've hard to do if your a high schooler."
Sunset gawked at her for a moment. She knew that the DJ had a good reputation and if that car she used to help her defeat the Dazzlings was anything to go by, very well off. But for a girl her age to be preforming at a place like what Derpy described was too big a pill to swallow.
"Besides," she continued. "I think you'd get along with Vinyl and Octavia."
"Wait," Sunset blinked. Octavia's going too?"
"Yep," the walleyed teen shrugged as she took a sip of her coffee. "She comes to perform at some of Vinyl's gigs every so often"
Sunset's mind temporarily froze as it tried to process that little tidbit of information. While her interactions with the classy girl was all but nonexistent, she couldn't imagine someone like her even looking in the same direction as a rave let alone preform at one. Just attempting to do so caused her brain to crash instantly. Once she was able to think clearly again she stared at her host, face stuck in shocked skepticism.
"What?" Derpy laughed. "Is it that hard to believe?"
She nodded, which made her laugh harder.
"Why would she even go to a rave?"
"Why wouldn't she want to support her sister?" Derpy asked with a casual shrug.
Sunset choked on her coffee.
"They're sisters?!" she coughed.
"Technically," Derpy sighed. "If you want to know more you'll have to ask them about it yourself."
I guess that's one reason to go out tonight, Sunset thought as she struggled to get her coughing fit under control.
"Arn't you going?" the fiery haired teen asked, coughing mostly stopped.
Derpy shook her head, much to Sunset's chagrin.
"I just got an influx of info from a new informant last night and I want to see if they found something i might've missed."
"Oh, okay," she sighed.
In the short time she spent with the gray girl, Sunset couldn't help but develop a fondness for her. How could she not? In one foul swoop, the girl gave her a home, three square meals a day, a warm bed, and protection. She was even going the extra mile to help her bring down Anon-a-Miss. The gaping darkness that sat inside of her was quickly filled with the warmth of Derpy's true and honest friendship to the point that Sunset was afraid that this was all a dream. To hear that her now closest friend wasn't going to be with her tonight was a massive disappointment. But at the same time she understood the situation. The longer Anon-a-Miss was on the loose, the longer it took for her to have a normal life at school again. Not that she didn't enjoy Lightning's company, but it would be a breath of fresh air to be able to walk through CHS without the need for a bodyguard.
"Maybe next time," Derpy winked with a smile.
A soft blush graced Sunset's face as she quickly shifted her attention down to her half-finished breakfast.
"R-Right!" she squeaked. "Next time!"
How can she be so cute?! she thought as she tore into her food. Wait...did I just think she was cute? ***
Somethings not right, Sunset thought as she played with her lunch.
The whole day, everyone seemed to be walking on eggshells around her. It was as if they were afraid she would do something to them if they so much as breathed wrong around her. At first, she thought it was because Lightning was near her, but the odd behavior continued even when her friend wasn't around. While she was happy she wasn't getting death-glares anymore, she couldn't help but find the crowd's new behavior to be very unsettling. It was like being stuck in the eye of a hurricane and just waiting for the calm to make way for the coming disaster in the horizon.
Deciding to push the feeling aside for now, she took an absentminded bite out of her salad. With a light sigh, she took in the site of her surroundings. Like always, the only people that occupied the lunch table was Sunset herself and Lightning Dust. One of the many curses of being a social leper. A soft clunk to her left made her jump as the unthinkable happened. Someone outside her new circle of friends took a seat next to her. What made her jaw drop was who took the seat.
"F-Fluttershy?" she gawked.
"Oh, hi Sunset," Fluttershy smiled. "Is this seat taken?"
"Uh, no," she said, casting a quick stunned glance towards a leery Lightning Dust. "Go ahead?"
Fluttershy gave an appreciated nod before she dug into her own food. An awkward silence fell upon the group as Lightning and Sunset tried to piece together what was happening. Again she found herself questioning what brought this sudden change in her former friend's perception of her, but couldn't find the words needed to ask her directly. Luckily, Lightning Dust had no such difficulties.
"So," she deadpanned. "What did it take to help ya pull your head out of your ass?"
Sunset's eyes widened as she turned towards her friend and bodyguard. Before she could say anything about the light-green teen's comment, a defeated sigh from Fluttershy made her pause.
"No, she's right," Fluttershy said, lips curved into a sad smile as she stared into her food. "I've been a terrible friend, and I deserve everything you have to say about me."
Sunset frowned as she took in the girl's features. She looked tired, as if she hadn't had a decent night's sleep in days and was only holding herself up by shear force of will. Her pink locks looked to be on the verge of turning white, the healthy shine they normally exuded now faded to near nonexistence. The butter yellow tint of her skin was now a sickly pale imitation of its formal glory and served to only accentuate the large bags under her eyes.
As she turned her head towards Lightning Dust, a small fire burned behind her tired eyes as she said, "As for what it took, it was this."
Eyes still locked with Lightning's, she reached for her backpack and opened its main compartment. What she pulled out made Sunset gasp.
"My journal?" she gawked. "How did you get that?"
It was then that Fluttershy broke eye contact with Sunset's protector to give her former friend another sad smile.
"The night you came to Sugarcube Cafe. Remember? You left it behind after-"
Fluttershy cringed as memories of that night came to her. The anger her "friends" aimed at Sunset. The utter despair she saw in the fiery teen's eyes. Her own fear and helplessness as she watched the girl walk out into the cold.
"Anyway," she continued. "After you...left the girls were debating on what to do with it. Rainbow wanted to burn it while everyone else wanted to hide it from you so you couldn't turn Princess Twilight against us."
Lightning growled at the mention of Rainbow's intentions, but kept her own intentions to herself.
"Let her continue."
Shut up! I know!
"I chose to take it for safe keeping so no one would do anything to it," she sighed as what little strength she held seemed to drain out of her. "But then I got curious about what you and Princess Twilight talked about."
"So, what?" Lightning frowned. "You read the journal and suddenly you don't think Sunset's Anon-a-Miss anymore?"
Fluttershy paused, took a deep breath, and the fire from before returned as she stared at Lightning.
"Yes and no."
Lightning raised a brow then motioned for her to elaborate.
"When I read the journal," she continued. "I could see that Sunset couldn't be Anon-a-Miss. She just didn't have it in her to do something like this. But that wasn't the most damning evidence."
As she said that, she opened the book to the latest used pages and presented it towards Lightning.
"Touch the stains."
Lightning did a double take as she let what the shy girl told her set in. When she saw how serious she was, the light-green teen reluctantly complied. The effects were instantaneous. Waves after waves of pure despair washed over her. Tears poured from her eyes as she let the pain pass through her, The Voice reduced to incoherent ramblings as even it tried and failed to process the darkness drowning it. With a quick jerk of her hand, the pain stopped and she was once again back in the cafeteria, the only evidence of her recent trauma being her heavy breathing and the wet trails of tears on her face.
"W-What the fuck was that," she gasped as she wiped the moister from her eyes.
"That," Fluttershy sighed as she took the book back. "Is what confirmed Sunset's innocence for me. I think it was Sunset's pain when she wrote that message."
"Is that possible?" Lightning asked, turning towards Sunset.
She nodded.
"Sometimes, magical artifacts take in the emotions of those that use them. It was because of that that the crown reacted so badly towards me at the Fall Formal. I was so full of anger and selfishness that when the magic linked with me, I corrupted it and turned into a monster."
All the girls shivered as they each relived memories of that night. It wasn't an experience the three of them, or any of the students of CHS were eager to relive.
"Okay, so you know Sunset's innocent,"Lightning sighed. "What do ya want ta' do now?"
"I want to help her," Fluttershy said, determination mixed with her tired frame.
Lightning chuckled a little as she crossed her arms and leaned back in her seat.
"Okay, how are ya gonna do that?"
" I can protect her. I've already sent all the evidence I had to Meme Queen last night. Plus, I'm in most of Sunset's classes so I can be a second set of eyes when you can't be around her."
"I see," she nodded. "But can you actually protect her? No offense, but you don't strike me as the fighting type."
"That's true," Sunset sighed as she cast a cautious look at the girl sitting next to her. "I know you took care of Applejack yesterday, but can you really hold your own in an honest to god fight?"
"It's true," she sighed. "I'm not a fighter, but I do know a few tricks."
To prove her point, her hand shot forward and jammed a finger into the joint connecting Lightning's left arm to her shoulder.
"Hey, what the he-"
She stopped talking when her arm went completely limp at her side. Lightning stared at the appendage in growing panic as she tried to move it. All she managed was a few weak twitches for her trouble.
"W-Why can't I move my arm?!" she exclaimed, staring at Fluttershy in terror.
"I hit your pressure points," she said calmly. "Don't worry, the effects will ware-off in a few minutes."
While the girl's words made the duo let out a sigh of relief, the fact that she had the ability to do that to someone in the first place was a little concerning.
"Who taught you to do that?" Sunset asked, shocked.
"W-Well," Fluttershy fidgeted awkwardly. "Before she married dad, my mom was a field medic for the special forces. One of the skills she learned while on tour was pressure point martial arts. Three years ago, she taught me how to do it to keep me safe."
Her mom was a soldier?! both girls thought as they struggled to process what they just heard.
"Okay, so you can take care of yourself. Cool," Lightning said, voice leveling out. "How do I know your not going to go back to your friends when things look bad."
Fluttershy's face immediately darkened as a cold glare graced her features.
"I'd rather die then go back to them."
A chill shot down Sunset's and Lightning's backs as they took in the venom in their guest's words.
"O-Okay," Lightning chuckled unevenly. "I guess you're on bored. Just let me give you my number."
As she watched the two girls exchange numbers, a single thought passed through Sunset's mind. Don't make an enemy out of Fluttershy. ***
Sunset sighed as she waited in the living room for Vinyl and Octavia to pick her up. While she still had her reservations, Lightning Dust was insistent that she went to the rave. Even Fluttershy encouraged her to go. After some time, she decided she might as well give it a try. While big social functions weren't her cup of tea even before her life hit the fan, she figured that she could use the distraction. For one night, no Anon-a-Miss or a school full of people who hated her guts. Just her, a group of strangers, two new friends, and music.
"Are you sure I don't need to change?" Sunset asked as Derpy entered the living room.
Derpy sighed and took a seat in a lounge chair across from her.
"For the tenth time, yes Sunset," Derpy groaned, her tone torn between exasperation and understanding. "Most of the people who come to Vinyl's club are the Edgy-type so the tough-girl look you normally wear should fit in just fine."
"O-Okay, sorry," she said, face turning towards the floor.
Derpy sighed, then got up from her seat and joined Sunset on the couch.
"Hey," she smiled, putting an arm around the girl's shoulders reassuringly. "Don't be so tense. Your just going to a party with a few friends. Nothing to get so worked up over."
Sunset nodded, though she still kept her gaze aimed at the floor.
"Besides," Derpy continued, gently tightening her embrace. "You and I both know you need this."
Sunset sighed as she leaned into the embrace. Much like that night a few days ago, she felt herself relax as Derpy's warmth enveloped her. Slowly, Sunset felt her fear and anxiety start to disappear in the wake of her friend's act of kindness. In its place burned determination and strength, not as much as when she was at her prime, but enough to hold her insecurities at bay. It was at that time that a knock at the door brought the two girls back to reality.
"I'll get it," Derpy said, face turning a slight shade of red as she pulled herself away from Sunset to answer the door.
Timing, thy name is Vinyl Scratch! she thought bitterly as she reached for the doorknob.
As she opened the door, she kept her irritation under wraps as she greeted the two girls behind the door.
"Yo, Derpster! How's it hanging?" Vinyl grinned as she gave the gray teen a quick hug.
"About as good as I can considering," Derpy smiled.
"Well," Octavia sighed. "I suppose that's to be expected. You're not overworking yourself, are you?"
Derpy laughed awkwardly, suddenly more interested in something behind the two girls.
"Derpy?" Octavia intoned, eyes narrowing.
"Um....Hey Sunset," she called over her shoulder, tone a little shaky. "Your ride's here!"
Sunset chuckled a little at her friend's antics as she rose from her seat and made her way towards the open door. She knew that Derpy could be a bit of a workaholic. The times she had to pry the girl away from her keyboard turned pillow for the past three mornings could attest to that. A fact that seemed to be a point of contention between her and the rest of the gaggle of oddballs she called friends. She did worry that Derpy may be pushing herself too hard for her sake, but nothing Sunset said could get past the girl's stubborn desire to end Anon-a-Miss as soon as possible. So far, the only trick she found worked to get the her to rest was giving her a cup of coffee when she worked herself close to her limit. A tactic that confused her to no end.
"Hey girls," Sunset smiled.
"Hey Sunny," Vinyl cheered as she pulled her into a one armed hug. "Ready to have the best night of your life!"
Sunset chuckled awkwardly while Octavia just rolled her eyes.
"Yes love," she grinned. "I do hope you're ready to have your eardrums blasted out of your head."
The sarcastic response was met by a grinning Vinyl sticking her tongue out at the musician.
"You're just jealous people like my music more than yours."
"Yes, yes, whatever helps you sleep at night love," she laughed, smile turned smug.
Vinyl laughed then looked at Sunset, eyes shining with excitement.
"Welp, no point sitting around here. Let's head out!"
With that, she started power-walking towards her transforming car, Sunset and Octavia not far behind.
"Have fun you three!" Derpy called as they pulled open the car doors.
"That's the plan!" Vinyl cried, cheshire grin still decorating her face.
Then, in synch, the three teens got in the car and closed the doors. As the engine started, Derpy's smile faltered slightly, a single thought echoing through her as she watched the vehicle drive away.
Seriously, have fun. You deserve to be happy more than anyone right now.
With that, she closed the door and walked towards her room, her lips pulled into a cold smile.
"Time to get to work." ***
Something Sunset discovered pretty quickly was that Octavia and Vinyl interacted in an interesting way. By all accounts, the two should hate each other due to how opposite they were. While Octavia was calm, collected, and direct, Vinyl was energetic, boisterous, and blunt to the point of seeming tactless. In many ways, she reminded her of Lightning when she talked, but while her bodyguard had a more aggressive weight to her words, Vinyl was more playful, like she held all the cards and just wanted to see you try to take them.
"Hey Tavi, what are you gonna play when ya lose?" Vinyl asked with a teasing smile.
"Well," Octavia smirked. "I don't know what world you live in, because you are the one who will lose tonight, love."
"Yeah, yeah. Whatever, sis."
That got a slight flinch out of Sunset as the conversation she had with Derpy brought a question back to the front of her mind.
"Don't take this the wrong way or anything, but are you guys really sisters?"
"Yep!" Vinyl responded without a second of hesitation.
"Technically," Octavia corrected as she gave her sibling a sharp glare.
Sunset raised a brow at that.
"What do you mean "technically"?"
Octavia sighed then looked back at her from the front passenger seat.
"First off, who told you?"
"Derpy mentioned it, but told me to ask you two for details."
Vinyl laughed while Octavia let out a relieved breath.
"Good," Octavia smiled. "The last thing we need is for you to have your perceptions of us tarnished by slander."
"Don't get why you're so jumpy about it," Vinyl smirked as she changed lanes. "Its not like it's some kind of deep dark secret. Besides, who wouldn't want ta be my sis?"
Aside from an eye-roll, the elegant girl didn't react to her sister's antics.
"Regardless, I would like to think that she should hear the tale from us as opposed to...other less reliable sources."
"Oh," Vinyl frowned, her grip tightened on the wheel. "Right."
Sunset curled in on herself as she took in her friend's change in demeanor.
"S-Sorry. If you guys don't want to talk about it, we can just drop it."
Octavia gave her a sad smile then said, "No, no, it's fine love. It's just that that story has more than one teller and let's just say that the other author is-"
"Full of bullshit," Vinyl interrupted, tone colder than ice.
"Yes," Octavia sighed, casting an understanding look at the DJ behind the wheel. "It's because of that that I prefer it that we tell it with as little outside impurities as possible."
Sunset nodded, though she still felt like she was stepping in on something a bit more personal then she initially thought. Just what kind of things did these two girls get involved in that their family lines would be so touchy? Curiosity waged war with her decorum, but before a winner could be decided, Octavia made the decision for her.
"Now let's see," she said, eyes becoming distant. "It was five years ago, correct?"
"Yep!" Vinyl said, her tone a touch more warm as a gentle smile played across her face.
"Thank you," she smiled as again as she searched her memory. "Back then, I was much more focused on my craft than I was in regards to socializing. For as long as I could remember my daily routine consisted of school and playing my cello with my only breaks being eating and sleep."
"In short, a real workaholic," Vinyl added, lips pulled into an impish smirk.
"Yes, I suppose that is the the best way to describe me back then," Octavia said, an embarrassed blush coloring her cheeks. "Sometimes I would get so focused on my playing that I would forget to take care of myself. One summer break, I pushed myself far too hard and had to go to the hospital."
Sunset's eyes widened in disbelief . Granted, she could understand how you could loose yourself doing what you love, but to get dragged so far into your own world that you get hospitalized seemed a bit excessive. Though, considering the girl in question was sitting in front of her and in good health was perfect evidence that such events were rare moments in the girl's present life.
"But as odd as it may sound," she continued. "I'm glad that I went to the hospital that day."
"Same," Vinyl smirked. "Now quit jerking the girl along Shakespeare and tell her how we met!"
"Very well," she giggled. ***
A light buzzing filled the room as its only conscious inhabitant stared blankly at the ceiling. A dull throbbing filled her whole body as her thoughts floated through her muddled mind. It was a simple plan; a basic routine that even a five-year old could follow. Wake up, eat, practice, rest, practice, rest again, practice, then turn in for the night. Then rinse and repeat the next day. Granted, she may have pushed past her scheduled breaks the last few days, but how could she not? Her form, her harmony, everything had to be perfect. Even if her hands grew numb and her vision blurred, she had to be more than her best. She had to be perfect.
My, isn't this quant, she thought bitterly as she stared at the dull white ceiling. The least they could have done was bring my cello. Even if I can't play immediately it would be a productive way to kill time when I am able.
With a sigh, she turned her head to get a better look at her surroundings. While there was a great deal more to see then what she had observed on the ceiling, none of it was anything of any real merit. From her observation, she was in a two bed hospital room with an open dividing curtain between her bed and its occupied neighbor. Beyond that were the standard hospital furnishings such as heart monitors, wastebaskets, a wall mounted television, and several dozen pieces of medical equipment that the young musician couldn't identify with any certainty. Be that as it may, most of her attention was on the patient that laid in the bed five feet away from her. While Octavia herself had nothing but a IV stand feeding her a combination of water and some sort of tranquilizer, her neighbor was hooked up to several different devices in addition to an IV of her own feeding her five different clear liquids of unknown purposes. With so many machines surrounding the person, Octavia could barely see more than a few trace details beyond the short two-toned blue hair on the crown of the patient's white head. With some effort, Octavia was able to force herself into a sitting position to get a better look at her mystery roommate. What she saw knocked the metaphorical ground out from under her feet. It was a girl, not much older than her, but her condition was far less stable from the looks of it. Her complexion was pale and sickly as opposed to the glistening shine of Ivory that Octavia often associated to people with her tone. Thick bags hung under her sunken eyes like she had been drained to the point of near mummification. In short, the poor girl looked to be knocking on death's door with her heavy, labored breathing and the rhythmic beeping of her heart monitor functioning as the only proof to the contrary.
What, in the name of god, happened to her? she thought, mouth agape and eyes wide.
Suddenly, the barely alive girl's eyes fluttered open, the red orbs nearly giving the refined girl a heart attack. She watched as she groggily took in her surroundings before her pale hand shakily reached for a small device on her lap. A soft click filled the air as she pressed a button on the device.
"Nurse!" she croaked, voice as rough as sandpaper. "I need some water! Think ya can get off your lazy ass and get me some?!"
Octavia grimaced in the wake of the girl's vulgar tongue. How could someone be so rude to people that make it their busyness to help others? The very people who, most likely, were the very reason she was still alive at that! The young musician shifted into a more comfortable position to continue to glare at her roommate, an action that drew said occupant's attention.
"What?" she snapped.
"You should't be so rude to the staff here," Octavia chastised, her brows furrowed.
"Says who?" the girl growled, her dead frame giving her glare more impact.
"No one. It is just a common courtesy."
"Oh yeah?" she snapped. "Then let me tell ya what ya can do with your 'common courtesy'. Piss off bitch!"
With that, the rude zombie turned her eyes towards the ceiling, all the while Octavia silently fumed. While she was not a violent person by any stretch of the imagination, nothing would make her more happy then having a chance to make the mouthy teenager eat her own IV stand.
Fine! she thought as she turned to face away from her in her bed. Go rot in a sack for all I care you damned delinquent. ***
Sunset stared back and forth between the two girls, their lips pulled into nostalgic grins while a slight trace of confusion decorated her features.
"So you guys met in the hospital? How the heck did that happen?!"
"Dumb luck and even dumber circumstances," Vinyl sighed. "Tavi over worked herself while some asshole tried to drug me. The fucker apparently didn't know how much to use on someone my size and almost ODed me."
"What?!"
"Yep," the DJ growled."The whole detox process was a total bitch and I almost died about four times. Tavi got shacked up with me after I was put through an activated charcoal procedure, so I wasn't in the best mood."
"Oh please Vinyl," Octavia laughed, eyes rolling. "Even when you recovered you were difficult."
"Yeah, I guess," she laughed. "I was kind of a bitch back then, wasn't I?"
Octavia nodded.
"Though to be fair," the classical musician continued. "I wasn't the most civil of people at the time either."
"God," Vinyl grinned, shaking her head. "The two of us made a sport out of arguing back then. We fought over some of the stupidest things. Food, sports, clothes, you name it!"
"The only thing we could talk civilly about was music," Octavia sighed. "While our tastes differed by significant magnitudes, we could still respect each others views of our craft as musicians."
"Course' things didn't really start ta' get good between us until about a week later when Tavi showed me she had balls."
"What?!" Sunset exclaimed as she gave the classy girl a wide-eyed once over.
"She means in a metaphorical sense, love," she said, giving the driver a stony glare.
Vinyl burst with laughter as she continued where Octavia left off. ***
Silence. That was what dominated the room as its two inhabitants recovered from their latest verbal sparring match. The artillery the two combatants armed themselves with was their opinions on movies. While the battle ended in a stalemate, they couldn't help but admit a small part of themselves enjoyed the arguments. It wasn't often that either girl met anyone who could match them in their stubbornness, and while they could live without the raised blood pressure, it was refreshing to finally meet someone who could.
The two girls recovered well in the week they spent together. Octavia managed to get back enough strength to leave her bed for short periods of time. Meanwhile, Vinyl was still bed bound, but had filled out some and had a more healthy glow to her complexion. While these were all pluses to the two of them, it became a minus to the hospital staff in the form of longer arguments. At one point, Vinyl's doctor tried to move her to a different room, but that lead to an argument between her and the poor physician. Granted, it was a lot quieter then the ones the roommates had, but it was equally heated. In the ocean of swearing and death threats, a simple declaration made Octavia question the true arrangement she had with the crude teen.
"I don't always meet someone cool enough ta' be my friend. Don't take that from me."
When she asked her about what she said some time later, Vinyl told her not to think too hard about it before turning to face away from her in her bed.
As she laid there in her bed staring at the ceiling, her thoughts kept cycling through that moment. Unaware to her, Vinyl was doing the same thing.
Why the fuck did I say that? she thought, her exhaustion catching up to the adrenaline rush her recent fight burned through. I barely even know her, so who cares if I never see her again. Hell, the second one of us checks out of this shit hole that's a given.
As much as she hated to admit it, she knew why it was such a big deal to her. It had always been a big deal to her and in a weird way was the reason she was in the hospital to begin with. Loneliness. For as long as she could remember, she had always been alone, even when her parents were right next to her. In fact, it was when she was with them that she felt the most alone. It was the loneliness of an outsider being forced to convert to a groups way of life. Her family gave her love when they felt she earned it. When she did what they wanted and expected of her, but the second she did anything that they thought was strange or otherwise outside the norm, she was punished. It was always "walk like this" or "Talk like that" with the most transparent forms of affection that she couldn't help but see through them.
Eventually, she found her passion; modern music, and her whole world changed. What she couldn't express with words she could through song and rhythm. She could create something that was all hers and give it to the world on her own terms. Finally, finally she was free to be her true self. It was liberation that became the ultimate form of euphoria to the shackled teen. But of course, even that didn't last long before her family decided to invade her paradise. Before long, they tried to determine how her music should sound. As their claws started to sink into Vinyl's craft, she could feel the magic start to leak out of it. She felt the pure love she put into it become tainted. So, for the sake of the only tether of freedom she had to her name, she made the most important decision of her young life; she escaped.
After weeks of careful planning, she gathered enough money to get the best gear she could then searched for the biggest party she could find. It took some work, but eventually the guy running the club decided to give her a shot. It was at that night, under the flashing lights of a shady nightclub that Vinyl Scratch tasted true freedom, and DJ-PON3 was born. The lights, the sounds, the people, all of it filled the void in her heart and made her forget the solitude that waited for her at home each night. It was amazing! In time, she established such a massive following that when her folks discovered what she was doing, she had enough of a steady income that she didn't need to come back to the house.
She chuckled a bit as she remembered the look on her mother's face when she finally told her to take a hike when she left with her gear. That was priceless! she thought with a smirk. The weeks of stalking that followed? she thought with a frown. Not so much.
For the weeks that followed, her parents would sneak into the crowds at her gigs. She knew why they were there. They wanted to put her back in her cage. They wanted to see her fall and drag her back. But she wouldn't give them that benefit. Especially her harpy of a mother. As they watched her, she locked eyes with them and played. She mixed harder songs together into more complex beats. She filled the room with cheers of excitement with her craft as her ultimate form of defiance. Her mother's frown turned into her driving force as she earned her own money and fame without Record Scratch's influence. And then it happened, a drugged drink made it to her and her life almost ended. If she wasn't quick enough to get her phone out, she would've died at her turntable.
Even though she had to go through hell to recover, she had to say, her time in the hospital was probably the most relaxing she had in a long time. She even met a cool person that could match her temper blow for blow. In short, she was in a pretty good place all things considered. But like all things in her life, something had to come and spoil it for her.
"Well, well, well," a smug female voice said. "What do we have here?"
Vinyl froze, eyes wide, blood a strange mix of furious flame and frozen dread. Stiffly, she turned her head to face the door. Standing with the poise of a professional, was a tall woman in a perfectly ironed business suit. Her pale skin and blue hair marked her as the mother of the recovering entertainer, but that was only in the most technical of standards as far as Vinyl was concerned. While her narrowed red eyes locked with the cold violet orbs of her progenitor, Octavia's own lavender eyes took note of the tension between the two.
What in the world is she doing here? the cellist mused.
"What do you want?" Vinyl growled.
A cold grin graced the women's face as she ignored Vinyl's hostility.
"Why, wouldn't any good caring mother come to visit her daughter in the hospital?" she said, true care absent from her tone.
A cold laugh slipped past Vinyl's lips.
"Yeah. They would. So what's your excuse?"
A grimace replaced the cold woman's smile.
"I see almost dying didn't improve your vile behavior. No matter. I suppose finding a new life will do a better job of that."
Vinyl raised a brow at that.
"What the fuck are you talking about?"
A look of false shock graced the woman's features as she beheld her daughter.
"Oh my, you don't know? Well," she smiled. "After what happened, I took the liberty of informing all of your employers and fans about what happened. How you foolishly indulged in some offered drugs at one of your performances and nearly died."
Vinyl's jaw dropped like the stone she felt fall into her stomach.
"Y-You're lying," she said, voice a dry whisper.
"Now why would I do something like that?" the woman's smile turning predatory. "After all, your employers have every right to know that they have a potential drug user on their pay-role."
Vinyl was doomed. She knew that there was no way to get out of this. Without a good reputation she can't get a gig. Add to it, she probably lost all of her fans that she managed to acquire so quickly seeing as she hadn't been performing long enough to earn any loyalties yet. She was done. Her career was killed before it could even take flight.
Tears. Actual tears started to run down her face as everything she wanted was taken away from her and torn to shreds.
"Oh don't cry my dear," Vinyl's mother cooed, her caring tone a mockery of true compassion. "If you come back home, and do as you're told from now on, I'll make everything all better. You can even continue to play music if that is what you want. Of course, it will have to be something other then those travesties you've been playing lately."
Vinyl stared at her mother, her heart and mind broken. She could have her freedom and nothing else to her name, or she could go back to her cage and be well taken care of. She could have her wings in a sky full of raptors or have them clipped to be someone's song bird. There was no way to win.
"I-I-"
"SHE WILL DO NO SUCH THING!"
Both girls flinched at the declaration as they turned towards its source. Standing, as tall as she could manage, using her IV stand as a makeshift cane, Octavia glared daggers at Vinyl's mother.
"Excuse me?" she frowned. "Do you have any idea who you are talking to?"
"Of course," Octavia said, glare sharpened. "You are Record Scratch; CEO of Scratch Music Incorporated. You have one of the largest music production companies in the country and are the matriarch of one of the big five families in the city's musical industry."
"Correct," she smirked, both impressed that the girl was educated in her achievements and annoyed that she didn't know her place in spite of what she knew.
"You are also the most vile woman I have ever had the displeasure of meeting."
Record's eyes narrowed.
"Excuse me? Who do you think you are?"
A smile colder than any Record could've produced graced Octavia's lips as she said, "I am Octavia Melody, granddaughter of Philharmonic Melody. The very same Philharmonic that is the matriarch of the Melody Performance Academy of Music as well as the strongest member of the five families."
Record's face shifted to pure terror, before she regained her composure.
"My, that certainly is impressive, but I fail to see how this is any of your problem. This is a matter between my daughter and I. Now perhaps you should go back to your bed before you hurt yourself."
"Oh, I intend to, but before that, I have a few questions."
"Such as?" Record intoned, brows raised.
"Were you involved in what lead to her current condition?"
"I fail to see-"
"Answer the question!" Octavia barked.
Record flinched. For a moment, she felt that she lacked power over the situation. A flash of anger ran through her at such an indignation as she locked eyes with the weakened girl that stood before her.
"You will need to clarify," she responded, jaw tight.
"Very well. Were you responsible for her being in the club where she was drugged?"
"Again, you will need to be-"
"Answer!"
Again, Record felt her grip on the situation weaken as she answered with a, "Yes. Vinyl and I had a disagreement and she left the manor six months ago. Since then, I have been a witness to all of her performances."
"I see," she said, her demeanor stone cold and impossible to read. "Then you were also present at the performance that lead to her present condition."
"Yes."
"Quite the coincidence," Octavia grimaced. "That your daughter would have no problem holding her own in such a rough environment for so long only to recently fall victim to circumstances that benefit you so perfectly."
"As you said, it is a rough environment that my little girl put herself into. It was merely a matter of time before something happened."
"Yes," Octavia frowned. "And what better way to capitalize on your daughter's weakness then to wait for such a world to provide you just the blade needed to cut her ambitions short."
"What are you implying?"
"Oh, it is quite simple, love," she sneered. "You failed to take control of your daughter when she found her independence and left her in an unstable environment so that you could sink your claws into her while she was most vulnerable. A twisted yet effective tactic for a conniving shrew such as yourself."
Record glared at the young girl, but then let out a small laugh as she tried to regained a sense of authority.
"Very well. You managed to figure me out. But what of it? Even if you are from a powerful family, its still the word of a child against the head of a major company. You can't change anything."
"Your not wrong," Octavia sighed. "I personally can't do anything meaningful. Luckily, you did all of the work for me."
As she said that, she reached into the pocket of her sweatpants and pulled out a phone. A phone, that was currently sending a call out to a contact titled Grandmother.
"Did you know," Octavia smiled as all blood drained away from Record's face. "That some phones could record voice messages and send calls at the same time? Personally, I never understood what the purpose of such a function could possibly serve. But now I find such a feature to be a truly blessed coincidence."
The room was quiet, each inhabitant silent for their own reasons. Shock kept Vinyl's mouth sealed while fear did the job for Record, but confident victory prevented Octavia from violating the silence. What did, was a clear and cold voice that came out out of the phone's speaker.
"Octavia dear, could you please set the phone to loudspeaker mode?"
"Gladly Grandmother," Octavia smiled as she activated the requested feature.
"Mrs. Record Scratch," Philharmonic said, tone as cold and absolute as an arctic gale. "I want you to listen and listen clearly because I have no intention of repeating myself. You will leave this room and never come near either your daughter or my granddaughter. You will hear from my lawyers shortly. In addition, young Vinyl will be living with my daughter and her husband until she is able to live on her own."
"Y-You can't do that!" Record exclaimed. "I am her mother! No one can take her away from me!"
"We shall see about that," Philharmonic said, a sharp edge to her tone. "I will look forward to seeing you in court."
And with that, the call ended.
Record was livid, as she glared at the young lady before her. The one responsible for ruining everything she so carefully put together for this moment.
"Checkmate," Octavia smirked as she returned to her bed. ***
Sunset's jaw was in her lap as she processed what she just heard. The two girls just laughed at her reaction as one of them tried to find a way to navigate the busy streets of Canterlot City safely.
"Are you okay, love?" Octavia asked as she regained her composure.
Sunset just blinked as her eyes shifted their gaze between the two girls.
"Yo Sunset," Vinyl called, concern lightly coloring her voice. "You alright?"
Sunset blinked again, only this time, her mind managed to resemble itself enough to bring her back to the land of the living.
"Oh! S-Sorry," she chuckled awkwardly. "That was just a lot to take in I guess."
Octavia nodded while Vinyl just sighed.
"Yeah. Life was total shit for me for a while, but it all worked out in the end."
"Indeed," Octavia smiled as she placed a comforting hand on her sister's shoulder.
"Yeah! I got a family that actually loves me for me, and Tavi got the coolest sister in the world! Total win-win!"
"While I would not have worded it quite like that, yes. Yes it is."
For a moment, Sunset just watched the two girls and marveled at the sheer level of care the two shared between them. It was clear to her that the two had a strong bond that would be difficult if not impossible to break. Octavia had Vinyl's back and Vinyl, Octavia's. This was what a real family bond looked like, and compared to what she had with most of her former friends, was like comparing gold to lead.
No wonder my friendships died so easily, she thought, her heart sinking into a dark pit. Except for Fluttershy, they never really cared to begin with. And even saying that is a stretch when you really think about it.
She was quickly brought back to reality when the car gently pulled into a parking place and came to a stop. The three girls exited the car, two of which were filled with excitement while their fiery-haired friend was a bundle of nerves. She had never been to a rave before, though most of the things she heard about them were rarely good. Yeah, they could be fun, but for every exciting story, there was five tales about people selling drugs or disappearing into the night only to be found in a gutter somewhere. But as she followed her two friends towards the building that the rave was going to take place, her jaw dropped for the second time that evening.
Towering over her was a massive five story building crafted in the shape of a cube. All across its surface were large music notes as if the gargantuan box was made of sheet music with a single blue and read glowing sign that read String Record dominating the front of it. A one hundred person line stood in front of a set of chrome doors guarded by a bouncer covered with more muscle than a bull.
Still a little stunned, Sunset barely registered it when they approached the hulking man.
"Hey Willy," Vinyl cheered, giving the bouncer a playful swat on the back. "How ya' been?"
"Iron Will's been doing fine Miss Scratch," the bouncer, Iron Will smiled.
"Aw, c'mon man," Vinyl groaned. "I told ya' not ta' call me that."
"My apologies," he smirked as he opened the doors for them. "Force of habit, boss."
"'Boss'!?" Sunset exclaimed as she followed her friends into the building. "You own a club?"
"Kinda'?" Vinyl shrugged. "Technically, Grandma owns it, but I'll get it when I graduate. Till then, I'm just their DJ."
Sunset was going to ask more but then she saw the club's main room and gawked. Red, blue, and purple neon lights weaved through the walls in long thin streams like radioactive vines of ivy while illuminated black and white floor tiles in the shape of records filled the room with light from below. From the ceiling above, theater lights lazily rotated as means of adding to the already amazing spectacle. Scattered throughout the room were several mini bars that were already catering to guests with servers dressed in white suits or what appeared to be lolita-style dresses for the waitresses. At the farthest wall in the back stood a huge stage, easily big enough to hold ten bands. One half of the stage was dominated by a veritable fortress of speakers and electronics, while the other half was filled with various types of string instruments with a beautifully polished cello at the center.
"Like what ya' see?" Vinyl smirked, snapping Sunset out of her stupor with a playful nudge.
"This is amazing!" Sunset exclaimed.
"Indeed," Octavia smiled as she took her place at Sunset's left. "But just wait until you see the main event, love."
"Yeah! Just you wait! It'll blow you away!"
"I'm looking forward to it," Sunset laughed.
"Well then, I guess we'd better get set up," Vinyl said, giving her sister a playful glare. "Hope you don't lag behind this time."
"Me? Lag?" Octavia chuckled, returning the expression. "Perish the thought. If anything, you should worry less about me and more about yourself my dear sister."
The two girls laughed then turned towards Sunset.
"You'll want ta' get as close to the stage as you can get for this before all the good spots are taken."
"And do make sure to avoid the mosh pit," Octavia continued, cringing. "It tends to get rather rough in there, even during a slow performance."
"Got it," Sunset smiled. "And thanks."
With a nod, the three girls separated, Octavia and Vinyl to get ready to perform and Sunset to find some way to kill time. As she did, she noticed that Derpy had been right when she said she didn't need to worry about being underdressed. Aside from the staff, everyone was dressed in what could be best described as formal tough. Black leather jackets and jeans seemed to be the more common outfits, but even Sunset's undisciplined eye could tell that they were all high quality name brand goods. Be that as it may, she couldn't help but notice a few approving gazes from some of the other guests as she made her way towards one of the bars closest to the stage. A small part of her was happy that people weren't looking down on her based on her appearance, but a larger part was sure it wasn't just her jacket some of them were admiring.
"So, what can I get you miss?" the server asked.
"A Sprite please."
"Right away," he said, quickly getting to work.
As soon as he set the drink on the table, Sunset asked how much and was shocked when he said that it was free.
"Only booze costs money here. Stuff like soda and water is free so long as it's by itself."
"Oh, well, that's neat," Sunset said, taking a sip of her drink.
For the next five minutes, Sunset just stood there by the bar enjoying the atmosphere while she waited for something to happen. Fortunately, she didn't need to wait long as the over head lights suddenly shifted their light towards the stage. Sunset looked and saw Vinyl sitting in a chair at the center of the the tower of electronics as if it was a throne, and she, its Queen. Standing at the center of the circle of string instruments on the opposite side of the stage stood a lone figure that Sunset suspected to be Octavia, but appeared to be wearing some sort of disguise. A green hooded vest covered her top half while a pair of ratty brown shorts covered her bottom. A thick gray scarf covered the lower half of her face like a mask. Before she could marvel at the spectacle before her, her two friends began to speak to the crowd.
"Hey everybody! Who's yer favorit DJ?!"
A resounding "Pon-3!" echoed through the room.
"I can't hear ya!"
"PON-3!"
"LOUDER!"
"PON-3!!!"
"Now that's more like it!" Vinyl cheered.
"Oh please," 'Octavia' sighed, rolling her eyes. "You know the real reason they're here is because I add some class to that boorish swill you call music. ISN'T THAT RIGHT?!"
As she said that, a part of the crowd chanted a single word.
"Strings! Strings! Strings!"
"See Vinyl?" 'Strings' taunted. "They love me. You may as well just go home."
"Ah bite me Strings," Vinyl snapped. "Or better yet, let's get this show on the road."
"I couldn't agree more."
With that, Vinyl turned on her machines, Strings grabbed a violin, and the two began to play. It was incredible! As the two artists brought everything they had to the contest, the crowd was driven even further into a frenzy. Vinyl would use one combination of songs to create a new rhythm at the drop of a hat while Octavia would counter by alternating between different instruments whenever she could to change her performance at almost the same speed. In a lot of ways, it reminded Sunset of the battle she had with Lyra, but while that was a battle to decide a victor, this was a battle to improve. As the two musicians clashed, they pushed each other to outshine the other while at the same time, the two were gradually harmonizing with each other. By the time Octavia brought her cello to the forefront of the battle, the two were no longer competing, but performing together, using their combined music to bring the crowd's excitement to a fever-pitch before ending it with a grand finale that literally shook the ground. When the music stopped the room was deathly quiet, but then, a resounding chorus of cheers and whistles filled the air, Sunset's cheer among them. For the first time in days, the girl felt truly alive. ***
Scootaloo, stared at the ceiling in her room, eyes glazed as she let the weight of their latest actions settle in her. It wasn't often that the girl felt guilty about something, but the past few weeks had changed that by considerable degrees. But as bad as she felt the last few days, the way she felt now was borderline disgust.
Earlier, the three of them snuck out of their homes and into the school. It wasn't the first time they did it, seeing as the school had next to no security, but while the previous times had been to pickup things they had forgotten the day prier, this time had been for more nefarious reasons. She still remembered what Sweetie had typed in the message she sent to no less than fifty people just two hours ago.
I have a feeling that Meme Queen is closing in on me and while you may not care, that means she's closing in on you too. I'm sure you're too stupid to figure out the logistics of this by yourself so I'll make it simple for you. If she busts me, you will be busted too for giving me secrets. And if you think I'm getting grief now, just wait until the whole school finds out you helped me. And don't bother trying to track me through this message seeing as I'm using a dummy account to send it in the first place. Anyway, like it or not, we're in this together so if you help me, you guarantee that the whole school won't turn you into a punching bag. How can you help me? Simple. Just keep an eye on me and send me a message every time someone from school gets close to me other than my dog. Do that, and everything should be all sunshine and rainbows. Understand? Good.
Scootaloo groaned in frustration as she rolled over in her bed, desperate to get some trace of sleep. But no matter what she tried, her guilt refused to let her rest. |
Seven Saviors | Ch.8 Something Lost Something Gained | Sunset sat in the empty waiting room, nerves on high alert as she took in her surroundings. She'd never been to a therapist before, even in Equestria. Part of the reason was that she saw it as a sign of weakness or insanity that she felt was beneath her. The biggest reason though, was that she was scared. Back then, she was scared of having to come to terms with her actions, now she was scared of what would happen if she didn't get help. So far, her mental state was stable thanks to her new friends, but she knew that there was always the chance she could backslide into a second attempt at what she tried to do on the bridge.
She flinched as she felt a hand rest on her own.
"Nervous?" Rose Luck asked, lips turned into a gentle smile.
Sunset nodded.
Rose sighed then wrapped the teen in a calming one-armed hug.
"You have nothing to worry about. Hearths Warming is the best at what she does. Sure, her brother is a little scary, but she's the nicest person you'll ever meet."
"I heard," Sunset smiled. "Vinyl praised her when I mentioned her last night. Still a little nervous though."
Rose nodded in understanding, holding her a little tighter to help her charge relax.
"Does she know that I'm..."
"Living with us?"
"I was going to say 'an orphan'" Sunset sighed.
Rose grimaced, then said, "Most likely. Thankfully, Soprano is currently working with her mother to get you formally adopted into our family."
"Soprano?" Sunset asked, slightly familiar with the name.
"She's the Vice-Principal of The Philharmonic Music Academy. While she doesn't hold her mothers power, she does have access to a lot of powerful lawyers. At the worst, we'll be your legal guardians, but I think that would be far more preferable to having to live on the streets."
Sunset nodded, glad that her status as a ward of the state was being taken care of. Though one thing made her raise a brow.
"How are you connected to Octavia's mom?"
Rose gave the girl an impish smile, then said, "I think it would make sense that I'd be friends with the people my daughter helped in one way or another."
Sunset sighed, a weary smile gracing her lips.
"Derpy was involved in Vinyl's case, wasn't she?"
Rose nodded.
"You'd be surprised how many cases my little girl was has dipped her foot in. The second she found out how to use a computer, she made it her mission to help anyone she could. One time, she helped the cops find the evidence needed to put a serial killer behind bars by hacking into all the cameras in the city to look for any cars that matched the slimeball's description. She not only helped them find him, but gave them a trail to follow in order to find the body. It wasn't a bad debut for a twelve-year-old White Hat, don't you think?"
Sunset smiled, proud of her new friend's success, and while a small part of her was shocked that she was so skilled at such a young age, it wasn't all too surprising. Considering everything she saw the girl do in the brief time she lived with her, it would've surprised her if Derpy didn't do amazing things before they met. It did raise one question though. One that had been nagging at her off and on since she was taken in.
"Hey, you know how I was before the last Fall Formal, right?"
"I'd heard rumors," Rose frowned. "Why?"
"Well," Sunset gulped, not quite sure how to continue her question. "Back then, I was a total witch to Derpy. I would belittle her over her eyes and how clumsy she could be. I guess what I'm wondering is, why didn't she try to bring me down?"
Rose thought for a moment, then said, "If I had to guess, you weren't worth the effort."
"What?" Sunset asked, her pride slightly wounded. "I had the whole school under my thumb!"
"True, but that was just High School drama. Derpy was never the type to let that kind of thing get to her. If something a little more serious falls on her lap, then she'll attack it with everything she has, but a few mean words won't leave a dent in her armor. Compared to those twins who tried to take over Sweet Apple Orchard, a High School bully was small potatoes."
Sunset let out a sigh. When she really stopped to think about it, it did sound kind of stupid. Derpy had bigger fish to fry and Sunset was just some spoiled brat of an anchovy throwing a temper tantrum because she didn't get what she wanted. It was worse than stupid, it was pathetic.
Someone as amazing as her probably had more important things to occupy her time, she thought, a slight mope taking her features. Maybe a new muffin recipe or something.
As she thought that, an image of Derpy in the kitchen flashed through her mind. Her smiling face, covered with flower and flecks of mix as she prepared a bowl of batter. A light chuckle slipped past her lips as the mental picture played out in her mind. Something that didn't go unnoticed by her soon-to-be legal guardian.
"She can be a real goofball, right?"
"Wha? Huh?" Sunset squeaked, a light blush coloring her cheeks. "Who do you mean?"
Rose laughed then pulled the flustered teen into a one-armed hug.
"Don't worry dear, I can keep a secret."
Sunset just grumbled, her blush still firmly plastered across her face.
At that moment, a woman dressed in a light blue blouse and dress skirt stepped into the waiting room, lips pulled into a warm smile. Her hair was a bright orange and yellow like Sunset herself, but while the teen had a peach tone to her skin, the lady that stood before her was ruby toned. She looked to be in her early thirties and maintained a graceful figure that most models would kill to have, but her posture was that of someone who didn't hold an ego to match. Instead, she gave off a kind of warmth that only a caring mother could give. The kind that let others know that everything was going to be okay. That they were loved.
"Sunset Shimmer," she asked.
Sunset nodded.
"Greetings," she smiled. "I am Miss Hearths Warming. Are you ready to get started?"
Sunset gave Rose Luck a hesitant glance, then took a deep breath and said, "Yeah, I think I am."
Hearths Warming nodded then guided Sunset through the door to her office. As they made what felt like a mile long journey, Sunset's nerves started to build again. By the time they made it to Hearths' office, she could only manage a stiff impersonation of walking. The Therapist gave her a sad smile before she placed a hand on Sunset's shoulder.
"There's nothing to worry about," she said, tone full of patient warmth. "I'm just here to listen and guide. You are the one that decides what we talk about today."
Sunset nodded, a large amount of tension suddenly melted from her frame. She was the one who had control of what goes on in the room behind that door. Within reason, of course. She was here to get help, not relive her "glory days" after all. So, with lightly shaking hands, she let Miss Warming open the door and guide her into her office.
The hour that followed was a rocky one. Not wanting to waste Miss Warming's time, she dove straight into the night she was on the bridge, and the events that led her there. Well, minus the magic of course. The last thing she needed was to be brought to a different type of Therapist at this point. That aside, it was painful for her to revisit those memories. The pain of being abandoned by those she thought were her family. The loneliness of being avoided and hated by the entire school for a crime she never committed. All of that combined with the last thing to finally push her over the edge; the cold, heartless realization that no matter what she said or did, no one would believe her. It felt like having crudely wrapped bandages torn away from an infected wound then to have alcohol pored on it. It was excruciating, but much like a disinfected gash, the pain soon gave way to comfort. A warm blanket and shelter from the cold. A game of twenty-one and an invitation of friendship. A promise of true loyalty from another damaged soul. A nerdy gift with a playful smile. Proof that one member of her former family believed her. A blast of music that rattled her to her core and brought her back to life. With each memory, each bond she allowed herself to remember, a new layer of bandages were wrapped around the wound in her heart. But it wasn't crudely slapped into place with the intent of hiding the injury. Now it was done properly and with care. Now it could heal properly.
But even then, with what little of her heart that had already mended, a single truth was painfully obvious to the fiery haired teen; that with the exception of Fluttershy, what she had with her former friends was dead. A fact that she knew but now, after all this time, she accepted. ***
An endless dark void. That was all Rainbow Dash could see as she looked around. Much like every night for the past two weeks, she was tied to a chair at the center of the dark abyss. And just like every night, she wasn't alone. Standing before her was an almost exact copy of herself. At first, the clone was completely identical to the sporty girl with the only difference between them being that the clone had her eyes covered by a black strip of cloth. But as the days went on, things changed. Little by little, the clone's skin changed from blue to a light shade of green and its hair started to change into a dark shade of yellow. The end result was a Rainbow Dash with giant patches of green covering her body and a mostly yellow head of hair, but one thing didn't change each night.
"Are ya' gonna' listen?" the clone growled as she cracked her knuckles.
Rainbow gave her copy a cold glare.
The copy's jaw clenched as she returned the favor.
"Well?"
"Fuck you," Rainbow growled.
With a furious howl, the copy slammed its fist into Dash's face. Rainbow only had enough time to spit out a tooth before another blow was delivered, this time to her chest. Again and again, blows rained down on her from all conceivable angles, all the while, the copy screamed its criticisms at the girl.
"HOW STUPID CAN YOU BE?! WHY WOULD SHE GO BACK TO HER OLD WAYS? SHE HAD EVERYTHING SHE COULD EVER NEED! SHE HAD FRIENDS! SHE HAD LOVE! SHE HAD YOU! WHY THE HELL WOULD SHE GIVE ALL THAT UP JUST TO GO BACK TO SQUARE ONE!? HOW COULD MY BEARER BE SO STUPID?!"
After what felt like an hour, the Dash clone halted her assault, her blindfolded brow frowned in barely contained anger. Dash, now a battered and bruised mess, turned her gaze up towards her copy. Her blackening eyes locked with where the blindfold hid her assailant's , defiance replaced with fear. This was the first time the copy had ever attacked her so brutally. The last few times, she would punch her once or twice while berating her for how she treated Sunset, but this was different. The copy wanted blood.
"Last chance Dash," she growled. "Give me a reason why Sunset would betray you or I'm done."
A minute of silence passed between the two. Then another. And another. With a sigh, the copy turned and walked away from the bound girl.
"Pathetic," it growled as it faded into the darkness. "Maybe my next bearer will be worth my time. See ya........traitor."
At the last second, just before the darkness consumed the clone, she saw what little bits of blue that still covered the girl finally turn green.
With a blink, Rainbow was no longer in the void. Instead, she was lying in bed, staring at her ceiling. All of the wounds from the beating she took were left behind in the dream she had, but as she stared at her ceiling, a strange feeling washed over her. She felt as if a part of her had been removed, some piece of her soul that she had taken for granted and only then realized how precious it was. It was then, for the first time in ten years, that Rainbow Dash cried. Cried for the part of her that was gone and would never be coming back. ***
Furious scribbling filled the air of a dimly lit room as its soul occupant struggled to complete her task curled up in the corner. As she worked, a portion of her mind continued to wander to places that raised her ire. A weary sigh slipped past her lips as she reeled in her wandering thoughts only for an angry snarl to fallow when she saw what her unfocused mind had created. The dress was simple, yet designed for someone with a more athletic build that lacked the reinforcements needed for one made for Rainbow. It was elegant, while also bold enough to allow its owner to wear certain accessories that would normally clash. An accessory such as a black leather jacket.
Rarity grabbed the sketch and ripped it out of her sketchpad. With a snarl, she crumpled it and threw it into a growing pile of similar designs before she once again attempted to create a new design.
How could she betray us?! she thought as she furiously scribbled across the clean sheet of paper before her.
"She didn't, love," a voice echoed from the walls, the contempt in it as thick as a country.
Startled, she looked around herself for the voice's source, but found nothing.
"Wh-Who said that?"
"I did," the voice said, now coming from the sketchpad .
She glanced down at her pad and what she saw made her jaw drop. Standing in the middle of the previously blank page with its arms crossed was small cartoon of herself. The only major difference aside from the size was that large parts of her were colored gray instead of white. But it wasn't the illustration's sudden appearance that shocked her. It was the fact that it was moving.
"Wha-How-HUH?!" she exclaimed.
"Not important," the mini Rarity said as she leveled a harsh glare at her larger counterpart. "What is important is how much of a total fool you have been these last few days."
"Tell me about it," she groaned, ignoring the irony of her situation. "Only a fool could've believed someone like her could ever change."
"You are right about one thing love. You were tricked, but it wasn't by that poor dear."
"Excuse me?" she exclaimed through a humorless laugh. "Clearly we are talking about different people, darling."
"Agreed," she grimaced. "I am talking about Sunset Shimmer. The one who fought tooth and nail with you to defeat the Sirens. The one who went through hell and back to earn the forgiveness of the entire student body for her past transgressions. The one who would sooner die than betray the people closest to her. Who are you talking about?"
For a moment, Rarity's anger was replaced with doubt as each of her double's points struck home. She had seen the lengths Sunset went to to prove herself. Plus, something about the whole situation had bothered her. What would Sunset stand to gain from such a stunt as this? Or was everything just a means to get revenge on those who wronged her?
Rarity shook the doubt from her mind and glared at the sentient drawing.
"Clearly the girl is an excellent actress. Not to mention opportunistic if her past deeds are anything to go by. In fact, calling her a traitor is too generous a term. To be a traitor she would've had to have been a friend in the first place."
The illustration's glare deepened for a moment, before she let out a defeated sigh.
"So that's how you choose to see her. And I thought you were the smartest among us."
"Pardon?" Rarity blinked, anger replaced with confusion.
"You are the one with the sharpest eyes and the most precise wit. Surely you noticed it too. The frayed form of her jacket. The fact that she never let you or the girls come to her place. How she never seemed to have more than five outfits. Need I continue?"
"What's your point?" she asked, brow raised.
"Why would a person with nothing throw away what they worked so hard to get?"
Rarity stared wide-eyed at her double as all of the pieces presented to her fell into place.
"Y-You don't mean..."
"Funny," the drawing smiled sadly as a door appeared next to her. "The most generous thing you did for her was call her a traitor."
With that, what little white was left on the animated drawing was taken by the gray as it opened the door and left. The second it was gone, Rarity felt like a part of her went with her. That combined with the grief of her most resent revelation, brought tears to her eyes. Tears that fallowed her all the way to the waking world. ***
The air was heavy with the scent of apples and leaves as two figures stood in the heart of a massive apple orchard. One was a orange skinned girl with blond hair wearing a red and white flannel shirt and blue overalls. Sitting on her head was a hand made stetson style hat handed down from her father. Across from her stood a girl that looked a lot like her only with a few key differences. The figure was dressed in clothes made of a collection of leaves arranged in the same shapes as her own, minus a hat. Her hair was made of long strands of dried straw that looked as flexible as Applejack's own, but had patches of blue and pink dominating most of it. The figure's skin looked to be made of bark and was mostly cream colored with small specks of orange scattered across what parts of its body weren't covered with leaves. Its face was identical to Applejack's with the absence of a mouth being the only abnormality.
Applejack glared at the wooden effigy.
"You're wrong," she growled.
"No. Ah'm not," the tree girl replied, tone empty of emotion. "You are."
Applejack growled furiously as she stepped closer to her double.
"How else could my secret've ended up on that account? How else could those picture's've gotten out? The damn account even had her profile on it for pete's sake!"
For a moment, silence dominated the orchard, only Applejack's angered breathing serving as the only sign of life. Then, with a tone that sounded slightly disappointed, the tree girl said, "Ya' don't believe that."
Applejack flinched as if her double had slapped her and stepped back.
"If you did," it sighed. "You wouldn't be doubt'n yourself so much. You know somethin' ain't right about this. C'mon gal, get a grip of yourself and focus. Surely you can see that your being railroaded."
Applejack glared at her double, then, with venom on her tongue, said, "I'm through being a pawn fer tha' snake."
A sigh made it past the double's nonexistent lips and she gave her human counterpart a sad glance.
"Ya' took the words right out of my mouth. Y' know, they say there's no worse lie than the one's we tell ourselves. Guess you're livin' proof of that. I hope ma'h next bearer is less of a rattler."
With that, all of the remaining patches of orange on the double faded into cream and the few small patches of blond were devoured by blue and pink. Then the figure faded away like a ghost.
A second later, Applejack awoke with a start, a tearing pain in her chest and tears streaming down her face. She knew that something was wrong, but her mind couldn't figure out what, only that what she lost was never coming back. And it was her own fault. ***
Pinkie tossed and turned as she tried to get some sleep, but her restless mind would't let her. No matter what she did, her thoughts would drift back to that night at Sugarcube Corner. To the destroyed look in Sunset's eyes as she was yelled at by Dash. With a frustrated groan, she dragged herself out of her bed and towards her bedroom door.
"Maybe a glass of water will help," she sighed as she staggered into the kitchen.
After she pulled a glass out of a cabinet, she moved to the sink to pour herself a drink, but paused when a movement in her left peripheral got her attention. When she turned, she saw her phone sitting on the counter. Confused, she set her glass down by the sink and approached the device. When she picked it up, she saw that a video was paused on it. Curious, she tapped the play icon on the screen. What she saw made her blood turn into ice. On the screen was someone that looked like Sunset standing on the guardrail of a bridge, a look of absolute despair on her face as she gazed upon the frigid water below. Pinkie watched with wide eyes, breaths coming out in gradually faster panicked gasps as a stone began to grow in her gut. Silently, she prayed that what she thought was going to happen wouldn't, but a large part of her knew what was coming. Then, with dead eyes closed, the girl jumped. It was at that point that Pinkie lost her grip, both on the phone and her stomach as she dropped the device and ran to the sink, her most recent meal decorating its interior. For a moment, she just stood there with her head over the sink, shaking as she waited for the shock to work its way out of her system. Still shaking, she managed to gain enough control of herself to move away from the sink. What greeted her was no more of a comfort than the phone had been.
Standing five feet away from her was a girl that looked like her, but with many noticeable differences. The girl's hair was long and straight with many tangles running through it. Her features were frail and bony, as if she hadn't eaten in months with only a thin layer of will keeping her standing. Her eyes were sunken into her skull with heavy black rings surrounding them like rotting flesh. Her thin, dry, lips were pulled into a quivering frown as she stared at Pinkie as with bare feet she approached her, a single, shaking question aimed at her.
"Why did you take her smile?"
"N-No! G-G-Get back," she stammered as she backed away from the emaciated clone.
The staggering pat of bare feet behind her drew her attention away from the clone only for her to notice another one walking towards her from the other end of the kitchen. Panicking, she shifted her attention back to the first clone only to see five more had appeared, all of them asking the same question. Paralyzed with fear, she watched as more clones oozed out of the shadows of the kitchen to join the mob already present. Soon, she was completely surrounded, "Why did you take her smile?" repeated like a depressed mantra as Pinkie trembled in absolute terror. Eventually, it all became too much for her and with tears in her eyes she screamed, "I WAS SCARED!!!"
The clones stopped their chanting and stared at the now sobbing girl.
"I was scared that she had gone back to her old ways! I was scared that all the fun we had was a lie! I was scared that the smile she would always show us was fake and that we weren't really friends!"
For a moment, the only sound in the kitchen was the sound of Pinkie sobbing, but that didn't last long.
"So that was it?" a voice identical to Pinkie's said, mild irritation decorating it. "You were scared?"
Pinkie turned her head towards were she heard the voice and gasped. Standing just outside the sea of clones stood a copy that looked significantly more healthy than the rest with the only other differences being most of its body being white with only a small bundle of pink patches noticeable among the two tone blue locks on its head. The clone glared at her while the others crept back into the shadows, leaving the two alone in the room.
"How scared do you think Sunset was?" it growled. "The whole school hates her and you turned your back on her. You are supposed to bring smiles to people, not take them away. You were scared? GOOD! A GUTLESS COWARD LIKE YOU DESERVES TO BE AFRAID!!!"
Pinkie flinched at her discolored doppelganer's tirade, more tears flowing down her face.
"You know," the clone continued with a sigh. "I thought maybe you had a better reason for abandoning a friend, but now I see that I was wrong about you. You really are just a waste of time. Goodbye."
With that, what was left of Pinkie's colors on the clone melted away as she blinked. When her eyes opened she was in her bed staring at the ceiling. As she laid there, tears streamed down her face. She didn't move. She hardly breathed. She didn't do anything. It hurt far too much to do anything but weep. ***
Fluttershy sat on her bed, a dull glaze in her eyes. Laying on the bed next to her was a large pile of knives of various sizes. Slowly, her head turned towards the pile and her lips contorted into a faint grimace. Almost mechanically, she grabbed one of the larger steak knives, then jammed it into her right thigh. She pushed hard to push the blade deeper and deeper into her leg until only the handle was visible above her skin. The pain should've been extreme, but only equated to getting a pinch on the shoulder. Her grimace grew as she grabbed another knife and jammed it into her leg. Again, the pain was minimal compared to what the blade should've delivered. She repeated this again and again, until her whole right leg was covered with knife handles. By this point a frustrated glare covered her face as she reached for yet another knife.
"Not enough," she muttered as she aimed her new blade at her left thigh. "She suffered so much more than this."
Just as she was about to bring the blade down, a gray hand grabbed it and held it in place.
"That's enough!" the hand's owner said, drawing the damaged girls gaze away from her leg.
What she saw was a copy of herself, only completely gray with blond hair and golden eyes.
"You don't need to do this anymore," she said, tears falling from her eyes as she gently took the knife from Fluttershy. "You don't need to suffer anymore. You have already been forgiven. You have already proven yourself to her."
Fluttershy shook her head.
"No. I know how badly I hurt her. I know how awfully I treated her. I deserve so much more than this."
"No, you don't," before Fluttershy could respond, the gray girl pulled her into a tight embrace.
"You accepted your failings. You tried to help Meme Queen find the true criminal. You chose to become one of her protectors. And now you want to make it up to her. If you want to do that, this isn't the way to go about it."
"Then how?" Fluttershy asked, voice coming out in slight sobs.
With a sad smile, the gray duplicate released her and said, "Through forgiveness. You need to forgive yourself for your failings and strive to move forward to better yourself. Only then can you truly make amends for your past. Unfortunately, I no longer have the power to guide you, but someone else does."
As she said that, another figure entered the room. This one also looked like Fluttershy, but only in the most basic of senses. She shared the timid girl's skin and hair colors, but instead of clothes, this version of her was covered in light silver armor. Strapped to her left hip was an ornate rapier with a fine jet-black leather sheath. The copy's eyes were a bright ruby red with slitted pupils that held a strength that Fluttershy didn't feel matched a person with her face. The gray Fluttershy smiled then approached her armored counterpart.
"I leave her in your hands," she smiled.
"I will not fail," the armored copy said with a slight bow.
With that, the gray Fluttershy turned towards the wounded original and said, "So long. And good luck." before she faded away. Once the first copy disappeared, the second one approached her.
"As she said," it said, glaring at the knives still planted in Fluttershy's right leg. "These will not be necessary."
With a wave of her armored hand, the knives disappeared with not even a trace that they were ever there to begin with. Fluttershy stared at her healed limb in amazement before she stared up at the knight that stood before her from her seat on the bed.
"I will not lie," the knight sighed. "The path of forgiveness is not an easy one. It will be long and hard. You will stumble and fall, but only you can choose to stand back up. Will you stand to walk this hazardous road?"
"Will you be my guide?" she asked, a trace of strength in her tone.
The knight smiled, then said, "To the end and beyond, milady."
With that, Fluttershy rose to her feet and with a fire in her teal eyes that matched the rubies of her knight's said, "Yes." as the shy teen took her first steps on the path of true forgiveness. ***
All was peaceful in the Castle of Friendship's second floor library. At its heart sat a lavender Alicorn enjoying a bit of late night reading. Or at least, that was the plan. At random points, her gaze would drift away from her book towards the portal ten feet away from her desk. For the last few days, she felt that something was wrong. At first, she shook it off as her over thinking things. But as the days passed, the feeling only grew. She couldn't explain it, but she knew that something had happened on the other side of the portal. Sunset's last message didn't make her feel any better, mostly due to the fact that it was the only message she received from her since the feeling started.
Maybe I should go take a look. Just to make sure she's okay
No sooner had the thought entered her head did she suddenly find herself wrapped in the coils of the God of Chaos's body. Anything beyond a startled yelp was blocked as he clamped his lion's paw over her muzzle. It was then that she saw the look of sheer terror plastered across his face. That fact alone turned her blood into ice.
"Talk later," he cried, as with a snap of his free fingers, both he and the Princess of Friendship vanished.
For a moment, only silence filled the room, but then came the heat. It was subtle at first, a slight rise in temperature that some would consider pleasant in the frigid winter weather. That didn't last long as soon, blank sheets of paper started to curl and smolder. Then the few candles in the room started to melt. Then, a massive torrent of white-hot flames erupted from the middle of the library, completely obliterating anything not protected by Twilight's magic. Just as suddenly as its arrival, the flame geyser vanished and in its place stood Princess Celestia. Her normally flowing mane and tail fell limp, the excess magic that normally animated them being put to other uses. Her jaw was set in a furious clench as her eyes, wide with fury and shrunken pupils, scanned the room. Finally, they settled on the portal and her brow furrowed.
"There will be no ashes to mourn," she snarled, her voice echoing with power. "That I PROMISE!!!" |
Seven Saviors | Ch.9 First Impressions | In a busy street, ten blocks away from Canterlot High stood a small candy shop. The Sweetie Drops was one of the biggest sweets shops in town, with all of their goods made by hand and with recipes that had been passed down for generations. If one wanted to get their hands on a top quality batch of candy, that was the place to go. If one were to stop by the shop on that bright day, they would also see the shop's owner attempting to hug the life out of a fiery haired teen in a black leather jacket with tears in her eyes.
"Bonbon," Sunset gasped, desperately reaching out to the mortified cream-colored teen. "A little help, please!"
Bonbon sighed as she approached her weeping mother.
"For god's sake mom," she groaned, grabbing one of her mother's arms. "Let the poor girl breath!"
"R-Right," Sweetie Drops sniffled as she reluctantly released her prey. "Sorry. Welcome to The Sweetie Drops, where quality smiles are our top priority," she smiled. "Feel free to check out our wears and if you find something you like, don't hesitate to bring it to the register."
"Uh, sure?" she said awkwardly.
With a smile and sniffle, the older woman nodded then headed to the back of the shop. Sunset let out a relieved sigh as she watched her leave. While it was a better reception then she was used to outside of her new circle of friends, it was still a little too personal for her.
"Sorry about that," Bonbon sighed as she walked towards the same door behind the register desk. "My mom's not usually like that."
"Really?" she asked as she fallowed the cream colored girl. "What's she like normally?"
She paused just outside the door with her right index finger resting on her chin as she thought for a moment then said, "Like that only less weepy and huggy."
"Ah," Sunset nodded.
With that, the two girls entered the back room and what she saw made Sunset's jaw drop. While the shop's main floor was impressive, the countless laboratory-style setups that filled the room was on a totally different level of awe-inspiring. Beakers, test tubes, and various types of equipment needed to handle an equally diverse collection of chemicals dominated the room, with large bundles of completed product gathered near unused packaging.
"Impressed?" Bonbon giggled as she saw Sunset's slack-jawed expression. "Here at Sweetie Drop's, all of our candy is hand made using centuries old recipes passed down from matriarch to matriarch. While we don't have the marketing of some of the bigger chain stores, our reputation has made us one of the biggest businesses in the city."
"What about wrapping?" Sunset asked, snapping out of her stupor. "You don't wrap and package all of your candy by hand too, do you?"
With a smug grin, Bonbon nodded.
"Just the two of you?!"
"Well of course not," she laughed. "Normally we have the whole family here making and packaging the candy. You didn't really think my mom and I were the only people that worked here did you?"
"Well..." she pouted with a slight blush. "Maybe? But then were is everyone?"
"Day off," she said with a smirk. "The shop isn't open on Sundays. Gives everyone a chance to catch their breath."
"Oh, that makes sense," she said, mentally face-palming.
And the only reason her mom and her are here is because they live on the second floor.
"Anyway," Bonbon said walking towards a set of stares in the room's back left corner. "let's get out of here before you try to make a love potion or something."
"A what?!" she exclaimed, chasing after the blue and pink haired girl. "Why would I want something like that?!"
"Oh please," she sighed, rolling her eyes. "I've seen the way you look at Derpy."
"I-I have no idea what you're talking about," Sunset stammered, face turning as red as her hair.
"Whatever you say," she said with a playful smile. It turned positively cheshireish as she added,"Good luck with that by the way. The two of you would be absolutely adorable together."
Sunset could only sputter random sounds as her frazzled mind struggled to come up with a functional counter argument. That proved to be an impossible feat, leaving the fiery haired girl a blushing mess as she ascended the stairs to the shop's second floor. At the head of the two girl parade, a grinning Bonbon observed her handy work with a victorious smile.
Looks like Octavia's hunch was right. That settles it then. When all this Annon-a-Miss BS is taken care of, were gonna help get these two together. Well Octavia's gonna do it. I don't even want to think about the kind of crazy plans Lyra would come up with.
Instantly, memories of her thirteenth birthday came to mind, and with them, a shiver down her spine. They never did find the clown that was supposed to pop out of the cake.
Once they reached the top of the stairs they stepped into a dimly lit hallway with three doors. One was at the opposite end of the hall while the other two were at the middle facing each other. Bonbon casually walked to the door on the left and gently pushed it open.
"Well, here we are," she smiled as she held the door open to her.
Sunset let herself in to what had to be the most generic looking bedroom she had ever seen. The walls were painted a light brown with nothing decorating them beyond a light-blue wall mounted clock. A blue dresser stood against the wall to her left with a traditional wood-framed queen-sized bed on the opposite end of the room. Directly across from her stood a simple work desk with a pink laptop positioned at its center with a desk lamp just behind it. A straw hamper was positioned right next to the door. A light trace of lemon and laundry detergent filled the air as Sunset took in her surroundings.
It reminds me of my room at Derpy's, she thought, taking a deep breath.
"Pretty bland, huh?" Bonbon smiled, letting herself in and closing the door. "Mom keeps bugging me to decorate, but I don't really see the point."
"Yeah, I get it," Sunset sighed, taking a seat on the bed. "If you don't need it, it's just clutter, right?"
"Exactly," she exclaimed, taking a seat beside her guest. "Finally someone who gets it!"
Both girls laughed, Sunset enjoying the simplicity of her surroundings and Bonbon's company. It was then that Sunset noticed a previously missed blue deck box sitting on the bed's headboard.
"A gift from Lyra?" she asked, pointing at the headboard.
"Kinda," Bonbon said, a gentle smile gracing her face as she picked it up. "The deck box came from Lyra, but the cards are all me."
"Really? No offense, but you don't look like someone that would be into that kind of thing."
"None taken," she laughed. "And you're right, I don't play all that much. Not as much as Lyra anyway."
She stared down at the small cardholder, her gaze distant as a faint smile decorated her face.
"You know," she continued, eyes still locked onto her deck box. "It's thanks to Magic that I became friends with Lyra."
"Really?" Sunset asked, intrigued.
She nodded.
"Back in Junior High, I wasn't the best at making friends. I was really awkward and shy, so when lunch came around, I'd spend most of my time wandering the school looking for ways to kill time. Some of the teachers that had classes after lunch would let students use there rooms to hang out. Sort of like mini cafeterias or clubs as long as the student's didn't get too rowdy. One of the teachers that did this was a music teacher towards the back of the school. I went there once to take a break from all the noise in the cafeteria, and that's when I saw Lyra for the first time." ***
At the heart of the otherwise empty music room stood a green girl with messy gray and white hair wearing a light blue shirt and gray shorts. In front of her were two desks facing each other about two inches apart. On each desk was an assortment of cards arranged in some sort of pattern that only made sense to their mint handler. Bonbon watched the strange girl for a moment, intrigue drawing her to investigate further. Three feet away from the sight, the unnerving stillness of the girl in addition the intense levels of concentration she exuded prevented the shy tween from moving any further. Then, as fast as a cobra, the girl's hands flew between the two desks, each changing card positions and locations. It was almost like she was in a trance, moving with the speed of someone at the mercy of a higher power. Then, just as suddenly, she stopped, an irritated scowl plastered across her face. With an annoyed grumble, she picked up all of the cards, put them into their own individual stacks, placed those stacks into small colorful plastic boxes, put them into her backpack, and left the room with a distant look in her eyes.
What the heck just happened? she thought as she watched the strange girl leave. ***
"Later, she told me it was a mock battle," Bonbon smiled, opening up the deck box and pulling out her cards. "She takes two decks and pits them against each other. She told me its like fighting herself over and over again so she can make the best deck she can."
Sunset nodded in understanding, her hand drifting unconsciously to her own cards in her jacket pocket. Ever since Lyra gave them to her, she kept them close. It felt like having a piece of one of her friends with her at all times.
"Ever since that day," she continued, slowly sifting through her blue-sleeved cards. "I would go to that room at lunch. At first it was because I had nowhere else to go, but then I started to get curious about her. What was she doing? What was with those cards? Why was she all by herself everyday? Was she the same as me? I really wanted to know, but every time I tried to ask her, my nerves would get the best of me."
Then, a gentle smile spread across her face, she stopped filing through her cards to pull out one in particular, a nostalgic gleam in her eyes.
"But one day, I was walking through the mall and something amazing happened."
"What?" Sunset asked.
She faced her guest, still holding her nostalgic smile and said, "I got to see the real Lyra and get my answers all in one go." ***
Bonbon let out a sigh, the crowds tuned out as the music from her earbuds flooded her with the zen only opera could provide. It was the only way she could deal with being surrounded by so many people at once. Not every time of course, but sometimes the suffocating feeling of being surrounded by people was just too much. With her anxieties mostly tamed, she casually strolled through the stores, not really looking for anything in particular. It was as she was looking at a mannequin on display at a department store that the green girl with gray and white hair caught her attention. To Bonbon's surprise, the girl was dressed completely different from how she was at school. Instead of her usual light-blue shirt and gray shorts, she wore a white dress shirt tucked into a pair black jeans with a matching summer jacket draped around her shoulders. Slung over her one shoulder was what looked like a single-strapped backpack with a strange star-shaped pattern on the top.
She seemed a lot more relaxed, with a giddy smile decorating her face as she navigated the labyrinth of stores and kiosks. Curious, Bonbon decided to fallow her, not really sure what to make of this new development. After a few minutes, the girl in black stepped into a store, Bonbon not far behind her. A quick look around added more questions to the growing pile in Bonbon's head. The store was full of various card and gaming paraphernalia, with the wall being dominated by wall-mounted displays showing a wide variety of cards. At the checkout stand were even more diverse merchandise such as the same colorful plastic boxes she saw the girl put her cards in as well as different colored versions of the bag she had wrapped across her shoulder. At the heart of the store's main area were a cluster of chairs and tables evenly spaced in an eight-by-eight grid pattern with two chairs a piece. Most of the tables were occupied, all by people who were using the same kind of cards as the girl she followed.
What is this place? she thought, gently plucking her earbuds out.
It was then, that what little background chatter the removal of her earbuds exposed her to was cut off as, one-by-one, each of the store's inhabitants took note of Bonbon's unknowing guide. She was silent as she moved towards a table in the farthest corner of the table grid, her back towards the other patrons. With practiced ease, she slid her shoulder bag off onto the table. Silence owned the room, then, with a confident smile and golden eyes that burned with determination, she turned to face the staring crowed.
"Hope you guys didn't miss me too much! Don't worry, Queen Lyra is ready to take all of ya on!"
The room filled with cheers as those that weren't already playing against someone moved over towards Lyra's table.
"Bout time you showed up, champ!" said one kid, taking a seat. "I've been working on my deck since our last match. I bet I can take ya this time!"
"Heh, we'll see about that," she grinned as she unzipped the top of her bag. "Don't think I've been sitting on my butt this whole time either, Button."
With it open, Bonbon saw that its interior was divided into evenly spaced plastic brackets. Each section held a plastic box of varying colors ranging from bright red to pure white. Everyone watched with baited breath as the girl, Lyra, selected one. When she pulled out a white leather-bound container, excited grins filled the room.
"Let's go all out," she grinned, as she deftly placed her prize onto the table.
Her challenger stared at her, jaw slacked before it made way for an excited smile.
"Alright! This is gonna be awesome!
What followed could only be described as a blur of activity as Bonbon watched the two card sharks go at it. When she got close enough to get a better look at what was going on she was able to notice a kind of pattern involving the cards the two were using. Lyra's cards were all relatively normal looking with a vast majority of them depicting human warriors and knights, while her opponent's all looked like twisted corpses or demonic horrors. She also noted a correlation between the two putting cards that depicted variations of terrains into a horizontal position with playing more detailed cards from their hands. It also seemed like a kind of score was being kept using twenty-sided dice as counters for some reason. As the game continued, Lyra seemed to become more animated, egging on 'Button' to play better cards and try getting past her defenses. Eventually, Lyra's half of the table was absent of anything beyond land cards and only three cards remained in her hand.
"Hah! I've got you now Champ," Button grinned. "In my next turn, my Salvage Titan's gonna take out what's left of your life."
For a moment Lyra stared at the table, her face blank, then, she looked at the three cards in her hand and laughed.
"Wow Button, you've really stepped up your game," she smirked. "But like I said, I haven't been slaking off all this time."
With that, she tapped three of her land cards and placed a new card on the table.
"First, I pay three white manna to summon Wall of Resurgence. This allows me to turn one of my lands into a 0/0 elemental with three 1/1 counters on it and haste."
As she said this, she moved one or her tapped lands into position next to her creature.
"And next," she said, her grin widening. "I pay seven white manna to summon Angel of Glory's Rise."
The second she placed her card, the whole room grew deathly quiet, as if everyone were holding their breath. Bonbon couldn't help but to get drawn into the tension of the situation. She knew that something big had happened in terms of the match in front of her, but she had no idea what. And it was driving her crazy. Fortunately, Lyra was more than ready to answer her unasked question.
"The second Glory hits the field, all of the humans in my graveyard return to the field. All twenty-four of them!"
With that, she reached for her graveyard and put twenty-four cards onto her side of the table, lips pulled into a smug grin.
"Oops, sorry," she giggled. "I meant Twenty-eight. When Attended Knight is summoned all four of them create a 1/1 Soldier token. And my two Crusaders of Odrics gain power and toughness equal to the number of creatures I have under my control. Also, my Captain of the Watch gives everyone else a 1/1 power boost and vigilance. This is my new ending move: THE GRAND BATTALION!!!"
Button gaped at the variable army at Lyra's disposal, frantically looking at his meager hand for any way to turn the tide in his favor.
"W-Wow Champ, that's pretty good. I hope I can get a board wipe next turn."
"Next turn?" Lyra blinked. "What do ya mean? My guys are taking you out right now."
"Huh? But summon sickness-"
"Don't you remember that land I turned into an elemental?"
He nodded.
"Well, it gained the haste ability and this guy," she said, pointing to one of her cards. "Odric, Lunarch Marshal, can give all my creatures the same printed ability as one of them. In short, since my elemental has haste, all of my creatures have haste. Get it? You've lost."
Button's jaw dropped, then he picked up Odric and the first card that Lyra played that turn. Once he confirmed that she was telling the truth he, politely returned the cards to her and let out a frustrated yell.
"Dang it! I was so close that time!"
"Like I said, you've really improved," she shrugged as she picked up her cards. "You're just not quite at my level yet. Keep it up. You'll get there eventually."
As she said that, she put a hand on Button's shoulder and flashed him an encouraging smile before shifting her attention to her crowd of fans.
"Alright, who wants to take a crack at me next?" ***
"And you know what the crazy thing is?"
"What?" Sunset asked, captivated by her friend's tale.
"She beat all of them."
"Really?"
"Yep!" she smirked. "It was amazing. It was like she had some kind of bond with her cards. Each time she looked like she was going to get overwhelmed, she would draw just the card she needed to turn it all around. It was like her cards wanted her to win just as much as she did."
Again, Sunset's hand drifted to the deck box in her jacket pocket, only this time it was with a bit more intent. To her surprise, she could feel a small trace of magic in it that didn't belong to her. It made her wonder just how much of Lyra's bizarre fascination with magic was truly based on a love of fantasy.
"It was amazing," she sighed. "No matter what happened, she had such confidence in herself through out the whole thing. I admired that about her, and decided I'd try to become like her, if I could. So, I did as much research on the game as I could; focused on what kind of strategies worked best with me so I could face her. I thought, if I could match her then maybe I could be as cool as her."
Bonbon let out a light chuckle at that before she continued.
"Guess I got more than that."
Sunset nodded, a wistful smile on her lips as her thoughts drifted to Derpy and the bridge.
"As you could guess, she beat the tar out of me. A new-b versus a city champion? No contest. But each day, I'd challenge her and with each match I got more confident. Eventually, we started hanging out and before I knew it, I had my first friend. She even gave me this as a birthday gift."
As she said that, she handed a card over to Sunset. She took it and gave it a slow look over and was surprised by the amount of print it had on it.
"Morphling?" she asked, reading the card's name. "Looks pretty powerful."
"It is. It's one of the strongest blue cards in the game and one of the hardest to get. She said I'd need it more than she did."
Sunset gave the card another look, this time with more appreciation. She also noticed a trace of magic surrounding it, though it didn't feel aggressive or wild. It felt impatient, like a child eager to get back to its friend. With a light chuckle, she returned the card to Bonbon who gently returned her cards to their deck box.
"You know," Bonbon smirked. "I think Lyra said she was gonna head to the mall today to update her deck. Want to stop by and say hi?"
She pondered it for a minute, then with a smile she nodded
"Sure, let's do it." ***
A thick layer of snow covered the ground, the early morning's rays coating the entirety of the Canter Canyon mountain range with a faint aurora. At the heart of a clearing among the mountains, an Alicorn and Chaos God flashed into existence.
"Okay," Discord sighed, letting go of his captive Princess. "We should be far enough ."
Shock shifted to irritation as Twilight turned towards her capturer.
"Discord, what the hay are-"
Her anger turned back into shock as she got a good look at him. The Dragonequis was covered with a wide variety of injuries ranging from deep scratches to massive burns. In addition, one of his eyes was black and swollen shut along with his Griffin arm appearing to be dislocated at the shoulder.
"What happened to you?!" she exclaimed, horn already glowing with no less than twenty healing spells at the ready.
"Your former Teacher," he groaned as he fell into the snow. "That's what happened to me. Remind me to never do anything permanent to her family in the future."
Twilight paused, letting the spells do their work as she tried to process what he said. While she knew that Celestia was powerful, she just couldn't see her doing this to anypony, especially Discord. At least, not without a good reason.
"What did you do," she groaned.
"Hey!" he snapped, pulling his now mostly healed form into a sitting position "I'm not the one who screwed up this time! That honor goes to your friends on the other side of the portal!"
"What?!" she exclaimed, taking a step back from the irritated being before her. "What do they have to do with this?!"
Discord let out weary sigh then gazed at the Princess of Friendship with a broken frown.
"This is what happened." ***
Laughter filled one of the castle's private guest rooms as its two occupants enjoyed each others company. A single candle was the only source of light in the dark room, Illuminating just enough of the room to reveal Discord, Celestia, and the bottle of two-thousand year old wine right next to it on a silver table. The infectious nature of the season dominated the atmosphere as the two immortals told tales from their pasts that the other hadn't been able to find out about, as well as a few hilarious rumors that had come to light. It wasn't often that they allowed themselves to unwind like this, especially with alcohol as a factor. The main reason being that it was hard to find any liquor that could actually effect them, but the other was because of the Solar Diarch's hectic work schedule. But when they could have these moments, it was always a pleasure. More so for Celestia than Discord, as the Chaos God's antics had started to grow on her a little bit over the years.
"Oh, Discord~" she purred, cheeks flushed from the wine. "Do you think we could...you know?"
"Why Celestia, what kind of question is that?" he asked, talon on his chest in faux shock. "Of course we can!"
With a wide smile, he snapped his fingers and a five foot tall ornate mirror appeared in beside the table. A happy squeal slipped past her muzzle as she poured herself another glass and turned to face the mirror. Ever since it was confirmed that she was alive on the other side of the portal, Celestia had taken steps to make sure Sunset was safe in the other world. In addition to putting up several barriers and security spells around Sunset's home asking Discord to open a window between the two worlds was the most reliable of these methods. Of course, it needed to be adjusted at first, after all, there was only so many times Celestia could watch her daughter sleep before it became both boring and introspectively creepy. As such, the spell was reworked to only show events in Sunset's life that held strong emotional attachment to her between uses.
For the first few minutes, everything was fine. They watched as Sunset bonded with her friends, a smile brighter than Celestia's charge threatening to split her head in half. But then, things took a turn for the worse. Before her very eyes, the beautiful life that her daughter fought for began to crumble. Her friends abandoned her, the students she protected turned on her, and her precious sun fell further into despair. A tornado of emotions were warring for dominance in her heart; sadness, fear, confusion, but creeping into the position of Commander was an emotion that the Solar Ruler tried to contain on a daily basis and was failing spectacularly. An unstoppable inferno of rage filled her, causing her hold on her wine goblet to tremble before the unfortunate object was crushed into an atom. Tears were falling down her face as she saw her long lost pride prepare to take her own life.
No......No please......Don't.......Don't do it....PLEASE DON'T!!!
She jumped.
"SUNSET!!! NO!!!"
The dam broke and with it, the hold Celestia had on her magic. The torrent of emotionally charged magic shattered the mirror while countless ageless enchantments built into the castle's very core held back Celestia's enormous magic flare. Discord watched, terror paralyzing him as the grieving mother let out a wail of pure agony, her eyes glowing with power and running tears. Surrounded by a hurricane of power, she let the heavens hear her pain for what felt like hours, the name of her now truly dead daughter repeated like a morbid mantra. Soon, the strength in her legs disappeared , forcing her to her knees. As she sobbed, Discord tried to figure out what he could do to fix this. As great as his powers were, even he couldn't bring back the dead. It was one of the reasons he only messed with everypony as opposed to killing them. Death was permanent, something he never liked and never would. He didn't need to ponder his options for long, as after a few minutes Celestia had stopped her crying, though her magic was still trying to tare the world apart. She slowly rose to her hooves, a look of murderous fury plastered across her tear stained face.
"They took our Little Sun," she growled, voice echoing as she slipped into her old form of speech. "We shall rain down damnation upon them with the fury of the Eternal Flame. To leave ashes would be too glorious a funeral for them. WE SHALL BRING THEM THE GIFT OF OBLIVION!!!" ***
"I've spent the past week fighting her nonstop to keep her from doing something stupid! She shattered three pocket dimensions, two black holes, and a completely different reality made of color! None of that should be even possible! And coming from me? That's saying something!"he exclaimed as Twilight stared at him, eyes wide and jaw slack.
There's no way they would do that, she thought, mind raising as she tried to digest what she had just heard. My friends would never just abandon somepony like that. My friends would've heard me out and tried to get to the bottom of this. My-
It was then that she realized her error, and it made her sick to her stomach.
"They're not my friends," she muttered, her whole body trembling from more than just the cold. "They were so much like them that I started treating them like them. How could I be so stupid? I did this...I killed her...I killed Sunset."
"Twilight, stay with me," Discord said, grabbing her by the shoulders and giving her a hard shake. "I already have one unstable Alicorn running around and I don't need another one!"
"R-Right," she said, forcing her thoughts of Sunset to the back of her mind for later. "Assuming the portal is the only way she can get to the other world, she shouldn't be able to cause any real damage. The portal strips away a pony's magic when it turns them into a human. Even if she took an artifact with her, its power would be severely weakened."
"Unless she took the Ring of Eternal Mana, right?" Discord said matter-of-factly.
"Exactly," she sighed.
A moment of silence fell over the duo before, with a trace of dread in her tone, she asked, "She has the ring, doesn't she?"
He nodded.
Twilight grabbed him by the head and pulled it within inches of her own, eyes wide with panic as she said, "Discord! Take me home right now!"
"Or," he said, holding up a hand, fingers prepped to snap. "I could take us to the other world myself."
"DO IT!!!"
With a snap and flash, the clearing returned to its original state of peace, faint imprints in the snow the only evidence of any visitors. ***
Canterlot High was completely deserted, like most schools would be during the weekend. The only person that could be seen on the school grounds was a truly divine sight to behold. She had the general appearance of Principal Celestia, but several key features separated her from the woman. This Celestia was half a head taller then the Principle and had an air of command to her seen in seasoned Generals. She wore an elegant golden ball gown that reflected the light of the sun with a thick lion hide coat protecting her from the cold. Her long, quad-colored hair hung loose around her shoulders, trailing down to the middle of her back. Finely crafted white leather boots with intricate silver ornaments kept the chill of the streets off of her feet as she stood before the school's statue. With cold, hate-filled eyes, she took in her surroundings before casting a glance at the gold ring wrapped around her finger. While it did allow her to keep her magic, it wasn't anymore than a small fraction of her true power. At most, she could level a small city before she would need to rest as opposed to radiating the whole planet with its own sun in one foul swoop.
It's a start I suppose, she thought bitterly as she raised a hand towards the sky, all of her diminished magic gathering into her palm in preparation to grant its master's desire. Let this accursed city be wiped from their maps!
Just before she could form her spell, a warm hand grasped her arm at the bicep, its grip gentle as the rays of the setting sun.
"Please, don't," the hand's owner pleaded, her voice hauntingly familiar. "No more."
The rage in Celestia's heart shattered as the voice entered her mind. In its place stood a monument of joy and despair as she turned to face the being that stood beside her. It was a teen girl wearing a flowing silver cloak, a cascade of arcane symbols decorated it from the base all the way to the hood that was draped loosely over her head. A violet ceremonial robe could be seen through a vertical opening in the cloak, a two-toned red and gold sun sitting proudly on the figure's chest. What brought tears of joyful agony to Celestia's eyes was the girls face, her strong sky-blue eyes, and the beautiful locks of gold and red hair.
"My Little Sun," she gasped, reaching a hand out to caress her cheek.
"Not quite," 'Sunset' sighed, pulling Celestia's hand away from her cheek to gently hold in her own. "I'm an Element born from her heart. I'm Acceptance, Sunset's shield and, when necessary, her sword."
Disappointment briefly flashed across Celestia's face before hope took its place.
"Then does that mean-"
With a kind smile, Acceptance nodded.
"Yes, she's alive."
Celesta let out a long sigh of relief as all the tension poured out of her.
"Thank the maker. Please, take me to her. I need to see her!"
"I will, but not yet."
"What?" she asked, taken aback. "Why?"
"You're emotions are still unstable. If something sets you off now, you might hurt someone or worse. Once you've calmed down, I'll take you to her."
Celesta glared at the spirit for a moment, before she let out a defeated huff. As much as she hated to admit it, Acceptance was right.
"Very well, but in the mean time, could you tell me how my daughter is still alive? Last time I checked, she threw herself off of a bridge."
"Well," Acceptance smiled, a slight blush coloring her cheeks. "It all started with a girl named Derpy.-" ***
The mall was a madhouse as usual, only now a sense of urgency was mixed with festive feel in the air. Everyone was rushing to get that one last gift they needed for the people they loved. An expected development with Christmas being just over a week away. Bonbon and Sunset casually weaved their way through the crowds all the while looking at what the stores had on display.
"Any idea what you're going to get everyone?" Sunset asked, giving a department store mannequin a once-over.
"Eh, I already got gifts for everyone," she shrugged. "What about you? Got any idea what you want to get everyone?"
Sunset froze for a moment, then said, "I have something for Fluttershy, but I'll need to return a few things before I can get everyone gifts."
Bonbon cringed as she recognized her mistake.
"Oh. Right. Sorry."
Before Sunset could respond a pair of familiar voices caught their attention.
"Come on Fluttershy, please?"
"No," they heard her say, a faint tint of annoyance in her tone.
"Why not?! Do you have any idea how many fights I could end?"
"Because, Lightning, if you hit the wrong nerve ending, even a little, you could kill your opponent. Do you want to take that risk?"
At that moment, the crowd parted enough to let Sunset and Bonbon see an annoyed-looking Fluttershy level a flat glare at a cringing Lightning Dust.
"For real?" she stammered, taking a half-step back from the normally shy girl. "Like Fist of the North Star type stuff?"
"More like Naruto," Fluttershy sighed with a cocky smile. "Mom never made anyone's head explode."
"I don't know if that's any better," Lightning shuddered. "Think I'll stick with Grandpa's Kajukenbo."
"Lightning? Fluttershy? What are you two doing here?" Sunset asked as she and Bonbon approached them.
"Hey guys," Lightning smiled. "Just getting some gift shopping done. Thought I'd get to know the latest member of our team a little better while I was at it."
"That's nice," Sunset smiled.
Bonbon gave the two of them a scrutinizing look before shrugging and saying, "Eh, I ship it."
"What?!" Lightning exclaimed. "I don't swing that way Bons."
"She's not my type," Fluttershy deadpanned.
They laughed for a bit before Lighting tried to change the subject.
"So, what brings you guys out here?"
"Just thought we'd say hi to Lyra and do a bit of Christmas shopping," Bonbon shrugged. "Wanna come with?"
"Sure," she smiled.
With that, the four girls made their way towards the card store on the other side of the mall. As they did, Sunset took a more detailed look at Fluttershy. She still looked pale, but instead of looking sickly, it looked more natural on her. Her hair was also a little messy, though in a way that showed a more natural appeal as opposed to a lack of care. She also seemed to be holding herself with a little more confidence then Sunset remembered ever seeing her exhibit before.
"You seem, different." Sunset whispered, getting Fluttershy's attention. "Are you okay?"
"No," she muttered, a hand drifting unconsciously to her right thigh. "But I will be."
"Huh?"
Fluttershy smiled.
"Don't worry about it."
Before she could inquire further about her friend's words, they found themselves in front of a store called Card Kingdom. A familiar, excited voice from within caught all of their attention as Lyra stepped out to greet them.
"Hey everyone! Come for a game?"
"Sort've" Lightning grinned. "Thought we'd watch you kick some ass the only way you know how."
"Says the girl to got railed by the Nameless King," Lyra smirked.
"Hey!"
Everyone laughed good naturedly as Lightning grumbled to herself.
"Anyway," Lyra said once she regained her composure. "Can I borrow Fluttershy for a minute?"
"Huh?" the newest member of the group asked, owl eyed. "Why?"
"You're a member of the team, right? Well, I think it's time we got to know each other a bit."
As she said that, Bonbon and her shared a knowing smile while Lighting Dust gave a weary sigh as the girls walked into the store. At Lyra's lead, the group walked towards an unoccupied table with a square shoulder bag sitting on top of it. Lyra took a seat and gestured for Fluttershy to take the seat across from her. Confused, she took the offered seat as Lyra reached into the bag.
"Magic is a really cool game," she said as she pulled a green deck box out of the bag. "There are millions of different cards and as a result, millions of different kinds of decks out there. No two decks are exactly the same and can even change over time as players get better. It's a lot like people when you think about it. When I think about a person, I can build a deck that matches them almost perfectly. So when I make a new friend, I build a deck for them as a mark of friendship for them. So, this one is yours."
As she said that, she handed the deck box to the shocked girl sitting across from her.
"But I don't play," she stammered, staring at the cube of plastic.
"That's fine," she shrugged. They're still yours if you ever want to. Think of them as an early Christmas gift from a new friend."
"Okay," she said, taking the offered cards. "Could you teach me?"
"Totally!" she smiled, pulling a white deck box out of her bag.
As the two set up, Sunset stared at the cards in Fluttershy's hands. As she expected, they were coated in a faint yellow glow of magic.
That's definitely magic, she thought as she watched the two girls set up. But it doesn't look like Lyra's aware that she has it. Given what I know about her, I think it would be a good idea to keep it that way for a while.
The practice match that followed was a close one to be sure. Like Sunset, Fluttershy had a real knack for the game, even managing to knock Lyra down to two life while maintaining a high level of field presence with her hulking green creatures. But Lyra wasn't pulling any punches either. The second Fluttershy started to show that she understood how to play, she went back to full battle mode, summoning knights and support creatures as quickly as she could to match the pale yellow girl's growing army of beasts. At the final turn, Fluttershy tried to finish it with an attack from her Thorn Elemental, but Lyra was able to counter with two Gidion's Reproach cards and two Healing Grace cards at the last second, taking out Fluttershy's best attacker and replenishing her life at the same time. With one attack from her Pegasus Courser , Lyra won the battle, both with big grins on their faces.
"That was awesome!" Lyra exclaimed. "I guessed you'd be good with green, but holy cow! Do I know how to pick 'em or do I know how to pick 'em!"
"Thanks," Fluttershy smiled as she delicately collected her cards. "That was a lot of fun."
"Wanna go another-"
She stopped mid-sentence as someone stepped into the store, her smile replaced with an indifferent frown. The sudden shift in mood was noticed by everyone and as they all turned to look at the store's new customer, it was quickly made apparent why.
"H-Howdy y'all," Applejack said sheepishly, hand up in a timid wave.
Lightning quickly put herself between Sunset and the farmer, not willing to take any chances. Fluttershy's eyes were locked onto her former friend, whole body tense like a spring. Bonbon and Sunset watched with cautious intrigue, not sure just how this was going to play out.
"What the hell do you think you're doing here?" Lighting growled, fists clenched.
"Easy now," Applejack said, hands up in surrender. "Mah little sis spotted this here shop and wanted ta' check it out."
As she said that, Applebloom stepped out from behind her on-guard sister. For reasons beyond everyone present, the second she saw Sunset, Applebloom was on high alert, looking at each person in the room. To Sunset, it looked like she was trying to take note of everyone present, but didn't ponder on the girl's odd behavior for long, as Fluttershy rose out of her seat to stand beside Lightning Dust, drawing her attention back to her most recent aggressor. A heavy silence fell over the room as the two groups stared each other down, both waiting for the other to make the first move. Suddenly, Lyra rose from her seat and slammed her hands together, making both parties jump.
"Okay, enough of that," she said, tone neutral as she walked over to the shop's counter.
"Hey Card Stock, is the private room open?"
The purple man behind the counter nodded before he reached into the pocket of his gray slacks and handed her a key.
"Thanks."
With that, she took it then turned towards Applejack.
"You. Follow me. I've got a few bones to pick with you and this is too public a place to pick at them."
"I'm coming too," Lighting growled, a quick nod from Fluttershy showing a matching sense of resolve.
"Fine," Lyra huffed. "But no throwing the first punch. I'm doing this to keep the peace, not start a brawl."
With the ground rules set, the three girls followed Lyra to a locked door three feet to the left of the counter. Once she unlocked it, she held the door open for them and gestured for them to step inside. What greeted them was a ten-by-ten square room with white walls and matching tile floors. A florescent light in the ceiling hummed as it hung over four expensive-looking ornate wood tables with a matching set of chairs to accompany them.
"This is a room Card Stock reserves for big city tournaments," Lyra said casually as she took a seat at one of the nearest tables. "It soundproofed to keep the noise from the mall out so the champs can concentrate."
As she said that, Fluttershy and Lightning Dust flanked Lyra on each side, their arms crossed and glares leveled at the lone farmer. With steepled fingers, the card shark gave her an unreadable look, before delivering an order with the finality of a Judge.
"Now. Take a seat."
With an audible gulp, she took the seat across from Lyra. For several minutes, a dense silence dominated the room, Lyra's party displaying varying degrees of calm, while Applejack was sweating bullets.
"You know," Lyra said, tone neutral in the face of Applejack's flinch. "When you really suck at something, most people either don't do it or try to get better at it. I'm guessing you never learned how to lie."
Applejack sighed, then looked away in shame.
"It wasn't a total lie," she muttered. "Bloom really did want ta' check this store out."
"Well, that's good for her," Lyra said, a faint smile creeping onto her face. "But what about you?"
Applejack cringed, but otherwise didn't react.
"Well?" Lightning growled. "What did you want?!"
Tears started to form at the corner of her eyes as Applejack looked Lyra in the eyes and said, "Ah want ta' talk ta' Sunset."
Both Fluttershy and Lightning Dust leveled a hard glare at her, with Lighting's hands balled into tight fists while Fluttershy's fingers stiffened.
"Do you really think you deserve that?" Fluttershy said, voice on the border of a snarl and a growl.
Applejack shook her head.
"No, Ah can't rightly say Ah do, but Ah still want ta'. Ah was a right mule to her these last few days. We all have."
Fluttershy's glare narrowed slightly at that.
"Most of us have, Ah mean," she amended. "All the same, Ah want ta' apologize for everything."
"I see," Lyra said, her pokerface once again hiding her emotions. "And what brought this on? Last I heard, you wanted to turn Sunset's face into a hand puppet."
Again, Applejack flinched, then answered.
"Ah, woke up this morning and stopped to think about everything, Ah mean really think about everything. And the more Ah looked everything over, the more it all didn't add up. Sunset always had somethin' ta' gain when she pulled this kind of stuff in the past and she was never this sloppy. She was a lot of things back in the day, but stupid wasn't one of 'em."
"Tsk, took ya' long enough ta' figure it out," Lightning muttered bitterly.
"Must've taken a lot of lube to pull your head out of your ass," Lyra sighed, stunning all present with her choice of words. "While I can commend you for swallowing your pride, I can't make any promises that Sunset will want to look in your general direction let alone talk to you. I can't say all that much, but believe me when I say you guys really fucked up."
"Ah-Ah know," Applejack sighed, a tear finally slipping past her defenses. "All Ah ask is for a chance to make up for it."
Lyra's eyes bored into Applejack, looking for any sign of deception in her body language. Finding none, she let out a tired sigh.
"I'm not going to make any promises," she said, tone hard as steel. "I'll let Sunset know that you want to apologize to her, but its all going to be on her terms. Do you understand? I don't think you're a bad person Applejack. Just someone who got duped and royally screwed up."
Applejack nodded, a sad smile gracing her lips. Even if there was only a slim chance that things could be mended between her and her former friend it was well worth any price.
"Good. Now let's get the heck out of here. I'm starving!"
As she said that, she rose out of her chair, her two bodyguards letting go of all of their built up tension. As the trio started to walk out the door, Applejack called out to another of her former friends.
"Yes Applejack?" Fluttershy asked coldly.
She gulped, then said, "Ah, just wanted ta' say.......well......about what happened last week after school....Ah mean-"
"I forgive you," Fluttershy sighed.
"Thanks," Applejack sighed.
"Don't thank me," she replied, tone ice cold. "Just because I've forgiven you, doesn't mean we're friends again."
With that, she left the farm girl in the room, a heavy silence once again falling over her as she let what Fluttershy said sink in.
"Right," she muttered before she followed the group out into the card shop's main room. ***
Derpy's house was a buzz of activity as the now group of eight enjoyed their weekly game night. The inclusion of Fluttershy was barely an argument as Sunset, Lyra, Bonbon, and Lightning all vouched for her. The biggest deciding factor was when Fluttershy revealed she was the one who gave Meme Queen the extra intel a couple days ago. So, over a game of Uno, Derpy filled her in on the situation, officially adding her to the group. Of course, when the already regretful girl found out about what happened on the bridge, it took everyone to pry her off of Sunset as she held the girl in a surprisingly strong embrace with tears in her eyes while begging for forgiveness. Fortunately, they were able to free her before she turned purple.
"And I thought Sweetie Drops could hug," she gasped as Lightning tried to get the hysterical girl to calm down.
"No kidding," Derpy chuckled. "I was just about to run and get the crowbar."
The two gave a little giggle at that, her walleyed friend helping her stay level in her hour of need. As she did, she couldn't help but notice how cute the gray teen's smile was.
"But yeah, things have been going really well lately," Sunset sighed, giving the room a happy once over to hide her blush. "I have a home, real friends, I really can't see how things could get much better than this."
As if on cue, a soft knock at the door got her and Derpy's attention.
"I'll get it," Sunset smiled as she approached it.
When she opened it, she got the shock of a lifetime. Standing before her was none other than Principle Celestia, but she was dressed in a manner that wouldn't look out of place in a medieval fantasy film. The regally dressed woman looked at Sunset with barely contained tears, while Sunset's eyes held confusion.
"Principle Celestia? What are you-"
Before she could finish, Celestia threw her arms around her, trapping Sunset in her third hug for the day. But while the first two people to do this seemed hell bent of loving her to death, Celestia's hug was gentle, like she was afraid that if she held her too tightly, she'd break.
"I'm so sorry. I should've never left you in this world. I'm so, so, sorry my little sun."
Sunset's eyes widened as realization sunk in. With shaky hands, she returned the embrace, happy tears trailing down her face as she buried her face into the woman's fur coat.
"H-Hello.......mom."
For a moment the two stood there, wrapped in each other's arms. The only thing that was real for them was the warmth of each other and the tears of joy they shed. The cold outside and the stares of the people outside was nothing more than an afterthought as mother and daughter shared a hug for the first time in years. ***
After Sunset and Celestia had their moment, the solar Diarch wanted to meet the woman responsible for giving her daughter a place to live. It was for that reason that the two women were sitting across from each other at the kitchen table, waiting for Time Turner to serve them tea. Naturally, Celestia thanked her for her hospitality as well as keeping Sunset safe as best as she could. It wasn't until the conversation shifted towards the origins of the two Equestrians in the house that things got a little strained.
"So, you say you're from another dimension," Rose Luck said, a trace of skepticism in her tone.
"Yes," Celestia smiled.
"And Sunset and yourself are actually talking magical horses?"
"Ponies actually," Celestia clarified, still smiling serenely.
"Uh-huh. Sorry if I'm having a hard time believing you," Rose said, eyes narrowed as her husband arrived with their drinks.
"I don't see why," she said, nodding her thanks to Time Turner. "Your daughter has quite a lot of magic within her as it is."
As she said that, she casually gathered a bit of her magic and levitated her cup to her lips.
"My," Celestia smiled, admiring her cup. "This tea is really good! Any idea where I could get some?"
Rose Luck's mind froze as she watched the literal impossible happen in front of her. She wasn't alone as Time Turner stood gawking at the floating cup as if it was an alien life form. The teens in the room all took in the event with mild curiosity, with one in particular looking to be on the verge of exploding with excitement.
"Mrs. Celestia," Lyra beamed, suddenly appearing beside the High Royal. "I will marry you right here, right now if you take me to Equestria!"
Startled yelps came out of everyone at Lyra's declaration while Celestia herself gave the girl a smirk with a raised brow.
"As flattered as I am with your proposal, it won't come down to that."
"You mean?!"
Celestia nodded.
"YES!!! LAND OF MAGIC, HERE I COME!!!"
"And not just her," Celestia said as she addressed the rest of the room. "Everyone present is formally invited to come visit Equestria as honorary citizens. Just a small present from me to the ones who saved my little sun."
"Mom," Sunset groaned, face turning red.
That got a laugh out of everyone as well as an elated cheer from Lyra.
"That reminds me,"Vinyl said, turning towards Derpy. "How close are we to busting Annon-a-Miss?"
"Not very," she sighed, pulling her laptop off of the living room coffee table and turning it on. "From what I've been able to gather, she's someone who has access to the girl's locker room, has a decent level of computer skills, is able to gather very intimate intel on people, and is trying to make it look like Sunset's the culprit. Even Fluttershy's suspect lists can only give me so many leads."
"I'm sorry," Fluttershy muttered.
"Hey, it's okay," Bonbon smiled, putting a comforting hand on her shoulder. "You at least gave her something to work with."
"Did a better job than I did," Lightning sighed, remembering the last post Annon-a-Miss uploaded.
"And that's just it," Derpy groaned, looking over her notes. "The way she goes about gathering her intel doesn't make sense. The way she got the pictures from Sunset's phone shows that she's patient and calculated, but the picture of Rainbow's test was such an amateur move that it makes her look like an idiot! Then there was that whole nickname thing with Applejack that started this whole thing. That was a deliberate attack on her that would only work if she was close to Applejack. But none of Applejack's friends would have anything to gain from doing something so petty! It's as if she's more than one person!"
"What if she is?" Celestia asked, more than eager to lend what aid she could. "A group effort could explain the different approaches."
"I thought about that," she sighed. "And in a way, it makes things easier for us and harder at the same time. If I can identify one member of the group, I can find the rest of them in a matter of seconds. The trick is trying to find that one stooge in a mob of crazies."
Silence reined over the room as everyone processed what Derpy told them. As they sorted through it, something didn't sit right with them. It was Vinyl who figured out what that something was.
"Hey Sunset, was anyone else at Rarity's place when you took those pics?"
She shook her head.
"No, it was just us."
"Actually," Fluttershy said, a look of realization coming over her. "Wasn't Sweetie Belle staying the night?"
"Sweetie Belle?" Derpy asked.
"Rarity's little sister," Sunset replied. "And yeah, she was now that I think about it."
A thoughtful look crossed Derpy's face before she turned back to her laptop, fingers flying across the screen.
"I swear," she muttered. "If I'm right about this."
With one last tap of the keyboard, she looked at the screen and froze.
"No way," she muttered, eyes widening. "It all matches. But why? Why would they do this? Wait..."
She pulled up another window on the screen and skimmed through what looked like a list of names before pulling up another four windows. Her hands moved with incredible speed and precision as all four windows became a flurry of activity, images changing in them faster than anyone could process beyond the room's soul hacker. When she finally stopped, six images held dominion over the screen. Derpy stared at the screen, her breathing labored as she gave her data a long, hard look over.
"No way," she muttered. "The answer's been in front of me this whole time. HOW COULD I HAVE BEEN SO STUPID!!!"
Before anyone could ask her to elaborate, she set the computer down onto the coffee table and stomped into the her bedroom down the hall. A minute after they all heard her close the door, a loud muffled scream could be heard followed by a stream of expletives.
"What's got her so worked up?" Lightning asked as she gave the abandoned computer screen a look.
After a moment, Lightning let out an irritated sigh.
"Oh. Yeah. That'll do it."
"What'll do it?" Vinyl asked, tired of all the suspense.
With pursed lips, Lightning turned the screen to face them. What they saw made there jaws hit the floor. On screen was a long list of digital trails linking Annon-a-Miss to three very throughly busted sixth graders. In addition to that, there was also a collection of circumstantial evidence that linked them to specific posts such as surveillance camera footage of them entering the school after hours within the timeframe of each post from nearby stores and speed cams. The evidence was as damning as it could be; Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo were Annon-a-Miss.
"This whole time," Derpy sighed, staggering back into the room and staring at the floor. "I never thought that Annon-a-Miss could be a grade schooler. More than one person? Sure. A bunch of kids? No way."
A smile started to creep onto her face as she then started to turn her gaze towards her friends and family.
"But now things are different. Now it's time to go on the offensive!"
She turned to face her mother, determined smile plastered across her face.
"Mom, do you think you could get your Costume and Makeup Artist on the phone?"
"Chrissy?" she asked. "I don't see why not. What do you have planned?"
"Not much," she said, smile turning predatory. "Just a bit of a shake up."
As Derpy explained her plan to her mother, Celestia leaned down to her daughter's level.
"I take it that she's Derpy, correct?"
"Yep," Sunset smiled.
"I see," she said with a knowing smile. "Just so you know, no matter what happens in the future, I approve."
Before she could inquire as to what her mother meant by that, a bright flash of light filled the room as two figures appeared at its center. One was a man with gray skin and red eyes with yellow irises. He was dressed in a dapper black suit with a matching tail coat and top hat as well as finely polished dress shoes. The other was none other than Princess Twilight Sparkle herself, also in her human form curtesy of her companion's magic. The Princess had a wild look in her eyes as she quickly took note of her surroundings, only for her eyes to lock onto the other princess in the room.
"Princess Celestia! Please don't-" her words died on her tongue as she took in her former mentor's happy demeanor.
"Hello Twilight, glad you could join us," she smiled. "And you too Discord."
Both new arrivals were equally flummoxed. They half expected to see a world on fire, but instead got a happy Princess sitting next to a very confused-
"SUNSET!!!" Twilight cried as she flew towards the girl and trapped her in yet another bone-crushing embrace.
Again? she thought as she struggled to catch her next breath. If this keeps up, I'll have to start charging people. |
Seven Saviors | Ch.10 Checkmate | The cafeteria was a buzz with activity and gossip. All of its inhabitants were currently occupied with an odd scene. Not only did Sunset have her bodyguards to keep her company at what had been come to be known as "her table" but the rest of her till now secret posy. The only member of their group not present was Derpy, but that didn't bother the group of friends all that much. What added to the strangeness of the group was how relaxed they were. It was as if they weren't sitting in a pressure geyser just waiting to explode, a fact that put the surrounding students on edge.
"Are you ready?" Vinyl smirked over her lunch. "Derpster told me its gonna happen at two."
"Yep," Sunset sighed happily as she looked at the clock just above the cafeteria's entrence. "I can't believe this is almost over."
"I know what you mean," Octavia sighed, putting a comforting hand on Sunset's shoulder. "In just three minutes, Meme Queen's going to remind everyone what made her a legend."
"Reminds me of my first world tournament," Lyra smiled as she took a swig of her soda. "I worked so hard to get there and when I finally did, I thought I was dreaming the whole time."
"At least until you got to your first opponent," Bonbon smirked, giving her friend a playful elbow jab.
Lyra laughed and nudged Bonbon back before she went back to trying to shove a whole cheeseburger into her mouth.
"I'm just glad things can go back to being peaceful again," Fluttershy sighed, lips turned into a small smile.
"At least until the next crazy thing happens," Lighting said as she shoveled a forkful of spaghetti into her mouth.
Everyone gave her a questioning look.
"What?" she said around a mouthful of food. "The way I see it, we've had two magical incidents and a cyber attack. At this point, I wouldn't be surprised if we got attacked by a fallen angel with the power to summon black holes or something."
"I think you've been spending too much time with Lyra, love," Octavia chuckled before taking a sip of her cranberry juice.
"Yeah, yeah," she muttered. "You know I'm right."
At that moment, Principal Celestia came into the Cafeteria pushing a fully loaded computer table with a thirty-four inch wide monitor set up on it. As everyone watched her move it into the front of the room, Sunset gave the clock a quick glance.
Just on time.
"Show time," Vinyl smirked.
When Principal Celestia turned on the monitor, she took up position at its left like a guard with an unreadable expression on her face. The screen was blank for a time, then an image flickered onto it, indistinguishable at first but that quickly changed. On the screen was a black hooded figure, their face hidden behind a masquerade mask and gauze wraps. The figure's eyes were cold and black with no visible pupils as they glared through their mask at the student's in the cafeteria.
"Good afternoon students of Canterlot High," the figure said, voice hidden behind a synthesizer. "For those of you who don't know me, let me introduce myself. I am Meme Queen."
The room became as silent as a tomb, all eyes set on the screen and the unnerving figure it displayed.
"For the last two months, a blogger named Anon-a-Miss has been terrorizing the school, spreading secrets, and doing everything in their power to destroy one of the very students that saved us from three ancient terrors from another world. For a while, I thought this whole thing would pass on its own, but recent discoveries has forced my hand. Today I have some good news for all of you; I have discovered Anon-a-Miss' true identity. However, I will not reveal who they are today. Instead, they will be revealed at the end of the week, just before Christmas break in an assembly that will bring in all students from both the High School and Elementary departments. Principal Celestia and Vice-Principal Luna have agreed to do this and have already taken steps to make this happen. In addition, I have something I want to say to Anon-a-Miss. I know that you're watching this and I know that you're scared. Good. This is exactly how you made Sunset feel this whole time. But as much as I pity you for the hole of despair you've dug for yourselves, I can't let what you've done slide. So instead, I suggest you make the most of the the time you have left. That's the only mercy I'm going to give you."
With that, the screen cut to black. The silence still remained, with feelings of the announcement divided three ways. Some of the student's were thrilled to finally see a possible end to all the madness that had consumed the school. Others were terrified for what would happen to them due to their involvement in said madness. But one group was happy that justice was going to be served and a friend was going to finally get the closure she deserved. ***
Applebloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle stared slack-jawed at their phones, the live video from Meme Queen force-played against their input commands. Fortunately, the Elementary Department held lunch at the same time as the High School Department, so none of their classmates could hear what was being said as they stood under the shade of their favorite tree. While Applebloom and Scootaloo looked uneasy, Sweetie was starting to turn a little green as she stared at her screen.
"I-It's a bluff, right?" Scootaloo asked with a shaky smile. "She's just trying to fake us out, right?"
Before either of her friends could respond, they all got a message alert from their Mystable apps. Nervous, they tapped the icon and went to their messages. What they saw chilled them to their bones. A simple one word message from Meme Queen on their own personal Mystable accounts.
Checkmate.
Sweetie dropped her phone, clutched her stomach, and ran to a side of the tree to throw up while her friends stared at their devices in a cold sweat with shaking hands. As the weight of their situation sunk in for her, Scootaloo summed up the group's thoughts with one of her own.
Shit! ***
Rarity had no idea how she felt about the most recent turn of events. On one hand, all of this messy business was finally going to be put to an end. On the other, at least two of her friendships were dead as a consequence of the latest scandal. To add to it, she had been feeling like a part of herself had died as well for the past few days. She saw it in the cafeteria yesterday, someone managed to discover Anon-a-Miss' identity. She should've been happy! She should've been singing her joy to the heavens! But she didn't feel happy. In fact, she didn't feel much of anything lately. She was, empty. No other word could describe the hollow feeling she had in her chest. Not even her craft could fill the void in her soul. As such, it came as no surprise to her that as she sat in her bedroom, drowned in evening darkness with only her desk lamp giving her light, she stared blankly at an empty page of her sketchpad. No matter how hard she tried, nothing came to her. No dresses. No accessories. Not even a hat or pair of shoes.
"What's the point," she sighed as she flipped her light off.
Her shoulders sagged from a phantom weight as she forced herself out of her chair and staggered towards her bed. She placed a hand to her forehead and groaned.
Perhaps I had too much, she thought, her gaze drifting towards a hidden bottle of wine under her desk. With an empty sigh, she shelved the thought. It was pointless anyway. Besides, the drink served its purpose.
She dropped onto her bed, not even bothering with her usual evening decorum of sliding into her covers. She was too tired and drunk to care. It was liberating in a way, not caring. It made things so simple when everything had become so complicated lately.
A cold breeze washed over her, bringing a shiver through her spine.
It's cold. I should get covered.
In spite of her thoughts, her body refused to move.
I see. Maybe I deserve to be cold. Who knows how many cold nights Sun-
She stopped her line of thought before it could go any further. She had already spent the past four hours after school beating herself up over her idiocy. Everyone had, but while Applejack and Pinkie Pie tried to find a way to fix what little remained of their friendship with Sunset and Rainbow Dash was struggling with finding where she stood on the matter, Rarity returned to bad habits.
Just sleep Rarity. You won't feel the cold if you sleep. You won't feel so empty if you dream.
Just as sleep began to set in, the sound of her bedroom door opening roused her. With heavy eyes, she looked at her door and saw her sister stepping in, a nervous look decorating her face.
"Sis? Can I sleep with you tonight?" she asked, tone cautious.
"Sure," Rarity said, smile forced for Sweetie's sake as she dragged herself to her feet and lifted the blanket.
Eyes pointed at the ground, Sweetie nodded her thanks as she scurried towards the bed. Once she was curled up on the mattress, Rarity joined her, now enveloped in the warmth of both her little sister and her thick comforter.
Perhaps I can be cold tomorrow night, she thought, the alcohol finally striping away the last of her strength as sleep began to claim her.
But just as she was about to fall into the land of dreams, Sweetie said something that made the void in her heart shrink just a bit.
"Sis, I love you."
"I love you too Sweetie."
And it was with that, that sleep finally took her, as she held Sweetie close. Close enough for Sweetie to smell the wine on her breath.
And I'm so, so sorry! she thought, tears running down her face as regret filled her heart. She cried herself to sleep that night. Wrapped in her sister's arms and love, she cried until she had no more tears left to shed as she tried to enjoy it while she could. Because she knew that after Thursday night, it was going to be gone forever. ***
How could I have been so stupid?
It's all her fault!
She had nothing to gain from all this.
She's a trator!
I'm the scum of of the earth.
She's nothing but a lying monster!
I was supposed to have her back.
She stabbed us in the back!
It's all going to be over in a few days.
"Heads up!" Scootaloo cried, kicking the soccer ball with all her might.
Rainbow snapped out of her daydream just in time to see the ball whiz past her into the goal she was supposed to be guarding.
"Damn it," she muttered as she ran to retrieve the ball.
Concerned, Scootaloo ran to her idol's side as he picked up the ball, snow crunching under her violet boots all the way.
"Are you okay Rainbow?" Scootaloo asked.
Rainbow sighed, then took in her surroundings, a far off look to her eyes. In the winter months, the school's soccer field was a ghost town. Only the most dedicated on the sports teams came out to practice in the frigid weather. Since that usually meant just Rainbow herself, she spent the time to get her thoughts in order or blow off some steam when she could. Lately, she found herself doing the former before doing the latter. It was in the middle of her introspection that Scootaloo found her. As a means of saving face with her pseudo-sister, she asked her if she wanted to help her with goalie practice. It was fun for both girls, but it quickly became clear to Scootaloo that Rainbow wasn't putting her all into it.
"Scoots," she sighed. "Think we could talk for a bit?"
"Sure," Scootaloo said cautiously.
"Thanks."
For a moment, the two stood there, neither willing to break the silence in favor of the serenity and privacy given to them by the late afternoon chill. The silence was both soothing and tortious to the two girls as one searched for the right words to voice her thoughts while one waited for the other to speak. Finally, after an hour, Rainbow found her voice.
"I don't know what to do with myself Scoots," she said, eyes unfocused as she stared at the ground. "Part of me thinks Sunset's innocent. I've had a feeling that she was since Lighting decked me. But at the same time, a part of me doesn't. It's like in some weird way, I want her to be Anon-a-Miss. It's like I'm stuck in some stupid tug-o-war with myself and I can't stand it! I wish I could just go back to when things made sense! When I didn't have to knock my head against a wall to know who my friends were!"
As she said that, frustrated tears started to trail down her face, her jaw clenched with barely contained fury. At Sunset? At herself? She didn't know. All she knew was that she was angry and she had nothing to take it out on. The only thing she could do was dump her baggage on the sporty sixth grader at her side, something that gave her just as much regret as relief. That was quickly replaced by confused appreciation as she felt a pair of small arms wrap themselves around her waist.
"I-I'm so sorry Rainbow," Scootaloo sniffled, her own tears dampening her mentor's winter coat.
"F-For what? You're not the one who royally screwed up here," she smiled sadly as she returned the hug.
"J-Just because," she cried, ignoring the unintended stab she felt in her heart from Rainbow's comment.
For a moment, the two held each other, their own pain and anger melting out of themselves in the form of tears. It was something the two needed, but while Rainbow felt like a part of herself was being cleansed, Scootaloo felt more and more dirty. She was the reason Rainbow was so scattered. She was the reason things were so complicated. She was the reason that she was going to loose the closest thing to a big sister in two days.
I'm sorry Rainbow. I'm sorry I couldn't be a good little sister! ***
A gentle breeze passed through the snow smothered trees of Sweet Apple Acres the early morning sunlight giving the orchard a picturesque view one would find in a postcard. At its heart, in the oldest part of the orchard stood the most bizarre scene anyone could ever hope to see. It was a clearing with two trees that were intertwined with each other at its center. The two trees had grown together in such a way that it looked like their trunks had twisted together as a desperate attempt to form one whole trunk between them. One half of the union tree had under ripened apples while the other had pears, both defying the laws of nature in the name of the love they represented. Applejack and Applebloom stood before the tree, memories of their long departed family drifting through their minds and hearts. While most of Applebloom's memories of her mother and father were hazy, Applejack's were sharp enough to fill in the blanks for her. At least, they were hazy anywhere else. When she was near the Memorial Tree, her memories became clear, as if they happened yesterday. It was something that filled the Apples with joy and sorrow every time they came to visit. This time was no different, as the two Apples looked at the tree and grave marker, though sadness weighed heavily on their hearts more than it usually did.
Applejack walked forward and placed her hand on the united tree.
"Hey Ma an' Pa. Been a while, huh?" she said, empty smile matched by the empty humor in her voice. "Ah really wish ya'll were still around. Ah' could really use some advice. Or maybe a couple whacks across the head."
She chuckled at her own self-deprecating joke before taking on a more serious expression.
"Thing's've been bad the last few weeks. All my friend's and I have been put through the wringer by some yahoo online and we may've lost an important friend in the crossfire. Ah, don't know if there are anyways Ah can fix things, but Ah'll be damned if Ah'm not gonna' try ta'. Ah'll find a way ta' make thing's right. Even if it takes me years of grovelin' and beggin', Ah will make things right."
With that, she let her hand fall from the tree's bark to her side, a flicker of her old self burning in her eyes as she walked away from the tree.
"Time ta' head back Bloom," she said, passing her sister.
"J-Just a minute," Applebloom said, staring at the tree. "Ah have a few things Ah want ta' say to them."
"Alright," she nodded. "Don't be too long now."
"Ah won't."
With a sigh, the older Apple made the long trek back to the family home. Once she was out of hearing range, the youngest Apple approached the tree.
"Hi Ma, Pa," she said, a lump forming in the back of her throat. "How are things for ya'? Probably pretty good, being in heaven and all."
She chuckled at that. Of course things were good for them. How could heaven be bad? Though, the way things were going, she couldn't really see herself joining them in the future. Her smile melted away as she continued.
"Ah......Ah really messed up. My friends and Ah aired out everyone's dirty laundry to the whole school and framed a girl named Sunset for it all. All so we could spend time with our sisters. Pretty stupid, huh? Well, now things are coming to bite us. We've been caught, and now someone's gonna' do to us what we've done to the school. Tomorrow, the whole school's gonna' know that we're Anon-a-Miss."
Applebloom's face fell to the ground, tears making dents in the snow beneath her boots.
"Ah'm....Ah'm scared. Ah don't know what's gonna' happen tomorrow and it scares me. But if it helps sis make things right, Ah'll take whatever punishment Ah'm given. Ah just hope that when this is all over, sis'll love me again someday."
With that, she turned and walked back to the farm. All the while, a gray man in a suit hidden in the shadows of the memorial tree let out a sigh as he snapped his fingers, the space he occupied suddenly becoming vacant as he disappeared in a silent flash of light. ***
The halls of Canterlot High were a buzz with students whispering amongst themselves. Some were enthusiastically muttering about having things going back to normal. Others were nervous, their involvement in the incident most likely about to be revealed. Regardless of the standing, today was the day; the day of the assembly that would reveal Anon-a-Miss' identity and put an end to all this.
Lyra let out a loud yawn as she leaned against the side of the school, headless of the chilly weather. All the endless chatter in the halls had become too much for her. It wasn't anything that really held her interest anyway, being one of the people "behind the scenes" so to speak. Luckily, she had a ton of games on her phone to keep her company, but those could only distract her for so long. Her battery wasn't immortal after all.
"Great, I forgot my portable charger at home," she grumbled, patting down her pockets. "Guess I'll stick to chatrooms today."
Before she could tap in a site, the sound of someone clearing their throat caught her attention. When she looked up from her phone, she saw one of the last people she wanted to see.
"H-Hey, Lyra right?" Applebloom asked, whole body tense.
"Yeah, and you are?" she asked, trying to keep her venom out of her voice.
"Ya'll know who Ah am," she said. "And Ah know who you are."
"Duh, you just said my name, like, ten seconds ago," Lyra said, brow raised.
"Yah know what Ah mean, Meme Queen."
Lyra flinched, then let a faint smile decorate her face.
Derpy, you scare me sometimes.
"Not bad," the light green teen sighed. "A bit late, but I guess I can give you credit for figuring it out. So if we're using User Names, should I be calling you Anon-a-Miss?"
Applebloom looked away, shame heavy in her features. The two stood in awkward silence for a few minutes, neither sure how to proceed. Lyra looked down on the sixth grader before her, feelings swirling in her body like venom from a snake. Part of her wanted to smack the girl while the other felt legitimately bad for her. When Derpy found her mark, she didn't hold anything back. When someone tried to hurt her little sister, she brought enough evidence on the guy to the cops that it would be years before he saw the light of day. With the kind of crimes Derpy had on these three, there was no telling how bad things were going to get for them. At the same time though, they made their bed and now it was time for them to lay in it.
"Ah want yah ta' leave my friends out of this," Applebloom muttered, eyes still trained on the ground. "Ah was the one who made the account. Ah was the one who started this whole mess. They were just dragged along for the ride."
She stared up at Lyra, tears starting to fall from her face.
"Ah'm the one ya' want. Just leave them out of this!"
Lyra stared at the crying girl, all the while, a strange image entered her mind. Deep, mirky swamps merged with bright vibrant plains with strange, demonic creatures roaming the wastes alongside majestic spirits of light. Cruel selfishness mixed with a selfless sense of sacrifice. That was what she saw in the little girl. It almost brought a smile to her, but the endless plains that guided her knew that justice had to be served.
"I'm sorry," Lyra sighed. "But you guy's brought this on yourselves."
As she said that, she walked past Applebloom, a heavy weight in her heart as she let the girl's words settle. Now she knew what it was like to see someone before they went to the gallows. She hoped it would never happen again. ***
All of the kids in the auditorium sat in dead silence, none of them sure how to act in this moment. Fear and relief warred with each other in the atmosphere as they stared at the podium at the room's heart. On it stood a mic stand with two large speakers at its sides five feet apart. Near it stood four people, three of which the students were familiar with while the tall man in a suit was a mystery. Twilight beheld the crowd with cold indifference, a part of her upset with the fact that her magic was weakened while a greater part of her was relieved. A trace of anger entered her features when she spotted her friend's human counterparts. They all looked like they had seen better days, but that did little to reduce her anger with them. The only exception was Fluttershy, who she was happy to see had regained her healthy glow in spite of her paler hair and skin tone.
Things are going to be a lot worse for them soon, she thought as she turned her gaze over towards the collection of Elementary schoolers seated on the left side of the room.
A hand on her shoulder tore her attention away from the students. She looked up and was met by a stone faced Discord, his eyes telling her to fight her regrettable urges. She sighed, then nodded in understanding. There would be time for that later. What mattered was putting an end to this. Once and for all.
A stirring in the curtains at the back of the stage was all the signal Principal Celestia needed and made her way over to the microphone.
"Hello everyone and thank you for attending this assembly today. As you all know, a blogger going by the name of Anon-a-Miss has been spreading rumors and privet information through Mystable. For some time now, the identity of this individual was thought to be Sunset Shimmer, but I am here today to tell you all that this is not the case. Through the efforts of another individual going by the name Meme Queen and the special skills of Sunset's family, there is evidence that not only proves Sunset's innocence, but reveals the identities of all individuals involved in the incident. For starters, you will be shocked to know that not all of the secrets Anon-a-Miss revealed were ones she found on her own. Most of them were provided by some of the very same students in this room. For their safety, I will not make their names public, but don't be surprised if some of the people around you aren't present after Winter Break."
Some of the students looked disgusted at the very idea that the person next to them could've contributed to this, while others made a conscious effort to not make a break for it.
"Now," she continued. "Before I reveal Anon-a-Miss' identity, someone has a few things they would like to say to you all."
With that, she stepped aside to pass the mounted mic to the next person to speak. From behind the curtain, Sunset entered the stage, her face a mask of stone to all who beheld her. None of the student's said a thing as she took up the mic, her piercing teal eyes cutting through them like a razor through thread.
"Hi everyone," she said, tone heavy with fatigue. "I'm sorry that this all had to happen. If I had it my way, this whole thing never would've happened. I don't want to see everyone at each other's throats. I hated seeing it during the Battle of the Bands and I hate seeing it now. In fact, I thought I would never see that again when The Dazzlings were defeated. But no. Instead, I had to sit by and watch as everything I fought so hard for fell apart all because someone didn't like me and everyone wanted to hold a grudge. And do you know what the sad part is? That was all it took to break me."
She paused, leaving a heavy silence to fill the room before she continued. Then, she took a deep breath and let the hammer fall.
"Two weeks ago, I went to the bridge over Canter Creek and tried to jump to my death."
A gasp filled the auditorium as her audience processed what they were told. A certain pink teen lost all her color as the weight of her and her friend's actions sunk in while said friends simply sat there with their mouths open. None of them wanted to believe what Sunset said, but they could see it in her eyes; every word out of the girl's mouth was the gospel truth.
"Obviously, I failed, but that was because someone out there gave enough of a shit about me to look past my crimes and be a decent human being. Dumb luck and kindness, that's why I'm here right now, talking to all of you. So you see, if I had it my way, none of this would be happening. Because Anon-a-Miss wouldn't've been an issue or I'd be at the bottom of a lake. So to all of you who helped Anon-a-MIss I have one thing to say, I hope you all get exactly what you deserve."
With a cold glare, Sunset stepped away from the mic and took her place at Twilight's left. Once again, Principal Celestia stepped up to the mic.
"Now for the core of today's assembly," she sighed, pointing a remote at the ceiling.
On cue, a large projector screen came down, stopping a foot above everyone on the stage. With a press of a button, the lights dimmed to allow the projector above the bleachers to function.
"Will Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo from Elementary Class Five report to the stage?"
The whole room, Elementary and High Schooler included, watched in shock as the three girls rose from their seats. As they made their way to the stage, their heads hung with shame, like three criminals on their way to the noose. Many didn't want to believe it. That these three kids were the source of all their grief, but the guilt that seemed to ooze off of them was so thick, they would all have to be blind not to see it. When they finally stood before the Principle they raised their heads to her level. The disappointment they saw in those eyes made them all tremble in shame and fear, but it was Vice-Principle Luna, who had been silently moving to her sister's side that spoke.
"These three are the ones who used the Anon-a-Miss account to tear the school apart. With the help of several students, these three turned you all against each other and forced a girl to attempt suicide. But if you all still have your doubts, a brilliant individual named Meme Queen has presented us with plenty of evidence to backup these claims."
As she said this, she nodded to Celestia, who pressed another button on her control. Instantly, countless videos and photos appeared on the screen showing them taking pictures or spying on other students that, according to the timestamps, were used in posts just minutes later. The most damning evidence came in the form of videos showing the three girls sneaking into the school just seconds before a large number of posts. Looks of pure rage started to blossom among the students as they shifted their attention away from the screen to the three girls.
Before any of them could act on their emotions, Discord took a step forward and said, "I would advise you all stay in your seats. Otherwise you'll all get to see what Equestrian Magic can do when the caster doesn't have much of a conscience."
None of the students dared to call his bluff, not sure if he really was bluffing to begin with.
"Thank you," Luna said as Discord stepped back into his previous position.
She looked at the trembling girls and continued.
"Deformation of Character. Cyber Bullying. Inciting a Hate Mob. Mass Hysteria. And finally, Attempted Murder. These are just a few charges that could be leveled against you three for your actions, most of which are felonies. If this is brought to a court, the three of you will lose everything."
The three girls stared at the woman, shock keeping their eyes and mouth wide with silent panic.
"Fortunately for you three, someone else has different plans for you."
The curtains blew apart as another being made herself known. Princess Celestia walked to the front of the stage, her majestic ball-gown and lion hide coat filling the dim room with a near blinding light like a second sun as she moved. Her poise was flawless, her face a mask of pure serenity as she took in all of the people in the room. In spite of her calm demeanor, all of the High Schoolers broke into a cold sweat. They could sense it, the intense rage hidden behind the woman's kind facade. It was for that reason that they felt sorry for the three girls standing at what they deemed ground zero.
Celestia stared down at the three girls, the room seeming to grow two degrees hotter as her amethyst eyes drilled through them.
"You three have no idea just what kind of trouble you are in," she said, tone icy. "Not only did you push my daughter into ending her own life, but you destroyed countless friendships and ruined the lives of others in this world forever. I would ask you what drove you three to do such things, but frankly, such a question would be pointless. No reason could be worthy of such deplorable actions. As such, you should consider yourselves lucky of two things. That you are children and that Sunset is not my sister's daughter. Her ideas on punishment tends to be on the archaic side of things."
A cold chill ran through Sweetie's spine at the thought of what such a person was capable of with such a mindset while her friends looked confused as well as nervous.
"However," she continued. "This was still an act of cruelty against an Equestrian High Noble, and as such, it is only fare that we should be the ones to deliver your punishment."
Princess Celestia's eyes narrowed as she stared a hole into the three girls, the intensity of such led to Sweetie wetting herself in fear.
"You three will be brought to Equestria to preform community service for my sister and I. You will do so as ponies to give you a taste of what my daughter had to live with on your side of the portal. My former student will also be teaching you math, science, and english during the week until your sentence is over while you will be given supervised visits with your families on weekends if you so wish. Should you refuse to come back here on those days, you will continue with your punishment as if it was any other day of the week. This is not negotiable. Do you have any questions?"
Hesitantly, Sweetie raised her hand.
"Yes?"
"H-H-How long are we going to be in Equestria?"
Princess Celestia's glare hardened, then, with a tone heavy with finality said, "Until you're punishment is complete."
All three girls cowered before the towering being before them, her presence more than a mere judge. This was a force of nature in human form. This was an angry mother with command over the sun, and they were the ones responsible for almost killing her child.
"You have one hour to collect what you will need. Once that is up, you will be transported to the portal and I will personally bring you to my homeland. That is all."
With that, she turned towards Discord and nodded. With a snap of his fingers, the three girls disappeared on a flash of light. Slightly shaken by her counterpart's presence, Principle Celestia approached the abandoned microphone.
"That concludes this assembly. You are all dismissed." ***
As the shellshocked student's filed out of the auditorium, Sunset wandered to the back of the stage. A waterfall of emotions ran through her, leaving her mostly catatonic as she was embraced by the gloom behind the curtain. Joy, sorrow, anger, confusion, and countless other emotions swirled through her in a wild tide. It would've made her faint if it wasn't for the voice of a certain walleyed teen that waited for her.
"Sunset!" Derpy exclaimed, running to her side as she started to fall over.
"Are you okay?" she asked as she pulled the girl's arm over her shoulder to keep her stable.
"Y-Yeah," Sunset sighed, an exhausted smile gracing her lips. "Thanks."
"Anytime," Derpy smiled.
For a moment, the two stood in silence, enjoying the quite in the soundproofed backstage area. A silence that was broken by Sunset as she leaned into Derpy's side.
"It's finally over."
"Yep."
"And it's all thanks to you," Sunset smiled.
"Nah," Derpy shrugged. "It was a team effort."
"All the same. Thanks Derpy. For everything."
With that, she used the last of her strength to give Derpy a light peck on the cheek before exhaustion took her. And just like that, she fell asleep in Derpy's arms. In the arms of one of her seven saviors. |
Seven Saviors | Epilogue | Celestia stepped out of the portal, once again in her normal form. Hovering next to her in her golden magic were three defeated looking fillies, each equipped with a set of sattle bags on their sides. They barely reacted as The Princess of the Sun moved them through the room. A sigh slipped past her lips as she took a step to the side to make way for the others making their way through the portal. The first to step out was Sunset, and while it took her a moment to get reacquainted with her old body, it was only for a second. For a moment, she just stood there, taking in the feeling of the magically charged air that surrounded her. A familiar tingle passed through her horn as parts of herself she had long forgotten came to life for the first time in years.
I'm home.
The moment was ruined as a mass of ponies not quite as familiar with their new bodies tumbled through the portal on top of her.
"Who's idea was it," Lightning groaned as she tried to move someone's hoof out of her face. "To go through as a group again?"
"That would be Lyra, love," Octavia sighed from the bottom of the pony-pile. "Now could someone get their foot off of my leg!?"
"Magic world!" Lyra cried, desperate to pull herself out of the pile of ponies.
"I think I broke something," Bonbon moaned.
"Did everything stop spinning yet?" Derpy said, sounding slightly delirious. "I think I'm gonna be sick."
Everyone paused for a second at hearing that, then desperately tried to pull themselves out of the pile.
"Oh hell no!" Lightning cried as she managed to wiggle herself free. "I like ya Derpy, but I am not wearing your lunch!"
"Ditto!" Octavia and Bonbon chorused as they managed to free themselves.
Now that the number of tangled limbs had slimmed, Lyra and Vinyl managed to side-roll out of danger with little trouble. Derpy laid with a hoof pressed to her face, just barely holding back her lunch as she started to get her bearings. After a moment, she was able to get a grip of herself and let her nausea pass.
"Are you okay?" Sunset asked, putting a hoof on Derpy's back.
"Yeah, I'm good," she said, turning her head towards Sunset. "That was cra-"
her voice trailed off as she got a good look at Sunset, shock dominating her features.
"Sunset?"
"Y-Yeah?" she asked, slightly nervous.
"You are absolutely adorable!"
Before she could react, Derpy threw her arms around the stunned Unicorn and pulled her into a tight hug.
"Th-Thanks," Sunset stuttered, face turning as red as her mane. "You too."
"Huh?" she asked pulling herself back from her possible girlfriend.
Sunset gestured towards the now gray Pegasus that was holding her. It was then that Derpy took note of her new body.
"No way," she smiled. "What am I? Am I a Unicorn too?"
"No," she laughed. "Looks like your counterpart's a Pegasus."
"Really?!"
With a wide smile, she tried to look behind herself and was greeted by a pair of slowly opening wings.
"Awesome!"
"What about me?!" Lyra cried, her whole body almost vibrating a hole in the ground.
"A horse with a brain tumor," Lightning said flatly.
"What?! the light green Unicorn exclaimed, excitement replaced with panic.
"Or a Unicorn," she shrugged.
Lyra leveled a glare at her Pegasus friend then said. "Hey Sunset, that means I can use magic, right?"
"Yeah," Sunset responded, not sure she liked where this was headed.
"How do I shoot lasers?"
"Lyra," Sunset and Bonbon both sighed.
Lightning glanced over her shoulder and a slight smile graced her lips.
Pegasus huh? Sweet! Take that Mom and Dad!
"So I guess I'm a Unicorn here," Vinyl smirked, tapping at her new appendage. "God that feels weird."
"Since I lack wings, does that make me a Unicorn as well?" Octavia asked.
"Not quite," Sunset sighed. "You and Bonbon are Earth Ponies. You can't use magic the same way Unicorns can, but you are physically stronger than one and have tougher bodies than Pegesi."
"How tough?" Bonbon asked.
"An Earth Pony can survive a bolt of wild lightning and break a bolder down to pebbles."
The two Earths in the group stared at her in shock, before a cocky smile spread across Bonbon's face.
"Now that's more like it!"
"Let's hope I never need to test that claim, love," Octavia shivered.
A simple question from Derpy led to the next topic the fiery Unicorn saw coming.
"Hey Sunset, when did you get the tattoo?"
"She's not the only one," Vinyl said, staring at her friend's flank. "Looks like we've all got them."
Sure enough, when everyone looked, they saw that they did indeed have a mark on their hindquarters. Bonbon had a piece of wrapped candy in a beaker on her flank while Lyra had a silver harp covering what looked like a blank playing card. Octavia had a treble clef with a theater mask hanging from the top most point. On Vinyl's flank was a record with an inverted bass note plastered on top of it. Lightning had a tornado with two lightning bolts crossing over it while Derpy's mark was what looked like a collection of chat bubbles.
"Those are your Cutie Marks. They show a pony's special talent and a part of their true selves."
"Cutie Mark?" Lightning asked, not impressed. "That's what their called?"
"Yep," Sunset smiled.
"That is so lame."
Sunset shrugged, then turned towards her mother, who had remained silent through out the whole chain of events. She was greeted by a Solar Princess that was just a step away from falling over laughing.
"Mom," she groaned.
"I'm sorry my little sun, it's just so cute watching you interact with your friends," she chuckled.
"Mom!" she growled. "Not now!"
"Fine, fine," she sighed. "We need to get these three sorted out anyways."
As she said that, she lowered the three fillies gently onto the floor. None of them made any attempt to run or really do more than look up at their warden.
"That reminds me," Sunset said, glaring at them. "What are you going to do to them?"
"Well," Celestia frowned. "First we're going to help them get used to their new bodies, then they are going to be helping the staff around the castle."
"How so?"
"Nothing too strenuous," the Solar Diarch shrugged. "Cleaning floors mostly. Once they have cleaned all the guest rooms and the throne room's floors, they can return home. Honestly, their parents could be quite gladiatorial when it comes to corporal punishment."
"You talked to their parents?"
"Of course," Celestia said, taken aback slightly. "It was over tea in my private chambers. Very lovely mares and stallions, though they did seem rather easily startled."
"You brought them here?!"
"Sunset dear," she smiled. "Do you honestly think that a race without magic is going to take a Princess' word at face value?"
"Good point," she muttered. "And they were okay with it?"
"Yes. In fact it was their idea to have them help the staff. I believe it was Ms. Smith who said that it would help build character. She also has a very vibrant vocabulary when angered."
A shiver ran through Applebloom at the mention of her Grandmother's temper and a slight pang of sympathy entered Sunset's heart at the sight.
"By the way," Celestia continued. "It seems you are one friend short. Is Fluttershy not going to be joining us?"
"She should be coming through soon," Sunset said, turning towards the portal.
As if on cue, the mirror rippled like it was made of water as another figure fell through. What they saw fall to the floor was a little shocking to everyone present, Royal family included. Laying dazed on the floor was a light yellow Thestral with a pale pink mane and tail. Her Cutie Mark was a pink bat with a red moon half hidden behind its left wing. When she opened her eyes, everyone could see that they were bright red with slitted pupils before they slammed shut and she put her hooves over them.
"C-Could someone turn down the lights?" she whined. "They're too bright."
It was while she was talking that everyone became aware of her fangs poking out of her muzzle. A moment of silence passed as everyone took in what they were seeing. Then, with the grace of a meteor, Lightning broke the silence.
"Huh. So I'm friends with a vampire. You know what? I'm cool with that." |
The Brother and The Sitter | pre | Cadence sighed with her answer, "As expected, but he did keep quiet while we were at the library, after a few threats."
"Oh, good. How was your visit with Shining Armor?"
"It was sooooo nice to see him after being with Blueblood all day. Weirdest thing though, he didn't stutter or start sweating when I hugged and talked to him. He was actually composed for like the first time that I've known him."
A small yet devious smile made its way on the sun raiser's face. "Do you miss his nervousness already? Worried that maybe he moved on?" Celestia teased in a playful tone.
"WHAT!? No, it's just that it was really unlike him. I mean he's cute and all but... we talked about this last night, Aunt Celestia!" Cadance quickly explained.
Celestia bursted out into small fits of laughter from her niece's struggled answer. Pranks may not have been her strong suit, but with Cadance, it was like bobbing for apples in a cup.
"I'm joking, Cadance," she managed to say through the laughter.
Frustration was radiating from the pink alicorn as she tried to change the subject. "Where's
Twilight? I need to get her home."
"HERE I AM!" boomed a cheery tone almost immediately after Cadance asked her question.
The little lavender filly appeared from the top of the stairs and made her way downstairs towards her foal sitter.
"Ready when you are, Cadance," said Twilight looking eager to spend some time with her favorite foal sitter at her house.
"Okay, Twilight, let's get going."
"Are you sure you two don't want to stay for dinner?" inquired Celestia.
"It's fine, Aunt Celestia, I'll make something for Twilight at her house," answered Cadance.
"And I want to play with Cadance," added Twilight with eagerness in her voice.
"Okay you two, be careful and have fun," said Celestia in an almost defeated tone.
"We will," answered Cadance and Twilight, already out of the castle running towards Twilight's house. They were already gone, leaving Princess Celestia alone with Blueblood for the next few hours.
"He's your nephew, he's your nephew, he's your nephew, he's your nephew," she continued to tell herself as she made her way to the dining room, ready to endure what would be an unenjoyable dinner.
***************
Under the now orange painted sky, Cadance and Twilight made their way through the streets, engaging in a rather one sided and uncomfortable conversation.
"Did you want to hold onto him forever?" asked the little filly.
"UGH!" sighed the annoyed alicorn. "I was just glad to see him, nothing else."
"Oh C'Mon, Cadance, I see you laugh whenever you two are together, you've gotta feel something for him."
Cadance pondered what Twilight had said. Shining Armor did make her laugh, he is insanely nice, and he was kind of cute to her. She couldn't deny that the thought of them together hasn't crossed her mind. Was she feeling something for Shining Armor? She still didn't know.
Then again, she never had somepony else to crush on before in her life, always being protected by her aunt from an early age. Cadance never really got to interact with other ponies too much before she met Twilight and Shining Armor.
"Cadance?" asked a concerned Twilight.
"Wuh? Oh, sorry, Twilight, I drifted off there for a minute," explained Cadance as her mind returned to Equestria.
"Well, we're already here," said Twilight, raising a hoof to point to her house.
Was she really that lost in thought? It didn't matter; she'd be lost again in her own confusing emotions very soon.
"Well, go unpack for the night and I'll make us some sandwiches," said Cadance as she and
Twilight walked into the house.
"Sure thing," the little lavender filly replied.
With Twilight upstairs unpacking, Cadance made her way into the kitchen to prepare dinner, only half-focusing on the sandwich.
'Wow, what am I feeling? Yea, maybe I felt something when I hugged him, yeah he's cute, and yeah he's nice... but... oh Shining,' she thought to herself.
"Cadance?" asked Twilight, coming into the kitchen. "Is something bothering you?"
Cadance turned to face the little filly and was taken back by such a motherly question coming from somepony so young.
"Nothing," was her only reply.
"Cadance, you've foal sat me long enough for me to know when something is bothering you. It hasn't happened a lot, and that just adds onto my hunch. Now what's really wrong?"
Cadance was caught, and she was going to spill her life story and feelings to a little filly.
Cadance let out a sigh, and began.
"I don't know how I feel about your brother. He is just this overall great guy, but I just don't know what it's like to like somepony. All my life I've been, well, sheltered because I'm a princess. I was always in the castle, never got to go out, and never interacted with other ponies. I never even got to feel a first crush. You and Shining were some of the first few ponies I knew. It was after meeting you guys and getting the job of foal sitting you that I got more freedom. I'm able to go around town, and my aunt trusts me enough to the point where I don't need guards, and that's great, but I missed out on a lot. Being around Shining is confusing, I don't know if it is a crush or just deep appreciation. I wouldn't know. I'm just really confused, Twilight."
Silence filled the room, and Cadance, usually full of joy and always upbeat, was sitting down, confused and lost in her own mixed emotions.
Twilight came up to her, with the only comforting advice she could think of. "Cadance, I wouldn't know a lot about crushes either, but I have read A LOT of romance stories. Yes, you're confused, but that shouldn't stop you from trying. Shining likes you, and if you haven't noticed that yet, then you're blind,"
"Oh no, I've noticed, he hasn't really done a good job of hiding it," interrupted Cadance laughing at the last part she said.
"Yeeeah, he tried to play cool but... anyways, he likes you, you know that he does, and you're not sure about your own feelings. If there is anything those books have showed me, it's that honesty is the best thing. Tell him how you feel, I'm not saying it will go somewhere from there, but I really don't think you want to keep these things in."
'Wow, I'm getting colt trouble solutions from somepony who has never had a crush,' Cadance laughed to herself, realizing the slight sadness of her situation. It may have been sad, but she knew Twilight was right.
"Thanks, Twilight, you're right," Cadance said as she pulled Twilight in for a hug. "And I think I got an idea of how I can tell him, and I need your help."
"Anything you need," replied Twilight, willing to finally see her brother and her foal sitter together, and hopefully soon. There was a pot she was in.
***************
"Hey, Shiny, we almost done for the day?"
"Almost, Stardust. Just need these last few books and we are done." answered Shining Armor as he shelved more of the slowly depleting stack of returned books.
It was like that for the past few hours, seemingly nonstop shelving, checking the return records, and the constant worry of a burping dragon. Both Shining Armor and Stardust were ready for the day to end.
"Aaaaaaaand done!" exclaimed Shining Armor as he sat down and raised both fore-hooves up in victory after shelving the last book.
"On Thank Celesita!" Stardust almost yelled. "C'Mon let's go ask Paiges if that was all for today."
At the front counter, the only thing visible was a yellow coated mare running around frantically in her little work area.
"Ugh, Ms. Paiges?" asked Stardust.
"Yes, Stardust?" the tired looking librarian asked from under her counter.
"We finished shelving the returned books, is there somethin' we need to help you with?"
"Why do you ask?" asked Ms. Paiges coming up from the desk with random pieces of paper stuck to her face and mane.
"Well, there's a bunch of paper on you, and you look as if you're about to collapse," responded Stardust with a hint of concern in her voice.
"Oh, never mind that, this is how I always look whenever I'm gonna close the library for a holiday, want to make sure everything is organized and that I reduce any potential mess awaiting me when I get back."
"Wait, holiday?" inquired a confused Stardust.
"Oh yes, I'm closing the library tomorrow. I'm helping the princess prepare for the Summer Sun Celebration, and no offense, but I only trust myself running the library," explained Ms. Paiges as she started to file some records. "So I'm going to file for a few more minutes, but you two can go, it's almost closing time anyways."
"Thank you Ms. Paiges, stay safe," said Stardust as she began to turn to look for Shining Armor.
"Yo ,Shiny, we can go, where are ya?"
"Coming Star, just needed to grab Spike," said Shining Armor, levitating the half-burned saddlebag from earlier with Spike in the intact pouch.
"Night, Ms. Paiges," said the two unicorns as they exited the library.
"Good night you two," replied Ms. Paiges from behind the front counter.
"Hey, Shiny, any idea on when ya gonna tell Cadance how ya feel?" asked Stardust as she walked with Shining Armor down the streets of Canterlot.
"I don't know, sometime when we're alone or at least away from others."
"Ya gonna tell Twi about ya plan?"
"Nah, I'd like to handle this thing on my own. Plus I'm pretty sure it would be kinda pathetic if my little sister had to guide me through telling Cadance how I feel."
"Good point," laughed Stardust. "So hey, whaddya wanna do on ya day off?"
"I'm gonna be watching Twilight for the day, that I know for sure, and I'm pretty sure she doesn't want to be cooped up in the house all day when the Summer Sun Celebration is the next day. Odds are we're gonna be helping the princess setting up, upon Twilight's demand."
"I'll join ya, I don't have anythin' planned, and I don't wanna be stuck in the house eitha. Hey, we're here."
Stardust and Shining Armor arrived at Shining Armor's house, and what caught their eyes was a bright white note in the door.
Shining Armor walked up the stairs to look at the note.
Shining, left as soon as I saw you coming down the street, needed to get to the castle to start on preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration. Twilight's already asleep, and since she doesn't have lessons tomorrow, I was wondering if you two would like to help me set up for the celebration. If you want to, meet me in the front of the castle at about 10:00. Hope to see you there.
-Cadance
"What's it say?" asked Stardust coming up the stairs.
"Meet me and Twi at the castle tomorrow at 10. I think I just found out when and where I can tell Cadance how I feel," explained Shining Armor with a smile on his face.
"Okay, Shiny, fill me in tomorrow," replied Stardust as she walked down the stairs and started towards her own house.
Shining Armor walked into the house quietly as to not wake up his sleeping sister, all the while still holding the saddle bag that Spike was napping in with his levitation spell. He couldn't believe it, Cadance practically gave him an invite, and he was finally going to spill his feelings for her. He knew there was the possible chance of him being rejected, but at least he could confess.
Right now, though, he just wanted to fall asleep, and focus on the good that had just happened, and the good he hoped would come out of tomorrow.
Shining walked up the stairs to his room across from Twilight's, and plopped onto his bed, not even bothering with the covers. He carefully set the sleeping dragon by his side and whispered,
"Night little guy, tomorrow's gonna be a good day, I can feel it."
***************
In the night sky, Cadance was flying through Canterlot, making her way towards the castle, smiling all the way, and thinking about the positive possibilities that could arise from her and Twilight's plan.
She thought of it all, she invites Shining to come over and help with the celebration, gets him alone with the help of Twilight constantly urging him to go help her, and just pour out how she feels. Negative results have popped in her head, but for tonight, she just wanted to focus on the positive.
She arrived at the front of the castle and nearly bursted through the doors with unusual strength.
"Cadance, glad you're home. How was the night with Twili-"
"Sorry, Aunt Celestia, can't talk right now, I want to get to bed for tomorrow. Oh, and I'm helping set up for the celebration tomorrow. I invited Shining Armor to come help," Cadance explained not even bothering to stop her sprint to her room.
Celestia stood there at the bottom of the staircase, confused at this sudden news, but not really wanting to bother with it at the current time of night. 'Teenagers,' she thought to herself as she started towards her own bedroom.
Cadance laid down on her bed, plush pink covers drawn over her, surrounding her like clouds in the sky. She was happy again, and happily anticipating the next day.
"Tomorrow's gonna be a good day, I can feel it." |
The Brother and The Sitter | Morning Preparations | Morning Preparations
"Twi-Lee! Twi-Lee! C'Mon, wake up!!!"
"I'm up! I'm up! I'm up! I'm up!" Twilight shot up from her bed wide-eyed, thinking something terrible had happened but was only met by Shining Armor's face hanging above her. That was odd; usually she was the one waking him up so something was definitely up.
"C'Mon, sis, time to get ready. We're meeting Cadance at the castle to help prepare for the celebration," explained Shining Armor with a smile big enough to match the smiley faces on Twilight's pillows.
"Oooooooh, any plans for Cadance, Mr. Casanova?" Twilight teased, already anticipating the plan she and Cadance had concocted last night.
"Yup, I'm finally gonna tell her how I feel!" Shining declared, raising a forehoof in the air like somepony out of a comic.
Usually, Twilight would ignore declarations involving Cadance that came from Shining Armor on the account that every time he made one, he fell extremely short of his goal, miserably and usually hilariously. However, there was something in Shining Armor's eyes this time that actually shocked Twilight beyond belief. He actually looked like he meant it; he really was going to tell Cadance how he felt.
"Oh my Celestia, you're actually gonna do it..." Twilight whispered in disbelief of her brother's determination.
"I am, Twi-Lee, I really am!" Shining Armor replied with no hesitance whatsoever.
'This is great, both of them are gonna do it. They're gonna get together! I'm getting a sister!' thought Twilight as a huge smile made its way onto her face.
Shining dropped his dramatic pose and took on a more serious expression. "C'Mon, get ready, we've got a big day ahead of us. I already woke Spike up and made breakfast... so chop, chop!" said Shining Armor as he clopped his hooves together.
"Okay, Shining," Twilight replied as she got up and headed downstairs to eat. Shining Armor stayed in Twilight's room to make her bed and pick up whatever mess lingered.
"I'm really gonna do it," he said to himself as he finished picking up and headed downstairs to meet Twilight and Spike, who were already digging into their plates of dandelion omelets.
Shining Armor took his seat and started munching away at his breakfast almost faster than the baby dragon still tearing away at his omelet.
It only took two minutes for both Shining Armor and Spike to finish their omelets and upon finishing, Shining Armor, in a nearly cartoon fashion, jolted upstairs to get ready for the day.
Twilight was left at the table with Spike and a surprised expression after seeing her brother in that big of a rush to get ready. He was usually never that energetic in the mornings.
A gargle and spitting noise was heard from the bathroom followed by Shining Armor's hasty gallop towards his room to collect whatever supplies he needed for the day. In a matter of minutes, Shining Armor was back in the kitchen carrying a new saddlebag full of tools and shattered turquoise.
"C'Mon, sis, we gotta get a move on," said Shining Armor as he levitated all the dishes into the sink, completely ignoring the fact that half of Twilight's omelet was still on her plate.
"Hey! I wasn't done ye--" Twilight was cut short as she and Spike were encased in a light purple aura and brought upstairs alongside Shining Armor towards the bathroom.
"We need to hurry, I don't wanna keep Cadance waiting," explained Shining Armor as he set Twilight and Spike on the ground of the bathroom floor.
"We still have an h--"
"Brush your teeth, guys," ordered Shining Armor as he magically shoved toothbrushes in the unicorn and dragon's mouths.
With the brush already in her mouth, Twilight didn't even fight him; she knew how eager he was to get to the castle. After all, when would he ever gather so much confidence again?
After finishing up, Twilight moved on to help the struggling infant dragon with brushing his tiny fangs.
"That's good enough," ruled Shining Armor as he pulled the brush away from Spike's mouth with his magic after two minutes. "Clean him off and meet me downstairs."
"Shining Armor we still have--" Twilight tried to explain before Shining Armor bolted back to his room to finish gathering supplies.
"UGH!" Twilight sighed loudly as she washed the leftover toothpaste off of Spike's face.
Seconds later, Shining Armor stood in the bathroom door carrying another saddlebag in his light purple aura. "Here you go, Twi; you're carrying Spike this time," he explained as he magically attached the saddlebag to her body. "Now let's get going," Shining panicked as he lifted Spike into his sister's saddlebag pouch.
"Shining Armor, we still have... HEY!" Twilight was again interrupted and encased in her brother's magic and soon found herself by her brother who was running downstairs at record speeds.
"If we get there on time, I can tell her right away, but maybe showing a little late will make it easier to do. NO! I should get there earlier so I can tell her sooner, but maybe I'll seem too eager and scare her off if she even considers me," Shining argued with himself out loud, still heading downstairs.
"Shining," Twilight tried to say.
"Early? Late? On time?"
"Shining."
"Late. No early! No, on time!"
"SHINING ARMOR!!!!" Twilight boomed, pulling her brother's mind out of his thoughts as he stood at the front door. "It's only 8:30. We have an hour and a half!"
Shining Armor took on a quizzical look before opening the front door to see the clock tower a few streets away from him. Twilight was right; it was 8:30 and they still had an hour and a half before meeting up with Cadance and Stardust at the castle.
"Oh," choked out the white unicorn as he set Twilight back on the ground.
"Yea, 'OH!'" retorted the annoyed filly.
"Sorry, sis. I guess I got a little carried away back there," chuckled Shining Armor as he scratched the back of his head nervously and a shade of red made its way across Shining Armor's face.
Twilight let out another sigh before continuing on, "It's fine. Just try to relax before we get to the castle."
"Good advice," Shining Armor choked out.
"Well, we got an hour and a half, and I really don't wanna wait around the house that long. So what should we do, Shining?"
"Hmmmmm," pondered Shining Armor as he put a hoof to his chin. "Wanna go see Stardust? We were supposed to meet her at the castle but we can walk with her instead."
"Okay. At least now I can see how she teases you today," laughed Twilight as she gave her brother a playful shove.
"Ha ha," Shining Armor dully laughed while thinking about what kind of friendly abuse he would have to deal with.
'Well, Cadance, hope you're ready to hear this,' thought Shining Armor as he closed the door behind him and started his way to Stardust's house with Twilight by his side.
'Today's the day.'
***************
Fruits and plates of eggs, omelets, and various breads were spread along a table as Princess Celestia awaited her niece and nephew to join her for breakfast.
"Good morning, Aunt Celestia!" a cheery voice piped from one of the hallways that led into the dining hall.
"Ah, good morning, Cadance," belled Celestia as she turned to face her niece. Cadance took her seat at the long table and hungrily eyed her breakfast.
"Hold on, Cadance, we need to wait for your cousin. Family meeting," explained Celestia as she magically pulled the plate away from Cadance.
"About what?" inquired Cadance with a pouty face.
"Preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration. This is Blueblood's first one with us and since you volunteered last night, I figured we should prepare as a family."
"Are you sure he'd even want to help? He barely lifts a hoof around here..." replied Cadance with a quizzing tone.
"He will help and he will like it!" declared the sun goddess as she put a hoof down on the table.
"I will like what?" asked a voice from the hallway opposite of Cadance's entry.
"Ah, Blueblood," said Celestia as she saw her nephew enter the dining hall and take his seat at the table. "I was talking about preparations for the celebration tomorrow and how ALL THREE OF US are going to help out," explained Celestia.
"Shouldn't the help be preparing this? That's why they're the help in the first place!" retorted Blueblood as he put his nose in the air snobbishly.
"Come on, BlueBlue, don't you want to make family memories with your Auntie? You'll make me very sad if I can't spend this day with my family," Celestia replied with a fake pout as she made her magenta eyes wider to make a mother-like puppy dog face.
Blueblood couldn't argue anymore; although he was relatively new to the family, he had grown a deep family love for his aunt. "UGH! Fine, Aunt Celestia, I'll help. Just please stop calling me BlueBlue."
"Okay, BlueBlue," teased Celestia.
"Auntie!" Blueblood nearly yelped back as a shade of red made itself very visible on his white-furred face.
Celestia finished her little laughing fit before she turned to face Cadance who was doing her best to not laugh at her reddened cousin. "And speaking of preparations... Cadance."
"Yes, Aunt Celestia?" asked Cadance as she kept trying to hold back her laughter.
"You said something about Shining Armor last night when you came home, correct?"
"Oh yeah, I invited him to come and help out with the celebration. Is that alright?"
"Yes my dear. Any plans for him today?" Celestia teased as she raised an eyebrow playfully at her niece.
"Actually yes, yes I do," declared Cadance with confidence.
"Oh?" replied the confused white alicorn.
"Yup, I'm gonna talk to him about something that may or may not result in us having a date in a few days," explained Cadance with a huge smile spread across her face.
"Cadance, is Shining Armor the colt with the blue mane we saw at the library yesterday?" Blueblood asked, trying to get into the family loop.
"Yeah, why do you ask?"
"Just to see exactly who I might need to send the guards after in case he tries something funny."
"That won't be necessary, Blueblood; Shining Armor's completely harmless," laughed Cadance as she pictured the idea of guards kicking Shining Armor out on his flank. "But I'm glad to see your looking out for me, Blueblood."
"We're family, Cadance, it's one of the few jobs I feel I need to abide to," replied Blueblood honestly and yet somehow annoyingly.
"Well then, why don't we finish our breakfast as a family as well?" suggested the regal white alicorn.
"Yes, Aunt Celestia," replied the royal cousins as they started to dig into their breakfast.
***************
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK
"Stardust?"
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK
"Stardust?"
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK
"Stard--"
"Shiny, wut are ya doin' here? I thought we were meeting up at the castle?" asked Stardust after opening the door to see Shining Armor, Twilight, and Spike at her front door.
"Ugh, funny story... you see I kind of got a little bit carried away this morning... and, ugh..." Shining Armor tried to describe the events of the morning without coming off as too eager or looking like an idiot.
"He got up too early and nearly dragged me and Spike against our wills to the castle at 8:30 in the morning to meet Cadance at the castle when he had an hour and a half left!" interrupted the annoyed filly by Shining Armor's side.
"Twi!?!" cracked Shining Armor with a quick turn to his sister.
Stardust busted out laughing just thinking about the short story of Shining Armor's frantic morning. "Sorry, Shiny, but that is just so you to do somethin' like that when it comes to Cadance." Stardust continued to cackle a bit while Shining Armor stood there with a pathetic look plastered on his face.
"Okay, I'm done, I'm done. Oh boy," said Stardust through breaths as she started to compose herself. "Come in guys, we still got a good hour 'till we need to be at the castle," said Stardust as she motioned for Shining Armor and Twilight to enter.
"Thanks, Star," replied Shining Armor as he led Twilight into Stardust's house.
"Oh, Shiny, I gotta show you and Twi somethin' I learned last night," said Stardust with much enthusiasm.
"What is it?" inquired Shining Armor as he and Twilight were being led upstairs into Stardust's room.
"Somethin' I learned on my guitar," answered Stardust already opening the door to her room.
In Stardust's room, there hung many posters of various musicians throughout Equestria. Most of them were of rock or alternative bands and other well-known guitar players ranging from Colt Cobain, Flank 182, S!nc, Revolvers & Tulips, Taylor Swiftheart, Flash, Rod Harley, and many others.
Stardust's floor was littered with sheet music and lyric notes and her bed was barely visible under mountains of guitar picks and guitar care materials. It's no wonder Stardust's cutie mark depicted a guitar.
"Looks like your room, Twi-Lee," joked Shining Armor to his sister after remembering the many books and scrolls that usually littered Twilight's room.
"Ha ha," Twilight sarcastically laughed before turning her attention to Stardust, who was grabbing her guitar and a pick.
"Okay, guys, prepare to get blown away."
Stardust began showing off her talent, each strum sounding more magical than the last. She kept strumming and strumming, completely in tune and hitting all the right notes without a single mistake.
Stardust started to really get into the music, making faces at certain notes, rocking her body as she played, and even letting out certain squeals at some parts.
Shining Armor and Twilight stood there in awe as they watched the blue unicorn strum away. Stardust was sounding like a true musician, the kind that you would hope to see playing in arenas one day. Neither Twilight nor Shining Armor knew what song she was playing, but they did know that she sounded amazing.
"Wooooo," yelled Stardust as she finished up the song. She looked up to see her audience clopping their hooves together.
"Wow, Star, you've been getting better and better..." said Shining Armor still in awe.
"You were awesome!" cheered Twilight who was still clapping her hooves.
"Ah ha ha yay!" cheered the baby drake from within Twilight's saddlebag in whatever sounds of joy that could be uttered from a baby.
"What was that song, anyway?" inquired Shining Armor.
"It was part of a Colt Cobain solo, blessed be his name," responded Stardust as she looked up to the ceiling at the last part of her answer.
"You did great!" beamed Twilight, still in shock of the talent Stardust possessed.
"Thanks, guys," blushed Stardust as she packed her guitar up. "Oh, Shiny, you never filled me in on that note from last night. What was on it?" asked Stardust with deep curiosity.
"Oh yeah, Cadance invited us to help out and I figured that would be the perfect time and place to tell her how I feel about her."
"Heeeey, good for you, Shiny," congratulated Stardust.
"Thanks, Star. I'm hoping that she doesn't get scared off after I tell her, though."
"Hey, don't worry right now, just focus on your goal," Stardust ordered with a stern look.
"Will do," replied Shining Armor with a new amount of confidence.
GURGLE GURGLE GURGLE
"Ah ha ha ha," Twilight nervously laughed after her stomach let out very audible grumbles.
"Hungry, Twi?" asked Stardust.
"Guess so," responded Twilight as she grabbed her stomach with a forehoof.
"We had breakfast less than an hour ago," said Shining Armor in disbelief.
"Yes, except that a certain frantic unicorn threw out half my omelet in the sink before I got to finish it this morning!" retorted Twilight with an 'as a matter a fact' tone.
Red was starting to color Shining Armor's face upon realizing that he was starving his little sister.
"Oh yeah."
"Why don't we head to Joe's Donuts? We still have an hour to kill," suggested Stardust as she made her way to the door of her room.
"Ooooh, can we, Shining Armor?" pleaded the lavender filly as she widened her purple eyes.
"Sure thing, Twi-Lee," answered Shining Armor as he guided Twilight towards the door.
"Yay!" cheered the little filly.
GURGLE GURGLE GURGLE
Upon this second wave of stomach growls, the little dragon in Twilight's saddlebag began to let out his own fits of growls at Twilight's stomach.
"Let's hurry before Spike gets in a fight with your stomach," joked Shining Armor as he, Twilight, and Stardust made their way downstairs and out of the house on their way to Joe's Donuts.
***************
"That goes over there, mister."
"No, not there, over there."
"Put that higher over the gates... a little more... a little more."
"Where is the pedestal?"
"Get the food."
Directions were being tossed around like crazy from the outskirts of the castle as ponies were preparing the grounds for the Summer Sun Celebration. In the center of the grounds stood Princess Celestia, Cadance, and Blueblood.
"Are you two ready?" asked Celestia standing in between the two regal cousins.
"Ready," the two replied in unison.
All of their horns started to glow; Celestia's a light golden-yellow, and Cadance and Blueblood's a light blue. Together, their magic lifted up the golden Summer Sun statue that Celestia would soon use to show the rising of the summer sun.
"Thank you, Blueblood. Thank you, Cadance," said Celestia with a smile at her niece and nephew after viewing the finished result.
"You're welcome, Aunt Celestia," responded the two cousins.
"So, Blueblood, is preparing the celebration as bad as you thought?" asked Celestia with a sly smile.
Even though Blueblood hated all of the work, and would rather be in the castle posing in the mirror with his new tuxedo, he didn't want to disappoint his aunt.
"No, Aunt Celestia, it's actually kind of fun," Blueblood lied.
"See." Celestia turned to see her niece checking the clock tower a few blocks away, again.
"Cadance, do you have somewhere to be?" inquired the sun goddess with a questionable look.
"Huh?" said Cadance as she turned around to face her aunt. "Oh, no, I was just expecting Shining Armor to be here at 10:00 and I just wanted to see what time it is," explained Cadance rather quickly.
"You've been checking that clock a lot since we came out here, dear, and you're starting to look nervous," said Celestia with a worried tone.
"I'm not nervous," denied the now even more nervous pink alicorn.
Celestia knew there was no point in arguing so she rolled her magenta eyes and calmly told Cadence, "Why don't we all take a break? Cadance, you can go wait for Shining Armor if you want t--"
"THANK YOU, AUNT CELESTIA!" yelled Cadance who was now meters away from her aunt and cousin.
"--to," Celestia finished wide eyed as she watched her niece gallop away at record speeds. Celestia sighed and rolled her eyes, "Teenagers."
***************
"Thanks for payin' for the donuts, Shiny," said Stardust with a mouthful of glazed donut in her mouth.
"Yeah, thanks bro," beamed Twilight as she swallowed hers.
"No problem, guys. Gotta practice being a gentlecolt if Cadance says 'yes' to me," said Shining Armor as the thought of him and Cadance on a date crossed his mind.
"Hey, look, I can see the castle," exclaimed Twilight as she pointed a hoof in the direction they were walking in.
"Ya ready, Shiny?" asked Stardust as she nudged Shining Armor in the torso.
"As ready as I'll ever be."
The three ponies and baby dragon continued their walk towards Canterlot Castle, and after a few minutes, were met with the familiar shimmer of gold, white, and purple that shown brightly from the castle's outer walls. The gates were open and shined just as you would expect gold to shine.
"We're here!" cheered Twilight with unmatchable glee.
Shining Armor stole a quick glance backwards at the city clock tower to see it was 10:00 on the dot.
"Where's Cadance?" asked Shining Armor to no pony in particular as he shifted his head back and forth trying to look for his crush. Shining Armor's search became more frantic as he paced back and forth trying to look for the pony-tailed mare of his dreams.
"What if that was just a joke? What if she never wanted to invite me in the first place? What if she did want me to come but I look like an idiot when I tell her? What if she never wants to see me again after I tell her?" These were all questions Shining Armor muttered out as he paced back and forth in the same area for a good minute. It was as if all the confidence built up in him from earlier this morning suddenly spilled out of him in a puddle upon arrival at the castle.
"Shining Armor!" Stardust nearly boomed.
Shocked by the sternness in her voice, Shining Armor turned his head quickly to face his blue-furred friend.
Dropping the sternness in her voice, Stardust started her attempt to calm her friend down. "I know you're nervous, and I know that you're scared she'll reject you or that ya might make a foal of yourself, but what I want ya to do is calm down, and take a deep breath," Stardust ordered as she began taking in deep breaths and signaling for Shining Armor to do the same.
Shining Armor reluctantly took Stardust's advice and began to take a few breaths.
"In," Stardust instructed before slowly taking in a breath. "And out," she followed up before exhaling.
Shining Armor repeated the process a few more times until he was at ease. "In... and out," he thought to himself. "In... and out. In... and out."
"Feelin' better?" Stardust asked as she took a few paces towards her friend.
Shining Armor let a breath out before answering, "Yeah, I am now."
Shining Armor raised his head to see Stardust's deep green eyes shimmering and full of concern.
"Thanks, Star, I could never get through things like this without you."
"Hey, that's what friends are for. Now be a good friend to me, and go to her. Tell that mare how ya feel and for the love of Celestia, don't chicken out," Stardust somehow comforted and stammered at the same time.
"Alright, Star," chuckled Shining Armor as he rolled his eyes. Before he went off to look for Cadance, Shining Armor did something that completely took Stardust by surprise. Before she knew it, he ran up to her and gave her a hug. Not just one of those quick hugs, but a deep embrace that came out of deep appreciation. Stardust returned the hug and wrapped her forehooves around Shining Armor.
"I'm serious, Star. I never could do these kinds of things without you. You've put up with my timidity, you've stayed my friend after seeing multiple failures come out of me, and you still continue to encourage me to go after her. You're a true friend, Star." Shining Armor broke the hug and saw a small smile on Stardust's face. She honestly didn't realize how much she did for him but was nonetheless happy to accept his words of praise.
"Happy to help," replied Stardust as she tried to stay cool. "Now, C'Mon," Stardust said as she stood up and opened her forehooves. "Give Star some more love."
"Okay," Shining playfully replied as he gave Stardust another hug.
***************
'Dang it, it's 10:00, I hope he's not here yet,' thought Cadance as she sprinted her way to the front of the castle to meet Shining Armor. 'Calm yourself Cadance, better late than never. Besides, it's not like he'll be here right at 10:00,' she continued to think to herself.
As Cadance rounded a newly set up area for the celebration, she could see the entryway into the castle grounds. Before making herself visible to the front of the gates, she could see ponies by the gates.
'They're here,' thought Cadance as she saw the ponies more clearly. 'There's Twilight, and Spike in the saddlebag. Shining Armor's here too, aaaand..... some other mare?' Cadance thought to herself as she came to a stop and hid behind one of the statues in the near front of the castle.
From her hiding spot she could still make out the three ponies and baby dragon, but something else caught her eye. She saw Shining Armor grab the other mare with a blue body and white and blue mane much to her surprise, and hugged her tightly like she was his...
"MAREFRIEND!" Cadance yelled out, nearly drawing attention to herself from other ponies working on preparations. "Is he with her?!?" |
The Brother and The Sitter | Revelations and Beginnings | Revelations and Beginnings
"He has a marefriend!?!"
Cadance stole another glance towards Shining Armor and the mystery mare with the dual-colored mane. She saw that the mare was stretching her forehooves out as if to ask for another hug, and then saw Shining Armor give it to her.
'But... I thought he liked me? Why would he... I thought... I was gonna... Shining Armor?' Cadance wasn't even thinking in complete sentences. She wasn't sure how she felt for Shining Armor, but seeing him with this other mare left her wide-eyed, her jaw agape, and her heart feeling compressed and sunken.
She couldn't face him now, not when she felt like a meteor struck her right in the heart. She needed to get away from him, just long enough to compose herself and prepare to be brave when it came to meeting this new mare.
Without giving it a second thought, Cadance sprinted away from her hiding position towards the castle, making sure she wasn't seen by the three ponies and baby dragon.
Cadance ran as fast as she could, away from that statue she had made her hiding spot as new feelings began to stir inside her. Jealousy? Heartbreak over somepony she wasn't sure she even had a crush on?
'What's wrong with me? Why am I running?'
Before she could answer herself, Cadance skidded to a halt before nearly crashing into her cousin and aunt, who were both standing by the stairs that lead into the castle.
Celestia turned to face her niece. "Cadance! Is something wrong?" she asked as she took notice of her niece's pants for air.
Cadance, still trying to catch her breath, hurriedly tried to ease her aunt's worries as to not bother her with her inner turmoil. "No... everything's fine... just needed..." She paused as she tried to think of an excuse.
"BLUEBLOOD!" Cadance exclaimed, surprising herself and Blueblood alike with her hasty excuse.
"Why do you need m- HEY!" Blueblood was cut off as Cadance tugged at one of her cousin's grey hooves and half-dragged him towards the direction she was running off to.
"Be back soon," yelled Cadance back towards her aunt, whose eyes now doubled in size and her jaw now wide open after seeing her niece's abnormal burst of strength.
Around one of the corners of the castle, Blueblood was whining very audibly while rubbing the hoof his cousin dragged him by just moments ago. "What'd you go and do that fooooor?"
"Blueblood, stop complaining for a second and listen," demanded the pink alicorn as she tried to put on a more serious look to speak, but still carried the shocked and broken look in her eyes.
Blueblood took notice of his cousin's eyes and decided to stop with the indignation only he could perfect to try to console her worries, "Cadance, what happened?"
Cadance let out a heavy sigh before launching into an explanation about Shining Armor, and the passionate hug between him and the other mare she saw with him.
"Soooooo, you're telling me that this library assistant of your's already has a marefriend?" Blueblood finally asked after Cadance finished her story.
"What kind of colt hugs a mare like her the way he did without them being more than friends?!?" Cadance retorted with a steady rise in her voice.
"Cadance, calm down," Blueblood nervously instructed with an up and down gesture with one of his hooves, doing his best not to further upset his already panicky cousin.
Cadance reluctantly took Blueblood's advice and allowed herself settle down before continuing on. "Maybe she is, I'm not completely sure... but that's not the only thing bothering me."
"What do you mean?" Blueblood asked with an arched eyebrow.
A small sigh escaped Cadance's mouth before confessing her inner turmoil, revealing how she has never had a crush on somepony, how throughout her life she went on not knowing how one would feel towards somepony she might be attracted too, how she just doesn't know what she was supposed to feel.
"Then why panic over this colt if you don't even know how you feel?" asked Blueblood after listening intently to Cadance's explanation.
"Because I felt something after I saw him with that other mare! I don't know exactly what, but.... I felt like my breath got sucked out of me, like my heart imploded on itself," Cadance replied as she waved her forelimbs over her heart and demonstrated some sort of implosion gesture.
Blueblood scrunched his eyes in thought, then, as the reality of Cadance's situation hit him, he opened them wide, his eyebrows raised, and a smile crept on his face in a sort of 'I know something you don't know' kind of way.
"Sounds to meeee, that you actually like hiiiiim," Blueblood teased in a filly-like voice.
Even though Blueblood was teasing her, his words caused Cadance to come to a revelation. Those emotions she felt after seeing Shining Armor with that other mare, jealousy, and fear that he was already taken, emotions that she never felt for anypony else before. After years of not knowing what it felt like to like a colt, she finally knew what it felt like.
Memories of Shining Armor began to race their way through Cadance's mind like a Wonderbolt through the sky, his goofiness, his kindness, his admiration for her. How could she not have felt this way before? Why did it take a hug from another mare to show her her true feelings? Why was she only getting the bad end of experiencing a crush?
"You're right," Cadance said flatly at first with wide eyes.
"Huh?" Blueblood asked, completely perplexed by her sudden change in tone.
"I like him, I just didn't know, I like him... I LIKE SHINING ARMOR!" Cadance exclaimed while embracing the white unicorn in a very constrictive hug.
"I'm... happy for you... but I can't... breathe... my fur, you're getting it... dirty," Bluebloood wheezed as his typically white face began to redden and then eventually cyan.
"Oh, sorry Blue." Cadance released her cousin and watched him as he gasped for life-saving oxygen that she deprived him of. "I like him," Cadance whispered again like she was the happiest mare in the world, but events not too long ago re-entered her mind and her wide smile began to shrink and her eyes began to contract as unpleasant memories reigned throughout the inner-workings of her mind.
"Oh no, I like him.... and he's with another mare," Cadance said as if she was admitting defeat.
Blueblood, after regaining normal oxygen flow, normal respiration rates, and dusting himself off, came up to the defeated alicorn. "Look, we don't know for sure, the least you could do is just see him and this mare and sort things out."
There was a pause before Blueblood continued. "Remember that determination you had this morning?"
Cadance nodded slowly in remembrance of her original plan to confess her feelings for Shining Armor.
"Well, bring that Cadance out. Get her out, and get her to tell Shining Armor that she likes him," instructed Blueblood in a strong and confident tone.
Cadance couldn't help but smile at her cousin's act of support. He was a pain, there was no denying that. He was a pain to her and everypony else, but when it came to her and their aunt, he'd do anything to see them happy.
"So, can you do that?" Blueblood asked.
"Don't need too," Cadance answered. "She's already here."
Blueblood couldn't help but smile as he saw Cadance fill up again with her previous enthusiasm and happiness. Secretly he wished she would crush on someone of a more... sophisticated type, but as long as she was happy.
"But you're coming with me," Cadance ordered, switching her tone to match her demand.
"Fiiiiiine," moaned Blueblood as he tried to follow the pink princess who was already making her way to the front of the castle entrance at a rather fast pace.
***************
"It's been fifteen minutes! Where the hay are they?" Stardust was starting to get impatient, or so was indicated by her constant pacing around and stomping of her hooves on the ground.
Twilight and Stardust decided to stay by the entrance to the castle grounds and let Shining Armor go off looking for Cadance, but patience was wearing thin for Stardust as she eagerly awaited the arrival of her friend and hopefully his new marefriend.
"Ya think he went into one of his stuttering rambles when he tried to talk to her?" asked Twilight with an almost certain tone.
As hilarious as Stardust found the idea of Shining Armor spitting out his words in undecipherable sentences, again, she hoped he didn't. "I hope not, I REALLY hope not, Twi."
Stardust went back into her thoughts. This time trying to picture Shining Armor succeeding in confessing his feelings for the mare of his dreams, and that's when it hit her. She has known for a while how Shining Armor feels, and he has heard him talk about her like she was a goddess, and yet, has never met the mare he dreams of herself.
"Hey, Twi."
"Hmm?" asked Twilight.
"I've heard every sappy thing possible to describe a mare from Shiny, but I've never met her. What's she like?"
Nostalgia took over the little filly as she remembered everything wonderful about the best foal sitter in Equestria.
"She is kind, loving, and is able to make anypony smile. She's always smiling whenever she is around me or Shining Armor... she's basically the mare that Shining Armor deserves." A smile made its way across Twilight's face at her last sentence; Stardust mimicked Twilight's facial expression.
"That good huh?" Stardust inquired.
"Yup, not to mention the best foal sitter ever,"
"It's easy when you're sitting for the best foal ever," echoed a voice behind Twilight.
Twilight quickly turned around to see her foal sitter standing behind her. "Cadance!" the little filly cheered as she ran up to nuzzle one of the alicorn's legs.
"Did you hear all of that?" Twilight questioned after backing away from Cadance's leg.
"Just enough to hear you say that I'm the best foal sitter EVER," declared Cadance with a sly smile on her face. Her eyes then drifted from Twilight to the blue unicorn who began to bow in respect to her.
"Your highness," Stardust addressed from the ground.
"Oh no, you can stand up. I'm just a normal pony, so you can just call me Cadance," explained a slightly embarrassed Cadance.
Taken aback by a princess's plea for informality, it didn't stop Stardust from settling back to her normal demeanor. "If ya like, I'm Stardust by the way," Stardust introduced herself as she stretched out a forehoof.
Cadance shook Stardust's hoof, but behind her semi-genuine smile, she had one thought in mind, finding out Stardust's relation to Shining Armor. Cadance stole a look at Twilight, and she got an idea.
"So, how do you know Twilight, Stardust?" Cadance inquired.
"I'm basically Shining Armor's best friend. We've worked at the library together since he got hired, and of course I've gotten to meet his amazing little sister along the way." Stardust gave a playful nudge at Twilight at the last sentence.
Upon hearing Stardust's answer, Cadance's body remained calm and collected, but her mind was going crazy with victory cries. 'They're just friends... THEY'RE JUST FRIENDS!' It was as if all the joy and happiness felt in Equestria managed to collect in her body. Hope was restored for Cadance, and she wasn't going to let her crush slip away. Then something registered in her mind, where was Shining Armor anyways?
"Hey, where is Shining Armor anyway?" Cadance asked the two ponies in front of her.
"Ya haven't seen him at all today?" Stardust asked back.
"No, I thought he was with Twilight."
Annoyed grunts escaped all three of them as they came to the realization that none of them knew where Shining Armor was.
"C'Mon let's go find him," moaned Twilight as she made her way in front of the two mares and began leading them anywhere else, hoping to find her brother.
Turning to follow Twilight, something in the corner of Stardust's eyes caught her attention. It was a white colt slowly trotting towards them, his amber mane bouncing up and down with each step.
"Who's he?" Stardust asked, pointing a hoof at the white pony approaching them.
Cadance turned to see it was Blueblood, "Oh yea, I accidentally ditched him."
"Cadance!" stammered Blueblood. "You ask me to come along with you... and you run off!"
"Sorry Blueblood, I guess I got a little caught up in the moment," stammered Cadance as she scratched the back of her head with a hoof.
"Blueblood," that name rang in Stardust's mind for a few seconds until something revealed itself in her mind. She remembered yesterday, in the library, Shining Armor telling her about the colt that came in with Cadance. White coat, amber mane, 'Blueblood', it was him. Strangely enough there was something familiar about him, the way he stood, his demeanor, something prince-like....
"Stardust."
"Wha?" Stardust snapped out of her thoughts to look at the alicorn who asked for her.
"This is my cousin, Blueblood."
Stardust, upon hearing the word 'cousin', quickly turned to see the white furred colt. Her bright green eyes widened and her mind came to a sudden realization of who the colt was. 'Ohhhhhhh. Myyyyyyy. Celestia!'
Stardust remembered now, Cadance's cousin, Princess Celestia's nephew, Prince Blueblood. As much as she wanted to start convulsing into a fit of laughter after finding this bit of information out, something else came to her mind. 'Oh crap, Shining Armor doesn't know.'
"HEY! Are you guys coming or not?" hollered an annoyed purple filly a good distance ahead of the two unicorns and alicorn princess.
Reality came back to the three ponies as they remembered who they were searching for.
'Shiny's gonna die when he hears this,' Stardust snickered to herself as she picked up the pace to catch up to Twilight.
"I'm a prince. I shouldn't be hollered at by some little-"
"She's Aunt Celestia's student, she's nearly royalty herself, so shut it please," Cadance interrupted with a nudge to Blueblood's ribs as she walked with him towards an annoyed Twilight.
"Fiiiine," grumbled the prince.
Cadance turned to face Blueblood, this time with a more genuine appreciative look on her face, "Thank you for coming along Blueblood, and for cheering me up back there."
Blueblood smiled at Cadance's thanks, he may not have wanted to be around other non-regal ponies, definitely not yelled at by a filly, but to see his cousin happy, it made today bearable for him. "Your welcome, now let's go get you a coltfriend."
***************
It was supposed to be a simple plan, get to the celebration, see Cadance, get alone with Cadance, then finally, confess feelings for Cadance, but no, things couldn't be that simple.
Shining Armor spent a good part of the past half-hour walking around the castle grounds looking for the mare of his dreams, but ended up just looking like an idiot going in circles.
One pony in particular managed to see said idiot walking in circles. Princess Celestia was overseeing more of the preparations for the upcoming celebration when she saw Shining Armor wandering around, and decided to find out about his curious wanderings.
"Shining Armor," Celestia called which immediately got the attention of the colt.
"Princess Celestia!" Shining Armor bowed to Celestia as she approached him.
"Are you looking for something? I saw you walking around for a while now."
Shining Armor rose up from his hooves to look at the sun goddess before him. "Actually, I'm looking for Cadance. Have you seen her, your majesty?"
"Oh, well she went to go meet with you about half an hour ago, but I haven't seen her the rest of the morning. Do you need her for something Shining Armor?"
Shining Armor stood still for a few seconds before answering. He was going to tell Cadance how he felt one way or another, so might as well let her aunt know.
"I actually wanted to tell her how I felt about her," Shining Armor murmured as his nerves began to take hold of him.
"Oh?" Celestia urged for the slightly shaking colt to go on.
"I wanted to tell her that I like her, and that I've always liked her since the day I met her," Shining Armor continued, now a little less confident as he feared the reaction the ruler of Equestria would have after finding out a plain colt like him desires to be with her niece.
Before answering, a small smile made its way onto her face, and her magenta eyes began to glimmer. "Shining Armor, I'm sure she'd love to hear that. You are kind, a wonderful brother to Twilight and from what she has told me, fun to be around. You two would be perfect together."
This was happening; he was getting a blessing from Princess Celestia! The shaking in his legs may have eased up by only a little bit, but the fear he felt was replaced with immeasurable joy.
"Here's your chance now Shining Armor," Celestia whispered to the exuberant colt.
Shining Armor quickly turned around to see Cadance, Stardust, Twilight, the now awake infant drake in her saddlebag... and him. The colt from yesterday, Blueblood.
"It's now or never Shining," Shining Armor told himself in a more or less certain tone. His thoughts were interrupted quickly by the shouts of a certain filly.
"Where were you?!? We've been waiting for you for the past half hour!"
Before Shining Armor answered his enraged sister, tiny hiccups began to come from Twilight's saddlebag. That could only mean one thing: Spike. His hiccups were picking up pace, which normally meant...
"OH NO!!!" screamed Shining Armor as he ran towards Twilight and grabbed the infant dragon out of her saddlebag with his hooves, and stood up to point him away from the rest of the group. With one final gulp of air, Spike belched out emerald green flames all over the decorations that graced the front of the castle.
"Not again," Shining Armor groaned while the little drake laughed and clapped his claws together.
Panic showed on Cadance's face, the flames were growing, it may not have been a strong fire, but she didn't want to take any chances with the possibility of the whole courtyard becoming a flame pit.
"I'm going to go help with the fire," Cadance said, biting her lip as she ran towards the slowly spreading fire.
Seeing that Cadance was going alone, Twilight realized the perfect opportunity for Shining Armor, and began to nudge at his side.
"Go help her, it's your turn to pick up after Spike anyway," Twilight ordered Shining Armor, cleverly concealing her intentions on getting him and Cadance alone.
"Okay, Twi," Shining Armor replied as he gave Spike back to Twilight to return on all fours. Wait, he was going to help Cadance, by himself, he was going to be alone with Cadance. Now was the time. "Cadance, I'm coming too."
Cadance stopped running towards the smoke, perking up as she saw that she was going to be alone with Shining Armor. Now was the time.
Before the two headed for the growing fire again, Blueblood motioned for Cadance to come speak with him. "Tell him. He's just friends with that Stardust mare, what's holding you back?" he sternly advised Cadance.
"Thanks, Blueblood," Cadance replied with unquestionable gratitude in her voice, then to Blueblood's surprise, she pulled him into another appreciative embrace.
Seeing this display of affection left Shining Armor's ears to droop in a bit of sadness, yes he had resolved to confess to Cadance about his feelings, but it still chipped away at his ego seeing Cadance hug another colt that way. There appeared to be so much emotion behind it. He had to turn away to prevent himself from completely losing his resolve and going home with his tail between his legs.
Seeing this change in Shining's mood, Stardust remembered something of grave importance,'He still doesn't know,' she thought as she started to walk towards him.
"Shiny, there's something ya gotta know before ya try anything."
"What is it?" Shining Armor asked, not quite out of his funk.
Before Stardust could say anything, both of them could hear Cadance yelling from about a good thirty feet away, apparently already breaking the embrace from Blueblood and in a hurry towards the emerald flames. "C'Mon Shining, I think the fire is getting larger!"
"Coming Cadance!" he yelled back before turning back to Stardust. "Sorry Star, gotta go."
"But it's really important, it's about Blueblood!" Shining Armor didn't listen. Before she even finished her sentence, Shining Armor was already sprinting towards Cadance and to the growing emerald fire, leaving Stardust to sigh in defeat.
'Do love-crazy colts always act that way for their crush?' Stardust asked herself. 'Eh, what am I thinking, of course they do. Suit yourself Shiny.'
***************
Magical auras of many colors surrounded the flames that burned through various paper-based decor that lined various statues and stages in the front courtyard of the castle. Spike's flames managed to burn stronger than before and spread farther into the decor, but even through all the chaos, one unicorn was handling the situation like it was nothing.
"Does this happen often?" Cadance asked as her light blue aura managed to compress and extinguish more flames.
"About three to five times a month," Shining Armor answered dryly upon remembering all the instances Spike's fire belches have resulted in trouble for him, one of them just being the day before at the library. Shining Armor's light purple aura surrounded a huge chunk of flames and, in a few seconds, they were completely extinguished.
"I think that's the last of them," said Shining Armor, looking around to see that all the green flames were gone.
Everypony else that helped in putting the fire out already scattered to find replacement decorations or to continue with what they were already working on, leaving Shining Armor and Cadance as the only two in the area.
Shining Armor couldn't help but look at Cadance as she cleaned up the remaining ashes with her magic. She was gorgeous, those lively and caring purple eyes that gleamed in the almost summer sun, her carefully groomed pink coat, even her quickly put up ponytail seemed to captivate Shining Armor beyond comprehensible levels. It wasn't just her looks that enticed Shining Armor, her caring nature, her laugh, the way she is able to brighten everything around her up, it drove him nuts.
'Now or never Shining Armor,' he thought to himself as he pulled himself out of his admiration-induced trance and prepared himself for what he planned to do.
"Cadance?"
"Yes Shining?" Cadance asked back with a little too much enthusiasm.
"There's something I need to talk to you about."
"I need to tell you something too," Cadance replied, still trying to keep 'Determined Cadance' standing.
"Let me go first, it's really important," said Shining Armor as his forehead began to perspire under his blue bangs.
Cadance didn't argue back, his eyes spoke out 'I need to say this', a rare sight considering how often she saw Shining Armor stumble and barely speak right when he was around her, except for yesterday at the library. She knew that he liked her... was he going to be the one to confess first?
"Cadance,"
"Yeah, Shining Armor?" silence fell on the two for a few seconds before Shining Armor continued shakily.
"Ever since you started to foal sit for Twilight, I've... I've had this crush on you," Shining Armor said the last bit as fast as possible, turning his head and closing his eyes, fearful of her reaction. He gritted his teeth together as his mind tortuously played out her possible reactions; one of which included her left-hoof to his face.
'Oh my gosh!' Cadance thought. A smile started forming on her face, and those eyes that Shining Armor loved began to glimmer in the most beautiful way possible.
"I shouldn't be telling you this..." Shining Armor continued, earning a confused look from his crush as he went on. "You already look happy with that Blueblood fella, but I just wanted to tell you how I've been feeling for you."
That Blueblood comment is where he lost her. "Wait, me and Blueblood?" asked Cadance, trying to wrap her mind around the concept.
"Yeah, I hope you guys are happy together," Shining Armor congratulated as he tilted his head towards the ground, trying to hide his heartbreak to avoid further embarrassment.
"Shining, Blueblood's my cousin."
The world around Shining Armor seemed to stop or at the very least slowed down significantly after that piece of information leaked out of Cadance's mouth. Cousins. They were cousins, and he just found that out. Even though the possibility of her being unavailable was eliminated, there was the fact that Shining Armor just told his crush that he thought she was going out with her cousin.
Out of all the things he has done to embarrass himself in front of Cadance; the stuttering, the bookshelf incident, and many more instances, this had to take the cake.
"You thought I was going out with Blueblood?" Cadance asked in a quizzical tone and arched eyebrows.
Time seemed to return to normal as Cadance's question processed through Shining Armor's mind, but that still didn't stop his eyes from growing wide and his pupils from contracting into tiny black dots. He had to answer her, even if it was going to make him look like a foal.
"Yes," he answered with a filly-like squeak.
What happened next was completely expected on Shining Armor's part. The trembling smile first appearing on Cadance's face transformed into uncontrollable fits of hysterical laughter. She went on laughing for a good three minutes straight. She even fell over on her back grasping her stomach with her forelimbs to make the laughing pains go away, but to no avail.
This un-princess like fit of hysterics left Shining Armor half-humiliated and half-impressed at how long Cadance could go on laughing, but what she explained through gasps of air took him completely off-guard.
"I'm sorry Shining Armor, but... but I'm not laughing just at what... what you thought," a few more chuckles escaped her mouth before she continued on, this time not laughing and gasping in the middle of each sentence. "I thought the exact same thing with you and Stardust, and I'm laughing at myself for completely overreacting to the whole thing."
That was new info to Shining Armor, but it did fill him with new hope. "Why would you be overreacting?" Shining Armor was leaning in closer to Cadance to emphasize his desire for her to go on.
'It's now or never,' Cadance's mind said in an urging manner. "Shining Armor," said Cadance to the awaiting unicorn.
"Yeah?" Shining Armor was leaning in even closer, causing Cadance to back away for space.
"I like you too," Cadance almost whispered with a tender smile.
That tender smile was met with one on Shining Armor's face that was at least five times as big. If this was a dream, he didn't want to wake up. The mare of his dreams just told him that she likes him! His heart began to swell up, and his eyes began to glitter like diamonds, just like the way he always envisioned her eyes.
"Really?!?" Shining Armor asked, leaning towards Cadance even more with a big goofy smile and expanded cerulean eyes.
"Yes, but I need to tell you something," Cadance tried to explain, causing Shining Armor to drop his smile and contract his eyes back to their normal size, yet still somehow managing to defy physics as he remained in his way too far lean towards Cadance without falling over. His heart that swelled up just moments ago, began to tighten up as he awaited what he believed would be the start of a nightmare in his short-lived dream of love.
"I'd be lying if I said I didn't know you felt this way about me, and I feel bad that I never was able to express my feelings to you. But...." Cadance sighed before she began to open up to Shining Armor. She invited him for a reason, and she was gonna hold to that.
"All my life, I've been a bit overprotected, being a princess and all. I never got to interact with other ponies, and never got to experience what it was like to have feelings for somepony. You and Twilight were the only other ponies I got to really interact with, and as I got to know you more, I saw how you would get whenever you saw me. How you'd start sweating, how you would start stuttering whenever I talked to you, how you'd swoooon over me." Cadance teased at that last part as she put a hoof on her forehead and leaned to her side, mimicking a love struck pony, leaving Shining Armor a bit red in the face.
"So, like I said, I just didn't know how to return your feelings for me because I had no idea how I felt myself. You were cute, funny, fun to be around, and you always managed to make me smile... even if it was because you were being a goof." A small laugh escaped from Cadance as she remembered all the times Shining Armor made a fool of himself whenever he tried to talk to her.
Shining Armor couldn't help but smile as well, even though his face was still red; he couldn't help but smile whenever he heard that angelic laugh of hers.
"It wasn't until yesterday," Cadance continued, "that I decided to tell you about this, and as I was going to come find you, I saw you hugging that mare, Stardust."
Shining Armor had been listening intently, and upon hearing that part of Cadance's explanation, he saw why Cadance could have thought what she thought. He couldn't help but cringe a bit as he found out he was the source of her troubles.
"Cadance, I, I'm so sorry. I didn't know that you felt that wa-"
"It's okay Shining, it's not like I tried to tell you how I felt before that anyway," said Cadance, trying to ease his guilt that she knew he was feeling. "There was one thing that came out of seeing that though."
Shining Armor cocked his head at this, signaling Cadance to explain a bit more.
"After seeing you guys like that, I thought my heart was going to implode or something... and that's when I realized how I felt about you. If I felt jealousy and fear for you already having a marefriend, I knew then that I really like you." Cadance paused for a bit to see Shining Armor's small smile turn a bit larger after her last sentence.
"I'm sorry that I made you wait this long to finally open up to you on this," Cadance apologized with a more somber tone and lowering her head.
Shining Armor, after returning to a normal anatomical position, walked up to his crush. He lifted her head up with one of his blue hoofs to look at her straight in the eyes.
"Cadance, you don't need to apologize. I shouldn't have taken so long to build up the confidence to tell you how I felt myself," Shining Armor comforted. "Besides," he continued, "I would've waited sooooo much longer for you anyways."
The glimmer returned to Cadance's eyes, this time stronger and even more beautiful than before. He would have waited. What more could a mare want to hear?
"So there's just one more question to ask," Shining Armor began as he took his hoof off of Cadence's chin.
"What is it?" Cadance asked back with anticipation.
"Would you like to go out with me tomorrow after the celebration?"
'Oh by Auntie, he really asked!' A huge smile graced across Cadance's face before she answered. "I would love to."
She said yes, this wasn't a dream, he had a date with Cadance. "Dinner? Around 7:00?" he asked.
"Sounds lovely," Cadance cooed as she batted her eyelashes at him. "But first, why don't we finish the preparations for tomorrow," said Cadance as she began a slow trot towards the front of the castle where her cousin, aunt, Twilight, Spike, and Stardust awaited for them.
"Okay, Cadance," agreed the ecstatic unicorn, making his way towards Cadance and the front of the castle.
***************
Shining Armor and Cadance returned to the front of the castle to see Princess Celestia and Blueblood standing by the stairs, discussing further work to be done on the preparations, leaving Blueblood to moan at the thought of more work.
"Aunt Celestia, we're back," Cadance beamed in a cheery tone. Of course she'd be happy considering she was just asked out by her crush.
"Cadance, glad to have you back," responded Celestia before turning to Shining Armor.
"Shining Armor, Twilight insisted on helping with the preparations, so I sent her and your friend to gather some replacement decorations for the ones Spike burned. Your friend, Stardust I believe?" Shining Armor nodded to Celestia for confirmation to continue on. "She asked me to tell you to meet her and Twilight by the royal gardens so she can tell you 'Shoulda listened to me Shiny'"
Now he remembered, Stardust tried to tell him something about Blueblood before he left to put the flames out with Cadance. 'Probably should've listened,' Shining Armor thought as he let his ears droop and his face turned red once again.
"Well, better get it over with," droned Shining Armor, not ready for the 'told ya so' attitude he knew he was going to face.
"Cadance, I need you and Blueblood to come with me for some special preparations," explained Celestia as she saw her niece try to tag along with Shining Armor.
"Okay, Aunt Celestia," sighed the pink alicorn in defeat as she headed back towards her family, but not before waving goodbye to her new found crush.
"Bye, Cadance," said Shining Armor as he ran through the courtyard towards the royal gardens.
"Bye, Shining Armor," Cadance yelled back, her crush already far ahead. "So what are these 'special preparations'?" asked Cadance, turning to face her aunt who bore a sneaky smile like she had just pulled a prank on somepony.
"There are none, I just wanted to find out how things went," chuckled the sun goddess, Blueblood joining in with her little laughs.
"Auntie!?!" Cadance stammered in disbelief.
"Come on Cadance, just tell us how things went, did you have to be the one to ask him out?" Blueblood asked with a disapproving tone thinking about Cadance having to be the one to ask out Shining Armor instead of it being the other way around.
It was her family that was asking, and she already felt like screaming to the whole world that she felt like the happiest mare in the world, so why not let them in on the status of things? "We talked some things out, and this happened and that happened, and now I've got a date for tomorrow night!" Cadance squealed at the mention of her date.
"Way to go Cadance," Blueblood congratulated by giving his cousin a light hug with a forelimb, "I still think you can do better than a library assistant, but if he makes you happy."
"Blueblood," Celestia said with a stern tone aimed at the white unicorn.
"I said as long as he makes her happy," defended Blueblood.
It was true, at least he was trying. Celestia just rolled her eyes and faced her niece. "I'm happy for you too Cadance. Where is he taking you?"
"I don't know, he's gonna take me to dinner, but he never told me where. I just hope he doesn't think he needs to go all out to impress me," answered Cadance as she broke away from Blueblood's embrace. "What I do know is that I have a date with Shining Armor," Cadance proudly announced to her family once again.
She has a date with Shining Armor, that along with something else registered in Celestia's mind. 'Shoot, I owe Twilight ten bits.' |
The Brother and The Sitter | D-Day | D-Day
Near the back of Canterlot Castle, small waves of ponies were storming the garden sheds for any replacements for the decorations that mysteriously burned amongst the preparations, leaving many of the ponies to argue and grumble about who could've destroyed everything that they had worked on.
"All of our hard work..."
"Destroyed..."
"Who did this?"
"I want to see this little--"
A few groups of angry ponies away, a certain blue unicorn was covering a purple filly's ears so she could not hear what one of them had to say.
"Stardust, what's a 'No good piece of--'"
"Nothin' ya need to know about for a while, Twi," Stardust interrupted, starting to add pressure onto the openings of Twilight's ears as she realized her first attempt left Twilight exposed to a storm of swearing.
"Just turn around and don't let 'em know that the source of their troubles is sleepin' in ya bag," instructed Stardust quickly as she motioned her head towards the steadily rising and falling saddlebag around Twilight.
"He didn't mean it!" Twilight defended as Stardust started shoving her ahead.
"Yeah, yeah, just keep walkin'."
Stardust and Twilight had already gotten their replacements and kept them close with each of their respectable magical auras. They made their way to a tiny area of charred and smoking paper-based decor still wrapped around numerous tables. It didn't take long for Twilight to instantly jump up and begin setting up for the sake of trying to please Celestia.
As she watched Twilight scuttle around the area, stringing up streamers and ribbon, Stardust only had one thing in mind.
'Where are ya, Shiny?'
She was answered almost immediately as Shining Armor called out to her as she came into his sight. Once the white-furred unicorn came into Stardust's line of sight, her expression turned to one of complete slyness. Shining Armor had it coming.
As he arrived in front of her, he sighed before speaking. "Go ahead, say it. 'Should've listened to me, Shiny', 'Don't run off when I got somethin' to say, Shiny', 'Ya wouldn't have looked so stupid if ya listened to me, Shi--'"
"Ya gotta date with her yet?" Stardust interrupted, catching Shining Armor by surprise. It wasn't like her to pass up an opportunity to tease him a little after landing himself into a bad situation because he didn't listen to her, which only meant that her desire to know must have been peaking.
Before answering, Shining Armor's eyes began to widen and glimmer and a huge smile revealed itself on his face, clearly giving away the answer to Stardust's question. She too began to smile and even squeal in excitement.
"Tomorrow night at seven. I'm taking her to dinner."
Before he knew it, Shining Armor was lifted out of the air by a set of blue forelimbs and got the breath squeezed out out of him. Standing on her hind legs, Stardust was giving Shining Armor one of the most constrictive bear hugs ever.
"About buckin' time, Shiny!" She squeezed him a little harder. "Awwwww, my little boy's goin' on his first date!"
"Can't... breathe... dying... unicorn... here!" Shining Armor wheezed before being dropped on his flank.
"Oops. Sorry, Shiny," Stardust tried to laugh it off, giving Shining Armor some time to catch a much needed breath, or in his case breaths. After a few moments, Stardust let a small smile creep back onto her face and put on her best pleading look to get some info out of her friend. "Sooooooo, where are ya takin her?"
Getting back on his hooves, Shining Armor remembered something. "I... don't know."
He finally worked up the courage to ask and completely forget to tell her where he was gonna take her, or even think of where. Stardust slapped her forehead with a hoof out of a mix of annoyance and expectancy. "Shiny, Shiny, Shiny," she said while shaking her head back and forth.
"Yeah, yeah. Don't worry, I'll think of something." Shining Armor then turned his attention to a purple blur that circuited a couple of tables. After a few seconds, the tables showcased streamers and ribbons, and the blur slowed down to show the normal shape of a pony. Twilight stood by the tables admiring her work.
"You think Princess Celestia will like it?" Twilight asked, motioning to her outdoor decor.
"She'll love it, Twi-Lee," Shining Armor said, walking over to his sister.
"Shining Armor!" Twilight, who was oblivious of his return, ran towards her brother and nuzzled his side. Curiosity began to show itself on Twilight's face as she began ask.
"Did you get a date?" Her eyes were twinkling with anticipation and hope for Shining Armor's answer.
All Shining did was smile that big goofy one he had when Cadance told him she liked him, and that was all the answer Twilight needed to start bouncing around her brother, all the while cheering "Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes!"
"Where are you taking her?" Twilight inquired after her burst of cheers and bounces.
"Shiny here," Stardust began to explain without giving Shining Armor a chance to talk, "finally gets himself a date for tomorrow... and didn't even plan on where," she finished with a bit of a snicker, leaving the white colt to turn a deep red.
"Wait, tomorrow?" Twilight asked back.
"Yeah, why?" Shining Armor inquired.
"Who's gonna take care of me tomorrow night?!?"
The smile that was plastered on Shining Armor's face quickly turned into one of shock and fear.
"Wow, you really didn't think this through did ya?" Stardust asked, trying to stifle her laughs.
"I didn't think she'd say yes!" Shining Armor panicked, trying to think of a solution.
"Do you think you could stay late at the castle after your lessons?" Shining Armor asked Twilight, his hope radiating from him like the sun's rays.
Really hating to be the bearer of bad news, Twilight answered him apologetically. "No, remember, the celebration is tomorrow. I don't have any lessons."
Hope abandoned Shining Armor's body as quickly as it came. Possibly the only option he had, and that's a dead plan.
"Where am I gonna find somepony I trust, who's free tomorrow ni--" Shining stopped mid-sentence as he thought of something.
He turned around slowly with begging eyes and a nervous smile towards the blue mare behind him. He leaned in further, somehow commanding his eyes to enlarge out of their sockets.
Stardust was left to absorb that begging look, Shining Armor may not have asked the question, but that puppy-dog look was all it took for her to get the message. That sheepish smile, those still enlarging eyes, she couldn't say no.
"Okay, okay! I'll take care of Twi, just stop with the look, Shiny!" Stardust pleaded.
Shining Armor's eyes returned to their normal size almost instantaneously and his sheepish smile became one of pure joy. Now it was his turn to squeeze the breath out of Stardust. The blue mare found herself twice as high up in the air than when she lifted Shining Armor up, and squeezed even harder than she did to Shining Armor.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you!" cheered an ecstatic Shining Armor, unknowingly adding more power to his hug with each 'thank you.'.
"Oooh, can you bring your guitar tomorrow, Stardust?" asked Twilight, eager to see more of what Stardust could do as a musician.
"Sure... if... Shiny doesn't... kill me!" Stardust squawked out.
Realizing that he was crushing his friend's ribs, Shining Armor quickly dropped Stardust from his grip, allowing her to receive desperately needed oxygen. Slowly, the purple on Stardust's face turned back to its natural blue.
"Oh my gosh! I'm sorry, Star, I just got so caught up in the moment, and I--"
"It's fine, Shiny. Consider us even," Stardust interrupted.
Nervous laughs came out of Shining Armor before addressing his friend, "Thanks again, Star."
"Don't mention it," Stardust replied, swaying her hoof in the air like saving a friend's first date was something she did often.
"Ugh, guys?" The two teenage ponies turned to see Twilight tapping a hoof on the ground. "We still have a celebration to set up," Twilight continued, handing Shining Armor and Stardust some streamers and ribbons to decorate the remaining tables around their area.
"Remember, these tables need to be 'Twilight standard,'" droned Shining Armor to Stardust as he thought of the many rejections his work would receive upon the judgment of his little sister.
"Yeah, yeah, just think of a restaurant, Shiny. First date with Cadance, and you're not wrecking it just because you never thought of a place."
***************
The rest of the day went as expected; everypony managed to fill the castle grounds with statues, tables, and beautiful decor that reflected a very festive mood for the arrival of the summer sun expected to rise the next day.
Shining Armor, Stardust, and Twilight with Spike still in her saddle bag, were all in the center of the courtyard resting with some glasses of apple cider provided by Celestia for all who helped out with the celebration.
"So, are you guys gonna try to stay up until Princess Celestia raises the sun, or wake up really early?" asked Stardust after taking another gulp of her cider.
"Actually, Star, Princess Celestia gives the ponies who help out a chance to camp in the courtyard, so me and Twi are gonna camp out tonight."
"You guys brought a tent?"
"Yup," said Shining Armor as he reached into his saddlebag, and pulled out a small green box. He set the box down a few feet away from them and pointed his horn at the box. A small 'pfffff' sound was heard from the box as it magically popped open into a green tent big enough for four.
"You wanna camp out with us, Star?" asked Shining Armor.
"Sure, beats tryin' to get up early tomorrow."
"Great!" exclaimed Shining Armor as he grabbed his saddlebag and shoved it into Stardust's hooves.
"But do you think you could set up with Twilight and Spike? I need to do something really quick."
"Where ya goin'?" Stardust asked, fumbling with the materials in her hooves.
"Joe's," Shining Armor replied quickly, already sprinting out of the courtyard and towards his destination.
***************
In the brightly lit establishment that was "Joe's Donuts," a certain light amber unicorn stallion was wiping the glass case that displayed his frosted creations. The dinner rush was long over with, and he was getting ready for the late night snackers and his usual nighttime customers.
His cleaning, however, was quickly interrupted as he heard the bell on the front door ring, and a white blur with a hint of electric blue coming into his shop. The blur somehow defied physics as it came to an immediate halt by the bar in front of the donut maker, revealing it to be Shining Armor.
"JOE!" he exclaimed to the stallion behind the bar.
"Heeeey, Shining Armor. Long time no see," replied Joe as he recognized Shining Armor.
"I need a favor," Shining Armor panted.
"Sure, anything for one of my favorite customers. What can I do you for?"
"Remember when you told me you have a brother that's head chef at that really fancy restaurant?"
"'Lumiere des Ètoiles'? Yeah, why?"
"Do you think you could ask him if he could save a table for two tomorrow night at 7:00?" Shining Armor had his pleading eyes out again. This was his only shot at getting a nice place to take Cadance out.
Joe was visibly struggling to answer, it was such short notice, even if his brother is head chef at that restaurant. "I don't know, Shining Armor. I could ask him tonight, but I'm not guaranteeing anything. Wait, why a table for two?"
"I'm going on a date," Shining Armor paused, beginning to smile as the next part came out, "with Cadance."
Joe's eyes widened at the news. Not only did Shining Armor get a date with Cadance, but was also trying to take her to his brother's restaurant. A princess at his restaurant! "Why didn't you say so before? If you're bringing a princess, he'll have to say yes! I'll tell him tonight, and expect a table for you two tomorrow night at 7:00."
Shining Armor reached for the baker stallion's forelimbs and shook them vigorously, "Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you!"
"No problem, Shining," said Joe, after pulling his aching hooves from Shining's tight grip. "And hey, congrats," Joe congratulated, giving Shining Armor a light nudge on his shoulder.
"Thanks, Joe," replied Shining Armor. He stepped back from the bar and started towards the exit. "I've gotta get back to Twi, thanks again, Joe," said Shining Armor, about to leave the donut shop.
"Anytime, Shining," replied Joe, waving Shining Armor off.
When the doors closed, Joe gave a small smile, "Good kid," he told himself. Now he had something important to take care of. Make sure Cadance and Shining Armor get a good place to eat for tomorrow... wait, tomorrow?
Joe slapped a forehoof into his forehead. "Dang it, I owe Twilight ten bits."
***************
Fast paced hoof steps could be heard outside the green tent. Somepony was definitely in a rush, and the beats seemed to grow louder each second.
"Stardust, do you hear somepony coming?" Twilight asked, drawing the flaps of a sleeping bag in the tent to her face.
"Ah, don't worry, Twi. It's not like some madpony is gonna pop right out of the--"
"HEY GIRLS!"
"AGHHHHHHHH!!" Collective screams from Stardust and Twilight filled the tent, but quickly fell as relief set in when realizing who the colt was that barged through the tent flap.
"Shiny! Ya nearly gave me a heart attack. What the hay is wrong with you!?"
Shiny Armor stood there, smiling widely and not blinking. Stardust's question clearly didn't register with him since he said nothing. He was still reeling in from what Joe had promised him.
"Why ya smiling like that, Shiny?" Stardust asked, drawing out the question as she backed away a bit, feeling a little creeped out at his overjoyed facial expression.
"I'm taking Cadance to Lumiere des Ètoiles!"
***************
"Lumiere des Ètoiles!?!?"
"For the hundredth time, Star, YES!
Stardust and Shining Armor, with Twilight on his back, were walking away from the castle, the Summer Sun Celebration had taken place, and summer's first sunrise was already bathing all of Equestria in its light.
"I still can't believe you're takin' her there. That's the fanciest place in the city! Some of the Canterlot elite have a hard time getting a reservation there," Stardust said, disbelief pungent with every word.
"I know! I gotta find something to wear," Shining replied, already running the course of his date through his mind.
"I still think we should've stayed and helped with cleanup," piped up Twilight groggily from Shining Armor's back.
"Yeah right, Twi-Lee, you're already falling asleep. Your fault for not sleeping last night," said Shining Armor.
"I was too excited, and I'm not falling asleep, I'm just relaxing," Twilight argued, slurring all the way through.
"Twi, Spike's got more energy than you," Stardust pointed out, eyeing the infant drake crawling and bouncing on her back and playing with her white highlighted light blue mane.
"I'm more... energy... than... Spat... I can stay up aaaaaall day lo--" with a soft thump, Twilight knocked out on Shining Armor's back.
"Stay up all day long my flank!" Shining Armor laughed off at the sight of his sister passing out.
"So what time should I show up tonight, Shiny?"
"6:15, it'll give me enough time to pick her up, and get to the restaurant. You think I should bring her a bouquet?"
"It's only the first date, Shiny. You're already takin' her to the fanciest place in the city, don't overdo it," Stardust advised, picturing Shining Armor trying way too hard to impress Cadance.
"Maybe just one then." By this time, Shining Armor thought his possible plans out loud, never stopping, and never agreeing with himself on one of them, much to the annoyance of Stardust considering she had to listen to another one of his rambling sessions.
To the rambling unicorn, it didn't seem like that long of a walk back to his house, contrary to Stardust's look of salvation once Shining Armor stopped talking when he realized he was home.
"Thank, Celestia," she whispered.
Shining Armor unlocked the door with his magic, then turned to face Stardust. "Thanks again for foal-sitting Twilight, Star."
"No problem, but promise me one thing."
"Sure, what?"
"Next time ya start thinkin' of ideas to impress Cadance," she paused as she inched closer to meet him at eye level.
"Yeah?" Shining dragged out, a little scared at what Stardust was going to do or say.
"KEEP IT TO YOURSELF!!" Stardust yelled while shaking Shining Armor's head vigorously.
"Message received," said Shining Armor, completely disoriented and trying not to topple over. "So I'll see you at 6:15?"
"Yeah, but ugh," Stardust's green aura encased the baby dragon playing with her mane, "I believe this is yours," she said as she placed Spike on Shining Armor's head. "I'll see ya at 6:15."
"Thanks again, Star," Shining Armor called out to his galloping friend.
When Stardust was out of sight, Shining Armor turned to enter his house. Inside, everything was completely untouched since the day before, it was like coming into a brand new house. He started towards the stairs to get to Twilight's room, who surprisingly hadn't moved an inch since she knocked out on her brother's back. Once in her room, he gently placed Twilight in her bed, tucked in and everything.
"Spike," Shining Armor whispered to the dragon on his head. "Do you wanna play 'Royal Guard'?"
Spike let out a few giggles to emphasize his playtime wish. Shining Armor lifted Spike off his head with his magic and set him down near the foot of Twilight's bed.
"Okay, Cadet Spike. There is a sleeping princess who needs protection." Shining motioned to Twilight with a hoof. "Can you be her bedtime guard?"
Spike gave a salute with an arm, and Shining Armor handed him a dull pencil from the floor.
"Okay, Cadet Spike, Princess Twilight's safety is in your claws."
The infant dragon gave some sort understanding verbal response, and immediately turned towards the open door, putting all his focus to that one entry into the Princess's room, all the while holding that dull pencil upright like it was Twilight's only line of defense.
"Do me proud, Cadet," Shining Armor whispered with fake authority as he headed out of Twilight's bedroom door before closing it behind him. "That should keep him busy."
Shining Armor headed across the short upstairs hall towards his own room. There, all madness was let loose. Behind the closed doors of his room, he scrambled around inside, looking for anything and everything to make that night perfect. From his closet, he pulled a slick looking black suit. It looked like it hadn't been used in a while, or at all for that matter. More than likely, he was saving it just for her.
Using his magic, and the early morning sun that bathed his room in sunlight through a window, he carefully creased down any and every wrinkle anatomically possible on that suit. One could swear his eyeball was protruding well out of its socket to examine that suit.
Once done with his obsessive magic ironing, Shining Armor carefully placed his evening attire back in his closet, and from there pulled out a large, dusty, and very old looking book.
"I finally get to use this," he said with enthusiasm as he looked at the book cover after cleaning the dust off. A Colt's Guide to Dating a Mare That's Out of Your League.
Quickly plopping onto his bed, Shining Armor cracked open the book. He still had 8 hours until his date, but he didn't care, he was going to do anything to make sure this goes perfect.
***************
"What about this one? Or is it too frilly?"
Cadance was picking out, well, trying to pick out her dress for that night, and to the annoyance of her cousin, was going back and forth between every possible dress in her extensive wardrobe.
Blueblood was leaning against one of the posts on Cadance's bed, exhaustion very present on his face, not even caring that he was ruffling his new snow white suit from earlier this morning. He had not only been up since 5 AM with Cadance and their aunt, but was also suffering the torture that was answering a mare if she looked good in something.
"For the umpteenth time, you look great. Can't you just pick oooooone? Besides," Blueblood tried to put more seriousness in his drowsy tone, "he should be the one making sure he looks good for you."
"Thanks for the concern, but I wanna look good for Shining Armor as well. Plus, I have no idea how nice one's supposed to dress for a first date."
"It depends on the place, did he even tell you where he's taking you?"
"No, I think he wants it to be a surprise," answered Cadance with a dreamy smile as she imagined what her first date would be like.
"Well it better be nice," Blueblood grumbled, wishing to see his cousin given the best.
"I just hope he doesn't go overboard with where, I'd be good with just sharing a dessert at a bakery. I like casual stuff, one can get really tired of royal treatment after a while."
"Really?" Blueblood was awestruck by Cadance's words. Who could possibly get tired of royal treatment?
"What about this one?" asked Cadance as she pulled out yet another dress, making Blueblood moan at the question.
"I don't know anymore, just pick one," the drowsiness in his tone blended with his whines for her to make up her mind.
"Oh stop whining, help me pick and I'll be done in 10 minutes."
"You said that 6 HOURS AGO!"
Cadance's eyes shot open at Blueblood's annoyed outburst. She craned her head towards a clock hanging by her bedside. It mercilessly read 6:00, and sent Cadance into a fit of panic. She spent the entire day just thinking about one little outfit.
"Okay, just one more." Cadance pulled one more dress and turned to Blueblood, "How about this one?"
She got no answer. Passed out on her bed, Blueblood finally let his boredom and exhaustion take over.
Before she could go in full panic mode, Cadance reminded herself of one of her aunt's teachings about a princess always keeping calm. She brought a forelimb to her chest, inhaled, then exhaled ever so smoothly as she extended her forelimb out in the air. Panic disappeared, and she was back to her elegant self.
Realizing her short time to get ready, she looked at the dress that was hovering in her light blue magic. It was a simple pink and white dress with white puffs by the sleeves. Light golden ribbons lined the collar and sleeves, and the white bottom of the dress was separated from the pink top half by a light gold strap at the torso.
"Perfect," Cadance beamed as she ran to her bathroom with the dress floating close behind her.
***************
Bright orange and pink light flooded Twilight's room as she began to stir from her slumber. She hated when she knocked out. She always thought that somepony that stays up to study anything and everything would be resilient to drowsiness, but not her, much to her disappointment.
But instead of complaining about it, Twilight rose from her bed and let out a yawn of rejuvenation. She may not have wanted it, but the sleep she got really renewed her. As she cracked her purple eyes open, she saw a familiar shape at the foot of her bed, and he was holding... a pencil?
Twilight's eyes rested into an unamused stare at the dragon at her bedside as she realized why he was there.
"Shining Armor got you to play Royal Guard?" she asked Spike.
Spike didn't bother to turn around, he was too focused on not letting anypony or anything suspicious disrupt the once sleeping princess.
Twilight rolled her eyes as she got out of her bed and walked towards the door of her room, quickly opening it with her magic, and snapping Spike out of his focus on the door.
"At ease, Cadet Spike. I, Princess Twilight, have awoken, and nopony dared to attack me because you were my little guard," Twilight played along.
Spike dropped the dull pencil he was holding and let out a few giggles before saluting Twilight with an arm.
"Now, why don't you take a little rest for all your hard work, Cadet."
Twilight got no response; instead she heard a soft thump on the bed followed by light snores.
Deciding to leave Spike alone in his sleep, Twilight closed the door to her room, and made her way to check on her brother. His date was soon, and she had a feeling Shining Armor was going into a frenzy.
As she opened the door to Shining Armor's room, her suspicions were thankfully rejected. Calmly sitting on his bed, Shining Armor was still reading A Colt's Guide to Dating a Mare That's Out of Your League and was already wearing his thoroughly ironed suit.
Hearing Twilight come in, Shining Armor snapped the large tome up and quickly hid the book.
"Getting ready, bro?" Twilight asked.
"Uh-huh," answered Shining Armor as he stood up from his bed so that he was directly in the light of the window in his room. "How do I look?"
Twilight stood there awestruck. Shining Armor was dressed in a slick black suit, completely wrinkle-free. It was weird, but somehow even the dark shade of black actually glistened in the afternoon sunlight. At the top of the white dress shirt underneath his suit was an electric blue bow tie, a color that matched one of the shades of his mane. It's true what they say, a suit and tie can make even the biggest of goofballs look pretty dang good.
"Cadance is gonna flip!" squealed Twilight in glee.
Shining Armor didn't think he looked that good, so at Twilight's compliment, he couldn't help but blush a bit.
"Thanks, Twi-Lee."
Shining Armor took notice of the light he was standing in. It was an enticing evening orange sky. Wait, evening. Shining Armor looked to the clock in his room, and on it read 6:15. Stardust should be here by now.
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK
"Shiny..."
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK
"Shiny..."
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK
"Shiny..."
"I'll get it, bro," said Twilight as she galloped out of the room towards the front door.
Twilight opened the door, and standing there with a guitar case strapped to her back was Stardust, who for some reason had a single pink rose threaded through her light blue and white mane.
"Hey, Twi. Where's ya bro?"
"Hey, Star," called Shining Armor from the top of the stairs.
Stardust took in the colt in front of her. He really did look good in that suit. "Daaaaaang, Shiny. Ya clean up well."
"Ugh, thanks?" answered Shining Armor. So he didn't look good before? As he descended the stairs, he spotted the pink flora threaded through her mane. "What's with the rose?"
Stardust swept the rose out of her mane in her green magic and placed it in the pocket of Shining Armor's suit. "It's for Cadance. Give it to her when ya get to the castle," she explained with a small smile. "Mares like a colt that gives her a rose."
Shining Armor couldn't help but smile a little devilishly at his friend. It was a little unexpected to hear this kind of cheesy romance stuff coming from somepony like her, but that didn't matter right now. He had a mare to take out.
"Thanks, Star. She'll love it."
"Great, now go get her, take her out," by now she was slowly shoving Shining Armor out of the house and onto the porch. "Show her a good time, and don't choke."
The door slammed on Shining Armor, and a loud 'ca-chunk' could be heard from the door. She was eager to get him out.
***************
In a certain mare's room, Celestia was viewing a once in a lifetime event, seeing her niece putting the final touches on her outfit for a first date.
"My little Cadance, on her first date." Celestia was on the verge of joyful tears. Her niece was going on her first date, and she couldn't have been happier for her.
"Auntie, you're embarrassing me," blushed Cadance as she took one final look at herself in the mirror.
"In front of who?" remarked the sun goddess in a playful tone.
"Oh, never mind." Cadance figured it was better to drop the subject before getting into another back and forth with her aunt that always ended in Celestia's victory.
"You look beautiful, dear."
Cadance did. The pink and white dress looked incredibly cute on her. Her mane dropped to her shoulders with slight waves in them, quite a change from her usual ponytail, and on her hooves were her golden slippers she brought out for special occasions only.
"Thanks, Aunt Celestia."
"Now come down stairs, your date should be here any second."
Cadance didn't need to be told twice. She bolted out of her room and descended the stairs like there was a fire, while Celestia took a more graceful walk down to the entryway.
As Cadance reached the bottom step, she was met with a knocking sound coming from behind the front doors. Before charging at the doors, Cadance forcibly put on a calmer face as she opened them up. What she was greeted to could make even the most uptight of mares laugh.
In front of her stood Shining Armor, his jaw struggling to stay closed, and his pupils shrunk to dots in his blue irises. It was a look of a colt being blown away at the sight of pure beauty, but still trying not to be too drawn in for the sake of not looking like he was staring. In front of him was the single pink rose surrounded by a cloud of light purple.
"Awwww, Shining Armor, you shouldn't have," said Cadance as she took hold of the rose and placed it between the purple and pale yellow shades of her mane.
"Amazing... look... you... Cadance," Shining managed to mumble out.
"You look great too, Shining Armor," Cadance laughed. "Well, c'mon, let's go eat."
Managing to break out of his trance of admiration, Shining Armor offered his hoof as he bowed in front of Cadance.
"Aren't we a gentlecolt?" cooed Cadance, taking Shining Armor's blue hoof in one of her pink hooves. "So... where're we going anyway?"
"Oh, you'll see..." |
The Brother and The Sitter | First Date | First Date
It was a short walk to Lumiere des Ètoiles. Of course the fanciest restaurants in Canterlot would be located around the castle. That area was basically the Elite's stomping grounds; well, more like prancing grounds. Tonight, however, was just about Cadance and Shining Armor.
To say the restaurant was large would be an understatement. Looking at it from the outside, it towered over any other establishment around. Waterfalls graced the front and its palace-esque exterior just conveyed the feeling that only the fancy could dine there.
The interior nearly caused Shining Armor to go into cardiac arrest. It was graced with crystal chandeliers, live classical music was being played at every corner, and everypony there looked like they were ponies one should instantly know. Maybe he should've aimed for somewhere a little more low-key.
"It's beautiful isn't it?" Cadance asked.
"It's so... big," Shining Armor said, trying to keep his heart rate down.
"Shining?"
"It's so... big."
Cadance was about to try to snap Shining out of his stupor, but was instead greeted by a dark brown unicorn stallion in a waiter's jacket looking like he was under all the pressure in the world.
"Princess Cadance! It is a pleasure to have you here at Lumiere des Ètoiles again. You and your date's table is right by the fountain. Come along, your majesty," explained the waiter as he bowed to Cadance and took charge, showing them to their table.
The two followed, one of them still eyeing the majesty that was Lumiere des Ètoiles.
The three ponies reached the fantastically placed table right in the center of the restaurant and in front of a marble waterfall.
The waiter seated Cadance and Shining Armor and then stood at the ready to take whatever order they might want.
The menus were already placed at the table, making the selection of an appetizer much easier.
"Just a dandelion salad for now, please."
"Excellent choice, Princess." The waiter wrote down Cadance's order on a little notepad encased in his magic before turning to Shining Armor, "And for the gentlecolt?"
"It's so... big," Shining Armor repeated, and earning a stoic expression from his waiter.
"Is this his first time here, Princess?"
"I think so," Cadance replied, now fully understanding Shining's bewildered state of mind.
"That's quite all right, your majesty. We offer a wonderful appetizer for first-time guests. I'll have your orders out really soon," the waiter explained with pride in his place of employment.
"Thank you, sir," said Cadance before the waiter bowed again then headed for the kitchen. Now it was time to snap Shining Armor out of it.
She placed one of her gentle pink hoofs on one of his shaking blue ones. This got Shining Armor's attention, and he looked at what was happening. He saw their hooves, then looked up to see those caring purple eyes asking him to calm down. He did so, but with a half-hearted sigh.
"It's your first time here isn't it?" Cadance asked.
"Yeah," Shining Armor simply answered.
"Then why did you choose here?"
"Because I wanted tonight to be special. I wanted to take you somewhere really nice, but never in my wildest dreams did I think that place would look something like this!"
"Oh, Shining," Cadance beamed, touched that he wanted to do all this for her. "You didn't have to do that. I would've been more than happy with somewhere a bit low-key. It was actually what I was hoping for," explained Cadance, earning a surprised look from Shining Armor.
"So, you don't like it here?" he asked, expecting the worst possible answer.
"Oh no no no, I do like it here. It's a beautiful place," Cadance quickly answered back to ease Shining Armor's worry, "it's just that I was afraid you were going to drive yourself ragged trying to find a place like this."
Shining Armor let out a short sigh. Relieved that she liked the place he chose, but at the same time realizing he's been making himself look foalish.
"Thanks. Cadance... I'm sorry if I've been acting really weird."
"Don't be. It's your first time here. I'll admit, I was pretty blown away when I first saw this place," Cadance said as memories of that night flowed through her head.
"How'd that go?" asked Shining Armor, curious at the thought of a flipped out Cadance.
Cadance proceeded to tell of one of her less than graceful days, including a part about falling into the fountain and earning a barrage of stares from other ponies.
Shining Armor tried hard not to laugh but his efforts were in vain as he found himself in hysterics. For a while, the two shared their most embarrassing moments, and each one earning more laughter than the previous.
The two could've gone on forever, Shining Armor especially, but eventually their appetizers came and the two were ready to order their main dish.
Cadance ordered something impossible to pronounce if you hadn't eaten there before, and Shining Armor still struggled trying to comprehend just what in the name of Celestia was on the menu. Eventually, the waiter ended up suggesting the featured dish. Shining Armor shrugged and hoped for the best.
After the waiter took their orders and left for the kitchen, Cadance and Shining Armor continued on with their tales of less than desirable experiences.
"Wait. So it took four guards to get you out of the cake?" asked Shining Armor through stifled laughs.
"Yeah, not the best birthday a mare could have, but at least the cake was good," replied Cadance, recalling an instant where her aunt had a 30 foot cake made for one of her birthdays, and ended up falling into the very top of it as she blew her candles out.
"At least you never thought somepony's cousin was their coltfriend," Shining Armor countered more jokingly.
"Okay, you win," Cadance laughed. "Why did you think that anyway, Shining?"
"I honestly had no idea who your cousin was anyway. Since when did he become a prince? And why haven't I heard of him before?"
"Ahhhh, yes," said Cadance with a mix of a smile and a partially shamed expression as she recalled how Blueblood came into her life. "Me and Blueblood aren't direct niece and nephew of our aunt. I'm her great niece, and he's her great great great great great great great great, well you get the idea," Cadance began to explain. "Anyways, I just have more royal blood in me, and I guess that explains why I'm an alicorn." She pointed to her horn and opened her purple tinted wings.
"Blueblood actually came into the family through marriage about a year ago. One of my relatives down the line married his mom, and here he is now. Not too many ponies know about him right now. In fact, the Summer Sun Celebration was his first major thing with us."
"So, are you two close?" asked Shining Armor.
"At times. There are times where he can be this huge pain in my flank, but days like yesterday and today really show how much he cares for me." Cadance began to smile as she remembered something. "He's the one who helped me bring myself to tell you how I felt."
Cadance was met with a warm smile from Shining Armor. It may have been just yesterday, but he would remember that day forever. The day he and Cadance finally confessed their feelings for one another and now here they were, in the fanciest restaurant in town on their first date.
Their eyes met again, her purple orbs locking with his sapphire like eyes. They couldn't help but blush and turn away a little bit, still smiling. Their actions drew some unknown attention to themselves.
Of course others would be staring at the two daters; you don't see a princess out with some colt on what looked like a date every day, and in a restaurant full of Canterlot elite members wanting to know anything and everything about the royal family, interested stares were to be expected. One group of ponies in particular were eyeing the young princess and her mystery date.
***************
A few tables back of Shining Armor and Cadance, a group of at least five expensively-dressed ponies sat eyeing the two.
"Jet Set, dear, who is that young colt with Princess Cadance?" inquired a pale olive-coated unicorn mare with a voice sounding like she's been congested her whole life.
"I don't know, Upper Crust," replied the grey coated stallion in a voice of equally ear-shattering stuffiness. "But he must be somepony worth knowing if he is walking around Canterlot with Princess Cadance."
The other three ponies sitting at the table all nodded their heads in agreement, more out of just agreeing for the sake of agreeing and following the crowd. Typical of such elitists.
***************
Even if others stared, Shining Armor and Cadance let it go unnoticed. Their dinners came, and the two ate whatever impossible-to-pronounce dish they ordered. Even while she ate, Shining Armor couldn't stop thinking how beautiful Cadance looked. She probably knew he was looking at her, thinking wonderful things about her, but she pretended not to know. It was nice knowing that somepony could think such wonderful things of you.
Bit by bit, dinner was eaten, and the two started to just talk and make each other laugh. They talked about anything and everything, from abandoned crazy foalhood dreams, to more embarrassing stories, to just little things about themselves. It was a simple thing done in an extravagant setting. Once the two had enough laughter and stories, they both looked back to the waterfall behind them.
It was a spectacle to say the least. The way the chandeliers next to the waterfall seemed to make the descending water droplets sparkle and create mini rainbows was breathtaking.
"It's beautiful isn't it?" Cadance asked turning to Shining Armor.
He turned to face her, meeting those twinkling purple jewels of eyes. They were like some kind of rare gem that he always managed to lose himself in.
"Sure is," he simply replied, not really talking about the waterfall.
The two eventually broke their gazes and were met with a little black fold-up, probably containing the bill. Shining Armor took a quick look at it and casually pulled out a small bulky bag from his pocket and placed it on the table. The audible 'thud' it made shocked Cadence. Where did Shining Armor get that many bits?
"I don't spend a lot of my paycheck on myself," said Shining Armor after seeing Cadance's expression. He began to walk up to her, and stretched out a forelimb. "May I walk you home?"
"Such a gentlecolt," Cadance playfully responded, taking his hoof in hers. The two made their way to the exit, glancing back at the scenery one last time before leaving. It really was a lovely place for dinner.
***************
Light drizzle fell from the grey and blue nighttime sky. Celestia had already raised the moon, and it seemed like it was trying to shine through the rain clouds.
Shining Armor and Cadance were walking through illuminated streets of upper Canterlot, hoof-in-hoof and smiling all the way to Canterlot Castle with light purple and blue auras hovering above their heads like umbrellas from the rain.
The two were on the front steps of the castle, and Shining Armor was struggling to find the right words for 'good night,' so Cadance decided to break the ice.
"I had a really nice time, Shining Armor."
"Thanks, Cadance. I had a nice time too... sorry if I acted weird at the restaurant," said Shining Armor as he kicked his hoof at the ground.
Cadance smiled that heart-melting smile. "It's okay, Shining. Next time, let's just go somewhere more casual. Okay?"
Shining Armor's eyes widened at those words. "N-N-Next time?" He started to sweat.
"Well, yeah. There is going to be a next time, right?" Cadance asked, putting on a sly smile to get the answer out of Shining Armor.
"Y-Y-Yeah. Definitely!" Shining Armor was going nuts in his head. Next time! There was gonna be a next time! But that wasn't the best part, what came next was a complete and oh so welcomed surprise.
He felt a set of pink lips brush his cheek and plant a quick peck, causing his face to go redder than a tomato.
"Glad to hear. Well, good night, Shining." Cadance opened the door after dropping her light blue shield and was met with a squeaky response.
"Good night, Cadance," said Shining Armor, feeling the cheek Cadance kissed good night.
The doors closed, and he was left with his thoughts. Cadance kissed him... Cadance kissed him! It may have just been on the cheek, but she kissed him!
***************
Celestia stood close to the front doors of the castle. Cadance had just closed the doors and she was eager to know everything.
"Hello, Cadance," Celestia belled with a soft smile.
"Hi, Aunt Celestia," Cadance replied back.
"So, how'd it go?" Celestia quickly asked, slightly kneeling down to Cadance's eye level.
"It was-"
"WOOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOO!" yelled a voice from behind the doors, followed by fast-paced hoof steps slowly growing softer and softer.
Cadance quickly swung open the doors again and through the drizzle saw Shining Armor taking off at top speed, holding one of his cheeks.
She smiled as she closed the doors and faced her aunt, who was giving her a devilish smile.
"So, I'm guessing it went well?"
Cadance sighed dreamily, leaning against the doors she was standing in front of, and slowly slid down.
"It was perfect."
***************
Shining Armor was running down the streets like crazy. That kiss, his first kiss... and it was from Cadance. It may have been on the cheek, but he didn't care.
He ran and ran, one of his hoofs still on his face, that delicately kissed face. He could never wash that cheek again.
His speed caused him to reach home a lot faster than usual. He skidded to a stop when he reached the front steps of his house. Boy, did he have a story to tell to the two ponies waiting for him inside.
He dropped his light purple magic shield and opened the door to find Stardust entertaining Twilight and Spike with her guitar. She was just finishing up a song with Twilight and it spooked him at how perfectly the song fit in with what had just happened.
"With a kiss goodnight," Stardust sang at the last strum of her guitar.
"Kiss goodnight," Twilight echoed.
The silence lingered before a set of hooves clopped together in applause. Stardust and Twilight turned to see Shining Armor, back home and smiling.
"Shining Armor!" exclaimed Twilight as she ran to her brother and gave him a hug around his forelimbs.
"Hey, Twi-Lee. Great job on the song." He looked up at Stardust, who was gathering her things. "You too, Star."
"Thanks, Shiny." She strapped her guitar on her back and scooted closer to him, and gave him a one-limbed hug before asking what her and Twilight were dying to know.
"How was it?"
Shining sighed dreamily as he recalled the night. It may have started a little bumpy on his part but it ended with one little yet big event he'd never forget.
"Perfect."
> Floating
Floating
If a new emotion could be invented, Shining Armor had done exactly that. Floating. Standing in the library by one of the shelves, Shining Armor not only looked like he was, but he somehow felt "floating". A mix of happiness, hopefulness, and any other possible positive emotion had been used to create this new emotion. One could almost swear he was propelled by tiny hearts coming out of nowhere.
The kiss in the light drizzle, the dinner, just being with Cadance; it may have all happened just two nights ago, but it was a night he would never forget. He was walking on air, and almost nothing could pull him out of his blissful trance... almost nothing.
"SHINY!"
Shining Armor snapped out of his thoughts and turned his head to see Stardust entering the library and trot towards him. She may have been a few minutes late, but Ms. Paige's didn't seem to notice.
"Hey, Stardust," Shining Armor called back to his friend.
She stopped in front of Shining Armor and with both of her forehooves, brought his face mere centimeters from hers. "Tell. Me. Everything."
After being released from her constricting hold, Shining Armor spilled all of the details about his date with Cadance, from her dress, the restaurant, his early screw up, their stories, and the night ending with a kiss on the cheek.
"Awwwwwww!" Stardust drew Shining Armor in and wrapped a foreleg around his neck and noogied him with the other. "Attacolt, Shiny."
Stardust's friendly assault on Shining Armor's head continued for a few seconds until Shining Armor managed to wiggle his way out of her grasp, laughing the entire time.
"Thanks, Star, but didn't I already tell you about it?"
"No," Stardust deadpanned. "You came home, said it went perfect, and then you practically knocked out on the floor!"
"Oh yeah..." replied Shining Armor, a bit ashamed as he remembered himself knocking out in the living room.
Shining Armor looked back on that day and realized that he was up from sunrise into the very late night. The fact that he didn't knock out on the floor the instant he got home was a miracle in itself.
He spent the day after his date like his little dragon brother, sleeping. His house was silent for most of the day, much to Twilight's delight since she buried herself in her literary collection.
Stardust began to nudge playfully at Shining Armor's shoulder with a sly grin. "Soooooo, got any plans for next time?"
Shining Armor put a hoof on his chin in contemplation."I was thinking about that; and maybe I could take her to Joe's one night."
"Oh thank Celestia," Stardust exhaled. "For a minute I thought you were gonna try and find a way to outdo yourself."
"I'm not that desperate!" Shining Armor defended loudly, inadvertently gaining the attention of a certain yellow librarian.
"Stardust! Shining Armor!" Ms. Paiges called from behind her counter.
"Yes, Ms. Paiges?" responded the two assistants with a hint of fear in their voices.
"I may be old, but I can still hear the sound of ponies not working!"
Stardust and Shining Armor raced towards the front counter to pick up part of the enormous pile of books that needed re-shelving.
"Sorry, Ms. Paiges. We'll get shelving," said Shining Armor very rapidly before speeding off to his first area of work.
"Stardust," called Ms. Paiges, making Stardust stop her walk towards her coworker.
"Yes, Ms. Paiges?"
Ms. Paiges motioned Stardust to come closer with a hoof. A little reluctantly, Stardust walked over to the counter. She was met with a small smile on the old librarian's muzzle.
"Is it true? Did Shining Armor finally take Cadance out?"
Stardust stood there for a second, shock present on her face, but that was quickly replaced with a little smirk of her own.
"Uh-Huh. Dinner at Lumiere de Ètoiles."
Ms. Paiges brought her hooves up to her mouth in an awestruck gasp. She had known Shining Armor liked Cadance, but to take her to a place like that spoke volumes of his crush. Her eyes began to glimmer a bit like a grandma's would when seeing her grandchildren.
"Awww... Well, I'm happy for him. The poor nervous wreck deserves it," Ms. Paiges spoke with a bit of a laugh.
Stardust couldn't help but laugh as well. "He's getting better, ma'am."
"I'm sure he is," said Ms. Paiges half-heartedly. "Oh, Stardust?"
"Yes, Ms. Paiges?"
Ms. Paiges narrowed her eyes, and her pointed glasses lowered a bit as she gave one of her signature librarian glares. "Get back to work."
"Yes ma'am!" Stardust took off with her stack of books towards Shining Armor. Very few things scared her, and that glare was one of them.
Ms. Paiges was left with an annoyed look as she ducked behind her desk and pulled out a little coin sack. She grumbled a bit as she pulled out ten bits from her sack.
"So much for that new purse."
**************
"Ooooh. Yes, right there... Ahhhhhh, yes that's the spot."
Silence and blissful moans filled the large light purple room that served as the royal spa. Inside, Blueblood was in the middle of a tension numbing massage, not that he really had any stress or tension to numb. Next to him, one of the spa ponies was rubbing some sort of soap into his cousin's mane, who was seated close by.
From her lying position, Cadance was in a state of total relaxation as one of the spa ponies was washing her mane. "Blueblood, this was such a good idea."
"I know. Just one of the many ideas of my genius mind," bragged Blueblood, earning an eye roll from Cadance, though he didn't take notice.
The spa pony that was working on Cadance's mane came to a stop on her work to let the soap settle into Cadence's candy-colored mane.
"Okay, Princess, let that settle for a few minutes, and I'll be back for your rinse."
"Also, Prince Blueblood," said the other spa pony as she finished off Blueblood's massage, "I'll go fetch the seaweed and cucumber slices."
"Take your time," replied Cadance.
"Make it quick!" demanded Blueblood.
The two spa workers ran into another room to gather materials, and once they were out of earshot, Cadance spoke up.
"Blueblood, what happened to the other spa ponies?"
"Oh, I fired them," Blueblood answered nonchalantly with a wave of a hoof.
"You fired Aloe and Lotus?!?"
"They got rough on one of my massages," explained Blueblood. "Next thing I know, they started screaming at me and yelling something about building their own spa. Pfffft, as if."
Cadance let out an aggravated sigh; of course Blueblood would fire somepony over something so small.
"So," he began, "how was your date with Shining Armor?"
Cadance took a moment to remember the night and started to see the date playback through her imagination. It was perfect in her eyes, it was everything she had hoped for... though a kiss back from Shining Armor would've been nice.
"Blue, it was perfect. He took me out to eat, we talked, laughed, he walked me home," she paused as she smiled a little wider, "then I gave him kiss goodnight."
"You kissed him?!" Blueblood nearly screamed, concern gripping his voice.
"Relax, it was just on the cheek," Cadance reassured with a smirk as she found Blueblood's protective instinct hilarious.
"Just tell me if he tries anything funny..."
"He's too nice to try anything."
"So, I'm guessing you still want to date him?"
Cadance let a dreamy sigh escape her lips. "Uh-Huh."
"Is that why you're getting your mane done?" asked Blueblood playfully.
"Mayyyyyyybe."
Blueblood laughed at his cousin's answer. He knew what she meant, and that's what intrigued him. In the time he'd known Cadance, he had never seen her really try to impress ponies with her looks, which explained why she usually went out without her royal slippers or any princess-like accessories, and tended to just put her mane up in a ponytail.
Now she was going so far as to getting her mane done and two days ago she dragged him into her room for six hours to get his opinion on a dress! Blueblood realized that Cadance really liked Shining Armor, and seeing her happy when she was around or thinking of Shining Armor was good enough to make him happy.
"Well, I'm sure he'll love your new manestyle, Cadance," said Blueblood with a genuine smile.
"Thanks, Blueblood."
"You know," started Blueblood with a hoof on his chin, "all this talk about you and Shining Armor makes me think that I should look for a mare myself."
Cadance instantly perked up as she thought of something, "You knowwww, Shining Armor has a friend. Her name's Stardust. Maybe you two could--"
"I don't date commoners," interrupted Blueblood, making Cadance internally scream with frustration. How he could go from caring relative to complete flankhole in the blink of an eye was a complete mystery to her.
"Speaking of commoners, why is HE here?" asked Blueblood as he pointed a hoof behind the royal pair and towards another bed with a small purple and green dragon sound asleep. He was wrapped in seaweed, with two cucumber slices on his eyes, one of which seemed to have a bite mark.
"It was Twilight's turn to look after Spike today, but she and Aunt Celestia are working on more complex magic, so I offered to look after him before I take them home," Cadance explained, smiling at the adorable purple and green sleeping bundle of seaweed and scales.
"You sure it's a good idea to give a dragon a seaweed wrap?" inquired Blueblood as he raised an eyebrow at Spike.
"He seems fine with it," answered Cadance as Spike let out a few unconscious laughs from whatever dream he was having.
Doors flung open and fast-paced trotting followed, catching the attention of Cadance and Blueblood. They looked towards the open doorway and saw the two spa ponies returning with the supplies on their backs.
"About time," pouted Blueblood as one of the spa ponies started his seaweed wrap.
"Okay, Princess, is there any particular style you have in mind?" asked the other spa pony, already halfway through Cadance's rinse.
"I sure do."
***************
"It's almost closing time you two!" called Ms. Paiges towards her assistants a few shelves away.
"Almost done, ma'am," called Shining Armor.
The two assistants' day went just like any other at the library. Shelve books, fill out return records, help any ponies that wanted to check a book out; the usual that came with their job. The two were just about to finish their shelving just as Shining Armor spoke up.
"Hey, Star?"
"Yeah, Shiny?"
"Remember when you tried to tell me something when I went over to go help Cadance with the burning decorations a few days ago?"
"Yeah," replied Stardust, still shelving some books.
"It was about Blueblood, wasn't it?"
Stardust gave a smirk as she shelved her last book. "Uh-huh."
"How did you know about him?"
Stardust's horn began to glow, and from a few rows above her head, a bright white book floated down to her side. "I shelved this a few weeks ago and gave it a little look-through."
Shining Armor looked at the white book, 101 Interesting Facts about the Royal Family.
"Of course," droned Shining Armor stoically. He stayed there for a few seconds before turning and facing one of the shelves. He brought his head back a bit aaaaaand...
*Thwack! *Thwack! *Thwack!
"Closing time, you two!" called Ms. Paiges again from her desk.
"Give Shiny one more minute, ma'am," Stardust called back to the old mare while watching Shining's episode.
*Thwack! *Thwack! *Thwack!
Shining Armor drew his head back from the case he just struck and looked at his friend.
"Ya done?" Stardust asked blank-faced.
"... Almost."
*Thwack! *Thwack! *Thwack!
Shining Armor took in a deep breath, and turned to face Stardust. "Okay, I'm done."
The two assistants made their way to the entrance of the library, waved goodbye to their boss, and headed off towards their homes.
Celestia was taking her time setting the sun as beautiful shades of burning orange and red painted the evening sky. It was a sight that Shining Armor wished he could share with a certain pink alicorn... maybe someday.
Their trip home didn't take too long, and was spent just like their usual walks home, talking and reminiscing. The reminiscing was mostly done by Stardust, specifically on all the other times that caused Shining Armor to go into one of his "episodes" like earlier.
"One stupid book. One stupid book," he kept repeating, annoyance and shame grasping his tone.
Stardust walked by him, trying to hold back her laughter, but that was proving to be near impossible, especially since she had just reminded Shining Armor of another one of his blunders.
"And after Cadance left the library, you smashed your head into the wall for like ten minutes straight," she managed to say through her gasps for air.
"Oh, and then there was that time you knocked over an entire shelf in front of her, and nearly crushed that stallion." By now, she was in hysterics. Even Shining Armor was laughing at his own mistakes. They were funny in retrospect, but ONLY in retrospect, at least to him.
"Did I really screw up that much?" Shining Armor asked, a little frightened at the numerous examples Stardust managed to think back on.
"Write down all the times you've messed up, ya could fill Twilight's collection... five times."
Shining Armor brought a hoof to his face, making the red from his earlier episode grow more vibrant. True, he messed up A LOT, but one sure thing came out of it.
"Yeah, well THIS screw up," he said with a hoof pointed at himself, "managed to get a date with the most beautiful mare in Equestria!" Shining Armor declared, puffing his chest out in rare pride.
"When did I go on a date with you?" Stardust joked, causing the two to laugh a bit. "But seriously, I'm proud of ya, Shiny," she praised, giving a nudge at Shining Armor.
"Hey, maybe I should find a colt for you, Star."
"This mare don't need help findin' a colt, but I appreciate the gesture, Shiny."
Shining Armor rolled his eyes at his friend's bravado, something he always admired about her.
Their stroll down memory lane, at Shining Armor's expense, ended as he arrived at his house and made his way up the front porch. He waved Stardust off, and she continued her walk home. He turned to the door with a grin. It would be the first day he'd seen Cadance since their date, and he only hoped he could play it cool... hoped.
With a gentle click of the lock from his magic, he walked in only to be blindsided by two set of forelimbs pulling him into a tight hug.
"Oh, my baby! I missed you so much."
"Welcome home, son."
Through his scrunched up vision, thanks to the tight embrace, Shining Armor looked up to see a blue unicorn stallion with a darker blue mane he recognized as his father, Night Light, and a light grey unicorn mare with a light purple and white striped mane he knew as his mother, Twilight Velvet.
"Mom! Dad!" he exclaimed with a wide smile while trying to return the hug as best as he could from his constrained position. "When did you guys get back?"
"Just this afternoon, honey," Velvet began before her husband took over.
"We thought we'd surprise you when you came home from work."
"Shining Armor!" called a high-pitched voice from the kitchen belonging to a certain filly.
Shining Armor broke away from his parents and looked towards the kitchen to see said filly, Spike, and Cadance sitting by a small stack of gifts on the table.
"We got presents!" Twilight squealed like it was Hearth's Warming.
Shining Armor trotted towards the kitchen, smiling dreamily as Cadance motioned for him to sit next to her. That's when he noticed something new about her... her mane. Once again it changed. Replacing the light waves from two nights ago were bouncy curls that fell to the base of her neck. Once again Shining Armor found himself staring dreamily at Cadance, causing the pink mare to blush slightly.
"Can we open them now? Spike's already digging into his!" Twilight complained, pointing to the infant dragon sucking on a sky blue sapphire.
"Alright, Twilight," Velvet complied.
At this, Twilight instantly ripped through the purple and pink wrapping of the rectangular gift. Once she got through the wrapping, she squealed with joy when she saw the gift... a book.
A Full History of the Hayman Islands: First Edition. Twilight rushed to her parents and squeezed them both with unnatural strength in a tight hug.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you!" Twilight quickly said before letting her parents go and taking off to her room with her new book held in her magic.
"You're welcome," Velvet and Night Light replied in a casual tone that came with learning how their daughter reacts when getting a new book.
With Twilight now muzzle deep in her book, Shining Armor and Cadance were left to open their own little trinkets. Shining Armor quickly tore open his small gift to see a Hayman Island snow globe with two plastic ponies in the center of the globe looking each other adoringly.
Shining Armor looked up to see his dad raising his eyebrows repeatedly while Velvet nodded her head to her side, motioning to Cadance.
Shining Armor decided to ignore the parental teasing to pay mind to Cadance as she delicately undid the wrapping surrounding her small gift. From it, she pulled out a glass heart filled with gleaming white sand and crystal blue water.
"Wow, thank you, Night Light. Thank you, Velvet," Cadance beamed as she held the glass heart in her hooves.
"Anything for our favorite foal-sitter," Velvet replied before turning her attention back to her son. "So, what did you do while we were gone, Shining?"
Shining Armor listed the usual; work, looking after Twilight, Cadance looking after Twilight, helping at the Summer Sun Celebration, preventing another Spike fire. Then, he came to a pause as he looked at Cadance with an adoring look.
"I also," he stepped closer to Cadance, "we also," he corrected, "went on a date two nights ago."
Cadance blushed a bit as she leaned into Shining Armor. Velvet and Night Light on the other hoof were in a state of total disbelief. Both were wide-eyed and their jaws nearly hit the floor at the news. They knew of their son's crush, but they didn't expect him to act on it for at least a few more weeks, partially for the sake of their bet, but still.
With the initial shock now gone, both of Shining Armor's parents couldn't help but smile widely.
"My baby... my baby..." Velvet said through a joyful sob, making Shining Armor go red in the face.
"Mom..." Shining whined out, causing Cadance to giggle at Shining's foalish behavior. Hearing her giggles only made Shining go even redder.
"You know, Shining," Night Light began, a sly grin on his face, "your mother and I are just gonna be unpacking the rest of the night. Maybe you and Cadance would like to step out for a little stroll? Dinner? Something?"
"Ugh... I... think... what... ugh..." Shining was lost. His dad was basically shoving him into another date.
"That sounds lovely," Cadance interjected, sparing Shining Armor more of his mumbles.
"Great!" Night Light beamed before heading behind the two teenage ponies. In a cartoonish fashion, he shoved the two along the floor towards the front door of the house while naming a few places they could go. Night Light flung the door open with his magic and shoved the two outside.
"Have fun you two," he said with a wide grin before disappearing back inside the house.
Shining Armor and Cadance stood at the front steps, both had looks of surprise plastered on their faces at Night Light's strength.
"Well... that happened," said Cadance, slowly descending the stairs of the porch.
"Sorry about that," Shining apologized as he hung his head a bit.
"It's fine, Shining." Cadance looked around at the slowly emptying streets. Celestia was about ready to raise the moon, and the sky was painted in slowly darkening purple clouds.
"So," she began, turning to Shining Armor, "where should we go?"
'Okay, someplace casual, but nice. Casual, but nice... ughhhhhh,' Shining Armor's mind was racing to find a solution.
After a few moments of thought, Shining Armor instantly sprung up in a full grin. He bowed a bit as he offered a hoof to Cadance.
Cadance happily took Shining's hoof, and the two galloped off. "So where to?"
"It's a surprise."
***************
Night Light stood by the door with his ear pressed against the wood. Once the sound of hoofbeats finally silenced, he let out a sigh of relief before turning to his wife.
"Oh, my baby boy," Velvet sighed out.
Night Light came up to his wife and held onto her in a warm hug. "Come on, honey. It was bound to happen."
"I know, honey." Velvet let out a long sigh as she realized something. "Our little Shiney-Whiney is growing up."
"I know, honey. I know. But you knowwww... Shining's out of the house, Twilight's reading a book... so that gives us a few hours to ourselves."
Velvet let a devilish smile crawl on her face. "You'll get the wine and candles, and I'll get the spaghetti."
The two ran towards the kitchen, ecstatic for their spontaneous date night, but upon reaching the kitchen, they were met with a small lavender filly wearing a smirky grin.
"Twilight?"
"Shining Armor told you about his date a few nights ago, right?" Twilight asked, already knowing the answer.
"Yeah. Why do you ask, honey?" Velvet asked.
Twilight outstretched a forelimb as her smirk widened. "Pay up, mom and dad." |
The Brother and The Sitter | The Good Stuff | The Good Stuff
The two ponies were in a quick gallop towards Shining Armor's date spot. They ran through near-deserted streets, earned a few surprised looks from some passing ponies due to the fact that a princess was with some random colt, and with a few more turns, came up to the purple-blue building.
Shining stopped at the front door and pointed to the sign above it.
"Here we are, Joe's Donuts!"
Cadance stared at the sign with a quizzical look. "What's a donut?"
Shining Armor quite possibly performed the greatest and longest gasp in Equestrian history at that moment. He looked at her with wide eyes and an open mouth. "You don't... how do... that's just... we need to get in, now!"
Shining Armor opened the door and motioned for Cadance to step through. She did so with the same elegance and grace that she somehow managed to use with everything she did. Shining followed her in and led her towards the front counter where a certain light amber stallion was tending to a customer at the bar.
"Hey, Joe!" Shining called to the stallion.
Joe looked up from the donut that he was wrapping for his other customer and gave a huge smile towards one of his favorite customers.
"Hey, Shining. Hello--" Whatever Joe was about to say was interrupted by his own ragged breathing as he saw the regal pink alicorn standing before him. "Pri-Pri-Princ-Prince-Princess Cadance!"
Joe ducked behind his bar and the stallion on the stool instantly fell down to a bow. Shining walked up to the bar and looked over to see Joe in the same bow as the stallion on the ground.
"Joe, you don't need to do that. Cadance and I are just here to get some donuts," Shining explained to the still bowing confectioner.
Shining Armor leaned over the bar to get closer to Joe. "She doesn't know what a donut is!" Joe just looked at Shining, very unconvinced. Joe mouthed out "Are you serious"? but stayed in his deep bow. Shining only nodded solemnly in response.
At this news, Joe shot right up and looked directly at Cadance with wide eyes. "You poor mare."
Cadance gave back a confused look, clearly not knowing what Shining Armor whispered to Joe.
"Well, I can fix that," Joe said with pride. "Just sit whereva, and I'll get you two the best donuts I got, on the house." In a flash of amber and brown, Joe raced into his kitchen, and Shining Armor guided Cadance to a table.
"What did you tell him?" Cadance asked as she took her seat.
"That you've never had a donut. How is that even possible?!?"
"I've never been this far down into Canterlot before. Farthest I've ever been was to Blueblood's tailor."
Silence held for a few seconds as Shining Armor took that in. He knew that Cadance spent a lot of her time in the castle, but he never realized just how much she was kept from. "Well then you're in for a treat. If anypony's donuts are gonna be your first, be glad they're Joe's."
As if on cue, Joe zipped from the kitchen to Shining Armor and Cadance's table, carrying plates with pink-frosted donuts and two hot chocolates. "And here you two go." Joe placed the plates of goods on the table and walked back to his bar to tend to his other customer of the night.
Cadance eyed the pink-frosted goody lying in front of her. In her life, she consumed some of the finest desserts ever conceived by the equine mind, but never has something like what was lying in front of her ever touched her lips, or even been within her sight. She brought the donut to her face and looked at Shining. He was eyeing her like a scientist waiting for a reaction, so to end his stare, she took a bite out of the simple pastry. The moment her tongue met with the pink pastry, all of heaven seemed to be in her mouth.
"Oh by Auntie..." she whispered dramatically after she swallowed.
"Good, isn't it?" Shining Armor asked as he saw Cadance's eyes grow in ecstasy.
Instead of an answer, he heard loud gobbling sounds as Cadance nearly shoved the rest of the treat into her mouth in a frenzy. Once she finished, she let out a nervous giggle. "Sorry about that."
"Don't be. Twi, Spike, and I did the same thing with our first donut from Joe," Shining explained before digging into his own treat.
Using one of the napkins on the table, Cadance wiped her mouth clean of the remaining bits of the best thing she ever ate. "That was soooo good. Kinda wish I didn't eat it so fast."
Shining Armor looked down at his own frosted dessert, a thought emerging. He carefully tore the treat in half and outstretched a limb with the donut half.
Cadance looked at the donut half and smiled warmly at Shining Armor. She happily took the donut half, but before she had a chance to take a bite into it, Shining Armor grabbed her attention as he did something a little weird to her.
He was dipping his donut into the steaming mug of hot chocolate and after a few seconds, lifted the now chocolate dripping donut, and took a bite. Sweetness swirled in his mouth as he happily chewed and swallowed. Before going back to get another bite, he looked to Cadance and saw her confused look.
"Try it," he suggested, hovering his donut over the mug.
Cadance did as Shining said and, at the same time, they dipped their donuts in the warm drink. Shining was the first to take a bite, leaving Cadance to ponder this combination for a few seconds. She slowly took a bite... and a part of her died from pure culinary pleasure.
Her taste buds melted from the chocolate soaked pastry, sending her into what could only be described as a food-high. After her short food-high, she dug into the rest of her donut, this time taking more princess-like bites.
When they both finished, Shining looked to Cadance and saw her lost in some unknown sense. She sat there looking off into space just reeling in from what she just ate.
"Amazing."
"That's not even the best Joe's got," said Shining, making Cadance quickly turn her head with wide eyes.
"There's something better?" The intensity of her question was crushing, but all Shining did was smile as he answered.
"Uh-huh," he shuffled around in his seat, ready to get up and get Joe, "lemme just go ask Joe if he can--"
"Bring one of his favorite customers and his beautiful date a pair of his famous jelly-filled chocolate glazed donuts?" Joe finished off Shining Armor's sentence, holding two plates with multiple large, nearly pulsating treats. "You know, the good stuff?"
"You know me so well, Joe," Shining joked.
Joe replied with a small smirk before placing the plates in front of Shining Armor and Cadance and trotting off.
"Enjoy you two."
Cadance and Shining Armor stared down at the sweet concoctions before them, Cadance's eyes especially widening in desire of the chocolate treat.
Both of them turned to each other and each picked up a donut for themselves. Shining Armor took the first bite, and out came the strawberry filling... all over Cadance.
***************
Through the starlit streets of Canterlot, two ponies were brushing past the relatively empty streets, seemingly eager to get away from somewhere.
"Uck! Jet Set, dear, you know I hate coming to this part of the city," an olive-coated unicorn mare complained in a congested-like voice.
"Uck! I know, Upper Crust, but Fancy's charity auction is supposed to be near here," replied the grey-coated stallion in a similar tone as his wife. He scanned the area and scoffed at his surroundings. "Really wish he hosted it in a more... refined area."
The prissy couple continued their hurried prance and their snorts of disgust until something through the window of a certain eatery caught their eyes. From across the street, through the window of "Joe's Donuts," they saw...
"Princess Cadance!" Upper Crust gasped.
"And that colt from the restaurant," Jet Set added. "And they're..." he looked up at the sign of the eatery the two teenage ponies were sitting in, "at a donut shop?" Disgust in his voice came out very pungently with the words.
What the two saw next nearly made them faint in a mix of surprise and utter disgust. They saw the white-furred colt take a huge bite out of some chocolate covered pastry, and spew strawberry filling all over Princess Cadance.
"Well I never!" Upper Crust breathed out like she witnessed a tragedy.
"That hooligan!" Jet Set exclaimed, a rise in his congested voice.
The prissy pair let out collective 'hmphs' as they stuck their noses up in the air and trotted off.
"Let's go, dear. Celestia knows we don't want to be around when the Princess calls her guards to pummel the life out of that ruffian," Jet Set scoffed.
"Or do we?" Upper Crust joked.
The two trotted off, noses raised high, laughing stuffily at Upper Crust's cruel joke.
***************
Cadance sat on her seat, dripping strawberry filling on the floor, and staring at the wide-jawed unicorn in front of her.
Shining sat in absolute terror. He had just squirted filling on his date. His donut was still in his hooves, also dripping strawberry. The momentary silence in the air dripped of guilt, fear, shame, and humiliation.
"Ca-Ca-Ca-Cadance. I-I-I-I'm so sorry," Shining muttered with wide eyes and tiny pupils.
Cadance sat in silence for a while, unknowingly letting Shining Armor's fears pile on and on. Instead of a slap on the face, or a shriek, or even a stomp out the door like Shining Armor expected, she smiled... devilishly, like she was planning something.
She brought her own overfilled pastry to her mouth, and bit hard, squirting Shining Armor with strawberry filling. Shining Armor sat there, dripping while Cadance tried to stifle her laughs upon seeing the expression smeared on Shining Armor's face. What she did next, she couldn't fully explain, but she took hold of another overfilled donut from the table, bit down and dosed her date again with strawberry goodness.
After letting some of the red goop drop from the bangs of his mane, Shining Armor put on a devilish grin of his own. "Oh, so that's how you wanna play?" Not holding back, he took another donut from the table and bit down, hard, and once again coated Cadance in strawberry. Now it was on.
For as long as there was filling in their donuts, they bit and bit, squirting more strawberry on the other with each bite. As they squirted, they couldn't help but laugh like foals. By the time the barrage of jelly stopped, the donuts on the table and in their hooves looked like deflated balloons and their coats were littered with red.
"Here, lemme clean us off," Shining Armor offered. With a glow from his horn, he, Cadance, and the area around them were surrounded in a cloud of lavender. With a precise swipe of his magic, all the gooey red filling was swiped from the floor and their coats and balled up into one glowing red gelatinous orb.
Shining placed the rather large sphere of red onto one of the trays and turned to face Cadance, all evidence of their little food fight seemingly gone from view... almost all. Near the bottom of her left eye, a bit of jelly remained.
"Cadance, you have a little jelly on your face," Shining motioned towards her face.
"You got a little something there too," said Cadance as she tried to lean in a bit to get some jelly off of Shining Armor's muzzle.
Shining also started leaning in to flick off the red residue, but instead of getting to her face, both ponies were met with the other's incoming foreheads. With a loud 'bonk,' the two retracted a bit with nervous laughs of slight pain and embarrassment.
"How about I just--"
"And I'll just--"
The two gave another try, and this time managed to reach each other without the clanking of heads. They swiped the jelly from the other's face rather quickly, but with the close proximity between the two, they couldn't help but look into each other's eyes. Cadance, staring off into his sapphire eyes and Shining Armor staring off into her twinkling purple orbs.
For some reason unknown to them, they were inching closer together, slowly, but surely. It was weird, but at the same time felt right to them as they inched closer and closer together, their muzzles just centimeters away from each other. They both closed the gap as their lips met for the very first time, and on that night, sparks flew as both closed their eyes dreamily. It was like they were the only two ponies in Equestria for those few seconds that they were locked together, but to them, it felt like being plunged into ecstasy for eternity.
They pulled away slowly, shock ever-present on their faces. 'Wow' was the only syllable that was uttered by either of the two for the next few minutes as they gazed at each other's eyes, lost in their own paradise.
If he could move or talk, Shining Armor would be screaming and jumping for joy, but the experience of his first kiss, his first real kiss, was proving to be too much for him to get over. Cadance was having just about the same reaction. Her own first kiss... on the lips, and it was with Shining Armor.
Shining tried to speak, unsure of what to say until a question popped up that he reluctantly asked. "Does this make us coltfriend-marefriend now?"
Internally, Cadance was going nuts. She never had a coltfriend before, and here she was, minutes after her first kiss, in front of the nicest colt she has come to know. The answer was obvious, so she decided to make something out of it.
She scooted closer to Shining Armor with a sultry look on her face. "I don't know. You tell me." She pulled him in again for another kiss. Their lips locked again, and this time, Shining Armor showed no hesitance as he pulled Cadance closer to him. The passion felt between the two, the sparks that flew at that instant, and the rush the two felt couldn't be described in words.
Joe may have brought what he called "the good stuff" as Shining Armor and Cadance's desserts, but that wasn't it. In that shop, their first long kiss on the second date... that was the good stuff.
> Metal's Place
Metal's Place
The summer sunlight beating down on the ground was perfectly balanced with the cool breeze blowing in the open space of one of the many parks in Canterlot. The grass swayed in a weird combination of disarray and harmony, and the blue sea of the sky was splotched white with clouds. Sitting by one of the benches, Shining Armor and Cadance were throwing rocks into the nearby lake in front of them.
The pink alicorn was trying her hoof at stone skipping while Shining Armor sat there trying to teach her, holding her close with each motion he demonstrated.
"Okay. First, find as flat of a rock as you can." He levitated two somewhat flat rocks from the lake shore into his and Cadance's hooves.
"Then bring it back to your side at an angle."
She did as she was told.
"Aaaaaaand fling it." The stone left Shining Armor's hoof and met the lake with repeated splashes as it hopped across the water for a few seconds before finally sinking down into the mud at the bottom of the lake.
Cadance watched the sight in awed silence. She looked to the stone in her outstretched hoof nervously, not wanting to mess up.
Deciding to go for it, she flung the rock the way Shining Armor instructed and, to her surprise, saw it hop on the lake at least four times before descending into the water.
She let out a few cheers and hugged her coltfriend tightly at her recent success. Coltfriend. That was a word that still filled her with joy, knowing that the kindest, funniest, and at times, goofiest colt she knew, was somepony she could call hers.
Shining Armor himself was finding it hard to believe that Cadance was his marefriend now. A few days had passed since their kiss at Joe's, and every day since that night, Shining woke up feeling the same sense of joy and disbelief he felt the instant they had shared their first kiss.
He held onto her and they both nuzzled each other affectionately.
"You're so cute, you know that?" Shining Armor complimented playfully, earning a small laugh from Cadance.
"You're pretty cute too," Cadance replied as she leaned into his shoulder, giving her a clear view of the park and the shining sun. It was beautiful, more so than normal. Celestia took extra care of today, and Cadance had a pretty good idea as to why. It was Shining's day off after all, so of course the two lovebirds would want to spend it together.
Shining looked down to the pink mare on his shoulder and took notice of her beauty. The curls from a few nights ago settled back to Cadance's natural manestyle, and for the first time in a long time, he noticed a piece of royal jewelry around her neck, a gold necklace with a dark purple diamond encrusted within.
Sweet Celestial she was beautiful. So many words could've been spoken, so many words of admiration could've been said, but those two didn't need them. Their silence as they leaned into each other was all they needed to let the other know how much they admired one another.
Those two could've stayed that way all day, leaning onto each other side by side, but their stomachs had another plan.
GURGLE GURGLE GURGLE
A wave of hunger surged through Shining Armor's stomach, sounding off like a rabid dog. Cadance rose off Shining's shoulder and saw the weak smile he put on.
She was about to say something until gurgles of her own arose, causing her to put on the same weak smile.
"How long have we been out here?" Cadance asked.
"I... have no idea," Shining Armor laughed. "Wanna go get something to eat?"
"Can we go to Joe's?" Cadance asked with foal-like enthusiasm and a pleading grin.
"Sure." Shining gave a slight bow and outstretched a hoof. "Shall we?"
Cadance placed her gentle hoof into his inviting one. "Let's," she replied, eagerness oozing from her very being at the idea of getting more of those donuts she recently fell in love with.
***************
The two teenage ponies happily strolled through the streets of Canterlot with their destination in mind; a site that will forever mean something special to them.
As they walked through the streets, Shining Armor took notice of something new, something he really hadn't noticed before. Ponies were staring at him and Cadance as they walked by.
With every pony they passed, he saw the same awestruck expression plastered on their faces. It was creeping him out a bit.
"Ugh, Cadance?"
"Yeah, Shining?" Cadance asked back.
"Have you noticed that everypony is... staring at us?"
Cadance began to look around and did in fact see a barrage of ponies eyeing her and Shining Armor. Just as Shining Armor saw, she too saw the awestruck expressions on their faces.
"Oh, yeah," Cadance said with a tone like she just understood a joke.
"And you're not just the tiniest bit creeped out?" Shining said as he looked around.
"When you're a princess of Equestria walking through the streets, you're bound to get some looks. After a certain amount of time, you just get used to it," Cadance explained as memories of the first few times she gained that kind of attention flashed through her mind.
"How do you deal with it?"
"Simple; smile, wave, and let them know everything's alright."
As another pony across the street stopped to look at the two, Cadance caught his eyes. Just as she said, she smiled, waved, and gave a gentle nod. It may have seemed rehearsed due to the many times she's done this set of actions before, but it was genuine nonetheless.
The pony across the street gave a small bow before resuming his trot through the streets and left Shining Armor and Cadance to do the same.
Shining Armor walked beside his marefriend, completely awestruck at how calmly she handled all the eyes on them. He never knew just how strong she could be. For now, he just chalked it up on his ever-growing list of reasons he adored Cadance.
The two continued their walk towards "Joe's Donuts," Shining Armor trying not to have a panic attack from the stares while Cadance handled it with her usual grace. Eventually, they were met with the fragrance of fresh baked dough and cocoa coming from the couple's favorite donut shop.
Cadance began to trot much faster towards the building once the scent of donuts and hot chocolate reached her nose. By the time Shining Armor caught up to her, he saw Cadance staring at a note stuck on the closed door.
"Back in 15,
-Joe"
"Guess he's on break," Shining Armor suggested.
"I guess..." Cadance began to pout.
"SHINY!!!" called a familiar accented voice. "CADANCE!!!" it called again.
Cadance and Shining Armor spun their heads to look across the street where they saw Stardust in a dead sprint towards the two.
Before crashing into the couple, Stardust skidded to a stop mere inches away from their muzzles. She had what could probably go down as the largest smile in Canterlot on her face and her eyes were wide in excitement.
"Street. Across. Restaurant. New. Come. Job. Perform!" Stardust spat out while waving her forehooves in the air.
"Star, slow down." Shining Armor advised to his ecstatic friend.
"No time!" Stardust exclaimed right before taking off. "C'Mon!" she called, already a good distance away.
"Must be important," Shining Armor mused to Cadance, "she isn't the kind of mare to be in a rush for anything."
"What's this about?" Cadance asked.
"I guess we're gonna find out," Shining Armor answered before he and Cadance began to follow the blue mare ahead of them.
The two chased down the sprinting mare for about two streets from Joe's until a brown wooden building came into view. Painted in electric blue, a flat stone sign at the top of the building read "Metal's Place," and by the front of the wooden structure was Stardust, waving for Cadance and Shining Armor to come over.
"Star, what's all this about?" Shining Armor asked once he met up with his friend.
Instead of an answer, Stardust pointed a hoof at the window of "Metal's Place." Inside was a flyer in big lettering.
"Grand Opening of Metal's Place this Friday!
Best veggie burgers and hay fries in Canterlot. Live music every night. Now hiring waiters/waitresses. Performers needed. Performers come in and show us your stuff! Waiter/Waitress applications can be picked up inside."
"Ohhhh, you're gonna try out?" Shining asked after reading the flyer.
"Even better!" Stardust squealed happily. She motioned for Shining Armor and Cadance to come into the new restaurant.
They descended the small stairs into the interior to see an all wooden design. It was about as big as "Joe's Donuts" and nearly resembled that of a southern cattle house, but in the back stood a circular stage. Tables were scattered around and small stools circled each table.
"There's my new girl!" called a voice from the cider/juice bar by the stage.
Cadance and Shining Armor turned to see Stardust and a grey-coated unicorn colt, who looked no older than themselves, in a warm embrace.
"Guys," Stardust began, "this is my new boss, Metal Wave."
The colt known as Metal Wave went into a light bow upon seeing Cadance and let his blue and black bangs droop over his face.
"Princess Cadance! It's such an honor to have you here!" Metal Wave gasped from his bowing position.
"The pleasure is all mine, but there's no need for bowing. I'm just a regular pony," Cadance soothed.
Metal Wave stood back up a little hesitantly at Cadance's casual tone. "If you say so, your majesty."
"Just call me Cadance."
"Okay... Cadance," Metal said with a tone a little too high for a colt his age.
"Aaaaaany way," Stardust started, gaining the ponies attention in the process, "guess who's the new regular performer at 'Metal's Place'."
"I don't know... you?" Shining Armor answered back slyly.
"BINGO!" Stardust exclaimed excitedly, "this is gonna be my first time performing for others that aren't in my bedroom!"
"This is also gonna be the first time you'll be waitressing," Metal Wave added in.
"Oh, yeah, that too," Stardust waved off, making the grey colt next to her a little nervous in his decision of her employment.
"Wait, you're gonna be working here?" Shining Armor asked.
"Oh, yeah. That was the other thing I wanted to tell you. To be a 'Regular Performer', you also gotta work here."
Shining Armor took a moment to reel in this new information before he hesitantly asked his next question. "Does this mean you're not gonna work at the library anymore?"
Noticing his change in tone, Stardust put on a reassuring smile. "Ah, don't worry, Shiny. You're still gonna see me around. Besides, this is like a dream for me. This is gonna be my first time performing for other ponies, and I don't wanna be a library assistant my whole life."
Shining Armor really did understand. He knew Stardust had greater ambitions, and it was just a matter of time until she pursued them. Both were about to enter that age where a pony leaves home to pursue their dreams or destinies, and Stardust was no different.
"Well, I'm happy for you, Star," Shining said genuinely.
"Thanks, Shiny." The reassuring smile on Stardust's face turned into one of pure excitement. "I still can't believe it! In just a few days, I'm gonna perform for other ponies!"
"And waitress," Metal Wave added. "Oh, that reminds me, you need to meet the other mare I hired. She's gonna be another regular performer and waitress."
Stardust was caught off guard by Metal's revelation, leading her to face him and put on a quizzical look. "Other mare?"
"Yeah, she's helping my uncle with some of the electrical equipment for the stage in the back."
Just as Metal Wave finished explaining, a large speaker and a microphone set encased in a magical aura floated from a room next to the stage in the back. Following the floating objects was a familiar amber-coated unicorn stallion wearing a baker's outfit and hat.
"Well, well, if it ain't Shining Armor and Princess Cadance!" the stallion said with a small smile.
"Joe!" Shining Armor exclaimed at the sight of his favorite donut pony. "What are you doing here?"
"Just helpin' my nephew out with the opening of his new restaurant," Joe said as he was setting the mics and speaker on the stage.
"Thanks again, Uncle Joe," Metal Wave spoke up.
"No problem, Wavy."
Shining Armor started to blink as he tried to force his brain to make the connection that Pony Joe and Metal Wave were related. The fact that they were both unicorns and had nearly the same shade of green in their eyes was enough for him to see the resemblance and enough for his brain to finally finish its connection.
"Joe, you never told me you had a nephew," Shining Armor spoke up.
"I've got a lot of nephews. About an eighth of Manehatten's restaurants are run by someone in my family," Joe explained, earning a surprised expression from Shining Armor. "What? Big family."
"Anyways," Metal interjected, focusing on the amber stallion, "where's Sapphire? I thought she was helping you with the setup?"
"I'm right here, Wave," called a silvery voice from the room Joe exited a few minutes ago. Out from the room appeared a taller than average, pale golden-coated earth pony mare with a tangle of orange extension cords on her back. "Sorry, darling, I got tangled in all these cords when I tried to get them off the shelf."
Sapphire looked away from the cords on her back to see the five ponies in the room, and dropped into a bow upon seeing a certain pink alicorn. "Princess!" she gasped in a similar fashion as her boss.
"Ya get this reaction a lot, don't ya?" Stardust asked Cadance, already knowing the answer.
"A little more than I'd like," Cadance admitted before she went to the grounded mare and retold her what she told Metal Wave.
"If you say so... Cadance," Sapphire said with some uneasiness.
Picking up on the unsure tone in Sapphire's, Cadance tried to change the subject. "So, are you going to work here?"
"Yes," Sapphire answered lightly. "I'm actually going to be one of the waitresses and regular performers here."
"Ohhhhh, so you're the one," Stardust said as she approached the taller mare.
"Excuse me?" Sapphire asked.
She was met with an outstretched blue hoof and a friendly smile. "Stardust, another waitress/performer."
"Sapphire Shores, nice to meet you," Sapphire beamed at her new coworker.
"So, ya sing?" Stardust inquired Sapphire.
"You know it, honey, since I was a filly."
"Can ya show us a bit?"
Rather than a verbal answer, Sapphire rushed onto the stage and stood by the microphone on set. After giving it a few taps to check the sound, she took in a breath and, in a voice bigger than life with some smokiness drizzled in, she let loose.
"Baaaaaaaaabyyyyyy." She gave her body a quick jerk to one side in a diva-like fashion after she filled the room with her voice. She didn't need any instruments to help her. She was just that good.
"Seems like everywhere I go I seeeeeee you." She gave another diva jerk, letting her poofy blue mane and tail bounce with the movement.
"From your eyes, your smile, it's like I breeeeathe you." Everypony's eyes grew to the size of plates upon seeing Sapphire on stage. She was killing it.
"Helplessly I reminisce, don't waaaaaant to." She lowered her eyes to the small awestruck crowd below her.
"Compare nobody to you!" She ended her display with another diva jerk, and gained a barrage of applause from the ponies below. Cadance specifically was going nuts with applause.
"Thank you!" Sapphire gave a quick bow before jumping off the stage to join the small crowd of ponies.
"Daaaaaang," Stardust exclaimed in awe. She definitely had some competition in her new workplace. "No wonder Metal hired you..."
Sapphire let out some light laughs, clearly new to the positive feedback. "Thank you," she replied shyly, completely contrasting her stage presence.
Cadance went to Sapphire with starry eyes. "You were amazing! Awesome! Sensational!"
"Sensational?" Sapphire repeated, that one word , that one word that tickled her lips with each syllable. "I like that. Thank you so much... Cadance."
Cadance responded with a huge smile and glimmering eyes before she turned her attention to Stardust. "Stardust, why don't you go and show us something?"
"Ehh, not today. Wait till Friday, I like surprising ponies," she said in a way like she had some sort of plan brewing that no sane pony could comprehend.
"OKAY!" Metal spoke up. "Surprises and performances aside, this place still needs to get set up! Stardust, Sapphire; I need you two to finish up with stage setup."
"Aye Aye, Captain!" Stardust gave a playful salute before taking off into the back room with Sapphire tailing her.
"Uncle Joe, do you have the Hearth's Warming lights?"
"Behind the counter, Wavy."
Metal Wave took off to the juice bar and pulled out multiple strings of colorful lights, which tangled around his hooves like string. "Thanks, Uncle Joe," he called from the bar. "Now if only I can just... get these... stupid... lights... un-freaking tangled!" Metal Wave was noticeably having a hard time with the strings of lights. Every motion he made only tightened the lights, and in the process, practically mummified himself in cords. As funny as the scene was, it had to end for the sake of the colt's dignity.
A light blue aura encased the now mummified Metal Wave, and with a flash of light, he was standing on all fours with a set of perfectly untangled cords of lights laid out in front of him.
The confused colt looked around frantically until his eyes met the pink princess in front of him, her horn's light blue glow slowly fading away. It was at that point that Metal Wave brought a hoof to his forehead very forcefully.
"Riiiiight... magic," he deadpanned, earning a small laugh from Cadance in the process. "Thank you, Prin... ugh... Cadance."
"No problem. Do you need any more help around here?" Cadance asked.
"Oh, I couldn't possibly ask you to--"
"Oh c'mon, I insist," Cadance interrupted, already taking hold of a few light strings in her magical aura.
"Well ,if you want to..." Metal Wave was still a bit unsure of the whole situation. It wasn't like a princess offered to help him set up every day, and it was a little less than unheard of for a princess to help out with something like this, but he needed the help nonetheless. He then remembered the white colt next to her. "And what about you?"
The white colt in question lifted a few of the Hearth's Warming light cords off the ground and held them in his own magical grip at his side. "Where do I start?"
***************
"And here you two go."
From behind his counter back at "Joe's Donuts," Joe hoofed two half-wrapped donuts to Shining Armor and Cadance. Shining Armor was about to pull out a few bits but was met with a grey hoof in front of his face.
"No charge, Shiny. You two helped a lot with Wavy's place so these are on the house."
"Thanks, Joe."
"No problem. Hey, you guys gonna come for the grand opening?" The confectioner began to glow with childlike enthusiasm, and if listening closely, one could swear a small 'squee' was heard as he smiled.
"Wouldn't miss it," Cadance answered.
"Great!" he replied with a wide smile. Cadance and Shining Armor made their way to the exit and turned to wave off their favorite baker.
"Bye, Joe," Shining Armor waved.
"See ya, Shiny. See ya, Prin... ugh, Cadance."
"Bye, Joe," Cadance called back. And with a swing of the door, they were out.
By now, Canterlot had settled into it's usual nighttime atmosphere. Street lights filled with fireflies glimmered, the shops that packed the streets only had a few lights on, and the sky was dotted with tiny stars that swirled around without a particular pattern.
Shining Armor and Cadance walked in relative silence for a few minutes, mostly due to the stuffing of their faces with the donuts held in their magical grip. When the last bites were swallowed, they threw the wrapping away in a trashcan that they passed.
"Still as good as ever," Cadance sighed with delight before turning to her coltfriend. "Sorry that I kinda forced you to volunteer at the restaurant earlier."
"Hey, I wanted to help. Besides, I got to spend more time with you," he finished off warmly, brushing his head next to hers. Cadance craned her neck to let their heads rest on each other.
"You're so good to me, Shining," Cadance soothed with closed eyes.
"You're so good to me too, Cadance," Shining replied before going into a warm nuzzle with Cadance. "So, when should I pick you up on Friday?"
"I'll just meet you when you get off work. How's that sound?"
"Sounds perfect. So, are you excited?"
"YES!!!" Cadance answered with a jump nearly five feet in the air. "I've never heard music like that! Sapphire was amazing."
"She was, and we'll get to see Star sing too. Wait, what do you mean you've never heard music like that?"
Cadance's mood took a tiny swing backwards as she recollected her memories. "What I mean is that all I've ever heard in my life is classical stuff. I've only heard orchestras. I've only heard what's played at galas and other high-class events. A lot of 'fancy stuff'," she said with air quotes. "Don't get me wrong it's beautiful and all... but... like I said, it's all I've ever known."
Shining Armor couldn't form words for a few seconds after this bit of information. He never forgot about her being a princess. Truth be told, that little fact is what made his relationship with her seem more like a dream to him with each passing day. Which is how he came to understand why she never traveled that far from the castle, and why she didn't know what a donut was. But this spoke new levels of how little Cadance was truly exposed to.
"You've been kept from a lot, haven't you?"
Cadance sighed a bit in defeat before she answered. "More than I'd like to admit." She let out another sigh and hung her head a bit.
"Well you knowwwww, I can fix that."
Cadance perked her head up rapidly to see a warm and inviting smile from Shining Armor as he took her hoof in his.
"Cadance, you've made me so happy these last few days by just being around me, and letting me call you my marefriend, and I wanna show you just how much you mean to me. So, I'm gonna show you what you've been missing out on."
Cadance looked at Shining Armor for a few seconds, not entirely sure how to react. She didn't really know how much she had missed before she met Shining. And how in Equestria he was gonna show her everything, she didn't know. But one thing she did know was that she could trust him, and that fact alone is what made her smile return and her lips to land on Shining Armor's. It was a surprise, but it was a very welcome one to Shining Armor.
After a few seconds, Cadance broke away and gave her signature smile. "You really are just too good to me."
No response was needed from him. Just that smile on Shining Armor's face was all it took for Cadance to know that what she said meant a lot to him. They continued their walk in silence with each others heads resting on the other. After a few minutes, they arrived at the front doors of Canterlot Castle.
"Shining, you know you don't have to walk me home every time," Cadance brought up as she opened the doors with her magic.
"I know, but I want to."
Wow, Cadance really did have a great colt with her. How she got so lucky, she didn't know. "Good night, Shining Armor."
"Night, Cadance." With the closing of doors, Shining Armor spun around and headed home, propelled by his tail as tiny hearts that surrounded him kept him afloat.
Behind the doors, Cadance still bore her smile and was in the middle of sliding down the doors with a dreamy sigh.
"Well, well, sounds like somepony had a nice day," belled the motherly voice of Celestia from atop the stairwell.
Cadance looked up to see her aunt, smiling as well. "I did, Aunt Celestia. I really did." She let herself utter another dreamy sigh.
"Ugh, Cadance?" Celestia asked after noticing something off about her niece's appearance. "You're eyes are shaped like pink hearts again."
"Yeah, can you help me? All I see is pink right now."
***************
There was that feeling again, "floating." Throughout his semi-airborne trip back home brought about by tiny hearts, Shining Armor was in that blissful state once again. He didn't even notice the shocked glances he was receiving on account of a floating unicorn. It was thanks to this blissful state that Shining Armor's trip back home seemed shorter than ever as he floated over his porch steps and landed next to the door. It couldn't have been less than a second that he opened the door that he was pounced to the ground by a small lavender blur. When he looked up, he saw Twilight standing on top of him wearing what could only be described as the largest smile in Equestria.
"So I'm guessing something good happ--"
"Shining! PrincessCelestiagavemeatesttodayandIpassedandthensaidthatIgettoadvancetostrongermagicandinvited
metostayatthecastle!!!" Twilight managed to say in one breath.
"Twi, slow down, and can you get off my ribs?"
"Oh, sorry Shining." Twilight quickly hopped off Shining Armor and helped him up onto his hooves.
"So what did the Princess say?" Shining Armor asked his sister.
"What your sister was trying to say," Night Light started, coming from the living room to the doorway where Shining just stepped through, "is that Princess Celestia invited her to live in the castle while she studies with her."
"And we said yes," Twilight Velvet finished off, going to her husband's side and choking down another sob. "My baby girl's leaving home."
Twilight found herself gripped between her mother's forehooves in a rib-snapping hug.
"My baby girl's leaving home!" Velvet cried out again in a mix of joy and sorrow. "It's like college but better! My Twilight. My little Sparkle!"
"Mom!" Twilight managed to say through her mother's grey chest. "Choking! Not breathing!"
Quickly but hesitantly, Twilight Velvet released her little filly and watched her return to her normal breathing patterns. "I'm sorry, honey. It's just that I imagined you moving out in another ten years or so." New tears began to form in Velvet's eyes as she visibly tried to subdue another sob. "Now you're going off to the castle with the Princess." Velvet put a hoof to her mouth and let out another sob, but kept a small smile. "And I'm so proud of you, Twilight."
"We both are," Night Light added.
Twilight stood there, nearly on the verge of her own tears before she ran up to her parents and jumped into their hooves. "Thanks, Mom. Thanks, Dad."
Another set of hooves joined the family hug as Shining Armor wrapped his forelimbs around his little sister. "Twi-Lee, I'm so proud of you. Pretty soon you'll be the most powerful unicorn in Equestria."
"Awww c'mon, Shining. I'm not that good."
"I say this calls for a little celebration," Night Light spoke up, breaking the hug. "Twilight, what do you wanna do?"
"Can we go to the bookstore?" Twilight voiced out immediately with a large pleading smile.
"Of course, Twilight," Velvet assured before turning her attention to Shining Armor. "Shining, could you go and get Spike? This is something the whole family needs to celebrate. He's asleep in your room."
"On it, Mom." With a small salute, Shining Armor took off upstairs towards his room. Sure enough, there he was, a small sleeping bundle of purple and green.
"Wakey, wakey, Sleeping Beauty," Shining Armor whispered softly as he lifted Spike off of the bed with his magical grip and onto his back. The change of feel from the bed to Shining Armor's fur caused the little baby drake to flutter his eyes open and let out a soft yawn.
As annoying as Spike's draconic traits could be for Shining Armor, that little yawn from his little brother was something he always found adorable. It got him wondering whether or not Spike would stay home or go off with Twilight when the time came for her to move into the castle. The thought of both his siblings moving away started to shake him up, but at the same time he knew that he wouldn't want Twilight to be kept from what could be the greatest opportunity of her life, and if she wanted to take Spike along, it only made sense. She did hatch him after all.
'Twilight's moving out.' That one thought started to remind Shining Armor of something he realized during the day. 'Everypony around me is starting to do something with themselves.' And it was true. Stardust was pursuing some form of music performance. Twilight was taking her studies to the next level in the best way possible. Cadance would always be a princess. Even two ponies he just met today seemed to be making something of themselves. Metal Wave with his restaurant, and Sapphire taking the same road as Stardust. And where was he? Stuck as a library assistant.
"What do I do now?"
***************
'What do I do now?'
It was a question that Shining Armor tried not to think about the night before for the sake of making sure the night stayed focused on Twilight, but with a new day came another shift at the library, and that one question was banging on his head mercilessly.
Shining Armor found himself situated with another stack of books to shelve by the "Self Help" section of the library. Instead of shelving, Shining Armor was glancing through some of the books in the section, hoping to find some way to answer that lingering question in his head.
"'Sup, Shiny," came the voice of his soon to be ex-coworker.
Shining Armor looked up to see Stardust leaning against one of the shelves. "Hey, Star. Did you tell Ms. Paiges about your new job?"
"Yeah."
"How'd the old girl take it?"
"Oh, ya know. Wished me well, said she'll miss me, and then she gave me this as a parting gift." In her green magical aura, Stardust hovered a relatively thick blue book in front of Shining Armor's face.
A Loud Mare's Guide to Getting a Colt
"I'm not loud. Am I?"
Shining Armor looked away, darting his eyes anywhere but his friend's face. "Uggghhhh," he stalled.
"Oh, shut up." Stardust put her book aside and then took notice of the one in Shining Armor's hooves. "What'cha readin'?"
Shining Armor turned the book over to let Stardust see the title.
Career Searching for Dumb Dumbs
"Mind elaborating?"
"It's like you said, you don't want to be a library assistant for the rest of your life, and neither do I. But I still have no idea what I want to do. Meanwhile, everypony around me seems to be moving onto something better. You, Twilight. Hay, even Metal Wave and Sapphire."
"Shiny, ya don't need to make a huge deal of this right now. A bunch of ponies our age feel like ya do, but I know that you'll figure something out. Ya always do," Stardust reassured as she gave a few pats onto Shining Armor's back.
"You really think so?"
"I know so, Shiny. Now let's get these books shelved. Last two days until I start my new job," she finished off in a sing-song tone.
"Okay, Star."
'She always knows what to say.'
***************
"I saw that colt again, Jet Set!" sounded the stuffy voice of an olive-coated mare.
"You did? Do tell, dear," replied the mare's husband.
"He and Princess Cadance were sitting at the park together. I wanted to get closer to see this colt, but the pollen that day simply aggravated my allergies and I got very congested."
"Oh, Upper Crust, that's fine, but that does still raise the question as to who this colt is. Somepony who can get away with squirting a princess with whatever that ghastly looking food was must be very important."
Upper Crust nodded in agreement as she and Jet Set made their way through the streets of Canterlot.
"So, why do you need to go to the library, dear?" Jet Set asked his wife.
"Pish Posh asked me to pick up a book on fine art for her next art gallery opening. I do hope this one goes well," Upper Crust answered, nearing the steps of the library.
The couple trotted up the stairs and into the vast building of books, where they saw an old mare filing some check out and return records behind a desk.
Ms. Paiges looked up from her work to see the two posh ponies near her work area. "Can I help you two?" she asked kindly.
"Yes, can you tell us where the fine art section is?" Upper Crust replied.
"Oh, hold one second," the old mare said before reaching over her desk. "Shining Armor!" she called ahead of her. "Can you come here please?"
No less than two seconds later, Shining Armor was by his boss's side. "Yes, Ms. Paiges?"
"Can you show these two to the fine art section?" Ms. Paiges requested, showing Shining the two waiting ponies.
"Right this way," Shining Armor gestured with a hoof, taking lead towards one part of the library.
"Jet Set, is that him?" Upper Crust whispered to her side.
"It couldn't be. What would a princess see in some library assistant?"
"And here we are," Shining Armor said with a smile. "If you need any more help, just let me know."
"Actually," Jet Set began, "there's something I must ask you."
"Yes?"
"Were you at a restaurant called Lumiere des Ètoiles a few nights ago with Princess Cadance?"
"Yes," Shining answered simply.
"And were you with her again just yesterday at a park?" Upper Crust cut in, desperate for information.
"Yes?" Shining answered a little more nervously at the sudden inquiry of his romantic life.
Jet Set and Upper Crust exchanged amused glances that turned sour in a matter of nanoseconds.
"And you're a... library assistant?" Jet Set asked again, the disgust in his voice thinly covered.
"Uh-huh," Shining replied, causing the two ponies by him to look at each other again with a disgusted look on their faces.
"A little warning, kid," Upper Crust sneered at Shining Armor before letting her husband take over.
"Stick to mares of your own class." |
The Brother and The Sitter | Good Girl | Good Girl
"Stick to mares of your own class."
It was a sneer that scraped Shining Armor's ears like the sharpest of knives, and bucked him in the gut like the strongest of bucks, but that wasn't the only thing bothering him. After Jet Set and Upper Crust's cruel warning to him, they had the nerve to still expect him to help them like, as they put it, "The library assistant that he is."
The worst part of it was that he still helped them with their book before they trotted off with their noses raised in the air. Why he did it, he still didn't know. It could've been their condemning glances. It could've been that he still needed this job and couldn't risk impulsively bucking their faces to a pulp, no matter how great it would've felt at the moment. Whatever the reason, he didn't know.
'What just happened?' Being the initial reaction, and everything after feeling like he got spat on like he was a lesser pony. For the sake of not letting Stardust worry, and partially for the safety of the two ponies that degraded him if Stardust did find out, he kept the event to himself the rest of the day. All would've been fine and dandy, but he just had to have a good friend that knew when something was wrong.
"Okay, Shiny. What's up? Ya were a little off the whole day." Stardust stood right in front of Shining Armor when they both exited the library, a determination in her fierce green eyes to find out what was wrong with her friend.
"Nothing," Shining answered a little too quickly for it to be true.
Stardust stared him down, making Shining Armor feel like a foal about to get a verbal lashing from his mother. "Shiny," she dragged out, adding to the stress on Shining Armor.
"I told you! It's nothing," he lied, this time more meekly. He tried to step out of the way, maybe try to make a dash towards his home before Stardust could catch up to him, but with each step, Stardust matched it, blocking him from going anywhere.
After about ten attempts to break for home, Shining Armor stood still, trying to read Stardust's next move, but found it to be a futile effort as he could only read the fierce determination in her eyes. He sighed in defeat before eyeing his friend again. "You're not gonna let this go, are you?"
"Ya know I'm not," Stardust answered strongly. "So," she said, relaxing a bit, "ya gonna spill?"
Knowing it was pointless to try and get out of this one, Shining Armor slumped down onto his haunches and let out a defeated grunt. "Fine. But you have to promise not to tell anypony, or get mad, especially promise not to get mad!"
"Promise," Stardust assured.
Feeling it was safe to tell her, Shining Armor explained to Stardust about the two posh ponies and their barrage of questions about him. Stardust listened intently to pinpoint what caused her friend's off behavior, and when she heard the part about what they said to him, it took all of her self control to try and not blow a fuse, but even that didn't stop her face from contorting into one of pure rage.
"Star?" Shining Armor gestured his hoof up and down in a calming motion. "You promised, remember?"
Her contorted face of rage remained for a few seconds as Stardust tried to gather any ounce of calmness that could be found, only coming up with a few. "I know," she said with a forced calming tone. "Just give me a second," she asked with a raised hoof. She closed her eyes and took in a few breaths and let them out, slowly helping the her calm down to her former state.
As her deep inhales and exhales ceased, Shining Armor came closer to his friend with some nervousness. "Star? You okay now?"
Stardust opened her eyes and stared at Shining Armor for a few seconds. "Ya lucky you made me promise," she slightly laughed out, "otherwise, you'd probably have to pick me up from prison in five or ten years."
Deciding not to dwell on what Stardust meant by that, Shining Armor pushed the what he guess was reassurance aside and gave a nervous laugh. Stardust however put on a more serious face, letting him know that that matter at hoof was still a serious one.
"Ya did say somethin' back, right?"
She got no response. Shining Armor looked around as he nervously kicked at the ground with a hoof.
"Right?" Stardust pressed on. "Ya didn't just let them say that and get away wit it, right?"
"Well... not exactly. I mean, well... ughhh," Shining rambled, avoiding the pressing look Stardust gave him, but his stumbling is what gave him away. That alone was what made her throw her head back with a pained look on her face.
"Shiny," she exhaled with disapproval.
"What was I supposed to do? Buck them in the face?"
"That's what I woulda done!"
"Well I'm not you, Star. Yes, what they said stung, but they're not worth it," Shining tried to argue.
"They basically said ya weren't good enough for Cadance!" Stardust pointed out with a raise of volume in her voice.
"It's not that big of a deal. I've dealt with them before."
Shining Armor knew very few things could keep Stardust quiet, and that last sentence was one of them. Stardust stood still, her eyes wide, her pupils miniscule, and her mouth half open. After a few moments of awkward silence, Stardust nearly boomed out her question.
"Ya went through that before?!?"
"Nononono... well, yeah, but they weren't talking about me," Shining Armor quickly answered back, but his quick answer only raised Stardust's suspicions. She gave him that look again, one that told him he'd better start spilling or she'd find out another way.
Shining Armor let out a sigh before he dove into his story. "It was a few months ago when Spike was finally able to come home with us. Princess Celestia cared for him for a couple months after Twilight hatched him, and then one day she told us we'd be able to take him home." A smile made its way onto his face as he remembered that day. "It was one of the best days of my life. I was getting a little brother!"
Stardust couldn't help but let her penetrating gaze drop a bit to allow a smile on her face. Shining Armor was relishing in the memory, but his mood shifted as he recalled something else.
"But not everypony was happy with it. I didn't notice at first, but after about a week of taking Twilight to the castle for her lessons with the Princess, I started to notice some ponies looking at me weirdly." Shining's smile from earlier turned into a slight scowl, and his tone took a more venomous form. "It was always the same group of ponies, the ones living near the castle. All the nobles and all the snobs. Everytime I dropped Twilight off at the castle and walked to work with Spike, they gave me... well not really me, but him this glare. I kept thinking to myself how they could all be angry at an infant, and I figured it was because he was different, something they saw as a lesser creature."
Stardust listened intently, not wanting to believe it, but at the same time not very surprised.
"Then one day, one stallion came up and asked me, 'How can you go around carrying a little monster like that around?'"
Stardust gasped and her frown grew, rage increasing dangerously. Since her move to Canterlot a few years back, she realized that Canterlot ponies were about as snobbish as the high up socialites in Manehatten, but these ponies were a different story. She couldn't believe they could call an infant a monster.
"I didn't mean to hurt him that much, but I just lost it after he said that and I slugged him in the face."
Stardust snorted as she tried to hold in a laugh. The thought of Shining Armor actually slugging somepony in the face was an image she honestly couldn't imagine. "That shut 'em up, I'm guessin'."
"No," Shining answered simply with a tone that indicated more, "more ponies just kept giving Spike that glare. I even told some of them off, but they still glared and looked down on him. Thank Celestia he couldn't understand all of that."
"My gosh! How could they do that?!?" Stardust asked with more fury in her voice than before.
"That's the Canterlot elite, Star. They take down anything they don't approve of, and they'll always pick out something they don't like. Ironically it's how Spike and I moved on."
The confused look on Stardust's face was enough to prompt Shining Armor to continue on. "Basically one day, the glares just stopped. They were all focused on something else that came around that they didn't like."
"Well, looks like you're the newest thing, Shiny," Star said with uneasiness. "Wait, how do ya know those two ponies at the library were elitists?"
"I recognized the stallion's face. He's a big time business-pony in town, Jet Set, and the mare was his wife, Upper Crust," Shining answered.
"Just because they're rich doesn't mean ya hafta put up with that. Ya gotta tell somepony, or at least tell Cadance."
"NO!" Shining Armor blurted, waving his forelimbs frantically. "I don't want her to worry about this! Besides, it was just two ponies and odds are, they'll find something else to hate in the next week."
"Shiny, ya can't let them do this to ya and get away wit it," Stardust tried to argue, but Shining Armor was managing to pull out the shreds of stubbornness he had to fight back.
"Star, I just don't want Cadance, or anypony else for that matter to blow this out of proportion. It's just a few words, I can handle that. I'm stronger than I look. And they won't get away with it. When they find something else to snap at, next time Spike sheds some dead scales, I'll slip them in their fur when they return the book they checked out."
Stardust gave him a worried look. A big part of her wanted to tell him to stop pretending like it was nothing, but Shining Armor was practically begging her not to. She could see it in his eyes. Before he could try the puppy dog eyes again, she agreed to not tell.
"Fine, Shiny. I won't tell anypony... but I'm helpin' out wit that dead scale plan."
"Deal," Shining replied with a smile.
Stardust sighed, and with a turn of her body, started her walk home. "The things I do for ya, Shiny."
"Hey, you're the one who wouldn't let me through!" Shining argued, trotting alongside her.
"I know," she smirked, "though I'm surprised I actually stopped ya."
"What do you mean?"
"I'm just sayin', you're better at magic than me, ya could've just..." she turned her head, showing Shining Armor her sly grin he became used to, "...teleported away." She turned her head and continued her trot home, snickering a bit as she left Shining Armor behind in a daze. Feeling really stupid now, he brought a hoof to his forehead with a loud *THUNK!
***************
"So when should me and Cadance get to 'Metal's Place' on Friday?"
"Get there around 8:00. Don't worry 'bout a table, I already got Wave to save a spot for you guys."
Shining Armor and Stardust were nearing Shining's house as Celestia was about ready to set the sun. Shining Armor moved up the stairs to his front porch and called out to his friend before she began to head to her own home.
"Star, can you at least tell me what you're gonna sing?"
"Ya know I like to surprise ponies, Shiny," she answered coyly. "But I'll give ya a hint."
"What?" Shining asked leaning off the stairs.
"Remember Comet Crush?"
"Yeah, why?"
"You'll see, Shiny," she said in a sing-song voice before trotting away, leaving Shining Armor to his own realization.
"Well this should be good," he said under his breath. With a flick of magic, Shining opened the front door and stepped in to see Twilight, Spike, and Cadance by a various assortment of boxes. Some full and some empty.
"Hey, Shining Armor!" Twilight voiced out in glee as she placed another empty box on what appeared to be a box fort.
"Hey, Twi-Lee. Ughhh, mind explaining?" Shining asked as he took in the box fort.
"I was helping Twilight pack her stuff for her move into the castle in a few days," Cadance explained. "Then we took a break to make this little box fort."
"Little!?" Shining gasped when he looked again at the towering fortress of cardboard.
"Isn't it awesome? After we finished, Cadance crowned me and Spike Princess and Prince of Boxtopia," Twilight beamed, pointing to the paper crowns are her and Spike's heads. "We also came up with a little password to get into the fort."
Twilight rushed to Cadance's side and both started bouncing about, chanting the same thing in perfect unison.
"Sunshine, sunshine, ladybugs awake.
Clap your hooves and do a little shake."
They finished off with high pitched laughs as the dragon next to them tried his best to imitate their movements, ultimately he just ended up clapping his claws and drooling.
"Awww, cute," Shining Armor adored before turning to the boxes actually full of Twilight's things. About two of them contained necessities, toys, and other foal-hood items, but the other thirty or so boxes contained nothing but books. "So did you already pack up all your books, Twi-Lee?"
"Are you kidding? That's only a quarter of all my books," Twilight answered, unknowingly causing her brother to internally faint at the thought of how many boxes he'd have to lug to the castle.
He was broken out of his fearful state when the soft yawns of Spike filled the room.
"Awww, looks like the wittle Pwince is all tuckered out," Cadance said in her 'Ootzie Cutezie' voice.
Spike was, in fact, tuckered out. He gave another yawn and lightly passed out on the floor with his paper crown stuck to the barely protruding spines on his head. Shining Armor came up to the sleeping drake and gently lifted him onto his back with his magic.
"I'll take him upstairs," he told Twilight.
"Okay, Shining. And then we need to pack up the rest of my books," Twilight called back.
"Sure thing, Twi-Lee." He turned towards the stairs and trotted up to his room and let his smile drop, 'Stupid books.'
Once in his room, Shining Armor discovered all of Spike's things; teething toys, picture books, and even his crib were laid out in his room. Which made sense considering that Twilight's room looked like a twister ravaged the place. Guess moving involved more mess than he thought.
Shining walked over to the crib and placed Spike in, tucking him in gently behind purple blankets. He couldn't help but smile as he saw how peaceful Spike looked, just lightly snoring away without a care in the world. It was something Shining would miss when Spike would move in with Twilight. It had been the night before when he and his family went to the bookstore that Twilight decided she wanted to take Spike with her. It only made sense, her having hatched him and all, but still, a part of him still wanted the little dragon around.
"I'm gonna miss you, bro," he whispered, patting his scales lightly.
Spike laughed out a bit before squirming in his blankets. Either her knew Shining Armor was there, or he was having a dream, but the little infant opened his mouth ever so slightly, and in the softest, littlest voice, he whispered back.
"Shining."
Shining stood still, trying very hard not to yell or jump in surprise as to not wake Spike up, but his mind was racing and his heart fluttered. Spike just said his name... for the very first time. Shining's smile couldn't have been wider, but leave it to him to think of other events to sour the moment. True, Spike just said Shining's name, but the fact that the little guy was leaving in a few days is what made the moment bittersweet for the unicorn. He'd be losing his brother, and he didn't even have him as long as he had Twilight. He'd miss her too. He's miss them both. He's miss them more than anything. It wasn't like they were going away forever, but seeing everything around him change, knowing they'd be away from him, it's what scared Shining more than anything.
He looked on at the little dragon in the crib, his smile returning a little bit. "Just because you're leaving, doesn't mean I can't spend time with you." He sat to his haunches and started to gently rock Spike's crib back and forth.
How long he was there, he must've lost track because it wasn't until Cadance popped into the room that Shining Armor ceased the rocking.
"Shining?"
"Hmm?" he asked back with a turn of his head to see his marefriend approaching him.
"You okay? You've been up here for awhile." Cadance stopped on the other side of the crib and looked down at the sleeping dragon.
"Oh yeah, sorry. I just figured I'd spend a little time with my baby bro while I still can." Shining went back to rocking Spike's crib again, never taking his eyes off Spike and his soft snores. Cadance couldn't help but noticed that even though he was smiling, behind his eyes was a sadness he was trying to fight.
She looked between the sleeping drake and her coltfriend, making the connection rather quickly. "You're gonna miss him, aren't you?"
"Yeah," he answered, not meeting Cadance's eyes, "Him and Twi-Lee."
The room fell silent again, save for the creaks from Spike's rocking crib. Shining's face remained the same, a smile that hid a sadness that could only be felt by a sibling losing another sibling.
"They'll miss you too, Shining," Cadance spoke softly, this time gaining Shining Armor's attention with a snap of his head upwards.
"I know. It's just that... well... it's weird. Knowing that two ponies, er, well one pony and a dragon... you know what I mean, are leaving you. I know not forever, but still. It's weird."
Cadance put on her best supportive smile and came to Shining's side, leaning against him. "Shining. You're an amazing brother and an amazing pony, and you're always gonna be an amazing brother and pony. That's something Twilight and Spike will never ever forget, and they'll always have a special place in their hearts for you wherever they end up. Just like I know you'll have a special place in your heart for them wherever you go."
Shining was lost for words.Though it sounded like a lecture one might hear from their mother, Cadance's sage-like words sunk in and, at least in part, alleviated his worries. It still sounded a little strange coming from someone as young as Cadance. "When did you become so wise?"
"My aunt's been cramming life lessons into my head. Something about helping my future subject's out in times of crisis," she answered playfully.
Beautiful, kind, and growing wiser everyday, Shining couldn't help but think that he hit the jackpot with Cadance. "Thanks, Cadance."
"Any time." Cadance leaned in further into Shining Armor and gave him a quick peck on the cheek, causing the colt to blush.
'Wherever you go.' That one phrase was still gnawing at Shining Armor's mind. Where would he go? It was something that had been weighing on his mind lately, and it was showing on his face.
"There's something else isn't there?"
Shining faced Cadance, his brow raise and his eyes full of cluelessness. "Huh?"
"Something else is bothering you, isn't there?"
"H-H-How'd you know?"
"I can read your face like a book. You always have this certain face when something's bugging you. Like how when you tried to ask me out the first few months you knew me," she answered with a sly grin.
Shining did his best to forget about that face Cadance was picturing, but failed miserably as images of many many failures resurfaced in his mind that caused that face. A face he knew all too well, and apparently one Cadance knew too. From his reddened face, he spoke again. "You remember that?"
"Oh don't worry, Shining. You still looked cute." The two quietly muffled their laughs before Cadance tried to get Shining Armor to talk to her. "So what's wrong?"
Two things were wrong. Earlier today he got a verbal lashing from two prissy ponies, and he felt as if he's accomplishing nothing while everypony else seems to be starting their own lives. He couldn't tell Cadance about earlier today, so he went with the other issue that's been on his mind lately.
"Well, I've just been wondering about what I'm gonna do. Ponies I know are already starting to make something of themselves, and I'm still stuck wondering what the hay I even want to do."
Cadance could tell this was something recently bugging him. She wanted to offer more help, but trying to whisper advice near a sleeping dragon in the middle of foal-sitting didn't exactly create the perfect atmosphere for possible life-changing advice.
"Shining." The colt in question faced his marefriend and saw that she was still stroking his hoof and still bore that caring smile. "I can tell what you're getting at, and I wanna help, but I don't think trying to talk it out in your brother's room while he's asleep is the best place."
Shining looked down at Spike, still snoring and giggling in his sleep. "Good point," he whispered.
"I got an idea," Cadance slightly spoke up. "Remember when we were helping Metal Wave with setup, and he said that after the opening, him and Joe were gonna have a little celebration at Joe's for the staff?"
Shining nodded before Cadance continued on. "Well, he told me we were invited since we helped out, so why don't we go over, mingle a bit, then we sit down and sort this whole thing out?"
Shining didn't answer at first. Instead he surprised Cadance when his lips met hers in a grateful kiss. When he pulled away, both were wearing wide grins.
"You are so smart, you know that?" Shining complemented, causing the pink mare to blush.
"And you are so nice," she cooed back. The two started to lean in for another kiss when the creaking of a door cut through the silence. The two ponies turned to see Twilight in the doorway with a forelimb covering her face.
"Ewwwww, grooooss," the little filly groaned out. "Can you two stop and help me with the rest of my books?" Twilight half-asked and half-whined.
Shining Armor and Cadance quickly scooted away from each other and hopped onto their hooves. "Alright, Twilight," Cadance replied with a playful tone. Twilight made her way to her bedroom with Cadance following.
Shining Armor got to the doorway of his room and stopped to glance back at the crib. "Night, Spike." As gently as he could, he closed the door before walking to his sister's room. It was there that he saw what awaited him... books. Lots and lots of books.
"Better get started," he grumbled slightly, heading to a station of the room labeled "Shining Armor" on a sticky-note in a certain filly's hoofwriting.
At his station, stacked in a borderline OCD neatness, were large masses of books with a few empty boxes lying near. Simple enough. With the glow of his magic, Shining Armor brought book after book and gently placed them in the boxes. After about an hour, the three magic users filled up a large number of boxes, actually making a dent in the amount of books needed to be packed. Shining Armor was actually done with this part of the room, so he moved to the area Twilight and Cadance were working at.
"So what's this pile?" Shining asked Twilight.
"Just some of my newer books," Twilight answered. Shining replied with a relieved sigh. Not too many left to go through. Books began to float again, and each "newer" book, as Twilight dubbed them, Shining Armor actually recognized, but one in particular caught his eye. He floated an expensive looking tome to his face. It had a red covering with what almost looked like golden edges all around the corners and sides. "Twi-Lee, when did you get this book?"
Twilight quickly glanced at the book in her brother's lavender aura. For a split second, her eyes grew to the size of plates, but she hoped that if she answered, he wouldn't ask a follow up question. "When we all went out to celebrate me getting invited to the castle," she responded truthfully.
Curious, Shining Armor flipped to the cover page, and in the corner of the page read price. "Fifty bits!" he yelled out. Mom and Dad payed that much for a book?!?"
She could've just said "yes" and could've gotten away with it, but she was a terrible liar. "No, I bought it myself."
Both Cadance and Shining Armor snapped their heads to Twilight's direction to the news. "Where'd you get fifty bits from?"
Twilight glanced back and forth between Cadance, Shining Armor, and anywhere else. She started fidgeting with her hooves, and laughing nervously.
"Ugghhh... heh-heh, ugh funny story."
***************
Friday night came faster than most other Fridays for Shining Armor. Why? The answer was simple, his best friend was finally getting her chance on stage. Sure it wasn't like a stadium, but something is better than nothing.
With the evening sun casting a golden glow through Canterlot, ponies were either scurrying on home, or coming out to enjoy the soon to be night life of the city. Two ponies in particular were on their way to a grand opening.
"So what does a veggie burger taste like?" Cadance asked her coltfriend beside her.
"Somehow I knew you were gonna ask that. Basically, it's an awesome sandwich. Trust me, you'll love it."
"So did Stardust tell you what she's gonna sing?"
"No, but she gave me a hint, and if I'm guessing right, it's gonna be good."
"What was the hint?"
"That it's got something to do with her ex-coltfriend, Comet Crush." Memories of that pony resurfaced as Shining explained, and from the look on his face, Cadance could tell it didn't end well.
"What happened?" she inquired.
With a hoof on his chin, Shining began to recall the whole crash and burn of that relationship. "It was about a few weeks after I met you. Me and Star were hanging out at Joe's, and she met this unicorn colt, Comet Crush. He seemed like a really nice guy and those two really hit it off. Soon enough they started dating, kissing, hugging, kinda like us now... but," with a twist in facial expression and a hesitant tone, Shining continued, "after about two months of dating, Star wanted to surprise him at his work with a song she wrote for him, and when she went to go see him, she saw him... making out with another mare."
Cadance gasped when Shining finished and her eyes grew wide. "Oh my gosh! How did she take it?" she asked with concern.
"Actually, she took it pretty well. When she told me the next day, and when I asked her if she was sad, you know what she said?" Cadance nodded her head side to side. "She said 'Why cry over a sleaze?'"
As the words sank in, Cadance couldn't help but have a high respect for Shining's friend. "Wow, she's a tough mare."
"You have no idea," Shining mused.
"So do you think there'll be a table left?"
"Don't worry. Star told me she got Metal Wave to save one for us." He gave her a reassuring smile, and the two continued their way to "Metal's Place".
The restaurant itself still looked the same as they first saw it on the outside. The same wooden structure, same blue painted sign, and the same window, but inside, that was a different story. Hearth's Warming lights decorated the ceiling in a colorful display, and the entire place was packed with hungry ponies digging into, what Shining Armor could tell by the face stuffing, were some very good burgers.
"Shiny! Cadance." From nearly out of nowhere, Stardust popped up in front of Shining Armor and Cadance wearing a new black and white waitress outfit with her wavy blue and white mane tied in a ponytail.
"Hey, Star," Shining greeted. He gave the place another look around. "Dang, this place is packed."
"The food here's awesome, Shiny. C'mon, Wave saved ya a table." With a gesture of her hoof, she led the couple to a table with a great view of the small stage right next to the juice bar. "I'll go get'cha guys some drinks. Sweet tea good?"
Cadance and Shining Armor nodded, and Stardust disappeared somewhere in the restaurant, returning a minute later with two glasses of sweet tea and two menus.
"Thanks, Star." Shining quickly began to sip at his drink.
"No prob, Shiny. Just glad you and Cady made it."
"Cady?" Cadance repeated to Stardust.
"Yeah, mind if I start callin' ya that?"
Cadance wasn't used to nicknames, at least not ones that weren't given to her by her aunt that she'd rather not let the world know. To hear another pony suggest one was like gaining a friend, so she hopped on. "No I don't mind. Cady it is."
Stardust beamed at the new nickname for her new friend. When she was about to speak, the Hearth's Warming lights that coated the ceiling all dimmed, and a green earth pony colt looking around Shining, Stardust, and Cadance's age appeared on stage.
"Hello everypony," he spoke loudly, a spotlight shining on his brown and black mane, "My name is Cymbal Crash. I am one of your lovely waiters here and I'd like to welcome you to the grand opening of 'Metal's Place'."
A small round of stomps came from the patrons along with cheers of applause.
"Thank you," Cymbal Crash continued, "Now, as advertised outside, there is live music for your entertainment, and first up tonight is one of our lovely waitresses. So give a stomp of applause for Sapphire Shores!"
Another round of stomps came on, and Sapphire made her way up the stage, nervousness present at first, but quickly melted away when she approached the mic.
She looked at her crowd before a stronger, more confident Sapphire emerged.
"One, Two, Three, Four!"
Background music from a few stereos blasted, and she let loose.
"All the single fillies! All the single fillies!
All the single fillies! All the single fillies!"
Applause arose from the crowd like Sapphire controlled them.
"Wow, look at her go!" Shining awed through the music. "What do you think, sweety?" Shining asked Cadance.
If she heard him, she didn't really pay attention. Cadance was busy dancing in her seat like a spasmodic pony... and Shining Armor didn't care, she was enjoying herself. Plus it was kinda funny for him seeing his marefriend dance like an idiot, it made him feel better about his own limited skills.
As Sapphire's song continued, ponies in the restaurant continued to cheer, sing along, and dance in place. It was like a three and a half minute dance party with food.
"If you liked it, then ya shoulda put a band on it
Oh, Oh, Oh!"
Sapphire finished of with a big note full of attitude, gaining the applause of everypony in the restaurant.
"She was awesome!" Cadance yelled through the applause to Stardust and Shining Armor.
"I know!" Stardust yelled back. "And I'm up next!"
Shining turned to his friend with an anticipating smile. "Go! I've been waiting since the day we helped set up."
"Okay! First I need ya orders."
"Just give us..." with a quick glance at the menu, Shining mentally marked his and Cadance's orders, "two orders of the 'Original Veggie Burger' and hay fries."
"Got it." With the orders down, Stardust took the menus and ran up to the nearest order counter to deliver the order.
"Thank you, Sapphire," Cymbal Crash said after taking to the stage again. "Wasn't she wonderful, everypony?"
Another round of stomps answered that question positively. "I know, she was. And next up to take the stage, another one of our lovely waitresses, also filled with attitude."
Stardust made it to the bottom of the stage and took hold of a guitar she brought along to work.
"Give a stomp of applause for possibly your waitress, Stardust!" Cymbal Crash finished off, letting Stardust onto the stage.
She rose to her hind legs and took to the mic. Her guitar; it wasn't the one Shining Armor was used to. No, this blue and white painted electric guitar was the one Stardust brought out for what she dubbed, "Warning Songs."
"Hello, everypony. My name's Stardust, and I just got a little question for the mares in the room." She paused and looked around, seeing a large number of mares in the room.
"How many of you have been in a relationship?" A large mass of hooves rose up at Stardust's question. "Okay. Now how many of you have been cheated on?" she asked again with a little more edge in her voice. Some hooves went down, but those that remained up belonged to some grumbling mares.
"Okay, okay. A few a' ya. I've been there, and ya know? I got ova' him pretty quick and instead of bein' angry, I worried more for the mare he cheated with. She probably thinks she's got a good colt with her, that he won't break her heart, but you know what they say about cheaters. So, here's a song for those kind of mares."
With a few strong strums of her guitar that now connected to an amp on stage, Stardust let herself dive into the music and her own emotions, and in a voice strong and melodious, she let loose.
"Hey, good girl (Hey, good girl)
With your head in the clouds
I bet'cha I can tell ya
What you're thinkin' about
Ya see a good colt (Ya see a good colt)
Gonna give ya the world
But he's gonna leave ya cryin'
With your heart in the dirt
His lips are drippin' honey
But he'll sting ya like a bee
So lock up all ya love and
Go and throw away the key
Hey good girl (Hey, good girl)
Get out while ya can
I know ya think you got a good one
Why, why ya gotta be so blind?
Won't 'cha open up your eyes?
It's just a matter of time, 'til ya find
He's no good, girl
No good for you
Ya better get to gettin' to your goodbyes now, and go, go, go
Yeah yeah yeah, he's low
Yeah yeah yeah."
Taking a break from the mic for a few seconds, Stardust started to strum stronger and heavier in her guitar, showing off what she could do, and it was blowing the crowd away.
Finally, she re-approached the mic, and sang away with more ferocity, flipping her mane wildly as she played and sang.
"Oh, he's no good, girl
Why can't ya see?
He'll take your heart and break it
Listen to me, yeah
Why, why ya gotta be so blind?
Won't 'cha open up your eyes?
Just a matter of time, 'til ya find
He's no good, he's no good
Won't 'cha open up your eyes?
Just a matter of time, 'til ya find
He's no good, girl
No good for you
Ya better get to gettin' to your goodbyes now."
The crowd sat silent for a few seconds before bursting into an uproar of applause.
Stardust stood on stage panting lightly, but bore her biggest smile to date as she saw her two friends frantically applauding from their table.
"Well, wasn't that something!" exclaimed Cymbal Crash after coming onto the stage. "Stardust, everypony."
With a slight bow, Stardust returned to all fours and took her guitar in her magical grip before descending the stage, a stomp of applause following.
"That was lovely, wasn't it? Well, we've got more talent to show later on and good food to serve, so enjoy, everypony." Cymbal clambered off the state to return to his waitering, and Stardust made a break for the order counter after placing her guitar down by the stage. There, a few plates awaited her.
With a solid grip on the plates with her magic, she returned to grinning faces at Shining Armor and Cadance's table.
"Holy CRAP! You were AWESOME!" Shining yelled out.
"That was AMAZING!" Cadance added in.
"Awww, thanks guys."
"Is that ours?" Cadance asked with a hoof pointed to the food behind Stardust.
"Oh, no. This is another table's. Yours should be out soon enough."
"Stardust!"
The mare in question turned her head to see her boss, Metal Wave, standing behind the juice bar mixing colorful fluids. "Is that table twelve's order?"
"Yep. I was just tellin' these two when their food should be out."
Metal Wave looked to the ponies Stardust was pointing to. "Oh, hey guys."
Cadance and Shining Armor greeted the new restaurateur and Stardust hurried off to another table.
"So how're you guys liking the new place?"
"Looking pretty nice," Shining answered with another look of the restaurant.
"What did you think of Sapphire and Stardust?" Cadance asked Metal Wave.
"I'm not a big pop fan, and I hate country, but those two were amazing enough to almost make me want to listen to the actual songs... almost," he finished with a smirk, drawing an unamused look from Shining Armor.
"Yo, barkeep!" A few bangs on the other side of the bar called Metal's attention to a thirsty customer.
"Duty calls." Metal rushed over to the other side of the bar, leaving Cadance and Shining's sight.
"I like country," Shining Armor said to no one specifically a little defensively.
With the Hearth's Warming lights now a bit brighter, Shining Armor was able to fully take in the scene around him. He saw full tables, ponies digging into their food, and more waiters and waitresses than he saw the day he and Cadance helped set the place up. The food looked really good from what he was able to see. Fresh off the grill, and smelling fresh and ready to eat.
Cadance seemed be intrigued by the aromas of hay fries and burgers as well. "Mmmmm, smells good."
"And they'll taste good." Coming from another table, Stardust brought two plates of the steaming sandwiches and the crisp fries. "Eat up, guys. I've got some more tables to get to." As quickly as she came, Stardust disappeared in a crowd of tables and ponies.
The plates were hot, the steam that rose from the meal gave off a blissful aroma, and the fries, crisp and delectable looking. This left the two ponies with one thing left to do... eat.
***************
Cadance sat inside "Joe's Donuts" with two things on her mind; donuts and how to help Shining Armor. He had been nothing but good to her and continues to a wonderful coltfriend. Taking her to places she's never been, getting her out into the city, and exposing her to new things. She only wants it to last, and to be able to help him whenever he needed.
The rest of the time they spent back at Metal's place went off without a hitch, except for when ponies started to finally realize that the Princess Cadance was in their presence, leading to a mass bowing and another explanation of being a regular pony. True, it did get a little exhausting, but it came with the territory,
The small gathering at "Joe's Donuts" was nothing big. Just donuts, jokes, hot chocolate, and mingling. After about a half hour of that, Cadance got herself and Shining a table by a window while Shining got him and Cadance some donuts and hot chocolate. Dinner, music, and finally dessert... not a bad way to spend a Friday night.
Shining Armor returned with two plates of donuts and two steaming mugs of hot chocolate. He sat down with an anticipating smile before he noticed the caring look in Cadance's eyes.
"Yes, Cadance?" he asked innocently.
"Shining, remember what I said I'd help you with tonight?"
Now it came back to him, and he was glad it did. The last thing he wanted was to go on longer not knowing what to do with himself.
"Oh, yeah." He slumped a little in his seat with a perplexed look. "So, how am I supposed to know what I'm gonna do?"
"Well," Cadance began, "there's always one thing a pony can turn to when they don't know what to make of themselves." Shining listened intently, as if this advice would change him forever. "It's something we all get when we realize our special talent." She gestured downwards at her flank, specifically at the images of crystal hearts on her flank. Shining looked down at his own flank to see a deep blue shield hovered above by three lighter blue stars, and centered by a larger deep pink star.
"My cutie mark," he concluded.
"Yeah. How'd you get it?"
"How'd I get it?" Shining started to pull his thoughts together about that crazy yet fateful day. "Well, it was a few weeks after Twilight was born..."
> Mark of a Defender
Mark of a Defender
"Well, it was a few weeks after Twilight was born..."
***************
A few years ago...
***************
"Shining Armor, honey, can you go and get the honey oats from that shelf over there?"
"Sure thing, mom." Shining Armor walked away from his mom and went up to one of the shelves and used his magic to lift a box of honey oats into a small basket carried in his mother's own magic.
It was a calm and peaceful Sunday morning in Canterlot, and many ponies were out and about doing whatever it was they normally did on Sunday mornings. Shining Armor and Twilight Velvet, well, mostly Twilight Velvet, had decided to spend the morning doing some grocery shopping at a nearby supermarket.
Already in the basket was a mountain of new diapers and other foal stuff for the baby foal strapped around Twilight Velvet's chest, little Twilight Sparkle.
"Hey, Twi-Lee," gushed the young colt at his new baby sister.
Twilight replied with tiny laughs and squeals.
Shining Armor proceeded to get these laughs out of Twilight as he covered his eyes with his forehooves. "Where's Shining? Where's Shining?" The little lavender foal looked around frantically as she tried to find her brother. "Here I am!" Shining exclaimed after removing his hooves from his eyes.
Twilight bounced a bit in her foal holder as she giggled after 'finding' Shining Armor.
"Awwww, that is so cute, Shining. Do it again so I can get a picture," Velvet said as she dug through her grocery basket.
"Moooom," Shining droned.
"Just one picture," Velvet responded as she pulled out a disposable camera she intended to buy from the basket.
"Mom, you can't use a camera you haven't bought yet."
"Hey, I've given birth twice. I can do what I want."
Shining Armor shuddered at the mention of foalbirth. She always resorted to that same excuse whenever he protested with her. "Aw, mom. Why do you always bring that one up?"
"Because it works," Velvet answered with a smirk. "Now c'mon, play with Twilight."
Realizing it was pointless to argue, Shining Armor began another game of "Peek-A-Boo" with his little sister. "Where's Shining? Where's Shining?... Here I am!"
Twilight giggled some more and a single flash of light captured the moment forever.
"See? Was that so hard?" Velvet smirked.
Shining Armor answered with an eye roll that he made sure Velvet didn't see. She had warned him about doing that to her, but it was honestly more of a habit that he was trying to stop. His eyes landed on another box of honey oats that had an ad for one of those sweepstakes nopony ever wins on it, at least that's what he thought was on it. Upon closer inspection, he saw the small announcement on the bag.
"Honey Bee's Cutie Camp
Are you a filly or colt looking for your cutie mark? Come over to Honey Bee's Cutie Camp, where our Cutie Coaches work to help you find your destiny. Parent's permission required. Prices start at fifty bits for one week."
"Mom, look at this," Shining gestured with a hoof.
Twilight Velvet came over to look at the message on the box. She skimmed the message over and knew exactly what her son was getting at. After reading, she gave him something she called 'The Face'. A face that always let him know that the answer to what he wanted was a big, fat, relentless 'No'.
"But, mom, this could help me get my cutie mark," Shining tried to argue.
"Shining Armor, we've been through this. I know you're eager to get your cutie mark, but trying to force it with some..." Velvet paused and looked at the ad on the box, "... camp isn't going to work. You can't force these things, sweety."
"But I'm one of the oldest colts on our street without their cutie mark. They're colts younger than me who've already got theirs."
"And you'll get yours." Velvet reached a hoof to Shining's chin and lifted his chin so they met eye-to-eye. "You just need to find it on your own. Nopony can force their cutie mark to appear no more than some..." she looked again at the honey oats box, "... pony in a talking bee costume. And when yours comes, I know it'll show something wonderful."
Shining seemed to believe her. True, he wished he could still go to that camp, but he did see some truth in his mother's word. "Okay, mom."
Velvet smiled at her son before she drew him in with a forelimb. "You'll get yours soon, Shining. I know you will." Shining smiled back. It was a simple smile, but it was enough for Twilight Velvet to know that she was able to cheer him up. "Now c'mon, we still have to get some more stuff for Twilight."
The other stuff needed presented itself in the form of numerous jars of foal food. They were colorful jars filled with the squishy foodstuff. Some of them having seemingly normal flavors while others nearly made Shining Armor vomit.
"Uck! Spinach and oats?!? What kind of combo is that?"
"It's a vegetable and a grain, and it's healthy, so it's going in the basket." In the basket stood a mini-mountain of foal food guaranteed to last Twilight for about a solid week, but Twilight Velvet still looked for more.
"How the hay does Twilight eat this stuff?" Shining asked as he picked up another odd-comboed jar.
"You used to eat this stuff too when you were a foal. Plus she always gets distracted by the little butterfly on the label... Ooh, a three for one deal!"
Sure enough, right in the middle of the jar was a picture of a cartoon butterfly with a huge smile and oversized eyes, and Twilight was eating up the little image, laughing and reaching up for the image like it was the real thing.
"You like the butterfly, Twilight? You like the butterfly?" Velvet lightly played as she brought the jar closer to her daughter's eyes. Twilight laughed and giggled some more, but from her horn came the sparks, meaning only one thing.
"Oh no." Shining's eyes grew wide with fear as the sparks from Twilight's horn grew stronger and brighter.
Velvet quickly threw the jar back into the cart before trying to talk to her daughter. "No, no, no, no, Twilight! No butterfly! No butterfly!" It wasn't working. Twilight's horn sparkled and glowed stronger and brighter until a flash of lavender light encased the whole isle.
At first nothing seemed to be out of place. The past few weeks, the Sparkle family knew that with Twilight coming into the family also came the random magic surges that characterized a unicorn foal, and it was in those few weeks that they learned rather quickly that Twilight's magic surges were a completely different story.
Shining recalled one instance where he woke up one morning surrounded by an ungodly amount of purple and pink bubbles floating around the house. He also remembered another time when Twilight managed to flip the entire house upside down in one of her surges, so it was only natural for Shining Armor to expect the worst when Twilight got another magic surge, but strangely, nothing seemed to have happened.
Shining looked at the ground, everything was right side up. He looked to his hooves and the rest of himself, he was all in one piece. For once, things seemed perfectly normal.
"AGGGGGHHHHH!!!"
Never mind.
"GET THESE THINGS OFF OF ME!!!"
Shining looked across the aisle and saw several ponies in the store running for their lives from what appeared to be giant butterflies with the same animated features on the jar of foal food.
Twilight Velvet came up to her son while Twilight cheered and laughed from her holder on her mother's chest.
"Well, this is a new one," Velvet commented flatly, examining the chaos around them. Huge cartoon butterflies were everywhere, and while they really weren't doing anything harmful, they were pretty creepy to look at. Those huge eyes, the twitching antennae, and that weird near-sociopathic smile. It was enough to make the strongest of stallions shudder, and the weakest of ponies shatter to the ground in an ocean of their tears.
"Okay, honey. Remember the plan?" Velvet asked her son flatly.
"Get rid of them and hide?"
"That's my boy."
Velvet and Shining Armor closed their eyes and focused their magic. A few seconds passed and soon enough, their own horns glowed with their own magical auras. The hum of their magic rang and grew louder until a bright flash of light encased every last monster butterfly in the store. A final flash went off, and they were gone, but the chaos they left still lingered.
Baskets lay abandoned on the floor from panic, a few shelves were knocked over, and the confused and panicked looks on the ponies in the store showed just how much of a mess was made... and it all came from one foal.
"Okay, honey. Just back away slowly, don't say anything, get to the checkout, and this never happened," Velvet whispered like it was rehearsed.
"What never happened?" Shining replied back with a coy smile.
"Exactly."
***************
"Okay, that's the groceries, we got Grandma Moon Light some flowers, got your father's ointment for that rash on his--"
"MOM!"
Velvet laughed at Shining Armor's outburst. "It's called getting old, Shining. I'd like to see how you'll handle it." Again, Shining Armor made an eye roll that he hid from his mother. "Last stop... actually I think we're done."
"YES!" Shining exclaimed as he raise his hooves in victory.
"I just wanna go to one more store."
'NOOOOOOOOO!' screamed Shining's inner thoughts as his expression of victory froze but a horrified twitch came to his right eye. The thing about his mother was that whenever she says "one more store", it really meant another three hours of hopping around many stores.
"It'll just be for a little while, Shining."
More lies! But he had no choice, so with a fake smile, Shining Armor followed his mother into a large building with ponyquin stands in the windows sporting various dresses and hats. Oh joy.
While his mother was off looking at a painstakingly large amount of dresses and hats and even foal dresses, Shining Armor was left with the sorry job of holding everything. True, there wasn't too much to hold. Just a few bags and some flowers, but the time it took for Velvet to actually look and or try everything she liked seemed like forever. To add to his torture, Velvet was looking at items that were one section away from the sweet and merciful exit. There it was, the door to freedom, the way out, a way to put him out of his misery. It was there, taunting him, teasing him, reminding him that he still had to stay put.
The only thing keeping the colt from going mad was the fact that he was now carrying Twilight around his chest, and he had to admit, she was really cute when she just half-mindedly laughed and threw her limbs about.
Shining reached a hoof to his sister's head and rubbed her mane, effectively, but playfully, messing up Twilight's purple and pink hair. Twilight let out more foal laughs, but seconds later started grabbing for something in front of her. Shining lifted his head to see a stand of stuffed animals. The stand was nothing much, simple colors and a round display, but what caught his eye was the low amount of toys left and the weird assortment of animals. Three were left: a cockatreece, a manticore, and a hydra doll with three of its five heads hanging by a thread.
"Those are some creepy flank dolls..." Shining muttered after coming up to the stand. Twilight didn't seem to mind. She just kept trying to reach for what she believed was the cutest one, the manticore.
Shining decided to humor her and grabbed the manticore plush before going into his "Play" voice. "You want the manticore, Twi-Lee? Want the doll?" Twilight bobbed up and down in her carrier. "I'm just a fluffy little manticore, stomping around... something something something, and full of fluff."
Twilight continued to bob up and down and giggle at Shining's song, even if it was really bad. Sweet Celestia, foals were cute when they laughed. Shining Armor lowered the manticore plush and Twilight took it in her hooves, hugging the thing so tight it looked like the loosely stitched button eyes would pop off.
"Awwww, that is too cute." Shining turned to see his mom with a large hat on her head that she was trying on. "I need a picture of this. Shining, let me let me see Twilight."
Finally able to control the eye roll he was about to give, Shining moved Twilight into the sight of the camera that Twilight Velvet held in her hooves.
"Okay. One... Two... Three."
A bright flash went off, and Twilight continued to giggle with the manticore plush in her hooves, but that would soon lead to a huge problem.
Twilight's laughs grew slightly louder and her horn started to glow again, sending out sparks as the lavender glow grew brighter.
"Oh no no no no no no no no no," Velvet and Shining panicked simultaneously. Shining tried to grab the manticore plush, but a lavender glow kept it in Twilight's hooves.
"Take it away. Take it away!" Velvet muttered quickly as she joined her son in trying to pry the manticore toy away.
"I can't! The stupid thing won't budge!"
"Take it away! Take it away! Take it away!"
Like her panicking family wasn't there, Twilight continued laughing and hugging the plush until her horn glowed to an intense light and sent out a surge of magic. One lavender flash later, Velvet was holding onto Shining Armor tight with shut eyes, expecting the worst.
A few seconds passed with silence from the older ponies and slight giggles from the foal. Shining Armor was the first to crack an eyelid at the possible danger, only to wish he hadn't.
In front of him, he felt hot breath falling, and he felt the eyes of some creature staring down at him. What was once a plush manticore doll now stood a fully grown golden-furred, lion-maned, fang-bearing manticore that towered over the three ponies.
"Mom," Shining whispered ever so softly.
"Yeah, Shining? What happened now?" Velvet asked under her breath.
Shining didn't answer at first. He was paralyzed with fear as the newly formed manticore took a small sharp-clawed step forward, a low growl escaping it's massive jaw.
"Run," he squeaked.
"What?" Velvet asked as she opened her eyes, meeting the beast's large, angry, wild green eyes.
"RUN!!!" Following Shining's wail, the wild manticore roared a saliva-spewing roar and the three ponies were out of the store in a blur, but the manticore didn't let them out of his sight. After Shining Armor, Velvet, and Twilight exited the clothing store, they sprinted towards any other street, hoping to avoid the angry beast. Their hopes dwindled after hearing an Equestria-shaking boom and another roar. The manticore had broken through the walls of the store and was now in a dead pursuit of the Sparkles.
"What now?!?" Shining yelled out to his mother.
"Try to lose it, and for the love of Celestia, don't show fear in front of it!"
Shining Armor glanced back at the charging manticore and saw the savage look in it's terrifying eyes and its spear-point yellow fangs.
"Too late."
Velvet and Shining sped up their pace with quickened breaths and fear-induced adrenaline pumping through their veins, but the manticore kept its gaze on them as he continued the chase.
They passed streets, eliciting terrified screams of other ponies, but the manticore only kept his eyes on Shining and his mother. For minutes they ran in what could be described as a deadly game of cat and mouse that didn't look like it was going to end anytime soon.
The manticore kept its pace, stomping the ground and sending mini-quakes through the streets. The manticore crashed through anything that stood in his path, bumping other ponies out of the way, destroying trash bins and tables. The ponies in front began to sweat profusely, both out of oncoming exhaustion and their increasing fear. It was either now or never to find a way to lose the beast.
Velvet looked around the streets they were running through, frantically trying to find a way to hide and protect her children. From a far spot ahead, Velvet noticed a path to an alleyway.
"Shining! Follow me and don't slow down," Velvet instructed with a forced calmness. Shining Armor nodded and followed closely with a now sleeping Twilight strapped to his chest.
"Now she falls asleep?!?" Shining yelled to no one. "Stupid magic surges!"
"NOW!"
Shining looked to his mother and followed her turn into an alleyway. It wasn't narrow, but Velvet seemed confident in the direction it was leading. The manticore on the other hand managed to trail Shining Armor and fit into the alley, still snarling as he ran.
"Mom! Where are we going?"
"This alley narrows out, sweety. Just outrun him, and he'll get stuck," Velvet explained, a triumphant smile gracing her face.
Shining looked on and, sure enough, he saw the walls tunnel in and the sunlight barely shining through. This plan could work. This plan could actually work, but it would have to come soon. Both Shining Armor and Twilight Velvet were starting to tire out, and the alleyway was taking its precious time narrowing out, and the manticore was still able to fit where he ran.
Shining Armor, despite his growing exhaustion, continued to follow his mother, but something wasn't right. As he ran, he noticed that the sunlight was starting to fade out for some reason. It wasn't until Velvet's sudden skid to a halt that Shining Armor found out why the sunlight was fading out. Blocking their way, stood a thick brick wall with a sign plastered in the center.
"Construction up ahead. Wall is here for your safety."
"ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!? FOR YOUR SAFETY MY FLANK!!!" Shining shouted at the sign after stopping next to his mother only to have his attention grabbed by the approaching manticore.
Shining froze, his pupils the size of dots and void of everything except fear. He could only think one thing. 'You're gonna die, man!!!'
"Get behind me, Shining," Velvet ordered before stepping forward and taking a stance. Shining did as he was told and then looked to his mother. Her stance was firm and the hum of magic was heard over the manticore's oncoming stomps. Instead of sinking his fangs into the unicorn mare, the manticore collided into a barrier of deep purple magic that surrounded Twilight Velvet and her kids.
"Not my kids, you beast!" Velvet seethed with rage.
The manticore roared again, slamming his paws against the barrier.
*CRACK
The simple sound created a world of worry for Twilight Velvet when she looked at her shield, already it was starting to crack. She spun her head to Shining Armor. "Shining! Use your magic and teleport yourself and Twilight out of here. NOW!"
"Mom, what about you?"
"I can handle this, just get out of here!"
*CRACK
Velvet's shield now bore a clean crack split down the middle after the manticore bashed on it again. It would only take mere seconds before the thing was completely obliterated.
"Shining! Do it, NOW!"
The manticore gave another ear-shattering roar and, with one final hit, he broke Velvet's barrier, obliterating the magic in a display of lavender sparks. Velvet collapsed to the ground, the stinging pain in her horn and head overtaking her. The manticore stood over her, panting with a monstrous rage. It reared on its hind legs, its forepaws aimed on the unicorn mare, ready to crush her.
Velvet looked at the beast, wide-eyed, expecting her end, hoping Shining and Twilight were safe now. She closed her eyes and clenched her teeth, not wanting to see it coming.
The manticore brought his claws down with monstrous force.
"MOM, NO!"
*BANG
A howling cry from the manticore echoed throughout the alleyway, and Velvet shot her eyes open. What she saw was her son, eyes and mouth clenched with a foreleg covering Twilight, and his horn glowing a blinding lavender. All this she saw, and a brilliant lavender bubble protecting them from the howling beast outside.
The shield itself glowed intensely. And it actually caused the manticore pain, something Velvet's own protection spell couldn't have done. Shining opened his eyes to see the manticore try again, only to cause him even more pain. His horn kept glowing brightly, and what he created stunned him beyond belief, but he didn't have time for sightseeing.
Shining planted his hooves into the ground and focused his magic. His horn glowed brighter and so did his shield. It glowed, and glowed, and glowed, gathering all of Shining Armor's available magic into that one protection spell.
The manticore rose to try again. He reared on his hind legs, brought his forepaws up, but as his paws were about to make contact, Shining's shield pulsed out a brilliant lavender wall of magic, sending the beast tumbling backwards in a show of lavender sparks.
Shining, believing he knocked the manticore out, lowered his defense and hurried over to the beast's side, but it wasn't there. Taking its place was the small stuffed animal he saw back at the store.
"SHINING!"
Shining looked back and found himself gripped between his mother's forelegs.
"Oh, thank Celestia! You're safe." She looked down at Shining's chest to see Twilight still asleep in her carrier. "And Twilight. Oh, thank Celestia! Thank Celestia!"
"It's okay, mom, I'm fine. Both of us are fine," Shining reassured while he tried to break free of his mother's tightening embrace.
Velvet, after a few more seconds, finally let go of her two children. "What was it that you did back there?" she asked her son.
"I don't know. I saw the manticore about to crush you and I just... hopped in and... shielded us?"
"That was one of the most powerful defense spell I've ever seen. There wasn't even a crack in it! You saved us, Shining Armor."
Shining Armor's eyes widened at this realization. He saved them, with his own magic. Velvet's moist eyes grew even more moist and her proud smile grew wider when a flash of white light started to glow from Shining Armor's flank.
Shining looked back in time to see the glow disappear and leave an image of a dark blue shield with a large pink sparkle in the middle accompanied by three smaller ones above the shield... his cutie mark.
***************
Present
***************
"So, to sum it all up, Twilight nearly got me and my mom killed, I managed to make some freak shield, and I ended up with this," he pointed a hoof down at his flank, "and ended up banned from that shopping center for life."
"Wait, you guys got banned? Over an accident?"
"Weeeell... it was a pretty dangerous accident," Shining reminded, "but also because my mom left the store with the hat she was still trying on. The manager actually hunted us down and snatched it right off her head when he found us coming out of the alleyway."
Cadance gave Shining Armor a surprised look. Shining returned her gaze with a smile that muffled some laughter. A few seconds passed before both ponies burst into their own fits of laughter.
Their laughter subsided and Cadance cleared her throat. "So, how does someone with a cutie mark like yours end up working at a library?"
"Honestly, I just wanted to do something," Shining answered with a shrug of his shoulders. "I still didn't have a clear idea on what I wanted to do back then, still don't, but I figured it would be a start... I guess." Shining saw that Cadance had a thinking face on. Hoof on her chin and half-closed eyes. "Why? What are you thinking?"
"I don't know what you could do exactly, but I do know what you are."
Shining Armor raised an eyebrow and cocked his head to the side. "What do you mean you know what I am?"
"You're a defender, Shining," Cadance explained, earning a stunned look from her coltfriend. "You stood up for your family back then and even now. Your mom told me how before I came along, she interviewed other possible foal sitters for Twilight, and that you personally did an extensive background check on every candidate. Anything you thought was dangerous about them, you shoved them out the door."
Shining blushed at the story being brought up. In retrospect, maybe he shouldn't have been so... intrusive, to say the least. But it did land him an awesome marefriend. "Yeah, well, I just wanted to be sure Twilight wasn't around some creep."
"I could tell," Cadance replied with a laugh. "So, my advice to you would be to look into using your special talent that helps you be the pony you were meant to be."
Shining felt himself light up inside, like somepony just planted a dream or hope inside of him, and Cadance was the source of it. He never forgot why he fell for her, it was a constant reminder. But the number of reasons why, they grew every day.
"Thanks, Cadance," Shining breathed, practically oozing gratitude.
Cadance smiled and blushed back at Shining Armor. After what he's done for her, to her, this was the least of what she could do to make him happy as well. Deciding to take her praise quietly, she moved onto something else. Something a little more fun.
"So, back to the whole 'I didn't want a creep for Twilight' thing, what made you not do a check on me, then?" Cadance asked with a playful grin, batting her eyelashes at Shining Armor.
"Oh. Ugh, well, I... ugh... I didn't think you would... ugh... maybe it was... ugh... Hey! Joe!" Like it was a blessing from Celestia herself, Joe trotted to Shining Armor and Cadance's table with a small tray with two donuts, ending the directionless pile of crap Shining Armor could pathetically call an answer.
"Hey, Shining. I got you two a little somethin'. It's a donut my cousin came up with at my other shop in Manehatten."
"How is that place doing anyway?" Shining asked the baker after he set the tray of new treats down.
"Great! Thanks for askin'. It's only been open about a few months and I've already made a years worth of bits with just one shop."
"Wow! That's great. Hmmm, a year huh? You know a lot could happen in a year," Shining began to seemingly ramble, "a new shop could be built, a lot of money could be made, or it could be enough for somepony to finally get a date like a certain somepony else thought," Shining said with an unamused glance at Joe. "A year to get a date. Get where I'm going with this, Joe?"
Joe was now looking around nervously, trying to avoid the unicorn's stare. "Oh! Ugh, well ya see... I didn't think..." Joe gave a few nervous laughs before putting on his best smile. "... what's that? Free donuts for the next two months? Ya got it, Shining." With that said, Joe quickly trotted away to avoid Shining's eyes.
Cadance watched the stallion trot away with a snarky smile on her face. She turned to Shining Armor. "That was mean, but he so deserved it," she said with a laugh.
"Yeah, you should've seen when I dug into my mom and dad about that," Shining smirked with his own laugh. When the laughs died out, Shining Armor thought back to the whole talk on cutie marks with. One question about somepony's cutie mark in particular reared its way into his head. "So, what about your cutie mark?" he asked with eagerness. "What exactly does some crystal heart have to do with you being a princess?"
"Oh, that. I'm not too sure actually. Like my aunt, I was born with my cutie mark, but she said she'd tell me all about what I'm destined to do when I start to reach that age to start taking on more royal duties."
"When does that happen?"
"In a few weeks, actually. We're the same age, Shining. The whole thing about ponies our age going off to make something of themselves also applies to me. But back to you and your story. Have you ever done anything like what you did to that manticore before then?"
"Weeeeell." Shining Armor lifted a hoof to his chin as he tried to recall anything. "I was pretty good with defensive magic, and after I got my cutie mark, I started playing around with it. Now I can make shields or perform counterspells really easily." Shining's look started to grow in excitement. "Here, I'll show you."
With a soft hum of magic coming from Shining Armor's horn, Cadance watched in wonder as various sizes of lavender bubbles began to form around her and the table. They were beautiful round things the glittered in the light of the restaurant, radiating a bright lavender glow.
"Wow, they're beautiful, Shining," Cadance awed as she touched one of the bubble-like shields.
"If you fire a beam of magic at it, it'll shoot right back," Shining said enthusiastically before realizing the bad idea.
"I'll just take your word for it."
Shining gave a sheepish smile before letting his spell down and his shields dissipate around them. "So, what kind of 'Royal Duties' are you gonna start?"
"My aunt hasn't gone into great detail on that. I swear I think she does that for fun. But she did tell me one thing I'm starting next week"
"What's that?"
"Royal appearances. I'm supposed to visit the school for gifted unicorns next week. My aunt said that I just need to ask some of the scientists in the research department of the school before going over to surprise the little foals in the other area of the school."
"Awwww. That sounds nice."
"I hope it goes well. It'll be my first 'official' royal appearance, and I've only dealt with Twilight. I don't know if I can handle a lot of foals in one room." Cadance shifted in her seat and fidgeted with her hooves as the idea of being in a room full of foals reared its way into her mind.
"It'll be fine, Cadance." Shining put a hoof on one of Cadance's fidgeting hooves, ceasing her movement instantly.
Cadance looked at Shining Armor and saw those caring eyes she adored so much. "Can you come with me?" she asked suddenly.
A few seconds of confused silence later, Shining spoke up. "Huh?"
"Can you come with me? Just stand outside the door when I go see the foals? I can handle the research team, but I'm just nervous with a lot of kids."
"When do you go see them?"
"Monday, after Twilight moves in."
Shining's face formed a caring smile as he looked at Cadance with those sapphire orbs she adored. "I'll be there. And you'll do great."
Cadance leaned into him across the table and planted a kiss on his lips. At least it was supposed to be a plant until she decided to stay there a little longer, allowing Shining Armor to return the kiss himself.
They pulled away a few seconds later, each donning dreamy smiles and half-closed eyes.
"Just gets better every time."
***************
Friday nights in the castle weren't anything special, but the area around the castle was a different story. The upscale Canterlot nightlife was full of high-end shopping, strolls, and for a particular group of ponies, fancy dining.
Inside a rather posh eatery, a small group of sharply-dressed mares and stallions were busy chattering away, two in particular exposing their latest bundle of news.
"And you know what Jet Set said to the pony?"
The other ponies sat and waited for the answer with level anticipation.
"What did he say, Upper Crust?" one of them asked.
Upper Crust turned to her husband and gave him a smirky smile.
"I said 'Stick to mares of your own class'," Jet Set finished.
The table of ponies burst into their own short collection of snooty laughs, noses in the air and everything.
"Oh my, you are too much, Jet Set," another mare commented. "Wait until Fancy gets in on this piece of news. Where is he anyway?"
"Oh, he and Fleur are on one of their relief missions in Zebrica. They'll be back before the Garden Party in a few months though," Jet Set answered, taking his glass off the table and sipping lightly.
"But seriously, a library assistant? Some nopony? That's who the princess chose?" another stallion spoke up.
"Uck! I know. It's simply... unheard of! If Princess Cadance wanted a nice colt, I know plenty of other suitable young stallions in the area. Ones with class and status," Upper Crust ranted.
"I know dear, but you know how teenagers are. When she comes to her senses, or if the colt gets our warning, I'm sure we will see her strolling with somepony much better suited for her. Besides..." Jet Set paused and looked at his glass, swishing the blood-red fluid around for a few seconds, "... she deserves so much better." |
The Brother and The Sitter | Moving Flames | Moving Flames
Saying goodbye to a child is never easy for a mother. Some mothers handle it with dignity and forced strength. Some cry with their child as they send them off into the world. Others just smile and know that their child will succeed. Twilight Velvet managed to define one category single-hoofedly... the refusing to let go while breaking down mother.
"Oh why?!? Oh why?!? My baby girl is growing up too fast!!!"
"C'Mon, honey, you need to let her go."
"NO! I don't want to let her go! I want my baby to stay!"
"Mom, you're crushing me!"
Twilight's move into the castle was nearly done. The Sparkle family woke up early that day to move all of Twilight's things into her new room. They had already unpacked most of the necessities and checked out the new room. It was quite something, but then again, what else could be expected from a room in the Canterlot Castle?
Twilight had laid Spike down in her room a few minutes ago to let him sleep. Shining Armor and their parents already said their goodbyes to the little guy, and were now outside the front steps. Shining Armor and Night Light both had said their heartfelt goodbyes to Twilight already. Both of them knew they could come visit anytime, but that wasn't enough for Twilight Velvet when her turn for goodbye came around.
The whole scene before Shining Armor, Cadance, and Princess Celestia was... awkward, to say the least. Shining Armor buried his face in one of his hooves as he heard what unfolded in front of him.
Twilight Velvet was constricting her daughter in a massive embrace while her husband did his best to pry the two apart, ultimately coming short of his goal.
"Don't leave me! I'm supposed to have at least ten or twelve more years with you!" Velvet cried as she clung onto Twilight.
"Mom! You can come see me anytime," Twilight reminded as she continued to try and escape her mother's death grip.
"Not enough!" Velvet cried out.
"Honey, we went through this last night. You said you'd be alright," Night Light struggled to say as he continued his efforts to separate the two ponies.
"I lied!"
Shining still had a foreleg over his eyes, not wanting to see the scene for the sake of saving what little dignity he had for his family at the moment. "Is it over yet?" he asked a few minutes later.
"I'll tell you when," Cadance answered.
Velvet's meltdown lasted a while longer, but like most mothers when it came to saying goodbye but didn't want to, at least not yet, she calmed down and loosened her grip on her daughter, allowing her to return to her own normal respiration pattern.
After Velvet wiped away the more obvious of her tears, she spoke up, "Twilight, dear?" Twilight looked up at her mother, whose warm smile only indicated undying love. "I just want you to know that wherever you go, here or anywhere else, I will always love you, Twilight."
With moist eyes and a quivering lip, Twilight closed the gap between her and her mother with a final hug. "I love you too, mom."
Velvet squeezed her daughter tightly, a part of her fearing for the last time, but another part of her knowing it isn't. She broke the hug and met her daughter's eyes with her own soft cerulean irises. "Twilight, you are going to do amazing things over here, and I couldn't be more proud of you."
Twilight stared at her mom, partially wishing she could stay home, but knowing that Canterlot Castle was going to give her the experience of a lifetime. "Thanks, mom."
"She's in good hooves, Twilight Velvet," spoke the gentle, bell-like voice of Princess Celestia.
"I know, Princess." Velvet gave Celestia a knowing smile and bowed slightly before trotting to her husband's side.
Celestia returned Velvet's smile and turned to her student. "Are you ready to see the rest of the castle, Twilight?"
Twilight beamed at the question and started a race up the stairs towards the front of the castle. "Am I ever!"
"Well, alright then." Celestia began her walk towards her home before turning back to the adults of the Sparkle family. "Remember, you're welcome to visit anytime."
Velvet nodded and raised her head to speak. "Twilight," she called, "we'll come to see you later on today, okay?"
"Okay, mom!" Twilight called back.
"Don't you think that's a little soon?" Night Light whispered to his wife.
"Hey, she came out of me, I'll say when it's too soon," Velvet answered back sharply.
Night Light shuffled a bit nervously after sensing the seriousness in his wife's tone. "She came out of me too," he mumbled under his breath.
Celestia, her attention now on her niece and Shining Armor, gave a slight smirk before addressing Cadance. "Oh, Cadance." Cadance cracked her head up to her aunt. "You remember what you have to do today, right?"
Cadance's eyes widened instantaneously after she looked out to the city to see the clock tower near the castle as it mercilessly read the time. "Oh my gosh, you're right!" she bolted towards the nearby school in a panic.
Shining looked at his speeding marefriend and turned back to his parents. "Gotta run. I'll come by soon, Twi-Lee!" he called to his sister.
"Okay, Shining!" Twilight called back. She waved off and watched her brother and foal-sitter run off to her old stomping ground. She let out a content sigh as she saw Shining Armor finally catch up to Cadance. "They're so cute together."
***************
Princess Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns was anything but a simple school. The campus was huge, at least half the size of the castle it closely neighbored. The freshly polished halls were gleaming and carried the reflection of Shining Armor and Cadance as they strolled through them. The architecture was similar of that of the castle, and the color scheme: a marvelous mix of light purple, white, and gold.
Both ponies already knew the school rather well. Cadance had traveled here with her aunt numerous times, and Shining Armor became accustomed to the place thanks to numerous trips with his parents to drop off or pick up Twilight from her classes.
It was the familiarity of the school that helped to ease Cadance's nerves as she walked into the building. With a glow of her horn, Cadance undid her ponytail and let her shoulder-length mane drop in its own elegance, giving her a more regal appearance. Accompanying the sudden hairstyle change were Cadance's golden slippers, and another royal piece of jewelry around her neck.
"Look at you all glammed up," Shining complemented playfully, earning a slight blush from Cadance.
"This is important. This is like my pre-test before my aunt tells me more about my upcoming royal duties," Cadance said as her nerves started to rise.
"You'll do fine. Here, why don't we start with the research team first, and then we go see the foals?" Shining suggested, taking one of her gold-covered hooves in his.
Cadance seemed to lighten up at the suggestion and went along with Shining Armor's plan. The two found themselves walking along towards the eastern end of the building where they found a bunch of labs, research rooms, and other rooms of some importance.
The thing about Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns is that not only did it educate gifted unicorn foals, but also served as a research lab for older students that have already attended and for other scientists looking to improve pony society. Of course, that portion of the school was on the opposite end of where the unicorn foals were taught.
Celestia had made it a habit to always drop by the school to see what kind of magical or scientific developments were being made, and it was a habit she was trying to get her niece to start.
"So, what exactly do these guys research?" Shining inquired as they entered the main research lab.
"I don't know. That's why my aunt used to come in here every so often. Sometimes it's just to see what Canterlot's finest has to offer. Other times it's to make sure nothing dangerous is being made."
"Ugggh... what kind of dangerous things did she stop?" Shining asked a little more unnerved.
"Different things. One time she had to shut down this whole strength-building spell research because it had some weird side effects on the pony that tested it." Cadance looked to Shining Armor and saw his face contorted into one of slight fear mixed with curiosity. "Oh, don't worry, it wasn't anything too bad. I mean, the spell worked, that pegasus is probably the strongest stallion there is... but the spell kinda shrunk his wings, turned his eyes red, and now he can't talk... only yell."
She said it so calmly, it kinda freaked him out, but knowing the stallion was okay, Shining Armor just brushed the story aside and sighed. "If you say so."
The two continued walking down the research hall and soon came to a large set of double doors with the words 'Main Research Lab' written in red across the doors.
"So, should I wait out here?"
"I'll just be a few minutes," Cadance answered with a nod.
Shining took a seat by the door as Cadance entered the lab. She was met with the smell of smoke and burning metal.
"Princess Cadance!" The pony in question turned her head to see an older looking green-coated unicorn stallion approaching her, not bothering to fix his disheveled black mane. "It is such an honor to have you here, my princess. I am Dr. Petri Dish." He gave a slight bow before offering a hoof to the pink alicorn in front of him, which she gladly took.
"Nice to meet you, Dr. Dish." The scientist led Cadance to a large work bench where several other researchers were huddled together, eyeing a strange looking device.
The other researchers made room for the scientist and princess to find a place in front of the device. Cadance observed it as a small cone-shaped machine, small enough looking to fit... say... a horn.
"Ughhhhh, what exactly am I looking at?" Cadance asked as she pointed a hoof at the device.
"Glad you asked my princess," Dr. Dish replied before clearing his throat. "What this device is supposed to be is a magic amplifier. You see the little glow at the tip?"
Cadance looked towards the device again and saw a bright light-blue glow emanating from the top of the cone. She nodded at the sight.
Petri Dish then dove into his explanation of the device. He told Cadance how the glow came from a substance highly reactive to magic and that when placed on a unicorn's horn, the magic flowing through the device will react with the substance and strengthen the magic.
"Imagine, unicorn magic strengthened to where week-long, month-long, year-long, magical projects or construction projects could be performed in a matter of hours. NO!... minutes!" Petri Dish had a gleam in his eyes like he was dreaming. Fitting for the good that could come from the small machine, but two things plagued Cadence's mind about the whole thing.
"Has this been tested out yet?" Cadance finally asked after Perti Dish came back to reality.
"That's scheduled for today," Petri said with a wide smile and eyes to match. Cadance could tell that a lot went into this experiment.
Cadance looked at the light-blue glow again, one question about the whole thing remaining in the back of her mind that needed to come out. "Is it dangerous?"
"Potentially, yes. But in the hooves of ponies like us, not likely," Petri Dish answered, easing the pink alicorn's worries. "So long as that substance doesn't react with pure magic outside its containment."
"Oh... okay?" Cadance muttered with nerves spewing out like a fountain.
"Don't worry, Princess. In the unlikely chance something happens, the school's alarm system will alert everypony to evacuate."
"Oh," she let out a small sigh of relief, "okay, good."
A few moments of silence passed over before Petri Dish spoke again. "Would you like to stay for the test run?" Petri Dish asked with foal-like enthusiasm.
"Oh, sorry, Dr. Dish. I'm supposed to make an appearance for the foals in one of the classrooms," Cadance answered, hating to crush the science pony's hopes.
"Oh, that's fine," Petri waved dismissively. "I wouldn't want to keep you from those little tykes."
With a quick gaze back at the magic amplifier, Cadance trotted back to the double doors. "Thank you for the showcase, Dr. Dish," Cadance spoke professionally yet laced it with her usual serenity.
Petri Dish and the other lab workers waved back. "Any time, Princess," Petri called back.
With a small smile and her own delicate wave back, Cadance was out the double doors and met with the outstretched hoof of her coltfriend.
"Ready for the foals?" he asked innocently.
"As ready as I'll ever be," Cadance replied anxiously as she took Shining Armor's hoof.
The two walked hoof-in-hoof to the other end of the school where Cadance would make her appearance. The walk mostly consisted of Shining Armor trying to prevent his marefriend from collapsing of anxiety.
"Just take a few breaths and remember that they're just little ponies, your little ponies."
"I don't know, Shining. I've only really worked with Twilight. What if I do something stupid?"
"You won't. I don't even think you can."
"Oh, Shining, you already got me, we're dating, you don't need to try so hard," Cadance groaned but couldn't help the smile that came along.
"Who says I'm trying hard?" Shining asked coyly.
Cadance turned her head away, trying to hide her deepening crimson cheeks and wishing he hadn't said that, but it was helping her ease up. It wasn't long before Cadance and Shining Armor reached the classroom Cadance was scheduled to appear. They stood there, looking through the window where they saw an elderly pale-blue mare with an updone white mane and glasses, the kind that let you know she's not the type of teacher to mess with.
The old mare was in the middle of a lesson, but with a quick glance towards the door, her stern expression lit up with one of pure joy. She gestured a hoof for the pony outside to come in.
Cadance took a step back after looking through the window again and seeing the numerous desks of little unicorn foals awaiting her presence. A gentle hoof on her shoulder urged her to look up into the calm ocean-like eyes of Shining Armor.
No words were needed when she returned a smile to him and, with a gentle nudge forward, Cadance walked into the classroom with Shining Armor waiting outside. Her presence elicited excited gasps from the classroom and the old teacher walked up to the front.
"Class, we have a very special guest today, Princess Cadance." She gave an introductory bow and let Cadance come to the front of the room.
Cadance looked around, seeing all the smiling faces of... her little ponies. She took in a silent breath, and released her worries. "Good morning... my little ponies."
***************
Shining Armor let the time pass by with quick glances to the classroom, thinking about Twilight's move, and what awaited him when he needed to go back to work the next day. He was very grateful that Ms. Paiges allowed him the day off. A quick explanation that his sister was moving was all it took for the old gal to open her heart.
It had been about a half-hour since Cadance entered the classroom, so Shining decided to take another glance through the window. From his view he could see her answering a few questions for some of the foals, and other times it was simply her talking about something he couldn't make out. His special talent was defense, not reading lips. But one foal in particular saw him through the window and raised his hoof in the air. His question, Shining Armor couldn't make out, but with the little foal's hoof pointed at the window he was at, he guessed it was about him. The second hint was the blush Cadance had one her face followed by the audible "Awwwww's" and "Ewwwww's" from the class. Shining Armor ducked under the window, hoping nopony else saw him. With a few scuddles to the left, he sat down on his haunches away from the door and patiently awaited his marefirend.
A few minutes later, Cadance emerged from the classroom following a few foals calling out "Bye, Princess."
"See? Told you you'd be fine," Shining said slyly, earning an eye roll from Cadance.
"Oh, shut up," she replied as she threw her forelimbs around him, a gesture that he happily returned.
They remained that way for a few moments until a sudden fling of the door drew their attention to a sprinting light-purple coated young colt with a slip of paper gripped in his magic, muttering out, "Bathroombathroombathroombathroombathroombathroom!"
The little colt skidded to a stop before backtracking to the couple. He turned around and gave an awed look at Shining Armor and Cadance. Finally he spoke up to the white young stallion in front of him. "A-Ar-Are-Are you dating," he paused to glance at Cadance, "the Princess?"
Shining Armor gave a small chuckle before answering the little colt. "Why yes, yes I am."
The colt let that tidbit settle in for a few moments before offering his hoof. "Niiiiiice, dude."
Shining bumped the colt's hoof before something important ran through the foal's mind. He turned around and bolted again. "Bathroombathroombathroombathroombathroombathroom!"
Once the sound of cries for the bathroom ceased, Cadance turned to face Shining Armor with a raised eyebrow and half-lidded eyes. "Really? 'Nice, dude.'"
Shining shrugged his shoulders. "What? You're really pretty."
"Whatever, Shining," Cadance sighed with a smile. "So, you wanna go see Twilight before you go back home?"
"Sounds like a plan, but first, you think we can stop by Twi-Lee's old class?" he asked with hopeful eyes.
How could Cadance say no? "Okay. I think it's a few halls down."
A few turns down the labyrinth that was the school, Shining Armor and Cadance came to a very familiar room. No foals were in the room and neither was a teacher, just Shining Armor, Cadance, and Lady Nostalgia.
Shining Armor could remember the times he had to pick up his little sister from this particular room, or drop off her lunch when she grabbed another book instead of her lunch bag. It was only for a short time he had to do those tasks. Twilight ran through the courses of her classes so fast, some of the teachers actually thought of letting her teach, but there was something about foal-labor laws involved, so that never took off.
Cadance stole a glance at Shining Armor and saw a small hint of depression in his distant eyes. "You're gonna miss her, aren't you?"
He sighed, and attempted to stay strong. "A lot. More than I really thought, and that was a lot to begin with."
Now it was Cadance's turn to put a comforting hoof on somepony's shoulder. "At least you'll be able to see her anytime."
"Yeah," he breathed, lightening up slightly, "honestly, that's one of the only things that's keeping me from going into a 'Velvplosion'," Shining said as he motioned with his hooves an action of an explosion, a dorkish face to go with it.
"A what?"
"Something me and my dad call whenever my mom starts bursting into tears for something... please don't tell my mom," he nearly begged at the latter part.
Cadance just laughed. "Does she always cry like that?"
"You have no idea. On my first day of Magic Kindergarten, she ended up coming to the school and--"
*BOOM!!!
A rough tremble went through the ground, nearly knocking Shining Armor and Cadance on their flanks.
"What was that?!" Shining screamed, looking around frantically.
His question was met with loud ringing and buzzing of several alarms placed around the hall. They were red and flashed, ensuring that they were seen by all.
*BOOM!!!
The ground trembled again, except this time it came with several cries of panic through the closed doors.
"Attention everypony!" Cadance and Shining Armor looked around to see multiple speakers placed near the ceilings of the hallways sounding off. "Something has happened in the research department of the school, and an evacuation has been ordered. Everypony, in a calm and orderly fashion, please--"
"RUN FOR YOUR LIVES!!!" shouted the many voices of fillies and colts alike as they poured out of their classrooms and bolted for the nearest exit.
*BOOM!!!
The screams grew louder and the sea of foals grew in size. Shining Armor and Cadance plastered themselves to the wall, waiting for an opening in the tirade of small bodies.
"What happened?" Cadance screamed over to Shining Armor.
"I don't know!" he answered, the panic on his face making itself clear.
*BOOM!!!
"Attention again, everypony. One of the researchers in the school has an important message. Do not, under any circumstances, use magic within the school. An experiment has gone horribly--"
*BOOM!!!
"AM I TALKING TO MYSELF HERE?!"
Whoever the speaker was, he might as well have been talking to himself. All of the foals and teachers in the school seemed to flood their way through the halls towards any available exit. A few ponies, however, were shoving their way through the sea of foals towards every classroom in sight.
"Princess!"
Cadance turned her head to see the old mare from the classroom she recently left. "Mrs. Script, what happened?"
"I don't know, some accident in one of the labs, but something else is wrong." The old mare spoke erratically and her wrinkled eyes flared with undying concern. "Me and a few other teachers had students that weren't in the rooms. I don't know if they're outside or still inside!"
Cadance could see tears beginning to well up in the old mare's eyes when she looked around to see the last of the foals leave the hallway and bolt towards the exit of the school. She looked to Shining Armor. Some unspoken words were exchanged through their facial expressions.
"We'll help you find them."
Mrs. Script looked to her princess in bewilderment. "Princess, you can't. You need to get out of here before--"
*BOOM!!!
Another tremble of the ground nearly knocked all three ponies off their balance, but after a quick recovery, Cadance stood tall and firm, ready to take charge. "Here's the plan. Go back out and check with every teacher and get a headcount. Me, Shining, and the other teacher's will look through the other classrooms and bring any other foals that might still be in here. You send somepony back in and tell us how many you're missing. Got it?"
Mrs. Script stood there, no words able to form at Cadance's sudden take charge attitude, but it was the only plan she had heard, so, with a slight nod, she took off towards the exit.
With the old gal gone, Cadance turned to Shining Armor, his look, one of resolve. "Let's do this."
Cadance and Shining Armor bolted down the halls, both checking any room they came across. The pattern was simple enough, burst into the room, check around, call out to anypony that might've been there, and move on to the next room.
A buck to the door, a scan around the room. "Nothing here."
A buck to the door, a scan around another room. "Nothing here either."
They went down the halls, tremors assaulting them every once in awhile, searching for any straggling ponies. A simple cycle, but with one wildball flung their way.
Shining Armor felt the air around him grow dry, it actually started to smell smoky. He wiped his brow to see more sweat than there should've been, even his bangs were starting to stick to his face. It was getting hotter for some reason.
"Ugh, Cadance, honey? Are you getting hotter by any chance?" Shining asked before wiping his brow of more sweat.
"Now's really not the time for compliments, Shining, but thanks anyway," Cadance replied as she searched through another room.
"No, not that, well you are, I mean... NO! I mean are you feeling like it's getting hotter in here?"
Cadance stopped her search to actually take in her surroundings. It was hotter now that she thought about it. Her mane started to stick to her forehead and even loose feathers in her wings started to stick to each other. "Now that you say it, yeah."
"OUT OF THE WAY! FOAL AND MARE COMING THROUGH!!!"
Shining Armor and Cadance turned their heads to see a stallion sprinting wildly with a student in his forelimbs.
"RUN! FIRE IN THE LABS! SPREADING! FLAMING DEATH! JUST THOUGHT YOU SHOULD KNOW!"
The two confused ponies the teacher and student passed turned their heads to see a glowing orange light radiating from further down a curving hallway. A few cautious steps forward revealed a blazing intersection leading all the way to the research labs and multiple ponies trying to escape its fiery grasp.
Thankfully nopony seemed to be burning, and no screams of agony were heard, just ones of panic, and a lot of it. All possible exits were rammed open and numerous amounts of ponies were pushing their way through. The fire itself was spreading as well, slithering up the walls and through the floors like a snake. It seemed to be grabbing for anything to envelope in its fiery grip.
One pony running past them ran up to the two, panting with singed eyebrows, Petri Dish. "Princess! What are you still doing here? You need to get out of here!" Petri exclaimed as he flailed his hooves around.
"Dr. Dish! What happened?" Cadance asked the panicked doctor.
"The magic amplifier. We tested it out a few minutes ago, but something went wrong and it backfired. It got my eyebrows and blew me back in a little explosion," Petri explained, patting the remains of his eyebrows.
"But what about the other explosions?" Shining asked.
"We didn't know what happened after the first explosion. After the amplifier blew me away, it flew off somewhere. The other doctors tried to clean up the initial mess with some magic, and that's when more explosions went off, causing this!" He pointed behind him to the ever-growing flames, backing away with the teenage ponies next to him. "I think the containment unit for reactive material cracked or opened, and now if anypony were to use magic in a close radius to it, it'll set off another explosion."
Their eyes widened, and their jaws dropped. It was only a matter of time before that fire spread further until the fireponies showed up.
"But there still might be students in the school!" Cadance pointed out.
"The classrooms end at this intersection. If there were any students in any of the classrooms, you'd have found them by now."
Above the trio, creaking was heard from the blazing ceiling. It was alight with flames and sounded like a slowly opening door. The creaking grew louder and a portion of the ceiling started to crack.
"We need to get out of here. NOW!" Petri panicked. He shoved the two ponies in front of him, and the three sprinted off out of the flame engulfed hallways and down towards one of the exits that some of the other researchers ran to.
Sunlight and fresh, non-smoky air greeted the trio when they came out of the school. It couldn't have been seconds later that they heard a loud crash echo outside. Behind them, they saw darkened wood crash down, blocking the doorway.
With a quivering hoof, Petri Dish pointed to the exit he just came from. "The-the-the... door... crash... w-we-we c-c-could have..."
"How about we sit you down to let you catch your breath," Shining Armor suggested. With a weak nod, Petri Dish followed Shining Armor to a nearby tree and sat down. His ragged breaths and shuddering showed he couldn't be left alone.
"Shining?" Shining looked towards Cadance. "Can you keep an eye on Dr. Dish? I need to go check with a teacher in front of the school to see if everypony is out."
With a simple nod, Cadance's plan was a go. She galloped around the large building beside her until she reached the front grounds where many ponies were either dazed, confused, panicking, or numbing the pain of a few burns.
"Princess!"
Cadance turned her head to see Mrs. Script running in her direction, and she did not look good. Her eyes were red and puffy, and her cheeks were stained with tears.
"Mrs. Script! What's wrong?" Cadance asked.
"One of my students! The other teachers and I did a head count. Everypony was accounted for... except one. One of my students, Moonstone. He went to the bathroom before... before..." The old mare couldn't hold it in anymore. She let herself break onto the ground.
The teacher's breakdown led to a realization that Cadance could only call her blunder of the century. The hard and painful truth sunk into her mind like a burrowing parasite. 'We forgot to check the bathrooms!'
"The fireponies? Are they on their way?" Cadance brought up.
"Yes, but he's still in there!"
Cadance stood up, something set in her mind that others would say was reckless and stupid, but it was the only thing there at that moment. "I'm going in."
Mrs. Script snapped back up, Cadance's words sounding beyond stupid. She wanted to tell her that, but the Princess of Love was long gone, already charging for the school.
"Princess!"
***************
A kid goes to school expecting everything to be just about the same. The teacher would teach, maybe get angry with a few students, the food... edible at best, talk with friends, and anything else that made the time go by slower for most days. Moonstone was no different. The only major surprises in school was the occasional somepony puking in school, and special visitors. With one of those surprises already done with, he didn't expect anything else to happen that day, so one could only imagine his surprise when he emerged from the bathroom to see what he saw.
In front of him blazed the inferno that engulfed most of the hallway he walked down. To say he didn't hear the alarm system and the announcement would be the lie of the year, but when it came to accidents from the lab, or any accident in the school for that matter, it was never anything like this.
Most accidents were either a peculiar class pet getting loose, a spell gone wrong that didn't really threaten the students, or the occasional small fire in the cafeteria. When Moonstone saw the blaze, he retreated back into the stall he exited, praying somepony would find him, or that the flames would die down somehow.
Moonstone hid in the stall, listening to the crackling of the fire. Minutes passed by with that same sound vibrating through the bathroom. He stayed there, calling out to anypony that might be out in the halls, but no one seemed to hear him.
A little more time passed and he started to realize the inevitable, the increasing heat in the room, and the thick trail of smoke entering the bathroom. Moonstone thought of casting a protection spell around himself, but stopped before he could. He remembered the announcement over the speakers. He didn't know why he shouldn't use magic, but if it caused the fire, he didn't dare try.
He kept himself in the stall, hoping the walls around would keep the smoke out. It seemed to work, but only for a while. Through the slits in the door and from under, the thick black clouds etched their way in with a mission to make breathing the most challenging thing ever for the little colt.
There wasn't anything Moonstone could do to avoid the inevitable. He started to cough when the smoke reached him. Each fit growing louder and more strained. The smoke he inhaled was a sign to him. He either tried to bolt now and risk a few burns, or stay and meet a cloudy end.
"It was nice knowing you, man," he told himself. He ducked down, inhaled deeply of what little clean air remained, and burst out of the stall and into the inferno. He didn't realize how quickly the fire spread or how strong it grew. He was in a sea of orange, red, and yellow.
Just seconds after he stepped out, he could hear the cracking of burned walls and ceilings. Following one massive crack came the collapse of part of the ceiling behind him, sending tiles and plaster downwards in a pile of burning remains.
The colt took off after the collapse with his tail tucked between his legs, both out of fear and to keep it from burning. He heard more and more rumbles and creaks around him, everywhere he ran. He outran them all, but was afraid that he would become trapped in a labyrinth of burning rubble.
"Moonstone?"
The voice that called to him was sweet, worried, and sounded close by. Moonstone kept on running through the flame that surrounded the hallway, and within a short distance, saw somepony running at him. Her coat was pink, but slightly blocked by the smoke, yet her jewelery still shined through.
"Princess Cadance!" Moonstone called to the pink alicorn like she was salvation itself. His cheerful expression did little to alter the princess's speed and her panicked expression. She seemed to be charging faster, like she was about to tackle him to the ground.
"Moonstone! Look out!"
Before he could react, Cadance leapt forward, grabbing the little colt in her forelimbs and rolling along the ground with him for a few feet. He and the princess got up to their hooves and that's when the debris settled in. Moonstone looked where he stood moments ago to see it completely filled with fallen parts of the ceiling and walls. They were charred black, still smoking, some still ablaze with the flames, and it blocked their way out of the school.
"You... saved me," Moonstone gasped, his eyes still glued on the barrier.
"No trouble," Cadance reassured, even though they were still standing in a burning building.
"How are we gonna get out of here?" Moonstone panicked.
Cadance looked behind her, remembering how Petri Dish and the other researchers escaped the school. "This way!" She took hold of Moonstone and flung him onto her back before taking off down the fire engulfed hallway.
She didn't know how badly the area around the research department had been burned. It only made sense that the earliest area exposed to the fire would burn longer, and damage the area worse than anywhere else, and the fire had done just that.
The walls were blackened as the wisps of flames still ate away at the surface. The ceiling gave another sickening cracking sound, and it wasn't long until a part of the ceiling and all of its debris came crashing down, blocking Cadane and Moonstone's way to the other exit.
"What do we do now?!" Moonstone's tone was beyond panic now. It was the sound of a foal truly thinking there was no way out, and Cadance wasn't going to let him think that.
Without one word, she bolted back towards the other barricade in their way, stopping just inches in front of it. The air was hot, dry, and smoke-filled. Not as badly where they stood now, but it was just a matter of minutes before it became as bad as the research area.
"Moonstone. I'm gonna try and break through this stuff." She looked down at her slippered hooves, and hoped that she could do what she just said. "Alicorn strength... please tell me I have you."
She reared on her hind legs, using her wings to keep Moonstone secure on her back. Then, she slammed her forehooves down onto the debris with all of her might.
*CRUNCH
***************
"Dr. Dish, are you gonna be alright?"
Petri Dish was in the process of breathing into a brown paper bag Shining Armor found. He was still pretty shaken up from the fire, but not as bad. With one last exhale, Petri Dish lifted his muzzle out of the bag. "Yeah, yeah, I think I'm alright. Go do whatever you need to," he suggested with a wave of his hoof.
Shining nodded to the scientist and broke off to the front of the school. As he ran, he could smell the smoke pouring from parts of the school. He came to the mass of ponies in front of the school before any more smoke could sneak into his muzzle. He walked around, trying to find Cadance, but having no luck in his search.
He kept looking. Still nothing after a few minutes, and he was starting to get worried. He called out to her, hoping to get a response, but was only met with mumbles of the students and teachers.
"Cadance!" he called out again.
"She's in there."
Shining Armor turned his head to see the wide-eyed teacher he saw back in the room Cadance made an appearance in. "Excuse me?"
Mrs. Script held a shaky hoof out at the burning building in front of her. "Sh-Sh-She's i-i-in there... Trying to get one of my students."
Shining snapped his head in the direction of the school, images of Cadance recklessly charging into that blazing building flashing through his mind. One other thought came to him, and it too was going to be reckless.
"The fireponies are close by, but she's in there with my student... young stallion? Young stallion?" Mrs. Script scoped her surroundings, finding no trace of Shining Armor around her. It wasn't until she heard a loud shriek that she found him once again.
"STOP HIM! HE'S GOING BACK IN!"
Mrs. Script turned to see Shining Armor bolt inside the burning school, his face carried the expressions of both worry and determination.
"No way I'm letting her burn." Shining Armor muttered under his breath.
He burst into the school, and forgot to get a breath of fresh oxygen before charging in and letting the smoky air fill his lungs as he breathed. It was torture for his lungs and it caused him to cough vigorously, but he didn't pay attention to it. With adrenaline fueling his body, he picked up speed, eventually coming to a large wooden barricade in the middle of the hallway.
He was about to use magic, but that announcement from what seemed like forever ago racked at his brain, ordering him against it. Instead, he came closer to the barricade of fallen wood and plaster, and through the crackling of flames, he could hear talking. He could make out a mare's voice, and the shifting of hooves.
He got closer, trying to hear the voice more clearly, but a set of slipper-covered pink hooves met the side of his face through the barricade in a painful collision.
Shining Armor fell back with a loud thud. He rubbed his muzzle and let out an agonizing moan.
"Shining Armor?"
That voice. It was her, the mare of his dreams. He stood up in a flash and ran back to the charred barricade. "Cadance?"
A set of light purple eyes met Shining Armor's sapphire blue ones. "Shining Armor!" Cadance squealed with relieved joy before her sight landed on her coltfriend's muzzle. "Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry. I didn't know you were back there."
"It's okay, honey. Just a broken jaw. What happened here?" he asked back through the barricade.
"The ceiling fell in and we're trapped in here."
"We?"
"I've got Moonstone, the missing student. I'm gonna try and break through this stuff."
"Hang on. Get on one side of the hole, and I'll get on the other." Cadance quickly followed Shining Armor's plan, and reared on her hind legs again, ready for another blow. Shining Armor had a familiar stance on the other side of the barricade, ready to strike. "Okay, on the count of three. One... Two... Three!"
*CRUNCH
Two small holes combined with the small hole already centered in the middle of the pile of the debris, making it the perfect size for a small pony. Cadance quickly picked up on the use for it and grabbed Moonstone of her back. "Shining, take Moonstone back outside." She stuck the small foal through the hole easily and Shining Armor took him in one of his forelimbs.
"What about you?" Shining immediately asked back.
"I'll get out of this soon. Just go!"
More sickening creaks and small cracks sounded off in the blazing school. All three ponies looked up and saw splitting wood. A few embering flakes fell down before the whole thing collapsed.
Instinctively, Shining jumped back in time before the ceiling collapsed on him and Moonstone, but didn't avoid the smoke that came with the debris. He coughed and hacked, each round sounding worse than the last. He shook his head and once the debris settled, he saw that the barricade separating him and Cadance had grown thicker, filling the holes they had punctured.
"Cadance!"
"I'm fine. Just go!" Her voice was softened by the barricade. He wanted to dig through that debris and wood right then and there, but he had a job to do. "I'll be back, Cadance. I'll get you out. I promise."
If Cadance heard, Shining Armor didn't wait to find out. He put Moonstone on his back and jetted towards the front entrance. He raced through the blaze and smoke like it was nothing. Fueled by fear and adrenaline, he was out of the school and down the front steps in seconds.
"Moonstone!"
Shining Armor, even as he was coughing out from the smoke in his system, took the young colt off of his back and handed him to the teacher that bolted in front of him.
"Oh, bless you, young stallion. Bless you!" Mrs. Script was hugging Moonstone like he was her own foal. "Oh, Moonstone, we need to get you to the nurse. She's somewhere around here." She turned back to Shining Armor with moist eyes. "How can I ever--"
He wasn't there. A few shocked screams guided Mrs. Script's sights back to the front of the school where Shining Armor was making a break for.
"Young stallion! What are you doing?!?"
A few rugged coughs brought the old mare's attention back to her student. In a weak voice, Moonstone explained, "He's going back... for the Princess."
***************
Flames and smoke posed a major threat, but Shining Armor blew past them, mostly unharmed. Some of his fur got singed, his snow-white coat was now covered in a layer of soot, and his breathing was getting ragged. The blow from the collapsed ceiling a few minutes ago did a number on him, and it continued to do so.
He was back at the wall of wood, plaster, and soot that Cadance was trapped behind, no visible hole was made in the time he was gone. He concluded that either more debris fell, or she couldn't break through.
"Cadance!" Shining called.
A few seconds passed before Cadance responded. "Shining Armor?"
"Cadance!" Hearing her voice was the best thing in the moment for him, but even he could tell she was straining, and he was too.
On the other side of the wall of debris, Cadance stood on shaky limbs. Her pristine pink coat was tattered with grey. Her once flawless candy mane was in disarray. And her breathing... it was ragged, strained, nearly hoarse. The smoke was taking its toll, hard.
"Sweety, I can't break through. I've only made a dent," Cadance said before going into another coughing fit.
"Yes you can, we can." Shining paused as he too went into a coughing fit. "I'm gonna break this down with you. On three."
Both reared on their hind legs, forelimbs in place to strike.
"One... Two... Three!"
Cadance's side barely showed a chip in the wood while Shining's side miraculously made a dent. It would've been something to celebrate had not more fire and smoke blazed out when his hooves made contact.
The smoke blew into Shining's muzzle. He coughed and hacked for a good minute before trying to break the blockade in front of him once again. His sight was blurry and his balance was off to say the least. All the smoke that hit him muzzle-first, combined with what he was already exposed to, was impairing him beyond belief.
"One... Two... Three!"
More crunching sounds were made, but they were light on both sides. Cadance at this point was having trouble just trying to stand. Shining Armor could barely see in front of his own muzzle. The smoke and flames danced around, partially suffocating him and trying to burn him.
"One... Two... Three!"
Another set of light crunches. Cadance could see no progress in their attempts. She started to cough again and Shining mimicked with his own set off smog-induced fits. They were getting worse each time. Each becoming more rugged with each fit.
"One... Two... Three."
Still light. Shining's voice was getting raspy from the smoke, and his eyes burned, begging to be closed for moisture.
"One... Two... Three."
Barely a scratch on the wood. This pattern continued a while, each round of impacts getting softer and weaker with each attempt. Cadance, usually a manifest of beauty, was beyond recognition. Her tattered mane and coat barely compared to the defeated and tired look on her face. Her eyes, usually gleaming by their own accord, only reflected the flames that danced around her.
The hallway around her started turning, her vision blurring. She found herself on the floor, launching into another spasm of coughs. "Shining." Her voice was weak, hoarse, like anything else she said would make her lose her voice. "I can't..."
"No no no no, don't say that," Shining Armor croaked out before falling to the floor as well. His vision was filled with only blurred flames and the mocking wall between him and his marefriend. "Cadance?"
He got no answer.
"Cadance?" ...
"Cadance?" ...
"Cadance?" He couldn't speak any louder than a whisper. The fire and smog weakened him. Blackness started to encompass his vision, slowly taking over the sight of blazing flames.
"Cadance?"
He laid there in silence, save for the roars of the fire. This was it, this is how he would go out. He couldn't move anymore, and he could barely see or talk. He wanted to keep going, but his body betrayed him. All that was left to do was close his eyes.
But fate had different plans.
He heard the stomping of hooves from behind him, stopping right by him. He saw the tirade of bulky stallions in black and yellow coats with hard yellow hats and face shields surrounding the barricade of debris.
"Kid? Kid?!? Get the paramedics, NOW!"
"Two down! I've got one, we are trying to rescue the Princess as we speak!"
The last thing he heard before blacking out was the voice one of the stallions. "Kid, we're gonna get you outta here."
"No," he whispered almost inaudibly, "need to get her. Protect... Cadance." |
The Brother and The Sitter | Everypony Talks | Everypony Talks
*Beep... *Beep... *Beep...
The steady monotonous sound beside him was all he could hear for a few seconds before his eyes barely cracked open, only to be closed once again when they were assaulted by the merciless rays of the afternoon sun.
"Mom! He's waking up!"
That small voice. He knew it anywhere. With a few groans, he slowly cracked his eyes open, gradually getting used to the sunlight that invaded his sight. Through his blurred vision, he saw figures of ponies standing over him. He could see the splashes of blue, grey, and purple morph into the shapes of his family.
"Mom? Dad? Twilight?" he muttered once they came into focus.
"Shining Armor! Oh, my baby boy!"
Shining Armor winced in pain after Twilight Velvet's forelimbs wrapped around him like anacondas. She clung onto him like he was the most precious thing in the world, not noticing that she was squeezing the bandaged areas on her son's side.
"Mom! Pain! Everywhere!" Shinning squeaked tensely. Velvet quickly retreated from her son with a set of quick apologies.
After recovering from the pain, Shining Armor looked at his surroundings, seeing large white walls, a curtain drawn at his side, and found that he was lying down on a bed with a beeping machine at his other side.
"What happened?" he asked the ponies above him.
Night Light was the first to break the news. "You passed out in the school. The doctor said if the fireponies hadn't gotten there when they did, the smoke you inhaled could've..." he couldn't nor did he want to finish that sentence. The thought of never seeing his son again was too much for him or his wife and daughter to bear.
"The school was burning so severely," Velvet continued for her husband with watery eyes. "They couldn't believe you got that little colt out of there before more of the building collapsed."
'Moonstone!' Shining's mind screamed at him, bringing all memories of the incident back in a blur. He remembered now. He remembered the little colt he got out of the school before more debris could fall or before anything worse could happen.
"Once the Princess was alerted about the fire, she had the paramedics send you to the castle's infirmary to get checked out," Twilight explained to her brother.
Shining Armor took another look around the room. Now it all made sense. The EKG beside him, the bed, the curtain, and the hauntingly sterile white of the room. After the quick glance at his surroundings, Shining looked again at his little sister, seeing her eyes glossed over in a watery veil. Her lip was slightly quivering as well, but it wasn't out of sadness.
"I'm just so happy you're here," Twilight quivered as she brought her own forehooves around Shining Armor, making sure to avoid the bandaged areas.
"Shining!"
Both Twilight and the colt addressed looked down the bed to see a small purple dragon crawling up the blankets, placing himself by his older brother's head on the pillow and wrapping his little arms around Shining's face.
"Hey, Spike," Shining greeted his little brother as he slung one of his forelimbs around the small dragon.
Shining, Spike, and Twilight, all together. It was a sight too sweet for words for the parents standing beside their kids.
"So, what was it like in there?" Twilight asked from Shining's side.
"Hot," Shining answered simply. "All I can remember was getting in there, bringing Moonstone out, then going back to try and get--" Shining's pupils shrunk to pinpoints as it all came back to him. The wall of debris, why he went back in the school, why he collapsed. "CADANCE!"
Shining Armor threw off the blankets that covered him and nearly flung himself in the air, bolting to the side, disconnecting any small probes on him that connected to the EKG in the process. The immediate pain that came to his sides went ignored as he ran across the hospital room, only to turn back when he saw a familiar blowing multi-colored mane out of the corner of his eye.
In the corner of the room, mere meters away from his own bed, Shining Armor saw a relieved looking Princess Celestia standing over two other ponies. One sat next to the hospital bed with Celestia and had a look of pure terror in his sky-blue eyes. His amber mane was disheveled and unorderly, like he didn't bother with it at all today. And the other was lying in her bed, unconscious and hooked up to an EKG, much like he had been.
Shining instantly recognized the pink pony in the bed and couldn't help but feel his chest clench and his throat dry out almost instantly at the sight of his marefriend lying in a hospital bed.
Celestia caught sight of Shining Armor and gave a small motion for him to come over. He took her invitation and slowly walked up to Cadance's bed, catching glimpse of Blueblood in his less than prince-like state.
Cadance, too, was bandaged up in some areas. Her mane, tattered and singed in some places, and her coat was still blackened by the smog she endured.
'I should've gotten her out.'
He knew Cadance was fine, otherwise Celestia wouldn't have looked so calm, but he still couldn't help but feel like he should've gotten her out of there. She was the one who just a few days ago said that he supposedly was a defender, but he couldn't even get his marefriend out of a situation where she needed one.
A gentle gold-slippered hoof on his shoulder caused Shining to look up and see Celestia's gentle magenta eyes that instantly calmed him down.
"You did all you could, Shining Armor," Celestia reassured a silky and regal voice. "I'm just glad you two got out of there with only a few burns."
"Has she woken up at all?" Shining asked after a glance down at Cadance.
"For about a minute a half hour ago, but the doctor insisted for her to get more rest, so she went back to sleep. Other than a few burns and the amount of smoke she breathed in, she's fine."
A loud swinging of doors was heard followed by a loud gasp and the clang of a clipboard falling to the floor.
"What are you doing out of bed?"
Shining Armor turned his head to see a shocked pale-brown unicorn stallion in a doctor's robe rushing towards him, his horn glowing a light brown aura.
"You need to get back in bed this instant!" he instructed forcefully as he dragged Shining Armor in his magic back to his bed. Obviously he wasn't going to have anything go wrong with any of his patients.
"Sorry if I'm being a little forceful, but I will not risk any more injury to you. So... in you go," the stallion said hurriedly as he placed his patient in his bed and drew the covers.
"So, how long does he have to stay here, Dr. Scope?" Velvet asked once her son was back in bed.
"Well, I want the skin under his fur to heal up naturally for a few hours before I do anything magically, so overnight should be enough time. Then he'll be able to walk out of here like nothing happened, fresh as a daisy." He cast another glance at the colt, giving him a stern look. "In the meantime, I want him resting up and not moving. The skin must heal on its own first for a few hours before any magic can be used."
"Thank you, Doctor," Velvet said with a smile.
The stallion gave his own smile before trotting off to Cadance's bed, leaving the Sparkle family alone.
"Do you want me to come and pick you up in the morning, Shining? I can try and take tomorrow off from the observatory," Night Light offered.
"It's okay, dad. I'll be able to walk home by tomorrow," Shining answered with a small laugh.
"Okay, son. I guess we should be getting out of here if the doc wants you to rest up."
"Shining, honey, are you sure you don't need anything else? I can go bring you some leftovers from home," Velvet suggested, only to be met with a small nod from her son.
"I'm fine, mom. Really," Shining reassured. His mom always got that way whenever he or Twilight got sick or had to stay alone somewhere else. Motherly instinct is what he always chalked it up to.
"Oh, okay," Velvet complied hesitantly.
"He'll be fine, honey," Night Light comforted, easing his wife's worries a bit. "Besides, Twilight and Spike are here, they'll take care of him, right you two?"
"You can count on us, dad," Twilight said with a small salute. Spike copied his sister's gesture with small giggles of an infant.
Velvet smiled at the display of adorableness before her. She knew Shining was in good hooves. "Okay, you two. Shining, we'll see you tomorrow when we get off work, okay?"
"Okay, mom," Shining called back as his parents headed out of the room, and out the castle, leaving the kids of the family alone.
"So, Twi-Lee, how was your first morning in the castle?" Shining finally asked the filly by his bedside.
"This place is huuuuuuuuge!" Twilight answered with wide eyes and an expanding gesture with her forelimbs. "Princess Celestia was giving me a full tour of the castle... we still haven't finished," Twilight finished with a laugh.
Shining turned his head over to the side to see Spike clawing at the blankets. "How'd Spike like the room?"
"Well," Twilight began, "he managed to go two hours before burning something," she answered sheepishly.
"What did he burn?" Shining asked with a droning tone.
"Just the curtains on one of the windows.... probably should've told mom that I needed more Hoofy Potter curtains."
"What you need, young mare, is to let my patient get some rest."
Shining Armor, Twilight, and Spike all looked up towards the end of the bed to see a very annoyed-looking Dr. Scope being tailed by Celestia and Blueblood.
"I understand that you want to see your brother, but he needs rest if I am to get him out of here by morning. Meaning you need to leave him alone," he instructed with a stern hoof pointed at Twilight before turning to Celestia. "Now, if you'll please excuse me, Princess, I need to chart and file a few records before I do anything else."
"Understood, Dr. Scope," Celestia acknowledged. With that, the stallion headed off through some double doors and disappeared. Celestia turned her gaze back to her stunned student. "Forgive Dr. Scope, Twilight. He means well, but he can become a bit of a control freak when he has a patient."
Twilight's head drooped down in sadness. "I understand, but I was hoping that Spike and I could sleep with Shining tonight. All three of us... before he has to go back home."
Celestia looked at the hopeful eyes of her student. She was, after all, just a filly that wanted time with her brother, but doctor's orders are doctor's orders. "I'm sorry, Twilight, but Dr. Scope was very clear on leaving your brother alone."
If sadness could be ponified, it would take form of the lavender filly on the bed at that moment. "Okay, Princess," Twilight sighed.
"But you know," Celestia began in a sly voice, "he doesn't check under the beds at night," she whispered with a wink.
Twilight radiated with joy at this little tidbit, only to have it grow once her mentor summoned an extra pillow and a perfectly-sized blanket out of nowhere with her magic.
"I'll see you two tomorrow at breakfast." With that, Celestia trotted gracefully out of the infirmary with her nephew in tow.
Once the royal pair were out of the room, Twilight turned to Spike, quickly grabbing him in her magic, and scurried under Shining's bed to find a very nice surprise. Slowly fading gold magic residue accompanied a plush set of blankets that sat under the bed. Twilight and Spike quickly got comfy in the setup before Twilight threw the pillow under their heads and the blanket over their bodies.
"Twi-Lee? You and Spike okay down there?" Shining whispered.
"It's like a bed under here, Shining!" Twilight answered back with all the excitement possible without going over a whisper.
Shining just chuckled a bit at his sister's answer. "It's only like seven o'clock. Do you really wanna go to bed now?"
"The doc said you need rest. I just wanted at least one more night, you know, all three of us."
To say Shining really liked the idea of one more night with his little siblings would've been an understatement. The gentlest of smiles etched his face, and his eyes glimmered. "Okay, Twi-Lee."
The sound of shuffling blankets went on under the bed for a few seconds followed by two soft yawns. Shining, too, got himself comfortable in his bed for the night.
"Night, Spike. Night, Shining Armor," Twilight whispered from below.
"Night, Twi-Lee. Night, Spike," Shining whispered back before closing his own eyes.
A few seconds passed before a third, small and tired voice sounded below the bed.
"Ni-Ni, Twilight. Ni-Ni, Shining."
***************
Silence.
It was the one word that really suited the infirmary that night in the castle. Celestia had raised the moon hours ago and would be up in a couple of hours to raise the sun. Twilight and Spike were knocked out under Shining's bed, but the unicorn on the bed was a different story.
Throughout the night, Shining Armor tossed and turned, unable to get a good night's sleep, much to Dr. Scope's annoyance when he came over to perform the healing spell several hours ago. He just couldn't fall asleep. The same images of him and Cadance inside that burning building replayed in his mind. The one thing that pulled him out of partial sleep every time was when he reached the part where he couldn't save her.
To him, it was one of the most horrible scenes in his mind. He kept a sense of guilt throughout the night after seeing Cadance on a hospital bed. It kept gnawing at him like a rat in a cheese wheel.
Currently in another attempt to get some sleep, Shining Armor was in no way having an easy time with it. The replay in his mind made his face contort into expressions one would experience while having a nightmare. It might as well have been.
All he could see were the flames. All he could hear were the coughing fits from Cadance and himself, but mostly from Cadance. He felt nothing but guilt, terror, and heartbreak at the sight and sounds that swirled in his head. A terrible light, and a terrible sound. That's all that came to him.
"Shining."
The sound of his name... it wasn't the hoarse whisper he remembered. No, this one was gentle, smooth... and wasn't in his mind.
He started to crack his eyes open once more, easily adjusting to the darkness in the room. Coming to his sight was the pink shape of his beautiful marefirend. Her hoof was on his shoulder, and her eyes glittered the way he loved.
"Thank goodness you're alright," she whispered as she wrapped her forelimbs around her coltfriend and buried her face into into his shoulders.
Shining returned the hug and realized the bandages that covered her earlier that day were gone and left no trace of any burned fur or skin underneath.
'Bandages,' he thought to himself. One thing that reminded him that he wasn't able to get her out of there. That he wasn't this protector she made him out to be.
"Cadance... I'm so sorry," Shining breathed out shakily.
Cadance's grip on Shining Armor tightened slightly before she opened her eyes at met his own. "Don't be," she said sternly, surprising the colt in front of her. "You had no idea that the ceiling would fall in. You had no way of knowing the place would catch on fire. And you had no idea that I would run in there." Her eyes started to glisten, this time with a watery build behind them. "If anything, I should be apologizing to you." She buried her head again into Shining Armor's shoulder, where he felt a few wet drops soak some of his fur. The tears that wet his shoulder felt like daggers to his heart.
'Now you made her cry,' Shining's mind screamed at him. The whole unable to save her idea that plagued his mind quickly left and instead focused on what he believed was his current screw up. This was the first time he ever saw Cadance cry, and he didn't like it. He had no idea what to do, so he did the only thing that he thought would help.
With a gentle lift of her chin, Shining stared into Cadance's eyes for a few seconds before closing the gap between them in a light kiss.
He pulled away a few seconds later to see a dreamy look on his marefriend, her eyes no longer running with tears, but back to their usual gleam. "I don't like seeing you cry."
Cadance only smiled before leaning back into Shining Armor's shoulder. He wrapped a forelimb around her and nuzzled her cheek. They stayed locked with each other for a while, just glad to know that they were okay. It was as if the fear of the other one being mad that fell over them just a few minutes ago just disappeared. No words, just each others' touch.
Cadance's heart flew beyond description. Shining Armor relaxed with their embrace, all sense of guilt from before melting away.
"You knowwwwww," Cadance playfully teased as she came up from Shining's shoulder, "this is kinda like our first night together."
Shining flung his eyes open at the realization. "Huh. It is." He gave a slightly nervous look to Cadance. "So, what do you wanna do?"
She batted her eyelashes when a thought came to her. "I've got an idea."
Slowly, but effectively, Cadance brought her lips to Shining Armor's, and he brought her in. What she said about it getting better every time really proved itself that night. They could've stayed that way the rest of the night and let the sparks fly in a tirade of fireworks.
"You know, the next time you guys try to talk to each other at night, make sure you do it a little more quietly."
The couple's eyes flew open. Their lips were still locked and their tiny pupils traveled to the other side of Shining's bed, where Twilight stood, wearing a wide smirk, with her little brother. Small puckering noises came from Spike as he imitated what he heard.
Slowly and uneasily, Cadance and Shining Armor separated before Shining turned to his siblings and tried to wave his forelimbs in a hypnotic way.
"This is all just a dream."
***************
Smart-alec remarks and funny looks from a certain sister aside, the next morning went by very smoothly for Shining Armor. Breakfast was eaten, Dr. Scope discharged both him and Cadance, and goodbyes were shared between the Sparkle kids. Shining had already said his goodbyes to the two princesses of the castle, and made sure to leave Cadance a little present on her lips before left.
He was already out of the castle and on the streets of the very high class ends of Canterlot. All he wanted to do was get to his house and crash. The previous night was not pleasant to him sleep-wise, but he didn't complain about the few minutes he had with Cadance last night. That was the highlight of his night in so many wonderful ways.
As he walked through the posh streets of upper Canterlot, he noticed something a little unnerving. He heard ponies whisper and glance back and forth at him. Some whispered, others intentionally spoke out as to make sure he heard.
He knew that news spread fast around these parts of the city. The elite always made sure to know anything and everything they could about the city and the royals, and the incident from yesterday was no different.
From the whispers, he gathered a slew of info. The upside, Moonstone and all the other foals escaped with no injuries, not even burns. All the staff and researchers at the school were alright, minimal hospital trips, any that were were already out and about. Petri Dish was still a little shaken up, but will manage and be back at work on a much safer project in the coming weeks after repairs are made. The device that started the fire was destroyed, and deemed as an accident.
The down side Shining heard in the sea of news and gossip was mostly coming from the more sharply-dressed and very upscale ponies he recognized in business, fashion, and fancy living magazines his parents had around the house. All of it dealt with one pony in particular... him. And he could hear everything.
"There he goes. The colt that left the princess to burn."
"He's supposed to be dating the princess?"
"How in Equestria could he be dating her?"
"Some nopony that abandoned her in a burning building."
"What does she see in him?"
"I heard he left her behind on purpose."
"She could do so much better."
Each remark he heard stung like a swarm of killer bees, and the glares they gave him didn't help. They were like the soul piercing eyes of predators on the prowl in a dense forest, and he was the little rabbit they were chasing.
Shining kept walking, picking up speed as he felt their unrelenting gazes follow him. The whispers followed, forcing Shining to face the horrible opinions of the upper class.
As he walked on, he kept shifting his head back and forth, trying to avoid the eyes, but at the same time, not seeing where he was going. The pony's side he collided with was not seen by him, but it was felt. He stumbled backwards and shook off the blow. "I am so sorry. I wasn't looking where I was going and I--"
"I say you should be sorry!"
Shining blinked his eyes open. He lifted his head up slowly, catching the details of the familiar stallion in front of him, Jet Set. He stood with an irritated look, surrounded by a whole group of important looking ponies and his wife, Upper Crust. Memories of that day in the library when he met the two rushed through his mind, crushing his hopes of escaping this side of town without anymore trouble.
"Oh, it's you." Jet Set's words came out with more venom than a king cobra.
"Should've expected as much," Upper Crust snarked.
"He's the pony you two were talking about?" one of the mares in the crowd asked Upper Crust.
"The very same, Pish Posh."
Pish Posh and the ponies around her erupted into their own whispers of gossip, and from the bit Shining Armor could pick up, it was far from what he wanted to hear.
"He's the one that left the Princess in that burning building?!?" one of the stallions gasped after the round of news circulated.
"I didn't leave her! I tried to--"
"Whatever you tried, kid, you obviously failed at," Jet Set interjected Shining's defense.
Shining retreated a few steps as the glares he was receiving intensified. In the posh ponies' eyes, spoke everything he never wanted to hear; that he wasn't good enough for the mare of his dreams.
"I knew the Princess could've done better," Upper Crust seethed. "She still can, I'm sure."
"I wouldn't be surprised if you ended up banished or worse in the next few days," another stallion mocked.
Shining stood paralyzed with each insult thrown his way. He knew of the cruelness of Canterlot's social elite, he had observed it with Spike not too long into the dragon's life, but even with experience, it still burned fresh.
"Like I said, kid," Jet Set sneered, "stick to mares of your own class. Maybe try one of the dirt waitresses at that new dive restaurant. At least that way, when you fail her, it'll be somepony unimportant."
"Now you listen here!" Shining Armor faced the grey stallion nearly muzzle-to-muzzle with all the rage in his body burning in his eyes and presenting itself in his voice. One of his forelimbs trembled as he lifted it slightly above the ground when the thought of socking the stallion in front of him in the jaw raced in his mind.
"Oh! Out of her league, left her in a burning building, and quick to violence," Jet Set listed with a taunting grin plastered on his haughty muzzle. "I'm sure that'll keep her with you."
Rage. Fury. Irritation. Wrath. What ever word to describe the anger Shining Armor felt at that moment was miniscule to what he really felt. Seeing Jet Set on the ground with a hoof-sized dent on his face was all Shining could think of, but as strong as the desire was, he stopped himself. On one hoof, give the snob what was coming to him, but on the other, it would be proving him right, not to mention putting himself in jail.
Shining brought his hoof back to the ground, but kept his daggered glare on the group of ponies he knew were judging him. Without another word, he turned around and broke for home, sure that if he stayed any longer, he'd end up in jail.
Jet Set, Upper Crust, and their little entourage looked on at the retreating colt with judgemental gazes.
"A runner as well," Upper Crust commented, "I'm not surprised."
"If the princess is smart, she'll have a new suitor, a much better suitor, within the next few days." Jet Set smirked one last time before turning back to his and his wife's group. "Now, onto other matters."
***************
Shining Armor ran through the streets, passing anypony and anything in his way in a mad breeze. Rage turned to worry, and worry turned to hurt, and hurt back to rage. The verbal assault that came his way just a few minutes ago was still fresh in his mind.
Once his house was in view, he sprinted to the front, opening and slamming the door once he was in. He thanked Celestia that he was alone. He didn't want anypony to get alarmed with what he did next.
With clenched teeth and an intent to hurt, Shining reared his back legs and struck the wall hard, screaming as he did.
The resulting sight was a large dent in the wall. Shining stepped back and sighed out at the damage he did. With the flare of his horn and a flash of light, the dent morphed back into place. He hadn't meant to cause that, but with all that happened in a short time, Shining had a good reason to be angry, but he didn't want to be.
He may have been wide awake, but his body ached for sleep. Last night wasn't the best, so he figured a day of rest was needed.
It was no longer than a few seconds after he made his decision that a familiar pattern of knocks sounded at the door.
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK
"Shiny..."
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK
"Shiny..."
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK
"Shiny..."
Knowing all too well who it was outside, Shining finally smiled. Something about that pattern of knocks always made him smile for some reason he never quite understood. He got to the door and flung it open to see his wide-eyed friend.
"You! Leavin' me wonderin' if ya dead or not, and I hafta find out ya still breathin' from a freakin' newspaper!" Stardust ranted as her emerald eyes trembled slightly, a rare occurrence for the mare.
Shining just stood in the doorframe and allowed his smile to infect Stardust as she began to lighten up.
Stardust flung her forelimbs around Shining Armor in a tight embrace. "Don't do it again you idiot," she said with closed eyes.
"Well, aren't we worried and mooshy today," Shining teased.
"Oh, shut up," Stardust responded with a punch to Shining's limb.
Shining just laughed off the admittingly strong blow from his friend."So, where you coming from?"
"Well, before findin' out about ya, I was lookin' at some apartments around work."
"You're moving out?!?"
"Figured it's about the right time," she simply answered, "but enough about me, you're the one that just survived a fire! How ya holdin' up?"
"Good, actually."
"What about Cady?"
"... About the same," he answered with hesitance when he remembered the guilt Cadance carried with her after the incident.
Stardust instantly picked up on this and dug deeper. "There's somethin' ya not tellin' me, Shiny. I can tell."
"Look, it's a long story, and I wanna tell you, but I'm just really exhausted right now. Think it can wait for some other time?" Shining practically pleaded as the exhaustion in his eyes resurfaced.
She was hesitant at first, but one glance at Shining's eyes was all it took for Stardust to drop the subject for now. "Okay, Shiny." A light went off in Stardust's head. "Hey. Ya still got the usual scheduled day off from the library?"
"Yeah, why?" Shining asked, confused.
"Well, I get my first day off tomorrow, so, why don't you, me, and Cady all hang out tomorrow? This time away from work."
"Cadance can't make it. She told me that Princess Celestia wanted to plan a little family thing with her and Blueblood after the fire."
"Oh, then how about just the two of us? It's been awhile since it's just been us."
Shining lit up at the idea. Just a day out with his best friend to chase the wreck of a terrible beginning of a week. "Sounds like a plan."
"I'll show up here around eleven, sound good?"
"Uh-Huh. See you tomorrow, Star." Shining waved his friend off as she turned in another direction.
"See ya tomorrow, Shiny."
When Stardust was out of sight, Shining receded back into his house and closed the door. Silence fell over the house once again, and he took its invitation. Sleep was on his mind when he entered his bedroom and plopped down on his bed with high hopes for tomorrow. He debated to himself whether or not to tell Stardust about what happened today. He didn't know how, but he knew that if he didn't tell her, she'd find out anyways.
Shining turned on his bed when he remembered his encounter with the Canterlot elite. Their words, their eyes, those horrible, penetrating eyes, and the clear indication that they didn't approve of him. He didn't care if they did or didn't, but what they said was another thing.
"Like I said again, kid, stick to mares of your own class. Maybe try one of the dirt waitresses at that new dive restaurant. At least that way, when you fail her, it will be somepony unimportant."
His rage started to build again when Jet Set's irritating voice echoed through his head, but something he said still stuck with Shining Armor, that he had failed Cadance. Cadance assured him the night before that it wasn't his fault, but some guilt still lingered. Would she also carry some guilt? Did Jet Set's words actually hold some truth to them? Did he fail? All these questions pounded against his mind in a merciless attack, but his exhaustion thankfully stepped in.
Shining sighed as he flung the covers sloppily over him. "Not now, just... not now." |
The Brother and The Sitter | Potential | Potential
"Shining, your dad and I let you sleep in. Please try to take it easy. I know the doc said you'd be alright, but I worry. Love you my little moonpie.
-Mom
Shining sat at the kitchen table with a half-eaten apple in his hoof and a red tint on his cheeks from the note on the table. It was later in the morning than he usually woke up, but after the day he had yesterday, he deserved a little extra sleep. He could still recall everything that happened the day before, his run in with Jet Set and his entourage especially gnawing at his brain. He remembered wanting to punch the smirk off that stuck up pony's face and the restraint it took for him not to, but he also remembered the few words from the posh stallion that stuck with him.
Was he right? Or was Shining just letting a guilt that shouldn't be there consume him? The questions without a clear answer kept up with their attacks for a few moments more until Shining gave his head a shake. He knew he'd have to deal with the whole mess later, but for now, he just wanted to spend the day with a friend.
Shining gave a quick glance at the clock in the kitchen and realized he slept in much longer than he originally thought. With haste, Shining finished off the rest of his apple, downing it like his brother would a turquoise shard. Had he been thinking, he wouldn't have eaten the core, but was instead left to the unpleasant swallow.
With his face in a twisted expression from the apple core crawling down his throat, Shining ran upstairs to the bathroom. He ran the water in the sink and squeezed toothpaste onto his toothbrush before sticking it in his mouth to brush. Three minutes later, he was ready for some fun. It wasn't a minute after he had finished in the bathroom that Shining heard the beginning of his and Star's signature knock pattern. With a coy smile, he decided to have a little fun with it this time.
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK
"Shiny..."
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK
"Shiny..."
The door opened before the mare standing in front of it could knock again, revealing the colt standing in the doorframe that began to rap his own hoof against the door.
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK
"Shiny..." he finished off, cutting off Stardust's knock. She was not amused.
"That's just wrong," she deadpanned before smiling.
"I know," he teased, "That's why I did it." Stardust just rolled her eyes with a small giggle. "So, what are we doing today?"
"Thought we could catch a movie, then maybe grab some lunch. Have you seen Dragon's University yet?"
Shining just shook his head. "Nope."
"Then c'mon. I think there's a showing in a few minutes." Stardust's excitement proved to be contagious as Shining's own eagerness rose. He reached at a nearby table in the house and grabbed a small sac on a string and threw it around his neck. With a flick of magic, the door was locked and he was ready to go.
The two friends left Shining Armor's house and made their way down the streets with high hopes for the day. Shining, hoping to forget about yesterday's incident and all that came with it at least for just a little while, and Stardust, hoping to simply cheer her friend up. Call it a mare's intuition, but she knew something happened yesterday, and she was gonna find out, but it wouldn't hurt to have fun at the same time.
***************
Celestia sat in a circle with three of her favorite ponies and her favorite dragon in Twilight's new room. Everything was already moved in, even Twilight's seemingly never-ending collection of books managed to all fit in the room. Said filly could barely hold her excitement in as her foal-sitter downed the last bit of soda in the glass bottle they were gonna use for a game, a game a certain prince was already growing a disdain for.
"Truth or Dare? Really, Auntie?" Blueblood whined to the snow white alicorn beside him.
"Blueblood." Celestia's voice was gentle, but laced with a firmness that demanded immediate attention. "Twilight and Spike are new to the castle, so we will make them feel at home, and if they want to play Truth or Dare, we'll play Truth or Dare."
"But I thought today was supposed to be a family day?"
"The castle is their home now, and Twilight has been my student for almost two years now. She and Spike are just as much family to me as you and Cadance."
Blueblood gave an uncomfortable look at the filly and dragon in the circle busying themselves with downing the last bit of soda in the glass bottle they were gonna use as the spinner. Finally, he sighed out in defeat. "Fiiine, but if they wanna ask me anything really embarrassing or dare me to do something really stupid, I'm not playing," he said with a huff.
"She's just a filly and a dragon that can barely talk. What could they possibly ask or make you do?"
"Speaking of the dragon, Spike, I think, how's he supposed to play?"
"Twilight's going to play for him. Just go along with it, Blueblood," Celestia strongly advised, earning an aggravated sigh from her nephew.
"Okay, Auntie," he reluctantly agreed.
"Thank you, Blue Blue," Celestia giggled, causing the young prince to blush a violent red.
"Auntie!"
At this point, Cadance was already adjusting the bottle in the middle of the group while Twilight barely contained herself.
"Are we ready? Are we ready? Are we ready? Are we ready?" Twilight repeatedly asked, bouncing slightly in the air.
"Yes, Twilight, we're ready. You wanna spin first?" Cadance asked with a chuckle.
"Nah, I think Spike wants to go first," Twilight answered, pointing to the purple dragon sucking on his tail yet again. "I'll just spin for him."
Twilight reached for the bottle and gave it a light spin. It spun around a few seconds before stopping on Cadance. Twilight gave a small grin at the result. "Okay, Cadance. Truth or dare?"
With a hoof to her chin, Cadance thought it over before giving her decision. "Dare," she answered with a shrug.
Twilight's grin grew across her face when her eyes landed on Spike. "Give Spike a kiss on the cheek."
Spike spat out his tail at the mention of his name. The next thing he knew, a set of pink lips met the side of his scaly cheek. Spike replied by going into a fit of joyous giggles while Cadance smiled at the little drake.
"Careful, Cadance. Don't want Shining Armor finding out you're seeing someone else," Twilight joked, moving her eyebrows up and down.
"Whatever, Twilight," Cadance said with a roll of her eyes. "Your turn."
Twilight reached out for the bottle and gave it a spin, only for it to once again land on the pink alicorn. "Truth or dare?"
"Let's go with truth."
"Okay." Twilight's eyes scrunched when she let out a hum of thought. After a few seconds, she had it. "Do you dream of my brother?"
The question froze Cadance in a stunned shock, not so much as from the nature of the question, she expected as much from Twilight, but from the stares of her family as they awaited her response. "On second thought, let's go with a dare," Cadance hastily changed her answer, but Twilight wasn't letting her off that easy.
"Okay. I dare you to tell me if you dream of my brother."
Cadance's eyes narrowed slightly at the filly, but even she had to admit that was a clever move. "You're good." Seeing there was no way out of her question, Cadance hesitantly began her answer. "There are... some nights ever since we started dating that... Shining has... made a little appearance whenever I've had a dream."
"I KNEW IT!" Twilight shouted, pointing a hoof to a blushing Cadance.
"Is he sweeping you off your hooves and riding into the moonlight in a chariot with you?" Celestia teased in a light-hearted tone.
"No comment," Cadance answered flatly.
Celestia dropped the topic there for now, but once it was her turn to spin, it was back on the table once the bottle finished its spin, pointing at her niece. If one were to look closely, they would be able to see miniscule reminiscences of golden magic fading out from the bottle and her horn.
"I like this game now," Blueblood whispered over to Celestia, who bore an intrigued look aimed at the now stone-faced pink princess. With a loud sigh, Cadance prepared for what was to come.
"Hit me with your best shot."
***************
Outside the palace and outside a cafe somewhere in Central Canterlot, Shining Armor and Stardust busied themselves talking about the movie they saw. After the movie, they decided to grab some lunch at one of the cafes around the city. It was a simple place, nothing too extravagant, and more importantly, affordable.
The waiter at their table, tall and proper like a true Canterlot server, set down two glasses of tea at their table. "You're refills ma'am and mister," he addressed, his Canterlot way of speech coming through.
"Thank you," the two answered back before the waiter bowed and returned inside and left the two to converse.
"This was such a good idea, Star," Shining voiced before chomping down on the dandelion sandwich he ordered.
"I know. Last time it was just the two of us was back in the library. Speaking of which, how's Ms. Paiges doin'?" she asked before taking another bite of her rose and daisy salad.
"Good, but she says it's gotten kinda boring there now."
"What can I say? I bring the party to places," Stardust joked as she pumped her forelimbs in the air a few times, gaining a small chuckle from Shining Armor. "And hey, how are things goin' with Cady?"
Just the mention of Cadance's name brought a quick smile to Shining Armor's features, and it was all the answer Stardust needed.
"Guessin' good?"
Shining confirmed with a small nod before taking another bite of his sandwich. "I know it hasn't even been two weeks, but I really like her."
"Imagine if ya acted faster. Ya could've had her for months by now."
Shining's ears dropped a bit at the comment and he shot Stardust a look that screamed "Really?".
"I'm just yankin' ya, Shiny," Stardust laughed off, earning an eye roll from her friend. "But it was kinda cute how ya spent months just thinkin' 'bout her. Makes me kinda wish I had somethin' like that." Shining was about to add onto Stardust's last comment, but was quickly met with a hoof in front of his face. "Don't even think of settin' me up."
Shining slumped back down with a loud sigh. "Fine!"
"But thanks for thinkin' I deserve one," Stardust countered cheerfully.
"You do, Star. Especially after Comet Crush."
"Eh, he was just a sleaze," Stardust said dismissively, "and I'm not really lookin' for a relationship right now. I'm more worried 'bout gettin' that apartment I was lookin' at and hopefully move out."
"Speaking of which, where were you looking around?"
"Just around work. Figured I might as well live close by." Stardust stopped for a moment as something dawned on her. Hearing herself talk about moving out brought out a truth that scarred most ponies her and Shining's age, and it put her in a slight daze. "Wow, it doesn't really come crashin' down on ya that we're legal adults until we start talkin' 'bout all this stuff. I mean, movin' out, lookin' for an apartment... it's a little scary, Shiny."
Shining gulped down the bite of sandwich in his mouth before opening his mouth again. "I know." It came out more with a drawled out disbelief. Technically speaking, he and Stardust had been legal adults for a couple months now, but he knew they both didn't feel it. It was a confusing time for ponies their age. A time of change, mystery, and fear, and he could only hope he could handle well enough when his life started to take off. "How are you feeling about it? You know, moving out and stuff?"
Stardust had to think her answer out for a few moments. "Other than a little scared... pretty good actually. I mean, I finally get to be my own mare. Me against Equestria, Ms. Independent, finally able to see how I can handle myself, not that I doubt I can. Plus, I get to sing for other ponies nearly every night!" she answered, the last part coming out with full out excitement.
Shining could tell she was radiating with joy. He knew of her dream to sing for crowds, no matter how small. To see her so happy made him smile as well, but then he took notice to the distant gaze she put on when she began to play with the straw in her tea by swirling it around.
"Shiny? Can ya actually see me singing for large crowds? You know, name in lights, selling out shows, putting out albums, can you actually see that?"
Shining paused for a moment to see Stardust baring a truly curious look, like she was sincerely uncertain of herself, something Shining never thought he'd seen before. With a reassuring smile and a confident tone, he gave her his answer, "Star, you are the only pony other than Twilight that I've seen so invested in what they do. I mean, your room's basically got no floor. All I've seen in there is guitar equipment, song sheets, lyric notes, and a disturbingly large amount of trash."
"I don't like some things I write down, and unless I think it's perfect, I trash it," Stardust defended.
"See! You want what you write to be the best you can make. I've seen some of your songs, Star, they're really good."
"Ya really think so?"
"Yeah. You should sing some when you go to work sometime."
"I think I will," Stardust agreed, her confidence shining through once again. "Thanks, Shiny."
"No problem, Star," Shining waved off as he took a sip of his own drink.
"So what about you? Any luck with the whole not knowing what ya gonna do thing?"
"Ehhh, some. Cadance talked it over with me a few nights ago. I told her how I got my cutie mark and then she kinda diagnosed me or something."
"What'd she say?"
Shining took a few seconds to recollect what Cadance had told him. He remembered the sureness she had when she told him, and the surprise he had when she gave her answer. "She said I was... a defender?" he replied, his answer coming out more like a question.
Stardust cocked her head to the side, letting Shining know to go on.
"Okay, she said how I've had a history for protecting my family, and that she could see me using my special talent to, I guess, protect others as well?"
Shining's confusion on the whole thing only increased when he saw Stardust looking him over like he he sprouted a second horn. Her eyes scanned him over until she started to nod. "I can see that."
Shining sat there in a daze at the sudden comment. "Huh?"
"Ya've been there for ya family, ya wanted to be there for me after the whole Comet Crush thing, and ya charged into a flaming building for Cadance and a foal. Ya don't see it, Shiny, but when ya need to be, you're a pretty strong and fearless stallion."
Shining sat in his seat, completely lacking his speech from the praise he was getting.
"Aaaand," Stardust continued, "Ya were there for Spike. Every time ya had to bring him to work wit ya, and any time some snob tried to treat him like some kinda wild animal, ya stepped in and made sure they got the message that ya brother wasn't some kind of circus sideshow."
She was right. After Spike was hatched and started to go to work with him, Shining Armor couldn't go a whole month without at least one pony coming up to the little dragon and stare at him like he was some sort of rare animal that should've been put in a zoo, or at least that's what one had compared him to.
If there was anything in any of those ponies lives, anything at all that they could say they regretted, it was what they said to, or how they treated Shining's little brother. The fury they faced was something otherworldly. Uncalled for? Absolutely not.
"You're a strong guy, Shiny. I can see ya doin' something' pretty awesome in the future."
No words could have described the joy Shining felt from Stardust's words. He had been so unsure of himself for a while now, but to know his marefriend and best friend had the same high hopes for him, it helped him much more than he could express.
"Wow. Thanks, Star."
Stardust returned a smile as she reached for her glass of tea and held it up. Shining returned the gesture and held his glass up as well.
"To finding our destiny," he started.
"To starting life," she closed off before they tapped their glasses together and taking a drink.
The next few minutes were spent in relative silence as the two friends finished off what was left of their lunches. The waiter had come by again to hoof them the bill, and both payed for what they ate and drank. Shining sipped at the last remnants of his drink with a wide smile. It almost pained Stardust knowing she'd be the one to break that smile, but there was just something she had to know.
"Shiny?"
The white colt looked at his friend as he got down to the last of his tea and gulped it down.
"When I came to see ya yesterday, ya were a little off, and I know ya weren't just tired." Shining slowly set his glass down on the table as he readied himself for the question he knew he'd eventually hear from her today. "What really happened yesterday?"
Shining sighed out. He knew it was coming, and he knew he'd have to say something before she found out another way. He had no idea how she would, but he knew she would. He also knew she didn't ask just to be nosy, she did it because she worries for her friend, and he couldn't say he wouldn't do the same.
"Okay," he began, "I was coming back home from the castle..."
***************
Blueblood's choice activity for "Family Day" had been one of the more relaxing things done in the day. Cadance and Celestia were lying down in reclining chairs as their manes were being worked on by the spa ponies as Blueblood treated himself to a seaweed wrap. Twilight sat in a nearby hot tub, looking like she was in heaven. The dragon lying down in a safety floaty that glided across the tub had a similar look on his face as his sister.
All five looked like they could've died right then and there and be completely at peace, at least until something made Celestia's ear twitch and open her eyes wide open.
"What's wrong, Aunt Celestia?" Cadance inquired with a turn of her head.
"I... I don't know. I got this really strange feeling that a volcano just erupted."
"But Equestria doesn't have any volcanoes," Cadance pointed out.
"I know. That's what's strange." Celestia looked over to her niece who bore the same confused look as her aunt. They stared at each other with their perplexed glances before shrugging it off and going back to their rest and relaxation.
***************
Shining's eyes stuck open and he struggled to keep balance on his tilting chair in an effort to back away from the mare in front of him.
Stardust's face was contorted to an anger that Shining never knew could come to pass. Her left eye twitched violently and she looked like she was ready to burst. With a motion of his forelimbs, Shining tried to calm his friend down.
"Star? Remember, we're in public."
That did very little to ease the blue mare's anger, seeing as her eyes continued to twitch in frustration. Those ponies insulted her best friend, called him unfit for the mare she saw him dream about for months, and she looked like she was ready to kill.
A heavy breath escaped her ever so slowly as she tried her best to calm herself down for what she had to ask. "Shiny?"
Shining Armor looked at her with a mix of fear and concern. "Yeah?" he squeaked.
"Just tell me ya actually fought back this time."
An unbearable silence remained between the two friends as Shining ran through all possible answers that wouldn't set her off, but eventually, only one came out, the truth.
With a little reluctance, Shining took in a breath, "No."
He watched, with expectancy, Stardust try to contain the fires of fury that burned like Celestia's sun before he continued on. "If I did, I would've just proved Jet Set right."
Fury gave way to curiosity as Stardust visibly calmed down and cast a confused look to Shining Armor. "Whad'ya mean?"
A little tinge of regret creeped up Shining's spine as images of yesterday flashed in his head. All he could see was himself mere centimeters from the snob he wanted to punch. Just one motion away from sweet revenge, only to see himself stop and lower his hoof. With an aggravated sigh, Shining dove right in.
Stardust listened to Shining's recounts of the past day and his run in with members of the elite. Her expressions changed throughout the story, but most coming to ones of contempt, shock, irritation, and finally, understanding.
Shining had come to the part he remembered the most, and it took all he had to keep his voice level and calm. "I wanted to hurt him so bad, Star. I could've. He was right there, and I was so close to doing it, but..."
Jet Set's voice rang in Shining's head as he tried to speak, repeating that same line on loop. "Oh! Out of her league, left her in a burning building, and quick to violence. I'm sure that will keep her with you."
Stardust reached a limb out and placed a hoof over Shining's own, an understanding and genuine pride dawning her features. "Ya were the better pony, Shiny. That must've taken a lot. Hay, if it would've been me, that stallion would be eating from his flank for the rest of his life."
Shining shot Stardust a look of confused fear, only for her to chuckle lightly at the shock on his face. "Don't worry, he'd still be alive." That didn't help. "But seriously, ya did pretty well for a colt in that situation."
Shining eased up noticeably as he exhaled a breath he didn't realize he was holding. Stardust finally knew, she didn't blow up, and he got that bit of news off his chest. It was relieving but bittersweet at the same time. Just telling somepony about it didn't make the problem go away.
"Are ya gonna tell Cadance about this whole thing now?" Stardust asked with a partially pleading look on her face.
"Yeah, tell the mare who just got through a near death experience that her relationship is crap to the closest things to neighbors she has."
"Point taken," she deadpanned back, "but ya still shouldn't put up with this! I bet none of those ponies would've done what ya did in the school."
"Still, I don't want Cadance to have to worry about anything right now. It's only been about two weeks! You really think now's the time to pour all this on her?"
"It's gotta come out soon!" Stardust wasn't gonna let up. That much was clear to Shining Armor.
Shining put his hooves to his temples and began to rub before letting out a sigh. "I know, I know, but just not now, okay. I've had this whole not knowing what I'm gonna do thing on my plate, and I'd rather tackle one problem at a time."
The look Shining gave told Stardust that he wasn't gonna let up as well. When he wanted to be, he could be stubborn. She didn't know if he really did want to tackle one problem at a time, or if it was an excuse to not worry Cadance, either way, she knew she wouldn't be able to persuade him today.
"Fine, Shiny," she caved, "but if ya keep runnin' into those ponies and they keep sayin' that stuff, ya better tell Cadance about it. A relationship is helpin' one another out to show ya willin' to do whateva for them, a real one at least, and I can tell that's what ya want. And just by seein' the way Cadance looked at ya that night you two came by the restaurant, somethin' tells me she'd like something like that too."
Her words had an impact on Shining Armor, and it was showing. With more force, Shining rubbed his temples with a strained expression. So much to think about, and so many ways to approach his problems. For the second time that day, Shining had to admit that Stardust was right again.
"You're right, you're right, you're right, but just not now, okay. I wanna let the whole fire incident blow over first, and then I'll think about how I'm gonna tell her," he practically begged.
Stardust gave a small smile at Shining's plan. Yes, he'd still be holding the problem in, but only for a few more days, at least that's what she hoped.
"Alright, Shiny," she simply said. "Hey, why don't we get outta here? Feel kinda bad I killed the fun."
"You didn't kill anything. I'm actually kinda glad you brought it up," Shining countered happily.
Stardust kept her smile as she leaned over the table and gave Shining a light punch to the shoulder. "Any time, Shiny."
"So, where do you wanna go now?" he asked while rubbing the shoulder she punched.
Immediately, Stardust had an answer. She was already out of her seat and by the gate of the outdoor cafe. "C'mon, I wanna show ya the apartment I was lookin' at."
Shining hopped out of his seat and met his friend at the gate before the two trotted off to their next destination.
********************
It was a simple building. Nothing was falling apart, the various blue shades of paint seemed very well intact, and everything outside advertised the rooms available. Stardust had been true to her word about the closeness of the apartment building to her work, and the instant Shining saw the monthly price, he couldn't help but gasp at what he saw.
"450 bits a month!?"
"Yup," Stardust simply confirmed.
"Isn't that a lot?"
"Compared to what it should've been, not really."
A raised eyebrow and a crooked mouth gave Stardust the signal to go on. "Everything's workin' in there, the building is in good shape, really it should've been more, but somethin' came around."
"What something?"
Like it was on cue, a slight rumble was felt in the ground. At first it was nothing, but within seconds, the sound picked up and the rumbling grew, sending loose pebbles of pavement in the air a few centimeters. Adding to the rumbling, sounded a distant holler of some sorts, growing with each second that passed.
Soon enough, one single unicorn stallion came into Shining Armor and Stardust's field of vision. His grey coat was covered from the top by an assembly of shining gold-plated armor. Atop his head sat a golden helmet with a white and pale grey helmet crest. He ran down the street with a rushing pace and stern look glued to his face. Behind him came a sight Stardust and Shining Armor wouldn't forget. Trailing the lone unicorn stallion came row after row of marching young stallions in silver-plated armor. While none of them looked nothing alike, they all moved as one, each bearing the same serious expression as the stallion in front of them.
As quickly as they came, they all vanished in the cloud of dust they left behind, leaving Shining Armor to shield his eyes from the blinding cloud.
Stardust let out a few coughs as the dust settled before waving a limb back and forth to clear the air. "Yeah, the apartment manager told me that the Royal Guard use these streets for some kind of trainin'. Somethin' about knowing the city and all its streets for emergencies or somethin'."
"And how does the Royal Guard tie in with the apartment deal?"
"Ya really think ponies wanna live where the ground rumbles at the most random of times? Let alone sleep through it?"
"What do you mean sleep through it?"
"The manager told me that they come and go at the most random times, depending on who's leadin'. Sometimes it's early in the mornin'. Sometimes in the afternoon. And sometimes, well, ya get the picture. Anyway, since they use these streets, some ponies don't want to rent here, so prices got lowered, and here I am," she finished off with a smirk.
"Aaaand you think you can sleep through this?"
"I lived in Manehatten for most of my life. A few stallions stomping on the ground, please! I slept through police sirens and construction crews."
Shining gave a small shrug at Stardust's answer before another small rumble ran through the ground.
"Oh yeah, the manager also said there's usually more than one platoon the passes by," Stardust pointed out as the rumbling grew, revealing another swarm of young stallions being led by another golden armored stallion. This time however, the lead stallion caught a glimpse of Shining Armor and came to a halt. The silver-armored platoon that soon followed the lead stallion also came to a halt when they saw their lead pony standing still.
"DID I SAY STOP!" the lead stallion hollered to his group of charges. "FOLLOW YOUR PATHS AS IF I WEREN'T HERE! WHAT ARE YOU GONNA DO IF SOMETHING HAPPENS TO ME?!? STOP AND WAIT?!? MOVE! MOVE! MOVE!"
Without hesitation, the group of young stallions all resumed their march through the street, kicking up dust in the process and partially blinding Shining Armor and Stardust once again.
When the dust settled, Shining Armor saw the lead stallion approach him. He too was a grey coated unicorn stallion. Very little could distinguish him from the previous lead stallion that brushed through the street a few minutes ago.
"You," the stallion addressed to Shining Armor in a far less severe tone that he had on his platoon a few moments ago, "are you the colt that saved that foal from the gifted unicorn school?"
At this point, the stallion stood no more than two feet from Shining Armor, and it was then that the white colt took in the size of the stallion. He was a wall of armor and fur and looked like a force to be reckoned with.
"Yes?" Shining half-answered as he tried to keep his tone even towards the intimidating stallion.
Whether he could tell that Shining was nervous, or that Shining was terrible at hiding it, the grey stallion let a smile crack on his face as he extended a forelimb. "Sergeant Iron Defense."
"Shining Armor," he returned with a hoofshake of his own before turning to the blue mare next to him, "and this is my friend, Stardust."
Stardust came up to the large stallion and extended her own limb which he shook as well.
"Pleasure to meet you young mare. I can see you and your coltfriend are a little confused, so I'll make this quick."
A deep red spread across Shining and Stardust's faces at Iron Defense's words.
"She's not my--"
"And I'm not his--"
"I'm kidding, I'm kidding," Iron Defense laughed out for a few seconds at the teenage ponies' baffled reactions. "I know who this colt is. He's the one dating Princess Cadance. Plus, he doesn't look like the cheating type."
"Ugh, thank you?" Shining responded, once again back to his uneasy tone. "How did you know I'm dating--"
"You're dating a princess of Equestria in the capital city. The real question is who doesn't know." Iron Defense's answer forced Shining Armor into a small round of forced laughter. "You must be a good colt if her highness trusts you," Iron Defense said with a proud smile and a scanning eye over Shining Armor. "And I believe you proved that a few days ago. Charging in there with no regard for your own personal safety. A little stupid, some would say, but you came back out with a rescued colt."
Shining's mind flashed the events of that day rather quickly in his head. He really hadn't thought much of it at the time, but with this stallion spewing out details like he was there brought at all crashing down on him. He had saved a foal. Plain and simple. He saved a foal.
"And then, to go back into that place to try and rescue the Princess," Iron Defense continued, "that took guts, kid. Hay, that took bravery. That took something that I wish everypony had in them."
Shining didn't know it, but he was smiling at the praise he was receiving. It never really clicked with him that he was brave, he just did what he felt needed to be done back there. "Thank you, sir."
Iron Defense kept his smile as he stared down the young stallion before him. "Have you ever thought about your future, Shining Armor?" he suddenly asked.
"E-Excuse me?" Shining responded.
Iron Defense's horn started to glow a deep yellow before a piece of paper appeared in a flash of white and yellow in front of the stallion's face. He took it in his hoof and offered it to Shining Armor.
Shining took it in his own hoof and looked it over. His eyes widened at the print on the paper.
"Equestrian Royal Guard
Protecting their highnesses, protecting Equestria, protecting our citizens. WE NEED YOU!"
"I know it's a little sudden, but, give it some thought. A young stallion with bravery like yours, well, Equestria would become a little stronger." Iron Defense's smile never faltered as he spoke his words, not even as he started to walk away from Shining Armor and the now wide-eyed Stardust when her eyes landed on the flier. Once he was a good distance away, he stopped again. "Oh, and, Shining Armor?"
Shining and Stardust looked up from the flier in the colt's hoof.
"Think fast!"
What followed came in a blur. Neither of them could see the quickness of Iron's movement. First, his horn glowed a bright yellow, then, he seemed to do a complete one eighty in half a second. From his horn, flared out one massive bolt of magic.
It came fast, pulsing with energy, ready to hit, but all it met was a bubble of lavender. The magic bolt shattered on impact, and the bubble of magic that surrounded Shining Armor and Stardust saw no trace of a scratch.
Shining released his magic with a terror stricken face at Iron Defense's sudden attack. Stardust on the other hoof was not as paralyzed.
"WHAT THE HAY WAS THAT!!!" she shouted at the grey stallion.
"Just a little test for Shining Armor, and I gotta say, I'm impressed," Iron simply answered.
Irregular breathing came from Shining Armor at Iron Defense's answer. "W-Wh-What... do you mean?"
Iron Defense just pointed to the mark on Shining Armor's flank. "I had a feeling it had something to do with defensive magic, but I didn't expect that! Not even a scratch on your shield!" He began to rub his chin with a hoof as he kept his eye on Shining Armor. "You've got potential, Shining Armor. Just thought I'd let you know."
Iron turned his eyes from Shining to the now less irritated looking mare standing beside her friend. "Sorry for the scare, ma'am," he said with a small bow.
"Ughhh, yeah. No problem," Stardust answered, surprised from the well-mannered display.
Iron Defense stood back up and flashed a small smile at the two before breaking into a full gallop toward his now long gone platoon, leaving Shining Armor and Stardust in a stunned silence.
"What... What just happened?"
***************
The evening sun hung in the air as Shining approached the door to his house with the same stunned expression he held for the past few minutes. After his run in with the guard stallion, and after he got to check out what could be his friend's new home, he and Stardust had decided to call it a day.
The flier given to him sat folded up in the bit bag around Shining's neck, a penetrating reminder of everything Iron Defense had told him about being brave and having guts. To hear those words being spoken about him was new and unusual to him, but he'd be lying if he said he didn't like it.
Still, he now held in his bag an option to a problem that's been on his mind for awhile now, an option that somepony could see potential in.
With a flick of magic from his horn, the front door cracked open, and Shining stepped inside. When he entered the living room, he heard the scrambling of hooves on the floorboards from the kitchen.
"Shining!"
Once again, Shining Armor found himself in the vice grip of his mother.
"Oh, I'm so glad you're okay!" Velvet exclaimed like Shining was a missing foal.
"C'mon, honey, he just went out for the day." Night Light stepped into the living room and managed to separate the two, receiving a grateful look from his son in the process.
"Hi, guys," Shining simply said after the pain from his mother's grip faded.
"Hi, Shining. How was your day today? Did you get my note? Did you take it easy? You didn't get hurt out there did you? So soon after the doctor sent you home?"
"Velvet," Night Light chided slightly, ceasing the grown mare's barrage of worry-filled questions. "So, Shining, how was today? Anything interesting happened?"
"Actually... something did happen," Shining answered with hesitance. With his magic, Shining Armor pulled the flier out of the bit bag around his neck and smoothed it out before showing it to his parents.
"I got this." |
The Brother and The Sitter | Two Weeks Notice | Two Weeks Notice
Silence was expected when it came to working in a library. Shining Armor knew that even before he applied for the job almost half a year ago, but what he didn't count on was meeting somepony that took the expected boredom out of it.
Working alongside Stardust made the job fun for Shining Armor, and it got him a best friend he never thought he'd get. All that only made her absence all the more felt in the library, and it was brutal.
The last few days that Shining had started working again passed slowly, excruciatingly slowly, like a foal watching the clock tick away at the last few minutes of class. The unholy snail-paced days progressed with the usual book shelving and record taking, minus all the borderline-intrusive banter, laughs, and other little things that made the job fun. Now, all that remained for Shining Armor were books that he didn't really care for in monstrous stacks, endless return entries, and a deafening silence in the large building.
He missed having somepony beside him. Not only did he miss Stardust, he missed the days where a certain somepony else would keep him company, even if some of those days required a fire extinguishing spell. Spike may have been a baby, but Shining missed having his baby brother around the library. Now even he was off somewhere else. No Spike, no Stardust, just him and that suffocating smog of silence. He was going to lose it.
"It's getting to you too, isn't it, Shining Armor?"
Shining whipped his head to see Ms. Paiges standing at the end of the isle of books. He couldn't make out her expression exactly. It wasn't her scowl when things threatened her books, and it wasn't the resigned calmness she wore at her desk. It was more of a mix of the calmness ready to break, and a hint of concern.
"Excuse me?" he asked.
"Being the only one here? Stardust not working here anymore? Going through the days almost in complete silence?"
Shining's ears splayed against his head as he tried to think of an answer that didn't sound like he hated his job now. "It's noticeable, but it'll blow over."
"Are you sure, Shining? Because this entire week you've been back, and the few days last week, you've been... off, to put it lightly."
"H-Have I?"
He has.
The day Shining Armor returned to the library, Ms. Paiges nearly lost all sense of professionalism to the urge of smothering the young stallion into a grandmother-like embrace. News of Shining's heroics at the fire didn't take long to spread, and Ms. Paiges was one of the first to hear. Since he came back, she kept a good eye on one of her favorite employees, and that was when she noticed the change in him. He didn't seem to enjoy the library much anymore, at least that's what she could tell. All the years under her belt taught her how to read ponies, and Shining was a walking "How-To" book. The way he kept quiet, the way he walked around, almost like a lost zombie at times, and the way he now looked at the clock like he was counting the hours down until he got to leave, something he never did before. It was all she needed to know something was up.
"Yes, Shining, you have. And you know, I miss her too, but I saw it coming." Her lips curved upwards as her eyes lost that plastered on librarian glare. "I've gone through so many library assistants in the years I've worked here. It's more of a transitional job. They work a few months or years here, then they leave off to better and brighter things. Stardust just did what everypony else did, and I'm sure you'll leave me pretty soon."
Shining Armor never really thought his job as "transitional", as Ms. Paiges put it, but now that he thought about it, he could see the fitting name. He didn't want to spend his life working there, and he really knew Stardust didn't want to during her time of employment.
"It's going to be a real drag when you leave me as well, Shining Armor. You, Stardust, even little Spike, when he came over, gave a little life to this place."
"Aw, thanks, Ms. Paiges," Shining said with a growing smile.
"But," Ms. Paiges noted loudly with a hoof in the air, "I can't shake the feeling like something else is bothering you, Shining. It takes more than a friend changing workplaces to get to how you've been acting the last few days."
Where would he even start with that all too correct assumption? There were a few options. Added onto his siblings moving out, and Stardust's absence, Shining could start off with that royal guard, Iron Defense, and his impromptu test, the questioning of his future, his run ins with the Canterlot elite, or the one that still burned in his mind, his mother's reaction towards the possibility of her son joining the Royal Guard.
Knowing his mother, he expected her to freak out over just the idea of her son going into the Royal Guard, but that was the thing, she didn't, or at least, Shining didn't think she did. The night he pulled out that pamphlet about joining the Royal Guard, Twilight Velvet just stood there completely silent with eyes wider than Celestia's moon. No immediate protests against it, no wailing cries that if he went, she'd see him in a coffin, nothing. Last thing she did that night was say she was going to her room in a quiet and struggling voice.
"Actually," Shining struggled to get out, wondering if he could even get advice on what he was wondering from somepony like Ms. Paiges, "I was wondering something."
"I'm listening."
"Well, uh, you've had kids, right?" Shining asked, wondering if that was an intrusive question on his boss.
A smile crossed the librarian's aged lips. "Three actually. I even have seven grandchildren now."
Apparently not.
"Well, how would you have reacted if say, one of them thought of joining the Royal Guard?"
Ms. Paiges knew he didn't even try to make it sound like that situation didn't apply to him, but paid no mind to think of an answer. The knowing smile that appeared on her face told Shining she had something. "It all depends on the pony. Some mothers would give a salute and be on board from the get go, and other would protest to the best of their abilities. But if it were me, I'd have a little trouble grasping the idea of one of my children going off like that, but if it's what they really wanted, then I'd see them off with tears coming out of my eyes and the proudest smile in Equestria." She paused as she tried to think of another bit she could add to aid Shining's situation. "First, they'd have to give me a few days though, to really come to terms with it. It's rough on a mother that cares to know their child is going away, especially if it's something like that."
Shining noded knowingly as thoughts of his mother resurfaced. She could be overbearing at times, but she did care. Seeing how she reacted when Twilight and Spike had to move out was a prime example that she did, and that was moving into if not a more safe area. Now he could see how Velvet reacted the way she did.
"Thank you, Ms. Paiges."
The old mare returned his thanks before trotting to the end of the isle. "Whatever it is that you want to do, whoever it is that's worried for you will come around. They just need time. And when you do whatever it is you want, I know you'll do great. Celestia knows you're meant for better than this little gig here."
What was with her today? Shining rarely saw the side of Ms. Paiges that didn't look like that scary teacher everypony knew not to mess with, but it was nice. Somepony else had faith in him. "Thanks, Ms. Paiges."
"No problem. Oh! Going back to yours and Stardust's positions, I wasn't lying when I said it was basically transitional. So, to speed things along for you, you're fired.
Eyes widened, jaw dropped, a little twitch, only thing missing was a spit take to fully grasp the surprise Shining felt at those last two words. "Wh-Wh-What!"
"Sorry, let me clarify. Consider this your two weeks notice," Ms. Paiges corrected as she started towards her counter.
"I thought I was supposed to be the one to give that to you?" Shining asked, trying to catch up to his probable ex-boss.
"You are."
***************
"She fired you just like that?"
"Well, kinda. She kinda gave me some reverse two weeks notice."
"What's a two weeks notice?"
"It's basically telling somepony you're quitting ahead of time."
"Oh. Ugh, Shining? You got a little chocolate on your lips."
Shining gave a quick lick of his lips, tasting the traces of chocolate icing from the donut in his hoof while fighting the blush he felt could appear any second now. "Did I get it, Cadance?"
Cadance took a look at Shining's face with a sly smile. "Almost." Her lips met his, and he wrapped his forelimbs around her as she did the same.
"Still gets better," Shining beamed as he, once again, got trapped in his marefriend's purple eyes.
"You're telling me. But, ugh, can your boss really fire you like that?"
"I honestly don't know, but I'm kinda glad she did it."
"Really? Why?"
"Well," Shining began with a thoughtful sigh, "maybe it was time. I told you about Iron Defense, right?"
Cadance just nodded.
"Well, ever since then... well, it's not like what he said didn't get me thinking about it."
"So, you're honestly thinking about joining the Royal Guard?"
"Maybe?" he asked more than answered. "I don't know. I mean, it fits in with the whole 'defender' thing you said perfectly, but I never even imagined myself like that; suited up in armor, running drills, spears. You're lucky, Cadance. At least you know what you're going to be doing."
"Yeah, try alicorn magic training that somepony's aunt decided to intensify because apparently I might need it in the future and then tell me I'm lucky."
"Oh, sorry," Shining quickly apologized with a weak smile. "Intense?"
"Getting easier, but pretty soon I'll probably be able to blast any threat to Equestria if it comes to that," Cadance answered a little too eagerly.
"Oooookay," Shining nodded ever so slowly as he dragged out his word as Cadance relished in his reaction, wanting to turn it into another reaction she loved to see.
"So... armor, huh? You'd look pretty good in armor," she smirked playfully, causing the blush Shining had been fighting to shine through. How she loved to see that. "But seriously though, if it is something you want to do, or at least thinking of doing, get a little more info about it. You know the barracks and training ground are on the other side of the castle. Iron Defense is probably over there."
Shining looked at Cadance with fondness and wonder, thinking how she kept getting more amazing every passing day. A jokester and insightful. "You are a genius, you know that?"
Now it was Cadance's turn to blush. "I am a princess. Looking out for my subjects is what I do. Especially if one of them is my super sweet coltfriend who brought me donuts before our date tonight," she added with a bat of her eyelashes.
"I thought princesses aren't supposed to choose favorites," Shining smirked coyly.
Cadance just nudged his shoulder as she tried to suppress a giggle. "Oh shut up and hoof me the little pink one."
Following instructions with an eye roll, Shining Armor grabbed the treat he picked up from Joe's Donuts out of its box and hoofed it to Cadance, who opted to take more delicate bites than the first time she sank her teeth into a donut.
Shining just sank back into the bench he and Cadance sat in to take in the view. The royal gardens were stunning to say the least. Flora and fauna bloomed or ran everywhere or flew everywhere. And here he was, with the mare of his dreams simply eating their favorite treat together. It almost remained that way; quiet, simple, and nice, but a familiar flash of emerald light and the girlish scream that followed shattered all traces of tranquility.
"What happened? Shining asked, trying not to panic.
"I think Spike just found Blueblood."
The sound of frantic hoofsteps drew nearer and nearer to the couple. The regal owner of the hoofsteps sprinted right past Shining Armor and Cadance with a trail of smoke following, and an ear-splitting holler ringing through the gardens.
Blueblood didn't deal with ponies much, much less dragons, and not to his surprise, he eventually met Spike's fire breath. While he expected to get burned at least once, he didn't know exactly how hot a baby dragon's fire could be, and now he knew. Blueblood just needed relief, and the stone fountain in his sight was calling his name. Blueblood dove in, almost like he was cannonballing, into the fountain. Hot met cold in a sizzling bliss on Blueblood's flank.
"Oh, sweet auntie that feels better," he moaned as he let his flank sink deeper into the fountain.
Through his half-lidded eyes, Blueblood saw Cadance and Shining Armor running towards him, and behind them, the source of his trouble.
"What happened?" Cadance asked, offering her hoof to help Blueblood out of the fountain which he took immediately.
"I was just doing like you asked me, Cadance. 'Keep Twilight and Spike company, go play a game, nothing will happen'," he answered, mimicking his cousin the best he could. "Well, Twilight suggested hide-and-seek, I go along with it, and I get burned!"
"It was an accident!" Twilight defended, stepping from behind her her brother with Spike on her back. "Spike just had to burp, he didn't mean it, and he's really sorry."
Twilight bent her head down to let Spike eye Blueblood, and even Blueblood could see, in those big green eyes, that the little dragon was sorry. If that wasn't enough, the red rose in his little outstretched claws had to be.
"I sorry."
Nope, that had to be.
Cadance came to Spike's side and gave him a quick nuzzle before turning back to Blueblood with pleading eyes. "Aww, c'mon, Blueblood. Can you really stay mad at that little face?"
As mad as he wanted to be, and he really wanted to be, Blueblood just couldn't win against those big green eyes. They were penetrating him with cuteness, and shattered his defenses like a cannonball of puppies. "Okay, apology accepted. Just, please, make him stop! It's too much!"
Immediately, Spike's eyes dialated to their normal size as he went into another fit of giggles, all the while, still holding the rose out. Blueblood took Spike's offering in his magical grasp, and he could swear he thought he saw Twilight give the dragon on her back a wink.
"Okay, Twi-Lee, now maybe you and Spike would like to take Blueblood back to Princess Celestia to get that burn on his, ugh, well, get that burn healed up?"
Blueblood huffed only slightly, but the severity of his annoyance was made present nonetheless. That, however, didn't stop the little filly in front of him from smiling and motioning towards the castle. "Thank you, Twilight," Blueblood said, knowing if he refused her offer out of his own irritation, Cadance would not let him hear the end of it.
Twilight, Blueblood, and Spike all headed into towards the castle, Blueblood taking more reserved steps as to not irritate his flank, leaving Cadance and Shining Armor alone in the gardens once again.
"Okay," Shining began after a few seconds, "you have to admit, that was pretty funny."
She really didn't want to laugh at her cousin's misfortune, but her quivering lips betrayed her desires as Cadance broke into a small fit of laughter. "I've never seen him move so fast."
Shining raised a taunting eyebrow. "So you admit it?"
"Okay, yes it was. Does that make me a bad pony?"
"If it did, then I'm pretty sure anypony who saw that would be 'bad'."
"Well, alright. Hey, are you gonna take those home?" she asked, pointing back to the box of donuts still on the bench.
"Thanks for reminding me. Some of them I got for Twilight and Spike, could you give some to them?"
"Sure." Cadance picked the box up in her magic and floated it over to her side. "Can Spike have donuts?"
"He eats gems for snacks, and once ate a piles of worms he found in the backyard and came out totally fine. I don't know if there's anything in Equestria he can't eat."
"Could've done without the worm story, but alright then," Cadance responded, fighting the shiver that tried to crawl down her spine. "I'll just go give these to them, and then I can get ready for out date." Her smile and half-lidded eyes sent little shivers down Shining Armor's entire being. "So where are we going anyway?"
"Oh, I just thought we'd head down to this carnival that's in town and I win you a crapload of oversized stuffed animals."
"Sounds like a plan," Cadance cooed before turning towards the castle, making sure her tail brushed past Shining's face teasingly. "See you tonight."
Shining watched on as Cadance walked off towards the castle, trying to decide if she was deliberately adding an extra sway into her hips at that moment. Shaking off the topic and remembering something she suggested, Shining broke towards another path on the castle grounds.
***************
Grunts, hollers, stomping, and groans. Had he known that there was training going on, Shining would've waited another day, but he was already there. He might as well at least try and look for that guard pony he met days ago. That however, he realized quickly, was easier said than done. Everypony he saw looked alike. Every single stallion and mare were either grey or white, and it didn't help that the stallion he was looking for fit that color description.
As he trotted around the training grounds, he saw only a few ponies lagging the white or grey colored fur, but he could easily tell they had to be higher ranking ponies of some sorts. Whether it was by their patterned armor, or the fact that ponies seemed to stop dead once they saw one of them.
"Was Iron Defense wearing anything on his armor," Shining wondered aloud, not noticing where he was going once he felt scorched grass under his hooves.
"READY YOUR SHIELDS!"
Shining whipped his head towards that holler and saw two lines of ponies, all unicorns, a good distance away from one another. Then came the flashes of light. From what he could see before shutting his eyes and hitting the deck, he saw one row of unicorns fire their magic almost mercilessly at the other row of unicorns. Beams met something solid, and once Shining Armor opened his eyes, he saw colors. The other row of unicorns each had a wall of magic projecting from their horns. Some walls looked ready to burst, and some only showed a few cracks.
"NOT BAD PONIES! BUT THAT'S WHEN YOU'RE EXPECTING A HIT! WHAT ABOUT WHEN YOU'RE CAUGHT OFF GUARD?!? LIKE THIS!"
The screaming stallion that was probably the leader of the lines of ponies whirled around and shot out a beam at a poor unsuspecting pony. He barely had enough time to summon a shield that protected him from the fierce yellow bolt of magic before shattering on impact.
"GOOD REFLEX, HEX! BUT WHAT IF THAT BOLT CAME FASTER?!? AND AS FOR THE ATTACKERS, YOU NEED TO BE QUICKER WITH YOUR DRAW! SO, I WANT ALL OF YOU TO TRY AND LAND A HIT ON ME!"
Both rows of unicorns looked at one another like their leader just snapped.
"WHEN I SAY THAT I MEAN NOW!"
The unicorns stumbled only for a second until they all took stances. With uncertain looks, they all quickly prepared their magic and fired. Shining watched on from his spot, seeing what could've been a really awesome laser light show. Magic beams of all colors shot out, and Iron Defense made near-effortless sidesteps, avoiding every single shot.
One shot, however, blasted its way to the lead stallion, but only met with solid yellow magic. Once the dust settled from the magic scuffle, it revealed awestruck ponies, and the stone-faced expression on lead stallion's face behind a scratchless wall of yellow magic.
"Almost had me there, Quick Draw, BUT WHAT DO I ALWAYS SAY, PONIES?!?"
"ALMOST ONLY COUNTS IN HORSESHOES, HOOF GRENADES, AND ATOMIC WEAPONS, SIR!" the unicorns hollered, slightly deafening Shining Armor even from his distance.
"THAT'S RIGHT! NOW PARTNER UP AND EACH OF YOU TRY TO HIT THE OTHER WHILE HE OR SHE TRIES TO DEFEND. I WANT TO SEE QUICK BLASTS AND QUICK DRAWS. NOT YOU QUICK DRAW, THE ACTUAL THING!"
"YES, SERGEANT IRON DEFENSE, SIR!"
"Oh, well, that made it easy," Shining mumbled to himself as he got up from the grass. With Iron Defense in sight, all he had to do was walk up and--
"KID! LOOK OUT!"
Shining's eyes barely registered the stray shot of magic that ricocheted its way across the training grounds. Before it had the chance to ram into his face with a wrecking ball's force, it shattered against something round and lavender. Shining Armor opened his eyes to see himself encased in his own magic bubble before dropping it once he felt the danger was gone.
Once he lowered his magic, all eyes were on him, and he could hear distant whispers.
"Not even a scratch!"
"That thing was comin' at him like a torpedo!"
"That was a perfect bubble!"
"BACK TO YOUR TRAINING!" Iron Defense's voice cut in brutally, and all followed his instruction.
Shining never thought one pony's screams could leave a ringing in somepony's ear. Then again that could've been the hums of magic in the air from the magic firing going on. He decided to chalk it up to a mix of both.
"Shining Armor, right?" Iron Defense asked as he calmly trotted up to the white unicorn.
"Yes, sir."
"Well glad to see you again. Though next time, just ask the guards outside the palace where I am. It'll save you a near-death experience or two," Iron Defense joked, eliciting a few nervous and forced laughs from the pony in front of him. "So, are you here about what I told you last time we met?"
"Actually yes, but the thing is, I'm a little unsure about joining. I've never really thought about it before, and I have no idea about--"
"About what to expect going in and whether or not you even should?" the older stallion finished off, surprising Shining Armor. "I went through that before I joined. Me and quite a few others in the Guard have. I'll just cut to the chase because I have ponies waiting on me. I was nervous about joining because I was honestly intimidated by other ponies that were joining."
The look on Shining Armor's face let the tall wall of muscle, fur, and armor know he didn't believe it. "Believe me when I say I did not look like this when I joined, thank you late growth spurt," he added with annoyance. "I joined at about your age, and was probably a head shorter than you with a lot less muscle. I barely passed the physical requirements when I joined. Thinking back on it, that might be the reason my old sergeant told the mess hall workers to load my tray more than the other recruits. Anyway, the ponies that were going in, I used to think that those were the ones that should be royal guards. I didn't think I had what it took, and I almost backed out completely."
Shining was hanging on every word Iron Defense spoke like it would save his life. "What made you go through with it?"
Iron Defense's solid face seemed to soften as his eyes seemed to gleam with life. "Greats friends and family. They all knew I was hesitant and my reasons for being, but no matter how little I thought of myself, they talked me up to finally joining. Had it not been for them, I'd probably still be wondering what to do with my special talent."
"Wow," Shining breathed, thinking of four certain ponies and dragon that would probably have his back if he made the decision to join, and hopefully another later on.
"Support goes a long way when you're unsure, but once you step into that enrollment office, you have to be sure that's what you want to do." Iron Defense snorted a small chuckle. "So much for cutting to the chase, huh?"
"No, that actually helped out, a lot actually."
"Well, let me help you even more. As for what to expect, I'll make it short. It'll be tough, and it'll drain you, but it's all worth it in the end when you see that strong pony you'll become if you do everything right. Another thing, if you join and get me as your commanding officer, you will not like me as much as you do right now."
"Noted, sir," Shining said with an awkward nod.
"Just think if you can really see yourself as a part of all this," Iron advised, gesturing to the training grounds. "If you can, then it'll be a pleasure to see you at boot camp." Giving a quick salute, Iron Defense hurried back to the awaiting ponies, leaving Shining alone to take in his advice.
He stood there for a few seconds, just lost in thought. Finally, he brought a forelimb up to his forehead in a bent angle. Directed at the grey sergeant that didn't see it , Shining gave a full-hearted salute before walking off the training grounds. He came to the front gates of the castle, the guards ponies already having opened the golden gates once they saw him.
Staring at the streets he knew he'd have to go through, and more specifically the ponies he'd probably see looking at him, Shining took in a breath and breathed a deep sigh. "Let's get this over with."
***************
The walk hadn't been as bad as other days, but it was still pretty bad. Shining Armor just thanked Celestia that he hadn't run into anypony in that area, otherwise he'd be given yet another round of insults why he wasn't enough for Cadance. He could feel himself tense up just thinking about what some of those ponies have said, especially that big-headed Jet Set and his equally snobby wife. Even without the verbal assaults, the stares and side whispers he saw were enough to let him know they still didn't approve. He didn't care. It hurt a little, but he didn't care. He saw how he made Cadance smile, and he remembered that she chose him. He remembered their first date, when she kissed him on the cheek in the drizzle, their first real kiss, and every one after. He knew he was good enough. Even if, that still didn't quench the irritating urge to somehow prove it to those snobs wrong.
"Yo, Shiny!"
The familiar accent and volume of that voice was all it took for Shining's thoughts to take a turn for the better. "Hey, Star," he greeted with a wave to his friend across the street. "Where you headed?"
"Back to work. Break's almost over. You?"
"Home. Me and Cadance have a date tonight and I need to get ready."
Even from across the street, Shining could see the taunting grin Stardust formed. "Ooooh, look at you, little Casanova."
He rolled his eyes.
"Hey, the two of ya are still comin' to see me play tomorrow night, right?"
"Wouldn't miss it," he reassured.
"Great! I haven't seen much of ya all week. We need some catchin' up. Anything happened to ya?"
"You have no idea," Shining muttered under his breath.
"What was that?"
"I'll tell you about it tomorrow, I gotta go, and I'm pretty sure the whole block could hear us by the way."
"Whateva. See ya later, Shiny!" Shining watched Stardust gallop away towards her work as he continued homewards. He reached his front porch wondering if his mother would be open for a talk about the Royal Guard again. Every day after he brought home the pamphlet on the Royal Guard, Twilight Velvet had avoided the topic any chance Shining brought it up. Thinking that today might be different, he pushed the door open to see Night Light on the sofa, reading some astrology book.
"Hey, dad," Shining called as he stepped through the door.
Night Light glanced up to see his son. "Oh, hey, Shining. How was work?"
"Ugh, good, I guess. I'll tell you more about it later, but, ugh, where's mom?"
Night Light's glance shifted to another room in the house as a worried expression crossed his face. "In our room. She's still kinda, well... nuts."
"Dad," Shining droned.
"Yeah, I know, but I just need to ask, are you still considering the Royal Guard?"
A brief silence grasped the room as Shining became more decisive with his answer. "Yes."
Night Light pushed his tongue to the inside of his cheek as he nodded his head. "Huh. Well, no wonder she's like that."
With a raised eyebrow and cocked head, Shining had to ask. "Huh?"
"Well," Night Light started, putting his book down as he began, "I think your mother knows that you really are considering this, and that's what's scaring her."
"Dad, I know she's worried for me, but--"
"It's not just that she's worried for you, son. It's also the fact that if you go, that's the last of her kids." Shining had to let that last part sink in. He blinked in realization. He never thought of it that way before. "You'd be the first and only out of you and your siblings that she'd have the chance to watch grow from baby foal to grown pony. I don't think she's done getting over that quite yet."
Night Light breathed in and sighed heavily as a glimmer danced in his eyes. "Remember when Twilight told us that Princess Celestia wanted her to move into the castle."
Shining nodded.
"Well, as proud as she was, and she really was, your mother was also devastated. I held onto her in our room later on that night as she basically bawled her eyes out. Only two things I said got her to stop crying that night; that we'd still be able to visit your brother and sister whenever we wanted to, and that you'd still be here for a few more months."
Silence. It was all Shining could do as he listened on, a little bit of pain grazing him as he came to realize the pain Twilight Velvet must've felt. Both of her youngest kids were gone, one of which she didn't get to spend a full two years with.
A weird and short chuckle escaped from Night Light as he remembered a certain day. "Looking back on it, it's probably no surprise the way she acted when we dropped Twilight and Spike off at the castle, remember?"
How could he forget? If the public wailing as Twilight Velvet clung onto Twilight while Night Light tried to pry the two apart wasn't enough, the way she held onto Spike had to be the icing on the cake.
"Yeah. I'm just glad scales are tougher than fur and skin, otherwise I'm pretty sure she would've squished him alive."
Both felt shivers go down their spines just imagining that messy image.
Night Light cleared his throat as he pushed that thought aside. "Well, bottom line is, she's already had to see two of her kids go off, and well before most mothers see their kids off. Now, she has to watch her last one leave."
Shining opted to staring at the floor beneath his hooves, not really knowing how to respond to that bit of insight just thrown at him. "Did you... did you feel like mom did?" he finally asked after a few moments of silence.
A deep sigh escaped the blue unicorn as he sunk slightly in his seat. "More than I led on, Shining. I had to be strong for your mother, but it did hurt seeing Twilight and Spike go. Just like it's going to hurt seeing you go, but I know it'll be for the best. Whether it'll be seeing you go into the Royal Guard, or something else, but I know it'll be for the best, and I know you'll make me and your mother proud."
How to respond to that? Shining really didn't have a full idea, and he honestly didn't think anypony would, so he settled for something simple. "Thanks, dad."
"Just give your mother a little more time. She's been through a bit lately."
Shining's gaze traveled to the door of his parents' room as a resigned smile snaked across his face. His gaze returned to his father, and he gave a nod. "Okay."
Night Light returned his son's smile. "Thanks, Shining." He picked his book back up and turned to the page he was on. "Now go and get ready. I know you've got a date with your lady."
"Dad," came the cry Shining wished wasn't as loud as it came out. Night Light just laughed as Shining dragged his way to the bathroom.
With the door closed, Shining took a minute to look at his mane. Both shades of blue shined nicely. All he needed was a little readjustment, aaaand...
"Perfect," Shining grinned, satisfied with his mane.
He stepped back and patted his mane down, making sure it would keep its place. In the mirror though, while he did see himself, he also saw a few other things. The past few weeks had been crazy, but they had gotten him thinking. Before all that, he'd see the stuttering, nervous, and at times dorky pony who never thought too much of himself.
Now, standing in front of the mirror, he saw so much more. He saw a young stallion dating the most amazing mare in Equestria. He saw the pony that risked his life to save two others. He saw the courage that others have pointed out. He saw the purple magic that came so naturally to him. All those combined, he made out a whole nother pony staring back at him.
He was a white unicorn stallion with a mane just like his. He was proud with strong blue hooves and eyes, and he wore the most astounding patterned armor Shining ever saw. This stallion was staring back at him, wearing the same smile he had on his face.
Shining brought a forelimb to his forehead, and the stallion did as well.
Together, they gave a salute. |
The Brother and The Sitter | First Bird | First Bird
If her lyrics and voice weren't enough to send the crowd beneath her into a fit of applause, the way she delivered her performance was. Stardust stood on stage with a fierce smile and a fire in her eyes as she took in the stomps of applause and hollering cheers that were all meant for her.
"Stardust, everypony," Cymbal Crash announced as he came up on stage to lead her off. "Amazing as always."
She could say she wasn't that great, but that would've made her a liar. Stardust laid her guitar down by the stairs at the bottom of the stage before making her way through the restaurant to a familiar spot. After squeezing through some ponies, she saw her favorite couple eagerly awaiting her at their table.
"Stardust, that was amazing!" Cadance was making no effort to even try and contain herself.
"Was that one of your own?" Shining asked from his seat next to Cadance.
"Thanks, and yes," the confident musician answered as she pulled herself a chair. "First time that song saw an audience."
"Really? Well, the crowd loved it."
Remembering what Stardust said about her song, Cadance couldn't help but ask, "Wait, you wrote that song, Stardust?"
"That and a few others I sang over the last few days."
Her eyes went wide. She wasn't used to music like Stardust's, let alone the power and emotion that went into them. To know all of that came from just one pony, it was mind-blowing to Cadance to say the least. "Wow."
Stardust just smiled smugly. "Aww, thanks Cady. I even wrote one about the two of ya." Stardust dug into one of the pockets of her waitress jacket she had on and pulled out a folded piece of paper. After unfolding it, she hoofed it to Cadance, and she sat back to watch the reaction.
The widening eyes, the wide smile that followed, even the tiny squeal of delight, it was everything Stardust wanted to see.
Cadance passed the piece of paper over to her coltfriend with an eager, beaming smile. Shining Armor took it, the first thing visible being the title.
"Lovestruck (ShiningCadance)," Shining read off the page, raising an eyebrow at his friend.
"It was either ShiningCadance or Shadance, but I couldn't make a good melody with Shadance," Stardust answered flatly.
"Well, it is a really great song, Stardust," Cadance cut in, earning another smug smile from the mare across the table.
"Thanks, Cady, but hey, enough about me, what's been goin' on with you two, ShiningCadance?"
Cadance leaned into Shining Armor as she thought, a few options surfacing. "My aunt's basically turning me into a one-pony-assault team, I may or may not be getting addicted to donuts, and I'm still with the best colt in Equestria, who for some reason couldn't manage to win me those stuffed animals he said he was going to last night."
"Those games are rigged, I swear to your aunt they are!" Shining quickly defended, memories of last night invading his mind. So many wasted bits and stubborn tries to win just one game.
"Really? Then how come I managed to win ten life-size plushes from only one game?" The smirk and teasing tone Cadance had sent the poor colt next to her back to his old stuttering habit, and his face into a flushing heat. It was at times like these that Shining wished he was born with a different coat color. Any color. His desire only intensified when he saw Stardust shoot him that look she got when she tried to stifle laughter. Pushing it to the side, he figured that at the end of the day, even through the playful teasing, he was still getting snuggled up against by Cadance.
After regaining what little could be called composure, Stardust settled her gaze on the colt whose face finally lost its red tint. "Whatta 'bout ya, Shiny? What's been goin' on?"
One thing came to mind very quickly. "I got fired."
For the first time in a long while, Stardust had no immediate response. She sat there, blank faced and unable to think of how to react until the slew of one-worded questions sputtered out. "How? When? Why? What?!?"
Shining gave her the general gist of his soon to be former job. When he finished, Stardust still held that blank stare, like she was still trying to grasp her mind around the whole thing.
"Lemme get this straight, Shiny," she said, rubbing the side of her head. "Paiges basically told ya you're better than a library assistant, then says she's gonna fire ya in two weeks?"
Shining nodded. "Basically."
"She's a weird boss."
The two unicorns shared a little laugh before Stardust pressed on. "So ya okay with it?"
"Yeah. I think it was time anyway. I mean, it's not like I wanted to be a library assistant forever."
"What do ya wanna be forever anyway? Or are ya still findin' that out?"
"Still finding that out, but I have been thinking about something."
"Yeah? What's that?"
Shining remembered last night in the bathroom before his carnival date with Cadance. He remembered that stallion in the mirror and how amazing, strong, and confident he looked. "Remember Iron Defense?"
"Ya mean the crazy that tried to blast us? Yeah, I remember. If it wasn't a federal offense, I'd give that guy a piece of my mind for that."
Something told the two ponies across from her that Stardust was serious.
"Anyway," Shining continued, "I actually went back to see him about the Royal Guard."
"Huh. So ya joinin'?"
He saw that stallion in the mirror again. "My dad says he's all for it, and I'm starting to see myself able to do it." He paused, one pony coming to mind that was more unsure about the potential choice than he was. "But, my mom's having a little trouble with the idea."
"She doesn't want you joining up?" Cadance spoke up, lifting her head off of Shining's shoulder to meet his eyes.
"Not exactly," Shining answered with a twisted expression. "To make a long explanation from my dad really short, she's just having trouble seeing me go off... anywhere."
Stardust hummed out, knowing perfectly what Shining was getting act. "Momma Bird doesn't wanna let the bird fly just yet, huh?"
"That's one way of putting it, but yeah, and I have no idea when she'd be ready to finally talk about it."
"What if she never wants to?"
Cadance's question lingered in Shining's mind. He could already see his mother avoiding and deflecting that topic anytime it could be brought up. He understood that she'd be worried, but he hoped she wasn't that worried... or crazy. Whatever came first. "I. Have. No idea."
"Before ya start freakin' out about that, lemme ask ya somethin', Shiny," Stardust chimed in, setting her eyes right on Shining's. "Can ya really see yourself doin' somethin' like that? Bein' part of the Royal Guard? Yes? Or no?"
Shining went back to last night in the bathroom. He could remember that stallion in the mirror. The one that looked just like him, wearing some of the most astounding armor ever, and looked so strong and confident. He hadn't thought much into it at first, but that stallion was the courage, bravery, and talent Shining possessed all brought into that one reflection. It brought a smile on Shining's face to think of it that way, and with his eyes set on Stardust, he gave a solid nod. "Yes."
Stardust leaned back in her seat with a satisfied smile of her own. "Welp, then if it's somethin' ya really wanna do, ya may have to break Momma Bird's heart."
Shining let out a resigned sigh. "Yeah, I know." Breaking Momma Bird's heart. Seemed cruel, but if it came down to it...
"Word of advice, Shiny. Actually sit down and talk it out and don't stall for time."
It was small, but the shift in Stardust's tone made itself noticeable to Cadance. "Experience?" she asked hesitantly, hoping it wasn't crossing any possible boundaries.
Stardust just sighed out and slouched a bit in her seat. "It was back in Manehatten years ago. My mom used to be a fairly well-known concert pianist. Once I showed interest in music, she started cramming piano lessons and classical crap down my throat. I was actually pretty good on the piano, still am, but I never really liked the classical stuff. I respected it, but it just wasn't for me. I had my own musical taste, and it was nothin' like my mom's."
Her eyes started to twinkle a bit as a reminiscent smile snaked its way across her face. "Then one day when I was walkin' around a few streets, I came across this music shop. Don't really know why I went in there, but I did. I'm glad I did because when I went in, I heard some colt playin' on a guitar. Oh my gosh! You should've heard him, guys. Next thing I knew, I end up standin' off to the side just listenin'. He sees me and asks me if I wanted to give it a shot. So, I gave it a try, and after he told me how to hold it and strum, I end up playin' for an hour, and that was that. I fell in love with the guitar."
Cadance and Shining were all ears as they listened to Stardust's story. Shining had already heard her cutie mark story, but not this "experience" Cadance had asked about.
"So I save up for a while and finally buy my first guitar." She started to laugh. "Ya shoulda seen my mom's face when I brought it home. She was okay with me bein' able to play more instruments... until I started focusing more on the stuff I actually liked than practicin' what she taught me. So she gets me practicin' more piano stuff, but that whole time, all I wanted to do was play my own stuff. Usually I didn't have a problem telling ponies what I really thought and wanted to do, but she was my mom, and I knew that she was just pushin' me because she loved me and all that. Coulda done it another way, but thats parents. So I just bottled everything up until one day..."
Stardust paused as she sat back up in her seat. She reached over the table and grabbed Shining's half-full glass of tea. "... I basically blow up in her face that I didn't want anything to do with the piano, her, or anything she wanted me to do."
This was new. Shining never put it past his friend to have had a few fights with her parents. She just came off as somepony that probably did. As for how those fights came about was what shocked him. Her, keeping quiet. It was like Twilight not reading.
Stardust threw her head back as she took a large gulp of Shining's drink before setting the cup back on the table. "I hated her for weeks and was just horrible to her. She could barely stand me. I basically shut myself from her and kept to my guitar."
Cadance and Shining Armor sat quietly in their seats, awaiting their friend to go on. Stardust noticed the stunned faces her friends had and couldn't help but stifle laughter.
"Don't worry, guys. We made up. One day, my mom comes into my room and breaks down, sayin' she's sorry for tryin' to force me to do something she didn't know I hated." Her gaze traveled upwards, staring off at something nonexistent. "We cried so much that day. I'm tellin' her 'I'm sorry' ova and ova and ova again."
Stardust set her eyes dead on Shining Armor's. "I shoulda just sat down and told her I wanted to do somethin' else. It woulda saved me an explosion and a lotta tears. Get what I'm tryin' ta say, Shiny?" He nodded before Stardust leaned back in her seat. "Don't do what I did, Shiny. Wait too long aaaand BOOM!" she said with hoof gestures.
"Okay, Star," he simply said.
She smiled back and got out of her seat. "Well, I gotta get back to work. Thanks for the drink, Shiny." She quickly trotted off to another table, leaving Shining realizing he'd have to order another drink.
"She just took it and drank," he said flatly, sliding his glass off to the side.
"But she had a good point." Cadance had stayed quiet the longest out of the three of them, simply absorbing what was said, and observing how they reacted, and it gave her a few hunches. "You've already been waiting, haven't you?"
His silence was answer enough.
"That obvious?" he asked after a few seconds.
She nodded. "Yeah. So, how long?"
"A little over a week," Shining answered with a sigh. "Last night, my dad said I should give her a little more time before trying to talk with her. Now..." he said, hopelessly confused on what to do.
Cadance put a hoof on Shining's shoulder, drawing his attention to her soft, beautiful eyes. "Whatever you want to do, or think you need to do, you'll know it. Things have a way of working out with you."
Exhibit A was sitting right in front of him, flashing a warm and inviting smile that he couldn't help but return. "They do, don't they."
Exhibit B showed itself when Shining felt a pair of soft lips touch his own briefly before pulling away. He loved those little pecks she'd sneak. Shining just stared at those eyes he adored so much as he leaned in to return the gesture. Cadance took it like she always did, with the same warm and fuzzy feeling that coursed through her with every kiss.
Shining pulled away and moved a menu on the table in front of Cadance. "I'll worry about that later. Right now, I want to enjoy a veggie burger with my beautiful marefriend."
He opened his own menu as Cadance tried to fight the small blush that seemed to creep on her face. He always had a way of doing that to her, just as she did with him. She had a keeper.
***************
At the front doors of Canterlot Castle, two ponies stood outside, wrapped in each other's forelimbs as Celestia's moon shone its pristine light on the city below. Cadance was first to break away to open the door. She slid inside, but held the door open and turned to face her coltfriend. "I had a great night, Shining."
"Fight the little hearts! Fight the little hearts! Fight the little hearts!" his mind screamed when Shining felt himself almost being lifted up in the air.
"Me too," he replied with a faux sense of cool. She could see right through it, but said nothing of it. Like he could sense she could see his act, he surprised her with a kiss through the doorframe.
"Don't let your eyes turn to hearts! Don't let your eyes turn to hearts! Don't let your eyes turn to hearts!" her own mind screamed at the wonderful surprise.
Shining broke away quick enough to catch a glimpse of Cadance still reeling in from the kiss. He loved surprising her. It made him feel a little less silly when he was able to send her into a similar state she always managed to make him go into. It was a good night. They ate, saw their friend sing, had a good talk, and a few unexpected pecks here and there never hurt nopony. All that was left was to bid the mare of his dreams farewell... and make the walk through upper Canterlot just to get home.
That one area. That one area so close to Cadance's home used to be a place he could walk through without a problem. Now, whenever the time came for him to go, he dreaded what the ponies in that area would have in store for him. Would it be more stares? Whispers? Or another run in with a stallion he came so close to punching in the face, his wife, and the insults they'd throw his way.
He did his best to ignore everything they threw his way. He could handle it. He went through the same thing with Spike before. This time, the negativity and ridicule wasn't on someone else he could stand up for. It was on him.
He could handle it. At least that's what he told himself.
Stardust's promise to stay quiet about his run ins with the Canterlot elite floated up in Shining's head. At the time, he just didn't want Cadance to worry. That much was more than true, but Shining knew deep down that something else kept him from telling Cadance about it. He thought it stupid of him to think it, but after a few weeks of verbal abuse, who could blame him? What if, in a twisted and off chance way, they were right? About him not being good enough for Cadance. How she could land any colt or stallion she wanted. She was a princess of Equestria! Niece to Celestia! The Canterlot elite were not hesitant to make that point crystal clear. What if he told her everything that had happened and what they had said, and she began to think she could do better? No.
She chose him. She still chose him. She even let him take her out of the familiarity of the castle and out into the city she lived in but barely explored. She laughed with him, made him feel like he brought so much joy to her, and wanted to be around him.
The storm of conflicting thoughts raged in his mind for a while until another memory reared its head; one not to long ago, and from a certain musician.
"Wait too long aaaand BOOM!"
Gears started to turn and click. Stardust was either very universal with her advice, or she somehow managed to kill two birds with one stone.
"That sneaky brilliant mare."
Coming back from Cloud 9, Cadance gave the young stallion in her doorway a brilliant smile as she began to retreat into the castle. "Goodnight, Shining Armor."
"Goodnight, Cadance, he replied as the door began to close. "Cadance, wait."
The door stopped its movement and Cadance came back out. She could see the small nervous signs on his face. "Something wrong, Shining?"
How to word it right? How would she even react? Shining only hoped that what came out of his mouth didn't scare her away. Clearing his mind, Shining took a breath before asking. "What would you do or say... if somepony, or some ponies, told you that you could do better?" He saw her eyes grow wide. "Or if they said we shouldn't be together?"
To call the following seconds silent would be the understatement of the century. Cadance stood with wider eyes than Shining ever saw, and he couldn't help but feel terrible about making her act like that. He thought about telling her to forget about it and run as fast as he could back home, but he knew that he needed to stay. He needed an answer.
After another moment or so, Cadance closed her eyes and took a shaky breath. She opened her eyes and laid them right on Shining, a slight tremble taking over the usual uplifting spark her eyes always held. She gave a heavy sigh. "Elitist are talking? Aren't they?"
Shining was taken aback and nearly lost balance at her question. "H-H-How did you--"
"My Aunt Celestia warned me," Cadance answered, drawing a well beyond confused expression from Shining Armor. She sighed again and dove in. "Even before I met you, she told me about the ponies in the city that would tear down anything they don't like." Her tone dropped slightly as she continued on. "Then she warned me about what they might say when you I started dating. She told me how they wouldn't see two ponies that like each other, or how happy we could make each other. They'd see it as something they believe shouldn't be."
Something that shouldn't be. Yeah, that sounded like something Jet Set and Upper Crust would say. Shining could hear those two and their little entourage mocking him with those exact words. He also saw the strain it took for Cadance to utter that sentence.
"I didn't think that would ever be something we'd have to deal with, but I'm guessing otherwise?"
Shining took that as his cue to finally come clean. "Yeah. I bumped into a few of those ponies and they basically told me, well, that you could do better."
"Shining." Cadance's soft tone drew his gaze to a fresh, tender smile on her face. "You know what else my Aunt Celestia told me?"
He shook his head slowly. "No, what?"
"She told me that if we ever ran into that problem, that I should tell you what I think about what those ponies think."
"And what do you think?"
"To put it bluntly, I think they can shove it up their flanks."
Both tried not to laugh as they covered their mouths with a hoof, only to have their laughter muffled for a few seconds before bursting out full blast. Shining could get used to Feisty Cadance.
Once she calmed down, that warm smile came back, and she stared directly into Shining's crystal blue eyes. "Shining, you have been nothing but kind, and amazing to me. You were the first pony to really take me out into the city. You've done so much for me, and I sometimes stay awake at night thinking of ways I could be just as good to you as you are to me. Everything those ponies say about you and us, they have no idea what they're talking about."
All the insults, and the whispers, all the stares, the disapproving eyes, everything that came his way the last few weeks seemed to wash away. Shining could practically hear his facial muscles stretch as a large grin formed on his face.
She did that to him. She made him smile. She had before, but this was one of the largest she's seen so far. "Shining, I don't care what those ponies say. As far as I'm concerned, I've got the best coltfriend a mare could ask for. You're the pony I want to call my coltfriend, and I want you to be able call me you marefriend. Those other ponies are just--"
Out of nowhere, Cadance felt a set up lips press up against her as she was taken in by a pair of forelimbs, Shinings. She closed her eyes and she melted into his embrace, wrapping her forelimbs around him as well.
Right now, everything she had said, it was all Shining Armor needed to know she wasn't thinking what he feared. It may have also proved he was thinking stupidly, but he didn't care. Those elitists wouldn't get to him. She was staying with him, and he wasn't going to let her slip away.
They could've stayed that way for who knew how long. Eventually, Shining broke it and stared right at Cadance with a beaming smile. "A bunch of flankholes who shouldn't be talking?" Shining said, finishing off what Cadance was probably going to saw a few moments ago.
"That's one way of saying it," she laughed. "Shining, I like you a lot. I'm not gonna let you go that easily."
"Neither am I," Shining said before unraveling his forelimbs around Cadance. "So, I'll see you tomorrow?"
Cadance retreated back to the open door frame, making sure to put an extra sway in her hips as she walked. "Uh-Huh. Goodnight, Shining."
"Goodnight, Cadance."
The door closed, and Shining could've sworn his heart started dancing inside his chest. The only thing keeping him from losing all sense of cool and bolting down the streets, screaming his head off like he did after their first date was the little thought that draped over his mind.
"One bird down, one more to go."
***************
Across the doorway, Cadance turned away from the door and exhaled a dreamy sigh. Everything was alright, and that was all that mattered.
"Somepony's looking happy."
Cadance whipped her head to see Blueblood smirking at her in the middle of the foyer.
"Yeah. I am."
Blueblood smiled. It was all he could really do when he saw Cadance so happy. It let him know that Shining was treating her right, which might have explained the change in her eyes.
"You're seeing pink again, aren't you," Blueblood asked, already knowing the answer.
"Yes," she answered flatly.
Blueblood sighed before trotting off towards one of the stairways of the castle. "I'll go get Aunt Celestia." |
The Brother and The Sitter | Second Bird | Second Bird
Anger, sadness, depression, uncontrollable sobbing, heated protests. All these possibilities and more ran through Shining Armor's head as he stood outside his front door, picturing how his mom would react when he sat her down. His dad's words of caution to wait sounded great at first, but after tonight, Shining knew the time for waiting was over. He needed to do this. He took a deep breath and cleared his mind.
"Just go in, and sit her down," he told himself with resolve. Another breath later, he turned the knob with his magic.
Night Light was on the couch reading when Shining stepped inside. "Hey, Shining. Date go well?" he asked with a knowing grin.
"Uh-Huh," Shining answered, non fully paying attention to his dad as he looked around the living room. "Ugh, dad, where's mom?"
"In her bedroom, why?"
"I need to talk to her."
Night Light snapped his head upwards from his book. He lowered the book in his hooves and turned his head to face his son. Slowly, he asked, "Why?" Shining didn't have to answer for the older stallion to know what Shining was planning. He had that look he got when he set his mind to something and wouldn't give up. "What happened to giving her a few more days?"
Searching for an answer that didn't make it sound like he wanted to disregard Night Light's advice entirely, Shining found himself sighing again. "Dad, it's already been over a week. I really don't know if that's enough time for her, but it is for me." He stepped closer towards the couch. "I don't want to put this off any longer."
Somewhere along the lines, Night Light understood where Shining was coming from, but his hesitance at the idea made itself present on his face, betraying what he tried to to make a knowing smile.
Shining caught on. "Dad, I just want to sit her down and talk it out." He stepped closer and Night Light could see the steel in his son's eyes as he repeated, "I don't want to put it off any longer."
Night Light stayed quiet a few moments more as he observed his son, taking in his stance, rare directness, and the strength in Shining's eyes. His tongue rolled along the insides of his mouth, and his eyelids came halfway down. Finally, he nodded his head. "Alright, Shining. You're a young stallion, and I'm not going to make you wait. Clearly this is something you feel you need to do, and I won't stop you. But promise me something."
"Sure, what?"
Night Light threw a forelimb over the couch as he craned his neck. Shining could see in his father's golden irises not the commanding look a father would have, but of a pony pleading. "Be gentle with her."
Four little words was all it took for Shining to momentarily reconsider his plan. Suddenly the hallway that lead to Night Light and Twilight Velvet's room seemed much longer and narrower, like an unachievable finish line.
Shining turned his eyes away from the hallway to face his father once again, if anything, to derail his previous train of thought. Night Light held a small smile and Shining couldn't help but smile back. He was with him. With his eyes on the hallway once again, Shining took the first steps down the, in reality, wide and short hallway. His parents' bedroom was the room farthest down the hallway. The door was slightly ajar when Shining reached it, and he could see light pouring out of the open space. Had his resolve been a little weaker, he would be back in the living room.
No. He needed to do this.
He brought a hoof to the door and knocked.
"Yes?" Velvet asked from behind the door.
"Mom, it's me."
"Come in, Shining."
With a light push, Shining entered his parents' room. Twilight Velvet was sitting on the bed, surrounded by a mish mash of papers he assumed were work-related. Velvet looked up from her work to greet her son. "Hi, Shining. Is there something you need?"
Brief tension gripped Shining's body. "Mom," he said after a moment's pause, "could you sit down for me?"
Velvet shoved some papers out of the way, keeping her eyes on Shining. "I'm already sitting."
"Yes you are," Shining stated as he tried to fight the urge to slap his forehead.
With a hoof over her mouth, Velvet tried not to laugh. "What is it, Shining?"
The last few days started to come up, building and breaking and building again Shining's strength to press on. Before coming into the house, he thought of ways to start off. Now, as he stood readying himself to possibly "Break Momma Bird's heart", as Stardust had put it, every idea he had abandoned ship, leaving Shining hoping he could wing it while keeping his promise to be gentle. He breathed again, feeling himself relax before he came by the bedpost. "It's about how you reacted when I brought home that pamphlet."
Shining saw his mom instantly tense up. Her eyes shrunk, and she jolted a little in her sitting position as Shining continued on.
"And how you've been avoiding me on that certain topic for over a week."
She didn't utter a word. When she tried to speak, her lips quivered before she closed her mouth.
Shining let out a breath and came closer to his mother's side. "Mom, I just want to know what you're thinking. You left me in the dark and I don't like it."
The smallest cringe displayed itself when Twilight Velvet heard her son. It wasn't because he was bringing up a sensitive topic, but because he was right. She had left him in the dark since the day he brought home that pamphlet, and she hated it. She hated the fact she did that. It ate away at her, shaking her confidence in herself as a good mother. She had her reasons, both knew it, and Velvet knew they were going to come out tonight.
Ignoring the lump in her throat, Velvet faced her son. "You're right, Shining." Her voice was fighting to not break. "I did leave you in the dark. I shoved it out of the way, deflected it, and I shouldn't have. You want to know what I think about the possibility of you going into the Royal Guard?"
Shining nodded.
"The night you brought home that pamphlet, and when I saw what it was for..." Velvet's eyes glossed over as she fought the tears that were trying to escape, "... I knew it would be what took you away from me. I knew that it was going to be your calling. I knew that this is what you'd become a part of because it fit you perfectly."
Shining absorbed his mother's words like a sponge, but couldn't believe what he heard. Velvet saw the surprise on Shining's face and continued on.
"Shining, I've watched you grow from a little drooling foal to the wonderful young stallion you are. When I look at you, I see the colt who protected his little sister from monsters in the closet. I see the the colt who completely disregarded his own safety to fight off a manticore with some of the most powerful defensive magic I ever saw." Velvet scooted closer to the edge of the bed and put a hoof on Shining's shoulder. "I see the young stallion that stood up for his little brother. I see the young stallion that, once again, disregarded his own safety to save a little colt, then go back to save his marefriend."
The battle against her tears raged on as Velvet tried to keep a steady voice. "I couldn't see anything more perfect for you than the Royal Guard. You're brave, kind, and full of magical talent. You have a heart of gold that wants to fight for and protect others." She took her hoof from Shining's shoulder to wipe away the traces of water ready to escape her eyes. "They should be banging on our door, begging for you to join because you're that great."
"Then why didn't you say anything if you think I'd be great at it?" Shining asked after a moment's silence.
Twilight Velvet choked out a sob. She finally lost her battle against her tears. They streamed down her face, staining her grey coat as she clutched her chest. "Because I knew it meant you leaving me." She sniffed and struggled to keep her watery eyes from blurring her vision. "I've already had to see my youngest kids leave me well before most mothers have to. Part of me just doesn't want to see you go just yet."
Shining had to give Velvet a few seconds to compose herself. She wiped her eyes before attempting to even her voice out. "I don't know if you know, but the night when Twilight and Spike left... I just broke down."
He did know. Last night was still fresh in his mind, but Shining didn't say anything.
"But I knew it was for the best. I mean, what kind of mother would I be if I told my daughter that loves magic so much that she couldn't pursue what she loves with a princess of Equestria? My little filly, taken under the wing of Princess Celestia. I couldn't say no, no matter how much I wanted to. And my little Spike?"
Velvet's gaze drifted off towards her dresser. Aligned in a neat row stood three pictures; one of Shining Armor as a foal, one of Twilight, and one of Spike the day he came home with his new family with wide, curious eyes, and grabbing claws.
"I didn't even get two whole years with him," she said as more tears fell from her face. "But I knew he had to go with Twilight. He'll always keep her company in that big castle. He'll be there for her if she ever gets lonely. Plus, she did hatch him." She gave a weak laugh. "I guess in some ways she's more of a mother to him than me." Her small smile faltered as she looked back at Shining, who sat still and tried to fight the stinging in his eyes. "You're the only one left, Shining. You're the only one that I've been able to see fully grow up. Now that you have... like I said... part of me doesn't want to let you go yet."
Shining thought he had a good idea of the actual pain Velvet was going through after Night Light told him of the night after Twilight and Spike moved out. His idea was miniscule to the pain he saw his mother in. Every sob, tear, and sniff was a mother's heart breaking at seeing all of her kids go off. Knowing nothing else to do or say, Shining wrapped his forelimbs around the crying mare. "Oh, mom."
Velvet gripped him even tighter, as if he were slipping away. "You're all grown up, Shining," she said with a breaking voice. "I guess I just wanted to hold onto you just a little longer."
She was holding all right. Shining felt as if his organs were scrunching up against each other from his mother's embrace, but he didn't dare say anything.
After a few moments more, Velvet released her hold and sniffed once more before she looked directly at Shining with soaked eyes. "But I know I can't hold onto you forever. A good mother is supposed to be able to let go of her kids when the time comes because she knows they'll do wonderful things in the world. I've already had to do that twice, and I know I'll have to do it again. It won't be any easier, it never is, but I know I'll have to. And whenever that time comes, I'll be crying, but I'll know you'll be off doing something great. Whether that be in the Royal Guard, or whatever you feel you'll be great at."
Shining stayed quiet, unsure of what he could possibly say. Instead, he smiled wide as Velvet wiped her eyes free of moisture. She too was smiling, genuinely and proudly, like Shining had already accomplished something spectacular. "Well, say something, Shining," she said.
He opened and closed his mouth a few times before uttering out the first thing that came to mind. "This is going better than I thought it would."
Velvet raised an eyebrow, but laughed nonetheless. "Well how did you think it would go?"
"I don't know. I thought maybe you'd be begging me to forget about the Royal Guard because you thought I'd die or something?"
There was nothing like the blunt words of your child that Velvet couldn't find entertaining. "Actually, that's one thing I'm not so worried about." She didn't even give Shining a chance to react before she continued on. "You've faced off against a manticore Twilight made, came out of a fire, have constantly put out Spike's fires, and that's just the stuff I know about."
Exhausting, painful, and crazy memories flashed through Shining's mind. He did not have a normal life now that he thought about it.
"Plus, I've been doing some research." Velvet's horn glowed and pulled over the mish mash of papers closer. Upon closer inspection, Shining saw they weren't the work-related papers he took them for, but articles, charts, stories, and statistics all pertaining to the Equestrian Royal Guard. Suddenly, Twilight's study habits didn't seem much of a mystery anymore. "I was looking into it. We're in a peacetime, invaders are dealt with very swiftly, only a few ponies have had serious injury... or worse in recent months, and I've read stories where quite a few have said they love it."
Shining took glances at numerous papers littered over the bed. Velvet was right. The numbers did look good, and the stories of the ponies interviewed held high praise for their job, but the one thing that stuck out to Shining were the ponies he saw pictured in those stories. He looked at each one of them. Something sparked in Shining Armor that he couldn't quite explain. Whatever it was, it made him think one thing. He could be just like them. He could really see himself in the Guard. He could see himself with just the same amount of strength, confidence, and bravery, if not more, than the ponies pictured.
The glow of Velvet's horn encompassed the various papers and stacked them in a corner of the bed. "I'll still worry though. I'm your mother, it's my job, but at least after seeing all this, I know I won't need to worry as much. Plus, you're you, Shining. I just have this feeling that everything will be okay."
Just like with Cadance earlier in the night, any possible weight or stress Shining was carrying washed away, clearing him like a flowing river and leaving him even more happy and hopeful. "You really mean that?"
"I do." Velvet brought her forelimbs around her son once more, this time not rearranging his insides with a death grip. Shining returned her hug and felt soft tears fall onto the back of his head as Velvet's tears came anew. When he raised his head to see her, she was smiling. It was full of pride and warmth with almost no trace of the crushing sadness felt minutes before.
He sighed a relieved sigh. "Thanks, mom."
"You're my son, Shining. I'll always be there for you, and I'll be standing behind you with whatever it is you want to do. I just want you to be happy."
Now even Shining could feel his eyes well up. Nothing fell, but the glossiness in his eyes told Velvet just how much her words meant to him. She put a hoof on his shoulder. "You're going to do great things, Shining. I can tell. It'll be worth seeing you leave."
Both were smiling and it didn't take a genius to figure out Shining was struggling to keep it together. "Now, why don't we call it a night? It's been a pretty revealing night hasn't it?"
Shining nodded at the escape route Velvet planted, but didn't leave without one last thing. He quickly wrapped his forelimbs around Velvet once again. "I love you, mom."
Tears threatened Velvet's eyes again, but she didn't fight them. She embraced her son, holding him close like he was the little foal she brought home for the first time years ago. "I love you too, Shining." Neither cared that Velvet was staining his coat.
After they released one another, Shining stepped out of the room, making sure to wipe his eyes once he was in the hallway. Night Light was standing at one end, tapping one hoof on the floor as quietly as he could manage.
"How is she?" he asked.
"She's good. We're good."
A breath escaped Night Light. "That's good." His eyes traveled towards the door Shining had come out of. "I'm going to go check up on her. You calling it a night?"
"Yes."
"Okay." Night Light started his careful trot to his and his wife's room. "Goodnight, Shining."
"Night, dad," Shining returned before making his way to his own room.
He fell right onto his covers with a small bounce. Two birds, one stone., one night. A lot had come out, and he was grateful. Not only did Cadance fight his fears of not being good enough, now he had his mother on his side. Not that she never was, he knew, but he finally got her talking.
Velvet's research came back to Shining, and he remembered the ponies. He had believed he could be one of them. The more he thought about it, the less weird it sounded. If he had proven anything in the last few years and months, it was that he had gone up against quite a bit, and came out stronger than ever. He turned his head to see his dresser mirror. He sat up on his bed when his image began to change.
There he was again, that stallion so similar to Shining's appearance; armor, piercing eyes, so strong in his stance, and looking right back at Shining Armor. This time, he saluted the pony that envisioned him.
Shining's eyes locked on the mirror as he stood up. He took a stance on the floor, his lips curled into a victorious smile, and he brought a hoof to his forehead. The stallion in the mirror smiled when Shining saluted, and with that, he disappeared, leaving Shining looking at his saluting form. There really was no difference, save for the armor, between the stallion that just left, and the pony standing in front of his mirror.
***************
The sun seemed to shine brighter as Shining stood outside the gates of the castle. One building was his main focus. It was the day. Two weeks had passed. He collected his last paycheck and only looked back to thank his now ex-boss.
Nothing else seemed to exist as Shining started his trot to that one building. He reached the front door and saw the flier posted on the window. "Equestrian Royal Guard: Recruitment Building." He gave it a look, then focused on the door in front of him.
Earning his cutie mark, protecting Twilight, standing up for Spike, charging into a fire, rescuing a colt, a desire to protect those he loves, his parents' support, his best friend rooting for him, and his marefriend backing him up; all these things brought him to where he stood, and gave him the confidence to want to step through.
He knocked on the door.
"Come in."
He took a breath and exhaled deeply.
He opened the door, and stepped inside. |
The Brother and The Sitter | One More Night | One More Night
Combine saving up for moving out, packing, work, and drafting new material for said work, Stardust thanked Celestia for the nights when Cadance and Shining Armor wanted to hang out. Not only was it the perfect stress reliever, it was simply fun. It also helped that the love birds that were her friends were up for a place that didn't have what she came to slowly despise on the menu. After so many weeks working with, seeing, and smelling them, veggie burgers and hay fries nearly made Stardust gag at the thought of having that combo for a meal. Even the scent of the now-deadly combo that wasn't at her work almost made her stomach churn.
The three had opted for one of the little outdoor cafes by Stardust's house. Celestia had raised the moon a few hours ago, and the stars had filled the night, twinkling alongside the full, bright moon, painting a perfect night to be outside. Not being one to normally notice things like the simple beauty of her surroundings, Stardust found herself strangely looking around and noticing things she ignored; the way the streetlamps cast their light on the streets, the swirling shades of blue and black in the night sky, even the blooming flowers in pots and the life they added around the tables.
For a second, she wondered why she began to look into these things until her reason screamed out loud in her mind; it would be the last time the three of them would have nights out like this for a while.
"Stardust?"
Shining's voice brought her attention back to the ponies in front of her. "Huh?"
"I said, are you gonna want another carrot dog?"
She stared down at her crumb-littered plate, and the little blots of mustard and ketchup still lingering the surface. "Nah, I'm good. Thanks anyway, Shiny."
Shining turned his attention back to the pink princess sitting next to him, continuing a conversation Stardust paid half attention to.
It had been like that for the last hour or so. The three of them would be talking about something, then she'd drift off until Shining or Cadance would pull her from wherever she went. It was always the same thought that got her drifting off, and she knew her friends knew what it was. They just didn't know how to breach the tender subject, so they went back to their meals or whatever it was they were talking about.
Stardust on the other hoof was not so hesitant or subtle. The clear avoidance of what was all on their minds was about as evident as a unicorn growing wings. "Elephant in the room, I'll say it," she said loudly, throwing her forelimbs up. "Shiny, ya leaving' for boot camp tomorrow and we won't see ya for a while."
Shining came close to the perfect spit take at the sudden comment. "Star!"
"Thank you for saying it!" Cadance all but breathed out in relief as she slouched in her seat.
After giving Cadance a quick look, Shining whipped his head back to see Stardust give him a shrug.
"Well, dang, Shiny, what did ya expect? Tonight's the last night the three of us are gonna be together for a while. You'll be here one day and gone the next. Somethin' like that's gonna pop up."
Shining didn't want to admit it, but she was right. If anything really surprised him, it was how long she was able to go before breaking the ice on the subject. "I'll give you that one, Star."
She chuckled. "Yeah, well, ya know I don't hold back. Still, when ya told me and Cady ya signed up, I could and couldn't believe it. Could, 'cuz I could see ya goin' through with it nicely, and couldn't, 'cuz I find out later on that we only had three months left together. Now we're at the last night." Her horn glowed its green aura, crumbling a few napkins together into a ball. She flung it lightly at Shining's chest where it dropped to the ground. "Ya jerk," she said, somehow smirking as she laughed.
Rolling his eyes, Shining saw Cadance giggle at Stardust's antics. He really couldn't blame her. "Yeah, well, I'm the jerk that made sure to include his best friend in his last day at home plans," he countered, matching the smug expression Stardust still held.
That smugness melted into a genuine smile as Stardust scooted her chair closer to the table. "Ya did, didn't ya?" She reached across the table and gave Shining a light punch to his shoulder. "Thanks, Shiny. Means a lot."
The smile across Shining's face was all Stardust needed to know it was no problem. Turning her attention to Cadance, she rested her head on her hoof propped on the table. "What about ya, Cady? Ya coltfriend's heading' off for a while. Holdin' up fine?"
Cadance gave a quick once over towards Shining Armor before she answered. "We already talked about it," she said calmly while reaching for Shining's hoof. "We're still gonna stay in touch. He says he's gonna write everyday, and when he gets back, I'll be the second mare greeting him home."
Stardust tilted her head as an eyebrow went up. "Second?"
"His mom's probably gonna beat me to him. That and if I were the first one instead of her, princess or not, I think she'd tear the flesh from my bones."
Stardust drew breath through clenched teeth as she straightened out in her seat. "Yeeeeeah, I'd bet. No offense, Shiny."
"None taken. She'd... she'd probably do that," Shining admitted as another mental image began to scar his mind.
"Speakin' of which," Stardust continued on, "how's she doin'? Ya know, last day and everything."
"Her, me, my dad, Twilight, and Spike all went out earlier today for a little family day in town."
"Yeah? How'd that go?"
Shining made a face as he pondered his words. "Ughhhh..."
***************
A few hours ago
***************
Wailing cries. Wailing cries and a sobbing so forceful, they could move oceans. It wasn't much of a surprise that everypony in the crowded restaurant stopped and stared at the source of those cries, which only added to the young stallion's embarrassment as he continued his struggle to escape his mother's hold on him while avoiding the numerous sets of eyes.
"No! No! Not yet! Not yet! I'm not ready!" Twilight Velvet clutched her son harder when she felt the tiniest millimeter of him slip away.
"Mom!" Shining managed to say through forced breaths, "I just need to go to the bathroom."
"C'mon, honey, let him go," Night Light said as he tried his hardest to separate his wife and son, barely making a trace of progress.
"Don't say that horrible word!" The sobbing mare gained back the distance Night Light created between her and Shining, tightening her grip as more ponies stopped to see the side show.
"What? 'Go'?"
"You said it again!"
"Mom!" Shining's ragged squeak might as well have come from a mouse with laryngitis.
"My baby! My baby! My baby! Don't leave me just yet!"
Somewhere in between Night Light's futile attempts as a pony jaws of life, the onlooking eyes, the booming cries, and Velvet's anaconda-like forelimbs, Shining could've sworn he saw a tunnel of bright light and some motherly voice calling his name.
From their table, Twilight and Spike watched on at the scene they called their family. Spike watched from his booster seat, completely unaware that his brother may or may not have been suffocating. Twilight remained in her seat, meeting Shining's eyes. All she could do was give him sorrowful eyes and a pitied look of "I'm sorry."
***************
Present
***************
"Better than I thought it would go," Shining admitted with a shrug.
Stardust couldn't be bothered to hide her laughter. She was rolling on the ground, hollering in a disarray of spasmodic gasps and laughs. She gripped her sides as she began to settle down and stand back up. "Sorry, Shiny." She paused to take a few much needed breaths. "The image... stuck in my head... and it's freakin' hilarious!" She found herself on the ground once again.
Cadance began to find holding in her giggles challenging, and even Shining joined in on his own bandwagon with his own roars of laughter. "I swear, one second longer and I would've been dead." How he found that funny, even he didn't know.
Once her giggles died down, Cadance turned to face Shining Armor. "Imagine if she hadn't had three months to prepare for you heading off."
All laughter died down from the stallion as his eyes set somewhere far off. Whatever crossed his mind sent shivers down Shining's spine. "How about I don't imagine that."
Stardust picked up her glass and took a drink. "Wooo, you'd be a puddle, Shiny. Three months huh? Can't believe we're at the end of the line now. Nervous about tomorrow?"
"Second most nervous I've ever been."
"What's the first?" Cadance asked.
Shining suddenly tried avoided her eyes, only to be met with Stardust's sly look. He tried hard to fight the sudden rise of temperature in his cheeks, but the blush that came put his efforts in vain. "Ugh, well, it was... when I tried to ask you out the first time."
Cadance smiled warmly and leaned her head against Shining's shoulder, unintentionally causing his cheeks to glow a brighter red.
"Awwww." Stardust was gushing playfully, but the sentiment was still there. "And four months later, we still got the cutest pair of lovebirds in the city."
To the couple still cozying next to one another, four months sounded too short for the amount of joy they brought one another. It was filled with its ups and downs like any other relationship, but just as they had said before, they weren't going to let each other go that easily.
Since he joined up, Shining made it a point to make the time he had left at home the best he could for Cadance. Did he go overboard at times? At times. Did every single date and hang out go as planned? Being him and his life, no. Were all the little screw ups that came in a relationship make them stronger? Absolutely. They said they weren't going to let one another go so easily, and they stuck to it, making every day they saw each other more magical than before.
"Ya got plans later on tonight?"
Cadance raised her head off of Shining's shoulder. "Actually, Stardust, Shining's taking me to the park for a little stargazing night."
Her smug smile returned as Stardust swiveled in her seat to face Shining Armor. "Stargazing? What's next? A ring?"
Hacking followed by a series of coughs ignited from the couple, starting up another round of laughter from the unicorn mare. "I'm teasin' guys. It's a cute idea."
Shining beat down on his chest before responding in a struggled voice. "Thanks."
"So, Stardust" Cadance began after regaining her regular breathing pattern and eagerly wanting to switch topics, "are you close to moving out now?"
"Still tryin' to save up a bit more just to be on the safe side, but I'm getting' there." Hopeful dreaming wrote itself on Stardust's smile and shown through in her eyes as she went off imagining what her near future would be like. "What about you, Cady? Any new princess stuff?"
"Not much. My aunt's mostly been giving me a lot of Equestrian history lessons. A princess needs to know her country, right?" The others nodded. "There's a lot of stuff she's been teaching me that I didn't know. Apparently there's a lost kingdom up North made of crystals."
"I thought that was a myth."
"I thought so too. I don't know, she kinda told me the story and dropped it." She dragged out a sigh and rolled her eyes. "I can never get a straight answer with her. One minute she's talking about crystals, next she's talking about mirrors."
"Mirrors?" the other two asked in unison.
"Long story, don't worry about it."
Whatever it was, Shining didn't press on. It was little mentions like those that reminded him of the things Cadance would later on have to deal with. She was a princess after all. He knew there would be more to come for her, and she would have to face it. The same went for him. Tomorrow morning, he wouldn't find himself in the bed he was so familiar with, nor the house he grew up in. Stardust was nearing a similar position, and she was more than eager to fling herself into the unknown.
"Everything's changing, isn't it?"
The girls' ears flicked up before they glanced Shining's way. It wasn't like what he said never dawned on them before, but it still didn't take the surprise out of it.
"Yeah," Stardust said with another swig of her drink. "It is."
Sensing the awkwardness he created, Shining gripped his glass and held it out in front of him above his head for the other to see. He was smiling triumphantly, like a hero in a history book. Cadance and Stardust couldn't help but be infected by the presence he suddenly gave off.
"To a hopeful future."
Cadance beamed at her coltfriend before she grabbed her own glass and held it up to his own. "To new adventures."
Stardust's glass found itself in the air with its comrades. "And ta not buckin' everythin' up."
The glasses met with a *CLINK, and the three of them found themselves laughing once more. The next hour went by quickly as the three ponies simply talked, joked, and simply enjoying one another's company. It would have gone on longer had the clock tower a few blocks away not caught Shining's attention when the hour struck.
"Time to take your lady out?"
Shining met Stardust with an unamused stare, but a trace of a smile lingered. "Almost. I just got a few last minute things I need to set up. Mind if I leave real quick, you two?" They each waved him off with their hooves before Shining disappeared in a flash of magic.
With the young stallion gone, Stardust quickly scooted towards Cadance and propped her head up on her forelimbs. "Okay, Cady, spill. Shiny's got more planned, and I know it."
Intrusive to some, enjoyable to others. Cadance leaned towards the later after Stardust asked her question. That, and she was feeling gabby. "The stargazing is true, but he's also trying to surprise me with some dessert picnic. He's even bringing a phonograph for some romantic music."
"How's it a surprise if you know about it?"
"Shining's not good at hiding his plans. Seriously, he actually draws them out. He has blueprints."
Stardust slammed her hoof to her forehead and sighed, half out of amazement, and a little out of shame. "That ding dong tries too hard at times."
Reluctantly, Cadance had to agree. She wasn't going to lie to herself. "Yeeeeah, he does, but it's nice to know he cares that much. It's just that... ugh..."
Her hesitance didn't go unnoticed. Stardust leaned in closer with quizzical eyes, urging Cadance to continue on.
"Don't get me wrong, Stardust, its just that Shining's done all this amazing stuff for me, he's made me feel so special the last few months, and he goes out of his way just to make me smile. He does so much, and sometimes I feel like I don't do enough for him."
"You make him happy."
"And I can see that, but..." She bit her lip and pondered her thoughts. Was this even something to be worried about? "I don't know. I feel like I could do more, but I just don't know what. Anytime I have even the slightest hint of an idea on what I could do for him, or how I could be romantic, he blows my idea out of the water. And I honestly can't think of anything that I've done for him that could match up to what he's done for me. He's taken me into the city, introduced me to so much that I'd never would've known about on my own, and he's one of the few ponies that doesn't treat me differently just because I'm a princess. Hay! Because of him, I got to meet you. I gained a good friend because of him. What have I done for him?"
A smooth intake of air and a calm exhale later, Stardust had Cadance's full attention. "Cady, it's not a contest, but I can see where ya comin' from. Shiny's just always put alotta heart in what he does. If it helps, the dates that he plans, it's all him. Honestly, he'd go more overboard if I didn't talk him out of it."
It did help, but it made Cadance wonder what kind of things Shining would've done. Their first date was in one of the fanciest restaurants in Canterlot. It boggled her mind to think of what else he could've planned.
"And as for the whole he's done a lot for you thing, and I'm sayin' this to be honest, he kinda had a lot to work with."
Cadance lowered her eyes in an unamused stare.
"What? A pony that never got to really live outside her home? Ya feel like he's shown ya show much because ya hadn't seen a lot to begin with anyway, but if ya really want to try and do something for him like he's done for you, ya might hafta wait and see what ya can actually do. Shiny's a pretty stable guy. Not much ya can really do for him that ya haven't already."
"Yeah, well, what have I really done for him already?" she said as her expression sunk a bit.
"Ya gave him confidence in the two of ya as a couple. Remember?" She could see the reminiscent look flicker brightly in Cadance's eyes as a dreamy smile crossed her lips. "Ya told him that no matter what other ponies said, it wouldn't come between the two of ya. Really, ya gave him the best thing he coulda asked for at the time."
Humming, buzzing, a tingly feeling? Whatever it was that was coursing through Cadance at the moment brought her back to her normal self and had her beaming like a lighthouse. If she could say she did at least one thing for the colt that had been so good to her, it was that she would stand with him, and she had.
Even after almost four months together, and even after numerous trots through the city, certain ponies still didn't agree with the idea of a princess dating somepony they saw beneath her. They'd never say anything out loud when Cadance was around, nor would they give Shining those penetrative and disapproving glares. They wouldn't even hiss or whisper a side-comment like they usually would whenever the two were seen together. They'd save it for when Shining was alone, or when the two were out of sight, but that didn't matter. What Cadance had told him that night he brought the elite up kept him strong. She gave him strength. She had done something for him.
Fuzzy? Strange? Uplifting? Whatever the feeling it was that was coursing through her, it let Cadance let go of her worries, letting them flow out of her to be replaced by the blanketing warmth she was experiencing. "Thanks, Stardust."
Stardust gave Cadance a light pat on her back. "No prob. And hey, if bein' a little more romantic is what you're aimin' at, try and be the one to set the mood."
"How do I do that?"
Taking a few seconds to think, Stardust tapped her chin with her hoof until an idea ignited. "You said he was bringing a phonograph, right?"
Cadance nodded. Stardust wasted no time in scooting away towards her saddlebag. She dove in and scoured through her bag in an animated fashion before popping back up with something in her hooves.
"A record?" Cadance asked after scanning the item.
"Yeah," Stardust said with a nod and an eager smile. "I went ova to a record store earlier and picked this one out. I wanna let ya be the first ta use it. Spin the track and ya got a cheesy movie scene." She was practically shoving the record in Cadance's face, subliminally letting her know she wasn't taking "no" for an answer.
"Okay, thanks, Stardust," Cadance said as her magic took hold of the record and put it in her own saddle bag.
"Just lookin' out for my friends. Now look alive, ya coltfriend's comin'."
Cadance turned her head, and sure enough, Shining Armor was trotting back to the cafe, hiding his eagerness rather poorly. She couldn't help but smile back at his antic. "Ready?"
"All set."
Cadance stood up to gather her saddlebag. After strapping it on, her body shifted, facing Stardust. Shining was looking at her as well, unsure of just how to say goodbye. It was weird, knowing once he took off, he wouldn't be hanging out with her for a while. So many words could've been said right then and there, and so many mistakes could've come out of the whole ordeal, but Stardust wasn't going to have any of it. She stared at the two with half-lidded eyes and a little smirk before she stood up as well and motioned for them to come over.
"C'mon, bring it in. Give Star some love."
It was all that was needed; the three of them all together in a group hug. Suddenly, all those possible mess ups were ridiculous, improbable to the three ponies. Just as sudden, all the words that could've been said were unnecessary, a waste of air, nothing compared to the embrace they were in.
"Shiny," Stardust called from within their hug, "when ya get back, the three of us are gettin' together ta do somethin', got it?"
"Got it, Star." Shining knew she was being strong. Never one to break easy, never one to really show the mushy side of herself, and always looking forward to the good times ahead if things went her way. He'd miss that. He'd miss the fire she always held, her confident stride, even the jokes and friendly teasing she mastered.
He'd be back. It was the one thought that kept him from pulling something his mother would do.
The three parted. Stardust backed up a few steps to take in some air. A breath later and she still had her smirk. "Now get outta here, lovebirds. Make the last night count."
Shining smiled when he was reminded that he still had one more piece of business to attend to; making sure Cadance had a good ending to a great night. He took her hoof, catching her by surprise, and pointed his head in another direction.
"See you tomorrow, Stardust?" Cadance asked.
She nodded. "Yeah." Now her eyes were on Shining. "See ya soon?"
He nodded. "Yeah. You'll see me soon."
Not knowing what else to do, Stardust went with one of the few things she knew how to do... punch Shining in the arm. "Now quit tryin' to make this goodbye dramatic and go show Cady a good night before I punch ya stomach into ya brain."
Shining resisted the urge to rub his slightly aching arm, but still couldn't control the snicker and eye roll that came. Along with Cadance, he spun around on his hooves with his path to the park in sight. When they were a couple of buildings down, he called over his shoulders. "See you soon, Star!"
Stardust's voice traveled over to the couple loud and clearly. "See ya soon, Shiny! See ya tomorrow, Cady!"
"See you tomorrow, Stardust!"
Final goodbyes out of the way, Stardust watched on as her friends trotted on, their forms growing smaller with each step. As she looked on, she could make out Cadance leaning ever so easily into Shining's shoulder. A wide grin made its way on her face at the princess's action.
"Callin' it, those two are gonna get married." |
The Brother and The Sitter | Tattooed Heart | Tattooed Heart
"Keep them closed, Cadance."
"Shining, I already know where we're going."
"I know, but I set something up I wanna surprise you with."
"Couldn't I just close my eyes when we're nearer?"
"Nope."
Underneath her closed eyelids, Cadance rolled her eyes, but continued to roll with Shining's plea. It wasn't like she didn't know what was coming, but for the sake of keeping him hopeful, she didn't dare open her eyes.
Shining lead her through twists and turns of the streets until they both felt grass underneath their hooves. With one forelimb around one of hers, Shining stepped up his pace.
Cadance felt an incline of some sort as she followed Shining's lead. It grew steeper and steeper until it leveled off.
"Can I open them now?" she asked when she felt Shining release his hold on her.
"Not yet."
She heard the ruffling of grass and quick steps. She started hearing the clatter of... plates? The next thing she knew, a steady hum of violins and a piano began to take hold of her eardrums, sending her swaying to the steady beats of music.
"Okaaaaaay... now!"
Slowly, Cadance opened her eyes. Shining had seriously outdone himself. A simple set of candles were lit in their holders on a white and red picnic spread. Off to the side, a phonograph revealed to be the source of the wondrous music she heard. A telescope stood on the grass, aimed at the star-filled night sky, and a plate of assorted donuts, arranged into small towers that brought water to her mouth upon sight, were laid out on the spread. Completing the scene was Shining Armor outstretching a forelimb at the setup like a presenter, wearing the biggest, most eager grin imaginable.
"Well... what do you think?"
She stood there few seconds more, awestruck at the scene and the thought that went into it all. Rather than answer, Cadance bolted to Shining and wrapped him in her forelimbs before smacking her lips onto his.
"It's perfect," she said after coming back up for air.
Shining stood still a few seconds more, grinning like a goof at the surprise kiss. "So, what do you want to do first?"
The donuts were calling her name. Shining could tell from the traces of saliva on her lips. Then again that could've been from just a few seconds ago, but the desire in her eyes was the second hint.
He led her over to the picnic spread and sat her and himself down by the candlelight. His magic took hold of the top two donuts on one of the towers before placing them down on the plates. They both took their desserts in their hooves and stared at each other with adoring eyes before taking the first bites. Had somepony been there, they wouldn't be able to tell which set of eyes held more admiration.
They sat together, munching away on their treats, making small talk and giggling at the most random things that came up as the candle between them burned away. Stardust's talk of little things seemed to have an effect on Cadance. She found herself noticing the smaller interactions between her and Shining more than usual. The way he smiled, the way his eyes seemed to have a light in them that danced whenever he was looking at her, even the way his mane bounced up and down as he laughed whenever he found something she said funny. It made her wonder if he ever noticed little things like those about her as well. Judging by the way he was smiling even through the mouthful of donut in his mouth, the neverending compliments, and the way he barely took his eyes off of her, she figured he did.
When their plates were clear, Shining quickly cleaned the area, not that they left a lot to be cleaned up in the first place. All the while, Shining's record played on. Once they wiped whatever of their desert remained off their faces, Shining gently led Cadance over to the telescope.
Shining made an adjustment before stepping aside and giving a playful bow for Cadance to step up. She did, smiling slightly at his playfulness. She set her eye on the eyepiece, and couldn't help but gawk at the sight. That telescope had power.
"Wow!"
"Powerful telescope?" Shining said a little smugly at Cadance's surprise.
"Yeah! Where'd you get this?"
"My mom and dad let me borrow one from the observatory. Like it?"
She did.
Through the high-powered telescope, Cadance saw everything. She could see the blues, blacks, and deep purples of the night swirl around like batter in a bowl. Stars, bigger and brighter than she had ever seen, seemed to dance in the sky as the radiated their debatably harmful light. "It's beautiful, Shining. This is, just, amazing."
He began to rub the back of his head as he fought the oncoming blush. "It was my parents' idea actually. My dad took my mom out to do stuff like this back in the day."
Cadance lifted her head from the eyepiece to face Shining. She was smiling wide. "Awwwww. Guess great date planners run in the family."
He laughed. "I guess so." Now he was smiling wide. Before he allowed his hidden blush to become apparent, Shining came close to the telescope with eager eyes. "There's something I wanna show you."
She moved to the side, and Shining took over. His hooves moved fast as he worked certain knobs and positioned the machine. A few adjustments more, he popped back up and stepped out of the way to offer Cadance a glance.
Her eyes were back on the eyepiece. Taking up her entire view was a cluster of stars, several of which she noticed shining brighter than the others.
"See the brighter ones?"
"Yeah," she confirmed with a nod, accidently making the telescope shake as well.
"They make up a constellation."
In her mind, Cadance began to draw the lines in the sky.
"That one's--'
"Monoceros! The unicorn in the sky!" she exclaimed, surprising Shining at her quick recall he didn't know she possessed on the subject. "That means if I move a little over..." she began to turn the telescope slowly and carefully until she was satisfied, "... here, I should be able to see--"
"Hydra, the water snake," Shining finished off.
"And if you go a little further North at its tip?" Cadance continued as she raised her eyes off the eyepiece.
"Cancer the crab," he answered as a smile began to grow on his face. "Which is in between--"
"Leo and Gemini!" Cadance hopped away from the telescope and landed stopped right in front of Shining with wide and ecstatic eyes. "And right above Leo is--"
"Leo Minor!" the two of them said in unison. The clear excitement in their voices showed more than the stars they named.
"You know astronomy?" she asked.
"Yeah, my parents are astronomers. It was either pay attention when they talked about work, or look stupid not being able to tell Ursa Major from Minor."
Her eyebrow raised before a snicker escaped her. "Minor is smaller than Major."
"Well I know that now!" Shining defended rather quickly as his face flushed redder than before. "How do you know about... all this?" he asked, waving his hoof in circles at the sky.
"It's another thing my aunt's been teaching me. Somepony really close to her taught her to cherish and appreciate the night, and now she wants me to do the same."
Shining cocked his head. "Really? Who taught her?"
"I really don't know," she answered with a shrug. "Like I said, never a straight answer with her."
Another chuckle escaped Shining's lips before his eyes drifted to the telescope, then back to the mare in front of him. "Well, do you think you can you give me straight answer?"
"On what?" she asked with a sly smile.
"If you'd like to completely nerd out with me and my high powered telescope and pick out stars with me?"
She lidded her eyes halfway as a sly smile crossed her lips.
Slowly, almost teasingly, she pressed herself against Shining's chest. He tensed up at the sudden contact, but melted when he felt her head nuzzle his coat. "I'd love to," she cooed.
Stars were on the young couple's minds as they searched the skies. Cadance and Shining Armor looked on at the night sky with vigor, leaving no possible constellation unnoticed. From Cancer to Capricorn, they located them all, trading stories and the myths behind them with an enthusiasm even Twilight would have been proud of. It was truly one of the few, if not the only time, Shining felt he had out-nerded his sister. And who better to share that instance with the mare of his dreams sitting by his side?
While myths and stars may have taken a chunk of his attention, Shining's eyes and mind couldn't help but go back to the mare that called him hers.
Her delicate pink coat, those lustrous purple gems other ponies called eyes, her candy mane that shamed the most stylish of ponies even in a simple ponytail. She was the embodiment of beauty in Shining's eyes, but he wasn't a stupid stallion. He didn't fall simply for looks. Even when he was simply crushing on her, he could see the kind, smart, and nurturing mare that just wanted to make others happy. Even the little reactions he got out of her the past four months managed to consume his thoughts. From the way she smiled, her laugh, her flirty teasing, the way she'd brush up against him at the most random of times, the way her eyes danced under any form of light, her lips against his, the way she managed to reduce him to a puddle with just a look, all that and more raced through his mind, driving him madder every passing second.
Even now, he found himself staring at her as she moved about. If she knew he was looking, the emphasized movements of her hips and legs were the major hints.
There it was again, that playful teasing; Flirty Cadance. He'd definitely miss her and the way she could make him lose his cool, no matter how little of it he had to begin with.
With a sly grin, and feeling like she had him on the lines, Cadance turned her head and locked eyes with Shining. "Like what you see?"
Shining scattered back like an insect, blushing brighter than he had all night. His face may as well have been an emergency light. Once again, he was reduced to that stuttering colt in the library, and Cadance was loving it.
She was snickering like mad, relishing in her ability to make him act the way he did. A few seconds more of watching him trying to gather himself up, she figured she had her fun. Once Shining's face was less tomato-like, she stepped away from the telescope and settled by a patch of grass. "I love it when you do that," she said in a chirpy tone, forcing the still speechless pony into another round of unintelligible stutters. She patted the ground and motioned him to sit with her.
Grabbing what little dignity he had, Shining recomposed himself and forced the lump in his throat down before he settled next to Cadance. She was staring up at the sky, scanning over everything and anything floating high above. She was lost in her aunt's night.
Feeling like he needed to say something, anything, after his latest trip up, Shining looked up as well. "Your aunt does a good job... the night, and everything."
It was something.
"Yeah, she does." She really was lost in the night. There seemed to be more stars out than usual, and Cadance had a pretty good idea on who was responsible. "My aunt would always tell me that ponies used to never give the night much thought. I never understood why. I honestly think it's one of the best times for something like this."
"Well, you kinda need night time for stargazing."
Cadance chuckled lightly at Shining's joke and rolled her eyes. "You know what I mean, Shining."
He scrunched his face into a teasing smile. "I'm afraid I don't."
"You know..." Her tone was playful, inviting him into something she had planned. "... something like sitting close with somepony special to you."
Shining inched over on the grass, closing most of the space between the two. "Like this?"
She scanned him and the little space left between them, all the while batting her eye at him. "Something like that."
Hook.
"But I was thinking something more like this." She inched closer to him, leaving no space between them as she was now brushed up against his shoulder.
Line.
Everything around Shining seemed to vanish. It was just him, and the mare of his dreams brushing up against him, nuzzling him, lighting his every fiber of being in a blazing yet oh so lovely fire. Going with these feelings, he craned his neck down to return Cadance's nuzzle. "Like this?"
Now her cheeks began to flush. His feel against her, it was like the warmth of a fireplace after being in the cold. She practically melted into his side. Her eyes fluttered to a close as a smile graced her features. "Exactly like that."
And sinker.
How long they stayed huddled against one another, neither kept count, nor cared. It was like being surrounded by warm bubbles heating every inch of their being. Their feel against one another, and nothing more, really it was all they needed to let one another know how much they meant to one another. Affection went a long way, and for Cadance, she wanted it to go wherever Shining went, never letting him think for a second she didn't care.
A small breeze rolled in, blowing strands of Cadance's mane against Shining's face. Her mane. Her bouncy, soft, elegant mane bristling his face; they were like thin tendrils pulling him closer to their owner, using their beauty and scent to snare him in their trap. If he could anatomically come any closer, he would. Part of him just wanted to stay where he was and never leave.
He'd miss her. He'd miss everything about her. He'd miss not being able to take her out on dates. He'd miss getting caught off guard whenever she got affectionate. He'd miss her feel against him. He'd miss those lips. He wanted to say all that and more, if anything to relieve him of the feeling he was holding something in if he didn't something.
Then again, she looked so happy, so peaceful at his side. He wondered if he really wanted to disrupt something like that. Furthermore, would it be weird if he said something he wasn't even sure he knew how to say? The urge to speak just kept nagging at him, pushing him to say something that would tell this mare leaning on him just how much he adored her, and how much she'd stay on his mind while he was away.
"Cadance?"
She lifted her eyes open. Her eyelashes sprang up like blooming flowers. "Yeah, Shining?"
He smiled at the sight of those glimmering eyes. "I'll miss you."
She smiled not a bitter-sweet smile most would expect at the sound of those words, but a full, radiant smile full of joy. He'd be back. That was all there was too it. "I'll miss you too." Raising her head off Shining's shoulder, Cadance sat up, now eye level with her colt. The music he put on was still playing in the background, only making what she was doing all the more perfect. She started to lean in slowly. Shining followed suit. Their eyes started to close. They were just an inches apart... until the needle started scratching the record.
The ear-splitting sound wrung the couple out of their near kiss and had Shining scrambling back, red in the face once again. Muttering a few things under his breath, Shining made his way towards the record player. His horn lit up, and the screeching sound ceased. Once the black vinyl was back in his saddlebag, Shining turned to see purple eyes staring at him and an awkward grin.
"I ruined the moment," he said with a drone.
Cadance rose up and walked over to their saddlebags, resisting the urge to laugh. "Only a little." Her horn lit up as well, encasing something in her saddlebag before it was pulled out; the record Stardust had given her. Seeing Shining's confused expression, she put on a teasing smile. "What? You think you're the only one that can be romantic?"
Shining struggled for an answer. He opened and closed his mouth several times only for stuttered mumblings to come out. Deciding it was best to shut up, Shining just sat on the grass, failing in his attempt at a stoic look. Cadance stepped towards the record player and put the record on. She recalled Stardust's vague description of the record, and wondered if she was just joking.
She wasn't.
Once the record started spinning, she heard a brief piano intro before she heard a mare's angelic voice come on. The song had her swaying from side to side. Shining stepped closer, joining her as he got adjusted to the music.
Cadance stole a glance at Shining and smiled when she saw him dancing along with her, no matter how initially awkward his movements may have been. Her heart fluttered when she saw him smile. She did that. She made him smile. She wanted to do more; make him feel as great as he made her feel. Even with Stardust's words about a relationship like hers and Shining's not being a contest, it didn't stop her urge to try something, anything. With the music continuing its play, one idea started to come to mind.
Quickly and suddenly, Cadance was right in front of her coltfriend, flashing him an alluring smile. "Wanna dance?"
Shining stayed silent for a few seconds, averting his eyes from Cadance's peering and captivating look. "Ughhhhh, how about we just... just... sit on the grass and keep swaying?" he said with a weak smile.
She gave a small chuckle. "What's wrong? Afraid of a little dancing?"
"No," he said defensively.
"Sooooo, what's the problem?"
"I-I-I..." he started fidgeting in place, kicking the ground with one of his hooves as he tried to keep his eyes away from Cadance. "I... can't dance."
"You can't dance?"
"More like if I tried, anypony who saw me would think I was having an epileptic attack."
"Oh c'mon, don't you think you're over exaggerating a little?"
Shining narrowed his eyes, giving her a blank stare. Shining sighed and took a few steps back. What came next, Cadance couldn't figure out what to call it. He moved like he was dancing, or at least trying to, but Shining's words about him looking like he was having an epileptic attack were not that far off. His demonstration went on for a few seconds more until he nearly tripped over his own hooves.
With a pained expression from the sight and an awkward curve of her lips, Cadance nodded her head slowly. "Okay, I see what you mean."
"You should see my dad and Twilight," Shining added in, images of those two coming to mind. "It's like I'm genetically meant to suck." He felt the soft touch of her hoof on his own hoof before he saw the way Cadance was calmly eyeing him.
"Not with me you won't." She reared on her hind legs, pulling Shining up as well. Tracing her hoof along his forelimb, and getting a nervous reaction out of him in the process, Cadance placed his forelimb around her waist for him to hold. She could hear him gulp at the action before she rested her forelimb on the one now around her waist.
"What are you doing?" Shining asked when she raised his other forelimb out to his side.
She wrapped her hoof around his outstretched limb and held on gently. "I'm going to teach you how to dance." Using her back legs, she tapped at the ground where she wanted Shining to place his hooves. He followed her directions and waited for her next move. "Just follow my lead."
"Okay?" he said more as a question. "So, you're leading?"
"Uh-Huh."
Shining cocked his head. "Does that mean I'm the girl?"
Her gaze rose up as her teasing smile grew. "Uh-Huh." Not giving him any time to respond, Cadance took a firmer hold on his hooves and stepped back. "Now you step forward."
He did.
"Other hoof."
Shining quickly corrected his mistake, inwardly beating himself up about not screwing up on the very first step. He felt Cadance take a step to the side and a gentle tug guide him in the same direction.
"Now step back," she instructed. He took a bit of step too far back, but Cadance worked with it when she took a step forward, closing the distance between the two to their original position before bringing Shining along in another sidestep.
The steps seemed simple enough when Shining realized it was a pattern; step forward when she stepped back and vise-versa, and follow her sidesteps. One, two, three, four. A few cycles later, Shining honestly thought he was starting to get the hang of it. His steps weren't as awkward and lengthy, and he actually put the right hoof forward or backwards, so why was Cadance cringing every few seconds or so?
"Something wrong, Cadance?"
"Oh, nothing," she said through clenched teeth and squinted eyes. "You just stepped on my hooves like, ten times."
It didn't take long for Shining to start sputtering off apologies. "Sorry, sorry, sorry, sorry!"
"Shining, it's fine. Just.... if you feel anything but grass, quickly step off."
One series of nods and an apologetic smile later, Shining was back to following Cadance's steps as best as he could. 'Focus, focus, focus,' he told himself, staring more at the ground than anything else. As he moved about, he gave constant glances down at the ground, instantly moving his hooves if he felt he was about to trip up or step on Cadance again.
Cadance noticed Shining's actions like he was a lighthouse. He was jerky in his "corrections" to say the least. It was like his legs were marionettes controlled by a pony with seizures, and everything above was either shaking with nerves, or starting to sweat with an awkward grin. Inside, Cadance just wanted to laugh at the sight. A pony about to head off to boot camp was sweating more over learning how to dance than what the next few weeks would bring him. Sometimes she forgot how strong her influence was on him.
When she felt him start to stumble over his hooves, and hers once more, she slowed down her pace until she came to a stop. Shining was about to question her, but instead met her soft eyes that kept him quiet. She smiled warmly. "Shining, you're thinking it over too hard. Just relax, and keep your eyes on me."
In other words, keep looking at two of the most radiant things in Equesetria. Yeah, he could do that. He nodded as his nerves began to settle down. He felt her soft grip on his outstretched hoof and her hold on his other forelimb around her waist tighten lightly. She began her steps, slow and steady for Shining to mirror.
Taking a breath and clearing his mind, Shining kept his eyes on Cadance, and nothing else. The ground beneath him didn't seem to matter as he let her and the rhythm of the still playing song lead him.
One step back, one step to the side, one step in front, one step back, all the while holding onto one another as Shining tried his best to move as Cadance did, and to his surprise, he was actually doing it. As he moved about, he glanced around, lighting up brilliantly and smiling wide when he realized he was dancing. He was actually swaying and turning with the mare he was holding onto without crushing her hooves or topping over like an idiot.
His steps became more sure, more in synch with Cadance as his guide. He could see her matching his grin when he pulled her in a little closer.
"Told you you wouldn't suck," she said as they came to a stop underneath a large tree.
Shining just let out a disbelieving laugh. They were still holding onto each other as Shining was still reeling in from his newly learned skill. "Yeah, you did."
They stayed silent a few moments more, the moonlight shining through the spaces in the leaves and casting a silver shade over the couple. Both had no words as they stared at one another. All that Cadance could think of was switching Shining's forelimb around her waist with her own, except around his and pull him into a kiss.
'Ease into it, girl,' her mind told her.
Shining had similar thoughts, but the set of pink hooves over his own and the end of the song's play reminded him that he just played the girl in the last dance. Not exactly wanting the night to end like that, he gave his hooves a little shake. "Think we can switch roles?"
She rolled her eyes and gave a simple "yes" with little laugh etched in. Shining moved his hooves over Cadance's, blue and white covering pink before his horn lighted up and encased the record and the needle.
"Shall we?" he asked, preparing to lower the needle.
She gripped his hoof and raised it up. "Lets."
The piano intro began again, and the two were already in their first steps. He didn't notice at first, but with each step they took, they circled the grass on the hill they stood atop like it was their own personal ballroom with the moon and stars acting as their spotlight. They danced in slow and swaying circles under a veil of leaves and silver moonlight. With his focus not on the ground and his hooves like before, Shining was able to take in Cadance's full form.
Her ponytail had draped over her shoulder and curled at its end like some kind of swirled piece of candy. She was looking at him with eyes that sparkled under the lunar light, reflecting his own image back at him through pools of the finest and lightest purple.
Cadance saw no trace of the earlier signs of nervousness as she was led by Shining. She had done that. Not only did she calm him down, she had taught him something. She had done something for him, and the feeling was like stepping near a fireplace after being out in the cold, absolutely marvelous. She could see the joy radiating from those crystal blue eyes she was staring at as she was spinning around, a crystal blue she realized was very similar to her own magic hue. It gave her an idea.
"Hey, Shining?"
"Yeah?"
She began to trace her hoof in circles on the forelimb holding her. "Remember when we were first going out, and you showed me some of your magic at Joe's?"
He didn't know where this was going, but he nodded and answered anyway. "Yeah, why?"
Her lips curved into a smile, and her horn flared up. Hovering all around the hill, see-through bubbles of magic manifested. Instead of the lavender glow they gave off back in the shop, Cadance's light-blue aura shined through, bouncing one another's lights and reflecting the moonlight shining above. Shining stared at Cadance's display with a gaping jaw and wide eyes. It was like they were in a huge blue disco ball, only a thousand times prettier.
"Wowwwwww," he said with an exploring gaze.
Cadance could see the light from the blue bubble dance across Shining's eyes, amplifying his own crystal blue. Even as he stared on, he was still leading her in their dance. With his mind on the shimmering magic spheres, it wasn't until he felt her soft head brushing up against him that Shining realized Cadance was leaning into his chest, nuzzling his fur with the lightest touch. He smiled before he craned his neck to lay his head atop her mane, her soft, beautiful candy-colored mane. Still onlooking the field of magic bubbles, the two were still swaying in circles.
The last night, the last night to see one another for a while, the last night to hug, the last night to kiss... the last night to dance. All these and more could describe the night the two were having, but to Shining, there was no "last". For him, it was one of the best nights of his life so far, and he'd rather see it that way than anything "last". Rather than dwell on what he'd be leaving, he continued to sway with the most beautiful mare in Equestria that he somehow got to date and call his. And this mare was eyeing him from the corner of her eyes.
Cadance raised her head from his chest, getting Shining to move his head off her head. She was eyeing him as she put a hoof by the side of his head. A grin as wide as the moonlight crossed Shining's face as he began to put a hoof by the back of her head. In the few seconds that followed, their eyes fluttered close, and they inched closer and closer together.
Easing into in, as Cadance had thought, came with all the rewards of its wait. Their lips locked again as sparks flew once again.
Shining had that feeling again; that floating feeling he somehow invented for nopony else but him. Had they had their eyes open, they would have seen Cadance's magic bubbles glow a more intense light before dimming back down when the two parted. A second or two passed with the two of them just locking in on one another's gaze, as if in an effort to preserve the image for the weeks following. They came together once again; her head falling into his chest, and his head resting atop her head for another dance.
Not a last dance, just another dance.
***************
The farewells were not easy.
As Shining sat in his seat on the train to the Trottingham base with numerous other stallions and mares in their cadet uniforms, his mind kept going back to the train station platform back in Canterlot.
There were tears. Shining would not lie, a good five percent of them came from him... the rest... Shining could only say that he hoped his mother apologized to whoever had to clean up afterwards.
His dad had saluted him, hugged him, and made him promise to write when he got to the chance for the sake of Twilight Velvet.
Twilight had faced him with watery eyes and a hopeful smile. She had a tight grip for such a little filly. In his duffle bag, placed steadily on top of everything else, was an old raggedy stuffed pony with blue button eyes and a scraggly mane.
"Smartypants will keep you company, Shining, and I know you'll be back because you need to bring her back, right?"
Twilight's words were still fresh in his mind. He remembered assuring her him and Smartypants would be back real soon, but it really raised the question if he should let that, in all honesty, creepy doll out of the bag at any time in the next nine weeks. Either way, it still brought a smile on his face to know Twilight trusted him with her most prized possession. He said goodbye to his LSBFF and told her he loved her.
And of course, there was little Spike. Folded in the pocket of his freshly pressed blue cadet uniform, a piece of paper Shining's little brother had given him rested comfortably. Admittingly, Spike probably had no idea what was going on, but Shining was grateful for the drawing nonetheless. It was a simple, yet really poor outline of purple and green crayon. Next to the messy coloring were splotches of blue and an outline filled in with the white of the paper. He left Spike with a teary-eyed smile as the little dragon clapped his claws when he saw the smile his gift brought to his brother's face.
Stardust and Cadance had also come to say their goodbyes, knowing fully well that it wouldn't be that long before the three of them were together again. Stardust had left him with a joke and a punch to the shoulder.
Cadance, on the other hoof, left him with a kiss he wished he could somehow take with him.
The blurry landscape passed quickly through the windows of the train, the sound of the large locomotive running over the tracks shaking the inside of the train car.
It wasn't long till the blurs started to take form, settling into shapes of far away hills and distant buildings until everything became obscured by brick walls and block buildings concentrated in one area. The train screeched and steam blew when the whistle roared to life and the wheels started to slow down. The sound was excruciating at first, but it could not, and would not, compare to what Shining heard next.
Even with the jerky movements of the train as it tried to come to its halt, a large, very large, earth pony stallion with a grey coat and eyes that could pierce diamond and cut it into a ring stood up at the front of the train. He bore gold-plated armor and the helmet that matched, and his eyes narrowed at the lot of ponies on the train. His face was stone, nearly impossible to trace any sense of equine emotion that didn't look commanding or a little hostile. His presence alone commanded attention, and if by the slim chance it didn't, his voice sure did.
"ALRIGHT, LISTEN UP!"
Shining and everypony else on the train immediately went silent. The stallion's voice reverberated through the cart and even through some ponies' spines. Shining was sitting up straight, tense all over and hoping the stallion's eyes didn't land on him.
"I AM SERGEANT QUAKE! WHEN THE TRAIN MAKES ITS STOP, I WANT ALL OF YOU, IN AN ORDERLY LINE, TO MAKE YOUR WAY TO THE REGISTRATION BUILDING! STAY IN YOUR LINE UNTIL YOU ARE TOLD TO DO SO OTHERWISE BY ME, UNDERSTOOD?"
"Sir, yes, sir!" Shining and the others on the train yelled out.
"ALREADY YOU MESSED UP!" Quake started to walk down the aisle. His armor clattered and clanged as plates hit one another. There was just so much noise from this massive, massive stallion. "SIR, YES, SIR?!? YOU'RE NOT ASKING ME IF YOU CAN DATE MY DAUGHTER! YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO BE ADDRESSING A DRILL SERGEANT!"
Don't look scared, keep quiet, keep your eyes forward, and don't let your legs shake and buckle. They were pieces of advice Shining got a lot of when he was doing his research about basic training for the Royal Guard, and he was struggling with two of those pieces of advice as Quake continued to holler.
"WHEN YOU ADDRESS ME, YOU ARE TO SAY, DRILL SERGEANT, YES, DRILL SERGEANT, OR DRILL SERGEANT, NO, DRILL SERGEANT! UNDERSTOOD!"
"DRILL SERGEANT, YES, DRILL SERGEANT!"
Quake came to a sudden stop in the middle of the aisle, eyes dead-set forward in all their fierceness. "I DIDN'T KNOW WE WERE TRYING TO NOT WAKE UP NEWBORN FOALS! SO AGAIN, UNDERSTOOD?!?"
Using nearly all the air in their lungs, the entire car of ponies gave a deafening "DRILL SERGEANT, YES, DRILL SERGEANT!"
"GOOD!" Quake turned around and trotted back to his spot at the front of the train, hooves clattering the floor like they could cause an earthquake. It didn't take long after that for Shining to get the drill sergeant's namesake.
The train continued decelerating as the view out the windows passed on slower and slower until coming to a complete, and screeching stop. The whistle blew and steam and smoke arose outside.
Quake gave a single stomp on the floor, commanding everyone's attention. "ALRIGHT, FIRST DAY AT TROTTINGHAM BASE." Quake gave the smallest side glance Shining ever saw, but still felt the presence of those cutting eyes. By the looks on the other ponies' faces, they felt a similar presence.
"CADETS!" If one looked very closely, a very, very small curve of Quake's lip at one edge could be seen. "WELCOME TO HELL." |
The Brother and The Sitter | Surprises in the Mail | Surprises in the Mail
For Blueblood, life in Canterlot Castle was beyond bliss. Waking up in his king-sized bed under warm, velvet-like covers and surrounded by plush, feathered pillows was just the start of his morning. Breakfast was sublime and perfect down to the last crumb, even to his own picky tastes. If that wasn't enough, the mini-army of servants waiting on him had to have been. For the most part they were, depending on what kind of mood he was in for the day. One of said servants was in the middle of setting a small snack tray for the prince, aligning each little cucumber sandwich perfectly onto a glass plate.
"Your tray, my prince," the servant pony said when he entered Blueblood's room, holding the tray of little sandwiches in his magic.
"Just set it on that table over there, thank you." Blueblood pointed to a small table near the center of his rather large room. He currently occupied one of the upholstered chairs with a book in his hooves, completely absorbed in its contents to not even meet eyes with the other stallion in his room.
The servant pony set the tray on the table and prepared to make his way out of the room before he stood staring at the prince. "Will there be anything else, my prince?"
A moment passed before Blueblood closed his book and set it to the side. "Yes, actually. How is it like outside?"
"Quite nice, my prince. A nice breeze is blowing."
"Perfect." Blueblood rose from his chair. "I think a walk in the gardens sounds real nice, wouldn't you say?"
"Very much, my prince. Do you need assistance with anything before you head out?"
"No, you can leave now. I'm just going to freshen up first."
"Very well, my prince." The servant pony gave a courteous bow before he closed the doors behind him without so much as a creak of the hinges.
Blueblood settled himself on the seat facing a dresser and a large mirror. He posed in the mirror for a while before he actually started to fix himself up. With a few strokes of a comb, his blonde mane was picture perfect in his eyes, and worth of some admiration. He stepped off his seat and walked up to just one of the large vanity mirrors within his walk-in closet. "Blueblood, you handsome devil, how do you stay so enticing?" He posed in the mirror a few minutes more until he felt content with himself. Brushing through the doors, Blueblood had a pep in his steps, like he was walking on air.
Outside the windows he passed, he observed that the servant pony was telling the truth. His aunt's mid-morning sun was hanging high in the nearly cloudless sky. The stroll to the gardens itself was pleasant. The sun shone through the windows like diamonds and painted little patterns on the walls Blueblood passed. Everything was just perfect. He turned a corner that was closing into the last hallway to the gardens, where he came to a sight that drained the perfection out of the day and sucked the pep right out of his step and replaced it with old lead.
Along the walls, multiple wooden mail cubbies were lined together. Each and every single one of them was empty. Cadance was pacing back and forth alongside the walls awaiting the same something Blueblood knew was supposed to come in any time soon.
"Cadance. Again?"
Cadance looked up to see her cousin's judgmental eyes. "It's already been almost a week since Shining's first day. I figured his first letter would be here by now, so I'm waiting for it," Cadance responded as she continued to pace.
"You've been doing this for the last two days! It's not healthy."
"Hey! I stop once the mail does come."
"So you're just going to keep pacing around until the mail gets here?"
"That's the plan."
Blueblood gave a quick glance at one of the windows at his side to see the sun's position in the sky. "It's not even noon yet. The mail-pony won't be here for hours."
"Uh-Huh," she simply said, not even stopping in her strides.
The dark lines around Cadance's eyes and the lazy ponytail her mane was done in were just some of the things about Cadance's appearance that made Blueblood ask, "How long have you been at this?"
"Since after breakfast."
He stood there. "That was four hours ago!"
"Uh-Huh."
Even he didn't expect that long. The last few days Cadance had done this, Blueblood remembered, it only lasted an hour, at the most, and was followed by a disappointed and near-wounded face he still couldn't quite get out of his head. Blueblood knew once Shining Armor headed off to boot camp, Cadance was going to miss him, but he had to draw the line somewhere.
"Cadance," he said as he stepped in her path. "This isn't good for you. I'm about to take a walk in the gardens, why don't you come join me?"
She stepped past him and quickly adopted a new pacing path. "Thanks for thinking about me, Blueblood, but really, I'm fine. Besides, I went out into the gardens yesterday."
"Okay then." Blueblood tapped the floor for a few seconds. "How about we take a spa day? It's been a while since the last one, and you know how much you love their hooficures." He emphasized his offer with a broad smile, but Cadance wasn't budging.
"No thanks, Blueblood."
Blueblood continued to list off more suggestions they could do in and around the castle. Each and every one of them was politely turned down, and he was growing thin on ideas. When he exhausted his last idea, he was more sure Cadance could and would just pace around until the mail came in. If she looked more put together and less tired-looking, maybe he would have let her antics slide, but that was not the case. One way or another, he was going to make sure she didn't stay wandering around the same line she made for herself. It would mean getting out of his comfort zone, but if it was for his cousin...
He groaned and threw his head back as he opened his mouth for one more try. "What if you get a hold of Stardust, and the three of us go into town where ever you want to go for the day?"
Cadance's ears perked up and she met his look with wide eyes, not even caring he did not bother to hide the annoyance in his voice. This was him offering to go outside the castle anywhere in Canterlot with her and a friend. "You're serious?"
Blueblood drew breath through his teeth before answering. "Yes."
"You promise?"
The doubtful look Cadance had prompted the prince to step in front of her, hoof outstretched. "I promise."
She took his hoof and shook it. "Okay, deal," she said before her lips curved into a devilish smile.
"What's that look for?" Blueblood asked with a raised brow and weary tone. He was answered when Cadance quickly rubbed at the bottoms of her eyes and he saw black streaks smear onto her hoof and the pink fur where black used to cover her eyes. "You!" he said after Cadance giggled at the dramatic change in his expression.
"Too late," she announced victoriously, "you promised. Youuuuuuu..." now she was poking at him like a foal, "... promised!"
"That doesn't count, you tricked me!" Blueblood argued as he flailed a hoof in the air, but only got Cadance to laugh even harder.
"Too bad, we shook on it." All the makeup was off her eyes now, but stained her hooves. "I'm gonna go wash up real quick, and then we'll head out. Stardust's probably gonna be here any time soon."
"You just tricked me, how could you have gotten a hold of her so..." It was all but a matter of moments before it dawned on Blueblood. "How long did you plan this?"
Cadance was already making her way towards her room. "Days! Just meet me at the front. You promised! No backing out!" Before she sped up, she looked over her shoulder and happily called out, "Oh, and, Blueblood? It's Sunday."
As much as Blueblood wanted to scream back at her in defiance in that very moment, she was already too far gone down the hall. Her laughter, though, still managed to reach his eardrums. Even as he dragged himself down to the front of the castle and out into the courtyard, he still had to give her credit for her trick, even if it was at his expense. If it was for Cadance, he tended to keep his promise, and he knew she knew that, which made the whole situation more detestable than originally. In the end, he figured it was better she used his weakness on him on things as little as getting him to go outside.
Cadance was in more than just a good mood when she trotted into her bedroom. After she rinsed off the last few traces of black mascara from her hooves in her bathroom, she took to the mirror. A solid ten minutes later, her mane was in an updo-ponytail that draped over both of her shoulders in an even split. Through the window in her room, she saw a familiar blue unicorn coming up to the castle gates.
"Let her in, guys!" Cadance called out to the guards at the gate when she stepped into the courtyard. Blueblood stood next to his cousin with a fierce glare aimed at her. "Don't be like that. You need to get out of the castle anyway."
"I get out of the castle."
"Further than the shops across the street."
Blueblood huffed at that while he walked with Cadance to greet their guest.
"Cady! Ya finally got him outta the cave, huh?" Stardust said when she saw the prince. "I'm Stardust, in case ya forgot. Don't blame ya if ya did. Only saw ya once back when this girl was still in Crushland with Shiny."
Blueblood hesitantly took her outstretched hoof and smiled, trying hard not to think where her hoof had been. "No, I remember you. Charmed to meet you again, Stardust."
"Thanks, guys for taggin' along. I really needed a day off."
"Rough day at work?' Cadance asked.
"Yeah, and night." Stardust started to rub at her eyes. "Pulled a double shift yesterday. Dear Celestia I was tired. But, hey, gotta save up for the move, right?"
She may not have known what the situation was like, but Cadance still smiled and nodded. "So, where are we gonna take him?"
Blueblood felt both mares' eyes staring at him and it made him glance back and forth between the two, more so when small smiles formed on their faces.
"Well, Blueblood," Cadance started to say to him as Stardust threw a forelimb over his side.
"Looks like you're gonna spend your first time bowling with us."
"How did you know I've never bowled before?" Blueblood asked.
"I can read it in your face. Ya don't get out much, do ya?" Stardust giggled at the look she got from the prince. "I'm just teasin'. Get used to it if you're keep hangin' around me. So! Onward and outwards!" She let go of Blueblood and lead the way into town.
Right before the trio was out the gates, Cadance leaned in and whispered in Blueblood's ear, "Physical contact, and not demanding to be called 'Prince Blueblood'?"
"At this point," Blueblood said with hints of a smile starting up, "I figure I shouldn't even try when around ponies you know. Besides, she seems... friendly, and you trust her. Maybe this won't be as bad as I thought." Blueblood saw blurs of pink as Cadance threw her forelimbs around him in a huge embrace. This time, he hugged back despite his initial eyeroll. He really would have done anything to make his cousin happy, and as much as he hated to admit it, a little change of scenery did sound the slightest bit interesting, even as the view and familiarity of the castle was slowly receding away from sight.
"Thanks for doing this, Blueblood. And trust me, you'll have fun. You won't regret it."
***************
He was regretting it.
As a prince, Blueblood learned that composure was essential when in public, and he made it a point to carry himself with a confidence and pride that sometimes bordered on the egotistical side, but nonetheless commanded an essence of importance and respect. Right now, he was one more bad roll away from blowing his top and bursting into an inferno of flames. He set his eyes on the end of the lane, bowling ball in his hoof, and tried to picture the pins falling over after meeting a horrendous blow from the ball. "I will end you," he whispered with all the venom of ten cobras at the pins like they could hear him.
A few feet away, Cadance and Stardust sat at a small table by the ball-return machine trying their best not to show any signs of enjoyment at watching Blueblood's sanity slowly drift away. They watched as Blueblood took a breath, and they swore they could hear the hairs of his mane spring out of place. He strode to the lane and rolled the ball. At first it was on a straight-line path down the lane and Blueblood's hopes soared. He was all smiles until he saw the ball veer to the left, at first slightly, and then completely to the left. His heart sunk like the ball into the gutter. The pins were reset and his ball was spat back out into the rack next to Stardust's and Cadance's.
Stardust scribbled a "0" on the scoresheet: one of the many that lined Blueblood's row. "Well look on the upside, ya made a perfect score."
All around him, Blueblood heard the crash of pins and their eminent fall. It was an entire building full of crashing pins. Alleys all around echoed the same thunderous sound, and he was just standing in front of a lane that continuously denied his ball access to the pins. He asked himself how he got to this point. He remembered starting the game out, watching his cousin and Stardust knock a few pins with each roll, and never getting more than one or two pins the first few rolls: and then the gutter balls started. One after another, he watched each ball drop into the lane and roll off, completely missing the pins in every new game.
"I have been at this for over an hour!" The desperation in Blueblood's voice leaked out like his remaining bit of hope just few moments ago. "Every time! It just rolls away and hits nothing!"
Cadance approached her cousin and lead him away from the lane. "C'mon, Blueblood. Why don't we take a break? We ordered some lunch. That sound good?"
Just leaving that cursed bowling lane had an effect on Blueblood. The crazy in his eyes began to lift just as his mane began to fall back into place. "Yes. Yes, that does sound good." He was led up some steps where he saw Stardust seated on a stool at a counter overlooking the lanes. "Are we eating here?"
"Yeah. Should be ready in a few minutes, but, ugh, Blueblood? Ya sure ya don't wanna do somethin' about... this?" She gestured around her mane.
Blueblood looked around and saw his disheveled reflection in a nearby trophy case. "Dear, Auntie, I'm a mess! Excuse me real quick. I need to go compose myself."
Once Blueblood was far enough away, there was nothing holding Stardust back from letting all her laughter spill out in a grand display. "Okay," she had to take multiple breaths just to start speaking, "that was almost as good as watchin' Shiny try and fail at askin' ya out, Cady. Oh, don't give me that look, he got ya in the end," she said when Cadance lowered her eyes at her.
"I'm just worried he's not having fun. I really want him to come out of the castle more, and if this is his only impression on places outside the castle, I don't think that's gonna happen."
Stardust patted down on the seat next to her. "Think I got an idea that can help him out, but let's eat first."
Cadance took her seat just as Blueblood made his way back to the two mares. "There could be some major improvements on the bathroom conditions here," he said as he too took a seat. "And what is it that we're eating."
"Order for Stardust! You're food is ready! Order for Stardust!"
When the last of the metallic screech of the intercom softened out, Stardust was already out of her seat. She returned a few moments later with a hot tray, a few plates, and a few cups encased in the green of her magic. "Pizza time, guys!" She laid out the plastic plates and soda-filled cups out before placing the cheesy tray in the center. She had to have been hungry because slices were cut and served in a flash and Stardust already had a slice in her mouth. "Mmmm, bowling alley pizza," she said after gulping down another bite.
Blueblood watched as Cadance took her own slice and ate. Even though she was gentler and more lady-like in her bites, he still couldn't get over the sight of the dripping cheese and messy sauce that marked some of her face despite her attempts to stay clean. He looked down at his plate. Dark marks began to stain his plate as the pizza sat there. It was all so foreign to him: gooey, messy, and so unofficial. Criticisms of the food instantly bubbled to his mind, but he had to force them down. He still noted that the change from fine china and polished silverware to plastic plates and red plastic cups was rather drastic and sudden.
"Not hungry there, Blueblood?" Stardust asked, now on her second slice of pizza.
Cadance was looking at him curiously now. He knew that if he said he was not hungry, everything could move on easily. He would not have to try something so unappetizing to him, and Cadance would have been happy just having him come out for once, yet even as his mind was ready to say he was not hungry, his magic cut a piece off his slice and held it near his hesitant jaw. "Just wanted to cut it first," he said quickly. The piece was hovering close. He found himself gulping first before finally taking in that first little bite. If he wasn't preparing himself for the worst, the good taste might've registered faster for him. "Huh. Surprisingly good." He was two more bites in before Blueblood ended up just cutting the rest of his slice into pieces and popping bite after bite into his mouth.
"Likin' it there, Blueblood?" Stardust asked once Blueblood was down to the crust.
"I had no idea such a food existed! Messy, unappealing in sight in some ways, but absolutely delicious!" He bite into the crisp brown crust. "And with a flavored crust!"
"That's garlic for ya."
The two mares watched on as Blueblood started his second piece. Cadance was enjoying herself a little too much at the sight of her cousin, and the grin on her face showed. Not only did it mean she finally got her cousin out of the castle and actually enjoy something outside his comfort zone, it also meant a lot of her being able to say she told him so. "Was I like that when you and Shining started showing me things?" Cadance had to ask when Blueblood ripped another chunk of his slice off.
Stardust looked over at the prince. "Give or take about the same. Maybe less food on his face." Cadance gave her a look. "Hey, don't blame me if ya can't try a new donut Joe comes up with without getting jelly all ova your face and hooves."
Cadance stayed quiet a little longer while her eyes narrowed. "You win this one, Star."
"And all the ones before that," Stardust fired back with a teasing manner that got the two of them to laugh. "So, Blueblood, after we finish up here, ya up for another game?"
Blueblood's glance flicked over to their alley. Images of pins taunting him invaded his mind and it immediately made him answer, "Absolutely not!"
"Oh, c'mon," Stardust pressed on, "ya really came close to us that last game."
"You're joking, right?"
"Now you're gettin' it." She hopped off her seat and took hold of Blueblood's hooves. "C'mon, one try, and if ya still don't want to play, we'll go do somethin' else." She was already pulling him towards their lane even as she gave her offer. Cadance followed them and took to a nearby seat.
"I don't want to do this," Blueblood said when he was led to the ball return machine, but Stardust either didn't hear him, or didn't pay him any attention. He was about to repeat himself until he saw her horn glow green that was quickly followed by a loud *CLINK. He looked to the lanes and saw the bumpers had been raised on the sides of the lane. He looked back at her and saw her holding the ball he picked out.
"Go crazy," she said, shoving the ball near his chest. Blueblood took it, and Stardust took a seat.
Many things, Blueblood realised, could've been said about that mare in those moments. Most of those things, he decided, would be better left unsaid at the moment, so held his ball and turned to the lane. The pins started to taunt him again, beckoning him to try again if only so they could laugh at his inevitable failure. The bubbling anger he felt before Cadance got him off the lane rose once again, and he channeled it all into his roll. It was without the least bit of coordination, but it had a lot of rage-induced power. The ball left his hoof and collided into the bumper ramps. It traveled down the lane while crashing into the bumpers on each side, and this time, it reached the pins in a thunderous collision.
"Yo, Blueblood! Ya gonna pick up your ball and roll or what?"
Blueblood didn't even realise he was staring off until Stardust's call reached his ears. He knocked them down. He may not have knocked all of them down, but he actually made more than half the pins that stood at the end of the lane moments ago tumble over in a very satisfying crash. "Finally!" he all but roared out with a triumphant grin spanning wider than Cadance had ever seen. In turn, it made her smile as well and even more so when she watched her cousin take another shot at the pins. Expectantly, not all of them fell, but enough did to leave Blueblood in much greater spirits than from the last game.
"Bumper lanes," Cadance said, leaning towards Stardust. "Great idea."
"Thanks," Stardust replied.
"How'd you think of that?"
"It was the only way I could get Shiny to come bowlin' wit me before he actually stopped completely suckin'. Speakin' of the big goof, any word from him yet?"
Cadance wished she could've controlled the downtrodden look she got momentarily. "No, not yet." Cadance felt a little bump to her chest, and saw Stardust's assuring smile.
"Hey, don't worry 'bout it. Knowin' him, it's just a matter of time before ya hear somethin'."
His glowing blue eyes, his friendly smile, even his missteps had a charm to them that Cadance wished she could experience again. Stardust's words did help alleviate some of the initial pang. "Yeah," Cadance said, her former mood coming back to her. "I wonder how he's doing though."
"Eh, I'm sure he's doin' fine."
***************
Earlier this morning...
***************
Everything hurt.
From his hind legs to his forelegs and even in his chest cavity from breathing too hard, Shining Armor hurt all over. The salt in the wound was that it was only breakfast time: six in the morning. The only comfort he found in his pain was that he could spot a few others in the mess hall of Trottingham Royal Guard base that shared his sentiments. While it had only been a few days at most since he got off the train, along with hundreds of other young mares and stallions, the crappy way he felt made it seem longer.
The first couple of days were some of the easiest. Shining Armor remembered being a part of registration as if he were a blur in a passing scene despite its rather lengthy process. He was sorted into his company, then his platoon, picked up what was handed out, and went through medical examinations like the hundreds of others that were there. He honestly thought the drill sergeants that were at registration would've been yelling a lot louder than they had. He later found out they were just giving a false sense of safety because that first morning of waking up to a clanging trash bin at 4:30 in the morning was a surprise. All through those first few days of training, he quickly learned to just follow what was being yelled at him. Not one to usually cause a disruption in the first placed, when not goofing up around Cadance, he learned by watching the poor ponies that did. It wasn't pretty. How exactly a drill sergeant's voice didn't give out after one day was a question that made a constant presence in his mind. One other major question that consistently entered his mind was what was he thinking? He knew there'd be drills and a lot of training with a lot of exercise, but just how much that was actually demanded was a major culture shock to him, and he was feeling it.
"Shining, you look like crap, man." Pinpoint, a brown, brawny earth pony stallion, and Shining's assigned battle buddy, sat across from Shining with his breakfast tray. Next to him sat an equally built pegasus stallion Shining remembered was Pinpoint's friend who joined the guard with him, Silver Edge. Across from Silver and next to Shining was Silver's battle buddy, a scrawny cyan unicorn Shining later on remembered was named Quick Fix.
"Really, Pin?" Silver said to the earth pony, his eyelids half-covering his gold-yellow eyes.
"What?" Pinpoint asked, his silvery tone indicating he was just teasing. "Seriously, Shining, you okay?"
It was hard, but Shining managed to open his eyes all the way, revealing the well-defined lines under his eyes. "I have never been this tired in my entire life."
"Thank Celestia, I thought I was the only one here." Quick Fix let his face fall onto the table with a light slam, some of his chrome-black mane getting into his breakfast. "I think my limbs are gonna fall off before the week ends." His voice sounded drained of all power, almost as if he was about to crash onto the floor in a tired heap.
"How do ponies do this and not die?" Shining asked before daring to take a bite of his food, but found himself hurting even by just moving the food to his mouth.
"It's not that bad," Pinpoint tried, but was instantly met with haunting glared from the two ponies in front of him.
"Easy for you to say. You and Silver are towers!" Quick Fix muttered. They didn't deny it.
"Look at it this way," Silver Edge said, a more chipper tone coming into his usually gruff voice. "Thousands of ponies have done this before us, so why can't we?"
It was such a simple thought, but it still did something to put Shining in a better spirit. Quick Fix fell into a similar uplifting feeling. "I guess you're right," Shining said as he tried to fend off the friendly smile Silver was giving him, but ended up catching his mood.
"Watch. If this is like what my dad went through, one day we'll look back on this and laugh."
"Can that day come soon?" Quick Fix asked, making the others laugh at their own various volumes. "I'm not kidding."
"Still got about three months left, but hey, you've got Silver to help you out, right?" Quick Fix flashed Silver Edge a look and saw his friendly smile that he took as a sign he really would help him out if he was struggling. "You've also got me. If you're stuck with Silver, you're stuck with me as well, friend."
Quick Fix's ears perked up at the word he was just called. Shining could tell in his reaction he didn't come into boot camp thinking he'd make friends. A little flicker went off in his purple eyes as he asked, "Friend?"
"Why not?" Pinpoint smiled widely at the little unicorn. "We're all in the same ship, and you don't look like a psychopath." Before anyone could react to that, Pinpoint switched his glance to Shining and met him with big green eyes. "You in this boat too, Shining?"
Shining caught all three stallions' looks and couldn't help the warm feeling of acceptance that coursed through him. Arriving in Trottingham was new and slightly scary on its own. Going at it alone would've made boot camp the more scarier, and Shining immediately took comfort knowing others would at least be doing what he was doing. That was the furthest he went in his thinking. Now, here he was with three others willing and wanting to be around one another. "Count me in."
Pinpoint continued smiling. Shining could see Silver eyeing his friend like a parent watching their child erupt into excitement. Quick Fix tried and failed to not catch the secondhand joy radiating off the large earth pony. "Well alright then. Right here, the Four Musketeers!"
"I thought there was only three?" Quick Fix asked after Pin's sudden outburst.
"Yeah, but there's four of us."
"There actually is four," Shining said. "It's just that the fourth guy wasn't in some of the other three's adventures, but he was still their friend and considered the fourth musketeer. He was actually the one who came up with the whole 'All for one and one for all' thing. I used to work in a library shelving books." He added the last part upon seeing his new friends' looks of surprise.
"Well no wonder you're all beat out. You're a book worm." Pinpoint was quickly met with a light punch from Silver Edge. "Hey, ow!"
Just as Silver Edge was about to say something, something like clanging iron cut all conversation in the mess hall to complete silence. One of the drill sergeants, Ironclad, a lime-green earth pony in gold-plated armor, took each step with a loud *CLANG. Each step seemed to get louder, but it might have just been from the now silent hall.
"Good to see everypony's up, not like you had a choice." He wasn't yelling, a welcome surprise by now for everyone, but he was naturally loud enough to command attention. "Just your ten minute warning, ponies, and if I were you, I'd eat up. The other drill sergeants and I are cranking it up a notch!" In that instant, a part of Shining died at those words. Quick Fix had a similar sentiment as well. "So be ready! That is all!"
"Drill sergeant, yes, drill sergeant!" everypony recited before Ironclad took his seat and going back to their breakfast.
Quick Fix gave an anxious moan before slowly laying his head on the table. "I'm gonna die here."
"No you won't," Pinpoint argued as he took a bite of his food.
Quick Fix either didn't have the energy to argue, or dropped the topic altogether because he took Pinpoint's lead and started eating. Shining and Silver Edge followed suit. By the time they finished their meals and put away their trays, morning training was about to begin.
"Ready, buddy?" Pinpoint asked Shining as they started to file out of the hall.
He wasn't. His limbs were still telling him they were ten push-ups away from falling off, but he didn't have a choice. He took a breath and exhaled. Just doing that gave him helped him relax and even gave him a little push. He recalled those times he saw that stallion in the mirror. The one so much like him in gold-plated armor. This was just one more day in his road to become that stallion. "Let's do this."
***************
"You're really happy right now, aren't ya?"
"I am rather content, Stardust, yes." Blueblood couldn't stop smiling as he, Cadance, and Stardust trotted out of the bowling alley. After seeing how much better he was with the bumper lanes up, Blueblood insisted on staying for a few more games. His insistence resulted in hours of crashing pins, victory dances, and more than a couple rounds of trash-talk that grew between him and Stardust when they got into the competing spirit. "We really burned the day away, haven't we?"
The two mares look up to see the many shades of red, orange, and yellow that burned in Celestia's evening sky. "You got work tomorrow, Stardust?" Cadance asked the blue unicorn.
"Just the night shift. We can stay out if ya guys want."
"Or," Blueblood started to suggest, "the three of us could go back to the castle for dinner. Stardust, delicious as that pizza was, you must try the food at the palace. The chefs are superb, most of the time, and I can assure you that you will love it."
Cadance was sure Blueblood's offer was half of a way to get back in his comfort zone, but she stayed quiet when she saw Stardust actually ponder the idea.
"Wow. Dinner at the castle, huh?" Stardust arched an eyebrow as she looked at Cadance. "How come we've never done that before, Cady?" she asked in a way Cadance recognized as her being playful.
Despite this, Cadance still found herself mentally slapping herself. How she never thought of inviting her only friend, outside Twilight, Shining, and her cousin, inside the castle was a blunder she knew had to be corrected as quickly as possible. "Completely slipped my mind?" she answered with a weary smile.
"Cady, I'm teasin'."
"I know." Her ears were still folded back as she said that.
"Dinner it is," Blueblood announced as he stepped up his pace.
By the time they reached the castle, Celestia's night was just about ready to take over her evening skyline. Blueblood told the first servant he saw to tell the kitchen staff to start up dinner. Stardust stepped into the castle not as awestruck and more contained than Blueblood was hoping. "Wow," she said with a simple gasp. "Big place."
"Well, it is only the place where the ruler of Equestria and her family resides." Blueblood continued to lead the two down to the main dining room. They turned a corner and stopped when a certain alicorn met their eyes. "Auntie!" Blueblood greeted his aunt with a smile.
Celestia strode to the three ponies, matching Blueblood's grin. "Blueblood, Cadance, it's nice to see you two home safe. And who is your guest?" She gestured to Stardust, who was on the floor in a low bow. She came back up after Cadance gave her a tap on her shoulder.
"Aunt Celestia, I think you know Stardust," Cadance said.
"I know of you, but I do not believe I've had the pleasure of meeting the mare who's become quite close friends with my niece."
"The pleasure's all mine, your majesty," Stardust replied as she gave another bow.
Celestia gave a soft chuckle. "And I see you're starting to recruit my nephew into your circle of friends as well." Her look momentarily traveled to Blueblood, who was hoping this wouldn't turn into something about him. "It's about time he made a friend."
Blueblood's ears fell flat and his face scrunched into a frown. "How does me wanting to say 'Hello' turn into something about me needing friends?"
"My hello's can turn into many things, Blueblood," Celestia said, keeping her tender smile in a perfect curve. "So do you three have plans for the evening."
"Blueblood here," Candace said, looking in her cousin's direction, "actually suggested the three of us have dinner in the castle."
"That sounds like a marvelous idea."
"Do you wanna join us, Aunt Celestia?"
Celestia nodded her head. "I have a few things to take care of regarding Twilight's studies. I'm showing her a few new spells tomorrow, and I need to gather the right materials. Maybe some other time." She stopped when she got a hint of something in the air. She closed her eyes and sniffed. A dream-filled look formed on her face just as the three ponies in front of her started to sniff the air. "Whatever they're cooking smells delicious. Well, I hope you three enjoy." Celestia strode past them as her niece and nephew said their goodbyes.
Stardust stood still for a few seconds as the last few moments replayed in her head until the solar princess was out of earshot. "Wait, did you guys just get me a future dinner with Princess Celestia?"
"Huh. I guess we did," Cadance answered as they started walking. "What's that look you got?" she asked more uneasily when her friend started to slowly smile.
"Oh, just the face of a mare who just realized she's got connections."
They reached the dining hall and were instantly greeted by three servants who showed them to their chairs. Cadance and Stardust were seated next to each other while Blueblood sat across from the two mares. The servants laid out a few crystal glasses and poured some water before disappearing into another room. From how the delectable aroma wafted into the room, they guessed the food was not that far from being done.
"So, Blueblood," Stardust began, looking right at the prince with one of her smirks. "Accordin' to your aunt, apparently you're part of my circle."
Blueblood groaned. "Just ignore her."
The girls couldn't stop their snickers even if they wanted to. "Ah, c'mon, Blueblood, can ya really say ya didn't have fun?"
"I suppose today was a... nice change of pace," he said after some hesitation.
"How did Cady get ya to come out wit us anyway?"
Blueblood eyed his cousin who wasn't even attempting to hide the pleasure she found in his annoyance. "I bet she would love to tell you more than I would."
Cadance jumped at the chance and dove right into how she managed to lure the introverted prince out of the castle. Stardust listened and reacted in all the ways Blueblood figured she would: with laughter.
"Nice one, Cady."
Blueblood sat there with a blank stare, waiting for them to finish. "So is this what friends do? Laugh at each other a whole lot at their expense."
"Eh, wit me anyway."
"Blunt. Somehow, I respect that." Blueblood flashed Stardust a smile before he took a sip from his glass.
"Friend, huh, Blueblood?" Cadance asked him with an inquisitive look once he set his glass down. Stardust was looking at him now, and it took the prince by surprise when he realized what he had said.
"Like I said," he said after clearing his throat, "today was a nice change of pace, and I would be lying if I said I didn't want it to happen again. So, I guess what I am trying to say is, I would very much like it if the three of us could maybe start doing more things together."
"So ya wanna hang out again?" Stardust asked, eyebrow raised and her smirk still present.
Friends were something new to Blueblood, and the moment Stardust asked him that question, the fact that she wasn't a royal or of any high mark on the social chain, while still lingering in the back of his mind, didn't really bother him. "If we could find a day appropriate for everyone."
"Sure! I just gotta find out when I'm off this week."
"Well, alright then. Anything in particular you two want to do?"
With her head leaned against her hoof, Stardust dug through her mind for ideas. She came back up like and spring and asked Cadance, "Has he seen anything from my 'Collection'?"
In no more than a second did Cadance catch onto her friend's codeword and let eagerness take over in a scheming grin. "No, but he needs to and is going to."
"I'm going to what?" Blueblood asked, his voice giving the slightest of shakes.
"Movie night," Cadance answered. "You need to see these."
"Believe me, Blueblood. I'm bein' a good friend by makin' ya watch these."
Blueblood didn't exactly know how to take Stardust's last comment, but based on the increasingly creepy stares the mares were giving him, he guessed he was in for a few good movies. "Okay, then. Can you please stop smiling like that."
They laughed and settled back to taking some sips from their glasses. After a few more minutes of small talk, the doors burst open to let in a line of servants carrying covered plates in their magic or on their backs. Dinner was served and more water was poured before the servants filed out of the room after Cadance, Stardust, and Blueblood gave them their thanks. Dinner was an expertly-balanced cooked-vegetable pasta topped with herbs and melted cheese. It's taste matched the alluring aroma when they were walking through the castle. Stardust found herself taking faster bites than she usually did. "Oh my gosh, this is amazin'!" The specs of cheese and basil on her face were some assurance to the delight she had of the meal.
"I can ask the chefs for seconds, you know," Blueblood said, wiping his hooves on his silverware napkin.
Stardust made sure to at least swallow and wipe her face first. "I dunno. Is it too much trouble?"
"None at all, madame." As if they had been listening the whole time through who-knew-what, a few servants strode into the dining room, refilled their glasses again, and strode back out into the kitchen. They returned with another plate of pasta that Stardust eyed with deep desire. Before they left, Blueblood pulled one of the servants aside and whispered something into his ear. The servant nodded and made a poised stride out of the room with his fellow workers.
"What was that about?" Cadance asked.
"You'll see," Blueblood assured, finally able to enjoy having some element of surprise on them for once in the day. The servant he sent out returned a few minutes later with an envelope in his magic. He floated the letter to Blueblood, who took it in his own magical hold. The servant gave a quick bow before he rushed out of the room.
"What's that?" Stardust asked once the door closed.
"Oh, just a little invite," Blueblood answered, "for you." He guided the envelope to her space where she took it in her green aura and could see the curious look that took over. "I don't think you know, but I'm having quite a bit of a bash in a few weeks here at the castle for my birthday."
"Really?" Stardust opened the envelope to see a very detailed invite with a collage of pictures of Blueblood inside. "Uh, nice invite."
"Isn't it? So, would you like to come?"
"Yeah."
Despite the short answer, Blueblood felt a warmth like the pasta surge through him in that moment. It made him wonder if maybe he should've seeked other company earlier on in his life. The three of them returned to their dinners and Stardust mustered enough willpower to match the slower paces of her friends. By the time Stardust had to take her leave, Celestia had raised the moon and her night sky glittered with stars.
"I'll come by and tell ya when I'm off," she told the royal ponies at the door.
Cadance and Blueblood waved her off and waited until she was through the gates to go back inside their home. "That was really nice of you, Blueblood," Cadance said as she closed the door.
"You make me out to be like I can never be nice." He was smiling with one eyebrow arched, so Cadance decided to play along.
"I know you can be... when I'm around."
He stayed quiet, unable to think of a comeback. "You win this one."
"Like this morning?"
"Why do you feel the need to do that?"
She giggled while he accepted defeat and followed her up the stairs to their rooms. "Seriously though, thanks for doing this, Blueblood."
"Well, it was our deal."
"Yeah, but you did more than just head into town with us. You actually warmed up Stardust."
"What can I say?" he said with a shrug of his shoulders. "You trust her, she was friendly, when not teasing me, and she really does have a way of making a pony like her, doesn't she? Not that way!" Blueblood added quickly when he saw Cadance eyeing him. "Too loud for me."
"Pfft," Cadance snorted. "Yeah, yeah, you like the girly girls."
" I prefer the terms demure and lady-like."
"Whatever."
"By the way, Cadance, did you suggest your movie night idea be here for me?"
Rather than answer at first, Cadance smiled one of those "I know something that you don't" kind of smiles before giving a high-pitched, "Mayyyyybe."
Blueblood chuckled. "Well, I appreciate it."
"Welcome, Blueblood. Just my way of saying thanks." Cadance had to remind herself to thank Stardust as well for being so open to Blueblood. Today had been more than just a ploy to finally pry Blueblood out of the castle. Cadance remembered how she felt when she began to experience new things outside the castle, and she wanted Blueblood to share her experience. She hoped today would've at least shown Blueblood some of the things he was missing out on being cooped up, but she didn't fully expect him to be so open to somepony like Stardust,, let alone make friends with her. Now with his newfound friendship, she was more sure that he would be experiencing more new things outside the castle.
She still couldn't get over him spontaneously inviting Stardust to his party. Cadance remembered that he wanted this party to be huge and well known: his big splash into the Canterlot social scene. She just didn't exactly know who the social scene was. "Hey, Blueblood? Your party, who else did you invite?"
"Oh, that. Well ,since this is going to be the talk of the town, I really just used the list of ponies that usually get a ticket to the Grand Galloping Gala, as well as some other major charity organizers that have good graces with Aunt Celestia, and other business ponies, you know, really important ponies in Canterlot."
In other words, a lot of strangers, but then again, that really was most of the ponies invited to the Grand Galloping Gala and other major parties held at the castle. Cadance figured she would at least have Blueblood and Stardust there to keep her sane. "Okay, Blueblood." They reached the floor to their rooms and told each other goodnight before walking off to their rooms. Cadance quickly undid her hair once she reached the doors to her room and fell onto her plush bed before slipping under the covers. Today had been a good day, and before any more thoughts got to her about Blueblood's party, Shining's awaiting letter, or anything else in her life, she closed her eyes and drifted off.
***************
The next morning followed just about any other for Cadance, but with a new task added the routine. Once everything else was done, she trotted to the hallway with the mail cubbies. She did the math and thought Shining's first letter should've arrived by now, but there was still some anxiety present as she rounded the corner. Anxiety quickly turned to surprise when she saw Blueblood standing by the cubbies. He was smiling wide and his horn was glowing. Before she had a chance to ask, he pulled something out of the cubbies and said, "I believe this is for you."
She took hold of the letter and brought it closer. Already, she knew what it was even before she read who it was from and tore it open.
"Hey, Cadance..."
***************
"You are cordially invited to celebrate Prince Blueblood's birthday at Canterlot Castle on..."
Jet Set's eyes nearly bulged through his glasses as he read the finely printed invite. Suddenly, all the other mail that sat in a pile on his dining table meant nothing as he got up and started to walk towards his bedroom. "Upper Crust, dear, you will not guess what came in the mail today." |
The Brother and The Sitter | Movie Night | Movie Night
Exactly what he was in for today was still shrouded in mystery for Blueblood. The movie night Stardust and Cadance basically trapped him into had finally rolled around, and he was curious as to the movies he, "needed to see", as they had put it. The prince had just finished another walk around the gardens and decided to make a stop by the mail cubbies. In one of them, he saw another letter he knew a certain cousin of his couldn't wait to open. He figured since he was already there and on his way to his room, he might as well bring it up with him and give it to Cadance on his way up. He took the letter in his magic and started towards the grand staircase in the foyer. Before he took the first step up, he heard the start of a series of loud knocks.
KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK
"Cady or Blueblood?"
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK
"Cady or Blueblood?"
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK
"Cady or Blueblood?"
Blueblood walked over to the doors and slowly threw them open. On the other side, Stardust stood with a large, bulking saddlebag tossed over her back. "You know, Cadance once told me how you and Shining Armor would knock like that, but I honestly didn't believe her."
Letting a small chuckle escape her, Stardust stepped through the doorway. "Ya should try it out. It's kinda funny seein' how other ponies react to it."
"Come right in." The already-accepted invite went unnoticed by Stardust as Blueblood closed the door behind him. "So, what brings you here so early? I thought you wouldn't be here until late."
"I was, but Cady invited me to go shoppin' around wit her before our movie night. What's that?" she asked when she caught sight of the letter still floating in Blueblood's magic.
"Oh, just Shining Armor's latest arrival," Blueblood said with a grin as he dangled the letter around in his magic. "He really is a stallion of his word. These have been coming in every day save for Sunday."
"Doesn't surprise me. Cady's got him wrapped 'round her hoof good. You should've seen the things he did just to get her attention before they started goin' out."
Now he was curious. "Such as?"
Stardust reminisced the earlier stages of Shining and Cadance's relationship and everything before that as her and Blueblood ascended the stairway to Cadance's room. Blueblood listened with more than willing ears as he found out more about the stallion that had basically captured his cousin's heart. He hadn't realized all the things Shining had actually done for Cadance, and hearing it all from another pony made him respect the stallion all the more. He made a mental note to get to know Shining better when he got back.
"Oh, and I gotta tell ya 'bout this book he bought one time," Stardust continued on, recounting the time Shining had bought A Colt's Guide to Dating a Mare That's Out of Your League.
"You're kidding," Blueblood said, on the verge of hysterics upon hearing the title of the book.
Stardust was already cackling away. "No, really. He kept readin' into it even after two months in!"
Wrapped around her hoof had to be an understatement, but Blueblood knew Shining had an influence on Cadance as well. "Well you weren't there when she spent six hours trying to find the perfect dress for their first date."
Sympathy from her came in the form of a nudge to his shoulder and a simple, "That must've sucked."
"It did." Still, Blueblood remembered the state Cadance had come back in from that first date. That was just one of the nights where she had come home happier than when she left. "They really make the whole relationship thing look like a dream don't they?"
"Almost makes me want to get back out there, honestly."
"Almost?"
Stardust waved a dismissive hoof. "Eh, got bigger things on my plate right now. What about ya? Eva had anypony special?" When he didn't answer, she got her answer. "Ya know it's fine if ya haven't."
He dragged out a sigh as his ears lowered. "It would've been nice to at least have some experience by now."
"Eh, it'll come. Heck, you're a prince of Equestria. Odds are there are some mares out there that want a piece of ya."
Hearing her say it like that, it did wonders for Blueblood's ego in that moment. He let his imagination run wild thinking of hundreds of beautiful mares that would kill for a chance with the prince of the land. "You're probably right, Stardust."
"Real humble, but hey, if ya need help puttin' yourself out there, I'm pretty sure me and Cady can help ya out."
He looked at her as they kept walking. "You'd do that for me?"
"Sure. We're friends remember?"
As if he could forget. When Stardust so openly and quickly accepted him as a friend, he took it as something unreal and strange. Outside of Celestia and Cadance, nopony really reached out to him like that, and it made a potential friendship with somepony like her all the more desirable. Truth be told, he was looking forward to movie night more than Cadance and Stardust probably were. He may not know what he was being dragged into, but he was full of anticipation. They reached Cadance's door, and just as Blueblood was about to raise his hoof to knock, he caught Stardust's eyes darting back and forth from him to the door. It took him a moment to pick up on her hint until he remembered the suggestion she made just minutes ago. He shared her smile as he lifted his hoof once again.
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK.
"Cadance?"
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK
"Cadance?"
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK
"Cadance?"
Seconds later, Cadance emerged from the door. Most of her mane was tied back in a ponytail while the front was styled so that her bangs swerved to the side, and she was immediately taken aback when she saw Blueblood on the other side of the door, hoof still raised from his knocking. "Not you too," was her first response.
Seeing the rise he got out of her made Blueblood turn to Stardust. "You were right. That was fun," he said before the two unicorns burst into little fits of laughter. "Anywho," he started to say when he settled down, "I just wanted to bring you today's little message." The letter still hovering in his magic was quickly snatched out of his hold.
Cadance ripped open the letter and got to reading. Blueblood and Stardust watched on as Cadance's expression shifted from eagerness to a quiet joy that got them to smile with her. When she finished reading, she clutched the letter to her chest and let out a dreamy sigh mixed in with a small chuckle.
"I see ya got a little collection buildin' up." Stardust was pointing behind the alicorn to the bed.
Cadance turned and saw what caught Stardust's attention. On her bed sat a stack of opened letters she received from Shining within the last several days. She blushed a little and remembered the jist of just about every letter that sat on her bed. "Yeah, I do." Before she knew it, she zoned off, unaware of Stardust's waving hoof in her face attempting to recapture her attention. Shining really did have a hold on her as well. Cadance snapped back to attention and remembered why the blue mare was here in the first place. "Sorry, ugh, ready to head out?"
"Yeah." Stardust's horn glowed around her saddlebags and she heaved them off her back. "Mind if I leave these in your room?"
"Sure, go ahead."
As Stardust dragged her bags to the bed, Blueblood couldn't help but take a curious glimpse at what was in her bags that made it bulge out like it did. "What do you have in there, Stardust?"
Her grin instantly appeared. She dug through her bags and pulled out multiple film reels with her magic. "Just a few options for tonight."
Blueblood took a closer look at the reels being shoved in his face and read out some of the descriptions written on the back. "Young mare encounters a beast in an enchanted castle... young lion destined to become king... merpony princess dreams of the land... streetrat that finds a magic lamp?" He looked up at her, an eyebrow raised in a questioning stare. "Aren't these movies for little foals?"
"Eh, some might say." She began to repack her bag. "But before ya know it, you'll know every character, every song, be singin' along at the weirdest of times, and be comparin'' villains."
"Musical movies?" There was a dryness in his tone Stardust quickly countered.
"Don't knock it till ya try it."
He wanted to. He really wanted to knock it, but if these were movies that he "has to see", he was glad he wouldn't be alone for the ride. "If you say so."
The reels flew back in her bag and she followed Cadance out of the room. "We'll be back," Cadance told her cousin when they were at the front doors.
Blueblood waved them off and watched them pass through the gates before closing the door behind him. In the large silence that gripped the castle foyer, Blueblood inhaled and breathed out. He had some preparations to make, but first, he had some questions that needed to be answered. He approached the first servant he laid his eyes on.
"Your majesty," the servant pony, Chrome Finish, a middle-aged looking pale silver unicorn stallion with a greying mane, gave a gracious bow before he asked if there was anything Blueblood needed.
"Yes, in fact. I have a few questions regarding something that will be happening here tonight."
The servant pony stood alert, ready to hear the prince with attentive ears. "Yes, your majesty. Is this about yours and Princess Cadance's plans with your friend for the evening."
Blueblood nodded.
"How may I be of service?"
Only when the words played out in his mind did Blueblood hesitate on asking, but he needed to know for what he secretly hoped would be a next time. "How does one go about setting up for friends coming over?"
***************
Like a lot of their days in the city together, Cadance and Stardust went just about anywhere and everywhere. Hours flew by, and by the time they knew it, it was almost time for them to head back to the castle. Their last excursion for the day before they would start the trek back to the castle was Stardust's idea; dress shopping at a nearby boutique. Seeing Blueblood again reminded the unicorn about the invitation to his party she received the last time they were together. Sensing the formal tone the party would probably have, she figured her and Cadance could knock out finding something to wear ahead of time. One look at the price tags on most of the dresses in the shop, however, made Stardust realize she could only browse.
"Dang, I could've rock it in this one." Stardust stood in front of the main set of mirrors in the changing area the two were using while Cadance occupied one of the changing stalls nearby.
"Lemme see it," the princess called from behind the stall door. The door opened and Cadance stepped out in her own try-on dress; a one-shoulder floor-length red gown with a large artificial rose placed in the middle of the strap. One look at her friend standing in front of the mirrors made Cadance stop in her tracks. "Wow, Stardust. Just... wow!"
"There's a mirror right there, I know how I look," Stardust readily remarked with a smirk before turning back to face her reflection that showed the mare in a snug white dress that hugged all the right places in all the right ways for her trim body. The collar covered her neck and was done in a magnificent deep blue, and the same color filled the few arching patterns along the dress. She was dressed to kill, and the looks she flashed in the mirror showed a dangerously-classy mare with gaze-drawing emerald eyes that could bring a stallion, and even some mares, to their knees.
"What do you mean could've? You look great! You said it yourself." Cadance was still circling Stardust, almost like a mother eyeing her daughter in her future wedding dress. "What's wrong with it?"
Reflexively, Stardust reached inside the collar and pulled out the tag for Cadance to see. "The stupid gorgeous thing's more than four paychecks." She shoved the tag back into the collar. "But forget that, look at ya!"
Cadance faced the mirror and couldn't believe why she hadn't given red a shot before. The richness of the color was like a red carpet, and it held all the majesty of one. While it was one solid color, there was nothing boring about it, and when she gave a twirl, specks of glitter shimmered along the end of the dress as well as the small traces throughout the rest of the gown.
"You're gonna be turnin' heads for sure, Cady. Seriously, ya probably gonna attract a few ponies."
"Then I'll just tell them I've got a handsome stallion I'm waiting on," Cadance said before giving one more look at herself in the mirror. "Guess this is the one then. I'm gonna get unchanged."
"Me too."
The two of them went into their stalls and were careful in getting out of their dresses. Cadance was the first to get hers back on the hanger and over the stall door. "Great idea, by the way, Stardust."
There were a few grunts before Stardust answered. "Thanks. Still wish I found somethin' in my price range."
"Was it really that much?"
"It was basically almost as much as I've got saved up for the move."
Cadance drew a breath through her teeth. "Ah."
"Yeah."
"Speaking of which, how long do you think you have left until you can move out?" She heard ruffling in Stardust's stall before a long exhale. She assumed she got the dress off.
"Finally! Ugh, soon actually. I'm gonna go apply for a lease later. One more paycheck, and I'll have enough for at least the first several months." Stardust flung the dress over the door with its hanger in place. "It really was a nice dress,"she sighed.
"We could go somewhere else another day," Cadance suggested as she started to push the stall door into the dressing room.
"Nah. I think I'm just gonna raid my closet for somethin'."
Upon hearing those words, Cadance locked her eyes on Stardust's hanging dress from her peripheral vision in the stall. That thing was getting out of the store one way or another. "No you won't."
As Stardust was starting to push the door open, she saw fleeting blurs of the dress she had tried followed by the sound of frantic hoofsteps. She stepped into the room and saw Cadance in a full sprint to the register with both dresses held in her magic. "What are you doing?" she asked when she reached her friend, but was answered when a bag of bits hit the counter like plates hitting the ground. "Nooooo, no, no, no, no, no, ya not doin' that."
"Yes I am," Cadance answered as the clerk began to slip plastic over the two dresses.
Stardust rushed to the clerk behind the counter. "Put it back."
"Don't listen to her."
The clerk started to look back and forth between the two mares as he stopped covering the dresses midway. "Should I pull back the--"
"Take my bits," Cadance said as she pushed the bulky bag further onto the counter.
"Don't take her bits." Stardust gave Cadance a frustrated look and pointed at the blue and white dress halfway covered in plastic. "Just please put this one back."
The poor clerk was stuck for a moment. He uttered something unintelligible as his eyes once again went back and forth from Cadance to Stardust. The intensity of their stares didn't help ease the pony's nerves. After a few moments, he slowly turned to Stardust. "I'm sorry, m'am, but," he gave a sideways glance in Cadance's direction, "I'm going to have to go with the princess ordering me to take her money." He smiled weakly as Stardust's look creeped to meet Cadance's victorious grin. "I'll just get these slipped on." Both dresses were slipped with plastic. "And I'll get you your change, your majesty."
The clerk busied himself counting out Cadance's change and did his best to avoid eye contact with Stardust as she stepped closer to Cadance with a dumbfounded look. "Why did you do that?"
"Because I wanted to."
"I can't pay ya back, ya know."
"You don't have to."
Cadance's change was returned to her in a little bag and she took her purchase in her magic. The two headed out, and the clerk could still hear Stardust resume the argument even as he called out, "Have a nice day, ladies."
"We're takin' it back tomorrow," was the first thing out of Stardust's mouth when they left the shop.
"No we're not." Cadance continued to walk, her victory-grin still present on her face. She admitted to herself that seeing Stardust in a frenzy like that was the reason she let the unicorn continue to argue. It wasn't until a few more protests that she halted her steps.
"Cady! Ya didn't have to do that."
"But I wanted to." From her magic, Cadance grabbed Stardust's dress and offered it to her. "Think of it as an early birthday present."
Seeing the white and blue beauty hanging in front of her face blocked all retorts Stardust could've sputtered out. She saw herself in it, loved the way she looked in it, and were it not for the price, she would've been the one sprinting to the register. It called to her, beckoned her to just stop arguing and take Candance's offer.
"Take me, please. You look so pretty in me."
"Cady!"
Cadance burst into laughter as she dropped the high-pitched voice she put on and stopped bouncing the dress in the air. "Just take it."
"That's still the priciest gift anypony's ever gotten me."
"I'm a princess of Equestria. Money's not an issue."
"It's still a lot for a gift."
"Then think of it as an early birthday gift and a thank you gift."
"A thank you gift for what?"
"I don't know, ugh, how about for helping me with Blueblood."
She was taken aback by that and had to pause before she continued. "What do ya mean?"
Cadance threw her head back as she mulled over her answer. "I have wanted to get the guy to go out for Auntie knows how long, and when I did, you basically welcomed him like the two of you were already friends for years. You even helped him at bowling when you didn't even need to."
"All I did was put the lanes up."
Cadance nodded her head. "You still didn't need to. In just one outing, he invited you to dinner and to his party. Moreover, because of you, he finally has a friend."
The words hit Stardust harder than she thought. To her, she was just being her usual self, yet Cadance thought much more of it. Had she really had an impact on Blueblood already? The white and blue gift hanging in Cadance's magic was telling her she did. "I don't know, Cady. It still seems like a lot."
At this point, Cadance was trying very hard not to show her irritation in Stardust's stubbornness. "Okay," she dragged as she tried to think of something. A few taps of her hoof, she had something. "If you really feel the need to pay me back, you can do it by taking this dress, and find yourself a colt at the party." Seeing the look Stardust had after she said that was definitely a moment Cadance would remember.
"What!?"
"Wear this dress at the party, and find yourself a date. It doesn't need to turn out serious, he doesn't need to be 'The One', but please, at least let me see you get back out there and get one date. You know you can."
She knew she could. Stardust wasn't going to deny it. She juggled the deal Cadance had proposed in her head. Stardust still felt it was too little to ask for a gift like what she was being offered, and the dress-dangling Cadance started doing wasn't helping her willpower. Cadance watched Stardust's battle of self restraint and desire. She wouldn't back down, but Stardust was starting to. She threw in a few more shakes of the dress, and it was like a bug being drawn to a zapper. And just like that bug in the zapper, Stardust gave in to that beautiful item. "Alright!" The deal was struck, and the aura around the dress quickly changed from light-blue to green when Stardust snatched it out of Cadance's hold. "What's so funny?" she asked when Cadance started to chuckle.
"It's just that, it's usually the other way around. You usually wear me or Shining down for something."
"Shiny's managed to wear me down for a few things. I think this is your first time though." Stardust's look went distant before returning to Cadance. "Oh my gosh, the torch has been passed."
"I've got a good teacher."
The two laughed and Stardust began to wonder if her teachings helped Cadance coerce Blueblood out of the castle in the first place. When she thought of the prince, her mind went back to one of the reasons she was carrying her new dress. All this just for getting him out of his shell for one day. She figured Cadance must have been desperate. "He must be lookin' forward to tonight."
"More than he leads on."
"Welp," Stardust laid the plastic cover over her back, "better not keep him waitin'." Cadance settled her own dress on her back, but right as she was about to step forward, Stardust lifted her hoof. "First, help me out wit somethin'."
"Okay, what."
"Well, Shiny's 'Shiny', and you're 'Cady'. What the hay am I supposed to call Blueblood?"
***************
Blueblood wasn't exactly sure if he was doing everything right. With help from Chrome Finish, he got other members of the castle staff to ready the castle for the night. The castle was clean enough for newborn foals to drink water off the floors, the projector and screen were set up in the viewing room, and as Blueblood paced around the room, servants were setting up cushions and pillows on the large velvet couch and placing various snacks and drinks on the table in front. "Are you sure this is everything I need?" he asked Chrome.
"I believe this will be more than enough, your majesty," he answered just as the other servants brushed past him and out of the room to resume the rest of their work. "Oh, and I had Ms. Stardust's bag moved into the room," he said, pointing at one of the foots of the couch where Stardust's bag of film reels sat.
Blueblood thanked the stallion even as he continued to pace the floor. Anticipation had been building for the prince in the last few hours; anticipation and a little nervousness. He hated admitting it to himself that this was the very first time he'd be hanging out with a friend in his own home, but the fact remained, and he was doing whatever he could to make sure there were future hangouts. "They should be here soon," Blueblood said after looking out the window to see his Aunt's sun starting to set.
Chrome approached to the prince when he saw Blueblood's hoof quickly tapping the floor. "My prince, you really should not worry. I'm sure tonight will go on without a hitch."
"I know, it's just that... I'm just new to this whole friend thing, so..."
Chrome smiled at Blueblood and his aged eyes lidded halfway in a wise gaze. Somehow, that one look got Blueblood to calm down and stop tapping. "It's nice to see you trying to make bonds. Just relax and remember they want to be with you, and you'll have your cousin there to help you."
Put that way, Blueblood couldn't help feeling a little silly for his nervousness. He thanked Chrome for the kind words and smiled right before both ponies heard the front doors creak open. "That's them."
Chrome left the room while Blueblood waited by the door. Friendly smiles greeted him when the two ponies rounded the corner. "I'm guessing your shopping day went well," he said when he saw their purchases laying across their backs.
"Sure was," Cadance said as she and Stardust lifted their dresses with their magic.
"Just set those in the room, and take them up later," Blueblood offered, gesturing to the room. He lead the girls in and they set their things down. "I already had your bag brought down, Stardust."
"Thanks, Blue. Dang, nice spread," Stardust said as she plopped onto the couch and eyed the various snacks sitting on the table.
"Blue?" he turned and asked Cadance.
"Just be glad I talked her out of Bluey."
Considering his only other nickname was from his aunt, he welcomed "Blue" with open arms. "So what are we watching first?" he asked when he and Cadance to their seats on Stardust's sides.
She shrugged her shoulders and lighted her horn. "Don't know." Her bag floated over to her and Blueblood. She tilted it to his side. "What do ya wanna see first?"
The film reels came into his sight and he read them once again. "The lion one sounds interesting."
Stardust shoved the other options back in her bag before she sprung out of the couch and over to the projector. "Good call, Blue. Trust me when I say you'll love these."
"If you say so." He reached out for a bowl of popcorn as Stardust worked with the projector. She fiddled with her reel and the device, and once the reel started turning, she was back on the couch hungrily reaching for the popcorn. The three of them sat in patience as the picture on the screen counted down, and the movie began.
***************
Trottingham Base
***************
The good thing, Shining realized, about the nearly non-stop training and instructions that were drilled into his head was that it made time go by a lot faster than he anticipated. Shining looked back on the last week and a half as if it were a moment in time that flashed in his eyes and left as quickly as it came. The second week of training was just as rigorous, and he knew he owed much of his success to his newfound friends. Him, Silver Edge, Quick Fix, and Pinpoint did well in their promise to help one another out, and it showed, more so during the team-building aspects of their training. Just today, a large part of their training involved clearing an obstacle course as a team. By chance, the four of them were grouped together, and to their drill sergeant's highly-masked delight, they cleared their challenge with flying colors as they worked with one another.
Despite their success, it still didn't cushion how tired and drained Shining felt along with some of his friends and fellow cadets. The first thing he did when he trudged into the barracks with Pinpoint after his platoon's daily meetup with their drill sergeant was faceplant onto the bottom bed of his bunk, not even caring half of his body was hanging off the side.
"Shining? You're on my bed, dude." Pinpoint had nudged at Shining's collapsed form, but he didn't budge.
"Just one minute, please?" Shining begged, his voice muffled through the covers. Shining heard Pinpoint breath a sigh before his retreating hoofsteps and other ponies' steps coming and going around the barracks. Once he had decompressed, Shining rose off of Pinpoint's bed. He heard ruffling in his uniform as he moved, and that's when he remembered the surprise he got during mail call today. He reached into his uniform near his chest and pulled out a letter marked by red lipstick and Cadance's hoofwriting. Already having opened it in an uncontained bit of excitement when he first got it, he read it over again and imagined her soft voice reading back the words to him. Sweet Celestia, he missed her. The original perfume scent on the letter had been masked by Shining's own reek from the day's training, and it reminded him he needed to shower. By now, he had less than an hour to do that, get ready for bed, write his daily letter Cadance, and at least get it in the inbox of the base's post office, so he was quick to fold and place the letter on the top bunk and scurry into the showers.
Once he was clean, dry, and done with his nightly hygiene, he eagerly paced to his bunk. He received a surprise when he saw Pinpoint, Silver Edge, and Quick Fix all crammed into the narrow space between bunk beds and impishly eyeing Shining.
"Hi, guys?" Shining awkwardly asked, seeing no falter in their coy expressions.
"Hey, Shining," Pinpoint playfully greeted back as he stepped aside to let Shining up to the bed. "Get anything good in the mail today?" Shining caught the hint and instantly knew where they were going with this. Pinpoint confirmed his hunch when he climbed the ladder and pointed a hoof right in Shining's face. "When were you gonna tell us you're dating a princess?"
Shock gripped Shining's body. He turned back to his letter and saw it was lying open and not where he set it. "You read my letter?"
"Not me." The vague answer made sense when Shining followed Pinpoint's turning head that aimed at their guilty looking pegasus friend.
"I was flying over, and I guess I blew it off your bed," Silver Edge started to explain. "I wasn't trying to snoop, but it was open when I picked it up, and I saw her signature, and I couldn't help myself. Sorry, Shining," he said, gripping at the back of his neck with a hoof.
Shining sighed before accepting Silver's apology. "It's fine."
"Why didn't you tell us you were dating the Princess Cadance?!?" Pinpoint eagerly asked again, but keeping his voice low enough so others in the barracks didn't hear.
"More importantly," Quick Fix added in, matching Pinpoint's volume, "how in Equestria did you get her?!?"
Somewhere in the back of his mind, Shining knew he'd get questions like he was getting one day. He asks some of them to himself at times. "Never came up?" Shining answered Pinpoint with a shrug before turning to the shortest of the ponies, "I'm honestly still trying to figure that out, Quick." Before his friends had another chance to ask questions, Shining lit up his horn and opened a drawer in the small stand in between Shining and Pinpoint's bunk and their neighbors'. A quill and some paper floated out of the small space and right in front of Shining's face as he prepared himself to write.
Pinpoint looked back and forth from the floating quill and paper to Cadance's letter and thought back to all the nights he had followed Shining into the base's post office to drop off his daily letters. He mentally and near-physically smacked himself for not asking who his letters were for. "So she's the reason you dragged me to the post office every night."
"Uh-Huh." Shining smiled away as he continued to write his newest letter.
"Dude, we are not done. C'mon," Pinpoint started to beg, nudging at Shining's shoulder. "What's it like dating a princess? When did it start?"
"How'd you guys meet?" Silver asked.
"How long have you guys been together?" Quick Fix asked, joining in on the pile on.
"Not all at once, guys!" Shining finally said before another round of inevitable questions sputtered off. Cadance being his first marefriend, Shining wasn't entirely sure what should be on the table when talking about his relationship, but he had a hunch the three stallions in front him weren't going to leave him alone without at least some questions answered, and he figured the more innocent questions were okay to answer. "Let me finish my letter first, then I'll talk."
They gave an all-at-once, "Deal!" before splitting off to do their own nightly routines and left Shining to his quill and paper. After minutes of struggling with an opener, he settled on one before scribbling away. Like in most of his letters, he gave her an overview of his day, expressed his excitement to see her again, wished her well, and asked her to check in on Twilight Velvet and the rest of his family. He had been writing home and receiving letters from his family as well, but only so much could be deciphered from "COME BACK HOME!" taking up ninety percent of the letter. He finished the letter off and prepared an envelope. When he closed the envelope and prepared to get off his bed, he was greeted with his friends all waiting in the isle, eagerly staring at him like hungry pigeons in a park waiting for more bread.
"Okay, what do you wanna hear first?"
Pinpoint, Silver Edge, and Quick Fix all looked at one another and nodded. "How'd you guys meet?" Quick Fix asked.
It was easy for Shining to recall almost every detail of that night he first saw his marefriend come over to meet his family and the filly she'd be foalsitting for. When asked how he was like when he first met her, Shining desperately wished he could've described himself as less of a muttering, sweating, wonderstruck idiot and more calm and cool than he really was. He was thankful that at least Silver and Quick were able to contain themselves.
"So how long has the stuttering goof and the princess been together?" Pinpoint asked once he recovered from his laughing fit.
"In my defense, I've gotten better," Shining defended quickly, "and we've actually been together since a little after the Summer Sun Celebration."
Silver Edge and Quick Fix were just as impressed as Pinpoint was when he looked back to see them nodding in approval at each other. "Back up first, how did your parents even get a princess as a their foal sitter?" Silver Edge asked.
"Princess Celestia is my sister's magic teacher. When she heard that my parents needed a sitter, she volunteered Cadance for the job."
"A princess foalsitting a filly learning magic?" Pinpoint pondered aloud. "Bet there's some stories there."
"It wasn't as chaotic as you might think. Twilight's got really good control of her magic. I think the biggest surprise Cadance faced was how many fires my baby brother could accidently start."
The three stallions momentarily drew back in shock. "How does a foal start a fire?" Quick Fix asked.
Shining had to think about the question for a moment until he remembered he forgot one important detail. "Oh, right, that... ugh, my brother's adopted... and a dragon."
Silence held as the three ponies on the ground tried to process the, in truth, odd family life Shining just explained. Pinpoint was first to break the quiet. "Soooo, you've got a princess for a marefriend, a sister whose teacher is the main ruler of the land, and a dragon as a brother?" Shining slowly nodded. "Are you sure you're not missing anything else?"
"Pretty sure."
Pinpoint just held held his look. "Who are you?"
In the brief silence that followed, Shining started to wonder how he, out of all ponies, ended up with the connections he's made and the life that played out the way it did. The magnitude of it all came crashing down. It started as just a snort, but then grew into full, uncontained laughter. "I have no idea," he said with the biggest smile he could make while laughing. The others quickly matched his volume as they roared with their own voracious laughter. "My life is pretty strange, isn't it?"
"It's a good kind of strange," Silver Edge added, taking breaths to steady his voice again.
"Hey, back to princess," Quick Fix said, getting back to the topic at hoof. "You still haven't told us how you managed to get a mare who is literally thousands' of colts fantasy as your marefriend. What did you do?"
Shining recapped in his head and came to a wall. What exactly did he do? The first few months that he knew her involved him either sweating or stuttering, and somehow that transformed into their first date, their second date, their first kiss, and so many other little milestones in their relationship. One such milestone that came to mind was the night he told her about the elitists and how she said she wasn't going anywhere. It was just one of the times he felt he was doing something right. Despite her princesshood, she wanted to stay with him. The floating feeling came back and he didn't even realize he was smiling. Something like that made him really wonder how could make someone like her want to stay with him? "I don't know," he said with a light hearted chuckle.
When he thought a little harder, he remembered one important thing he knew Cadance loved about being with him. He was one of the few ponies Cadance knew that just treated her like a pony. With him, she wasn't just Princess Cadance, niece of Celestia, and one of the most powerful ponies in Equestria. She was also Cadance, a mare who wanted to see new things beyond her life in her castle, a mare who found a love for donuts, a mare full of love and kindness, a mare willing to put her subjects first, even if it meant risking her own life, a mare that came out of her shell in part because of him. "All I really did was try to make her happy, and she tries to with me as well. Whenever we're together, I just feel like smiling. We're happier together than apart. She picks me up whenever I'm down. She's helped me basically figure out what I want to do in life, and we've helped each other out in different ways. When we started dating, things just kept happening that led me to where I am now. I think our lives have gotten better since we met, and we've been doing it together." Warmth filled his chest, and Shining could feel his cheeks burn just thinking of all the times Cadance was there for him. Every hug, every nuzzle, every kiss, every listening ear, every kind word was just another reminder of how much she cared for him, and how much he cared for her. "I'm the luckiest pony in Equestria to have met somepony like her." When he came out of his daydream, he saw his friends looking like foals with a juicy secret. "What are you smiling about?"
Pinpoint climbed back up the bunk ladder so that Shining and him were eye level and started pointing at the unicorn. "You loooooove her."
Shining's grin and warmth in his heart only grew when he thought about those words and just how true they were. "Yeah, I do."
"Have you told her that?" A distant look came over Shining and it gave Pinpoint all he needed. "You gonna add that to your letter?"
He considered it briefly, but Shining set himself on another idea. "Nah. If I'm gonna tell her something like that for the first time, I wanna say it face-to-face."
"Good on you, dude," Pinpoint said as he clasped his hoof on Shining's shoulder and gave him a playful shake that may have been a little much for the unicorn. "So is she your first?"
"First what?"
"First love?"
"Yeah, she is. First love, first marefriend, first... everything really." Shining marveled at all the firsts he had with Cadance. A light shade of red began to show easily in his white coat when he thought of a certain first. "She was even my first kiss."
"What was it like?" Pinpoint quickly dropped the question when he felt Silver Edge's hoof knock him on the side of his head. "Ow, Silver, what?!?"
"Intrusive, don't you think, Pin?"
Pinpoint rolled his eyes in response to his friend's honest question. "Like he was actually gonna say." Pinpoint swiveled his head faster than Shining thought possible. "Were you?"
Shining slowly shook his head, pretty sure that was one of the things he shouldn't be talking about with others. "Nooo." Despite the strange question, Shining still found some humor in the way Pinpoint went at it. Having answered some of their questions, Shining's own curiosity churned up some of his own. "Okay, my turn. You guys have anypony back home?"
The question halted the others for a second, and for some reason, everypony's heads turned and looked down to Quick Fix. "Why me?" the unicorn asked loudly.
"Because if you do," Pinpoint began, "I wanna know if it's like two adorable dwarves side-by-side skipping along like their trotting on rainbows , or if you have to get on your back legs just to kiss."
Quick Fix's brow furrowed and his eyelids came halfway down in an unamused stare at the brown earth pony. He held that look for a few seconds before he simply turned and trotted out of the isle.
"Quick," Pinpoint called to him, "c'mon, I'm sorry, it was just a joke." He didn't get an immediate response, but him, Shining, and Silver heard the open and close of a couple drawers a few bunks down. Quick Fix came back into the isle with two pictures hovering in his magic, one of which he gave to Silver Edge.
"Here, I got you yours," he said the Silver right before fixing his eyes back on Pinpoint. "A, I'm not that short, and B," he paused as he flipped the other picture in his magic to the picture side, "we're the second thing you said." Shining and the others looked at the photograph to see it was of Quick Fix and a tall pale white pegasus mare with a blended lime green and light yellow mane draped in a loose ponytail embracing each other in their forearms in what looked like a field of flowers. The mare towered over Quick Fix, and her head still rested atop his even as he stood on his hind legs. "Lily Seed," Quick Fix said with a smile. "We've been friends since forever, and we've been dating about two years now."
"Foalhood friend turned marefriend, huh?" Pinpoint added with a coy grin.
"Yeah. You've got somepony, Pinpoint?"
"Nah, not now anyway."
"Have you ever had anyone?"
"More like a string of very pretty mares. I was a bit of a town heartbreaker back home."
"Here we go," Silver breathed as he rolled his eyes when Pinpoint's grin gained some arrogance.
"C'mon, Silver, don't be that way." Pinpoint threw glances up at the bed where Shining still sat and back down at Quick Fix. "He won't tell you, but back home, Silver was a bit of a stud. He'd walk, and he'd have eyes on him from a lot of mares." Silver backed into the bed frame behind him and stood with a stoic stare at the brief description Pinpoint painted for him. "If he wanted, he could've had any one of them, and they would've fallen straight into his hooves," Pinpoint continued on.
"Except for one major thing," Silver added, extending his hoof with the picture Quick Fix grabbed for him.
Pinpoint took it to let Shining get a better look. His eyebrows rose fast at the pony nuzzling next to Silver Edge in the picture. "Yeah. He plays for another team." A blizzard blue pegasus stallion was nuzzling the much brawnier and taller white stallion's foreleg in the picture. Silver Edge had his neck craned down to rest atop the smaller pony's darker blue mane. Both had their eyes closed, ears splayed down, and smiling like they were at total peace just sitting next to one another.
"His name's Streamline," Silver said, walking up to take his picture back. "We've been together for about a year and a half now." He lit up when he took his picture back and saw the two smiling ponies in the picture and almost didn't notice himself start mirror the exact expression he had in the picture just thinking of his coltfriend back home. "Hey, Shining. You got an extra sheet of paper and an envelope?"
"Do you have two?" Quick Fix asked.
Shining made haste and dug through his drawer in the isle with his magic and pulled out what the two ponies needed. As soon as they had what they needed, Quick Fix and Silver Edge raced to their bunks and got to writing. Pinpoint, still hanging onto the bunk ladder, gave Shining another pat on his shoulder. "You're a good pony, Shining Armor."
"I try," Shining answered with a shrug.
"So who's gonna tell them they only got," he stopped and turned to alarm clock on the tiny stand, "five minutes to finish their letters and run all the way to the post office before Lights Out?" Shining's eyes widened and went to the clock. One glance at the time and Pinpoint could've sworn he saw his friend's pupils actually jut out of their irises. "Guess I will."
Pinpoint trotted over to Silver Edge and Quick Fix's bunk where Pinpoint told them of their time limit. Their quills moved faster than the earth pony thought was physically possible. They sealed and prepared their envelopes when they finished, and Shining came to the bunk with extra stamps in his magic. He slapped them on the corners of all of their envelopes before he sternly instructed, "Run!". In mere seconds all four of them were out the door in a full sprint with Shining and Quick Fix holding the envelopes in their magic.
Pinpoint and Silver Edge were neck-and neck in their hastened pace through the base, and Shining managed to trail just by a few strides while Quick Fix brought up the rear a short distance behind. Celestia's full moon and starlit night illuminated their path to the base's post office as the ground trembled underneath their rapid collective steps. Their manes blew in and out of their faces at the speed they were going, and when the post office came into their sights, they focused on one single ingoing box right outside the building. Without warning, Pinpoint and Silver Edge picked up their speed, leaving the other two in their dust. When Shining and Quick could see again, Silver Edge was holding the ingoing mail slot open while Pinpoint kept rotating his forelimb and rapidly sputtering, "Hurry up! Hurry up! Hurry up!" Shining skidded to a stop first and shoved his and Silver Edge's letters inside seconds before Quick Fix stopped at the box and dropped his in. Silver let the slot drop shut, and the four of them were back in a sprint towards the barracks.
"We're not gonna make it!" Quick Fix said in a panic when he started to fall behind the others again.
"Well, maybe you won't," Pinpoint replied, barely missing the mid-sprint punch Silver threw his way. "I'm kidding! Jeez! Just keep running, Quick!"
Run he did, but even at his fastest, Quick Fix was still lagging behind the others, and the barracks were still a ways away. The rest of the base, they observed, was desolate. It took them only a second to realize Lights Out must be closer than they at first guessed, and nopony wanted to be out past then and have their drill sergeant at their necks the moment he or she found out. "We're dead! We're dead! We're dead!"
An idea came to Shining, and everything seemed to slow down. It was a stretch and he hoped to Celestia he was strong enough. "No we're not." He quickened his pace, surprising Silver and Pinpoint, but not as much as the light surrounding his horn. "Just keep running," he said as the magic began to hum around his horn. Without so much as an explanation, Shining disappeared in a pop of magic.
Right at the entrance of the barracks, Shining flashed into the doorway. He stepped further out of the doorway and waited. While only less than a minute, it seemed like forever as each second injected more worry and agonizing fear into his body until he saw the others come into his view. He gave a frantic wave and they kept running. His horn glowed again, but this time, his magic engulfed the three ponies a distance away. As they continued to run, they felt themselves go faster and faster, with some of their steps not even connecting with the ground. It wasn't until they looked at their hooves that they saw Shining was literally reeling them in with his magic. The doorway got closer and closer and they continued their frenzied steps. When they were close enough, Shining stopped his magical pull and let them whiz past him into the barracks. In a matter of seconds, and numerous loud and clumsy stumbles that attracted more attention than they wished, they were in their respective bunks. The four of them threw their covers over themselves just before a particular large pony stomped into the doorway with a, by now, familiar iron *CLANG!
"LIGHTS OUT, MAGGOTS!" Ironclad boomed, his voice rumbling throughout the large room. He glanced side-to-side to see everypony in a bed. Shining and the others struggled to keep their breathing even and quiet from their last-second sprint. When the last lamplight went out, he whirled on his hooves and left with his armor echoing with each movement.
When the clangs of his armor receded, and in total darkness, Shining reached his hoof over the side of his bed where Pinpoint had reached his up, and bumped his hoof. One similar sound came from Silver Edge and Quick Fix's bunk before complete silence took over the barrack.
***************
Four movies. All four movies. Stardust, Cadance, and Blueblood sat on the couch as the credits rolled on the last film. "I haven't done that in a while," Stardust said as she rubbed her now dry and pain-tingled eyes that started to water at the sudden contact.
Cadance had been rubbing at her eyes as well. "I think I'm just gonna keep my eyes closed for the rest of my life." She proceeded to stretch out her front legs out in front of her in a slow manner that gave off a few popping sounds. "So how'd you like the last one, Blueblood?"
Blueblood's eyes were watery for another reason. He brought the tissue in his hoof to his eyes and started blotting. "He was a beast, but she saved him with love!" The girls drew back when Blueblood grabbed a few more tissues and blew his nose out. "Sorry."
"No, no. It's fine. Just glad ya liked 'em, Blue," Stardust said as she got off the couch. When she walked over to the projector to remove the film reels, she noticed the more than late night sky. "Cady, what time is it?"
Cadance looked around until she found the room's clock above the doorway. "Wow, past midnight."
Stardust exhaled in relief. "Thank goodness I don't have to go in 'til late."
"Go in where?" Blueblood asked.
"Work," Stardust answered, continuing to pack up her film reels. "I'm gonna bet ya haven't been to a place called 'Metal's Place', have ya, Blue?"
"Can't say I have."
"You should come one night. I can sneak ya some free stuff, and ya can see me sing."
Just like earlier today, a familiar sense of excitement and anticipation lit up in Blueblood at the invite. "Okay."
"Great. Just stop by any night I work." When all of her movies were back in their cases, Stardust gave it her all in trying to stuff them all back in her saddlebag.
"You're not planning on walking home in the middle of the night, are you?" Blueblood asked, his voice taking a more concerned tone.
"I've done it before."
"Not this late," Cadance added in. "Why don't you just stay the night?"
Stardust considered it, but to her friends disappointment, she turned down the offer. "Thanks, guys, but I really need to get home. I didn't really expect to stay out this late, and my mom's probably wonderin' where I am."
She made it as far as the doorway until Blueblood stood in her way and repeated himself. "You're not going out there alone."
"Well whaddya suggest, Blue?"
He only had to think for a second. "Wait here." Blueblood then disappeared into the maze that was the hallways of the castle and returned a few minutes later with two grey-coated unicorn guards dressed in the standard gold-plated armor. "Stardust, these fine stallions will be your escort home."
The guards towered over the other three ponies in the room. Combined with their bulky form and intense golden eyes that stared straight ahead at complete attention, Stardust couldn't fight the intimidation she felt at the sight of the two ponies. "Blue, thanks, but I can walk alone."
"Come now, I trust these ponies with my life. Plus it would make me feel a lot better knowing you had somepony with you while you make your way home."
"I'm siding with Blueblood on this, Stardust. Please, just go with them if you're not gonna stay here." Cadance's plea made Stardust wish she had at least one friend without as strong a will as hers were showing right now. This wasn't up for debate, and it was late. She was too tired to argue.
"Fine," Stardust sighed, "if it makes ya feel better." She knew they were just looking out for her, and she kept that in mind when she left the castle with both guards closely walking beside her on both sides.
The royal cousins had seen their friend off and waited by the castle entrance until they saw her and her escorts pass the gates before they closed the large front doors. "That was nice of you, Blueblood," Cadance said as they ascended the stairs.
"Well, she's our friend. We're supposed to watch out for her, right?"
The smile on Cadance's face was almost like that of a proud mother. "Yeah."
He matched her smile and continued up the stairs to their bedrooms. "By the way, tomorrow, we're going to the nearest movie store."
"You really liked those movies, didn't you?"
"Who wouldn't?" They reached their floor and were about to part for the night. "First, answer me this, favorite villain, villain song, and why?"
Cadance turned her head away from her cousin and exhaled a long, tired yawn that reminded Blueblood how late into the night they had stayed up. "In the morning, Blueblood. Night."
"Night, Cadance."
Rest came very easily for the two royal ponies.
***************
Sleep was a great thing, and sleeping in was an even greater thing. The extra time Stardust had before she went into work, she spent in the messy heap of covers, pillows, and music sheets that was her bed, but inevitably, she had to wake up and get ready. The mid-afternoon sun shined like an eternal flame and clouds dotted the deep blue sky cotton-white. Her mix of really late breakfast and early lunch was enough to sustain her through the night, and she found herself trying to tame the more wavy parts of her mane longer than usual. She needed to look presentable for what she was doing today.
Outside, the sunlight was brighter and hotter, warming up her coat in a wave of heat. She carried her work clothes in her saddlebag for when she was done with her errand. As she walked the familiar path to the restaurant, she made a few different turns in her route, leading her to a long, blue building her and Shining visited a few months ago, and it was still advertising the same thing with multiple signs reading the same message.
"Rooms for Lease. Apply Within."
Stardust pushed open the main building door and was immediately met with views of purple, blue, and white on the walls, and a large info desk with the name "Canter Square" embroidered in the middle of the face in large letters.
Behind it, a pink unicorn mare was busy writing down a few things until she heard the bell above the door ring when Stardust came in. "Hello and welcome to the Canter Square info desk." Her voice was light and cheerful, but there was a hint of it being forced that months in customer service Stardust came to recognize. "How can I help you?"
She approached the desk with a friendly smile and cleared her throat. "Hello, my name's Stardust, and I see that you guys are taking leasing applications, right?" |
The Brother and The Sitter | All Things Go | All Things Go
The waiter stood by the kitchen window in a silent anxiety as he waited for his dish. Under his mane, his forehead sweated around his horn and his hooves just couldn't stop tapping the ground. The party he was serving was already a large one, and he prayed when he jotted down everything they wanted that he got every excruciating detail down to the dot. The first time he brought out their dishes, the most he got was their unattached and hollow thanks that sounded more obligated than genuine, but one mare at the table made the hollow gratitude seem like recognition from Celestia herself. This mare, in what had to have been a premeditated speech, voiced her complaint of her plate with plenty of criticism. Some of it was even aimed at the poor waiter despite his haste to try and correct his honest mistake.
"Remake for table twelve!" The chef's voice boomed from behind the food window in the kitchen.
The waiter's magic engulfed the plates at the window, and with a steady eye, went over the dish and the mental checklist in his head. One double-take later, he cleared his throat and put on his best professional smile. He stepped through the swinging double doors into the large and full dining room decorated with artworks of high value and acclaim hanging on the gold-colored walls and crystal chandeliers hanging from the high ceiling that amplified the white light of the ceiling that shone above all around the restaurant. He made his way to the table where an olive-coated unicorn mare sat with her party. Gently, he set the dishes on the table in front of her. "Here you are, ma'am. Your shrimp scampi on linguine, shrimp mixed in the noodles, not topped, no basil, precisely seven pieces of shrimp, three squirts of lemon on the shrimp before mixing, sauce on the side, and a side salad, tossed, no tomatoes, cheese diced, not shredded, and cold ranch dressing on the side." The smile he was faking after that hid his nervousness well. He stood and waited while the mare observed her food with a critical eye. "I do believe everything was corrected and made to your liking."
"I'll see about that," the mare said as her magic lifted a fork to the plate with the pasta. She took a small bite of her food and chewed. Every slow movement of her mouth as she chewed was excruciating for the waiter waiting for her response, and every second did its best to break his cool and calm demeanour. Finally, after swallowing, she spoke. "Glad to see the mistake was fixed."
A wave of relief washed over the waiter, and he desperately wanted to exhale a breath he didn't realize he was holding, but all that relief fled his body when the mare tried a bite of her salad and he saw her expression.
"The lettuce is too cold," the mare said, hovering the salad bowl near the waiter's face. "Take it back and have it remade."
The forced smile came back, and the waiter tried hard to make sure the sudden rage he was feeling didn't show in his voice as he said, "Right away, ma'am."
"And make sure it comes out right this time. This is the second time you've messed something up."
"Yes, ma'am. Right away, ma'am." He took the salad in his magic after the mare's last remark and briefly considered his chances at getting away with homicide. When he remembered he didn't have a heart of stone and that he actually was a good pony, he disappeared back to the kitchen.
When she saw the doors swinging doors come to a close, the mare turned to the grey stallion sitting at her side. "Honestly, Jet Set, dear, you would think after the first mistake--"
"I know, Upper Crust," Jet Set assured his wife, "I know. Next time we come here, I just hope we get somepony who actually knows how to do their job right." Similar consents were made among the other ponies of their party. "Which reminds me, thank you all so much for being able to come with us tonight."
"We wouldn't miss it, Jet Set," one mare, Pish Posh, said from across the table. "It's been awhile since we've all enjoyed a nice dinner together."
"Well, we've all been busy, but from what I've heard, I understand that we'll all be seeing each other again for a certain celebration in the next few weeks."
Everypony at the table started looking at one another as elated smiles grew on everyone's faces. "You all got invitations to the prince's party?" a stallion named Golden Gavel at the table asked.
Heads nodded all around the table and the party erupted into hushed murmurs of excitement for what they felt might surpass this year's Grand Galloping Gala as party of the year.
"A party for royalty," Upper Crust said with a wonder-filled gaze in her eyes. "It is sure to be something grand. You know, I've noticed that the prince has actually been out and about around the city recently."
"I've noticed that as well," another mare by the name of Silver Frames at the table voiced in. "Last time I spotted him, he was with Princess Cadance and another mare."
Jet Set moved in his seat to meet eyes with Silver Frames. "Was she a blue unicorn with a blue and white mane?"
"Yes, actually. Why? Do you know her?"
"No, but I have seen that mare around the princess before. I don't know her story though, but you know who I haven't seen with the princess recently?"
Interest soared and everypony's ears perked up like meerkats on watch all around the table. Jet Set held his pause and gave his wife a knowing look she shared with him. "That poor excuse of a nopony coltfriend of hers."
Some of them restrained their laughter while others let it out in a cruel cackle. "Guess this means she's moved on," Swan Song said, being one of the ponies who was enjoying a laugh at what she and her friends presumed was the end of Shining Armor and Cadance's relationship.
"Better," Upper Crust said, "she came to her senses. I mean really, a library assistant? Surely she must value herself more than that."
"Well, if the princess is wanting to start looking for a better match, I can bet her cousin's party should be full of young stallions closer to her level than that other colt could ever be."
"One can only hope, Jet Set, dear." Upper Crust's attention shifted when she heard the kitchen doors burst open. Their waiter held a newly made salad in his magic, and right as he got to the table, he felt eyes lock onto him like buzzards on roadkill.
"Here is you're remake ma'am. I hope everything is to your liking." He set it down and waited for Upper Crust to take a bit. For some odd reason, he was smiling genuinely as he watched her take that first, slow bite.
She hummed in thought as she looked at her bowl before turning to look at the smiling waiter. "Glad you fixed your mistake."
"Happy to oblige." He followed with a small bow and walked away. As he got closer to the kitchen doors, the smile on his face only widened with each step until his lips were practically stuck in a deliciously evil grin. The second he stepped into the kitchen and the doors swung closed behind him, he rolled something around in his mouth. He turned his head, and with swift precision, spat out a large, damp wad of gum into the nearby trash can. Through the window, he could see Upper Crust taking another bite out of her salad.
"Did she eat it?" the cook from behind the window asked, barely able to contain himself as he let his laughter out in short, but large spurts.
"Yeah, and she has no idea."
Back at the table, Upper Crust continued to nip at her salad in small bites. "How is it, dear?" Jet Set asked.
"Perfect. I don't know what they did, but there's some kind flavor to the carrots." She took another bite. "Mmmm, and the cucumbers are so moist."
***************
The first things Blueblood smelled as soon as he stepped onto the wooden floors of Metal's Place was the hot and fully cooked veggie burgers and the crisp hay fries multiple servers were carrying all around the restaurant. The place was filled save for one or two tables, and the aroma of the food already had Blueblood's mouth watering and his stomach grumbling for something on the menu.
"Your majesty! Back again I see." Blueblood turned towards the, by now, familiar voice of Metal Wave by the juice bar where he happily walked over to take a seat. When he sat down, Metal already had a pad and a pencil at the ready. "So what can I get you, tonight?"
There was a menu already laying on the bar displaying the various veggie burgers and other entrees offered. Blueblood scanned it over before deciding on something. "I think I'll try the Tropical Island Burger."
"Good choice. Usual drink?"
"Yes, please."
Metal's magic swiped the menu right from under the prince and he tore off the page from his pad. "I'll put the order in right now. Want me to get Stardust before she goes on?"
"Could you?"
Metal Wave swiftly made it to the kitchen counter, slapped the order onto the surface and called the order out to the cook before he disappeared to a room in the back. Blueblood swiveled in his seat to get a full view of the restaurant. The Hearth's Warming lights hanging around the place were definitely one of Blueblood's favorite things about the place. They gave him a sense of cheer whenever he stepped through the doors. Mix that with the ponies laughing and talking all around him, the atmosphere created could make anyone smile.
The first time he visited, he came with Cadance over a week ago. After his first experience with bowling, pizza, and their previous movie night, Blueblood was more easily and happily coerced into giving the food a try. He was more than willing to come back for the food ever since that first bite. He thought back to when he first saw Stardust actually perform on stage, small as it was. He marveled at her vocal talent and even her songwriting skills when she sang a song that was all her own.
"Yo, Blue!" Said mare emerged from the room Metal Wave disappeared into with her guitar strapped to her back over her waitress outfit. She met him on the other side of the bar with a drink in her magic. "Here's your usual."
"I've only been here two other times."
"Yet ya've gotten the same drink," she said pointing to the glass of sweet iced tea she placed on the bar. "It's a usual now."
"If you say so," he said with an eye roll.
She smiled and gave him a light push on his shoulder. "Glad ya made it. Came alone?"
Blueblood took a sip of his drink before he said, "Oh, yes. Twilight's family dropped by the castle today to take her and Spike on a little family day, and they asked if Cadance wanted to tag along. The second Twilight pleaded with her to come, she couldn't say no."
Stardust let a small laugh escape her as she threw her head back. "Yeah, that sounds about right. Anything else new?"
"Hmmm," Blueblood hummed aloud with a scrunched face as he tried to think of anything. "Just some more royal stuff my aunt's been teaching Cadance and I. It's actually really boring, but it's needed, so I won't bother with details. Oh! And of course, the party planning."
"Ya never gonna not bring that up 'til it happens, huh?"
"I'm excited," he simply said with a shrug of his shoulders. "I'm overseeing almost everything, and I want it to be amazing."
"Just don't worry too much. I've got a feeling it's gonna be eventful."
"I hope so, but enough about that. What about you? Any word news your application."
Before she answered, Stardust threw her guitar case onto the bar and began to work on the latches. "Not yet, but the mare at the front desk said I should hear somethin' in about a week after sendin' in all the paperwork, and I got that done a couple days ago." She lifted the cover of her case and started to fiddle with the tuning pegs with her magic. "Hey, tell me if this sounds right." Rearing on her hind legs, Stardust took hold of her guitar and readied a string. After she gave one of the pegs another twist, she opened her mouth and sung a pitch. "Ahhhhh." She plucked the string and sang again in a full, even voice.
Ears up and open, Blueblood sat in wonder at the simple technique being displayed in front of him. Stardust continued on, repeating her cycle of peg twisting and singing. When he remembered what he was supposed to be listening for, he snapped out of his daze and refocused. "Yeah, that sounds about right."
"Great." She smiled wide and repeated her process with all the other strings.
Musically, Blueblood was more of a listener, but seeing the way Stardust engrossed herself in her art was inspiring in itself that he found himself looking back at the instrument that might as well have been Stardust's baby and pondered how a piece of wood with strings could bring so much joy to a pony. A crisp aroma captured Blueblood's attention and he saw Metal Wave with a plate and basket in his magic walking towards the bar. Immediately, his mouth started to water when his dinner was placed on the table.
"One Tropical Island Burger, and a basket of hay fries. Enjoy, your majesty." Metal's eyes shifted to Stardust after he placed Blueblood's food down. "Stardust, you're up."
"On it, boss." Metal resumed walking his restaurant while Stardust strapped on her guitar. "Wish me luck, Blue."
"You know you don't need it," he called to her as she left the bar.
"I know."
***************
The aromas of hot tea, coffee, and hot chocolate blended with the scent of old books and wooden tables. For Twilight, it was what heaven smelled like. Along with Cadance, Twilight's family had gone out for a nice dinner in the city before they stopped by what Twilight would describe as the best place in any town or city; the local book store. The store in particular they had entered had seen more than enough business from Twilight and her family in the past. So much so, that everypony working knew the entire family by name, and even some of their business if Twilight or her parents was ever feeling chatty.
"Back again, I see," one of the cashiers at the counter said when he saw Twilight, her family, and Cadance enter the store.
"Hey, First Edition," Twilight called back to the stallion as she raced to the new releases stand. There, she submerged herself in the numerous stack of books, scanning over the front and back of each tome like they were newfound treasures while First Edition and Night Light started to chat.
"You know, Twi," First Edition called to her from the register, "there's a new series that came out a few weeks ago. I think you might like it."
"What's it called?" Twilight asked back.
"Go a few stands back, it's called 'Daring Do'."
Night Light followed his daughter to her destination while Cadance, Twilight Velvet, and Spike sat at a table in the coffee shop inside the store. Once she was sitting. Velvet dug through her saddlebag while Cadance went up to the counter. She came back with five steaming cups of hot chocolate held in her magic.
"Here you are, Velvet." Cadance hoofed the mare a few bits in change and set two of the cups of steaming hot chocolate in front of her.
"Thank you, Cadance," Velvet said politely. Finally, she found what she was looking for. Spike, who was bouncing up and down in his seat giggled with glee when he saw Velvet take out his green plastic sippy-cup and fill it with a one of the hot chocolates. Before she gave him the cup, she tightly sealed it with the spill-proof lid.
"That chocolate, mama?"
"Yes, baby, it is." Velvet smiled at her little dragon and gave the cup a few shakes to test the lid. When she saw no trace of a spill, she hoofed Spike the cup.
Cadance noticed that hers and Velvet's cups were still steaming hot and nearly jumped out of her seat when she saw Spike lift the cup to his mouth. "Wait! Velvet, isn't that too hot for--" She stopped and watched Spike down the drink like a thirsty bulldog in a desert and sat in mild surprise when the little drake slammed his cup down and laugh in delight. "Right, dragon." Said dragon was still giggling away and decided to start playing with his cup by sucking on the lid.
"No, no, Spike." Velvet's magic took the cup out of Spike's mouth and brought out something else that made his eyes glimmer in wonder. "You wanna color in your book?"
"Yeah!" Spike answered with a bounce in his seat.
Velvet flipped open the coloring book in her magic to a random page and set it down along with some crayons. Spike quickly took to his coloring and the two mares watched on and sipped at their slowly-cooling drinks. "How is he doing?" Velvet suddenly asked of Cadance. "At the castle, I mean? Anything new I should know about?"
Cadance thought back to Spike's time in the castle so far. "Not really. He's walking more than the last time you visited, and there's still a few fire mishaps here and there, but those get put out more easily now." If just to mess with them at that exact moment, Spike let out a large burp with a few green embers escaping his mouth that fizzled in the open air. "You know where the fire extinguisher is in this place, right?"
"First thing I looked for when we came in."
"Good."
When Spike went back to his coloring, Cadance noticed Velvet just looking on at him with a large smile on her face and a twinkle in her eyes. She knew how much it pained the mare to see all three of her kids go in a relatively short time span and that any chance she had to visit at least two of her kids, she took as if it was going to be her last chance. "And what about Twilight? How's she doing with Princess Celestia?"
Just saying "good" wouldn't suffice, and Cadance knew Velvet would want more details. She began to share with her all the new tricks Twilight was starting to learn and how fast she picked up on nearly every single spell Celestia taught her. Cadance also revealed just how much Twilight was determined to impress her teacher and how she would be with one of her books nearly any time she saw the filly. Every moment Velvet listened on, her smile grew with pride for her daughter. She looked back to see Twilight still exploring the book stands and thought of all the time and effort the little filly had put into her studies, into magic, into making not only Celestia, but her and Night Light proud as well.
"Here." Cadance offered Velvet a napkin when she saw tears start to well up in Velvet's eyes.
In her peripheral vision, as she started to dab at her eyes, Velvet saw her husband and Twilight making their way to the table and quickly wiped away the rest of her tears until there wasn't a trace.
"Mom! Cadance! Look at what dad's gonna get for me." Twilight set two books on the table, one incredibly large and dense, and the other, a lighter paperback with a ground-colored pegasus in an explorer's outfit and a multi-shaded black and grey mane. "It's this new book series called 'Daring Do'. First Edition suggested it. I just read the summary on the back, and I think it's gonna be huge!"
Cadance reached over and tapped at the larger book Twilight set down. "What's this one?"
The quick series of hoof claps did little to show Twilight's true extent of her excitement she was feeling about that book. "You'll love this, Cadance. It's the new edition of the latest Starswirl the Bearded biography." Twilight stretched herself over the table to met Cadance's eyes with her own wide and wonder-filled ones. "It's got thirty new pages of content!"
Matched excitement came easily to the alicorn. Cadance quickly came to Twilight's side, and the two cracked open the book. The two of them could've sat there and just read on into the night about their shared magic idol if it wasn't for Night Light reminding them he still had to pay for the books a few minutes into their reading. The two of them hoofed the books over to Night Light, and he walked over to the purchase counter.
"Is this for me?" Twilight asked when she finally saw the last two cups of hot chocolate sitting on the table.
"Yes it is, sweetie," Velvet answered. "Just leave the last one for your dad."
Warmth flowed throughout Twilight's body as she took that first careful sip. Steam was still rising from the cup, tickling her lips and nose when she took a drink. "Delicious," she breathed with a satisfied smile. Beside her, Spike was still doodling in his coloring book. She looked over and saw him drawing something off to the side on one of the blank page. His movements were getting slower and his eyelids seemed to drop heavier and heavier each time he blinked. "Spike, you okay?"
She was answered with a long and high-pitched yawn. Spike brought his little arms to his eyes and lazily rubbed. "I tired, Twilight."
The window outside revealed just how dark it actually got. While not very late, the dark blue of the nighttime sky still painted a very shadowy picture barely brightened up by Celestia's crescent moon. The streetlamps aided in lighting up the streets in a pale-orange glow. Velvet stood from her chair, strapped on her bag, and came to Spike's chair. "You're tired, Spike?" she asked in a soothing voice.
The little dragon yawned again and nodded his head with closed eyes. "Mmm hmm." Velvet took her little boy in her magic and set him atop her back, where in no time, he was fast asleep. Cadance and Twilight took that as the cue that it was time to get going. Before Velvet even told them, the two got up from their seats as well. Twilight left the table with the her dad's cup of hot chocolate and her own suspended in her magic. They met Night Light just as he finished his purchase.
"See you guys next time," First Edition said as they pushed the door open. They said their goodbyes to the stallion just before they headed out, and right before he called out, "Say hi to Shining for me." Cadance, Twilight, and Night Light all felt a collective tenseness grip their bodies when they heard that, and their eyes slowly went to Velvet when they stepped out of the shop.
She didn't explode into another crying mess like she usually did whenever something reminded her of her son miles and cities away from her, but she wasn't exactly alright either. Night Light approached her carefully, like she was an occasionally ticking grenade that may or may not blow up. "Velvet, honey, you're doing fine right now, but I just want you to remember that you said you'd work on--"
"I know," she said abruptly. "I know. I'm not gonna break down like I did before. I've been making progress." Her voice cracked in places that made it sound like she was close to tears, and the forced smile she put on was anything but a sign she was fine. Even as she tried to continue walking, the others felt it was just a matter of time as they followed closely. "I'm fine," she repeated. "It was nice First Edition wanted to extend a greeting to my son. It's just too bad he's all the way in Trottingham." From where she stood, Twilight could see Velvet's eye start to twitch in a way reminiscent of herself whenever she felt she forgot something pertaining to an assignment. "Miles away. Away from his family. Away from me, his mother." She continued walking, unaware she was garnering some looks. "And I can't even see him for another two months! My own flesh and blood! The colt I raised since he was a foal; a precious wide-eyed foal that I watched grow up into a stallion who doesn't need his mother anymore." Everything came out in spasms of sobs even as she talked, and just like every other time she had burst out like this, Night Light was by her side patting her back. Twilight took her usual place by Velvet's leg, if anything, to serve as emotional support while Cadance took to Twilight's side and marveled at just how much liquid could come from a mare's eyes.
"There, there, honey." It was all the response Night Light had at the point he was at, and it really was the only thing he could think of to say. After how many times he found himself in a similar position, he exhausted all of his best comforting words. All he could do was rub and pat his wife's back as she let it all out while her daughter and Cadance provided comfort as well.
When Velvet was finally out of tears and able to speak more cohesively, she looked to her family and guest before looking down at her hooves. This was supposed to be a happy night, and here she was breaking down in the middle of the sidewalk... again. "I'm sorry."
Twilight held onto her mother's leg and looked up at her with sweet, loving eyes. "It's okay, mom. I know you miss Shining."
"We all do," Night Light said as Cadance stepped closer to Velvet's side to add to the bubble forming around her.
In all the fuss and noise Velvet had made, her cries had awoken a certain baby on her back, but instead of waking up crying, Spike's little arms stretched around to hug his mom's neck. Velvet could hear his baby noises before hearing him say, "We're here, momma."
All these ponies surrounding her with understanding and love, it would've made Velvet tear up again hadn't she remembered that was exactly what put a pin in their night of fun. Instead, she craned her neck to nuzzle the dragon on her back with affection before letting the others let her go. "Still, I really should try and get a better hold of myself whenever I get like that."
"If it helps, you didn't go on as long as last time," Night Light said. It somewhat made her feel better. "Progress?"
For now, Velvet chalked it up as a victory. "I just miss seeing him. I can only get so much from letters."
"I know what you mean," Cadance said from the side and drawing Velvet's attention to her. The older mare quietly gasped when she realized what she had said.
"Oh, Cadance, I'm sorry. I know you and Shining write each other, and I know you must miss him too." Cadance didn't resist the warm embrace Velvet gave her. "I will say that out of all the mares he could've fallen for, I'm so happy it was for somepony so kind and loving as you."
Her cheeks flushed red at Velvet's kind words. All she could think to do was return the hug and say with as much sincerity that could ever be in one body, "Thank you, Velvet."
The mention of her letters to Shining reminded Cadance that she still hadn't written today. When she and Velvet released each other, Cadance was smiling wide as an idea came to her that she hoped would end the night on a high note. "You know, when me and Twilight get back to the castle, I was just gonna write my letter for the night and go to bed. When was the last time all of you wrote him?"
"You mean all together?" Velvet took only a second to think about it. "A week ago, why?"
"Well, how about you and Night Light stay awhile, and we all write Shining a letter tonight from all five of us?"
Restraint was heavily exercised in that instant by Velvet. It took all she had to not swoop Cadance up in another giant hug and accidentally squeeze the fluids out of her. Twilight on the other hoof bound right in front of Cadance with an ecstatic grin plastered on her face before she started bouncing around her and her parents like a jumping bean."Can we, guys? Can we? Can we? Can we?"
Velvet met her husband's eyes. Both were smiling as well. "I think that's a lovely idea."
With no more than a jump in front, Twilight began to lead the way back to the castle with her parents and Cadance following behind.
***************
The lights, the stage, the faces of an entertained audience, the drops of sweat in her mane that wanted to drop onto the ground, Stardust loved everything about it. She had just finished her set for the night, and the crowd was once again in a roar of applause. She stood and looked over the ponies with a confident look before she gave a bow. "Thanks for comin' out tonight, everypony. Remember to tip ya waitresses, I've got rent to pay." She laughed at her own joke and so did some of the crowd as she stepped off the stage. When she came to Blueblood's spot at the bar, he welcomed her back with more claps of his hooves.
"That was great, Stardust."
"Thanks, Blue." She hoisted her case back onto the bar and carefully placed her guitar into the soft blue fuzz of the case. "So did ya like the new one I played?"
"The one before your finale?"
"Yeah."
"It was great. You wrote it yourself?"
"Yup. Would ya believe I finished it last night?"
He was at a loss for words, and his blank stare affirmed that. "I-I-I don't, I wouldn't even know if that's something I should be surprised at or not."
"Eh, depends."
Stardust was about to close her case when Blueblood saw something sticking out of the fuzz of the case. He pointed out what looked like some paper protruding from some compartment in the case. "What's that?"
"Glad ya asked." The case was rethrown open and Stardust revealed what really was a small compartment in the case opened by a string latch. From it, she procured sheet after sheet of wadded up song notes, lyrics, and even full compositions. Each one was different from the others, both in content and how messily scribbled they were.
"You wrote all of these?"
"Yup. My pride and joys." Watching the way Blueblood was just absorbed in the sheets put a large smile on her face. She saw him look and scrunch his face in confusion at certain pages. "The one's with blue stars on the top are my favorites. One day, when I save enough, I'm gonna try and get some recordin' equipment and finally make a demo."
"I see you've got plans," Blueblood said as he continued to flip through Stardust's songs, and coming to a stop at one written in solid red called "Crushed". It was a full composition, so he read and followed the notes and matched the lyrics written underneath the staff. As he read on, his eyes widened at some of the stronger sentiments expressed.
"Yeeeeaah, I might have to change some words around to avoid a parental advisory label."
"I should say. How did this one come about?"
"I eva tell ya about Comet Crush?"
Blueblood shook his head, and Stardust pulled up a bar stool. "Alright, I've got a few minutes before I need to get back to work." She started to recount her time with her ex-coltfriend, including a few of the highs of the relationship just to give a full, just account before ending her story with the ultimate crash that came with her discovering his other marefriend at his work during a surprise visit.
Blueblood listened and reacted any way a friend would when they find a friend of there's was cheated on. "That scuzzbag!"
Stardust snickered at his word choice before adding in, "And a bunch of other things, but I could get fired if I say them out loud."
"Still, that's just... just... really sorry of him."
"Eh," Stardust said with a nonchalant shrug. "Joke's on him, really. I got ova him real quick, but in those couple of hours after findin' out, and goin' back and forth between category five hurricane crazy angry and destroyed beyond repair on the inside sad, I wrote down that song in ya hooves."
Blueblood looked back down at the song sheet. The lyrics and the memos about how loud and heavy to play at certain points painted a very vivid image of the rage anypony could've felt in Stardust's position at the time. "So should this be released, and he hears it, you think he'll know it's about him?"
"Who cares? I'm not the first mare to write about bein' cheated on, and I know I won't be the last. Plus, I'm not namin' names. It's a crappy feeling, Blue, and I'm bettin' any musician that's been cheated on has written somethin' similar, or at least covers a song about it. If they say they haven't, they're lyin'."
The animated way she explained herself got a few short chuckles out of the prince. "Whatever you say, Stardust. So how long ago was this?"
"Several months ago."
"And you haven't tried to look for anypony else after that?"
First, her ears dropped down, which was quickly followed with an eye roll and an unamused look that gave a message along the lines of, "not this again". "No I haven't. Though that might change when your party rolls around." Blueblood raised an eyebrow, and before he even asked, Stardust continued. "When me and Cady went dress shopping before our first movie night, she bought my dress, and we made a deal. I'd let her buy it if I promised to try and get back in the dating pool."
The words, he heard, but the message was fuzzy. "You'd let her buy your dress?"
"The girl wouldn't back down! The second I said I'd just raid my closet for somethin', she ran to the counter and bought it. Our deal was the only thing that made me feel okay with her gettin' me somethin' like that."
"That good of a dress, huh?"
"So good of a dress," Stardust said with a dreamy moan as the image of herself in that white and blue gown came to her mind. Never in her life did she think she'd be the kind of mare who couldn't wait to break in an outfit, but here she was daydreaming about the night she'd finally give it a whirl. "Who knows? Maybe I will find somepony. I mean, I'm in a good place right now, but hey, if I do, I get a new shot at romance, and I can get my mom off my back."
"Your mom's been on your back?"
"She's been askin' why I haven't found another coltfriend after Comet Crush." She straightened herself in her seat and cleared her throat. Putting on a higher voice, she mimicked her mother. "Stardust, why haven't you found a nice coltfriend yet? Stardust, I have a friend whose son I think you would like. Stardust, why don't you have a coltfriend yet? Stardust, are you secretly a fillyfooler, and that's why you don't have a coltfriend? If so, then why don't you have a marefriend yet?" Blueblood had been drinking his tea, and had to exercise an immense amount of self control to not spurt it out of his mouth or nose once he heard that. Once he was off the verge of choking from holding his drink in after he swallowed, he broke into a voracious laugh one wouldn't expect from a prince. "Oh, and I haven't even told ya my favorite one." She cleared her throat again. "Stardust, when will you get with that nice friend of yours? Stop stringing Shining along and invite him to dinner!" Even she found some humorous irony in that when she thought back to the times ponies thought her and Shining actually were a couple, including the pony sitting directly in front of her.
It seemed so long ago when Blueblood thought back to the short amount of time he and Cadance thought Stardust was involved with Shining. After just one conversation, the mixup was resolved, and he watched the beginnings of Cadance and Shining's relationship take place. Looking back on it now, he wondered something. "Okay, Stardust. I am going to ask you something, and I want you to be completely honest."
"Okay, shoot."
"Well, correct me if I'm wrong, but you've known Shining Armor even before he met Cadance, right?" She nodded. "Even back at the Summer Sun Celebration, I noticed you two were and are very close, and I mean very close. So, here's what I'm curious about, in that whole time you've known him, did you ever think of starting a relationship with him? I feel like Cadance and I aren't the only ones to have mistaken you two for something more than just friends."
Rather than the immediate down-to-the-point answer he was expecting, Stardust stared off with her tongue pressed to the inside of her cheek in thought. She gave a short, "hmmmm," before she looked away from whatever she was looking off at and back at an awaiting Blueblood. "I'd be lyin' if I said it never crossed my mind at one point."
This was definitely new, and the genie was already halfway out the bottle. There was no going back from a question like that. "So what kept you? You know, other than his massive crush on Cadance."
"Well, yeah, that, but that didn't start till a few months after we started hangin' out. I thought about it a few times before that though. I mean, Shiny really is a great guy. He's kind, good with magic, would never do anythin' to hurt me, and yet more than enough of a goof to make me laugh. Heck, he's a better pony than anypony I've ever dated before. By that logic, it seems like I shoulda snatched him up while I had the chance." For a split second, Blueblood feared he just asked a question that opened some unresolved feelings for Stardust that would threaten everything between the her, Candance, and Shining, so he thanked the stars under his aunt's sky that she continued on and said with a shrug, "Even with all that... I just wasn't attracted to him. No matter what, I could only see him as a friend, and a great one at that." She started to smile as memories of all the times had with one another came flooding in her mind. "I'm kinda glad for that though. I actually had some trouble makin' friends when I moved here. I needed a friend more than a coltfriend at the time, and Shiny just happened to come into my life at the perfect time. Once he started workin' at the library, well, the rest is history from there."
It was different, to say the least, seeing Stardust like this for Blueblood. In the relatively brief time he's known her, he was more used to the quick tongued teaser, and not this pony being so open and revealing about something he could tell meant a lot to her. He thought it was sweet to hear just how much Shining's friendship meant to her. "He sounds like a great friend."
"Yeah, he is." She hopped off of her seat and saw that her song sheets were still scattered all around the bar. As she started to pick all of them up with her magic, Metal Wave appeared at the bar holding a large tray with various plates of food.
"Stardust. We need you back on the floor. The rush is picking up."
"On it, boss." Metal went back to finding his tables and Stardust hastened her cleanup. She grabbed her case and stuffed it below the bar when she was done. "How long ya gonna stick around?"
"Probably just until I finish my food."
Stardust fished out a pencil and pad from behind the bar before she made her way around the structure. "Well, if I don't see ya before ya leave, thanks for comin' out."
"Anytime."
After some adjustments to her attire, Stardust readied her pencil and paper and made out ponies who looked like they had just arrived. "Gotta run, see ya." In seconds, she was already at a table with a cemented smile on her face and telling the guests about the latest special while Blueblood swiveled in his seat to deal with the last half of his burger and remaining bit of hay fries.
***************
Trottingham Base: The Next Morning
***************
Dawn hadn't even cracked yet, and Shining was wide awake; by force, yes, but still wide awake. Even in the dim lighting provided outside on the training grounds, Shining could perfectly make out the three objects lying in front of him like they were surrounded by a halo. Pinpoint was at his side, and the other recruits stood with their battle buddies. Quick Fix and Silver Edge were further down the line standing with similar looks of awe others in the line had. They only had a few seconds to look. The sounds of clanging iron rang in the open field, and everyone stood at full attention. Ironclad stalked down his line of recruits with that solid-eyed look that could command a rock to move. He stopped when he was standing perfectly centered in front of the line, and ever so slowly, a smile that still managed to be scary crawled across his face. "Well, maggots!" Still loud as ever, his gravely voice was heard by all ears. "Congratulations. You made it to Phase Two. Why don't you give yourselves a round of applause."
At first, everyone in the line looked at one another in a dumbstruck confusion while some began to lightly stomp at the ground.
Ironclad's haunting smile easily reverted back to his natural cold scowl. "C'mon, you can do better than that!" The stomps quickly picked up to a thunderous applause. Some even hollered out in glee. "Alright, that's enough. You survived three weeks of boot camp. You didn't cure cancer."
Three weeks. Shining was pretty sure others were in disbelief at how long they had really been going at it. The amount training, the amount of stuff crammed into their heads, the lessons in combat, it all felt like it had passed in a blur; a fast, painful, exhausting blur. If that was just the first three weeks, Shining cautiously wondered what was in store for him and the rest of his platoon in the next few weeks.
"What you see before you," Ironclad continued on, "are the three basic weapons in the Equestian Royal Guard. Now look down, and get a good look." On the ground in front of each pair of ponies were a bow, a quiver of arrows, a steel-bladed sword, and a musket. "The next few weeks, in addition to your regular training, all of you will learn the basics and more about each of these weapons and how to use them. Now, all non-unicorns, take a step back." In one loud, collective swoop, all the unicorns in the platoon stood in a scattered line. In all, about twelve ponies were left in front. Shining and Quick Fix tried hard not to look worried when Ironclad began to walk the line again. "Now, I've asked for you all specifically because on your head is the fourth basic weapon in the Equestria Royal Guard; magic." Shining and some of the others gave a brief look at their horns before Ironclad continued. "Some of you probably have never fired from your horn, but you will learn. Some of you may have, and you will be trained to do it better and with control. With lessons on attacking also comes lesson on defending, so be prepared. Every night, all unicorns will report to Sergeant Firearms during your usual drill sergeant time on the shooting field. Do we have an understanding?"
Like it was programmed into their brains, everypony stood tall and proud and boomed in their collective voices, "DRILL SERGEANT, YES, DRILL SERGEANT!"
"Good. Now, everypony back in their original spot." The stallion only waited a second before he saw his original line of awaiting ponies. "Now, let's start with item one." His massive hooves stomped over to a set laid out a few steps ahead of everyone else. Rearing on his back legs, he rose with a slim wooden bow and a single arrow in his front hooves. "Look and listen carefully, everyone. First, you are to face your target with the proper stance." A good distance away, there was a target with separate marked zones. Ironclad took his stance with his back hooves shoulder distance from each other, and his bow level with his target.
He set his arrow on the rest of the bow and slowly pulled. Tension built on the bow as he focused on the target. "Keep both eyes open, pull, aaaaaand..." In one fluid movement, Ironclad's arrow sliced through the air with a sharp release from his bow. The tip impacted its target hard just an inch away from a bullseye. "... fire."
Hushed whispers of praise spread around at Ironclad's demonstration that quickly fell silent when he turned to face the line. "Is anypony willing to give their own demonstration before we move on?"
Very few dared to step forward, and when it came to his decision, Ironclad approached the first pony that caught his eye until he was directly in front of the chocolate brown earth pony that came forward. "What's your name, soldier?"
"Drill sergeant, my name is Pinpoint, drill sergeant!"
"Well then, why don't you step up here and show us whether or not your name's an ironic coincidence."
Ironclad stepped aside and Pinpoint picked up the bow and an arrow from the set beneath his hooves. He took his stance where Ironclad stood and copied his exact steps. When he pulled his arrow back, his eyes hardened into a cold, focused stare. He kept his position for a few seconds more and fired. His arrow flew swift and sure, cutting the air like it was a knife made of magma on already melting butter. Where Ironclad's arrow was off the bullseye by a little more than an inch, Pinpoint's hit the center dead on. Only the brief echo of the impact from the arrow hitting the wooden target was heard as everyone stayed silent.
"And that, soldiers, is what were are going to aim for today!" Ironclad yelled out, snapping his ponies out of their awestruck daze. "I want at least three bullseyes from everypony before we move on."
It truly was impressive how much silent anguish Ironclad could cause with one order. The subtle changes in everypony's eyes showed just how screwed they thought they were. With Ironclad's order, Pinpoint took his stuff back to his spot with Shining and awaited the signal to start. Ironclad left his spot in front of his line got behind them before he started pacing behind them. "First pony to their marks." Shining and the first in every set of partners took their places, picked up their bows, and took an arrow. "Begin!"
Shining took a breath before he tried to pull back on his bow. He must've been doing something wrong or was just nervous because as he pulled, his arrow kept wiggling in place on the rest. It took a few tries to finally steady himself and keep his arrow straight, but that had been as far as he thought. In a frenzy to match pace with those who had already fired, Shining released the arrow the moment he got it to stay still and straight. When he looked to see where it landed, his ears drooped when he found his arrow had hit only the outer ring of the target... somepony else's target. This was going to be a long and interesting morning.
***************
A good crowd at the restaurant always made the mornings after work seem better. Not only was it a nice ego boost, but knowing others loved the performance she gave always made Stardust wake up feeling happy. She awoke with fewer hits of the snooze button than usual and felt the sun's rays off her windows wash over her in a revitalizing wave. Her mane rested in a wild mess when she looked in the nearest mirror. She gave it a few pats and combs with her hoof until she resigned to worry about it after she had some food in her.
She made her way downstairs to the kitchen and grabbed a bowl and a box of cereal. After pouring herself a bowl, she looked around for the milk, but had no luck finding it. Behind her, the front door creaked open, and her mother stood in the doorway with her horn and a stack of mail glowing a golden hue that matched her eyes. "Stardust," her mother, Mezzo Melody, said when she saw her daughter in the kitchen. "Morning, sweety. I didn't think you'd be up until later."
"Morning, mom. Thought that too. Where's dad?"
Mezzo closed the door behind her and set the stack on the table. "We ran out of milk, so your father stepped out to go get some."
Stardust looked at her bowl on the table and shrugged. She opened a drawer, pulled a spoon out, and took a seat to start eating.
"You don't want to wait for your dad to come back with the milk?"
After another swallow of the dry cereal, Stardust said, "I'm hungry."
Watching Stardust shovel down her food the way she was, Mezzo knew her daughter didn't use her break last night for a quick dinner. She sighed and walked to her side where her eyes instantly went to the tangled mess of Stardust's mane. From the corner of her eye, she could see little specs of cereal at the ends of Stardust's mane where it had fallen while she ate. Without warning, Mezzo brought a soft, silver hoof to Stardust's mane and carefully pulled it back.
"What are you doin'?" Stardust asked through a mouthful of cereal, feeling her mane getting combed through.
"Picking the mess out of your mane, you little foal," Mezzo said with a smile and a small laugh.
"Mom!" There may have been a little irritation in her voice, but she was smiling as well. When she moved out, this was actually going to be something she'd miss. "So what came in today?" she asked looking at the mail sitting across from her.
Mezzo switched from her hooves to magic to hold Stardust's mane back and reached up to her own long and elegant curly black mane where she pulled out a single hair pin. "I don't know. I didn't look." She threaded the pin through Stardust's mane to make a thick, wavy ponytail while Stardust picked up the mail in her magic and started to flip through the stack. Out of everything, she found two items addressed to her. "And done," Mezzo said with a few more pat downs of Stardust's mane. "So, what did you get?"
Already ripped open, Stardust held a letter from Shining. She lit up at the simple "Hey, Star," at the beginning and heard his voice as she read on. Still standing behind her, Mezzo read over her daughter's shoulder and matched in Stardust's delight. The letter may have been a simple rundown of everything he's been through and everything he felt during the grueling process, but it meant the world that she was still kept in mind.
"I still don't get why you didn't snatch him up when you had the chance."
"Mom!"
"I'm just saying." In reality, she knew there wouldn't be anything more than friendship between the two, but she loved the reaction she got from Stardust whenever she brought the idea up. "Did you get anything else?"
One letter remained on the table for her addressed from "Canter Square". Excitement immediately built up like a catalyzed reaction, and she ripped the letter open.
"Dear, Lease Applicant
Congratulations! Your lease has been executed. Welcome to Canter Square." |
The Brother and The Sitter | The Move | The Move
When the day of Stardust's move finally arrived, she didn't know how to process or describe the mess of emotions she experienced in the early hours of the morning. When the letter arrived saying that her lease went through a couple weeks ago, Stardust and her parents instantly started planning how they were going to move her and everything she had into her awaiting new home. The packing went little-by-little until everything of Stardust's was either stuffed into large cardboard boxes or left off to the side in the living room. With her mattress sitting against the wall and her bedding boxed up, Stardust slept on the couch the previous night. When she awoke to see her things filling up the living room, she realized she wouldn't be waking up in her old room anymore. Heck, she already wasn't waking up in her room, and her things weren't even out of the house yet. It was just one of the first of many slaps of reality that her move was truly happening.
Breakfast was quick and once everyone's morning routines were finished, loading Stardust's things onto the cart outside became the main task of the morning. Celestia's sun did it's best to peak through the abundant amount of thick grey clouds blanketing the sky. A fair breeze blew at a constant pace, bringing with it the cooler nip in the air that signaled the approaching winter. The cooler air flowing through her coat and mane were welcome as Stardust heaved the first of her things outside to be loaded on the cart. Her, Mezzo Melody, and her father, City Streets, all took to the task with team effort. For a little less than an hour, the three of them whizzed in and out of the house to gather more boxes, each of which found its way in some degree of organization onto the cart.
Stardust thought it odd seeing the living room deplete of her things and the cart grow with them. Every box loaded on was another step forward in her move. This couldn't have been easy for her parents either, but she thanked Celestia that they weren't anything like Twilight Velvet during Shining's last few weeks at home before he left for Trottingham. When the living room was empty, all that remained were a few things still in her room she didn't want to risk getting smooshed among the rest of her things. Mezzo had already started bringing those items down with her and placed them in the front of the cart as Stardust headed in to collect the rest. When Stardust reached her room, her father was already picking up the last box in his own deep-green magic surrounding the box and his horn. The only other thing in the room was her treasured guitar case sitting in the empty bedframe. She strapped it on her back and was about to head out when she saw City Streets standing in the doorway looking into her room with a distant look glazing over his face. Stardust approached her father and lightly patted his leg. "Dad? There's nothin' else. We can..." She started to trail off and began to match her father's look when she started to gaze at what had silenced him in the first place; her empty room.
Two weeks was all it took to devoid her room of practically any life or sense of someone else having lived there. The room that used to be covered wall-to-wall with posters of musicians of all genres now seemed so lifeless and sterile. Both of them looked as if they had forgotten the walls were white underneath all of Stardust's posters. For the first time in who knows when, the floors were clean. The music notes, scattered pencils, papers, and the random guitar picks that used to litter the wooden floors were all sitting in the cart, leaving their old home to sit in an erie cleanliness. The empty bedframe only added to the growing haunting presence of the room. Stardust could barely wrap her head around it. This used to be her room. It used to be so full of her presence and so full of life. Now, she looked on at it as what it was going to be; an empty space.
Mezzo's hoofsteps weren't even heard when she made her way up the steps and into the room. "There you two are. The cart is all loaded up, and I've been waiting outside for--" Just as her daughter had, Mezzo fell silent as she took in the room in front of her. She stepped forward and stood next to her husband as a hushed gasp escaped her. It was all too real for her.
City Streets stood in a similar state as his wife. His eyes scanned the room and it was as if all reality came crashing down that his only daughter, his only child, was truly moving out; another slap of reality that this was happening. He looked down at her and placed a hoof on her shoulder. Next to him, Mezzo leaned her head to rest on his side, her mane easily blending into the deep black of his coat. He inhaled and breathed a full, deep sigh that lightly shook his standing form. "This is really happenin' isn't it?"
The mare standing below him craned her neck up, and through an open section of his long, darker black mane that covered the upper part of his face, looked into his emerald eyes that were so much like her own. She put a hoof on the one on her shoulder and smiled. "Dad, we've been packin' for days. Ya just noticin' this now?"
Even in an event like this, City Streets expected such a response from his daughter. "Seriously couldn't think of anythin' else to say?" he said through a few snorted laughs that drew laughter out of Stardust as well. Amid his low chuckles, he moved his hoof off of Stardust's shoulder before he took her in his forelimbs in a tight embrace. "I love ya, Stardust. We're gonna miss ya so much."
Mezzo's forelimbs joined in the collective hug, with Stardust near suffocation in the middle, yet not wanting to break it off just yet. "I love you too, Stardust," Mezzo warmly said, tears brimming at the edge of her closed eyelids ready to drop.
Seeing her mom so close to crying felt like a burning stake being driven through Stardust's heart. Without a second though, she wiggled her forelimbs out of her parents' hold and threw one around each of them to hug them back. "I love ya too, guys." Mezzo and City's grips instantly tightened as they held onto their precious treasure, wishing they had more time before they sent her off.
"Be sure to visit," Mezzo said once the hug dissolved. "And check in with us every now and then. And please let us know you have enough to eat."
"Come to us if ya low on food, I can make ya somethin'." City made no effort to conceal the pleading tone in his voice. "And please walk home with somepony at night."
The two of them continued to list their requests, most of which went along the lines of asking her to be careful coming from work at night, keep them in mind, to not overwork herself, and other basic safety stuff she learned as a foal that she was sure they were only telling her because of worry and the crashing reality of her move her room ignited. She just let them talk until they ran out of things to worry about for the moment, told them she'd do everything, and that she would be fine.
In truth, Mezzo and City knew their daughter could handle herself, but there would always be that part of them that worried for their not-so-little girl. They squeezed in one last hug together in the room before they resumed loading the last of Stardust's things in the cart. City took the last box down while Stardust took one more look into her old room. She looked in and could briefly see all the posters, mess, and papers scattered around the floors and walls one more time. Her lips curved into a reminiscent grin before everything in the room was bare again as she brought the door to a close.
Outside, Mezzo was already situated on the front seat of the cart while City hitched himself to the cart. Stardust took a seat next to Mezzo at the front of the cart as she steadied her guitar case next to her. "Ya ready, Star?" City asked looking back.
A quick look was shared between the mares in the cart before Stardust gave the all clear to go. "Ready, dad!" City reared on his legs and readied himself. He came down hard and began to pull with all his strength. Once the wheels got moving, the cart rolled much easier as City lead the way towards Stardust's new home. As the sights of the city rolled by, Stardust sat back and watched it all come and go. Behind her, she could hear and even feel the rattle of her things in the boxes bumping up and down along the ride. She then began to hope the road would be smooth enough for everything to make it to the apartment unscathed. Time and again, she would do a quick once-over to check on her things.
Next to her, Mezzo busied herself with her mane. Mezzo held a pocket mirror in front of her with her magic and played around with her thick curls until she felt she had the perfect look. Satisfied, she clicked the mirror close and turned to face her daughter. "What do you think, Stardust?"
Elegance was, without a doubt, a trait Mezzo carried with her wherever she went. Every time she went outside, she looked as if she just stepped out of a salon, and this was no different. "Ya look great, mom, but ya know we're just gonna be movin' my things, right?"
"I know that, but didn't you say your friends were going to be there to help out?"
Slowly, Stardust answered, "Yeah?"
A still quiet rested over the two for a moment, and the expected connection Mezzo was hoping Stardust would make never came. "And you're friends are..."
Stardust rolled her eyes away from Mezzo when she filled in the blanks; a prince and princess of Equestria. "Mom, they're not gonna care."
"But they're still royalty. I know the three of you have gotten close, but I still want to look my best when they see me." She flicked open her mirror again and started to bounce a few places in her mane. "How again did you end up becoming friends with two of the most powerful ponies in the nation."
She sat back and thought on it for a few seconds only to shoot back up, and in a snorted laughter, say, "I have no freakin' clue."
The cart started to slow down when City eased his pace. Ahead, he could see Canter Square advertising signs leading to the entrance road off to the side along with two other ponies waiting on the sidewalk. When the two ponies on the sidewalk noticed the cart, City turned his head back to his wife and daughter. "Almost there guys. Star, I think your friends are here."
Stardust scooted to the far side of her seat to get better outside view, and sure enough, Blueblood and Cadance were the ones waiting on the sidewalk waving to her. She waved them back until something caught her eyes the closer the cart got to the entrance. More of the apartment building's walls and the outside landscape came into view as City pulled forward, but what stole Stardust's attention were the ponies dressed in servant's clothes that emerged from behind Blueblood and Cadance. First, she saw maybe three, then five, then ten. When City finally came to a stop at the front, he, Mezzo, and Stardust looked onto the front courtyard filled with about twenty or so servants standing in silence, awaiting their call for service.
In front of the mini-army of ponies, the royal cousins happily greeted Stardust and her parents. "Good morning, Stardust," Blueblood said when Stardust hopped out of the cart. "I hope you don't mind, but I thought I'd bring some helping hooves for your move."
All at once, the servant ponies took a step forward, all eyes going to the blue mare before they gave a simultaneous bow. As weird as it was to absorb the oddity in front of her, Stardust still thanked her friend for the surprise that would definitely make unpacking easier. "Thanks, Blue." She hugged him and Cadance before she left the courtyard to pick up her key from the front desk. When the mare at the front desk finished looking over some papers, she pulled a key off a nearby hook and hoofed it to Stardust. On the key, a small note was looped through the ring reading "22".
Stardust held the key in her hoof for a moment to let it sink in that she held the key to her new home. When she looked up, the mare behind the desk was still smiling warmly. "Welcome to Canter Square, Ms. Dust."
When she stepped back outside, she was only half-surprised when she saw everything from the cart now on the backs or held in the magic of every servant pony Blueblood had brought along to help. "Where to, Stardust?" Blueblood asked.
One story up and a little off to the right from where she stood, she pointed her hoof up to her apartment. "Number twenty-two, guys." Her words were like a instructions to the servants. Briskly, they walked in a nicely formed line towards the stairs. Stardust was aiming to lead them up, but stopped at the first step when the first servant pony in line reached her. The servant, a stallion, stopped behind her and was about to ask if anything was wrong. Before he could, Stardust's green magic surrounded the item he was carrying on his back; her guitar case. She set it on her back and strapped it on. "Sorry, but, I'm the only one who touches it."
The servant gave a courteous bow and a low, "As you wish, ma'am," before he and the others resumed their climb up the flight of stairs in perfect formation.
Stardust approached her door and took out her key. She inhaled as she inserted the key and turned the lock to her new home. "Here we go," she whispered as the lock clicked open. She turned the knob and pushed open the door. Stepping in, she felt the carpeted floors brush under her hooves, and took in the distinct new building smell. It was pretty spacious for the price. The little living area that doubled as a kitchen space actually had a definite border between the areas, and off to the side was the door to her new room. She only had a moment to take it all in before the sound of twenty or so sets of hooves marched in. The servant ponies filed in like a line of ants, bringing in all of her things in one trip from the cart before they started opening the boxes and taking her stuff out.
Before she had a chance to ask what they were doing, Blueblood took her hoof and started to walk her out. "Don't worry about anything, Stardust. They'll have everything ready for you in less than an hour."
She looked back as she was being lead downstairs and got a glimpse of the servants unpacking her things. "Don't ya think we should help? Or at least tell them where I want things to go?"
"I brought them here for a reason, Stardust, so everything could go by much quicker, and I wouldn't worry about how they decorate. These are the same ponies who set up the bedrooms for when foreign dignitaries stay at the castle. Trust me, when they're done, it'll look like you've lived there forever."
"If ya say so," she said, hesitation very present in her voice despite the faith she was putting in her friend's words.
"Of course if I say so. Now come on, I had the chefs make us a little lunch to take while we wait."
Before they were completely out of earshot from everything happening in the apartment, Stardust vaguely made out the rapid ripping of tape and the labored grunts she figured were from moving the heavier objects around. Many things ran through her mind in that instant of what could happen, but decided to trust in Blueblood's promise that everything would turn out fine. She still took one last look back. Through the open door, just before she couldn't see them anymore, she saw the servants scurrying all around the apartment that she was sure shouldn't be able to occupy so many ponies doing so much moving around. "This should be interesting."
***************
Trottingham Base
***************
Quick Fix tried hard to pretend he had a chance. He tried his utmost to tell himself he wasn't completely screwed when he was called up, but when Ironclad barked at him and his opponent to take their stance, all he could think of was how badly it would end this time and how much it was going to hurt. Silver Edge stood opposite of him, the handle of his sword held in his mouth for now.
The latest part of weapons training took on a competitive approach. After a couple of weeks of hoof-to-hoof combat and sword training, Ironclad and the other drill sergeants thought it was time to test their recruits on how far they've come since the beginning in a contest amongst their respective platoons; tournament style. Quick Fix, Pinpoint, Shining, and Silver Edge had already taken on a pony or two, disarmed them, and made it to fight another round, but when Quick saw that Silver was going to be his next opponent, any shimmer of hope Quick Fix had at passing on to the next round went out like a weak flame in a dilapidated building during a monsoon.
"ALRIGHT YOU TWO!" Ironclad instructed as loudly as ever a distance away. "TAKE YOUR STANCE! READY!"
They took their stance with their hooves shoulder-length apart and the handles held in their mouths, and before Ironclad ordered them to begin, Quick Fix muttered through a mouthful to Silver, "Be gentle."
"FIGHT!"
"I'll try." Silver Edge cleared the distance between him and Quick, and in a swift, silvery movement, reared on his back hooves and gripped the handle in his mouth before pulling his sword out in front of him.
The most Quick Fix got done was get his sword out in front of him, but everything else around him seemed to go by in a blur. When he saw Silver in front of him, nothing in his body seemed to want to work. He couldn't get up on his back legs, he couldn't move forward, and all he could do was get his blade up to defend the strike coming his way. His attempt at defense wasn't all for nothing. When their swords met, Silver retracted his and went back on the attack, and Quick defended again like it was all he knew. Again and again, Silver would hit, but Quick would defend. It was a steady back-and-forth for several strikes where Silver's blade would met Quick's in a reverberating *CLANG that sent Quick stepping back. Eventually, Silver broke the cycle when he charged forward, this time hitting Quick's sword harder than before and holding it there as Quick struggled against the force of Silver's sword. Silver moved his sword along Quick's blade, stopping near the end only to push it along with his own. He led Quick's blade around, increasing the power he put in, and forced the sword out of Quick's hoof and onto the ground with a metallic ring.
"MATCH! NEXT PAIR!"
The next two ponies took Silver and Quick's places right as they left the area to join the rest of their platoon gathered in a circle around the next two fighters. They found a spot next to Shining and Pinpoint, both of whom briefly congratulated Silver and patted Quick on the back for good effort.
The rest of the matches ate up the rest of the morning and a little bit of lunch time. When all was over and done, Silver Edge came out as the top sword fighter. He took his victory almost as if it was nothing as everypony wasted no time in scrambling to the mess hall to get some food in them.
"I didn't go too hard on you, did I, Quick?" Silver asked when he and the rest of his friends sat down at what had become their usual spot in the mess hall.
Upon the question, Quick Fix looked up from his plate with a mouthful of mashed potatoes. He swallowed before he answered. "Nah, you were fine. Thanks for taking it easy on me."
"Especially after the guy you beat before him," Pinpoint said, aiming a glance back at the entrance where a large stallion walked through the open doors with a few bandages wrapped around his upper foreleg.
"Again, sooooo incredibly sorry," Silver said when the stallion passed by their table as genuinely as he could sound. The pony just waved with a weak smile and assured Silver there were no hard feelings. The easily accepted apology would've been enough for Silver to feel better had he not seen the stallion walk away and hesitate every time he stepped with his injured leg. Viewing the limp, Silver shrunk back in his seat, put a hoof over his face, and groaned.
"Ah, don't feel too bad," Pinpoint said as he patted his friend's back. "He was putting up a good fight."
"I made him tear a tendon."
"Well, technically all you did was force the sword out of his hoof," Quick Fix said in an effort to comfort Silver.
"Yeah, so fast the he tore a tendon!"
"It wasn't that bad," Pinpoint tried to stress to no avail, only getting Silver to raise his head off the table and sneer at him.
"Not that bad? Really?"
Quick and Pinpoint could only exchange unsure glances at each other before Pinpoint opened his mouth and hovered a hoof in the air. "I meeeaaaan..."
"Just shut up." Silver looked away and down at his food before he proceeded to eat. Pinpoint chuckled under his breath at his friend's little snit and looked away when Silver eyed him to see Shining and the reason for his silence in the last few minutes. He saw that Shining had brought with him a few pieces of paper and an inked quill. As Shining scribbled away, Pinpoint could just make out the name of the pony he was writing to.
"Writing to your mare, huh, Shining? Shining?" Pinpoint called his name a few more times, getting no response out of the unicorn. Shining just kept on writing until Pinpoint's hoof came down roughly on the table in a series of taps. "Equestria to Shining!"
"What? Where? Why?" Shining quickly looked up and darted his head around until he remembered where he was and saw the curious stares of his friends all aimed at him. "What were we talking about?"
"Well, other than that Silver may or may not have crippled a pony, I was asking you if you were writing to the princess." After a hard punch to his shoulder from Silver, and through his wincing, Pinpoint asked, "Were you?"
"Yeah. She wrote last night's letter with my family, so I'm writing one to her, one to them, and another to a friend of mine back home."
"Why here though?"
"Because last night after we finally got back to the barracks, me and Quick only had fifteen minutes before lights out. Magic training just kept on going, and I could barely write anything down last night before running off to mail it." Shining looked back down at what he had written so far and started again. "And I am not going to risk being able to mail my letter off due to time."
"Making good on your letter everyday promise. You're a good pony, Shining Armor."
"Thanks."
A crafty little grin began to show on Pinpoint's face as he turned to Quick and Silver. "He kinda makes you guys look like chumps. When's the last time you guys wrote your mare and colt?"
Silver and Quick each put a hoof in up ready to fire back, but stopped cold as the horrible realization that neither had written in a while caused them to look ahead and their faces contort into a dumbfounded look as their minds went totally blank. Several moments later, they broke out of their trance and turned to Shining. "You wouldn't happen to have any more..." Before Quick could finish his question, Shining pulled two more pieces of parchment from underneath his letter to Cadance and hoofed them to his friends.
"Let me finish this one, then you guys can use my quill."
Silver and Quick thanked Shining for his offer and let him get back to his letter. "How's Lily Seed doing anyway, Quick?" Silver asked his bunkmate.
A giddy grin came on the smaller unicorn's muzzle as he thought of his marefriend back home. "She's doing good. Her, her mom, and her aunt are about to open up their own flower shop together, and she's been the one responsible for basically growing their inventory."
"She likes growing flowers?"
"She loves growing flowers. Always has, and she will find any reason to grow something. For our last anniversary, she planted a small section of her rose garden a different color so that when they grew, the flowers spelled out 'QF + LS' with a heart around it." Quick Fix didn't exactly know how to react to the very amused grins that came over Silver and Pinpoint. He just awkwardly smiled and tried to keep eye contact. "What? What I say?"
"Nothing," Silver said, still retaining his cheeky grin.
"I will say this though," Pinpoint added, scooting a bit in his seat to get a little closer to Quick Fix. "A mare willing to do all of that for you, I'd say that's wife-material right there."
"New topic! New topic!" Quick Fix's face began to heat up and flush a bright red. "For the love of Celestia, new topic!"
"Alright." Pinpoint quickly turned his attention to Silver Edge. "What about Streamline? How's he doing? You've been really quiet about him lately."
At first, Silver shrugged, not exactly knowing what to say about his quietness on the subject of his coltfriend back home. "Guess it doesn't help that I don't write as much as Shining does." Across the table, Shining still wrote away, completely unaware his name was called. "But he's alright, great actually. One of the last things he told me was that he passed his entrance exam."
"Well hey! Good for him. This mean he's finally gonna get to fly with the big ponies now?"
"Soon enough. He's only in the reserves for now."
Quick Fix had been listening, but found himself lost in the conversation. He put a hoof in front of himself to get the two stallions' attention and asked, "Streamline's in the reserves for what exactly?"
"Silver here," Pinpoint said, throwing a hoof around his friend and pulling him close, "managed to catch himself a future Wonderbolt."
"I didn't just catch him, we were dating before that," Silver said defensively as he wriggled out of Pinpoint's hold.
"Potato-potato, tomato-tomato," Pinpoint replied with a few waves of his hoof.
"You're coltfriend's gonna be a Wonderbolt!" Quick Fix was standing in his seat, stretched across the table with his front hooves almost right on Silver's food tray, and looking at his battle buddy with the widest, awe-filled eyes the pegasus had ever seen on the unicorn. "Why didn't you tell us before?!?"
"Who's a Wonderbolt?" Shining asked, now at mostly-full attention with his quill resting on the table by his, now-finished, letter.
"Streamline," Pinpoint answered, "Silver just thought that bit of info wasn't newsworthy."
"Why didn't you tell us before! Do you know how awesome that is?" Shining said, eyes now about as wide as Quick's, but only getting an unsure shrug from Silver.
"I don't know, and you're one to talk Shining. When were you gonna mention you're dating Princess Cadance if I didn't see her letter?" Shining went quiet at Silver's answer. He darted his eyes back and forth, unable to think of something to say as he listened to Pinpoint and Quick Fix snicker away.
"He's kinda got you there, Shining," Quick Fix said as he settled back in his seat.
"Do you want to use my quill or not?" Shining dryly asked.
Now it was Quick who went silent. "I'll shut up now." Shining hoofed the quill to Quick, and the smaller unicorn eagerly started his letter.
While Quick wrote, Shining looked to Silver. "Think you can wait till tonight to write yours to Streamline? I've still got two more to write and I don't know how long magic training will go on tonight."
Silver nodded. "Sure, I can wait. Hey, how is magic training going anyway. I hear the sergeant's really tough on you guys."
"Sergeant Firearms..." Shining trailed off, ears going back against his head. Upon hearing the sergeant's name, Quick looked up and then at Shining, seeing his face morph into the same uneasy look he had.
"She scares us," Quick Fix finished before he went back to his letter while Shining recounted the details of their first night with her.
The tall and slender mare that was Sergeant Firearms, at first glance, didn't seem like somepony to be feared. Rather, it was her actions that made her name a cause for anxiety. Shining told Silver and Pinpoint how Firearms first lined everyone up and gave them a brief talk on magic and it's importance and use in the Royal Guard right before she lit her horn and shot a burst of magic at one pony who barely had enough time to react and create a barrier between himself and her magic. "Then she looks at all of us, we're all scared crapless now after she did that, and all she says is 'Always be alert, and be aware of your surroundings.'"
"Well, that is a pretty good lesson to drill into a future soldier's head," Pinpoint admitted.
"Still, though."
"What have you guys been doing recently?" Silver asked.
"Mostly strengthening our defensive magic," Quick picked up to answer. He put the quill down and closed his eyes. His horn started to spark with a bright light, and his magic started to materialize and spread out in front of him, circling around until it took form as a half-open bubble covering his face.
Impressed, Pinpoint and Silver looked over the makeshift shield that hummed with Quick's magic. "Nice," Pinpoint said to a smiling Quick Fix.
"It gets better." The smaller unicorn turned to his side to Shining and gestured invitingly to the bubble guarding his face. "Shining?"
Shining balled his hoof and drew it straight back, lined up with Quick's shield. Panic instantly shot through Pinpoint and Silver, jolting them out of their seats and only able to scream "Shining, don't!" before the unicorn drove forward. The impact made the two flinch back, clenching their teeth and eyes for a moment. When they dared to open their eyes, they breathed a heavy sigh of relief when they saw Quick's shield still up and guarding his face.
"C'mon, guys. Have a little more faith in me than that," Quick said with a smirk.
Silver steadily nodded as he looked on at the crackless magic. "Noted."
"Can I try?" Pinpoint asked, already halfway stretched out of his seat, only to be met with a panicked chorus of "No!"
"You're a lot stronger and my magic's not that resistant just yet," Quick said rapidly, internally sighing with overwhelming relief when Pinpoint was able to stop himself from doing something stupid and damaging. "But you know who's is?"
Quick Fix dropped his shield and went back to writing right as Shining lit his horn. In what had to have been less than a second, several of Shining's bubbles manifested around him and his friends, each of them humming with magic and shimmering with lavender light. Pinpoint and Silver Edge observed the bubble field around their table in awe and raised a hoof to touch one. They gave the bubbles a light bop. The floating orbs hummed a slightly lower pitch at their touch and gave off a soft reverberation that made the two stallions' ears twitch.
"That is so cool," Pinpoint said as he reached to grab one of the bubbles out of its suspension.
"Go ahead, try to break it. Punch it," Shining said.
Shining wasn't kidding, Pinpoint realized when he saw Shining's eyes go back and forth to the bubble, openly inviting him to try. "Dude, my hoof is bigger than this," he said, chuckling as he held Shining's bubble up. When Shining just gestured to the bubble again, Pinpoint set the lavender bubble on the table and blew a confident snort. "Okay." His raised his foreleg up. Without hesitating, he slammed his powerful hoof down on the little orb of magic. Right as he was about to claim the task too easy, disbelief held his tongue for him. The little bubble still remained on the table, humming away and glowing brighter than before.
"You know you need to hit it hard to break it, right?" Silver said, the cheekiness in his tone about as apparent as a black sheep in snow.
"Shut up. Let me try again." Several times, Pinpoint tried to smash the glowing ball of magic, each time, coming nowhere near close to achieving his goal. Whenever he brought his hoof down onto the bubble, it sent his forelimb back with a strong force and a resonant hum. After around his eighth or ninth failure, Pinpoint grasped the bubble in his hooves and set it in front of him where it suspended itself in the air. "One more try." He drew his arm back and balled his massive hoof. With enough power to obliterate somepony's snout, he drove forward, striking the bubble and instantly regretted it.
The bubble remained unscathed, much to Pinpoint's vast annoyance, but his focus was mostly on his hoof that felt like it rammed into a steel wall lined with cactus thorns that were dipped in molten lava. The pain was instant and he recoiled back grasping his hoof with the other as he groaned as much as he'd allow others to hear. "Owhowhow, what is that thing made of, Shining?!?"
"Uh, magic?" Shining dropped his spell, and the bubbles vanished. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah, I'm fine," Pinpoint answered through gritted teeth and a struggled grin as he kept holding onto his hoof. Next to him, he could hear Silver's muffled snickers behind his forearm. "You think this is real funny, don't ya?"
"Hey, you're the one who kept on going at it like a maniac."
"I realize that! Sorry for being something called, determined." Pinpoint countered as he started to shake his hoof out. "Sheesh, has anything gotten past those bubbles of yours, Shining?"
Shining placed a hoof on his chin. "Not that I can think of."
"You should've seen him the first night of magic training," Quick Fix spoke. "Firearms wanted to see how good or how bad we all were with defensive magic, so she told us to make a shield, and fired at each of us. Shining was the only pony who's magic not only didn't break, but also didn't crack."
"Yeah, I'd believe it," Pinpoint said as he continued to shake out his hoof. "Impressive, by the way."
"That really was," Silver joined in. "How'd you get so good with defensive magic in the first place, Shining?"
"If I'm being honest, no clue. I didn't even know I could do stuff like that until the day I got my cutie mark. Then I just kept playing around with it until I could do a little more with it, like the bubbles." His horn lit up, and once more, the group found themselves in a kaleidoscope of lavender. Like little foals, Shining's friends curiously observed the impenetrable bubbles hovering around their heads before they started to mess around with the magical orbs and started pushing them around as they hung in the air.
"And how'd you learn to do this?" Quick Fix asked, trying to see what would happen if he pushed one bubble into another.
"I saw the technique in a spellbook where I used to work, so I looked it over and kept working at it."
"By yourself?"
"Weeeeeell..."
***************
A few months ago
***************
New spells were always a challenge for most unicorns, and the one Shining was attempting was no different. Looking over the spell book on his living room table one more time, he pictured what he wanted. He closed his eyes, pulling all his focus into the spell and what it was supposed to create. For a few moments, all he could hear was the steady hum of magic coming from his horn. In the middle of the spell, Shining cracked one of his eyes open to sneak a look at his progress and briefly struggled to keep focus when he saw the small success floating in front of him. A small orb of magic had formed in front of him, perfectly suspended in front of him. He closed his eyes again. When he opened them, at least a dozen more bubbles had appeared, surrounding him in a reflecting field of lavender light.
"Oh, Shiny! They're beautiful! Whisk me away and let's get married, my prince!"
"Star!" The spell instantly broke, each bubble fading away along with the hum of Shining's magic while Stardust erupted into laughter.
"Sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry," the cackling unicorn somehow managed to say through her steadily asphyxiating laughs. "I couldn't resist. But hey, ya finally got the spell down."
"Yeah, until you made me lose focus. And would you take that wig off!"
Stardust continued to laugh as she removed the blend of pink, purple, and vanilla-white wig reminiscent of the manestyle of a certain pink alicorn from her head. "Hey, you're the one who said he needed a practice date before showin' off ya spell to Cady. I gotta make sure I look the part, right?"
"Where did you even get that?" His voice went a little higher than he liked, and he was sure Stardust was enjoying every bit of his flustered state like a decadent dessert.
"Ya know how many little fillies wanna dress up as Princess Celestia or Cady for Nightmare Night each year? Literally, all I had to do was head into the nearest costume store on the way ova."
Shining's eyes went back to the candy-colored wig and marveled at how this didn't come as a surprise to him at this point in their friendship. "So you bought a wig to 'Look the part', or just to mess with me?"
"Eh, little of Column A, little of Column B," she said with a smug grin that may as well have been tattooed on her face. The way Shining's ears splayed down against his head and how his eyebrows lowered to an irritable glare, however, let her know that she was close to treading thin ice. "Ah, don't gimme that, I'm gonna help ya out. C'mon, give the spell another shot. Just give me like," slowly, she put the tri-colored wig back on her head as Shining watched with disbelieving eyes, "five more minutes of messin' around wit this... and ya."
"You know..."
***************
"I like this mare," was the first thing out of Pinpoint's mouth after Shining finished his story involving the blue mare. "She sounds like a riot."
"She's definitely something, and she's my next letter," Shining breathed lowly, but found himself smiling and shaking his head a second later. Even with the teasing that came with her, Shining could easily recall and treasure all the times Stardust had come through for him or simply brightened up his day. "Eventually, I learned the spell, and then we headed out for donuts afterwards."
As he listened, Quick Fix finished off the last few words of his letter and gave Shining his quill back. "She a good friend of yours?"
"Best, actually. By now, she's probably Cadance's too."
Pinpoint's eyebrows went up in slight surprise. "So your marefriend and best female friend are friends?"
"Yeah. Why did you seem like that was weird?"
"Just not something I hear often, but it's also kinda nice hearing that the princess isn't the jealous type."
"He's had some bad experiences with a few of his ex-marefriends," Silver interjected, bringing a wave of memories back to him and Pinpoint. "Remember Aurora Rose?"
"Probably the worst one of all," Pinpoint answered, his face scrunched into a pained grimace. "Never wanted me talking to another mare that I happened to come across, even if she was just a friend. When we would go out to eat, if we had a mare serving us, she'd give me this death glare if I said more than my order to her. She even tried to keep me away from Silver when she found out he was gay."
Chuckling behind his hoof, Silver said, "The crazy pony thought I was going to steal him away or something."
"And I got tired of her very, very, very, very, very quickly" Pinpoint said, each "very" hitting harder than the last, and he did not hold back when Shining and Quick asked the details of how his ex became his ex. Despite his ruthlessness, Pinpoint still cracked up as he spoke of his, as he described, biggest mistake of his life. "Bottom line, I ran. I ran far and fast" he said at the end of his story, "dumped her, abandoned ship, flew the coop, whichever sounds harsher."
"Why'd you get with her in the first place?" Quick asked.
"I'll tell you guys this, hopefully you won't need to remember it if things keep going well for you with your mares... and stallion," he added with once over at Silver. Pinpoint inched forward and pointed a hoof back and forth at his friends with a rare humorless look. "Never fall for just a pretty face." Holding his intense gaze, Pinpoint eased back into his seat. When seated, he fell back into his regular jovial grin. "But going back a little bit," his eyes drifted to Shining, "your friend, Stardust... is she single?"
Falling into a blank, empty stare, Shining quickly lit his horn. A small bubble formed in front of him, and before Pinpoint even saw it move, Shining propelled the little hollow orb at his friend's face where it popped upon harmlessly bopping his muzzle. "I'll tell her you say 'Hi' in my letter."
Pinpoint put a hoof to the spot on his muzzle where Shining's bubble had popped. He wondered if the little sneak attack was just him messing around or being protective of his friend. It was probably a mix of both, so he just nodded and said, "Thanks," before Shining smiled back and began his letter to Stardust. When he finished writing to her and his family, Ironclad started to clomp his way into the mess hall and began directing everyone back outside for afternoon training.
As Shining got up and shoved his letters into his armor, he silently prayed he'd have enough energy to run out to the mail post later on tonight with his letters to everyone. It had been a while since he last wrote to Stardust and family, and he felt a little guilty not writing more. He made a mental goal to remedy that. Running out with his platoon, he also thought on Stardust's latest letter to him detailing her excitement when she was approved for a lease. While he was not sure when she was moving, he hoped everything would go smoothly, and he wished to hear from her about it soon.
***************
"Holy crap-snacks!"
Unsure if he heard the strange outburst correctly, Blueblood quizzically eyed Stardust. "That's a... new one."
The blue unicorn was too focused on the apartment she swore was completely empty just a couple hours ago to give Blueblood any kind of coherent reply. "Because, just, the-the-and the... with the... crap-snacks!" Cadance, Mezzo, and City stepped through the door with similar wide-eyed disbelief. Before they came back up the steps from their lunch, the servants Blueblood had brought along exited swiftly out of Stardust's new home and announced they had finished unpacking her things. When she went inside, she didn't expect half the things that were inside. Everything was set up; dishes were placed in the cabinets of her small kitchen, the little couch she had brought with her was set in the living room, new curtains Cadance had brought as a small housewarming gift were tastefully hung and let in the perfect amount of sunlight, and one of her turntables was placed on top of a small table by the couch.
In her room, her posters were already leaving little to no empty space on the walls. Her dresser was moved in with her second turntable placed carefully on top. Her closet was lined with her clothes, and more of Cadance's curtains were hung on the window. The bed was set and made with an extra pile of small plush pillows that she knew had to be Blueblood's little gift for her new place. At the foot of the bed, two large plastic bins held every album she had. Along the curtained window, her writing desk and music stand stood, already littered with some of her folders of unfinished songs crammed inside with a few pages peeking out. "Everything's where I'd put it," Stardust lightly breathed, as if unable to believe this was real. "How did they--"
"I told you they'd have everything under control." Blueblood stepped in, beaming proudly with a walk that matched. "Best decorators in the castle, maybe even Equestria. Every few months or so I get bored of the way my room looks, and I have them redecorate. Never was I ever unsatisfied with their work."
She was about to further question Blueblood's newly revealed decoration habit until Mezzo and City stepped into the newly decorated room. Stardust stood next to them as they took it all in. "It's quite somethin', huh?"
Mezzo was breathless. To her, it was like walking into a magical duplicate of her daughter's room back home. City held his wife close. As much as they both knew how ready their daughter was for this, it did not make it any easier knowing their not-so-little girl was not going to be as big a part of their home anymore. "Sure is, Star," City simply said as he looked lovingly at his daughter.
Even underneath her father's mane, Stardust managed to lock on City's eyes before she shared a look with Mezzo, who was visibly trying to hold back the tears that desperately tried to fall despite her wide smile. Stardust felt her eyes prickle as they started to water up seeing Mezzo trying to stay strong. All of a sudden, she lunged forward and threw her forelimbs around them in a tight embrace. With all their strength, Mezzo and City hugged her back, not wanting to let go. "I love ya, guys," she said, her words muffled with her muzzle on Mezzo's shoulder.
"We love you too, baby," Mezzo said as she lost her battle in holding back her tears. She sniffed a few times before her and City drew back from the familial embrace, but kept a forelimb on Stardust's shoulder. She held her daughter's eyes with a loving gaze. "You are so ready for this, Stardust, and we know you are going to do amazing things." She cupped Stardust's cheek with a tender hoof. "You are going to take the world by storm."
"Or by its throat until it does what you want it to do," City added with a deep chuckle.
Stardust wiped at her eyes and laughed as well. "Love how ya get me, dad." She thought on how right her father was. One way or another, things were going to work out. Exactly how, Stardust still did not know, but her move was one step in the right direction. Possibilities on how the next few months would play out piled up in her mind and followed her as she walked with her parents towards the front door after Mezzo had suggested her and City taking their leave so Stardust could settle in. "I'll visit real soon," she reassured as the older ponies stepped outside.
The verbal promise was elating to hear, and Mezzo instantly brightened up. "Please do, and please be safe. Let us know if you need anything."
One more hug was shared between the three of them, and right before City and Mezzo started to make their way downstairs, City whispered, "Ya mom and I left a little somethin' for ya in the kitchen. Love ya, Star."
Stardust said, "Love ya too, dad," and closed the door once they were down the steps.
In the kitchen, Cadance and Blueblood stood behind one of the counters where a moderately-sized drawstring pouch sat. "Was this yours in the first place, or did one of the servants leave this here?" Blueblood asked when Stardust joined them.
"No, my dad said he and my mom left this here for me." She undid the drawstrings and pulled the pouch open and nearly stumbled back onto the stove behind her when she saw the pouch was filled with bits. As her mind struggled to comprehend that there was a sack of bits right in front of her, Cadance called attention to the folded up note lying under the bag. Stardust slipped the note up and unfolded it. Instantly she recognized the familiar hoof-writing of her mother.
"Surprise, Star. Your father and I didn't want to give this to you while we were inside. I know how weird you get about taking big gifts. Work on that."
"Shut it," Stardust shot at the two royals who shared a laugh at Mezzo's honest words before she read on.
"Take this and put it towards some recording equipment. We believe in you, and we'll miss you at home. We love you.
- Mom & Dad"
Exasperation aside from her parents' trick, Stardust felt a welcomed warmth come over her. It was only midday, and she was standing in her new home that was fully decorated after sitting down to a nice lunch with her parents and two of her best friends. Now, another great gift was sitting in front of her. For a moment she wondered exactly what she did so far in life to deserve such great ponies in her life.
"So are you gonna take it without making a big deal about repaying them somehow like you did with me?" Cadance asked, cracking a know-it-all grin she had to have picked up from the unicorn.
In a mocking tone, Stardust repeated Cadance's question and lifted the bag of bits with her magic. "Yes, I'll take it, but I'm gonna think of somethin' to do for them later on. Don't know what, but it'll come to me." The total amount of the bits made itself present in how much more energy Stardust put into keeping the pouch afloat next to her. "I should probably go deposit this now before I forget." From her room, she picked up her saddlebag, noting the odd feeling that she could grab something in this new place as if she never left her old room, and dropped the pouch inside. "Thanks for comin' out today, guys."
"Of course," Cadance said as she opened the door for the three of them.
"And thanks for gettin' some help, it made everythin' so much easier."
"No problem at all," Blueblood said on his way out the door. "I'll let the staff know they did a tremendous job." Arching his neck forward, the prince aimed a cocky grin at Cadance. "And you said I was going overboard when I suggested bringing some help."
"Yeah, well, your original idea was to bring in fifteen royal guards from the castle and use them as movers."
Not believing her ears, Stardust turned to Blueblood as the three of them started to descend the stairs. "Isn't that misuse of power?"
"There's no written law against it, I checked, but Cadance still thought it was overusing my power. Almost with that same face you're making right now, actually. I just figured they would be able to carry and lift more and move things along faster, and since I was bringing help anyway, it might as well be the best if it's for a friend."
"And that you hoped it would also excuse you of actually having to lift a hoof to help move things around?" Cadance interjected with a raised brow.
Blueblood shrugged and with a wave of his hoof said, "Little of column A, little of column B."
They were at the bottom of the staircase where Stardust snorted at Blueblood's remark. "Either way, thanks. So are ya doing anythin' else tonight, guys?"
"Not really," Cadance answered. "But we're supposed to sit in with our aunt for a meeting with the new Duke and Duchess of Maritonia tomorrow."
"In other words, an afternoon of boredom, but it comes with the job," Blueblood chimed in with a roll of his eyes. "So we were just going to head back to the castle after this to get everything ready for tomorrow."
"Oh." Stardust's ears flicked down only for a second before she hastingly brought them back up. "I was gonna see if ya wanted to help break in the new place and hang out for the night, but I guess you're busy." She hid it well, but the faint disappointment in her voice was enough for Cadance and Blueblood to pick up on. The regal cousins looked to one another when Stardust was not looking and shared a crafty grin.
"Well," Cadance began lively, "the meeting isn't going to be until dinner time."
"And it's the servants and our aunt's staff that usually deal with setting everything up," Blueblood chimed in. "All we need to do is choose a nice outfit and show up."
Stardust turned to look at both ponies on her sides as she started to smile. "You guys are the best," she said, bringing in her friends in a quick side hug. "So what's the plan?"
"You go make your deposit, and we'll meet back at your place after we get a few things from the castle." Cadance's plan was easily agreed on, and the trio broke off. Stardust continued on towards the bank while the princess and prince started their walk back to the castle.
Half an hour later, a quick trip to the nearest grocery store, and her saddlebags four hundred bits lighter, Stardust was back in her new place moving things around for her night in. She was in the middle of setting up her film projector when the knock on the door came a while later.
"Sorry we're late," Blueblood said when Stardust opened the door and followed Cadance inside, bringing with him a bag of overnight supplies and a large set of bedding and pillows in his magic. "Cadance wanted to pick up Shining's latest letter before we left."
Cadance laid her own plush bedding that was mostly a bunch of queen-sized blankets stacked on top of each other down on the ground next to the couch. "Can you blame me? Besides, I was thinking that we can write back to him tonight."
Already back at toying with the projector, Stardust replied, "Great idea. Been awhile since I wrote back to him. What'd he say today?" The projector started to hum and the lens finally emitted a blank light at the wall. "Hold that thought. I'm gonna get the movie and a sheet." She darted into her room and came back into the living room with the night's first movie, a white bedsheet, and some tape. "So what's Shiny gotta say?" she asked as she began taping the sheet to the wall.
"Just the usual; how training's going, asking how I'm doing, that he misses me. Oh, and he also asked me to ask you for your new address for the next time he writes you."
Moving to the kitchen, Stardust started to make the popcorn. "Awww. I'll write it in my letter. I picked up some paper and envelopes on the way home if ya wanna start yours, Cady."
"Thanks."
By the time Cadance finished up her letter, Stardust plopped down on the couch and set a giant bowl of hot, buttery popcorn down on the carpet between Cadance and Blueblood. "It's pretty awesome how you guys are still keepin' up with the whole letter every day thing."
"You should see the stack of them she keeps back in the castle," Blueblood said as he took some popcorn in his magic. "She actually had to get a bigger box to put them in."
Red flushed Cadance's pink cheeks as she hastily looked down and began to take some popcorn for herself. Stardust quickly noticed the change in her friend, and once Cadance had looked up at her, the princess was met with the one of the unicorn's grins. "You're in love with him, aren't ya, Cady?"
Blueblood inched in with raised brows, Stardust's question literally reeling him in so he could see Cadance's face go even redder before she straightened up in her sitting position. Memories of her blue-maned coltfriend began to rush in her mind, bringing with them images of Shining Armor and some of her favorite moments with him; their first awkward meeting, the Summer Sun Celebration, their first date, their first kiss, their late makeout in the castle's infirmary the night after he helped save her life, and every big gesture the stallion made over the last several months. She moved her hoof to pick up the letter she had just written and smiled down at the words he would read in a few days. She missed him. She clutched the letter close and looked up at Stardust, and in a gentle voice, almost like she realized it herself, answered, "I do."
Everypony was silent. The mares in the room were still looking at one another while Blueblood silently darted his eyes between Stardust and Cadance's wide smiles that seemed to be getting larger by the second. Suddenly, the momentary silence was destroyed when Cadance and Stardust each erupted into loud, ecstatic screams of delight as they flailed their back hooves in the air. Stardust started repeatedly pointing at the letter in Cadance's hooves. "Tell him! Tell him!"
Cadance looked down at her letter, almost immediately taking her quill and signing off with the sentiment, but before any ink was used, she held herself back. For a moment she stayed still, quill held in her magic and hovering just millimeters off the page, and then she set it down. "No. Not through a letter. I want to tell him face-to-face for the first time."
"Wouldn't this be much easier?" Blueblood asked.
"Yeah, but, well, I already told Stardust this before Shining left, but I've been wanting to try and do things for him like he does for me. Let me finish," Cadance said when Stardust pointed a hoof, about to say something. "He's done these gestures for me, and I wanna do something like that when he gets back, but I might need help with ideas."
Stardust looked at Cadance for a second, knowing full-well how serious she was about this. She sighed as she swung her legs off the couch to get to the projector. "It can never be easy with the two of ya, can it?" She said as she worked the film reel. "But it is really sweet that ya wanna do this."
"Almost dangerously sweet," Blueblood snarkily added in, quickly earning a nod from Stardust.
"Right? No offense, Cady, but sometimes when the two of ya were together, it got so sickeningly sweet, the air around you started to taste sugar. I'm scared that at my next checkup, the doc's gonna say I'm at risk for diabetes." No words. Cadance only managed some kind of croak as she tried to think of something to say back, but was left speechless. "Where do I come up with these?" Stardust asked herself happily as she plopped back in her spot on the couch while the film's countdown began.
Cadance furrowed her brow and groaned. "Can you just..."
"Don't worry, Cady. Me and Blue will help ya out."
The film finished its countdown and went black before the opening sequence. Blueblood grabbed some more popcorn in his magic as he kept watching. "It really shouldn't be too hard if it's all three of us. We'll think of something. Maybe you can get some ideas at my party. A lot of ponies are coming, it's a big event, and romantic things tend to happen at castle events. Remember when Auntie told us about those two mules she saw at the Grand Galloping Gala decades ago?"
Cadance nodded, looking ahead at the movie. "Oh yeah. Wonder what happened to them."
"Probably married with kids in some little town living a storybook ending. So, Stardust, what movie is this?"
Through a popcorn-filled muzzle, Stardust said, "You'll love it. Little destructive blue alien crash lands on an island and a little filly livin' wit her sister gets him as a pet. Ya may or may not cry."
Taking more popcorn, Blueblood sat back against his bedding and glued his eyes on the sheet. "Well this should be good."
***************
Dear, Shining
Things are okay over here in Canterlot. Blueblood and I ended up helping Stardust move all of her things into her new place. Well, the servant staff Blueblood brought along helped, but whatever. She's writing in her new address in her letter, I think you should get it along with this letter. Her place looks nice, but she'll probably tell you more about it herself. We ended up having another movie night... Blueblood was tearing up by the end.... it was a really good movie. Speaking of Blueblood, his birthday is coming up. I wish you were here so we could go to his party together. Castle parties are huge, and he organized it with a masquerade theme. Could you imagine us? Dressed up and wearing masks, and later on in the night, we're dancing under chandelier light? I miss you so much, but I'm so proud and happy for you to make it this far already. I can't wait to finally see you again. There's only so much I can say with ink. I miss you.
- Cadance |
To Fear A Predator | pre | Pizzelle tapped on the whither of a local militia stallion, "Excuse me, I couldn't help but wonder if you could tell me what's going on. I know I can just fly over the crowd, but I know better then that. An antsy crowd is rather troublesome, that I can tell you. Why I remember-"
"We've had a break in," the militia pony spoke, clearly hoping to stop her story.
Pizzelle frowned, "Oh dear, is everyone alright?"
"No one was present when the break in occurred," the militia answered. "We're working on finding out who did this as we speak."
Pizzelle gave a sigh of relief, "That's good to hear." 'We've lost far too many ponies as is.' She decided to have a look for herself. Using her natural strength, she pushed her way through the crowd until she saw the local meat vendor's shop in shambles. "Sweet Celestia..."
"The place is clear," Thunderlane walked out of the shop, trailed by two other militia and one of the few sun priestesses besides Bon Bon in town. "No sign of any corruption or any of that sort."
"I don't see why you'd go looking in my shop for that," the meat vendor mare flared her wings. "I'm no crazy heretic and I doubt anypony would be stupid enough to try that stuff here... can they?" She worriedly looked to Thunderlane.
Thunderlane smirked, "I sincerely doubt they'd try Ponyville a second time, isn't that right?" He turned his head to his compatriots who nodded in answer. "We'll find the culprits soon enough."
"It was probably that griffon," another vendor mare snarled. "I saw the way that beaked cat was looking at my produce."
Thunderlane snorted, "I honestly doubt a griffon as old as him did all this. He'd probably break his back taking all the meat with him."
"He had an earth pony with him," the meat vendor mare spoke up. "She'd be strong enough."
Pizzelle's eyes widened as the crowd started to agree with her, "Now see here." She marched forward until she got to the pair. "Let's not go jumping to conclusions. We don't have any proof that he did anything."
"He's a griffon," the meat vendor scoffed. "They're all alike. They are viscious freaks that want to gobble us up for breakfast. I say we kick him out of town." Some of the other ponies verbally agreed with her.
"Nopony is kicking anypony out of town," Thunderlane spoke up, narrowing his eyes at the crowd. "You are to go home and let the local law enforcements deal with the problem. So don't get any funny ideas like forming a mob or anything like that." He looked into the back, "So put down those pitchforks and torches!"
A few disappointed ponies put down their mob supplies.
"Patrols will be set up to find this perpetrator," Thunderlane said. "And-"
"Hold it!" The local police chief, Night Watch, marched right through the crowd with a few officers behind him. "This is a crime scene. You can't be issuing orders or such about it. That's my job."
Thunderlane narrowed his eyes, "I've already had my militia check the surrounding area and crime scene. Maybe if you were quicker you would have gotten here sooner."
Pizzelle sighed and rolled her eyes. Night Watch was a stubborn pony and his hatred of Thunderlane, for rather petty reasons mind you, seemed to have rubbed off on Thunderlane over the years. She got in between them, "Now there is no need to be angry with each other. We have more important things to worry about then blind accusations and arguing."
"And pray tell, what do you suggest?" Night Watch snorted. "Lady, I really don't care about what you have to say. For all intents and purposes, you think a fox is the same thing as a colt. Excuse me if I find your say flimsy."
Pizzelle's eyes widened at that. While Night Watch was a gruff, thick headed sort of pony, he had never talked to her with that sort of contempt before. She knew he'd still be miffed about Scootaloo getting hurt before, but she'd gotten better. 'It was an accident.'
"Watch your tongue!" Thunderlane snarled and took a step forward. "She is a bearer of an Element. You will treat her with respect."
Night Watch snarled. He looked like he wanted to talk back to the younger stallion, but a glance to the other ponies present stopped that train of thought. Accusing a griffon was one thing. Acting like this to Pizzelle? The nice, homely local baker, element bearer, and doting parent of what many ponies considered a cute little fox. Well they didn't seem to warm up to the act given their scowls. Even his subordinates seemed appalled by his little outburst. He sighed, "Miss Pizzelle, I apologize." He said through gritted teeth.
Pizzelle nodded. That was the best that she was going to get out of him anyways. "Apology accepted."
Night Watch glared at her and Thunderlane, "My officers will take over this crime scene now."
"Do what you will," Thunderlane let the older stallion pass. "I'm sorry you had to go through that, Miss Pizzelle."
"Don't think anything of it, don't think of it one bit." Pizzelle waved him off with a wing. "He's been on my case ever since our kids got into a little scuffle. I don't see why. Kids fight and wrestle all the time. I think he's just using this as a means to get off all his frustration. Poor dear."
"I wouldn't try and sympathize with the old geezer," Thunderlane snorted. "That will get you hurt one day. Anyways, you were with the griffon the other day, could you perhaps answer some questions?"
Pizzelle nodded, "Of course."
___________________________________________________________________
"Settle down, students." Cheerilee hushed her class as she prepared to start a new day. She was thankful everything seemed to be calming down in town and getting back to some type of normalcy. 'Knowing our present luck, it won't last.' She dourly thought. Still, she'd do her best to be chipper for her students. "Class is about to begin."
That's when she heard a knock on the door.
Cheerilee blinked in confusion, "Now who could that be?" She trotted over and opened it, gasping as she saw who was behind it.
A changeling and a human boy. Both of them were wearing Inquisitorial outfits, "Good evening, Miss Cheerilee." The changeling said, bowing his head. The human matched his motion. "I was wondering if I could talk to you."
Cheerilee stared at him for a moment, before she started to talk. "I'm sure we can talk when the students take their recess break."
The changeling shook his head, "I'm afraid I can't wait that long. You see, Inquisitor Trixie would like Cato here to attend your class today."
Cheerilee's eyes widened, "What?"
"She wants you to teach him just like you would teach any of these fine students you have here," he motioned towards the little ponies around them. The changeling smiled at her. "I'm sure that won't be a problem."
Cheerilee furrowed her brow, "I'm sorry Inquisitor, there are rules and regulations about this sort of thing. If you come by later, you can sign a few admission slips and he can start next week."
The changeling frowned, "I'm afraid that we won't wait that long. He starts today." He held up a hoof to silence her. His horn lit up and a little data crystal was lifted out of his breast pocket. He tapped the crystal with his hoof and it started to shine. It spun around, floating to the ground.
Suddenly, a ghostly visage of Inquisitor Trixie appeared out of the crystal. It was a full sized hologram, Cheerilee realized. Such projections were a little harder to pull off so most data crystals just used verbal messages. The visage looked down her nose at her.
"This is Inquisitor Trixie of the Ordo Hereticus." The hologram started. "My apprentice Cato shall be attending your classes for the foreseeable future. You are to treat him as you would any other student. If I find so much as one hair plucked from his head, I will raze your school to the ground and have you executed. This is an order, Miss Cheerilee and a fact. I'd hate to see Ponyville lose such a capable teacher." The hologram stopped and the visage disappeared.
Cheerilee gulped. An Inquisitor's order was to be heeded without question.
"Miss Cheerilee," the changeling sighed. "I don't like forcing ponies to do what I want, but this is what Inquisitor Trixie wants. So Cato is to start today."
"Very well," Cheerilee nodded. 'Might as well. I don't lose anything by teaching him and I already have to teach a kitsune. A human shouldn't be any trouble.' She smiled at Cato, "Hello, Cato."
The child moved forward and gave a crisp salute, "Acolyte Inquisitor Cato reporting for class, ma'am."
"There's no need for that here, Cato." Cheerilee stated. "Please take a seat and we'll start class. You're lucky the school year just started so you won't have to worry about catching up." She looked over at the changeling. "He has been properly educated, right mr..."
"Dot," the changeling chuckled. "Sorry about not introducing myself before. I've got a lot on my mind. Anyways, yes he has. He shouldn't have any trouble following the studies." He started to walk back out the door. "I'll be back later to pick him up."
Cheerilee's smile faltered as she tried to think over her situation, but she shook those thoughts away. She had a class to teach and that came first. The education of Equestria's youth was extremely important. As she watched Cato quietly take a seat for himself, she hoped that this wouldn't end up in some disaster.
Hope wasn't a guarantee, but it was all she had. |
To Fear A Predator | You Gotta Show Some Care | "So," Inquisitor Trixie sat on the other side of the dining table from Pokey. The officer was eating normally, as though an Inquisitor wasn't talking to him. The three of them, including Dot, were gathered inside a little restaurant. Trixie wanted answers and she felt this stallion could give them to her. "How long have you been on the force?"
"I've served three years in the local police force," Pokey answered, taking a sip of his drink.
"And why did you join?" Trixie, out of the corner of her eye, glanced over at Dot. The changeling was keeping an eye on the subject. Unlike many other creatures, changelings had a perfect memory. So she didn't have to worry about notes and such with this investigation. That and she had requested beforehoof that the establishment keep their area clear of pedestrians as she worked.
"To protect the good ponies of Ponyville," Pokey Pierce stated. "I grew up in this area and I wanted to make sure that my friends here would be safe."
"And what about your family?" Trixie quirked an eyebrow.
Pokey's eyes looked downcast, "Dead. Killed by a manticore. I was happy to hear something killed it."
Trixie nodded, "Very well. You are very noble to offer your services to the town. I'm sure your superior officers appreciate a good cop such as yourself."
Pokey snorted, "If they didn't stop arguing with each other."
"Oh?" 'Now this is interesting,' Trixie thought to herself.
"The Chief, the Inquisitor, the priestess, and the local guard all quarrel with each other all the time." Pokey said. "They focus on their own agendas and rarely ever come together. It's frustrating and they don't think to give out credit to their own. The Chief thinks of himself before the rest of us. I can't tell you how many times I've been passed on a promotion because he credits himself or somepony less deserving."
"Hmmm," Trixie digested this information, glancing at Dot to make sure he got all that. At his slight nod, she looked back at him. "This seems typical of less advanced towns. So you admit that the ponies in charge here, including Inquisitor Time Turner is unfit for their jobs?"
Pokey paused before nodding, "Yes, Inquisitor. I do."
Trixie let a small smile grace her features, 'I wonder how the other ponies in town feel about them.' "Thank you for talking with us. I know it must be hard telling anyone of this."
Pokey nodded once more, "I don't want to lose my job. I love helping other ponies."
"You have nothing to fear," Trixie said. "I shall make sure none learn of this and if they try something, they will have to get through me." 'Which will endear the citizens of this town to me. The Inquisitors back in Canterlot will see how good I am and soon I shall be a Grand Inquisitor. Oh father and mother will be so proud.' "Is there anything else you would like to talk about?"
"Well there is this griffon that-"
Trixie stood up immediately, "Griffon, you say?"
"He just came into town and some strange stuff has been happening about the same time," Pokey stated, caught off guard by her rapid movements.
"Well I shall look into this then," Trixie internally squealed. 'YES! This is my ticket. Oh Trixie, you are on your way to the top for sure and this griffon is the key to doing just that.'
______________________________________________________________________
Pizzelle hummed as she strolled along an older path. She was thankful she had bumped into somepony who knew where the griffon and his apprentice lived, or it would have taken her a while to find the place. Her basket of treats was well wrapped up so even if it did take a while, they wouldn't have gone stale. 'Hopefully they'll enjoy them. I know they will, but I can't be too sure with griffons and their diet.'
The path eventually came to a crossroad. Pizzelle was surprised to see who it was. Rarity smiled over and waved at her, "Good day, Pizzelle. What brings you here?"
"Oh I'm just going over to give the newcomers a welcome to Ponyville gift," Pizzelle nodded towards the basket to her side. "Somepony has to do it, don't you know? I don't think a single pony has as much as wished them a good day. Sad that is."
"Oh I'm sure the rest of the town will come along," Rarity added. "I'm heading there myself so I might as well tag along."
Pizzelle smiled. The two of them were the center of pretty much all the gossip in town. They often got together just to discuss what was going on, when Rarity wasn't busy of course. "So what brings you to their abode?"
"Oh the mare of the two came by my boutique yesterday," Rarity explained. "She wanted me to fix up some of their outfits, but the dearie was too shy to come inside. It might have been the diamond dogs. I just thought I'd pop in and see if I could if I could help them there as well as ask her if she could stop by. Her physique is perfect for my upcoming line."
"Going for the athletic build this summer?"
Rarity nodded, "Indeed. I don't see nearly enough outfits in the market that can be both elegant and useful in combat. I mean, if you're going to risk your life, you might as well do it fashionably."
"I'm not so sure about the risking your life part," Pizzelle spoke. "But I'm an Element of Harmony now, so it's more likely to happen then I want it to."
"So..."
"Make it purple," Pizzelle's favorite color. 'Hopefully, she won't go too overboard.'
"You shan't be disappointed," Rarity beamed. Not long after that, they finally reached the abode. Rarity scrunched her muzzle. "That house needs a serious make-over."
"They just moved in, Rarity." Pizzelle said. "I don't think they've had the time to do anything with it."
"Oh I'm not begrudging them," Rarity said. "But the place just screams 'dead inside'. Perhaps I can help them out with redecorating." The two of them approached the door.
"I'm surprised you aren't scared of meeting a griffon," Pizzelle spoke up. "Most of the ponies in town are scared stiff of him. I barely managed to stop them from forming an angry mob not long ago."
Rarity scoffed, "Darling, I'm the Alpha of an entire Diamond Dog pack and have stared down the likes of angry nobles and even an inquisitor. One griffon isn't going to scare me after everything I've been through. "
Just before the two of them could knock however, the door was opened by none other than the griffon: Crowland Tempo. He peered down at the ponies. He was currently wearing his usual combat gear and idly had his crossbow held in one hand. Crowland blinked in surprised, "I wasn't expecting visitors."
"Oh we just wanted to pay a visit and welcome you to Ponyville proper," Pizzelle used her wing to hold out the basket to him. He gingerly took it and placed it inside. "That and we wanted to apologize for what the ponies did in town."
"Yes, that was most uncouth of them." Rarity snorted and shook her head.
Crowland shrugged, "I'm used to it. It doesn't bother me any, since I know first hand why you lot don't very much care for us."
"Well you won't face any of that nonsense with us around," Pizzelle spoke. "May we come in?"
"Sorry," Crowland shook his head and stepped outside. He quickly closed the door behind him, "I've got a few things to take care of. Perhaps another time."
Rarity furrowed her brow, "What about the mare with you? Is she inside?"
"She's in town," Crowland started to walk off. "She doesn't often get the chance to interact with ponies, so I let her have some fun."
"And pray tell," Rarity called out to him. "What are you doing with all that gear?"
"Oh just a little scouting," he waved them off and kept going.
Rarity huffed, "So I came all this way for nothing." She tapped her chin, "Maybe I can find that mare of his and discuss it with her."
Pizzelle giggled, "That poor mare."
Rarity lightly shoved her away, rolling her eyes. She turned her attention to the departing griffon, "Don't you think it's a bit odd. All those weapons and armor that he's wearing?"
"Well the town has been attacked a few times recently," Pizzelle pointed out. "I've seen enough in my time to know that it's better to be over prepared than underprepared. My grandfather used to tell me that all the time. He served in the Foreign Legion for a time, you know-"
Rarity closed her eyes. She could gossip and go on and on. She was guilty of doing that on occasion, but Pizzelle was something else. She'd ponder on the strange newcomers later. Right now she was going to listen to her friend's long winded story.
_______________________________________________________________________
'Next time, I'm going to find a way to teleport all the way back to Canterlot.' Sunset groaned as she stared at the two unicorns now trapped in a bubble. Thankfully, they had gotten them out of the bar before anything bad happened. She hadn't been in town long, but she knew well enough not to upset Berry Punch. Many an unfortunate pony or other such creature have learned that the hard way.
That didn't save the local fountain though. It was trashed thanks to the two unicorns doing... something for fun. Sunset didn't want to think about it or the silly dances they made the statue do before the brawl started. So she had put the two into separate magical bubbles.
"Awwww," Twilight pouted and crossed her forelegs. "Why'd you have to glue the bubbles to the ground?"
"Because if I didn't, you'd turn this place into a giant version of a pinball machine." Sunset glared at her. She turned to what was left of the statue. It was just rubble... except for the one leg that was still hopping, singing heavy metal. Twilight had obviously cast some strange spells on it, since it was resistant to both Bon Bon and Sunset's attempts to destroy it. 'The magic will fade away soon anyways.'
"That would be awesome!" Lyra shouted in glee.
Bon Bon smacked the bubble with her staff, "No it wouldn't." She turned to Sunset, "Princess Shimmer, how do you want me to deal with these two?"
"Just keep them in those bubbles for a couple of hours," Sunset sighed and headed back home. 'She'll probably break out before then, but eh. I don't care at this point. Chaos is inevitable. I really hope Trixie leaves soon and takes her with her.' As she walked on, she noticed Suri walking the opposite way not far ahead. "Hey."
"Hey," Suri nodded as she and Sunset came to stop, face to face.
"So how're you doing?" Sunset asked. She was pretty sure you were supposed to ask something like that now and again to others. Their feelings and stuff were important, or whatever.
"Doing fine," Suri answered. "I was hoping to relax in town and have some fun. I don't get to stay near pony villages that often so I thought I'd make the most of it."
Sunset quirked an eyebrow, "You're not staying?"
"Might," Suri shrugged. "Might not. Mostly came here for the job."
"Job?"
Suri blinked in confusion before her eyes widened, "Ummm... just the job of hunting birds, mmmkay. Some birds can... offer large prices in the market."
Sunset narrowed her eyes. That sounded like a lie. A part of her wanted to try and pry the information out of her. Another part of her declined, 'It's none of your business. You already performed one friendship problem with her and that's it. You just have to worry about Quickfix blowing up the town next Tuesday or something and write up a report on that.' "Alright, if that's what you say."
"Hey Sunset," Lighting suddenly landed beside her. "I was wondering if you could check out some of my newest moves. You know, that I'll be impressing the Wonderbolts with in the upcoming Young Fliers Competition."
Sunset groaned. She never liked watching sports and flying maneuvers didn't exactly do it for her. She always fell asleep during Wonderbolt shows. "About that..."
"L-lightning?" Suri stuttered. Her face took a hue of red to it.
Lightning Dust looked at Suri as she finally noticed the mare. Her eyes widened, "Suri? Suri Polomare?" Suri nodded, to which Lightning laughed. "Oh it's been so long. How've you been? No wait, you finally became a famous fashionista like you wanted. Interesting choice of clothes. YOu used to like frilly stuff. This new look is actually pretty awesome."
Suri's blush got worse, "N-n-no, I... hunt things."
Lightning quirked her head to the side in question, "Hunt things?"
Suri nodded, "Y-y-yes, for bits."
"Doesn't sound like something you would enjoy," Lightning scratched her head in unison.
"You two actually know each other?" Sunset asked.
"Of course we do," Lightning walked over and turned to Sunset. She put a hoof around Suri and pulled her close to her. Suri 'eeped' in surprise. "We were best friends growing up."
Suri nodded, "Yeah, best friends." She seemed to be a bit down about the 'friends' part.
'Must be a friendship thing,' Sunset thought.
"We've got to catch up," Lightning smiled. "How about you come watch me perform some tricks? Like how we used to, but I have to warn you. I've become pretty epic over the years. I might blind you with my awesomeness."
"I'm sure I can handle it," Suri smiled.
"How about you, Sunset?" Lightning asked. "You coming?"
"Well-"
"I'd really appreciate the support," Lightning said.
Sunset grit her teeth. She wanted to say no, but this friendship stuff was important now. 'Curse you friendship. You make me actually care about other people.' "Fine."
Lightning hoof pumped, "Oh yeah. Don't you worry. You won't regret it." |
To Fear A Predator | Another Theft | Cheerilee prided herself on keeping an open and friendly classroom. She believed she had done a good job so far, with many parents giving her their praise in bettering their children. She couldn't help but feel happy and proud of aiding the developing minds of the future generation. Their smiles were what she lived for.
As well, she never had much trouble with children. While she had a number of troublesome students over the years, she always found someway to get them to behave. Even if they continued, it was always just small annoyances that could be dealt with. This however?
Cheerilee glanced at the human in her classroom. She had nothing against humans. She hadn't met many, but the ones she had met were nice. Equestria did house a sizable population of humans so they were of course normal Equestrians like everyone else. What did shake her nerves was that he was the acolyte of an Inquisitor. An Inquisitor that wanted to dispose of Time Turner. That didn't set well with her.
Still, she would teach the human child like she would teach any colt or filly. She took in a kitsune well enough, with minor problems. She doubted 'Cato', as the human was called, could disrupt her class as badly as an illusion of Hikaru's could.
That's when she heard someone jumping out of their chair and screams. Turning around, she gasped. Cato had taken out his pistol and was aiming it at Silver Spoon's head, "Cato, what is the meaning of this?"
"I caught her cheating," the human boy answered.
"And you felt the need to point a weapon at her?" Cheerilee scolded the boy, glaring at him.
Cato shrank a bit from the stare, "W-well, my master says it's always good to emphasis your strength to make a point."
"Cato," Cheerilee sighed. This was going to be tougher than she thought. "Just because you can use force to threaten someone, doesn't mean you should. You could have easily just alerted me of the cheating and I would take care of it. No one's going to get hurt over this and no one is going to threaten anyone. Do you understand me?"
Cato nodded and sat down.
Cheerilee sighed, 'Well at least he listens to me.' With that done with, she went back to writing down another math problem for the children to answer.
"If you do anything like that again," she heard Scootaloo speak up. That filly really had a hard time whispering anything. "I swear, I'll hurt you."
She heard Cato jump up from his chair, "Threatening a member of an Inquisitorial team is an offense punishable by death."
Cheerilee turned to see Cato pointing his pistol point blank in Scootaloo's face, "Cato! Put your weapon down."
"But my master-" Cato started.
"I don't care what your mother says," Cheerilee started. She knew well enough the type of relationship he had with Trixie. Dot had been kind enough to give her the basics of Cato in a little file so she could have an easier time teaching him. "Threatening someone else is wrong, especially in a classroom. Give me your weapon and we will continue."
Cato looked down at his pistol, "But... but it's my pistol."
"You can have it back when class is over," she patted the desk. "Now place it on the desk and we can move on."
Cato frowned as he walked up to the front and put down his pistol. He glumly walked back to his seat and sat down. Scootaloo could be heard snickering, alongside Silver Spoon.
"Scootaloo, Silver Spoon." Cheerilee spoke up. "I want to see you both during recess."
They gasped, "Why?" They said in unison.
"What you did was wrong and I will send a report to your families ," a bit overkill, but they were misbehaving, again, and she didn't want to seem like she was going light on anyone in case Trixie took out her anger on her. She really wished this day would be over quickly.
_____________________________________________________________
Later that night, in Ponyville
The usual night watch was mostly just a dozen local militia. Ponyville, before recently, had never really had to worry about anything outside of a possible monster attack. Even then, those were rare. The little town never had to worry about invading armies or anything serious, so it didn't need to worry about keeping a large force up at night. It was mostly for show as ponies were uneasy about the nighttime.
Now though, that dozen had become three. The police had bolster their numbers a further dozen. With everything going on, the recent attacks and the current theft, no one was going to stand idle while pony lives were in danger.
One such militia was Cherry Fizzy. The earth stallion was in charge of guarding the weapons depot in Ponyville. It wasn't a big building, due to the small need for arms before recent events, but it still had enough to aid them in a time of need. That and it could pose a problem if someone with ill intent got their hooves on them.
On top of his musket and keen senses drilled into him by his drill instructor, he had a locket that housed a gem that could detect shadow magic. Inquisitor Time Turner had given it to him since he suspected that some of Nightmare Moon's fanatics might be involved with the theft.
___________________________________________________
Earlier that day
Cherry Fizzy kept himself close to the Inquisitor as he checked out the crime scene. If anything happened to him, it would be their heads. As well, Time Turner had pretty much been with Ponyville since its founding. He was a local hero and many of the ponies looked up to him. Cherry Fizzy was one of them.
The Inquisitor was checking out the interior. His gaze never missed detailing every inch of the place as he moved about. He hummed in thought, checking every crevice and underneath everything he could lift. He muttered to himself in a language Cherry had a hard time following. Probably Gallopfreyan.
"Are you sure you should be messing with the crime scene, Inquisitor?" Cherry asked.
Inquisitor Time Turner clicked his tongue, "An Inquisitor has the right to do so if he, she, or they wish. Besides, I have an impeccable memory. I dare say, I haven't forgotten-" His eyes widened when he came across a semi-shredded box. He took out a gem from his pocket and it glowed blue, getting brighter the closer he got to it. "Oh dear, this isn't good." He put the gem in his pocket before trotting back and forth in thought.
"This doesn't make any sense," he muttered to himself. "Why attack a meat store? They wouldn't risk... Sunset mentioned something about their wolves in their employ, could they... no, but possibly..." He turned to Cherry, "I think I might have a clue as to who did this."
_______________________________________________________________
Present
Nightmare remnants, he supposed. Time Turner wasn't one hundred percent sure this was the case, but it seemed possible. He wouldn't be surprised if it was true and some of the Nightmare cultists had survived. He couldn't help but smirk at that. They'd be few in number, weak, and easy to take on. He clutched his musket. They didn't scare him.
He chuckled and spun his musket in his hooves. He threw it up into the air and caught it, "Come on out, thief. I'm waiting for you." Cherry Fizzy felt very confident. He was a good shot and while it was dark, the town had a number of lamps and light gems to make it easy to see what was going on. So he doubted that he would be taken by surprise.
As he practiced aiming down the site of his musket, he noticed a light blue light. Looking down, he saw that his locket was glowing. He grinned, "Okay, you're finished." He prepared to fire on the next thing that moved.
Unfortunately for him, he received a rather harsh strike to the back of the head.
_____________________________________________________
The Next Day
Time Turner scowled as he looked at what used to be the town's weapon depot. Now it was trashed, several weapons were missing, and a bruised guard that was lucky to be alive. Oh he was just 'loving' this. 'If I had the time and resources, this wouldn't be a problem.' He silently cursed the fact that so many ponies had left after the events of previous attacks on the town, leaving him understaffed.
Not to mention that he was sure Cherry would have done alright. That gem he had given him and some of the other ponies guarding the streets that night, should have given him ample time to be aware of dark magic approaching. 'So why was he taken by surprise? That just doesn't make any sense. Maybe... this isn't a typical Nightmare attack.'
His musings were cut short when a familiar unicorn Inquisitor and her changeling and pony company walked over to him. He couldn't help but grit his teeth at her annoying smirk.
"Well, well, well," Trixie stopped before him. "I see that another successful robbery has happened right under your nose and look. It's a weapons depot. How marvelous it is to know that so many weapons are now in the hooves, or whatever they may have, of thieves. You must be feeling so great right now." She tapped her chin, "And I do recall some of them having gems that you yourself gave them to detect this so called 'Nightmare' threat? I see that it's worked out swimmingly."
"It is unfortunate," Time Turner cleared his throat, slightly glaring at her. "But nopony was killed, so we can thank that small mercy."
"Someone might be killed soon," Dot spoke up, looking over the wrecked weapons depot. "You wouldn't go to the trouble of stealing weapons without ill intent."
"Perhaps you should have done a better job of guarding it," Trixie snickered.
Time Turner scowled, "I don't have enough ponies to adequately safeguard this town. If I could just call in reinforcements-"
Trixie raised a hoof, "An Inquisitor must make do with what they have." She smirked, "Don't tell me that you can't. That wouldn't be very professional, now would it?"
"I can help patrol the area," Dot offered, shocking Trixie a bit. "My senses are a bit sharper than your average pony. I can see in the dark and heretics are usually very vocal about their emotions." He stuck out his tongue in disgust, "Annoyingly so."
Trixie worked her jaw for a moment, before sighing. "Very well," she turned to glare at Time Turner. "One more chance, Time Turner. If something else happens, The Council won't look fondly on somepony with such a bad streak." With that said, the trio left.
Time Turner sighed, 'She came all this way just to threaten me. Gods, I hate that mare.'
"Sir," Officer Pokey Pierce rushed up to him and bowed his head. "Cherry Fizzy just woke up."
"Oh?" Time Turner smiled, thankful that the injury wasn't so serious. "What did he have to say? Can he identify his attackers?"
Pokey simply held up a locket, "It glowed blue. That's what he said."
Time Turner sighed, "I really hoped that wasn't the case." He made a mental note to amp up his security with more measures to stop this Shadow threat.
_____________________________________________________________
Not far from there, Apple Cobbler was giddy. She was currently watching the investigation from an alleyway. Not alone, since she had brought her brother Caramel along with her. "Yes, I can make this work~"
Caramel was obviously nervous about this whole thing, "Ummm, Apple Cobbler? Are you sure we should be here?"
She rolled her eyes, "Leave everything to your big sister. I know what I'm doing." Hiding in the alleyway, she rubbed her forehooves together as she grinned. "I've got a plan."
Caramel gulped, "I already don't like it."
Apple Cobbler scoffed, "It's a good plan. Now, this thief has hit the weapons depot and the meat shop. Obviously, they're going to hit again tonight."
Caramel nodded, "And what does that have to do with us?"
"Everything," she chuckled. "This is the perfect way to impress Princess Sunset Shimmer. Imagine it. You, the hero of Ponyville. The one who single hoofedly stopped this threat and saved the town. She'll be putty in your hooves." Her eyes sparkled, "And then we'll be richer than anypony alive."
"I honestly don't think this is a good plan, sis." Caramel nervously rubbed his foreleg. "I'm a bit too... clumsy to make this work."
She rolled her eyes again, "You're not Ditzy levels of clumsy. Gods forbid, you aren't anywhere near the level of destruction that Lemon Drops gets herself into. You're Caramel and you're going to be fine." She walked off, "Now little brother, we've got a thief to catch."
Caramel sighed, 'I am so dead.' |
To Fear A Predator | Things May Have a Chance of Working Out {Kinda} | Inquisitor Time Turner was having another terrible morning. Again, someone had struck Ponyville. This time the damage wasn't so severe. A few explosive bolts had struck the barracks. Again, no one was seriously harmed by it. The damage could be quickly patched up in a day or two. It was just that this being was able to do so and get away with it. Thankfully, the wards preventing shadow forces from getting in was working as intended. The being hadn't tried to go inside the circle at all, opting for a ranged attack. That didn't fit with the other two, so Time Turner believed he was onto something.
That didn't lift his mood however. None of it did. While he typically would more at ease with this information, another failure would have Trixie biting at his heels. Three in a row would not look favorable to the council of Inquisitors. The only thing that gave him hope was that this seemed more like a small incursion then anything. The damages were small and could easily be redone. Nopony had died either. He could still make his case to the council.
Turner knew, however, that Trixie would still do her best to blow this out of proportion somehow. She was rich. She had influence. On top of that, the council was more than half likely to side with her. He needed to play this smart. He couldn't afford something jeopardizing his reputation now. Thankfully, Trixie was dealing with her child and school. His condolences went out to Cheerilee, but this bought him some time to organize and prepare for her arrival.
"Sir," Thunderlane walked in. "There's something I think you'll want to see."
Turner turned his head towards the soldier, "Well? What is it?"
Thunderlane walked over and placed a few feather down onto the table Time Turner was sitting at, "We were able to find this in an abandoned building. Given the trajectory of the marks, it's the best place we could hope to look for. Perfect view of the barracks from the room we found them in."
Time Turner glared down at the feathers, "White feathers? Could be anything, even a large bird."
Thunderlane nodded, "Yes, or it could be the suspect's."
"We can't jump to conclusions," Time Turner stated. He pushed them towards Thunderlane. "Take them to Redheart. She and the hospital staff might be able to gleam some information out of them."
Thunderlane nodded and took the feathers into his own, "Yes, sir."
"Be sure to not mention this to Trixie, will you?" Time Turner spoke up. "This find isn't anything substantial, but she might try to force something out of this before we know for sure."
Thunderlane scoffed, "I honestly can't stand that mare. I'm just grateful she's dealing with the police and not the militia on this, otherwise I might end up clubbing her."
"Do that and you'll be shot," Time Turner smirked, inwardly chuckling at the thought of Thunderlane knocking Trixie out with the butt of his musket.
Thunderlane gave him a grin, "Worth it." The two shared a small laugh at that. Once they were finished, he spoke his mind. "Do you think it's the griffon?"
Time Turner frowned, "Why would he do this?"
Thunderlane shrugged, "Well, he is a griffon. They are kinda violent."
Time Turner rolled his eyes, "Old grudges never die, it seem."
Thunderlane's grin grew, "Can't help my genetics, sir. I've been itching to fight him ever since I saw him. If it's him, I can't wait to kill him. If it's not, a little sparring session is in order."
"Just don't try to kill him if he's innocent," Tim Turner shook his head with a mirthful smile.
Thunderlane gave him a teasing smile, "I'll try, but I promise nothing." With that, he started out the door from whence he came.
Time Turner's smile left him the moment Thunderlane closed the door. He looked to where the feathers once sat and thought for a moment, 'Crowland, you aren't guilty. I know it. That young griffon I knew all those years ago wouldn't stoop so low as to do what this bandit is doing. Not without a reason.'
___________________________________________________________________________
Pizzelle tapped her hoof as she waited for her son to pack up his bag and come downstairs, "Hikaru? Are ready yet? You're going to be late for school if you keep this up."
"I'm coming, Miss Pizzelle." Aki Hikaru called down to her.
Pizzelle couldn't help but sigh, 'He still doesn't feel comfortable enough to call me mom, or mommy, or mother. Just a little something like that would be nice.' Still, she wouldn't let that bother her. He was her son no matter what and he'd eventually come around. She wouldn't force him to call her anything.
The little golden kitsune ran downstairs with a gleeful smile on his face, wearing his backpack now. "I'm ready!" His little tail wagged behind him.
Pizzelle couldn't help but giggle at how cute he looked. She gave him a little nuzzle, which he returned. "Good, now let's hurry. You're not going to be late on my watch." With that, they trotted outside.
*A Few Moments Later*
Pizzelle hummed a peaceful little tune as she trotted alongside her son. She kept close to him as she was a bit afraid he'd fall back on his mischievous ways and try something. That and she was afraid something might try and get him. Usually, fillies and colts were safe enough in Ponyville that they could walk on their own. The monsters in the Everfree never got anywhere close to the school. With everything going on, she wouldn't take any chances. Still, everything seemed to point to a very pleasant day.
That is until she saw who was standing in front of the school.
"And pray tell," Trixie snarled down at Cheerilee. Seeing them so close together really emphasized how big Trixie was. Dot was idly standing beside her, while Cato was nervously fidgeting with his feet behind. "Why did you think that removing his gun from his person was a good idea? Don't you know that an Inquisitor is supposed to remain armed at all times?"
"He threatened my students," Cheerilee retorted. "What was I supposed to do? Wait for him to actually fire the third time? Maybe if you taught him to restrain himself-"
"Are you implying that Trixie didn't raise him right?" Trixie glowered down at the teacher, causing Cheerilee to flinch but keep her stance.
"I was entrusted with the safety of my students when I took this position," Cheerilee stomped her hoof, shaking the ground slightly from her strength. "I will not allow him to enter my school with firearms, especially after his behavior yesterday."
Trixie narrowed her eyes, "Your actions could be considered treason." Her magic lingered on her on her sword handle.
Pizzelle knew this was about to get ugly. 'Oh dear. Oh my. I have to do something!' She turned to Hikaru and nuzzled him, "Stay here, sweetie. Mommy will be right back."
Hikaru nodded and sat down, "Okay, Miss Pizzelle."
With that done, Pizzelle chipperly trotted over to the pair. 'I'm confident I can make this work and nopony will get hurt. I've dealt with enough cranky Inquisitors to know a few things.' She cleared her throat, gaining their attention. "Hello there. Isn't it a lovely day we're having? Why, I don't think we've had a day as lovely as this all spring. It reminds me-"
"You are Pizzelle, the Element of Truth are you not?" Trixie interrupted her.
Pizzelle paused for a moment before nodding, "Yes, that's me. I still can't believe that actually happened though. To think, a small town baker becoming a national hero." She chuckled, "But even so, it's nice to meet you. You must be Inquisitor Trixie."
Trixie nodded, "That is who I am. I am pleased to meet one of the holy bearers of the Elements of Harmony." She gave a short bow, before righting herself. "I am sorry, but I am in the middle of something at the moment."
"I can see that," Pizzelle put herself between the two. "That's why I'm getting involved. I couldn't help but overhear your conversation and before you both say something, I have plenty of experience mediating between two parties. I didn't travel with Presto himself for nothing after all." She gave a delighted sigh, "Oh, those were the days. Why, I recall this one time I had to stop a Tatzlpony and griffon from fighting over-"
"Pizzelle," Cheerilee interrupted her. "I hate to interrupt, but this isn't exactly the time for one of your stories."
Pizzelle nodded, "Too true, Cheerilee. Too true, but it is a good one. I'll make sure to tell you it later." She cleared her throat, "As I was saying, I have plenty of experience with things like this."
"And pray tell," Trixie spoke up. "What are you suggesting?"
"Well, Cheerilee is in the right for doing what she did." Pizzelle smiled, not really noticing Trixie's slight twitch at being called 'wrong' on something. "Imposing a weapon onto a child and then letting said child attend school is asking for trouble. I mean, the only reason she didn't take it away is because of that little law, but I think we can all look past that when children are involved."
"Why?" Trixie narrowed her eyes. "My acolyte must be armed at all times, no matter his age. If he is to be safe-"
"He is safe," Cheerilee cut her off, earning a scowl from Trixie. "I have made sure that every filly and colt is safe within these walls and not once has anything happened to them, Nightmare forces or not."
Pizzelle nodded, "Very true, she did break a number of limbs when some of the Nightmare cultists tried to go at the ponies hiding in the school."
"And for that," Trixie spoke. "I thank you for doing your duty to Equestria. That does not mean she can impose her will onto an Inquisitor. That is our job!"
"But isn't it a law that no harm shall come onto children?" Pizzelle pointed out. "And that a teacher has every right to ensure their students safety and are expected to do so."
"Exactly," Cheerilee nodded.
"But-" Trixie started.
"And aren't the laws of Equestria approved by Celestia herself?" Pizzelle quirked an eyebrow.
Trixie gritted her teeth, "Yes, they are."
"So that gives Cheerilee the right to disarm her student," Pizzelle finished. "Although, I could go get Princess Sunset Shimmer. She could write to her mother-"
"That is enough," Trixie groaned. "Fine, she can have it her way but if Cato gets hurt-"
"He won't," Cheerilee said. Trixie didn't say anything, just glaring at her before leaving.
"Sorry about that," Dot whispered to the two. "She's just a bit cranky is all. Good job there, Pizzelle. I honestly thought I would have had to step in."
"Thank you," Cheerilee smiled. "I really appreciate it."
Dot grinned, "Don't mention it."
"I was talking to Pizzelle."
Dot pouted, "Well I best be going. Don't worry about her hurting your or doing anything to the school. She's more bark than bite, trust me." With that, he started off.
With Trixie and Dot gone, Pizzelle turned to Cato. 'The poor thing looks so confused. I'm sure all he needs is a friend... lightbulb!' She smiled over towards her son, beckoning him forward. "Hikaru, you can come over!"
"Yes, Miss Pizzelle." Hikaru rushed over.
Pizzelle hugged him, "I want you to keep Cato here company. I'm sure you two have a few things in common as he's not a pony either."
Hikaru smiled. While he hadn't complained about being the only non-pony in the class, it would be a bit of a relief to have someone else different even if he already had two best friends. Rumble might be his third, though, since his other two friends were bringing him along. Maybe Cato would be too, "Okay." He rushed over and tried to push Cato forward, to no avail. "Come on. We're gonna be late."
Cato frowned, "Okay..." He made for the door, before looking over at Cheerilee. He walked over and kneeled before her. "I'm really sorry, Miss Cheerilee. I didn't know I couldn't do that."
Both Pizzelle and Cheerilee frowned at that.
Cheerilee sighed, "You should never harm someone unless you absolutely have to and even then, you must think things through. You might end up doing something you regret."
Cato nodded, "I'll remember that, Miss Cheerilee." He stood up and walked into the school.
Pizzelle made a mental note to try and talk to Trixie about how she was raising Cato. 'I'm sure she loves that boy, but still.'
______________________________________________________________
Princess Sunset Shimmer didn't want to be out in the middle of a field. She wanted to be inside, reading her books. IN HER LIVING TREEHOUSE! Something she was still ecstatic about and swore to destroy anything that dared place harm upon it. No, she wasn't inside her awesome house. She was outside, watching her friend perform some tricks.
She had to admit though, they were pretty cool to look at. 'Still doesn't mean I have to like doing this. Stupid friendship.' She slightly pouted, keeping her eyes on Lightning. As was Suri Polomare beside her. Sunset noted that Suri seemed to have that stupid grin on her face that she saw all too often on mares that were with Spike. 'Pfft, as if I care. No one's ever going to see that grin on my face.'
"Isn't she amazing~?" Suri asked.
"Yeah, sure..." Sunset rolled her eyes. "Could you not ogly my friend while she's performing? It's kinda creepy."
Suri blushed in embarrassment, "Sorry, it's just... it's been awhile since we've seen each other and I almost forgot how great she is in person, mkay. I think she's even found a way to be even better."
"Well she is pretty impressive, I'll give you that." Sunset remarked truthfully. "So you have a thing for her?"
Suri blushed, "Wh-what? No! No I don't."
Sunset shrugged, "Just asking. You had that stupid grin on your face that mares give my brother."
Suri was silent for a moment, "... A little, mkay? Just not sure if I should do something."
"Don't ask me," Sunset snorted. "I'm not good with these kinds of things. Just don't buck with her, okay?" Suri nodded and opened her mouth, "And no, I won't tell her. I don't want to get involved in this stupid love thing you have going on."
Suri frowned, "You don't have to call it stupid."
"Well," Sunset paused. 'Damn it. I'm the Element of Magic and friendship and stuff. I've got to be a bit nicer about these things. Quick, say something nice to make up for it.' "Well I'm not a love expert, so I wouldn't know. So..." She growled as this was hard for her to do. "Oh just shut up and watch the show."
Suri rolled her eyes, "Fine. I will."
"SURI!" Crowland's voice called out to her. The two mare's turned their heads to see an obviously frustrated griffon walk up to them. His feathers looked ruffled and a few singed. "What're you doing here?"
Suri stood up, "Just watching a friend perform."
"Well we've got to prepare for our next hunt," Crowland grumbled. "The last one didn't work out so well."
Suri frowned and looked back at Lightning. She sighed and went to her Mentor's side, "Gotcha. I'll see what I can do to help. Maybe I can finish it this time."
Crowland chuckled and ruffled her mane with his clawed hand, "Don't get full of yourself. That never works out for any good hunter." Sunset spotted a few bear patches on that arm.
As the two departed, Sunset stared at them with particular interest. 'What are they really hunting?' She thought to herself. Suri had obviously lied to her yesterday and this griffon was strange in his own ways. Of course, she didn't have a high opinion of griffons. Not a lot of ponies did. Add that to the fact that he showed up around the time that the strange attacks were going on and her suspicions only grew. She'd have to keep an eye on him, or at least Suri.
Lightning landed beside Sunset, "Wasn't that awesome?" She grinned in triumph, before she looked around in confusion. "Hey, where's Suri."
"Left with her mentor," Sunset spoke.
"Darn," Lightning scuffed the ground. "Oh well, I'll see her later."
"Yeah," Sunset nodded. 'I'll definitely see her later.' |
To Fear A Predator | A Night Attempt | Normally, Apple Bloom and her friends would be playing during Recess. Usually it was tag, but Rumble could fly and now that he was their friend, that was a bit unfair for her and Diamond. So they instead did a few other things like hopscotch and whatnot. This time however they had something else to focus on. A human boy who was just leaning against the schoolhouse, watching everyone intently.
Apple Bloom was doing her best to spy on him, while not looking like she was spying on him. She kept peeking out from the tree as she kept thinking about what he could do.
Diamond Tiara sighed, "How long are we going to sit behind this tree?"
"We've gotta keep an eye on him," Apple Bloom said. "In case he tries somethin'."
"But he doesn't have a gun anymore," Diamond huffed and crossed her forelegs. "He's harmless and this is boring."
"And it was kind of awesome how he stood up to Scootaloo and Silver Spoon like that," Rumble spoke up. Hikaru nodded.
Apple Bloom rolled her eyes, "There's a difference between standin' up and threatenin' a pony with a gun."
"Well when you put it like that..." Rumble backed off the subject. "Maybe he is kind of dangerous."
Apple Bloom threw a hoof to him, "See, Diamond? He's dangerous. What if he tries somethin' on Cheerilee?"
"What if we get in trouble for spying on him?" Diamond shot back. "We could get in a lot of trouble. My daddy says that the Inquisition are nothing but bad news for ponies. We should just steer clear of him and be done with it."
"But Diamond," Apple Bloom said. "What if we get our cutie marks in spying? Oooh, what if he does try somethin' and we get our cutie mark in defending ponies?"
Diamond Tiara huffed, "You do have a point. We are the Cutie Mark Crusaders."
"Yeah," Apple Bloom smiled. "When's the next time we're gonna have an oppurtunity like this?"
"What about that griffon? He's sort of suspicious."
"What's he done?"
"Be suspicious," Diamond shrugged. "I mean, he lives far away from ponies, buys a lot of meat for himself, and just so happens to come into town when a lot of bad things happen? Suspicious to me."
"Yeah," Rumble piped up. "Griffons are a lot of trouble. That's what my big brother tells me and remember Cheerilee's history lesson last week?"
Apple Bloom nodded, "Yeah, they are a rowdy bunch. So, what if we spy on Cato now and spy on the griffon later?" The other two ponies nodded. "Alright! Cutie Mark Crusaders have a plan." She looked around. "Ummm, where's Hikaru?"
________________________________________________________________________
Cato was irritated at... well, everything at the moment. He had a right to use that gun, even though Trixie hadn't given him any bullets. She told him just to use it to scare the other children. He'd done that and now he was in hot water with the teacher. She seemed nice. A good teacher, but he was still miffed that he couldn't have his gun anymore.
He couldn't help but tap his hip where the gun holster should have been. Trixie had kept it with her, though she had muttered something about possibly using it on Cheerilee. He knew she wouldn't she threatened basically everyone like that but never followed through with it. Well, unless they tried to kill her first. 'And I sort of like Cheerilee.' She had been nice to him when she had taken him aside to talk to him. She seemed like a loyal Equestrian mare.
Still, he felt naked without his gun, bullets or no bullets. He didn't exactly need it anyways. He was a magician. He had magic, something not a lot of humans had. He idly let out a little circle sigil in the air. Trixie had made sure to teach him how to properly use his magic and hone it to better use. For that, he basically trained every day. He wasn't as good as Trixie, but he'd get there someday.
"Hello," a boyish voice spoke up.
Cato wheeled around, his fingers splayed out as he prepared to fire a spell. He blinked in confusion as he looked down to see a black fox, "Did you just talk?"
The fox tilted his head, "Yeah, why are you surprised?"
Cato scratched the back of his head, "Just... it's nothing. You just surprised me is all."
The fox smiled, "That's what I aim to do. My name's Aki Hikaru. What's yours?"
Cato mulled over the thought of telling him. 'Mother does say that I'm not supposed to tell a stranger my name.' However, this was just a young fox. It wouldn't hurt, "Cato Schmendrick."
"That's a funny name," Hikaru chuckled.
Cato huffed and crossed his arms, "Is not. You're the one with a funny name."
Hikaru shrugged, "Maybe, but I can still laugh at yours." He giggled at Cato's glare. "So why are you all alone out here?"
"I'm observing my surroundings," Cato rolled his eyes. "Duh."
"So when are you going to join in?" Hikaru asked. "There's a lot that you could do and it's all pretty fun. Trust me."
"I'm not here to have fun," Cato huffed and straightened himself up to look taller. "I'm here to observe and report back to my superiors. Those were my orders."
"Who gave you those orders?" Hikaru tilted his head.
"My Master."
"And who's your master?"
Cato paused for a moment. The kids already knew that, so it was okay to tell him. "My mom."
Hikaru's eyes widened, "She's your mom?"
Cato nodded, "Yeah, is that a problem?" He was sort of used to some ponies or other races being uneasy with the whole 'cross-species' adoption thing. He thought they were all idiots, but he kept that to himself.
Hikaru shook his head, "No, it's just..." He looked down at the ground. "Why do you think of her as a mommy?"
Cato frowned, "What sort of question is that?"
"...Miss Pizzelle is a pony," Hikaru spoke. "I'm not and... after losing my mommy, I don't know if I can call her mom. I want to, but... it's just hard."
Cato pinched the bridge of his nose. 'This is not what I wanted to do today.' He sighed, "Look, I never knew my blood mother. She died when I was a baby and I was given to Trixie to raise, so we aren't alike there. That doesn't matter. She took care of me when no one would. She loves me unconditionally. She's weird but she always takes time for me. Take my advice and just call her what she is."
"Just like that?"
Cato nodded, "She cares about you a lot, right?" Hikaru nodded. "Then she's your mom. Doesn't matter about what species she is." Hikaru seemed to lose himself in his thoughts. Before Cato could say anything else, a trio of ponies ran up to him.
"Hikaru," a little yellow, red maned filly spoke up. "Are ya alright?"
Hikaru nodded, "I'm fine, Apple Bloom. I'm just talking to my new friend."
Cato's eyes widened, "Wait, we aren't-"
"Friend?" Apple Bloom blinked in surprise. Then a large grin appeared on her face. "That's perfect."
"Perfect?" Both Cato and the pink filly asked at the same time.
Apple Bloom nodded, "Yeah, just think of all the cutie marks we could get with his help."
The gray colt gasped, "No way, you're right."
"But I-" Cato tried to speak but was cut off again.
"Well," the pink filly rubbed her chin. "You've got a point. He could be very useful and who knows what sort of tricks and ideas he has up his sleeves." She stomped a hoof, "That settles it. Human, you're our new friend and there's no backing out of it."
Cato sighed and his shoulders sagged, "Great," he grumbled.
____________________________________________________________________
Caramel loved his sister. He really did, but he often found himself in troubling situations because of her. It was always one get rich scheme after another with very little in between. He understood why Apple Cobbler wanted to get rich. She didn't want to be a lowkey farmer the rest of her life, but it was just agitating that he was always dragged into it. Still, she was his sister. He couldn't very well say no to her.
He really wanted to right this moment.
Caramel gulped, "Okay, could you explain this to me again? I'm so scared that I think I might have forgotten something."
Apple Cobbler sighed, "Fine, one more time. Tonight, we're going to capture this bandit or whatever they are. When you do, Princess Sunset will finally see how magnificent you are. She'll be putty in your hooves." Her eyes twinkled, "And we'll be swimming in bits in no time for the rest of our lives."
"You seem to have missed a few steps," 'Like how I'm supposed to woo in after I capture this bandit,' Caramel thought but kept that part to himself. "How am I supposed to catch-"
"The bandit?" Apple Cobbler rolled her eyes and pulled out a blowgun. "Cheap but effective. Just use the darts in your bag, put them inside, and blow. Hit your target and they'll be out for several hours. Short and simple. Now don't let me down."
Caramel took the blowgun and the little bag that housed the darts, "And why aren't you coming?"
Apple Cobbler snorted, "I'm the lookout. I'll make sure the bandit doesn't escape or at the very least, I'll make sure you look brave in defeat."
Caramel sighed. He knew this wasn't going to go down well, but he could never say no to his sister. Besides, being rich didn't sound so bad and Sunset was a looker. He'd try his best.
_____________________________________________________________________
Inquisitor Time Turner was smiling. This wasn't a new occurrence, he lived in Ponyville after all. You'd have to be a complete sourpuss to not smile once or twice a day there. However, ever since Inquisitor Trixie had arrived, it had vanished. If it wasn't Trixie putting her nose into his business, he was having to clean up the mess left by Twilight Sparkle. She seemed nice enough but apparently didn't know when enough was enough. At least, until Trixie got her ear. Even then, that wasn't a guaranteed thing.
No, he had finally found something to smile about. He had placed a ward around another ammo depo. He knew that the perpetrators wouldn't strike the same place twice. As well, the barracks wasn't all that used these days since the guard were stretched thin in order to protect the town. Time Turner knew this was the night he would catch this vandal. Once he did, he'd be able to get The Council off his back and Trixie out of his town.
At his side was Shade. Once a loyal minion to Nightmare Moon, now he was a somewhat loyal Equestrian. Time Turner had kept a close eye on him and so far, he seemed trustworthy. He had brought him in to test the barrier and make sure it would work. The tests went expertly, aside from Shade getting hurt in the process.
"So," Shade spoke up. "Do you think they'll really attack here tonight?"
"Most assuredly," Time Turner spoke. "Most of our ammunition is inside. At least, that's what I've told everyone. In case of failure, it only houses a portion of our supplies. If the perpetrators are really your former brethren, then they'll think we'll be a pushover."
"And they'll be in for one buck of a surprise," Shade chuckled. "So, why are you trusting me with this information."
"Because I trust you," Time Turner said. "You could have easily killed the Element bearers when they were going after Nightmare Moon. You didn't. You've shown your want to help others. Also, with your luck, you'd be dead before you could accomplish anything."
Shade gulped and nervously chuckled, "Yeah... you've got me there."
As they patrolled the area, they caught Officer Pokey Pierce tapping one of the gems. The devices looked like black triangles, about the height of a pony's knees. Circular dark blue gems were emplaced on each side and they pulsed every few seconds. He looked up and gave out a salute.
Time Turner returned it, "At ease. Can I ask you what're you doing?"
Pokey stood at ease, "I was just curious, sir. I wanted to make sure they were working properly. I've never dealt with objects like these."
Time Turner nodded, "True, but trust me. These are working perfectly. I tested them out myself before they were put into use. The culprit won't be able to make it inside. I mean, they've worked thus far. Now, the traps are in place?"
Pokey nodded, "All in order and ready to be employed. They won't know what hit them."
Time chuckled, "Good, very good. By this time tomorrow, this will all be behind us." Suddenly, the gem's color turned red and shone brightly. He grinned, "And that's our cue. Officer Pierce, you stay here with a few officers to stand guard. I'll take the militia with me to apprehend this perpetrator." Pokey nodded.
Time grinned as he made his way to the site. He had programmed the crystals to glow the brightest when the trap closest went off. Given how bright it was, it was close at hoof. He saw a number of other militia running to the scene as well. His grin grew. 'This is it. I've got this little terrorist in the bag.'
"Dunno about you," Shade spoke up. "But that Pokey guy always gives me the creeps."
Time Turner just rolled his eyes. He didn't really need Shade's input right now.
When they got to the site, they didn't find some evil dark sorcerer or soldier like he thought he would. No, it was none other than Caramel. He was dressed in a black turtleneck and had a little pouch with him. He spied a blow dart in his hooves. The trap had created a see through square of magic, outlined by the light blue edges, "Caramel? What in the pits of Tartarus are you doing here?"
Caramel sheepishly smiled, "Umm... hello Inquisitor. Nice night we're having."
Time deadpanned, "Yes, it is." He sighed. "Get him out of there."
One of the militia tried to speak up, "But what if-"
"If he's an undercover agent, then I'm an albatross." Time Turner snorted. "I've lived long enough to know the difference between a clutzy oaf and an agent that is pretending to be a clutzy oaf. He's the former. Not the latter, so get him out."
The militia ponies sighed and moved to turn off the trap. The magic dissipated and Caramel stood up, "I'm so glad that you arrived. I didn't- OW!" He rubbed his cheek after Time Turner had slapped him.
"You idiot!" Time Turner growled. "I told everyone to stay inside tonight, but you just had to come out anyway. It was that gold digging sister of yours that put you up to this, wasn't it?" Caramel didn't answer. He just looked to the ground. Time sighed, "Look, I know you're a nice guy, but this is important. We need to catch this perpetrator before they do somepony some serious harm. Stunts like this aren't going to help anypony. It's just going to tip off the vile criminals of our plans."
Caramel nodded, "I know and I'm sorry."
Time Turner couldn't help but pity the stallion. Before he could speak anymore, a loud and short cry broke the air. His ears perked, "It's coming from the ammo depo!" He shouted and the militia ran on back. Smoke started to trail up to the sky, causing them to quicken their pace.
The group finally made it back to the depot, just to find it burning. He found the fire unusual for it wasn't the usually bright sort of fire. It was dark blue and barely illuminated the area. The officers were strewn about, obviously knocked out as they were still twitching and heaving. The gems were destroyed as was their light. The only reason they could see anything in the area was because of the low, flickering flames.
A vague shape stood a distance away.
A vague, griffonish shape.
A low sound touched his ear. He saw the figure parry the blow with a sword, sending what was apparently a dart into Time Turner's chest.
Caramel gasped and rushed to him, "Sorry, I thought I had him."
"That's alright," Time Turner smirked and pulled out the dart. "I've got two hearts. It will take more than this to take me-" A much larger dart hit his chest. "Hmmm, that will do it." With that said, he fell forward. The last thing he saw was the figure racing into the dark alleys with the militia rushing after him. |
To Fear A Predator | The One Who Holds Power Now | Night Watch was seething as he walked through the market. Everything was falling apart. His officers weren't turning up anything new about this perp. Half of them were in the hospital after their last attempt last night. That really left him in a bad mood, but he wasn't going to bad mouth Time Turner about that. No, he saved that for Thunderlane and his militia for leaving his ponies alone. If he had been there instead of staying with his granddaughter, he'd have set things right.
So now he was stomping his way through the market to make it to the town hall. Mayor Mare had called him there to sort things out. He'd be gladly giving Thunderlane an earful and maybe, just maybe, Inquisitor Time Turner would finally listen and kick that pony out of time. 'One can only hope.'
As he looked about, he noticed something. Officer Pokey Pierce was chatting it up with a few stand owners, the three well known flower 'sisters'. Not really sisters, but the earth pony mares acted close enough to be considered family to each other. They seemed to be shaking slightly, scared of something. He marched on over.
"What seems to be the matter?"
Pokey Pierce jumped slightly off the ground in fright. He quickly turned around, sweating slightly. "Oh, nothing Chief."
"He was just talking with us," a red maned earth pony named Roseluck spoke up. Her two friends nodded.
"Yes," Daisy spoke. "He was just trying to calm our nerves. There's been rumors floating around town and it's frightened us like nothing else."
Night Watch quirked an eyebrow, "And those rumors are...?"
"A griffon," Lily shivered. "A horrible griffon is attacking Ponyville."
Night Watch turned his head to Pokey Pierce. The young officer caught the unspoken accusation and his eyes widened. Pokey shook his head, "No sir, I didn't say anything about this to anypony. Maybe it was the milita."
That immediately turned his attention from Pokey to Thunderlane in his mind. He scowled, "That bird brain." Thankfully, there weren't any pegasi around to hear that. "I'll strangle him the next time I see him." He marched off, "Come with me, Pierce. We're going to the town hall."
"Why me, sir?" Pokey trotted up next to him.
"Because I need somepony to hold me back when I try to strangle that bird brain," Night Watch growled.
_________________________________________________________________
Sunset Shimmer paced back and forth inside the town hall. She was alone for the moment. Everyone else was in the much larger meeting room. She felt an emotion she didn't feel often: nervousness. This annoyed her greatly. 'I'm a Princess of Equestria. Making important decisions is what I do.' However, this wasn't a normal meeting.
Sunset knew someone was going around and attacking Ponyville. No one was killed, thankfully, but it was still worrying. All Sunset wanted to do was stay at home and read in peace. She knew that wasn't possible. Ponyville was bound to have something happen given its luck so far. She sighed, 'I guess that's partially my fault.' She mused to herself.
Now things had gone out of hoof. Several officers were in the hospital after last night's failure. Inquisitor Time Turner was one of the wounded. It seemed the dart carried a nasty drug that played havoc with his peculiar biology. Nothing fatal, but he wouldn't be walking around for a few days. Sunset hadn't really gotten to know Time much, but he seemed like an ok stallion so she was thankful he was alright.
None of them knew who was doing this. It was a mystery to everyone. Time Turner had thought it was Nightmare cultists, but his measures proved to be ineffective. All they knew was that it wasn't a pony.
It was a griffon.
Sunset chewed her lip. She already had a suspect and she knew he probably did do it. It still didn't sit well with her. A life was going to be placed in her hooves. Oh yes, she had killed a warlock before and a few mindless cultists and whatnot. Those were different. That was during combat. She had to do it in order to survive. Now, she didn't but she knew what would happen to the griffon if he was found guilty. Given that she was a princess, she knew it was going to come that eventually.
She gulped, 'Maybe being a Princess isn't always great.'
It was at that moment that Lady Justice, Mayor Mare's daughter and right hoof mare, walked into the room. "Are you alright, Princess Shimmer?"
Sunset gave her a nervous smile, "Of course I'm alright. Why wouldn't I be? I'm totally alright."
'I'm not buying it' was written clearly on Lady Justice's expression, "You're nervous."
"Pfft, says you." Sunset scoffed. "I'm never nervous. I'm a Princess. I can't afford to be."
Lady Justice rolled her eyes, "Princess, it's alright to be nervous."
"Oh don't take that tone with me," Sunset glared at her. "I know what we're going to talk about. It's the griffon. I've heard the rumors. I talked with a couple of militia on the way here. So what do you know, his fate will come straight to my hooves."
"Well the others could deal with it."
"I'm a princess," Sunset scoffed. "Of course they're going to have my word as the final say. Yes, let's trust the word of the pony who routinely burns others and damaged her own friend's farm. Let's throw the life of someone at her hooves. I'm sure she'll be fair. No, I don't want it. I threaten others. I've burned others, but given everything I know, it'll be him and he will die when I say that."
"Didn't you kill a few nightmare ponies before?" Lady Justice quirked an eyebrow.
"They were monsters out of their mind," Sunset said. "I talked to Crowland. Hay, my friends have routinely talked to him. He doesn't come off like that, though he's pretty suspicious."
"Sunset," Lady smiled. "I've felt the same way when I got into law. I've had to convict a pony or two and live with what I did. I don't let it bother me because I made the best decision I could and believed they deserved it."
Sunset sighed, "I know... I just wanted to relax and read something. Is that too much to ask, or is this place just a danger magnet?"
Lady Justice chuckled, "A little."
"...And how did you feel when you had to make that decision?" Sunset asked. "Like, before and after."
Lady sighed, "Like the weight of the world was on my shoulders and I didn't know if I wanted that responsibility. No, I didn't want that sort of responsibility but I did it anyways because it was my duty. Somepony has to step up when danger lurks its head. I'm sure you know that."
Sunset snorted and gave a weak smile, "Yeah, I pretty much am the expert on 'world on the shoulder' feelings, if that's a thing."
Lady smiled, "Exactly, now let's go and see the others. Inquisitor Trixie is getting antsy and I don't like how she's fiddling with her pistol."
"I'll keep an eye on her," Sunset trotted out with the mare.
The Meeting Room was large and spacious, housing a long table that could sit a couple dozen ponies. Right now it was just her, Lady Justice, High Priestess Bon Bon, Dot, Inquisitor Trixie, Mayor Mare, Chief Night Watch, and Captain Thunderlane. Oh and Pokey Pierce was standing off in a corner. Sunset found it a bit odd that he was here too, but said nothing of it as she took her own seat.
"Now," Mayor Mare spoke. "You all know why we are here, correct?"
"Of course we do," Night Watch scoffed. He stabbed his hoof out at Thunderlane. "We're here to talk about how he fucked up."
Thunderlane growled, "I was just following orders. Maybe if your officers were better trained they wouldn't have gone down so easily."
"Why you-"
"Gentlestallions," Mayor piped up. "Cease this hoof pointing at once. What's done is done."
Trixie nodded, "Yes, quite." She smiled, which unnerved everyone especially the 'gleeful' tint in her eyes. "We're here to talk about what's going to happen now."
"Shouldn't we wait for Inquisitor Time Turner?" Thunderlane asked.
Trixie chuckled and shook her head, "No, I recieved a message from the Council of Inquisitors. He's relieved of duty until they seem fit to restore his station. I am in command of Ponyville now."
"Don't you mean, you're just filling in for him?" Mayor Mare pointed out.
"No," Trixie snorted. "I am an Inquisitor. I outrank all but Princess Sunset and High Priestess Bon Bon. However, due to the pressing circumstances, I am forced to use my powers to usurp those positions until the danger is dealt with."
Bon Bon scowled, "So what are you saying? That I should just bend over backwards because a bunch of inquisitors sitting on their asses in the safety of the capital told you, you could?"
Trixie smirked, "Said inquisitors have a lot of power, High Priestess. Don't fret. I shall do my duty and save you all, for I, Inquisitor Trixie, shall come out on top. Now that's settled, I do believe we have a culprit to catch."
Night Watch scowled and held out his hoof to Pokey Pierce. The young officer levitated a file over into his hooves and he put it down on the table, "The report is basic." He opened it and gave it another look through. "Several officers beaten. Munitions up in flames and a shadowy form that was described to be like a griffon." He snorted, "Seems pretty clear who did it to me."
"I can't argue with that," Thunderlane grumbled, clearly not liking the fact that he agreed with Night Watch on anything.
Bon Bon nodded, "And he was also able to get past the shadow defenses. That means that we're not dealing with Nightmare cultists." Everyone let out a sigh of relief. "That still means we're dealing with a rogue griffon."
"Could be the start of an invasion," Thunderlane said. "Damage the infrastructure of your enemy. Destroy the means of fighting back."
Bon Bon shook her head, "We're too far from the border to strike and we would have heard something about this if the griffons tried something with other towns. Besides, they aren't that discreet as a species."
"Or maybe it's after the Element bearers," Trixie mused. "If they can sneak one griffon into Equestria, who knows what they have hiding nearby."
"I sincerely doubt that they could get any significant number of griffons into Equestria," Thunderlane shook his head.
"Whether or not it's true," Trixie spoke. "This griffon, Crowland I believe, should be brought in at once and questioned."
Bon Bon moved her head to look at Sunset, "Princess, are you alright? You haven't said a thing since you got here."
Sunset Shimmer was sitting quietly with her head held low as she was lost in her thoughts. 'Damn it, I knew they were going to bring it back to me.' She inwardly groaned. "I'm fine, High Priestess."
"So shall I go and collect him now?" Trixie asked.
"We don't have the evidence he did it," Bon Bon shot back.
"We saw a griffon," Night Watch scoffed. "He's a griffon. The only one in town, I add. He's also been up to some suspicious things these past few days. Won't talk about his past or anything of the sort. He's obviously guilty."
"We shouldn't just grab him without knowing for sure," Bon Bon spoke.
"And let this happen again?" Night Watch growled.
"Enough!" A little of the Royal Canterlot Voice tinted Sunset's own. All eyes were on her now, "I've made my decision..." She sighed and stood up. "Bring him in and question him on what he knows." She cast a glare towards Trixie, "Unharmed."
"Of course," Trixie nodded. "So you give me your blessing to do as I wish?"
"Sure, whatever." Sunset pushed herself away from the table. She had done her part. She didn't want to have anything else to do with this. 'I just want to read my books.' "Just don't make a mess of things."
"As you wish, my princess." Trixie called over to her.
______________________________________________________________
As Sunset closed the door behind her, Mayor Mare cleared her throat. "Now that's out of the way, let us discuss how-"
"I'll take care of it," Trixie cut her off.
Mayor Mare blinked in confusion, "Pardon? I believe we should do this together so that-"
"I'll take care of it," Trixie said again. "Did you not hear me the first time, or are you too incompetent to understand me?"
"Watch your tone," Thunderlane growled. He found a sword tip pointed at his muzzle.
"Do not test me, Captain." Trixie smiled a bloodthirsty smile. "I am no longer constrained by Time Turner. I have full authority here, blessed by the Princess herself. That means I come up with the plans and you carry them out." She stood up.
"You can't do this," Night Watch stood up and made to move around the table.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you," Dot spoke up.
"Shut up, bug." Night Watch scoffed, earning a death glare from Dot. Only his training kept him from attacking. Referring to a changeling as anything insectoid was a major offense to them. "I ought to have a say in what my ponies do and I will not have some upstart-"
A sword pummel met his cheek, pushing him to the ground. The stallion groaned in pain. Bon Bon was at his side in an instant.
"Again," Trixie chuckled. "I am in control and I don't appreciate your attitude."
"Inquisitor Trixie," Mayor Mare slammed her hoof down on the table. Bon Bon was using her solar magic to heal the bruise on Night Watch as she talked. "You can't treat us like this. The Council will find out about your actions."
"And they will applaud me when I sort this mess out," Trixie scoffed. "A mess, I might remind you, none of you can sort out. Therefore I shall do this myself and you will follow orders." She glared at Night Watch, "Besides, I didn't hit him because of his outburst. It was the 'bug' comment." She huffed and trotted out.
"Told you," Dot spoke as he travelled after her. |
To Fear A Predator | Out of Your Hands | His Master/Mother had always explained to him that a good Inquisitor always had to be on the case. No matter what, they couldn't abandon their quarry. Acolyte Cato Schmendrick took that to heart. That's why he had to pursue this griffon. Trixie had told him not to, but he thought he could circumvent this problem. He wasn't that big and the griffon wouldn't think much of a human boy. He couldn't help but smirk as he sat inside a bush. His binoculars were up to his face as he peered through the lens, watching the griffon walk into the Everfree Forest.
'What are you up to?' He couldn't help but ponder to himself.
"So what's he doin'?" Apple Bloom asked beside him.
"Shhh," Diamond Tiara put a hoof over Apple Bloom's mouth as she whispered, "Be quiet. He could hear us."
Cato sighed. He would get this done no matter what. Even if that included taking along his new 'friends', or whatever he called them. They hadn't been that bothersome so far, so he didn't make a comment. He also took to heart the other saying his mother had told him.
'If you can bring others with you, do so. They can help you perform your mission and/or serve as fodder and distractions for escapes.'
"So what are we going to do?" Rumble asked. "We can't just go into the Everfree Forest."
"You're going to cover me," Cato looked over his pistol. It was an older type and took longer to reload. Trixie had been hesitant to give him the newer Colt's, as they were called, since she had some fear that he'd get too trigger happy since they were faster and more powerful. If he pulled this off, he might be able to talk her into giving him some new pistols for his birthday. "I'm going to take him in."
"Wait, by yourself?" Diamond Tiara spoke up. When he nodded, she gasped. "You're insane."
Cato smirked, "That's what I want him to think." As the griffon was out of sight, he quickly moved out from the bush. He frowned and turned around to see them stepping out of the bush too, "I said, stay here."
"No," they all said.
"Yes."
"No."
"Yes."
"I can use my powers to make you think we were still here," Hikaru spoke up.
Cato paused and just blinked a few times and then sighed. His shoulders slumped, 'He's got a point. Accursed Kitsune powers.' "Fine, just stay quiet." They all nodded, 'This mission was doomed before it started.' With that thought in mind, he and his 'friends' made their way into the forest. His hand glowed slightly as he used a tracking spell to keep after the griffon.
"So," Diamond Tiara spoke up. "Do you often wander around creepy forests by yourself?"
"No," Cato grumbled. 'Why does she have to talk to me?' "I'm usually with my Master."
"Sounds like you have a dangerous life," she said.
"Yes."
There was a silence between them.
"So can I get a suit like that?" Diamond broke the silence, much to Cato's frustration.
"No."
"Why not?"
"Just no."
"That doesn't explain why I can't have it. I'll have you know my daddy is very rich and-"
Cato stopped to glare at her, "You can't just buy an Inquisitor's outfit. It's just... wrong."
"Can I get someone to make it from scratch?"
"No!" Cato threw up his arms in exhasperation. "It's part of what makes an Inquisitor... an Inquisitor?"
"Includin' the silly cape?" Apple Bloom spoke up.
"It's not silly!" Cato growled, brandishing his cape around himself. "It's stylish and makes me look fearsome."
"Makes ya look silly to me," Apple Bloom smiled.
Cato facepalmed, 'If this is what friends do, then I can't wait to be rid of them.' "Just shut up and follow me."
"I was just asking," Diamond sent Apple Bloom a small glare. "And I think the cape is awesome."
"You would," Apple Bloom chuckled and nudged her shoulder. Diamond Tiara huffed and nudged her back.
Cato couldn't help but notice a small smile on Diamond Tiara's face when she looked away. 'I guess teasing is a part of friendship.' Before he could ponder it further, he heard something rustling in the forest nearby. It wasn't anything major, but it made the back of his hair stick up. 'It was probably a rabbit or something.' The rustling stopped and he let out a little sigh of relief, 'See? Nothing to worry about.'
The Everfree Forest apparently was delighted to prove him wrong.
That moment, a creature burst out of the bushes. Cato barely had any time to do anything except a simple shield spell that shielded the front half of himself. The creature smashed into it. Cato cried out as his shield was shattered and he fell back. Thankfully, the shield held on long enough to throw the creature back. It quickly stood up and snarled at them. The others let out screams of alarm from the sudden attack.
It was a medium sized theropod, the forest's local Herrerasaurus. The beast's poisonous saliva dripped down from its fangs as it greedily eyed up its prey. It stared at them for a moment. Cato quickly stood up and tried to form another shield spell. It was that large, about twice his width as he exerted himself, and still only covered one side of them, but it was the side facing the beast. The Herrerasaurus looked at the shield and snorted, going back into the underbrush.
Cato kept up his shield for a moment before dropping it. He sighed in relief, "It's gone."
"What was that?" Rumble shivered.
"It's a dinosaur and it's gone," Cato answered quickly and took a step away. He heard the rustling again. "Hikaru, can you make it appear that we're not here?"
Hikaru nodded and closed his eyes. He opened them and smiled, "There, all done."
Cato smiled and waved for them to follow, "Alright everyone, let's go catch a griffon." They marched on and he was confident that they were safe. Then he frowned and sniffed himself. The Herrerasaurus couldn't see them.
But could he smell them?
It burst out again, too close to Apple Bloom for him to do anything. The moment he turned around, the beast's jaws were too close. It was too late...
Until the beast was drop kicked by their original target. The dinosaur tumbled for a moment, before righting itself. It shakily stood on its legs, shaking its head before glaring at the griffon.
The griffon brandished a long, jagged sword. "Do you want to try me?"
The Herrerasaurus was hungry. They were supposed to be prey but they had the see through walls of pain and now another predator was asking for a challenge. He growled. He could find easier prey somewhere else or attack the group when the see through wall maker and the predator was gone. So the beast walked away, keeping his eyes locked on the griffon. He would not run away and expose his back to him. He was not prey.
The griffon watched the dinosaur leave intently before turned to look at them, "What are you doing here?"
"Followin' ya," Apple Bloom said before Cato glared at her. "What? I can't think of anythin'."
"Me either," Rumble shrugged. Hikaru did as well.
"I mean," Diamond Tiara spoke up. "Pretty much any other explanation would be stupid. This is a forest of death, after all."
Cato opened his mouth before he shut it. He literally had no excuses himself and he slumped down, "Yeah."
The griffon snorted, "I figured as much. Your clothes give it away."
Cato facepalmed, "Damn it." He muttered to himself.
"And I knew you were following me the moment you stepped into the forest," the griffon put his sword away. "When you take up my occupation, you learn to notice these sorts of things." He took off his hat and bowed, "Crowland Tempo, at your service." He straightened himself up and his hat. "Now follow me. I'll get you out of this bloody Tartarus-hole." He turned and started to walk.
"So..." Diamond Tiara trotted in place. "Are we following him?"
Cato sighed, "We've got no choice." 'I still want to know what he was doing in the Everfree Forest. Probably nothing good.'
_____________________________________________________________
Thankfully for all of them, it didn't take them long to get out of the forest. He brought them to a road and they could see Ponyville in the distance from here. Crowland turned to the children, "Alright, this is where we part ways."
Cato glared up at him, "I don't think so. You're coming with me."
"... Why?"
Cato held up a finger and opened his mouth and shut it, "Well, there's a griffon who struck last night and you're a griffon so..."
Crowland gave him a deadpan stare, "Remarkable deduction, sonny boy. I bloody well never thought of that."
"Ah-ha," Cato smiled. "You did do it." He pulled out his pistol, "I place you-" He found a crossbow staring in his face.
"Too slow, kid." Crowland said with an even tone. "Put down the pistol before you hurt yourself." Cato quivered and nodded, putting the pistol back in place. Crowland sighed and put his crossbow to his side, "Didn't mean to scare you, but you should only pull out a weapon if you intend to use it." He looked into Cato's eyes, "You don't seem like the killing type to me. Piece of advice, kid. Never draw when your opponent is ready and staring right at you. Wait until they are off guard and aren't paying you any attention."
"Halt!" Three voices cried out from above. They all looked up to see three Militia pegasi, holding up muskets as they kept them on Crowland. The sounds of hooves stampeding their way spoke of more milita and a few guardsponies who came to a stop and pointed their spears and muskets at the elderly griffon.
"Inquisitor Trixie wishes to see you," one of the guardsponies said. "Come with us peacefully and you won't be harmed."
Crowland eyed up the ponies and sighed, "Well, seems the jig is up." He put up his weapons, "Take me to your leader then."
___________________________________________________________
The hospital was as busy as ever. Nurses and doctors busied about, helping the injured. Thankfully, no one had died recently. That was a relief. Well, to most. Sitting beside a still unconscious Time Turner, Lyra frowned and looked down at her master. He had always been so strong. Nothing could take him down and now... he wouldn't wake up. The doctor's told her that she just needed to give him a day or two for the potent sleep potion to work its way through his system. That didn't make her feel better at all.
'I should have been there,' Lyra growled to herself. She should have, but she had been with Bon Bon last night, making sure she was safe. She had thought that the saboteur might attack her, given that she posed a threat to any Nightmare cultists around. Nothing, and now her master was out for the count. It made her blood boil. 'You stupid pony. Bon Bon can take care of herself. Your master needed you and you weren't there for him.'
Time Turner had always been there for her. Ever since he took her under his wing, he'd done everything in his power to make her a real pony and have a nice life. He'd help her parents and educate her. He was basically a part of the family and now this happened...
A sudden 'poof' noise beside her clued her in that Twilight was in the room. She turned her head to look at her, "Hey."
The chaotic mare, having conjured up a one legged polka dotted chair, couldn't help but tilt her head. "You don't sound bubbly today, Lyra."
Lyra sighed. She and Twilight were basically friends now, so there was no point in lying. "I'm just upset with myself." She nodded towards Time, "He's my Master. Taught me everything I knew and was always there for me. Now he's unconscious and this villain got away. I just feel so useless. Like I should have been there and if I was, he wouldn't be like this."
"Oh pish posh," Twilight was now floating in front of her upside down. Their noses touched and she smiled, "You were protecting your friend. No one would get on to you for doing that."
Lyra blinked in confusion, "You were there?"
Twilight giggled, rolling in the air before falling onto her hooves on the ground. "Yep, I was the lamppost." She grinned slyly, "I love how you use those chew toys of yours~ Could I help?"
Lyra blushed before she growled, taking an aggressive stance. "You... I'll bash ya skull in."
Twilight teleported to her side again before nuzzling her, "Your secret is safe with me." She hugged her, "Now stop moping. He's gonna be fine and we're going to catch this guy or gal. Trust me, I know how these things play out."
Lyra sighed, "I hate it when I can't solve something by breaking it."
"Oh I'm sure you can break the next problem," Twilight giggled. "You did everything you could, Lyra. You're a good pony." Lyra quirked an eyebrow, "Well, maybe not a 'good' pony but... wanna fight a giant book monster?"
Lyra's grin almost broke her face, "Would I?!!!" |
To Fear A Predator | Captured Griffon | Inquisitor Trixie was feeling good about herself right now. Everything was going to plan. They had just captured the griffon and taken him into custody. Time Turner was out of the picture and Princess Sunset had given her a blessing to do as she pleased. Trixie could have had the right to do as she pleased anyways, but the princess's word carried a lot of weight. Weight she was more then happy to bear. She was now effectively in charge of Ponyville.
She was ecstatic. This was one step in the right direction. One day, the Council would recognize more of her talents and thusly allow her a seat. Why stop there? No, she was going to become the High Inquisitor one day. Her place was at Celestia's side. She would have the Grand Princess's ear and she'd make sure that Equestria would trot into a golden age. She would be lauded as the greatest inquisitor to have ever lived! She could see it so clearly.
And it all started here. Here in the town square as she looked down at all the citizens of Ponyville. Well, most of them. She wasn't sure if all of them would be attending. From the recent records of this town, a lot of ponies had moved away so this could be all of them. Either way, it didn't matter. She just needed an audience.
"Ponies of Ponyville," she smiled. "I am so glad to see your faces on this fine Celestia blessed day. Truly, our goddess's radiance shines upon us for I am here to assure you that the danger is over!" She could hear the crowd start to mutter amongst themselves. "Yes, I can assure you that the culprit has been caught, no small part by the efforts of your local law enforcers." She grinned as the crowd started to cheer. She held up a hoof to silence them.
"Spearheaded by me of course," Trixie grinned. The ponies were looking for somepony to give out a little good news. It had been nothing but tragedy for them since the Summer Sun Celebration. She was that pony, "No longer will you have to worry about cultists wreaking havoc on your town or dragons burning you to a crisp. No longer will you have to worry about this scoundrel terrorizing you in the dead of night.
"I will and have succeeded where your previous officials have failed. I have put an end to this griffon's rampage. Yes, my ponies. It was indeed a griffon." Scowls were seen in the crowd, most of them from pegasi. "The same griffon the likes of Time Turner let wander the streets and choose his next target at leisure. They allowed you to be harmed emotionally, and in the case of the poor officers in the hospital, physically."
She slammed her hoof down on the podium, "I will never allow a single hair on your heads to come to harm. Never would I have allowed the griffon menace to walk among you so freely and destroy your livelihoods. Never would I have allowed nightmare cultists so close to your homes. Incompetence has spread like a disease amongst the officers." A few ponies nodded. They were getting tired of things going wrong in town.
"I will fix this," Trixie snorted. "A new management is in order. Unfortunately, it will not be so neat and clean. Inquisitor Time Turner was injured during last night's raid." Trixie inwardly growl at the concern they showed for Turner, "So I shall take his place. Trust me, my fine ponies. You will never know fear again!" A cheer went through the crowd. Her grin grew, 'Soon they'll love me more than Turner. The Council is going to love this.'
Still, there was one other thing she had to take care of.
_________________________________________________________________
Crowland Tempo sat in the middle of an empty room. Well, empty besides him of course. They had taken his weapons from him, but that didn't bother him. His claws and beak were weapons enough. Besides, he was confident that he could get out of this. One way or another. He was not going to rot in some Equestrian cell for the rest of his life.
'It was supposed to be simple. One final job then I'm done.' He sighed. 'Seems life is never simple.'
All he had to do was sit and wait. That's all he could do. His apprentice was hopefully somewhere safe. 'Best case scenario, she skips town.' The last thing he wanted was for her to get punished alongside himself.
The door opened. Several guards trotted in, pointing their spears at him. Crowland eyed them up. These weren't the local forces. These were trained soldiers. They'd offer a bit of a challenge, but he'd faced worse in the past. It was the Inquisitor that troubled him.
Inquisitor Trixie, as he had come to know her as, did not look like she was pleased to see him.
Crowland offered a small smile and nod of acknowledgement, "Inquisitor." She said nothing, so he made to stand. "Now I know-"
He was cut off when the metal butt of a sword slammed into his stomach. When he was younger, he'd be able to take that with no sweat but age and his own sub-species more lithe bodies weren't made to take abuse. So he gritted his beak and took a step back, "Let's talk about this."
Her magic forced him to his knees. Before he could respond, her hoof crashed into his cheek. He shook his head slightly to clear himself of the blow.
"Listen, I-"
Her magic acted up and it felt like every nerve in his body was on fire. He fell onto his hands, trying not to cry out in utter pain. As quickly as it came, it left him. He gasped and panted as he tried to collect himself. He gave a weak chuckle, "Not the first time someone's done that to me."
"And it won't be the last," there was ice to her tone. "You are Crowland Tempo, renowned as one of the greatest poachers the world has seen. Is this correct?"
Crowland nodded, "That would be me."
"You moved to Ponyville," she circled him like a predator would their prey. "Just a few days ago. Is that correct?" Crowland nodded, "Very good. I'm thankful you are being cooperative."
"I don't have much of a choice," he huffed, earning a backhoof from Trixie as she pushed her head close to his to stare into his eyes.
"You don't," Trixie seethed. "You are in a lot of trouble, Crowland." She pulled herself back and cleared her throat as to collect herself from her angry outburst, "You have multiple accounts of illegal operations under your belt."
Crowland nodded, "None of those were in Equestria."
"Perhaps you are lying," Trixie narrowed her eyes. "Of course, that's not why I brought you here. First things first, the matter of drawing a weapon on a member of an Inquisitor's team."
"What?" Crowland blinked in confusion. "The human boy? Lady, he drew his weapon first and I had no intention of harming him."
Trixie gave him a sweet smile, "I believe you." Then she used the 'pain' spell once more for half a moment, before letting up with a scowl. "That boy is special to me. Besides, if you were a native to Equestria, you would know the penalty for doing such an action. You are lucky to be alive right now."
Crowland sighed, "I apologize, but maybe you should teach the boy to be a little more cautious about pulling a gun."
Another wave of pain.
"Duly noted," Trixie snorted. "Now, I have plenty of evidence to convict you of this crime. Before I begin, I want to know your thoughts on the matter." She drew her sword and placed it by his neck, "All of them."
Crowland sighed, "It was just a simple job. Just a clean cut job, shouldn't have taken me anymore then a week to accomplish."
Trixie grinned, "So you admit it. Good. That makes things simpler." She made to leave, "Do not worry, I'll give you a fair trial."
'I sincerely doubt it,' Crowland grumbled to himself.
___________________________________________________________________
Suri Polomare cursed her luck. She had watched her master get taken into custody by the ponies and she had done nothing. She just hid in some shrubbery as they passed. Her master had seen her, but he'd just shaken his head. She should have ignored him and helped. Sure, they'd have to go on the run but it wasn't like they hadn't done that before.
Either way, she couldn't change the past. She needed to think of something. Something that would allow her to travel through town without raising suspicion. She wasn't going to kid herself and believe they wouldn't take her in too. They had seen her with her master often enough in town to know they were together.
'So what am I going to have to do?' She pondered. 'Sneaky escape plan? A bit risky, especially with the Inquisitor in town. No, I'll have to think of something else. I can't just rely on the alleyways or things like that. Not this time.'
So Suri puzzled and puzzled, till her puzzler was sore. That was until she remembered a certain pony. A shy earth pony that worked with the local dress maker. She remembered her. Coco Pommel was her name. Yes, she was an Element of Harmony. The element....
'Of Selflessness,' Suri grinned. 'Ohohoho, I just need to get her to help me and it'll be as easy as pissing off a diamond dog... gotta remember to watch out for those in her shop.' With that in mind, she had a plan. Now she just needed to wait a while for things to cool down in town.
______________________________________________________________
Princess Sunset Shimmer was a simple mare. All she needed was a book and a quiet place to read. Sometimes that would include a certain dragon who would read with her and perform brother/sister cuddles that would never be spoken outside their home or someone would wind up dead.
A very simple mare.
After everything that had and was going on in town, she desperately needed some alone time. Usually, she never balked from ordering others around. However, the past while had shown her that that doing everything herself had consequences and she wasn't sure that she could handle this situation well enough. Besides, she wanted to relax. 'I really need to install a jacuzzi in this house. Maybe next week.' That would certainly be lovely.
She smiled... until the whole tree house shook. She yelped and jumped out of the comfy chair she was sitting on. Quickly putting away her book, she stuck her head out the window.
Lyra was laughing like a maniac as she pummeled what appeared to be.... A giant book with eyes and black noodle arms and feet that ended with gloved hands. The book monster roared, sending waves of paper that sliced through whatever they touched. Lyra dodged by rolling out of the way. Her magical fist shot out, stretching as quick as a bullet and smashed into the monster's leg. It toppled over with a groan.
Sunset frowned and then looked up to see that Twilight Sparkle was laughing and throwing what appeared to be supplementary spells to the monster to aid it somehow. Sunset sighed and thought about going back to reading, but remembered this was a book monster. She needed to put it out of its misery.
'I hate this town sometimes,' she groaned and made to leave. |
To Fear A Predator | New Findings | Ponyville usually was a place of free commerce and general freedoms. The town militia and cops were rather lax since they didn't have to worry about any heretics or the like until recently. Even then, the population had largely thought the danger was over and kept at it as they usually did. Ponyvillians were hard to break. They constantly had to worry about danger, but they still kept a more free and level, if stubborn, head. This was the attitude of their founders and it stuck.
That wasn't the case anymore.
Now Ponyville had a plethora of guards that rigidly patrolled the streets. They were stationed in several spots in and around Ponyville. They were professional guard, numbering up to two hundred strong. These guards had been called in by Inquisitor Trixie herself to bring law and order into the town. The ponies never said anything against it. Many thought it was safer to have all those guards around.
That is until the new laws had come into place.
A plaque with the rules clear as day was hung from a pole in the town square. Everyone was instructed to follow them. Some wondered why the extra precautions, but they were reasoned that there still could be danger lurking about. There was a pony that was allied with that griffon that was still loose and there could be more. That didn't mean the ponies of Ponyville had to like it.
Pizzelle surely didn't as she walked through the town marketplace. She frowned as she saw all the guards about. Not many ponies had come out today and the few who did weren't smiling. They seemed scared and unsure of themselves. She was glad Fiddlesticks was still working on the farm, tending to the damaged trees. She'd have gone ballistic with all these frowns.
She went over to Carrot Tops cart and gave her a warm smile, "Hello, Carrot Top. Fine day we're having."
Carrot Top huffed, "As fine as it could be. So a bushel of carrots?"
"Three actually," Pizzelle smiled. "Some of the girls are planning a little get together to talk with Sunset later, so I wanted to make some snacks."
Carrot Top looked around herself and hesitantly watched a few guards pass, "Well when you do, tell the Princess she needs to reign in that new Inquisitor." She whispered. "She had my cart and bloody house checked. I just reported someone stealing my water gems and I'm treated as a criminal."
"What?" Pizzelle frowned. 'Inquisitor Trixie can't possibly think Carrot Top is suspicious.' "Are you sure it was that bad though? I know Inquisitors can be rash, but they usually mean well. Not all the time, not all the time I tell you, but most of the time. I however did bump into an Inquisitor that-"
"Do you want your carrots or not?" Carrot deadpanned.
Pizzelle blushed in embarrassment, "Sorry for that. Can't help but going on and on, you know?" Carrot Top nodded with an amused smile. "So, five bits?"
"With everything going on?" Carrot Top spoke. "Twelve. I'm sorry, I have to amp up the price or I won't be able to make it through the winter."
Pizzelle nodded in understanding and pulled out the bits. She was very lucky that she had made a killing before the Summer Sun Celebration with tourists coming to Ponyville so she had enough bits to last her quite a while. "Thank you. I hope you can find some replacement gems for your gardens. If you need any help-"
"I'll come get you," Carrot Top chuckled. "Don't you worry about me. I'll be fine."
Pizzelle smiled and took the carrots, "Well I wish you the best. May the gods watch out for you."
"Hopefully the nice ones," Carrot quipped and the two giggled.
Pizzelle hummed a little tune to herself. While the atmosphere of Ponyville was much gloomier these days, she was sure it would get better soon. Stuff like this happened often enough in their history and she had to go through a trial or two through her adventures with Presto in her youth. So it didn't bother her much. A little, but not a lot.
That is until she was grabbed and dragged into a small alleyway. The pony who did it forced a hoof over her mouth and shushed her, "Don't say anything until I'm done talking."
Pizzelle narrowed her eyes, before they shot wide open. This was Suri Polomare, the mare hanging around Crowland Tempo.
"Look, I know everyone's saying we're guilty of something and they maybe right." Suri huffed. "But this wasn't our choice. We were paid to do this job and it was supposed to be our last... his last. My master is many things, but he is not a cruel griffon. He shouldn't be locked up. Not for something like this. I need your help and trust me, no one will get hurt."
When Suri took her hoof away, Pizzelle looked at her quizzically. "But if he's guilty, why should I help you?"
"Because he's just being paid to do it. He didn't come up with this job."
"That's not a very good excuse."
"Whatever. It's not like he's doing anything bad. I mean, the dragon did try and burn this town to the ground."
Pizzelle just stared at her, ".... What?"
"We were paid to hunt the green drake by some stallion," Suri huffed. "I know it's against the law to hunt sapients, but this dragon did try and kill ponies. So... kinda a loophole?" She shrugged, "I'm not a lawyer, so I don't know."
"Wait, what about all that stuff you've been doing at night? Damaging buildings and stealing energy gems? That sort of thing."
Suri's eyes widened, "Everyone thinks we did that?"
Pizzelle nodded, "You didn't know? I know you don't live in town, but it's been in the town gossip for ages now."
"I don't listen to gossip," Suri deadpanned. She moved over and smacked her head against a wall. "This is bad. Like, really bad, mmmkay. With the dragon thing, I could make it work. This? No, no this can't do."
Pizzelle put a hoof on her shoulder, "I know you didn't do it."
"Why?" Suri huffed and turned to glare at her. "Even if I didn't know this was being put on us, I can still see why. My master is a griffon. Everypony hates griffons so of course he's going to be blamed."
"Well they did see a griffon last night."
Suri put her hooves over her cheeks, "OH! OH! So you see a griffon and you just assume it's my master? Why? Because he's a griffon? Oh that's not specie-ist at all!"
"Shh," Pizzelle put a hoof over her mouth. "Be quiet. Someone could hear you. As for everything else, that's not my opinion. I never believed that report. At least, not that it meant your master. He was a nice enough fellow and the secretary griffons are a pretty nice bunch. They aren't like the lion griffons."
"Hate those guys," Suri scoffed. It was known that the griffons of the Griffon Empire had, many centuries ago, committed a purge of all non-standard griffon subraces. This is mostly because of the constant fighting between the subraces and the fact that many subraces of griffons were allied to Equestria or other nations that held animosity to the Empire. There weren't a lot of subraces left these days. Secretary, or cheetah (depending on what you prefer) griffons weren't nearly as militaristic as the mainland griffons and had broken away over a thousand years ago. Still, they weren't that common, at least not in Equestrian territory so many ponies just lumped them in with the mainland griffons.
"Alright," Suri started to pace. "So he's being charged with assaulting officials, including an Inquisitor. Attacking a village, theft, and causing terror to the populace. I..." her breath started to quicken. "Oh no. Oh no no no no no no! He's going to be executed. I have to do something."
Pizzelle took a hold of her, "You will do no such thing."
"But I have to save him."
"We will," Pizzelle gave her a reassuring smile. "We'll get him out of there. I promise you that."
Suri looked her in the eyes, "Why should I trust you?"
Pizzelle's grin grew, "I'm the Element of Truth, dearie. I'm not really one to lie. In fact, I don't think I've really told much of a lie. A little white lie here and there, but that was more stretching the truth. Anyways," she shook her head to get back on track. "You can trust me. I'll see if I can talk to the rest of the Elements about this."
Suri smiled, "Thank you. I don't know what I'd do without you."
Pizzelle chuckled and patted her shoulder, "Think nothing of it, dearie."
____________________________________________________________________
"I can't believe you two," Sunset stormed back and forth between Lyra and Twilight. Both of them were slightly scorched from Sunset's attempts to stop the whole fight and when she turned her anger on them. "I just wanted a moment of peace. Just a moment of peace and what do you two do? Create a giant book monster and make it fight you for no reason other then to fight."
"But it was fun," Lyra weakly defended herself.
"Not for me," Sunset huffed. 'That poor book. He didn't deserve to die.' She wanted to cry about its death but that was for another time. "You two are going to pay for this."
"Okay," Twilight smiled and pulled a giant bag, easily three times her size, of bits out of her cloak. "Will this cover it."
"Not your bits, you idiot." Sunset groaned and rubbed her forehead. "Just... Just stay with Trixie. If you be good, I won't kill you."
Lyra laughed, "Oh you're silly."
"Oh she's serious," Twilight responded.
Lyra blinked in surprise, "Huh... that would be a pretty epic fight, actually."
"GO!" Sunset used the Royal Canterlot Voice, which caused Twilight's colors to fly off. The chaos mare blinked in surprise and teleported. Lyra shrugged and started off. Sunset sighed. 'I really wish I could just do something to those two mares, but I'm an Element of Harmony now. Friendship is supposed to be my thing and that means not burning ponies alive. Still very tempting though.'
Her further thoughts of fire and carnage were interrupted by Lightning Dust swooping down, "Hey Sunset, Pizzelle wants to call a meeting."
Sunset quirked an eyebrow, "A meeting? Why?"
Lightning shrugged, "I dunno, but she said it was important. I'll meet you at your tree house." With that said, she flew off.
Sunset sighed and trotted after her, 'Let's see what it is this time.'
_________________________________________________________________
Trixie could help but smirk as she cleaned her guns. She was sitting in the Mayor's large office, which was hers as of now. The Mayor had been moved downstairs. Outside, there were a number of ponies demanding the griffon's head on a platter. She was too happy to deny them the request. It was perfect, actually. The more they clamored for his death, the more they would love her for doing it. 'All is going according to plan.'
In then came in Pokey Pierce. The cop had proven useful to her these last few days. He'd been giving her intel on everypony in town. Very much needed intel that had allowed her to make leaps and bounds when it came to securing her power. 'Perhaps I'll give him a raise or something for his services.'
"What is it?" Trixie spoke, still idly cleaning her weapons.
"I just wanted to report in, Inquisitor." Pokey bowed his head and put a few folders on her desk.
Trixie smiled, "You've done well, Officer Pierce. I will not forget this." The folders themselves contained documents on all the officers and militia in town. 'I may have to sort through those I find useful later. The others I can lay off. They haven't done a good job anyways, what with the recent attacks and all that.'
"I'm just doing my duty," Pokey responded.
"That you are," Trixie finished cleaning her gun. "Is that all?"
"Inquisitor," Pokey started. "There have been some... disgruntled comments running through the officer ranks. I also hear a few whispers amongst the militia that aren't very favorable towards you."
Trixie frowned. She used her magic to pull her sword out of its sheath and looked it over, "Do you know where I got this sword, Officer Pierce?"
Pokey shook his head, "No, Inquisitor."
"My previous master gave it to me," Trixie paused. "Shortly before he died. He was a forward thinker and I wouldn't be the mare I was now if it wasn't for him. Do you know what he often told me?"
"What, Inquisitor?"
"Sometimes you need to prune the ranks of even the most faithful in order to keep the whole healthy," Trixie spouted and swished the sword through the air. "I think Ponyville is ready for a little pruning." She put her guns and sword back into place, "Thank you for the feedback."
Pokey nodded and left Trixie to her own thoughts.
'I'm grateful that I'm a forward thinker too,' she thought to herself. 'Otherwise I would be forced to use militia and cops that hold grudges against me. They would force my hooves, cost me time, and even make me blunder. I can't afford that. Thankfully the guards I brought in should have no problem replacing them for now. That is until I can pick and choose the new local militia and cops.'
The door creaked open, "You know, someone really needs to oil these joints." Dot spoke.
Trixie turned to him, "What is it, Dot?"
Dot smirked, "Is that the tone you're taking with me now?" He closed the door behind him.
Trixie rolled her eyes as he walked over and kissed her cheek, "Dot, I am busy." She used her magic to separate the documents. "I have a town to manage."
Dot gave her another kiss, "That can wait."
"But what about the griffon. I have to work on his trial."
Dot deadpanned, "And what are your plans again?"
"... Guilty?"
Dot sighed, "Is it too much to ask to at least give him a bloody fair trial, lassy?"
"Don't lassy me!"
"Trix?"
"IE," Trixie growled. "There is an 'eee' sound at the end. Just saying 'Trix' sounds like I'm sort of trickster or con artist or something like that. Besides, it's stupid."
"I think it's cute," Dot smiled. "Like you."
Trixie blushed, "Shut up, you idiot! I'll run you through with my sword if you don't be quiet."
"Funny," Dot tapped his chin and gave a lecherous grin. "I was actually planning on running you through with my 'sword'."
Trixie stared at him, "I'm leaving."
"What? Come on."
"That was bad and you should feel bad."
"Oh I know you loved it."
"S-Stop reading my emotions, idiot!"
"Make me," Dot shot her a challenging grin.
Trixie scowled. She wanted to stab him. Shoot him. Throw him out the window. She wanted to make him hurt so much at this moment. Which is why...
She pulled him into a deep kiss and pulled away, "I am going to crush your hips."
"Is that a threat or a promise?" Dot nuzzled her, secretly enjoying being the smaller of the pair. Of course, he always had a thing for bigger females.
"Both~" |
To Fear A Predator | The First Ever Elemental Meeting | History would mark this day as one for the history books. It was the start of something new. Something never seen before. It was a fresh start of an old idea not realized. This was the first of many momentous occasions that would incur from now on. For this was the first meeting of the Elements of Harmony. Six mares of different kinds who had come together to save Equestria. All of them now sat in a room, ready to discuss the current situation. Many more times would they convene together and aid the future of not just Equestria, but the entire planet. For all hinge on these mares.
This day truly was important and thus was taken incredibly seriously.
""Strawberries are better than apples," Lightning Dust crossed her forearms.
Fiddlesticks stomped her hooves on the long table in Sunset's living room, "HERESY!" When Lightning stuck out her tongue at her, Fiddlesticks jumped over to pummel the pegasus.
"We just started this meeting," Redheart groaned, rubbing her forehead. "And it's already falling apart."
"Oh this reminds me of the time me and Presto attended a meeting some minotaur delegates," Pizzelle started. "Let me tell you, they are quite prone to violence. Well not all the time, but-"
Quickfix just shrugged and jumped into the fight, "Don't forget about me."
Coco was just shyly trying to keep her head low, almost below the table.
The same table Sunset was using to smack her head against, "I hate you all." Smack, "I hate you all." Smack, "I hate you all."
Truly, we are all in safe hooves.
"Sunset," Redheart glanced over at her friend. "Can't you just use your magic to stop everypony?"
Sunset paused her smackfest and looked over at Redheart, "... I'm glad I thought of that." With that said, and an angry glare from Redheart, Sunset used her magic to stop the little brawl and put them back in their places.
"But Ah was about to win," Quickfix spoke.
"No."
"But-"
"No," Sunset gestured her hoof down to the floor. "Stay." Quickfix pouted and did as she was asked. "Good girl. I'll remember to get you a treat later."
"Sometimes ah want to punch ye so hard," Quickfix snorted.
"That's just a part of the friendship process," Sunset smirked. 'Or at least I think it is. I mean, it's got to be a rule somewhere that wishing your friends bodily harm, and sometimes acting upon it, is a prerequisite of friendship. Else I'm just being a jerk and I can't be a jerk. That's just..... Okay, maybe we're all a bit of jerks.'
"Alright everypony," Redheart started. "Let's get back on track. This isn't a social meeting and before you saying anything, Fiddlesticks. Yes, we will go on that picnic you wanted." Fiddlesticks grinned at that. She had been trying to get everyone to go out together more often, "Right now we are here to discuss a few things. Namely, what to do with the young mare over there." She gestured to Suri Polomare.
Said mare was leaning against the wall, eyeing them intently. "You know, when somepony says 'young mare', that's usually a sign of patronizing."
Redheart ignored her, "Now is everypony up to speed?" Everyone else nodded, "Good, that means we can sort this out quicker." She turned to Suri, "Could you be a dear and stand outside? This is just a meeting between us." Suri nodded and walked out the door, closing it behind her.
"Right," Lightning nodded. "Short and sweet. Suri says he's innocent, so he's innocent. Okay everypony, let's head down to the jail and get him out." She stood up.
"Sit yer bum down, ye git." Quickfix scoffed. "The rest of us haven't decided if she's innocent or not."
Lightning scowled, "What are you talking about? I've known Suri since we were foals. She's never lied to me and I don't think she'd start doing that now."
"Well course ye don't," Quickfix snorted. "Yer Loyalty not Truth. Too loyal for yer own good, if'n ye ask me."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"She's a damned mercenary," Quickfix scowled. "Who was trained by a griffon! They don't give a flying fuck about loyalty or the truth. They are sellswords through and through and ah'll be damned if'n Ah just take their words at face value."
"Calm down you two," Redheart glared at the two of them. "We are here to judge them as a group and we can't do that if we're chewing each other's heads off."
"Why do we need to talk about this?" Lightning seemed angry and confused. "She's my friend."
"Your foalhood friend," Redheart spoke up with a soft expression. "Ponies can change, Lightning."
"Not Suri," Lightning snarled. Suri watched on as Lightning defended her. Her cheeks heated up as she lightly pranced in place with a giant smile on her face. Thankfully, nopony was looking at her.
"Redheart is right, Lightning." Fiddlesticks seemed a little somber when she spoke. She looked at Suri, "Some ponies can change... for the worst."
"Fiddlesticks?!!" Lightning recoiled. "How could you say that? You're the friendliest pony I know. You should be by my side on this."
"I..." Fiddlesticks couldn't meet her gaze. "Just trust me on this."
"Well I for one think Lightning is right," Pizzelle spoke up firmly. "I have spoken with them myself and I can assure you, Suri means what she says."
"I..." Coco gulped and nodded. "She seems sincere."
Lightning nodded and smirked, "See? They agree with me. That's three against two."
"Three against three," Redheart raised a hoof. "I'm sorry, Lightning. I can't just blindly follow you on this one. If they can choose to hunt a sapient, even that dragon, what stops them from attacking the town?"
Lightning gaped at her, "Redheart..." Redheart had always had her back in the end. She practically raised her in a way and even though they didn't always get along, Lightning thought she could trust her. Now... She turned to Sunset, "You have to see this is crazy. She's a nice pony."
"She's a mercenary," Quickfix snarled. "They only act 'nice' when they have to be."
"Mercenaries aren't bad people," Pizzelle spoke up. "Some of them can be nice and gentle. It's just their job to be ruthless. That doesn't define them. I knew a number of mercenaries during my travels with Presto. There was this one charming stallion who was the nicest pony you could ever meet. Wouldn't ever hurt a fly when he was off his job. Hated his job but it made plenty enough for his family."
"That still doesn't change the fact that we have no evidence she's telling the truth," Redheart sighed. "I don't want to be the bad mare here, but someone has to say it. There is ample evidence that Crowland Tempo is the culprit."
The door suddenly swung open. "That's a lie!" Suri shouted, stomping her hoof in anger.
"It's the truth," Redheart met her stare evenly. "Until you can provide evidence for his innocence then I can't with good conscious allow him to roam free."
Suri just glared at her before shutting the door.
"Then we're just giving Crowland up to Trixie?" Lightning growled.
"Oh she's not so bad," Coco spoke up. "She and I have known each other a long time."
Lightning quirked an eyebrow, "So she's your friend?"
Coco winced, "Well... no."
______________________________________________________
*many years ago*
"Fight on!" A tiny Trixie shouted, waving a wooden sword with her magic. "Smash the foe to smitherins!"
An even tinier Coco Pommel looked up over a pillow. A bunch of dragon and monster plushies were strewn out before them. She shook slightly in fear, "But... I don't wanna smash. I wanna play something else."
Trixie glared at her, "Coward!" She raised a blocky wooden gun. "Bang! Bang. Bang." The little filly couldn't help but jump up and down as she 'fired' her toy gun.
Coco eeped and dived down, whimpering slightly.
________________________________________________________________
"Playdates can be rough," Redheart muttered, patting Coco's back. "I'm sure she's... changed."
"Right," Lightning rolled her eyes. "I'm sure she has. That's why she's enforced this curfew and is getting Time Turner fired. Hay, I've heard she's probably going to replace Thunderlane and Night Watch too."
"We don't know that for certain," Redheart counter argued. "Everyone is under a lot of stress these days and she's simply doing what she feels is necessary."
"Oh come off it," Lightning snarled. "You can't honestly be defending her. Sunset, come on. Talk them out of this."
Sunset looked around at the other ponies. Her eyes conveyed her hesitancy, which confused the other ponies. She never seemed all that hesitant before to speak her mind. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath.
'Is this really happening? Being put on the spot between my friends and having to choose? I didn't want to upset any of them again, not after what happened at the farm. Yet now I'm being forced to once again upset my friends. How did it come to this?' Sunset mentally whimpered before she let out the long breath she was holding. 'I'm going to have to do this. I can't back down. Mother always said that you won't please everyone. A princess must be decisive or they could hurt all those under their rule. I will not allow anyone to be hurt on my watch... Well except when it's me that's doing it but then it's justified.'
Sunset's eyes opened. Her eyes once again held the same fire she usually held, "Trixie isn't a nice pony."
"See!" Lightning grinned in victory.
Sunset lifted a hoof to silence her friend, "She's not a nice pony. She can be cruel, selfish, and refuses to see the whole picture when it suits her."
"Kinda like you?" Fiddlesticks piped up.
Sunset gave her a slight glare before sighing, "Kinda, but she's a bit more... extreme than I could ever hope to be." She winced slightly from previous encounters, "But she means well, I think. Not just that..." Sunset frowned, "We should trust her. The Council wouldn't send her here for no reason."
"But the Council isn't too fond of Time Turner," Pizzelle spoke up. "I've heard enough about them to know that they'd do anything to take him down a notch or several."
"They wouldn't risk our lives in such a petty manner," Sunset scoffed. "Besides, this shouldn't concern us."
"It shouldn't concern you?!!" Lightning stomped her hooves on the table. "Suri says he's innocent of attacking Ponyville and you're just going to let him rot?"
"Inquisitor Trixie has authority in Ponyville now," Sunset shot back. "What she says go. I am going to trust that she's competent enough to know what she's doing. This problem isn't of our concern."
"But he's innocent-"
"Quickfix was right," Sunset cut her off. "They are mercenaries. Not to mention a mercenary griffon. We can't just blindly trust them. They could be planning to stab us in the backs and run for it. We'll let Trixie sort this out."
"Where did that awesome princess go, huh?" Lightning bore her fangs. "You know, the one who would take everything into her own hooves and be damned with what everypony else said."
Sunset simply stared at her for a moment. Everything seemed to freeze in that moment before Sunset stood up from her chair, "Do you know what happens when I take things into my own hooves, Lightning?"
Lightning blinked in confusion, "Uhhh... you get stuff done and be awesome?"
"No," Sunset shook her head. "I get others hurt. I burn my teachers. I burn classmates. I burn possessions. Everyone around me burns. Why do you think things got out of hoof in the orchard not long ago? Not to mention how many times you've been hurt because of me. My friends! I'm the reason you got hurt. Why you could have nearly died. You. Spike. Rodan. Everyone!" Sunset seethed. The air around her started to heat up as her aura started to seep out.
"I don't make good choices when it comes to others. I make horrible choices. Choices that hurt everyone, Lightning. I will not make anymore. Not now. Let Trixie make the choices. Let her be the one who wins or loses. Let her be the one that has to get dirty to get the job done. I just want to relax and be slightly annoyed and happy as I spend time with my friends. I just want a simple life without something fucking it up! NO. I say NO. This isn't my problem and it will be none of yours. I cast my vote to have that griffon stay behind bars. Let justice sort him out." Sunset heaved. She wasn't used to talking so much, especially at that volume, and briefly wondered how Pizzelle did it.
Lightning had her face cast down at the table. It was hard to gouge what she was thinking. Sunset hoped that she would see what she was getting at. 'She'll see and then we can relax and have fun like friends do.'
That didn't come. Instead, Lightning said, "You're a coward."
Sunset's eyes widened in shock, "Excuse me?"
"I said you're a coward," Lightning dourly said. "You're letting your fears get to you."
"I am-"
"You want to keep us all safe, but you're going to just someone die and do nothing. Seems like a pretty cowardly thing to me."
Sunset snarled, "Listen, I'm doing what's best for all of us."
"You're doing what's best for you, not me. Not Crowland and not for Suri. Just you. I thought you were better than this, Sunset."
"I am. Now sit back down and we can-"
"No," Lightning stood up and made to leave. "I'm leaving. I'll be back when you crawl out from your library and actually do something, coward." With that said, she walked out of the room and slammed it closed.
The others sat in silence for a moment.
"So... we win, right?' Quickfix spoke up, earning a punch to the shoulder and glare from Fiddlesticks. "Hey, I'm just asking."
"No one won that," Pizzelle frowned. She turned to Sunset and noticed her legs wobbling slightly. "Deary? Are you alright?"
"No..." Sunset softly whimpered. "I'm not."
_____________________________________________________________________
Pokey Pierce lightly knocked on the door to Inquisitor Trixie's room. "Inquisitor Trixie? I wish to converse with you?" He frowned when he didn't get an answer. He put his ear to the door and heard some thumps and grunts. 'She must be training.' With that thought in mind, he pushed open the door. "Inquisitor?"
"WHAT?!!" A blue hoof shot up from behind the bed. "What is it that is so important that you'd barge into Inquisitor Trixie's room?"
Pokey blinked a few times, wondering if she had fallen over the bed or something. "I was just wishing to ask if you were ready to move on to your next phase."
"Ousting those two oafs from their positions?" Trixie grunted and gripped the sheets. "Stop that." He heard her whisper, "And to answer your question, yes. You may take care of Chief Night Watch yourself. I shall take care of Thunderlane."
Pokey nodded, "Of course. Thank you, Inquisitor Trixie."
"You are very much welcome," another voice, one he recognized as Dot's, spoke up.
"SHHHH!" The blue hoof came back down and evidently smacked him given the noise and 'oomph' of pain that emitted from the bed's side.
"Is that changeling with you, Inquisitor?" Pokey asked.
"Pay Dot no mind," Trixie nervously chuckled. Pokey really wished he could see what they were up to, but he dared not interrupt or come inside himself. "He's just helping me with a few... things. Now go."
Pokey bowed and made to close the door, "As you wish, Inquisitor." Right before he closed it, he could hear plainly one thing.
"Dot, I told you to lock it."
"I didn't think I needed to."
"Another mistake like that and I'll have you sleeping with the pigs."
"How dreadful that would be. I'd rather cuddle this flank instead. Much cushier~"
"Sh-shut up, idiot."
'A very odd couple,' Pokey thought and smirked. 'But just the right sort of odd.' |
To Fear A Predator | Changing Perspective | Night Watch rubbed his head in frustration as he sat behind his desk. He was thankful that he had his own little office in times like these. It gave him somewhere to vent alone and reflect on everything without having to bottle it all up till he got home. Right now, he didn't think he could keep it in that long anyways. He scowled as he looked over the reports coming in. Some of them by his own cops, but others were from the new Inquisitor and the soldiers she had brought in town not long ago.
"Damnable Inquisitor," Night Watch muttered to himself. He was also thankful he could say things that would normally have him killed when in public. 'She should just let me do my damn job. She has no right to question me or make my cops pay for someone else's mistakes.' A part of Night still believed that the militia, more specifically Thunderlane, was at fault for the night disaster.
Night thought about sending another patrol into Whitetail Woods. There had been reports of some strange occurrences there, but nothing substantial. 'Perhaps this could get Inquisitor Trixie off my tail.' His thoughts were interrupted when there was a knock on the door, "Come in."
In walked none other then Officer Pokey Pierce. Night couldn't help but smile. He had been assigned to the new Inquisitor and from the sound of things, she greatly appreciated his help. 'My ticket into her good graces.' "Ah, just the pony I wanted to see. I was thinking of sending another patrol to Whitetail Woods and I wanted-"
"I am taking over as Chief of Police."
Night Watch blinked in surprise. He rubbed his ears for a second, "I'm sorry, boy. I don't think I heard you correctly. Could you repeat that?"
Pokey nodded, "I am taking over your position."
Night just stared at him for a moment before he broke out into laughter. He slapped the desk in his laughing fit, "Oh now that's a good one. No seriously, we have more important-"
Pokey flashed a scroll in his face and unraveled it, all with his magic. "Inquisitor Trixie has given the order, former Chief of Police. You are relieved of duty."
Night Watch scowled, "Now see here. I've served as a police officer for most of my life and I will not have some young Inquisitor oust me from my position. Now go tell Inquisitor Trixie that I will hear no more of this nonsense." He snorted and looked back at his plans.
"Are you disregarding the intentions of an Inquisitor?" Pokey spoke up, causing Night to tense. "You know that is testimony to heresy."
Night Watch gritted his teeth. Pokey had a point there. He couldn't very well do anything in this situation. Trixie had all the power and without Time Turner around, he had no one but Princess Sunset Shimmer to turn to. 'I can't believe I'm thinking this, but I miss Turner.'
Night tried and failed several times to think of something. Anything. He couldn't help but gaze around his office. The same one he'd been in for over twenty years. 'I can't get out of this one. Looks like it's the end of the road for me.' he admitted to himself. He'd keep his mouth shut though. He would never give anyone the satisfaction of seeing him in defeat. So without further ado, he calmly stood up from his chair and made for the door. Just as he was opening it, Pokey spoke up.
"Your badge, Night Watch."
Night Watch's eyes widened for a second before narrowing. 'Pokey never dared take that tone with me before.' He snarled, 'Already letting the power get to him, the damned ingrate.' He took the badged off of himself and hurled it at Pokey. Pokey caught it with his magic, infuriating Night even more. "I hope this backfires on you." With that, he shut the door.
What Night didn't see was Pokey smirking and throwing the badge up in the air repeatedly, "Doubt it."
____________________________________________________________________
Thunderlane yawned as he made his way to the front door. The incessant knocking had been going on for a few moments, but he had been content with his sleeping arrangement. Now he couldn't ignore it. 'I bet it's something dangerous. Damn, and I was going to enjoy my day off.' He opened the door to see Inquisitor Trixie, Dot, and several Royal Guard outside. "What can I do for you, Inquisitor?"
Trixie couldn't help but glare at him, "I would think you would show a little more respect to your betters."
"I normally would, but this is my day off." Thunderlane put a hoof over his mouth. "Besides, I'm a bit too tired to think properly. Can't it wait till later?"
Trixie smirked, "No, Trixie thinks not." Dot nudged her, causing her to roll her eyes. "I think not. For you see, Thunderlane. I have no more use of you and your militia. Ponyville needs a strong and firm hoof to guard it. I would think of none better then the actual Royal Guard."
Thunderlane's jaw dropped, "You... you can't do that!"
Trixie chuckled, "Of course I can. Besides, Princess Sunset Shimmer lives in this very town. Do you think your measly militia can do anything to protect her." She raised a hoof to stop his answer, "No, no you can't offer the protection she needs. I can." She gestured to the soldiers behind her. "And so can these brave guardsponies. So continue to relax and enjoy your day off. You can think about your next career choice in the meantime. Perhaps being a weather pony might suit you."
"I have served in Celestia's name for years," Thunderlane growled. "I have fought back a number of her foes. I deserve this position."
"You deserve a long vacation," Trixie chuckled. "And now you have it. Take care no." With that said, she pushed him back with her magic and closed the door.
Thunderlane couldn't help but stand there, staring at the door. 'She... she can't do that... She can.' He growled, 'She can and she did, that damnable mare.' Thunderlane would need to think of something to get around this. Perhaps he'd try and find something with Time Turner or Rarity.
____________________________________________________________________________
Trixie couldn't help but have her spirit soar. Everything was going as planned. Even better in some cases. Soon, she would have everything in order. Then she could climb the social ladder and take her spot on the council. 'Then I shall have the honor of sitting by Princess Celestia's very side.' However, she couldn't help but notice Dot's agitated expression. "What are you so agitated about, Dot?"
"I still think disbanding the local militia is a mistake," Dot grumbled.
Trixie snorted and rolled her eyes, "I have told you already. I have no need for them. They had too much influence on the town and were loyal to Time Turner. Besides, the royal guard are better armored and have the finest training that Equestria has to offer. Ponyville loses nothing with this exchange."
"The militia have fought well in the past," Dot countered. "And they know the area better than anyone. If we could use them-"
"We. Have. No. Need." Trixie emphasized each word. She smirked as they walked by one of the new munitions depots. Militia were lining up to relinquish their weapons and outfits. More often done reluctantly. They were shoved aside by the guard when that happened. She gestured to them, "This is the future of Ponyville, Dot. At least, the start."
"I don't doubt that you have the town's best in mind," Dot mumbled. "But perhaps you shouldn't rush into this."
"I have to capitalize on this recent success," Trixie hummed to herself. "Which is why I have chosen the date for the griffon's execution."
"He hasn't had his trial."
Trixie waved him off, "Nopony cares. He's a griffon. He'll die tomorrow by beheading. Everypony will cheer my name for this act and you know it, Dot."
Dot nodded, "Yeah, I know it. I just think you might be a bit too hasty with this."
"And I think you're being too cautious," Trixie snorted. "Now let us continue onwards. I'm sure Mayor Mare will want to hear my decision posthaste."
_______________________________________________________________
Unbeknownst to them, somepony was listening in on their conversation. Said pony was none other than the most wanted pony in Ponyville: Suri Polomare. Said mare needed to do everything in her power to stay hidden and try to clear up this mess. Yet she was so tempted to fling herself from her hiding place in an alleyway and sever Trixie's head from her shoulders. It would be easy too. She didn't doubt Trixie was skilled, but Suri was close enough that Trixie wouldn't be able to summon or do pretty much anything before she was dead.
'The changeling could be a problem,' she kept going with this train of thought. She idly rubbed her hidden and compacted spear. 'And there are a number of guards around. I might be able to slice her head off an escape. 'Might' being the crucial word here.'
However that train of thought was interrupted when something crashed down behind her, "There you are."
Without a second thought, she spun around and activated her spear which jutted out until it was an inch from the other mare's neck. All in the blink of an eye. Thankfully, she noticed who she was pointing her weapon at before anything more could happen. "Lightning?" She quickly put away her weapon.
"A bit jumpy, aren't you?" Lightning Dust couldn't help but idly rub her neck where the blade almost punctured.
"I'm a wanted mare," Suri responded. 'Oh if only you wanted me, Lightning...' "So could you not try and make my life a bit harder."
Lightning nodded and whispered, "Right. You're hiding. My bad."
Suri nodded back, "Yeah, so I would appreciate a little quiet. Thank you."
Lightning grinned, "Gotcha, so what're doing out here anyways? Why didn't you stay back at the tree house? Sunset could have kept you safe there."
Suri gritted her teeth, "I... I just wanted to get out for a bit. Stretch my legs, you know?"
Lightning's stare told her she didn't believe that, "You're going to try and break him out, aren't you?"
Suri's eyes widened, "N-no. I wanted to-"
"You should have just asked me if you wanted help with that," Lightning smirked.
Suri blinked in confusion, "You'd... help me?"
"Of course I would," Lightning's grin grew, "Why wouldn't I help a friend? Also, it's a bit personal." She narrowed her eyes as the memory came back to her.
Flashback
"You should get a haircut," Trixie offered, eyeing up Lightning's mane. "Honestly, that look doesn't suit you and is rather an eyesore." End
Lightning snarled, "No one calls out my mane like that. I spend hours on this thing to make it perfect. Hours!"
"And it pays off," Suri whistled with a smile. She wanted to stroke that mane and snuggle that mare, but she had to resist. A light blush was on her face. She had more important things to worry about. "So you're going to help me break him out? You aren't going to stop me or tell Princess Shimmer?"
"Sunset," Lightning rolled her eyes. "Princess Shimmer just sounds weird to me and yeah. I'm going to help you. If you say he's innocent, he's innocent."
Suri chuckled, "Thank you." She pulled Lightning into a hug. "I don't know what I'd do without you."
Lightning returned it, "What are friends for? Anyways, what's the plan?"
_______________________________________________________________
Rarity had seen and done a lot of things. Many of which had never been done before. That went without saying since she was Equestria's first pony to be in charge of a diamond dog clan. That was stressful enough in its own way, without adding into her already booming fashion business. She was planning on opening up a few new stores soon so she had hoped for some peace and quiet.
This was Ponyville after all, so she never got that. It had thrown everything at her and the town. Now she had to deal with this on her own.
A crying princess laying on her couch eating up her third tub of ice cream.
"And... and we yelled at each other," Sunset blithered as she took in another bite. Rarity was thankful she had a ton of ice cream on hoof. It was her comfort food afterall. "And then she stormed off. Now... now she might not be my friend anymore!"
"Now Sunset-"
"WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!"
Rarity's ears splayed back as she tried to block out the crying, "Princess Sunset Shimmer!" Sunset stopped crying and looked at her. Well, at least she wasn't shouting or anything. She was still tearing up with her tear stained cheeks puffing out from frustration and ice cream. "She's still your friend."
"But we had a fight," Sunset sniffled. "And she got angry with me and now she won't want to see me anymore."
"Friends fight all the time," Rarity shook her head and took a seat beside her on the couch. "We can't always get along. I mean, you get into fights with your brother."
Sunset sniffled some more, "But he asks for it."
Rarity chuckled, "Well so does mine and vice-versa. Siblings are like friends except blood related."
Sunset 'ooohed', "I didn't know that... I'm still new to this friendship thing so I still have a lot to learn. Still... she didn't seem to want to talk to me anymore."
Rarity pulled Sunset into a hug, "Give her time. She'll come around. In the meantime you just have to work up the nerve to apologize."
"...But I just wanted to keep her safe," Sunset said quietly. So quietly Rarity almost didn't hear her. "If we got involved..."
"I understand that you want to keep them safe," Rarity spoke up. "But sometimes the best option isn't always the safest one. Also, you're a princess. Trixie will listen to you and if she doesn't, call your mom."
Sunset pouted, "I don't have to call mom to solve all my problems. I'll deal with this myself..." She looked down at her ice cream tub. "After I have some more ice cream."
Rarity chuckled, "A good cry and some ice cream always makes everything better. Gets your frustrations off your chest."
"The diamond dogs told me that fighting did that for you," Sunset piped up.
Rarity groaned, "...A little, but never mention that to anyone. It is uncouth for a lady to partake in such activities just to satisfy her own aggravations."
Sunset smiled, "I'll keep it to myself." 'Hey look, talking with others does make me feel better.' Sunset thought to herself. She had been too hesitant to talk to her friends about this, but Coco had done her best to get Rarity in on the problem to sort it out. An outsider's perspective is all. Maybe everything would be alright.
A knock on the door told her that her other friends had come, "Sunset?" Pizzelle called inside. "Are you alright, dearie?"
"I'm alright," Sunset called out. Her friends soon trotted inside. The moment they saw her, Sunset's eyes widened. "NO!" They rushed her and pulled her into a group hug. "Group hugs! Why do you do this to me?"
"Because we're your friends," Fiddlesticks grinned.
"So we like to see you suffer," Quickfix also grinned. "Also, I fixed your alarm clock."
"...Will it kill me?" Sunset asked.
"Only if you push the red button" Quickfix answered. "Never hurts to have your clock act as a secret bomb."
"Oh that reminds me of the time I had to use a clock to escape a Baryonyx," Pizzelle quipped. "Oddly, it sort of exploded too. I think that's because..."
Sunset groaned. These were her friends. This was what real friendship was. All the heartache and headaches were included. Now she just had to get Lightning back on her side. 'Because at this point, I know that idiot has gone and gotten herself into trouble. Might as well rush in and save her. Maybe next time she'll listen. Doubt it.' |
To Fear A Predator | Nightly Rescue | It was nightfall in Equestria. Everyone was inside of course. Not many did business during the dark. It evoked too much terror within the Equestrians. This is the exact reason Suri and Lightning were about so late. The pair of them sneaked about as several guards patrolled the streets. The guard had made sure everyone had gone to bed at a 'reasonable hour' as Trixie had put it. The guardsponies were ready for anything, but if Suri had it her way, they wouldn't know they were there.
"I still don't know why we don't just storm the place," Lightning whispered. "We can so take them."
Suri sighed, "I know sneaking around isn't your style, Lightning. But this is the best option. Besides, I thought you liked Daring Do? She does this sort of thing all the time."
Lightning huffed, which made Suri want to hug her. "Alright, you've got me there. I'll follow you on."
Suri smiled and simply said, "Good." She was going to do her damnedest to get her master back. Although, she also wanted to prove herself to Lightning. 'Maybe after this, she'll notice me 'that' way.' She idly thought to herself. The guards weren't something to be trifled with. These weren't just standard militia. That she could handle just well enough. No, these were actually Infantry. They were better trained and while she was still sure that she could take on a few, they could prove to be more trouble than it was worth.
Still, she had gotten to know a thing or two about Ponyville in the short time she was there. She was confident that they'd pull this off well enough. It didn't take them too long to find their way to the local jail. Coming up from behind, the duo spied a single guardspony defending the back entrance. Suri quirked an eyebrow at that, but she assumed that Trixie was a little too confident in her own capabilities and hadn't put much in defense of the jail. This would cost the Inquisitor.
Suri pulled out a dart and threw it. Without a sound it hit the guard in the neck and within a second, they fell down. "Clear."
"Did you-"
"They'll wake up in a few hours," Suri frowned. "You didn't think I'd just kill somepony like that, right?"
Lightning snorted, "No, just asking is all."
"Alright," with that said, they continued on. Suri quickly picked the lock on the back door and quietly walked inside. She came to a stop before a corner. Her ears perked and she heard a couple of ponies shuffling about. She readied two more darts. Without another thought, she rolled over and threw them all within a couple of seconds. Too quick for the two guards to notice before they were on the floor, unconscious. The two rounded the corner, careful not to step on the guards. Suri took the keys and looked over to her master.
To which she almost dropped them... and slit the guards throats. Even in the low light, she could easily spot the numerous bruises criss crossing his body. His ankles and wrists were bound in chains connected to the back wall. It made her blood boil.
"Easy now," Crowland Tempo spoke, opening up an eye. "Don't go blowing this breakout with your temper."
"Master," Suri seethed. "Tell me the individuals who harmed you and I shall end them."
Crowland sighed and shook his head, "I've had worse. These," he held up his bruised arms and chuckled. "Are nothing. Try being in an actual griffon prison those damned Khorne loving bastards own. Now that's a horrendous experience. Now quickly, unlock these blasted things."
Suri didn't waste any time to do just that and quickly escorted him out of the building, "We'll get you out of here."
Crowland quirked an eyebrow at Lightning, "Friend of yours?"
Lighting grinned, "Yeah, the Lightning Dust. Element of Loyalty and future Wonderbolt, glad to meet you."
"Glad to meet you too," Crowland smiled. "Suri can't stop talking about you. Just as cute as she told me." He chuckled at Suri's blush.
"M-Master," Suri sputtered, doing her best not to look at Lightning. Said pegasus wasn't paying much attention to them. She was looking out for any guards. Thankfully, they weren't any around. They might just make it-
"PRISONERS ESCAPED!" A voice cried out. "THE PRISONERS ESCAPED!"
Suri sighed, 'Dammit, shouldn't have been too quick to think that. Guess we'll go out the hard way.' Suri steeled herself as she moved. Her Master was leaning against as they walked.
___________________________________________________________________________
Trixie curled herself around her little human, using herself as a pillow for him to rest his head on. A book was in her magic as she flipped a page, "And that's when the brave Inquisitor lifted his sword and said-"
"I will not fear you, monster." Little Cato finished with a smile. "As long as Celestia is in my heart, I shall know no fear."
"Very good," Trixie smiled and kissed his head. "You seem to have memorized this book well enough on your own. Maybe I should choose a different one."
"No," Cato quickly said. "I like this book."
Trixie chuckled and nuzzled him, "Very well, but no interruptions, young colt." It was times like this that Trixie cherished the most. Her little one nestled safely against her as she watched him drearily yawn. Years before, she never would have imagined herself a mother, especially not to a human. Now though... she wouldn't dream of anything else. 'I will keep you safe, my little Cato. That I promise you.'
Suddenly, the door was forced open by a guardspony. "Inquisitor, the prisoner has escaped!"
Trixie just stared at him for a moment. Her mind was processing exactly what he said, before her face bore a scowl. "Stay here, Cato. Master has a few things to set right."
__________________________________________________________________
Suri heard the guards getting closer. With just her and Lightning, she was sure they'd escape without anyone seeing them. Unfortunately, her master was in no condition to be going anywhere that fast or swiftly. Somepony would find them. Soon. She needed to buy them time.
"I see them!" She heard a voice call out.
Now was that time. She pushed her Master onto Lightning Dust, "Get him out of here. I'll distract them long enough for you to escape."
"What are you talking about?" Lightning glared at her. "I'm not leaving you. We can make it out of this. Hay, I'll fly us out of here if I really need to. I'm not a slouch."
"You can't carry both of us," Suri stated. "At the very least, not without slowing us down even if you could. The guardsponies would catch up and shoot you down. No, I'll stay and buy you some time." She gave her a reassuring smile, "But don't worry. I don't plan on getting caught. I'll meet with you late on."
"You better," Lightning snorted.
Her Master weakly ruffled her mane, "Just remember what I taught you. Don't overextend yourself."
Suri smiled, "I won't, Master. Now get going." When the two started on without her, Suri turned back to the stampeding guards. She knew most of the guards were on that side of the town, having scoped it out herself. Lightning and her Master could evade the very few their way. She'd deal with most of them.
One of them came into view. The guard turned her head to yell back, "I see somepony!" A dart to the neck made her stumble and fall to the ground just as soon as she shouted.
Suri would fight them off, but she'd avoid killing them. They were in enough trouble as is and trying to prove her Master's innocence would prove tricky if she just up and killed a bunch of ponies. Even if that was in self defense, but she knew the courts wouldn't see it that way.
Suri's ears perked. She nimbly leapt out of the way of a earth pony guard who had jumped down from atop a building, trying to skewer her on a spear. She idly remembered that a few guards, both unicorns and Earths were patrolling the rooftops. The buildings were all similar in height, apart from a few, and so close together that it made this easy enough. She'd have to watch the rest of them more carefully on her way out of town.
The guard pulled his spear out from the ground and glared at her. She gave him a clear 'come get me' quirk of her head and he was already charging straight at her. Pulling out a little electric rod from her belt, she spun around him as she raised herself on two legs. Her hoof drove the rod right behind his head, the electric charge was strong enough to send him reeling to the ground, clearly out of the fight for a while. She put the rod back onto her belt after deactivating it, only to duck from an arrow. She pulled out her retractable spear from her back, spinning and blocking two more bolts.
She quickly identified two pegasi archers flying over head. She swiftly blocked two more bolts with her spear before ducking one hoof into her dart pouch. The two pegasi fired again and she knocked them both aside before throwing the darts with her hoof. She was very much thankful for her Master's training or she'd never have been able to do this much while on her back legs. It helped that her mother was a unicorn so her body was nice and lithe, allowing her to dodge a bit more easily.
The two pegasi fell out of the sky as the darts took effect. Suri used this opportunity to run. She wasn't foolish enough to fight off all of them and hopefully, seeing four of their comrades out of the fight would make them hesitate. She'd be able to escape then.
She was knocked off her hooves when something smashed into her. She looked up to see a unicorn guard snarling down at her. He raised his hoof to smash against her face. She blocked it and squeezed his hoof. She might have been half unicorn but she was still an earth pony. The unicorn winced at her squeezing and she used the opportunity to roll them both so now she was on top. One swift and heavy punch and he was out like a light.
Two other guards charged with their spears pointed straight at her. She backflapped out of the way and ducked when one of them tried to stab her skull. She punched the guard, which made him stumble, and jumped back when the second guard made to stab her. Suri gave him a roundhouse kick to the face, which sent him flying.
The other guard rushed her. She turned and pushed the spear out of the way to punch the guard in the face. The guard dropped her spear and tried to headbutt her. Suri twisted around her to grab her midsection and throw her right into the charging guard she had kicked earlier. Swiftly, she grabbed her spear and activated it. The spear jutted out and the flat end smacked right into a guard that had been trying to sneak on her. She turned and smacked her spear a few times on the guard, before nailing him in the forehead hard enough to knock him out for a while.
Suri took this opportunity to run again. She made sure to keep her ears perked as to not be surprised again. Unfortunately for her, she wouldn't be getting far. Up ahead, Inquisitor Trixie came walking out of another alley. Even with the low light, she could tell the Inquisitor wasn't happy. She stopped a ways from her, "Inquisitor Trixie..."
"Suri Polomare," the Inquisitor seethed. "I've been reading up on you, mercenary. You have quite the list of... achievements. I'm almost impressed."
"What can I say?" Suri's body tensed as she readied herself to get moving. "A mare's got to make a living for herself."
"Indeed," Trixie readied her two pistols in her magic. "Though I'm afraid this is where your adventure ends."
"My Master is innocent!"
Trixie smirked, "I have sufficient evidence to say otherwise."
"Oh buck that," Suri snarled. "You're just forcing it without trial. You were even going to execute him tomorrow. Why? He deserved to be given a chance to voice his innocence."
"Because I knew-"
"You knew nothing!" Suri glared at the Inquisitor before her eyes widened. "You didn't care. You didn't care if he was innocent or not. You just wanted to use him."
Trixie chuckled, "Very astute. Yes, a troubling mercenary with a blood soaked past. Add in the fact that he's a griffon and no one will blame me for killing him."
"Except your conscious."
"Oh please," Trixie rolled her eyes. "He's a griffon. Whether he's guilty or not doesn't matter. If he isn't guilty, then I shall find who is post haste with nary any detrimental effects to my image."
"But what if I could prove that he's innocent?"
"You won't have the chance, I'm afraid." Trixie readied her aim. "The execution is already scheduled. You can join him if you love your Master so much. Save me a bit of trouble, or how about I just kill you right now?" With that said, she fired.
Suri jumped to the side to avoid the first bullets. She pulled out her spear and ran towards Trixie. Her spear blocked the bullets with each swing, something her Master had taught her. Bullets were harder to see and thus block then arrows, but she was confident she'd be to pull it off. She jumped onto the side of the building, and using just an ounce of magic thanks to her unicorn heritage, used it to allow her to run along the side of the building on her hindlegs. Trixie was slightly surprised, but caught herself just as Suri jumped and tried to smack her with her spear.
Trixie raised her sword to block it, forcing Suri to jump back and land in an offensive stance. "I'm impressed. Actually impressed. That doesn't happen often."
"I'm glad," Suri gripped her spear tighter. She knew she hadn't seen much of the Inquisitor's battle technique. Inquisitors weren't pushovers. She had to fight one in the past and that was certainly a challenge. "Now let me go in peace and I won't have to impress you with my spear again."
Trixie laughed, "I don't think so." She charged with her sword raised. Suri parried and parried again. Fighting a magic user was always a bit tricky. Since the sword was being held by magic, it was a tad harder to predict exactly where it would land. Still, she did her best to keep the Inquisitor at bay.
Trixie pressed herself up close to her, "Ready to give up?"
Suri pushed herself closer, almost nose to nose with the Inquisitor. "Never."
That's when she felt two pistols, each on one side of her head. Trixie chuckled, "I think you better give up now or I'll be forced to execute you. How about ten seconds to think it over, hmm?"
Suri's eyes widened and as she watched Trixie silently mouthing the numbers, she slowly reached down for her electric rod.
Trixie was focused solely on Suri's face that she didn't notice it, "Zero. Ah, so sa-" Trixie's body shook as electricity sparked about it. Suri had his her chest with the prod, causing Trixie's magic to turn off. The guns and sword fell to the ground, allowing Suri to smash her spear against the side of Trixie's face. Using her spear, she planted it on the ground and jumped, kicking Trixie's face again, sending her a few feet into the air before landing on her side.
Suri smiled and bowed her head, "Impressive, but not good enough." She made to turn when she saw the Inquisitor in front of her, with her sword at the ready. She moved her head to see another Trixie. Then another. Then another. Her eyes widened when she saw seven of them surrounding her.
"Impressive," all of the Trixie's spoke. "But you forgot about one little thing. All Inquisitors have a trick up their sleeves and mine just so happens to be duplication magic. Now prepare to die!" The clones then charged.
Suri had to duck and weave to avoid the swords. At first, she just thought they'd be illusions but one of them nicked her cheek when they tried to make a lunge. It was known that some illusionists were powerful enough to make their projections actually feel real but this was her first taste of it. She didn't like it. She thrusted her spear and stabbed one of them in the chest. The Trixie clone looked at her in shock and then disappeared in a magical dissolve. Suri quickly had to use her spear to block another sword, push it away and then roll out of two more swings. She had her work cut out for her.
The Trixie's laughed, "Tired yet?"
"I'm just getting started," Suri snarled. She pulled out a small dagger and threw it, hitting one of the clones in the head, destroying it. The other five charged and she was back on the defensive. She blocked two blows from her assailants before, stabbing one of them in the chest. Another clone down.
"Three down," Trixie seemed amused. "Four to go." Suri let out a small hiss of pain when one sword cut into her foreleg. It wasn't too deep, but it was a long cut. "But can you take out the last four without dying?"
The four Trixie clones had surrounded her and this time, they had closed in closer. One of them even nicked her in the side of her chest. Again, nothing too deep but Suri felt like her luck was running out. The clones wouldn't tire out. She could. Suri needed to do something quick to turn the tide. She ducked when the four all tried to stab her at once and thrusted the butt of her spear down. She then jumped and used the spear to thrust her back hooves straight into the face of one clone. She rolled and stabbed on clone, before quickly pulling back and stabbing the down clone while she was at it. She jumped back when the other two clones made to stab her, only missing her by inches.
She huffed. The cuts covering her body were starting to sting, but it was nothing to her. She'd had worse. She moved her hoof and gave a 'come here' gesture. The two two clones charged and she charged with them. At the last second, she dived in between them. She rolled and then turned back to stab one of them in the haunches. The clone didn't feel back but it stumbled and fell. The other turned to face her, swifter than a normal unicorn would. Suri fought this one head to head, before smirking. She let the clone pushed against her spear, before using the electric rod for the same trick that had befallen the real Trixie beforehoof. It worked and the electricity destroyed the clone. The last one tried to make its last stand, but Suri finished it with a thrown dagger.
Suri was confident that it was over. That is until she felt a gun right against her forehead.
"You really did live up to the reports," Trixie smugly spoke. "Of course, you still don't hold a candle to my own abilities. Goodbye, Suri Polomare. I'll make sure to deal with your Master soon enough. Just take heart that you die by the hoof of the grandiose Inquisitor Trixie, soon to be High Inquisitor of Equestria."
Suri closed her eyes and prepared for the end, 'Master, I hope you forgive me for my loss. Lightning... there was so much I wanted to say to you that... I hate myself more than ever for not saying it before the end. I hope you find someone who's really good for you.'
The end never came. She heard Trixie let out a small pained cry and then someone smashing into a building. Suri opened her eyes to see a pony she wasn't expecting, "Lightning? What are you doing here?!!"
"Came to save your sorry butt, that's what." Lightning snorted. "Don't worry. I got Crowland far enough from here to be safe. Now come on," she leaned down so that Suri could climb on. She didn't see Suri's blush at the close contact. "We've got to get out of here."
"NOOOO!" Trixie screamed. She stood up, bruised and dishelved. She raised her gun and fired three times, all of them narrowly missed the pegasus. "Lightning Dust, Element of Loyalty. You betray your Element!"
"I'm loyal to my friends," Lightning snarled. "And you aren't one of them."
Trixie leveled her guns, "Don't make me kill you."
"Try it," without another word, Lightning zoomed off.
Trixie just stared at where they were before quivering.
Dot came running over, "Trixie!" He rushed to her side, "Are you alright?"
"They... escaped." Trixie's voice was hollow as if she didn't believe what happened really just happened.
"The prisoner?" Dot asked, to which Trixie shakily nodded. "We'll get them all back." When Trixie didn't talk, he nuzzled her. "Come on, where's that overconfident mare I know and love, huh?"
Trixie looked at him which made him flinch. The overwhelming hatred both in her emotions and her eyes were immense, "I want them now! Do you hear me, now! I am so close... So close. They will not ruin my chance." She looked over at the guards starting to amass about her. "FIND THEM! FIND THEM NOW, YOU INCOMPETENT IDIOTS!" The guards whimpered and ran off to try and track the speeding pegasus. "I will not lose them." Trixie moved forward, stomping the ground as she did so.
Dot gulped, "I've got my worked cut out for me." He sighed. He'd have to keep a close eye on Trixie to make sure she didn't overextend herself... again. |
To Fear A Predator | Preparing to Confront Traitors | Living on the run wasn't something Lightning Dust ever thought she'd have to do with herself. She had always imagined herself in the limelight. Somepony to look up to. She thought she'd end up as one of the most famous ponies in the history of ever and that she'd be able to go anywhere she wanted. Well, she was going to be famous alright. Just not for the reason she had hoped for. She sighed, 'Life isn't fair sometimes.'
Lightning looked over to see Suri tending to the passed out Crowland's injuries, "Is he going to be alright?"
Suri gave her a reassuring smile, "Absolutely. The bruising isn't that severe and given a few days of rest, he should be back to tip top shape. I'm just glad this is all of it. I thought Trixie would have been more severe, but then again, she was planning to execute him. It wouldn't do to rough him up too much for the show." She snarled.
"Hey," Lightning put a comforting hoof onto Suri's shoulder. "Calm down. We've got him out safely. Now we just have to wait for Sunset to sort this thing out."
Suri quirked an eyebrow, "Do you really think she would help us? I mean, last time I checked you two had a nasty conversation."
Lightning waved it off, "It wasn't that bad and hey, I've argued with Redheart a lot over the years and we're still friends. Friends argue and hate each other now and again, but I shouldn't hold one argument against her forever."
Suri blinked in surprise and gained that much more respect for her friend, "Lightning, that's-"
"It's also good to guilt trip your friends about arguments and stuff they were wrong about," Lightning grinned and smoothed out her mane. "Maybe I'll get her to pay for my spa treatments or a lifetime supply of ice cream." She cackled and rubbed her forehooves together as she thought about what to get herself.
Suri sighed and smiled, "Same old, Lightning. You haven't changed."
Lightning Dust laughed, "Guess I haven't. You haven't either. You might be a badass, but you're still the same Suri I called my friend all those years ago."
Suri blushed, "That... That means a lot, Lightning."
"What are friends for?" Lightning said before mulling over her thoughts. "So... what happens now?"
"We can't go back to the house, nor yours since they know you helped." Suri stated. "We'll just have to hold out in Whitetail Woods until your princess friend sorts this out."
Lightning nodded, "Gotcha, shouldn't be too long. Still, if those guys show up to take you guys in, they'll have to go through me first."
"Don't count me out so quickly," Suri smirked. "I think I can take them just as easily as I did before."
"Before I had to save your butt, you mean?" Lightning chuckled at the slight glare. It felt right being able to joke around with Suri again. 'I promise you, Suri. I won't let you down.'
_________________________________________________________________________
Sunset Shimmer couldn't help but tap her hoof in anticipation. She and her friends had been brought to the town hall. She hadn't been told exactly what this was about, but she could hazard a guess it wasn't anything good. She knew Trixie would never try anything on her. She was far too loyal to her mother to try it and so were all of the guards and such present. It was just... she had a bad feeling about this.
"What..." Coco gulped. The poor mare was trembling as Pizzelle held her comfortingly. "What do they want with us?"
"Nothing serious, I assure you." Sunset narrowed her eyes. "Don't worry, Coco. I'm still a princess. They can't do anything to you or anyone without my say so. Besides, we're Elements of Harmony. The worst we'll get is a scolding and we haven't done anything wrong, so there's not even that."
"I wouldn't say you haven't done anything wrong," Dot spoke as he entered the room. He quickly shut it behind him as he stared down all six elements in the room. "So the gang's almost all here. Great."
Sunset blinked in confusion, "What's so great about that? Aren't we going to wait for Lightning?"
"Yeah," Fiddlesticks piped up. "Don't know why ya want to start without her. She'd get riled up something fierce if she found out ya did."
"And then we'd have to avoid sparks of lightning," Quickfix huffed. "Bad enough when it's just me but when my equipment is around..." She snarled.
Dot held up a hoof, "This meeting is about Lightning Dust and what we're going to do with her now that she has turned traitor." When all of the mares present stared at him in shock, he sighed. "Well I wasn't going to dance around the issue. So-"
"WHAT?!!" They all shouted.
"What do you mean she's turned traitor?" Redheart spoke up, standing up as she did so. "Lightning Dust is the loyalist pony you could meet. She's the Element of Loyalty, for Celestia's sake. So I do not appreciate you commenting about her in such a... dirty manner when she is not present. Please, explain yourself or I will rip off that blasted raised arm and smack you with it. You know I can. I'M A NURSE!"
Dot, and everyone else, gaped at the glaring and huffing mare. "Uhhh... First of all, don't kill me."
"No one's killing anyone," Pizzelle stood up. "Redheart, I know that Lightning is basically family but I don't think this is going to help her."
"Why do we need to help her?" Redheart kept glaring at the changeling. "She's not a traitor. How could-"
"She helped the griffon escape last night and attacked Inquisitor Trixie," Dot interjected.
All of them stared at him.
"Come again?" Fiddlesticks rubbed her ears. "Ah don't think Ah heard that right."
"Last night, she aided the one known as Suri Polomare in freeing her master from prison. Multiple guards were injured, thankfully there were no casualties." Dot explained. "Still, this is an act of treason if I ever saw one."
Redheart blinked in utter confusion, "But... but that doesn't sound like her at all. She has to have a good reason for doing this."
"Could be somethin' goin' on between 'em," Quickfix chewed on that thought. "Met 'em once when they passed by. That Suri mare had that look in her eyes whenever she saw Lightning. It was obviously a crush. Maybe Lightning found out and love blinded her."
Pizzelle smiled and sighed in bliss, "Awww, young love~ That's so precious."
"Just like aiding a murderer," Dot scowled.
Sunset frowned, "I don't remember murder being among the charges."
Dot cleared his throat, "You wouldn't. The incident was covered up. However, not long ago a small caravan was cut off and attacked. The drivers and personal present were killed and the contents stolen. This incident and the ones happening in town are too close and too soon to one another that it is entirely possible they were committed by the same parties. Therefore, Inquisitor Trixie has no choice but to arrest Lightning Dust for her crimes."
"I will not allow this," Sunset glared at him. The room growing hotter and hotter by the second.
Dot nodded, "She will just be locked up until this whole mess is cleared up. No harm shall fall upon Lightning Dust. Her compatriots are another story."
"I still believe there is more to it," Pizzelle frowned. "It just doesn't add up to me. If he was behind all of this, why come into town at all? Why buy a house? Why be so open with his weapons? It doesn't seem like he's the one that did any of that."
"He could have his reasons," Dot explained. "Trying to look inconspicuous or he just didn't believe we had any real evidence to convict him. Besides, griffons are usually armed so that isn't so unusual. At least for foreign born griffons. Still, for now we shall treat him as the culprit unless some out of the blue evidence comes along." His voice indicated he doubted that would happen. "I just wanted to know if-"
"We did not know Lightning would do this, nor did or would condone such actions." Sunset spoke for everyone, before sighing. "Fine, you have my permission to capture her but I swear, I will tell my mother if harm should fall on Lightning Dust."
Dot gulped softly, "Understood, Your Majesty." With that said, he quickly made his way out of the room.
The mare's traded nervous glances, "Umm..." Coco, of all of them, broke the awkward silence. "What do we do about this, if you don't mind me asking?"
"I... I don't know," Sunset answered, feeling a little hollow. None of the other mares knew what to do except hope that everyone made it back safely.
___________________________________________________________________
"But Master," Cato started.
Trixie cut him off, "No butts, Cato." She lightly glared down at him. She was in front of their temporary home in Ponyville in full armed garb. Several armed guards were waiting around for her orders. He could count a few dozen with her. "These people are far too dangerous for you. Besides, they are only three strong. I'll be back soon. Dot will be back from talking with the other Elements soon to look after you."
Cato stomped a foot down, "But I can help you. I'm good at magic."
"You are good at magic, but good will only get you so far in life." Trixie sighed and kissed his forehead. "Stay inside until I get back. After that, everything should go swimmingly." She frowned at his dejected look, "Hey, how about a smile? We'll go and get your favorite ice-cream if I hear you were a good boy while I was gone."
Cato sighed, "Okay." With that, he dejectedly walked inside. He could barely hear her tired sigh before she started to shout at her guards and get them moving. He waited till they were gone before dashing to the armaments. Once there, he started to grab his pistols and armor.
"What are you doing?" A familiar voice spoke up behind him. Cato whirled around and gave a sigh of relief when it was just Hikaru, the local kitsune and his sort of friend. He wasn't sure if they were friends or not because he wasn't used to having one.
"Just getting my things," Cato responded, finishing up doing so.
"I heard what your mom said," Hikaru spoke. "She told you to stay here."
"And I'm going to show her I'm useful. I'm tired of being coddled. I want to show my Master that I'm an Inquisitor."
"So you're going alone?" HIkaru cocked his head to the side curiously.
Cato nodded, "Yes, I can handle whatever these heretics can throw at me."
Hikaru blinked for a few moments before grinning, "Then I'm coming with you."
Cato's eyes widened, "But you can't. You have to stay home."
"That's basically what your mom said but you're going anyways," Hikaru smugly replied as his tail wagged in delight.
Cato sighed and his shoulders sagged. Kitsune were known to get on people's nerves, "Fine, but don't get hurt, okay? A good inquisitor doesn't let his subordinates get hurt."
"Friend."
"Subordinate."
"Friend."
"Subordinate"
"Subordinate."
"Friend and that's final," Cato smugly replied and then moved forward... Then he stopped and glared at Hikaru. "Hey!"
Hikaru laughed and started off himself.
______________________________________________________________
Pokey Pierce leaned back into his chair as he looked around the chief's office. His office. 'Yes, finally. After all this time, I get to have some actual power around here. Not just be lead by some oafs in charge. I can't believe Equestria is still running with these guys in power. A good sweep of their ranks and numbers should do the trick.'
He had ordered many of the officers home and to take some time off. The only ones on staff at the moment were rather incompetent or on his side. He planned to get rid of the more competent ones soon enough and replace them with his own bunch. With that set in place, no matter what happened with Trixie, he could enjoy some peace and comfort here.
That is, until his drawer started to shake. He quickly opened it and took out a purplish crystal ball and put it on the desk before him. Clouds of purple mist started to move before a voice sounded out from within, "I trust you are doing well, Pierce."
"As well as I can be, my lord." Pokey kept his voice respectful, lest something happen to him. "Everything is going as well as we'd hoped."
"Good, good." The voice seemed rather pleased. "You have done well. Everything is going well on our part. We should have everything prepared for in a few days lest the Inquisition pops up. I'm sure you kept her in town for that length of time."
Pokey Pierce blinked for a few moments, then he remembered something. Then he started to sweat, "Uhhhh...."
"...What have you not told me?" The room went quiet. Deadly quiet.
Pokey rubbed the back of his head, "Well, the prisoner escaped and the Inquisitor is going out to search for her. I'm sure she will not-"
"Insolent fool!" the voice nearly knocked him back. "We cannot afford to have our location spotted, nor do we have the numbers at this location to deal with any significant threat. Because of your folly, you must fix it."
Pokey's eyes widened, "But... but... I don't need to. You're powerful enough that-"
"I need my power for the ritual," the voice explained as if he was talking to a brain dead child. "I can only afford to expend some of it, but not enough to take them all on. You must either thin their numbers or kill them. Take a few prisoners for the coming sacrifice. If we are to succeed, we must not let this fail."
Pokey sighed, "Very well, master. It shall be done."
"See that it is," the voice responded.
Just then, a cop burst through the door. "Sir I have to report that... " He looked towards the crystal and took a step back from the foul prescance. "What is that, sir?"
"None of your business," Pokey sighed before quickly pulling out a pistol and shooting the cop through the head. "Now I have to clean that up. Chaos is great but fickle with its offerings." |
To Fear A Predator | Chaotic Surprise | Whitetail Woods was a relatively peaceful place. That's what the general reports about this place lead Trixie to believe. There was something about a rock gator or some other creature getting loose here, but she didn't pay them much mind. There wasn't any danger here that could threaten her or her trained soldiers at her beck and call.
So Inquisitor Trixie marched on through the woods. She was so confident in her abilities that she had even left Dot back to watch over the town and especially the Elements. If Lightning Dust tried to come back, he'd catch her. There was no doubt in her mind about that fact. Cato would be safe with him as well. She smiled as she thought of his happy little face when she succeeded in this venture. He would be so proud of his mom-er, his master.
"Inquisitor," the leading member of the guard accompanying her spoke up. "Do you by any chance know where we can best find them? While we know they came this way, they could be anywhere."
"We shall not split up our forces," Trixie scoffed at the very idea. "This mare is a mercenary and last night proved she is skilled enough to take on small numbers of foes at a time. We must strike with all of our force at once or she will get away along with her companions."
"Very well, Inquisitor." The soldier bowed his head and didn't press any further.
Trixie was glad. His subservience was what she, as an Inquisitor, should be readily gifted by the populace. They were the bastions of safety to them. They routed the heretics and other enemies of the country and burned them to a crisp. She was their protector and deserved every ounce of respect they could give her. "Do no worry. I memorized the griffon's energy signature. He's not far from here."
As was standard procedure for criminals, they had a shroud of magic planted on them. This was to keep tabs on them and locate them in prison or if they should ever escape. Given that it was a griffon, it didn't have any magic nullifying attributes placed inside it. He was weak and she had enough magic and soldiers to take him and his compatriots in. That Suri Polomare wouldn't escape this time. She would die by her blade. She couldn't help but smirk. 'Everything is going according to plan.'
It was at that moment that one of the soldiers cried out in pain. Trixie looked back to see a large wooden stake swing had swung down from the tree and smashed into the armored side of one of the soldiers. Said soldier's armor was dented and he was sent flying into a tree. The guard groaned and two other guards ran over to their comrade to right him.
Trixie glared into the woods, "Who dares to strike a member of an Inquisitorial team? I demand you show yourself and be judged accordingly."
"It would seem that meer wooden poles won't do much to you or your compatriots," a familiar voice chuckled. "But no matter. That was simply a test run. Now that I know, well..."
A purple spear of energy pierced one of the soldiers. This time the weapon went clean through, killing and impaling the soldier on a nearby tree.
"I think we'll kick this up a notch," the voice cackled. "Kill them!"
"Defensive formation!" Trixie spoke. Without pause, the soldiers formed a square around Trixie. Given her size and stature, she could easily see over and give commands. They in turn would protect her from harm.
It was at that moment that several chaos cultists made their appearance out from behind several trees. They sneered, cheered, and danced in anticipation of the coming blood frenzy. The soldiers and Inquisitor stared them down, daring them to try something. They didn't have to wait long. The cultists gave a scream of wild abandonment as they charged. The first wave didn't do at all well against the well armored and armed soldiers. They cleaved through the unarmored forms of the cultists with ease. The last few scuttled back to scowl at the soldiers.
"Form a shield," Trixie called to the unicorns who quickly formed a magical shield around the group. Just in time too as several spears of purple magic came slamming into it.
"Quick thinking," the voice called out. "But you are sorely outnumbered. Leave now and you may get to live another day."
Trixie snarled, "I will give you a most welcomed death, traitor."
"As confident as you are beautiful," the voice cackled. "I will enjoy breaking you in, Inquisitor Trixie. You will enjoy a life of chains. Well, if my master doesn't sacrifice you first. Beg for your life and I can make sure you survive."
"Oh just shut up and throw your next pathetic attack," Trixie called out.
The voice cackled again, "You know, if you had been paying more attention, you would have felt the chaos in the air. The insignias around you, but you are really blind to what matters, Inquisitor Trixie."
Before Trixie could inquire what he was talking about, the air around the group hummed. Chaos sigils burst from the ground and floated around them. Trixie aimed her pistol. She didn't get a chance to fire as they burst in the air. The shield evaporated as the shockwave smashed it and the heads of the unicorns to pieces with its power. The other soldiers balked, but did their best to stand ready as they were covered with bits of their comrades.
"That little trick took quite the little bit of power and time to make," the voice spoke. "I'm really glad you stumbled into it or it would have been all for nothing but I knew you'd be coming this way for that precious bounty hunter. Now would you be so kind as to lay down your lives now?"
"Come and take them!" Trixie shouted in anger. More so out of being tricked then actually losing soldiers.
"Very well then," with that said, another rush of cultists sprang forth from the woods. Again the soldiers cut through them like butter. Their advanced training and armor making up for their numbers. This time, arrows rained down from the woods at segments the cultists weren't attacking. The soldier's armor protected them. Unfortunately for one, an arrow pierced the eye slit, felling the soldier. Another was killed when the unknown assailant sent out another purple chaos spear of energy, skewering a soldier.
Trixie used her own magic to bat away another spear, "Pull back. Pull back to another position." With that, Trixie ran out of the group, slicing through a cultist as she did so. The soldiers orderly followed. Not all of them made it as two more were speared by the chaos mage in hiding and another caught and dragged into the middle of a swarm of chaos cultists. Even with his armor, the raving madponies eventually and sadistically killed him.
Trixie spied a rather large tree and used her magic to cut it at the base. It fell and was thick enough for a pony to hide behind and shoot over if they so wished. She sliced some nearby trees with similar widths and soon had herself a square. She gestured the rest of the guards to follow her inside it and they did just as they were told.
A shower of arrows shot out from the woods. Trixie blocked the ones coming at her with her magic, whereas the others ducked behind the logs. The cultists charged, stopping when the guards fired a few crossbows and earning a few kills. They pulled back, shouting insults at the guards.
That's when they heard barking noises. The cultists were back, but this time in front of them were several hounds. These hounds were different, covered in spikes and reeked of chaos influence. The dogs howled and charged, bearing their teeth as they prepared to tear into them. A normal hound would have no chance at getting through the soldier's armor. These weren't normal dogs.
The few crossbows they had fired, smacking into a number of dogs before they reached the logs. The dogs nimbly climbed them and jumped at the soldiers. They cut through a number of them, but there were a number more. Trixie snarled and shot two down. She sliced another one through the top of its skull like butter with her sword. She pointed and fired another shot, killing a dog that had jumped onto a soldier's back.
Trixie heard a twang from above before she moved to the side, narrowingly avoiding an arrow. She looked up to see a number of crossbow cultist pegasi giggling as they pulled back and let loose more arrows. She knocked aside a few arrows, listening as three more soldiers were downed by the onslaught. Another was injured and quickly set upon by the hounds as they tore through the guard, armor and flesh alike.
Trixie readied her pistols and narrowed her eyes. She counted twelve pegasi. 'The perfect number,' Trixie couldn't help but inwardly think as she smirked. Focusing on her magic, it flared around her pistols. They fired. All shots. Within less than a second. All the pegasi were down, killed by the rounds that tore through them. She slashed through another pair of dogs. They were finally pushing the dogs back.
A roar shocked the lot of them. They looked up to see the cultists making another charge. This time in front of them was none other than a Smasher. The brutish chaos pony was huge, easily the size of a Knight and bigger then Trixie. Just as muscular as you'd expect from a brute, it's top half of its body was covered in a thick metal armor the same with the top of its head. It carried a large mace which couples with the long mace like tail gave it an intimidating presence. The beast of a pony easily side swiped one of the logs, breaking it in half and taking out two soldiers with it. With another swing of its mace it crushed a soldier before its mace-like tail smashed into a second.
Trixie knew she had to take that thing out quickly or else she wouldn't have much of a force left. That wouldn't do. Not when she was so close to what she so desperately needed, "You dare to strike the Great Inquisitor Trixie's soldiers?!!"
The Smasher looked towards her and grinned, "You Inquisitor? Me smash you!"
"As stupid as you are ugly," Trixie sneered, readying her sword. She had put her pistols away since she knew they wouldn't do that much to the beast before her.
With that said, the Smasher roared and charged her. She easily sidestepped around him. Her long, elegant form helped her keep out of his reach with ease. Though she knew, she just knew that just one swing could take her out of the fight. She had put her self-shield up, but even then she knew that would only get her so far. She slashed at the beast, but he turned at the right moment so the blade just barely scratched his armor. She jumped back when his tail mace almost smashed into her. Ducking again, she sliced through its cheek.
The Smasher snarled, "I kill you!"
"You're going to have to do a better job of it if that's the best you can do," Trixie snorted as he kept on swinging. With each swing, she was cut into his flesh yet it seemed like it wasn't fazing him at all. It barely got through his thick muscles. She couldn't hold out on this. She needed to kill it now. So she focused on cutting his legs. Again, thick muscle stopped her from getting anywhere.
The Smasher was obviously tired with dealing with her as he pushed himself forward hard enough to knock her to the ground. Trixie shook her head, thankful her shield held though she knew another blow would connect. She turned her head up to look at the Smasher. He had had reared up and roaring, hoping to crush her with his large hooves. She rolled out of the way of the strike, but the force of the ground blow forced her even further then she was intending. She gave a pained 'oof' as she hit the side of one of the broken logs. She looked over it and noticed how the end was rather pointed.
"Smash you good now," the Smasher sickenly grinned as he prepared to strike.
Trixie moved, rolling to the side as she grabbed the log with her magic. Given her magical strength, she took the log easily with her and avoided another strike. With a grunt, she swung the log. It hit him in the side of his head, shattering the upper half of the log but disorienting the Smasher as well. With another heave of strength, she brought up the pointed end and stabbed the Smasher right through where the jaw and throat met. Another burst of magic had it blowing up inside the wound, sending the beast of a pony's jaw flying off.
The Smasher gave what she could only assume was a roar of pain as he tried to kill her with his mace. She dodged and then jumped away as the Smasher had twirled around in an attempt to catch her with his mace tail. The Smasher turned and tried to charge her and that's when she made her final move. She sent a blast of magic that pushed the beast's head up before her sword sliced through the wound and cut right into the brain. Trixie smirked as she pulled it down, cutting more of the inside of his skull before pulling out. The Smasher fell to the ground, most assuredly dead. Looking around, she noticed that the other cultists had been pushed back but she had only half, if that, of her original force still with her. "Form up and prepare to strike out!"
One of the soldiers, the leader of the group she had brought with her, approached her. "I'm sorry, Inquisitor, but I have to say that we have to retreat."
Trixie frowned and stared at the soldier for a moment, "What did you say? I think I misheard you."
The soldier sighed and looked her straight in the eye. The mare took off her dented helmet, exposing a blueberry colored earth mare. Her white and dark blue colored mane billowed out. As short as it was, the helmets were enchanted enough that you could have quite long mane and it wouldn't be a problem. This was something invented because of the Sisters of Vengeance who really liked their long manes, "I've lost over half my ponies and we're not closer to beating these cultists. They took us by surprise and the only reason they aren't attacking us right now is if the leader is toying with us or we really did do them a bad turn that last attack. Either way, we don't have the forces necessary to strike out at them."
Trixie scowled, glaring down at the pony before her. "We will not retreat. We will win this day and secure the infernal traitor element and bounty hunters. We will bring them all to justice."
"You aren't getting the situation, Inquisitor." The mare glared up at her. Trixie noticed there was a slight country twang but it wasn't that overt. "I am not throwing the lives of my soldiers away for your victory. We are leaving. We'll contact Canterlot and get some reinforcements before continuing this battle."
As she turned away from Trixie, a million thoughts were racing through her mind. 'No. I can't leave now. If I do, some other Inquisitor will take my glory. I'll be seen as a fool who led her troops into a trap. The bounty hunters will get away and the townsfolk... the Inquisition will lose trust in me. No, I can't let that happen. Not when I'm so close. Not when I have so much planned.'
She glanced down at her pistols, then at the soldier. 'I have the authority. No one would call me out on this. I was shooting down a coward. A pony who dared to order around an Inquisitor. She would pay for this. She was in the way. No one would blame her and when I won the day, she would receive none of the grandiose praise I so rightly deserve.' She closed her eyes and pulled out the pistol. Aiming it at the back of the soldier's head, she screamed. "COWARD!"
"Then shoot me!" The soldier turned and glare at her, shocking Trixie enough to stop herself from pulling the trigger. "Just shoot me instead of calling me a coward. Go on, do it."
"How dare you speak to an Inquisitor like this," Trixie snarled.
"If it means keeping my ponies alive, I'll talk to ya in the way I like." The mare glared back. "We are leaving. Now."
Trixie shook slightly and kept her gun trained on the mare. 'I should shoot her now for this! How dare you talk back to me. ME! An Inquisitor. She deserves to die for this insubordination.'
"Have you ever executed a pony before?"
Trixie blinked in confusion, "I... I don't understand the question."
"So you haven't," the mare snorted. "Look, I know you're an Inquisitor but please, don't start acting like one of those gun toting maniacs on the border territories. You'll end up with a sword in your back in no time or an 'accident'."
Trixie scowled and turned her head. She had heard of those stories before by some of the Inquisitors. It was true an Inquisitor had the power to execute anyone and make them do as they wish. Most of the time no one dared oppose them on their decisions. However, there were times where the more wild guardsponies would take it into their own hooves or other extremities if they weren't ponies to make sure the Inquisitor had an 'accident'. It's why her master had tried to dissuade her from unnecessary executions. They were bad for moral, he said to her. In the past the Inquisition didn't fear reprisals but after Celestia's many reforms, ponies a bit safer from Inquisitorial reprisals.
With a frustrated scowl, Trixie glared at her. "What is your name, soldier?"
"Blueberry Frost," the mare spoke. "Pleasure to meet you."
"We shall retreat to Ponyville," Trixie said and turned. "But we will not call Canterlot. Not yet. We have enough troops and we can rearm the local militia. They still have enough munitions to sustain themselves for one good fight."
Blueberry Frost sighed, "Very well, but I still believe-"
"Your beliefs do not matter to me," Trixie said. "You will do as I say and think nothing of it. You are lucky I am so generous or you would be dead already."
Blueberry Frost turned away, "Fine, Inquisitor. We shall do as you say."
Trixie couldn't believe the level of disinterest in her orders Blueberry Frost was exuding. She was an Inquisitor and deserved respect and should be listened to no matter what, 'I will teach her to know her place soon enough.' |
To Fear A Predator | Taken | Cato wasn't one to let suspicion and doubt get the best of him. His master had taught him well enough to not let those sorts of things get the better of him. He was to remain calm in any and all situations. He was a future Inquisitor in the making after all. Nothing but the best was to be expected of him. He was to make her proud. Yet, as he moved through the forest, he kept getting the nagging feeling he should get out. To run away. He pushed those thoughts down. He wasn't a coward. He would meet up with his master and settle this matter. He would show her that he was a real Inquisitor.
It was a serious situation, which was something he wouldn't take lightly. Well if it wasn't for a certain kitsune. He sighed as he watched the little fox sapient hum a spy tune as he sneaked about. Sometimes he would basically disappear as he let his illusions confuse the forest around him, including Cato himself. "Hikaru, can you take this a bit more seriously please?"
"I am taking this super seriously," Hikaru spoke up as he grinned. The kitsune appeared on Cato's head, looking down into his eyes. "I have to be at top form if I want to beat the bad guys. That's what the comics Miss Pizzelle has says."
"She reads comics?" Cato was unsure if mothers or rather female parental figures actually read those things. Trixie never did, but she did keep those romance novels of hers that Dot always teased her about.
Hikaru nodded, "A few, but most of them are really old and some of them are just boring." He stuck out his tongue to show how he felt about them before jumping off his head. "Still, I had to read up on what it means to be a hero like Miss Pizzelle."
"You can just call her mom, you know."
"You first," Hikaru gave him a challenging stare, causing him to huff. The duo did really care about their parents but they still weren't sure if it was the right time for that stuff.
"So..." Cato started to say after a moment of silence. "What did the superheroes in those comics do?"
Hikaru stared at him for a few seconds, "Don't you read comics?"
Cato shook his head, "Master doesn't think they are worthy of my time. She always wants me to get smarter, go to college, and become an Inquisitor like her."
"College?"
Cato shrugged, "She said it's what she did and Celestia's School for the Gifted is the perfect place to do it. They have different portions of the school for ages. So Master is going to teach me how to do magic until I get old enough then send me there."
"Sounds like she has everything planned out for you," Hikaru noted. "What about you? What do you want?"
Cato opened his mouth and then closed it. He scratched the back of his head, "I guess what Master wants. I want her to be happy and she always knows what's best for me."
"That sounds boring," Hikaru said. "You should do what you want. I'm sure she'd be happy anyways."
Cato frowned, unsure about what he was saying was true. He never really stopped to think about that sort of stuff. He just did whatever his Master told him to do. She was always right after all... Yet he knew she was wrong about his abilities. She would show her how great he was.
"You should listen to the fox," a wicked voice cackled in the forest, prompting Cato to pull out his pistols. "It's going to take more then that, boy. Still, you've got guts coming here. I think I'll take you alive instead of kill you."
"Just try it," Cato scowled as he readied himself for combat. He really hadn't much experience in real combat situations but his Master had taught him well enough. He turned towards Hikaru and nodded. Hikaru stared at him for a moment in confusion before he smiled.
"Well if you children wish to fight me," a small distance away, a unicorn teleported to face them. "I might as well show my face since you won't be walking away from here."
Cato's eyes widened," YOU!" It was none other then Pokey Pierce, except he was wearing the shroud of a chaos sorcerer.
Pokey laughed, "Yep, it's me. I've been playing your dear old mare this whole time. Oh I can't wait to see her face when she sees me for what I really am. I was planning on using her some more, but this is fine too. Bringing in her son will be an added bonus to watch that smug bitch fall to pieces."
"You won't be taking me anywhere," Cato aimed his pistols at his opponent.
"Yeah," Hikaru spoke up. "We're going to take you down."
"Such bravado for ones your age," Pokey smirked. "It's almost a shame to kill you, but alas, we need more sacrifices." With that said, he formed a spear with his magic and fired it. The two children dodged and right to their right. He smirked as he formed two more spears and the children narrowly dodged them as well. "I don't have all day now, kiddies. Just come with me and I promise it won't hurt."
"You're an idiot if you think that's going to work," Cato called out.
Pokey narrowed his eyes and threw a magic spear towards the sound of the voice. He cracked a smile when he saw the boy running to escape his wrath. He would take the boy alive, but just barely. So he threw more spears, tearing apart several trees. "Stop now boy and-" His eyes widened when one of his spears actually hit the boy... and went right through him as if he wasn't there. 'An illusion? That blasted fox tricked me!' His ears perked up and he turned his head. This was lucky for him since a gunshot rang out into the air. The bullet that would have taken his life now simply took his ear. Pokey yelled in pain as he clutched where his ear used to be. He could feel the small bit of holy magic which made the pain worse.
Pokey teleported a small distance forward to avoid another gunshot, "You little brat! You will pay for this!" With that said, several magical spears formed around him and shot out into the forest. He heard the small gasps from one direction and turned towards it, advancing quickly enough to finally spot them.
The boy fired twice more. Pokey used his spears to block any bullets fired his way as he shot out more at the boy. That's how it went for the next moment. Cato needed a way around the chaos magi's spears. Thankfully Hikaru's illusions threw off many of his spears but he couldn't keep this up forever.
His luck was starting to run out. One of them missed him by inches and the second he had to use a shield spell to deflect. That's when Pokey noticed where he truly was besides the illusions. He grinned and fired several spears. Cato had to stop and summon a strong shield spell, gritting his teeth as they impacted.
"Can't run now!" Pokey cackled before he heard a light growl and then pain in his leg. He yelped and looked back to see that Hikaru had bitten into his leg. He raised his leg and tried to shake off the small kitsune. "Get off!"
Cato knew that this was his chance. Without sparing another moment, he raised his guns and fired. He was thankful that the bullets were magical in quality and that these guns were easy to load with their six shots. His old ones were only one shots. He'd have to apologize for taking these ones instead without his Master's permission. Unfortunately, only one of the shots hit their mark.
Pokey cried out as a bullet his leg before he teleported off to Cato's side. Using his magic to rip Hikaru off, taking some of his own flesh with him, he threw the kitsune right dab into Cato. The toy boys rolled on the ground for a moment before stopping. Cato just had enough time to throw up another shield before the strong blast from Pokey's magic burst through it and hit the two boys. They cried out in pain and went still.
Cato fought for a moment before the darkness encroached onto his vision. 'I'm sorry, Master. I've failed you.' With that, his eyes closed.
Pokey huffed and limped forwards. He was able to find out they were alive, just a bit bruised and knocked out. "I will make your sacrifice extremely painful, mark my words."
______________________________________________________________________
Trixie huffed as she trudged along, keeping up with Blueberry Frost and the other soldiers. A part of her still contemplated executing Blueberry but she still knew that was wrong. That was especially so when she needed as many bodies between her and the enemy as she could get. So she knew she had to bear it and deal with insubordinate soldiers. Of course she'd probably put in some recommendations for assignments for the soldier. Probably on the southern griffon border for instance.
"We shouldn't be far from our destination," Captain Blueberry Frost called out to the troops. "Given another hour, we'll be safe within the confines of Ponyville."
"Oh thank Celestia," Trixie huffed.
"Perhaps we shouldn't have made such a deep foray into the forest, Inquisitor." Blueberry pointed out. "It would have made getting out all the easier."
Trixie glared at her, "Do not question my decisions again, Captain. You forget that I am still an Inquisitor. I can make your life rather difficult easily."
"True," Blueberry nodded. "But as a soldier, it is my duty to make sure an Inquisitor returns safely. If that means I must disobey them, then so be it."
"Commendable, but foolish." Trixie said as she scanned the forest around her. It still unnerved her how easily they were taken by surprise. She made a note not to let that happen again. It was her duty as an Inquisitor to do the best she could. What sort of Inquisitor would she be if she continuously let foes get the drop on her?
A purple magic spear penetrated the ground in front of Trixie. She instantly pulled out her sword, "Who dares?!! Is it you again, miserable chaos mage?"
"Yep," the voice cackled. "This time however, you are coming with us."
"Do you really believe I would be stupid enough to do that?" Trixie scoffed. "You're even more stupid than I thought." A part of herself cursed the fact that she had left Twilight Sparkle in town, but she hadn't thought this would be of any trouble. Besides, Twilight was a troublemaker and that battle in town with Lyra had landed her in a bit of trouble so she had put her in 'time out'. Which meant that Twilight wasn't to leave the town till she said so. Again, Twilight was full of inconveniences.
"Oh this is the reason why," out from the woods stepped, or in this case hobbled, officer Pokey Pierce. Except now he was wearing a chaos mage garb. "Surprised?"
Trixie's eyes widened before she snarled, "You traitor! I should have known it was you all along."
"You didn't because you are an ignorant fool," as he said that, his magic flared up and a cage floated beside him. Inside, which caused Trixie to gasp and nearly drop her sword, was none other then a young kitsune and her acolyte, Cato. They were both unconscious and bruised but still breathing. "I have your little acolyte, Trixie. If you want him to survive this day, you must come with me."
"Inquisitor," Blueberry spoke to her. "Listen to me. I know this might be difficult, but you know he won't keep his bargain."
"Quiet," Trixie whispered, not taking her eyes off of the cage.
"Inquisitor, listen to me." Blueberry said. "He will not keep his word. We should depart now before he throws his forces at us."
"I said quiet!" Trixie moved her sword to point it at Blueberry. "I will not sacrifice my precious pawns." She huffed and tried to calm herself from her rage. "Especially not one that I practically raised from birth!"
"Is he..." Blueberry's eyes widened before she groaned. "Oh Celestia damn it. I can't convince you to leave your son."
"He isn't..." Trixie snarled. "He is... " Then she furrowed her brow, "Just listen to me, Captain. I can't lose him. I just..."
Blueberry put a hoof on her leg, steadying her body that she didn't know was shaking. "I understand."
Trixie let herself calm down again and gave the soldier a nod. She then turned to glare at the chaos magi. "We will go with you as long as you do not harm him."
"I have no intention of harming the boy that gave me so much trouble," Pokey snorted. "You are my target, not him."
"Trouble?" Trixie smiled as she saw the injuries on Pokey: a missing ear and a bleeding leg. "I see. Still," she sheathed her sword. "We are in your care... for now."
_______________________________________________________________________
Suri Polomare had watched the whole thing. She had used her naturally honed abilities as a mercenary to keep out of sight. Sometimes she had to perform assassinations or kill monsters without being seen. The chaos mage, this Pokey Pierce, was sloppy so she had no trouble getting past his goons. She scowled as she watched Pokey bring out the children and especially so when Trixie agreed to go with them.
She knew it was a stupid decision but she also knew it was the best one. While he may be sloppy, Pokey had enough forces under his command to kill the assorted ponies before him. It might take a while and hurt him in the long run, but he seemed like the type to her that wouldn't care about casualties. Unfortunately, Suri didn't see a way to save them without getting the children killed.
'Damnit,' Suri thought to herself. 'I couldn't do anything. Again. Why does this sort of manure always happen to me?' She huffed as she decided to let Lightning and her master know. They needed to make a plan to save them or at least do something. She wasn't a monster after all.
So she quickly and quietly made her way around some of his chaos forces and back to her camp. It wouldn't take her long to get back there, but every second counted. |
To Fear A Predator | The Rescue Party Forming | Lightning Dust couldn't help but pace back and forth. Waiting for her friend to return felt like torture. 'She's alright. She's alright. Suri is a badass. She wouldn't let just any guard get the drop on her.' She was certain about that. However, it didn't help that every moment she couldn't help but think back on her fight with Sunset. She could remember the heartbreak and anger on her friend's face. 'Maybe... Maybe I went too far.'
She shook her head, trying to dispel her own thoughts. 'No. She was letting her own fear get to her. Someone needed to get through that thick skull of hers. If she doesn't turn around, I'll be sure to buck her straight.' The more she thought about it though the less she was certain she could do that. Sunset and her weren't seeing eye to eye right now. Lightning wouldn't budge and she knew that Sunset wouldn't either. At least, that's what she thought Sunset would do. She frowned, 'I haven't spent that much time alone with her, have I?'
The past few weeks had been hectic. With one disaster after another and ponies leaving town, there was just so much to do. She noted that it had been a while since she just hung out with her friends. At least all of them. She wasn't sure if all of the other Element Bearers were her friends yet or just acquaintances. That thought irked her. It made her angry. They were Element Bearers. They should be friends. She'd have to change that once this whole thing blows over. 'If it ever does.'
"Quit that," Crowland huffed. His injuries may have looked bad, but he didn't seem to really notice them anymore. He was just casually sitting back against a tree like he didn't have a care in the world. "Pacing will do you no good but riling you up further."
"Oh shut up," Lightning scowled. "Suri isn't back yet so I can pace all I want."
"Suri can take care of herself," Crowland snorted. "But it's not her that's eating at you, is it?"
Lightning paused, "I had an argument with a friend, that's all."
"About what?" When Lightning turned to glare at him, he held up a hand. "I'm just asking is all. It might get you to stop pacing if I help you out with it."
"You don't like pacing that much?" Lightning quirked an eyebrow.
"Pacing without purpose, that is." Crowland corrected.
Lightning rolled her eyes, "She didn't want to help Suri."
"Ah, I see." Crowland nodded. "She thought I was guilty."
"Well... It was more like she didn't want me to get hurt." Lightning snorted. "Which is stupid. I can take care of myself and I knew you weren't guilty. Suri would never lie to me."
"Well your friend doesn't know Suri," Crowland pointed out. "To her, Suri is just a random mercenary who came to town. It makes sense why she wouldn't be so prone to believe her story."
"She should have taken my word for it," Lightning scowled. "I'm her friend. She should trust me."
"Sometimes a friend will try and do what's best for you even if you don't believe that to be the case," Crowland said. "As well, intense emotions can make people act in ways they normally wouldn't otherwise."
Lightning shook his head, "Whatever you say, old man." She didn't really want to think about it anymore. It would all blow over anyways. 'But she seemed so... sad.' She didn't want to think about it! It just made her feel terrible for what she did. 'I was justified. Stop letting that old bird get to you.'
Thankfully for her, Suri chose that moment to return. "Miss me?"
Lightning grinned, "You know it. So did you see anything? Are we in the clear?"
Suri paused and frowned, "The guard were close but..."
"But?" Lightning quirked her head to the side.
Suri took in a deep breath then started to talk again, "Chaos cultists captured them."
"What?" Lightning nearly shouted in disbelief. She rushed forward and grabbed her friend's shoulders, shaking her violently. "Please tell me you're just making that up."
Suri pushed her away and huffed, reorientating herself after being shaken about. "What I say is the truth. Rogue chaos cultists have taken Inquisitor Trixie and a number of her soldiers captive. I don't know why or what they are planning to do with them though." She raised a hoof when Lightning opened her mouth, "I couldn't stop it. There were too many of them."
Lightning growled, "Well we've got to do something."
"Why?" Suri narrowed her eyes. "You know what Trixie was planning to do to my master even if he was innocent."
"It doesn't matter," Lightning said back at her. "She's still a pony, the same as the rest of those soldiers. Even if we don't like her, we've got to save her."
"And how are we going to do that? We can't take them on ourselves. We don't have the equipment or the numbers to raid a chaos camp. It would be suicide."
Lightning looked down at the ground for a moment, mulling over her thoughts before she closed her eyes. "You're right. We don't have the equipment or numbers." Her wings flared open, "But I know where I can get them."
Suri's eyes widened, "You don't mean... Lightning you can't go back into town. They'll detain you."
"Not if I talk some sense into Sunset first," Lightning snapped. "Even if I have to beat it into her thick skull, I'll get the help we need."
Suri put a hoof on her shoulder, "No, I won't let you do this. They will put you behind bars. They won't listen to you. You know why? You're a criminal now, Lightning Dust."
"I'm also an Element Bearer who's a friend of a princess," Lightning retorted. "If that means nothing then I may as well be thrown in jail anyways."
Suri sighed, "You're going to try even if I try and stop you, aren't you?"
Lightning nodded and flashed her tomboyish confident grin that made Suri blush, "You know it."
Suri sighed again, "Very well. If you insist on doing this, please make it quick. We don't know what's going to happen to the captured ponies."
"Gotcha," with that said, Lightning took off akin to her namesake.
Crowland whistled, "She's quite the mare, Suri. I can see why you like her."
Suri blushed even more so, "Sh-Shut up, master." She groaned when he just laughed at her reaction.
______________________________________________________________
Sunset finally tugged the last of her survival gear on. She was wearing a camouflage green and black shirt and pants with her mane tied up in a long braid. She just finished putting some black mascara underneath her eyes to help with the look. She smiled into the mirror, "Perfection."
Spike decided at that moment to poke his head in, "Uhhh... Sunset. Why are you playing dress up at a time like this?"
Sunset scowled, "It's not dress up! It's for camouflage, you dolt! Gah, didn't you pay attention in class."
"I did, but if I wanted to get that sort of thing done, I'd leave it to the professionals." Spike pointed out. "I'm sure Miss Rarity could have helped you pick out something."
"This isn't the time and place for that, Spike." Sunset marched over and started out of the room. "Besides, you'd waste her time trying to get under her tail."
"A nice and calm dinner, actually." Spike retorted with a grin. "Whatever you might say, I am not that lecherous."
"No," Sunset snorted. "You're worse then that."
Spike put a hand over his heart, "You wound me, Sunset. You really do."
"Good," Sunset smirked. "Maybe it will teach you a lesson or two."
"Probably not," Spike shrugged, causing Sunset to glare at him. "Oh hush, you know you love me as is."
"I would never say such a thing."
"But you were thinking it," Spike booped her nose, causing her to scrunch up her muzzle. This in turn caused him to laugh. "Ah, you are always so cute when you try to hide your feelings."
"I hate you."
"I love you too."
Sunset finally reached the bottom of the stairs where the rest of her friends were. She frowned and blinked in surprise when they were all looking relatively normal with some small backpacks in some cases with them. "Hey, why aren't you all dressed up as well." She brought out a book with her, "It says right here that this is the type of attire you don when tracking villains through forests. I gave you all copies to study for crying out loud."
"Sunset," Redheart deadpanned. "It's a Ram-Bo novel."
"Fiction can be an excellent teaching utensil," Sunset sagely nodded.
Fiddlesticks hopped to Sunset's side as she was the only other one who was dressed up like her, "Yeah, Sunset's got a point, Reddy."
Redheart sighed and rubbed the bridge of her nose, "Let's just get this over with. Lightning wouldn't have gone far."
Sunset took in a deep breath, "My friends, today we embark on a venture that could shape the very fabric of our friendship. We-"
"Are ye really givin' a speech now?" Quickfix piped up. "Seems kinda stupid if'n ye ask me. We should have been hightailin' it over to where Lightnin' is and beatin' some sense into her head." She grinned, "I call first swing!"
Sunset snarled, "Quickfix, I worked for three hours to write this speech. So I want you to shut up or I will burn your legs to a crisp, do you understand me?" Quickfix just rolled her eyes and nodded. Sunset cleared her voice, "No matter what we may find lurking in that forest, we will not give up hope. We will not falter. We will not-" Something crashed through a window, "Oh what is it now?"
Everyone's eyes widened when they saw it was Lightning Dust, "Sup!"
"LIGHTNING, YOU IDIOT!" Sunset shouted in fury. Flames flickered about her. "I had a speech all prepared to inspire everyone to find you. I spent three hours on it. Three whole hours and I never got to even finish it. No, you just had to come crashing through my window and..." Sunset stopped when she realized she was yelling at Lightning. The flames around her flickered out.
Lightning laughed, "Seems I couldn't have chosen a better time to crash through your window, right?"
Lightning was surprised when Sunset rushed over and pulled her into a hugh. She could feel tears on her fur as Sunset kept repeating, "I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry."
Lightning smiled and returned it, "I know and... I'm sorry too. I was an idiot."
"No I was an idiot."
"No, I was the idiot. I shouldn't have been so... well mean."
"I shouldn't have been so protective."
"Well I'm the idiot."
"I will burn you if you don't accept my idiocy!"
"Girls!" Pizzelle shouted before pulled them apart. "I know you all have a lot to say and whatnot. This reminds me of the time when me and Presto got seperated in the jungles of Afhoofica, but in that instance we had to wait before we could talk it out. The same for now." She turned to Lightning, "Now where is Suri and her master? Are they alright?"
Lightning nodded," Yeah, they are. However, Trixie and her soldiers were captured by some rogue chaos cultists."
"WHAT?!!" The others shouted in unison, well except Coco who just gave a quiet "Huh?" instead.
Just at that moment, Dot burst through the door. He carried a long spear with him in his magic, "Okay Lightning Dust. You're coming with me."
"Trixie's been captured!" Lightning quickly shouted.
"Likely story," Dot narrowed his eyes. "Trixie wouldn't just let anyone capture her. She's too smart for... that." Dot blinked as a few thoughts came to him, "Wait, was it in the Whitetail Woods?"
"What's wrong with them?" Coco asked.
Dot turned to her, "There were reports of some strange magics and events going on in there. I'm sure Miss Dust remembers the Cragodile incident."
Lightning rolled her shoulders, "Yeah, a bit of a pain but I showed him who's boss."
"The creature was a she," Dot corrected. "Still, even if that could be a possibility, why should I believe you?"
Sunset got in front of Lightning Dust, "By my authority as a princess, I say that you must trust her."
Dot was taken aback by this, "You would trust her so easily?"
"She is the Bearer of Loyalty," Sunset pointed out. Then she turned around and smiled, "And my friend."
Lightning was taken aback by this, "Sunset..."
Sunset turned around and glared at Dot, "I will not have you wrongfully putting my friend into jail. Even if it's just us, we are going back into that forest and getting Trixie."
Dot stared at them for a moment before lowering his spear and sighed, "If that's how you want it to be, then fine. I'll see if I can round up some of the old militia around here and reinstate them into service. Shouldn't be too hard."
Sunset nodded, "That sounds like a plan."
As Dot left and closed the door behind him, Lightning walked to Sunset's side. "You're trusting me this easily?"
"What are friends for?" Sunset smiled.
"Yeah," Fiddlesticks piped up. "We gotta stick together."
"Aint nobody gonna tear us apart," Quickfix nodded.
"I agree with the others," Coco softly said with a smile.
"You can always count on us, Lightning." Redheart inclined her head.
"Same here," Pizzelle chuckled. "Oh this reminds me of the time where my great grandfather was able to band together a bunch of strange but colorful characters to stop this evil bandit from plundering a town. Oh it's a riveting tale and I would just love to share it with you. You see, it began-"
"Now's not the time for stories," Lightning said before wincing when Redheart glared at her. "Sorry for interrupting, but yeah. We gotta go. Now."
"What about Dot and the militia?" Sunset asked.
"Were you about to stop and wait for them when you were going to look for me?" Lightning asked.
"Buck no," Sunset grinned.
"Then let's get going then." |
To Fear A Predator | The Battle In the Camp | In most circumstances, Trixie would be spending her time shouting out obscenities and threats towards the cultists who dared to hold her hostage. She was an Inquisitor in Princess Celestia's service. There was no reason to treat her in such a manner unless they were nothing but lowly heretics. That's how she felt anyways. However she couldn't do that. She had two children with her, one of which was her own apprentice. So she had curled her body around the two shivering boys and tried to keep them calm. It was her duty of course and it hurt her deeply to see Cato so scared. She would make these cultists pay dearly for that.
"I'm sorry, Master." Cato pushed himself closer to her. "I had the shot but I missed. If I had taken it-"
"Shhhh," Trixie nuzzled his head. "Don't talk like that. You did well, Cato. I'm sure you did. He's an experienced chaos magi. The fact that you were able to do anything is impressive in its own right. I'm proud of you."
"R-Really?" Cato looked up at her, his eyes sparkling with unshed tears.
Trixie smiled and kissed his forehead, "Of course." She looked down at Hikaru and nuzzled him as well, "The same goes for you, little kitsune. I thank you for helping out Cato."
Hikaru nodded, "I did my best. I'm sorry it wasn't enough."
"Neither of you should apologize," Trixie narrowed her eyes as she hugged the two youngsters closer to herself as some of the chaos cultists moved closer to her cage. She would have liked nothing better then to smash their skulls in, but unfortunately, they had put a magic suppressor ring around her horn so she couldn't get out of this situation. The same went for Cato and Hikaru. Now and again some of the cultists would point and laugh, jeer, or make lewd comments at her. She ignored them and did her best to not let Hikaru and Cato know the meaning behind some of the things they said.
She couldn't help but gaze over the chaos camp. It was haphazard and there was no order whatsoever to where the tents and equipment were placed. That made sense to her. They were barbarous chaos cultists after all. Even the loyalist chaos cultists were more organized then this group. The other soldiers caught with her were kept in their own cages, with Blueberry right next to them. However none of that really mattered. What mattered were the fleshy columns sprouting out on the large rock pedestal in the middle of the chaos camp. They gave off a vibe that made Trixie want to run away. She suppressed that feeling and did her best to calm the children.
"Now HIkaru was it?" The little kitsune nodded when she asked. She gave him a smile, "Do you have any family to go back to? Parents?"
Hikaru nodded, "Miss Pizzelle is watching over me."
"Is she your mother?"
Hikaru hung his head down and sniffled, "I don't know. I want her to be but..."
"You're afraid something will happen to her?" Trixie asked. HIkaru nodded which caused her to nuzzle him. "You shouldn't be afraid of such things. Bad things happen, yes. That is the way of the world, but you can't spend your days worrying about them. You must strive forward and make the world your own, no matter how many things don't go your way. So cherish her as much as you can, for as long as you can. Don't let the fear of the past cloud your present."
Hikaru seemed to be thinking it over, "Maybe.... Maybe you're right."
Trixie smirked, "Of course Trixie is." She said, her pompous attitude returning. "The Great Inquisitor Trixie is always right, don't you forget it."
"Umm, master?" Cato spoke up. "You're talking in third person again."
Trixie huffed and crossed her forelegs, "Alright, alright. Trixie, I mean, I will cut that out. At least for right now." She booped Cato's nose with her hoof, "Don't be like Dot, Cato."
Cato nodded, "Yes Master."
Trixie sighed as he answered and looked over the two boys. Hikaru was still was shaking slightly in fear, curled up into a little ball by her side. Cato was holding on stronger, but it was obvious he was unnerved by the whole situation. She couldn't blame either of them for feeling like that. It made her feel all the more terrible for inadvertently getting them into this situation. She pondered for a moment before an old memory popped into her head. "Ah yes, do you remember when you were a child, Cato? The old song I used to sing to you."
"Yes, master." Cato nodded.
"Magnifique," Trixie smiled, nuzzling him. "How about I sing you again?" Cato's eyes widened as a small smile started to come to his face.
"Oh please," Pokey Pierce shook the cage slightly with his magic as he scowled at them. "If I want to hear your insistent screeching, I'd just torture you right now."
"Oh just let her sing, damn it." Blueberry Frost scowled from a nearby cage. "It's not going to kill you, traitor. Even though I really hope it does."
"Oh like I'm one to give her the pleasure of it," Pokey sneered, before another cultist ran up to him and whispered into his ear. He sighed and nodded, "Very well. I'll be taking off. Sing all you bloody well want, you damned loyalist. It'll be the last thing you ever do." Then he started off.
Trixie huffed. A small part of her thought about just pushing off the song. It wasn't important and she had more important things to think about. Yet when she looked into Cato's face, she couldn't help herself. So she started to sing. It was an older song that her mother used to sing to her. A Prench song.
"J'en vois des qui se donnent
Donnent des bijoux dans le cou
C'est beau mais quand même
Ce ne sont que des cailloux
Des pierres qui vous roulent
Roulent et qui vous coulent sur les joues
J'aime mieux que tu m'aimes
Sans depenser des sous
Moi je m'en moque
J'envoie valser
Les trucs en toc
Les cages dorees
Toi quand tu me serres tres fort
C'est comme un tresor
Et ça, et ça vaut de l'or
J'en vois des qui se lancent
Des regards et des fleurs
Puis qui se laissent
Quelque part ou ailleurs
Entre les roses et les choux
J'en connais des tas
Qui feraient mieux de s'aimer un peu
Un peu comme nous
Qui nous aimons beaucoup
Et d'envoyer
Ailleurs valser
Les bagues et les cœurs en collier
Car quand on s'aime tres fort
C'est comme un tresor
Et ça, et ça vaut de l'or
Moi pour toujours
J'envoie valser
Les preuves d'amour
En or plaque
Puisque tu me serres tres fort
C'est là mon tresor
C'est toi, toi qui vaut de l'or."
Cato and Hikaru had set themselves against her as she finished. Trixie chuckled and nuzzled him as a few trapped guards gave a few whistles and claps.
"Didn't know you had it in you," Blueberry called over. "Maybe you'd have made a better singer then an Inquisitor."
Trixie scoffed, "You are very much lucky we are trapped at this moment or I would make sure you regretted those words this very instance."
Before either of them could say anything more, another set of claps drew near. "That was quite a show you put on, Inquisitor Trixie." A confident male voice rang in their ears. There was something off about it. It just didn't feel... right. Into their view stepped a chaos robed sorceror, except this wasn't just any regular one. This was a Blood Magi. His skin was pulled back to the bone so there was no doubt that there was no flesh underneath. HIs eye sockets were empty besides a red glow to them. His cape was covered in red gems, each one filled with warp infused blood that powered his magic. Blood Magi were the strongest chaos sorcerers barring Discord's chosen. Having one before them was not good news at all.
"I apologize for my disciples treatment of you thus far," the Blood Magi bowed his head. "That was wrong of him and I intend to correct that mistake."
"So you're going to let us go?" Blueberry spoke up sarcastingly.
The Blood Magi laughed, "Oh no. I need you for the upcoming ceremony but I'll make your last moments on this planet as pleasant as I can."
"I sincerely doubt that," Trixie scowled.
"Oh but I must," the Blood Magi smiled, which was off putting since his skin moved unnaturally when he moved in any which way. "Without your help, I would be dealing with Inquisitor Time Turner by now."
Trixie furrowed her brow, "So you believe you were using me to your ends? Ha! I am not one to be used, especially by traitorous filth like you."
The Blood Magi chuckled, "Oh but you were. I needed an influential but thick headed Inquisitor to keep the town running around its own tail. You did that well enough. Oh and I am sorry for not introducing myself. I am Selfias, a pleasure to meet you."
"The pleasure is all yours," Trixie scoffed. "I'll make sure to kill you when I get out of here."
"By the time anyone figures out where you are, you'll be dead." Selfias quipped.
"You put too much faith in your own abilities," Trixie scowled. "And not nearly enough into our revered goddess. You will burn before the end of this day for your transgressions, Selfias."
Selfias laughed, "Defiant until the end. You are indeed humorous." He turned back to the large pedestal in the middle of the camp. "I'm thankful that my servants were able to bring a few of you here alive. The crystals we gathered in town were a poor substitute even if they allowed us to get as far as we needed."
Before any of the captives could question him further, the columns started to glow a bloody red color. Several gems came to life within them. The columns seemed to move in place as the flesh that made them moved. The energy seemed to flow around them, unearthly and chaotic in motion. It felt wrong just looking at it. Within the center, a spark seemed to ignite. The jagged magic seemed to be taking a corporal shape akin to something you would see in a children's version of a star.
"Behold," Selfias began. "What you are witnessing is the beginning of the end of the age of order. Your sacrifices will be made in order to summon one of Discord's chosen. A being who will lead us into a new age and one who brings back our beloved god who was unjustly put to stone all those ages ago."
"Master," Pokey went to his side. He sneered at Trixie's cage. "I think we should start with those ones right there. They seem like the most potent. If we need more, the guards can act as a backup plan."
Selfias looked back at them. The glowing redness in his eyes unnerved Trixie and the way the two boys shook against her, they felt the same way. "Very well. Take one of them and bring them here."
"With pleasure, master." Given his tone, Trixie knew Pokey meant every bit of that. He stopped before the cage and smirked, "I've been waiting to do this for a long time. That arrogant smirk of yours really pissed me off."
Trixie spat into his face, "The feeling is mutual."
Pokey scowled as he wiped away the spit, "You'll regret that." His eyes turned to Cato. His smile made Trixie subconsciously coil more so around him. He pointed to the boy, "He'll do."
Trixie's eyes widened, "You are not touching-" She cried out in alarm and then pain when Pokey's magic slammed her against the back of the cage, away from the boys. With an extra dose of magic, he sent a current of pain through her body. She tried to still her cries of pain, but they still escaped her lips. It infuriated her to hear his chuckles through it all.
"Alright boy," Pokey dragged Cato out and pushed Hikaru away when he tried to snap at him. He hoofed him to a few other cultists. "You're going to do us a great service today. You should be proud."
"You bastards!" Blueberry slammed her body against the bars of her cage. "Let him go." Several of the other guards tried to do the same, calling out curses and the like.
Pokey just laughed, "Keep it up. It'll make your sacrifices all the more delightful in the future."
"Stop taunting them and bring the sacrifice over," Seflias called to him.
"Master!" Cato cried out as he was dragged away.
"Cato!" Trixie sprang forward but the cage door slammed into her face and locked her back in. 'I can still remember when he first looked at me. The little babe held in my master's arms. I was told to take care of him. It was my mission, he said. I didn't know what he meant.'
"Master!"
Trixie had never been more frightened than at that moment. She usually prided herself in her composure. Well, her version of composure anyways. She got angry often, but never scared. Not once in several years time, yet now she felt fear. Fear like she had never felt before. Hearing Cato's cries were breaking her heart. "Cato!" She banged herself against the metal bars.
'He is my responsibility,' Trixie's rage grew stronger. 'I hated him then. I feel disgust at that emotion now. I cannot hate him. I need him. I need to care for him because... because...'
"Master!" She could see the tears streaming down his eyes. How he was holding his hands out to her, wanting nothing more then for her to snatch him up in her arms.
"Cato!" A cold feeling welled up inside of her seeing him like that. A cold but powerful feeling. As though she was being rejuvenated by her own motherly desire. 'I have to take care of him. I have to save him.'
"M-Mommy!"
Trixie's eyes widened as she looked into his sobbing face. Hearing that made everything stand still for a moment. She wanted nothing more then to hug him right then and there and tell him everything was going to be okay. It should have been. None of this was supposed to happen. He was supposed to be safe. Her baby was supposed to stay back.
"Quiet you!" Pokey snarled and slammed his hoof into Cato's face, silencing him.
Trixie's heart stopped at the sight. Her eyes widened as her nostrils flared. Everything was silent to her as her mind focused entirely on the action. On her boy calling out to her and the strike. The building sensations inside of her flared. They turned red hot with her anger as she glared at the chaos sorcerer. The anger. The power. All of it flowed through her body and pulsed right underneath her horn. She screamed and slammed her body against the bars. Again and again she did so, drawing Pokey's attention.
He just laughed, "Awww, are you angry Inquisitor Trixie? Good. Maybe that anger will help fuel the summoning ritual." He stood up on his hind hooves and spread out his forelegs dramatically, "Be honored that your child will be the first to go!"
"CATO!!!" The anger burned through her form, threatening to overtake her before she heard something snap. She moved her head back as her horn shined. The ring over it broke in an instant, falling to the side as she shot her head forward. She pointed it right at him. 'HE IS MY BABY!'
"What?" Pokey's eyes widened just as a large bolt of magic destroyed the bars in front of her and shot right at him. Just before it hit, he teleported to Selfias's side. The bolt struck a cultist behind him. The cultist burst like a balloon, showering her compatriots with her remains. They yelped and scooted back.
"Pokey!" Selfias snarled as Trixie took her first steps out of the cage, an inner fire burning behind her eyes. "You didn't use a strong enough ring."
"B-But she wasn't that strong!" Pokey was slapped by his master. His master, even though he was just skin and bones, still had enough strength to split his lip.
"You should have taken into account magical surges!" Selfias snarled.
Trixie's magic surged as she sent out a little signal. Thankfully she had tied her sword with her own magical insignia so the moment she did, it came soaring from the cultist's junkpile. Slicing off a cultist's head as it did so, it made its way to her side. She slashed through two more cultist's before she stood over Cato's prone form. "If any of you dare to touch him, I will kill you!"
Selfias sighed and took a step forward. He gestured to the chaotic spark in the middle of the pillars. "You cannot stop the future, Inquisitor. You only delay. Please lay down your arms. This doesn't need to end violently."
"Oh your way is plenty violent," Trixie snarled. "I can't believe a pony would stoop this low."
"After my last plan with the Rockadile failed," Selfias explained, reminding Trixie of that report filed away back. "I had to find another way to gather the necessary flesh and power. The Rockadile was supposed to keep your attention and allow me to gather enough flesh for this but it was found out too early."
"And now you've come to this," Trixie spat in disgust. "I will cleave your head off that putrid body of yours. Maybe then you will find absolution in Celestia's light."
"Celestia will fall," Selfias scowled and raised a hoof. Several cultists readied their weapons as they surrounded her. "And there is nothing that can change that."
Before any of the cultist's could kill them, one of them noticed a sizzling sound and something bumping his leg. He looked down to see a spherical piece of metal with a burning fuse. His opened his mouth to speak as the fuse burnt itself to the core. It exploded, sending the cultists nearby flying. Most of them were injured or dead due to the metal pieces flying right through them. Three more flying pegasi cultists fell to the ground as three arrows were let loose. The cultists screamed and tried to find whoever fired.
"What?" Selfias shouted in surprise before glaring at Pokey Pierce.
Pokey gulped and rapidly shook his head, "I don't know who that is. I made sure no one was following us."
Selfias scowled as more cultists fell down to the arrows coming at them from the forest around them. He narrowed his eyes. "There are only two of them. Break up and find them before they whittle you down!" The cultists tried to do just that as two more explosive spheres sent more sprawling.
"I'll take care of the Inquisitor," Pokey smirked as he made his way towards her. Two magical spears hovered around him.
Trixie scowled and stood in front of Cato, brandishing her sword. "Do you really believe you can best the great Inquisitor Trixie?"
"I don't believe I can," Pokey readied himself. "I know I can!" With that said, he threw both his spears right at her. Trixie slashed them out of the air. "I'm glad I get to kill you. Else this," he changed his shape into that of a griffon. "Would have been for nothing?"
Trixie's eyes widened, "You can change?"
"Well I had to leave some clues for you to find, now didn't I?" Pokey returned to his regular form as he thrust out another spear which Trixie deflected. "And you fell for it, just as you will fall to my spears."
As that was going on, a mare sprang out from the forest. The Earth pony ran on her hind hooves as she held a spear in her hand. She swiftly sliced off the locks on all of the cages, stopping before Blueberry's as she finished the last one.
Blueberry smiled, "Mare, am I ever glad to see you. What's your name?"
"Suri Polomare," the mare smiled and twirled, stabbing a cultist that had tried to charge at her through her chest. "And I think we have a few problems on ours hooves right now."
"Name's Blueberry," she smiled as she picked up a crooked cultist sword in one hoof. "But I think we might be a bit out numbered here."
Suri smirked and raised a rocket, "Not for long!" She sparked it and it shot off into the sky. The explosion sparked in the air. It sent out several great sparks flying around and exploding again to send out more sparks to continue the process for another moment.
Selfias scowled, "Damn it." He turned to look at the portal he was trying to create. That mare obviously was trying to bring reinforcements. He needed to finish the ritual and finish it now. He looked at the large pulsing purple gem holding the spirit of one of Discord's chosen. He narrowed his eyes as energy flowed into it. It needed more. A larger sacrifice. He looked to the bodies around him. The dead were adding up. He smiled, "That will do."
Meanwhile Suri and the escaped soldiers were pushing back the haphazard attacks by the cultists. The soldiers thankfully still had their armor, since the cultists were in a rush to get them here, so they were able to stave off some attacks. Although without any weapons, a couple had gone down already. Suri looked up to see some archers taking aim at them. She knocked aside a few bolts with her spear before shooting one through the head with her retractable crossbow.
The other airborne pegasi hurriedly reloaded their bows and prepared to aim. Just as they did, a greenish blur smashing into one of them. The others let out shrieks of surprise and pain as sparks of electricity ran through them, causing them to fall to the ground. Suri turned to see Lightning smirking at her.
"Thought you could have all the fun, eh?"
Suri chuckled in response, "Not a chance." She readied herself into a battle stance as another wave of cultists charged at them. "Ready?"
"Oh I was born ready!" Lightning grinned as the two let out their battle cries and charged at the oncoming traitors. Several of them were sent flying as Lightning smashed her hooves into them or shocked them with her lightning attacks, or slashed and skewered by Suri's numerous weapons.
"Oi," Blueberry called out to her troops that were huddled up into a group. "Do you want to be outdone by a civilian and a mercenary?"
"No!" Was the resounding answer.
"Then let's show them how the guard does it!" With that the guard charged and struck the chaos line.
Trixie had her own hooves full with just one cultist. She dodged and weaved around Pokey's spears, slashing them out of the air as he kept throwing them. "Is this all that you possess, heretic?"
"It'll be enough to kill you," Pokey summoned ten more and threw them right at her.
Trixie scowled and her horn lit up. Instantly, nine copies of herself appeared and slashed away the spears. They all smirked and charged. Pokey threw his spears but all of the Trixies scattered. Coming at him from all directions they slashed at him. He teleported a few meters in front of him and turned around. He threw his spears and most of the copies blocked them save one that disappeared as it was struck in the chest.
Some of the Trixies then fired bolts of magic while the others charged. Pokey blocked the bolts with his spears before having to contend with three Trixies slashing at him at once. One of them slashed across his right cheek in a lucky blow before he skewered it in the head, causing it to vanish.
"You think your smoke and mirrors will kill me, Inquisitor?" Pokey scowled. "I can do this all day!"
"You will slip up!" The Trixies shouted as they kept up their assault which was pushing Pokey back. "And when you do, I will slice you in half!"
"That's if I don't slice you up first!" Pokey shouted as a burst of chaos magic pushed the clones away. He used his magic to hover himself a few meters above them. Several more spears appeared and idly stood by. "You loyalists sicken me. You stand by that decrepit sun goddess who leads you to complacency. To an era of utter order! It's disgusting. I will enjoy tearing it apart. Discord will reign forever!" With that said, he threw several dozen spears straight down at them.
The Trixies did their best to bat them away with their swords or magic. Three of them weren't up to snuff as they were slashed out of existence. Trixie gritted her teeth as the onslaught kept going. 'I have to finish him soon or my luck will run out.'
Pokey laughed as he looked down at her condescendly, "The Great Inquisitor Trixie De Lis. I cannot believe such a name applies to filth like you. You will be wiped away from this earth and I am honored to be the one to do it."
Trixie snarled up at him as she kept up her assault. She made sure to keep herself over Cato in case Pokey's attacks were directed at him. 'I... I can't lose to a filthy heretic. Not when I have someone to protect!'
Of course, her silent prayers were answered when a green fiery blur smashed into Pokey. Pokey let out a cry of pain and surprise as he was smashed into the ground. Trixie's eyes widened as she tried to comprehend what just happened.
"Trixie!" Dot shouted as he moved over to hug her.
Trixie was silent as she stared down at him, "You came?"
Dot smiled and gave her a little chuckle, "Of course I did. I would be a pretty lousy-"
He was cut off when Trixie pulled him into a deep kiss. Dot's tongue was overwhelmed by hers for a moment before she pulled back. A trail of saliva still attached to their lips. She licked hers seductively, "I love you~"
Dot blinked in surprise, blushing slightly. "Well... I've got to save you more often then." To which Trixie just laughed. He looked down and his eyes widened, "Cato!" His magic ran itself over Cato, healing the boy's light injuries.
Cato stirred and opened his eyes, "Wh-what happened?"
Trixie pulled him into a hug, "You're alright!"
"You bastards," Pokey screamed as he interrupted their reunion. His left side was singed and his chaos shroud was laying tattered on the ground. "You think you can stop me? Chaos will always prevail. Hail Discord!" Several more spears appeared before him. "Now die!"
Dot quirked an eyebrow as the group prepared themselves, "This guy is too full of himself." He helped Cato steady himself and gave the pair their guns back. "Figured you'd need them." With that said, the group smashed aside the first wave of spears with magic, sword, and bullets.
"Die," Pokey screamed as he kept it up. "Die. Die. Die!" He suddenly screamed as he felt something bite into his leg. He snarled as he looked back at Hikaru, "You worthless mutt!" He grabbed him in his magic and squeezed him. "Any last words?"
"M-m-m," Hikaru sniffled and cried out. "Mommy!"
Pokey laughed as he kept up his assault on the others so they couldn't interrupt, "Like that's going to work a second time."
"Coming baby!"
Pokey's eyes widened as a familiar lightly colored Element Bearer pegasi smashed into him and took Hikaru into her arms.
"Shh," Pizzelle nuzzled him caringly. "You're safe. I've got you."
"Mommy," Hikaru hiccuped and nuzzled into her chest.
"Will you bastards stop doing that?" Pokey stood up and readied another attack. "Just stand still and die already!"
"I think you should bloody well take your own advice," another voice called out. Pokey turned his head to see the griffon bounty hunter running at blinding speed right at him. He gasped, having only a second to move his spears in that direction and fire. Crowland battered them away as he moved forward, throwing a dart which hit Pokey in the chest.
Suddenly the dart exploded in a shower of electricity, shocking Pokey as he cried out in utter agony. That didn't stop there as Crowland neared his destination. The blade in his claws glimmered as he slashed through Pokey's horn, adding to the chaos sorcerer's agony. The spears around him disappeared without a source of magic to draw upon.
"That's the end of you," Crowland kicked him to the ground. He looked over at them and gave a wave, "I see you lot are doing well."
"Thanks in part to you," Dot smiled and elbowed Trixie. When she sent him a glare, he nodded towards Crowland.
Trixie sighed and walked up to the griffon, "I..." she gritted her teeth. "I apologize for my actions. They were... wrong of me."
Crowland stared at her for a moment before patting her head which caused her to stiffen, "Don't worry about it, young one. I've had worse. No literally. I doubt you could top the Shadow Deer in the torture department."
Trixie's eyes widened, "You were captured by the Shadow Deer?" The Shadow Deer were a splinter group of the Deer. They followed the teachings of Tirek and were incredibly cruel and sadistic.
"Darn right I was," Crowland shook his head. "But that's in the past. So I don't hold anything against you honestly. Just try not to go overboard next time, alright."
"I'll make sure she doesn't," Dot chuckled, earning a light smack in the back of his head by Trixie for his comment.
"Well I think that's enough for now," Selfias's voice got their attention. Around him streams of blood and flesh flowed into the glowing purple gem drawing everyone's attention. "Not as much as I would have liked, but perhaps just a little more chaos will do the trick."
"You have failed, Selfias!" Trixie snarled.
"Failed as a teacher, yes." With that said, Selfias tapped one of his gems. A droplet of blood pooled out before shooting outward.
"Wh-what?" The droplet pierced Pokey's head, bursting it like a watermelon struck by a high caliber round. The group gasped and Crowland had to jump slightly back from it.
"I will do better next time," Selfias said. "This is my time to exit." He took the gem into his hooves as the glowing stopped. "The rest of the troops should be any time now." One of his gems shot out from his cloak to protect him from a fireball. "Such as Princess Sunset Shimmer herself. I am honored."
"Save your breath, heretic." Sunset snarled. "Today will be your end."
"No it won't," Selfias calmly stated before two more blood gems popped off and swirled around him. Sunset fired another fireball but the gems exploded and with those bursts of blood, Selfias vanished.
Sunset stomped a hoof onto the ground in anger, "Damn it. He got away." Several armed guardsponies and local milita arrived onto the scene, quickly rounding up the remaining rogue chaos cultists.
"We'll get him next time," Lightning landed beside her. "Thanks for coming by the way."
"No problem," Sunset let out a small smile.
Trixie sighed and rubbed her forehead, "This is going to take a while to sort through." She honestly doubted she'd still get to be an Inquisitor after this debacle but looking at Cato, she wasn't as worried as before. |
To Fear A Predator | Finale | Inquisitor Time Turner adjusted his hat. He couldn't help but have a smile upon his face as he did so. It had not been but a few moments before he got a letter from the Inquisition stating his reinstatement. It was short and to the point, something he wasn't really surprised about. The Inquisition did pretty much want him kicked out for one reason or another. A bunch of blowhards, he thought they were. Still they were better than the lot he had to deal with centuries ago. It helped that he was close with Celestia too, but even that wouldn't save him if he really ticked them off the next time.
Which meant he'd stay in Ponyville for the time being. Now that really made his smile grow. The little town was basically paradise for him. He wouldn't trade his new friends and acolyte for anything. The loud crash in his house though made him grumble about that fact. He moved over to find Lyra and Twilight playing with pies. Which basically had them flying around, sometimes literally on their own power, at each other.
He honestly didn't know when he found himself with Twilight under his care. He had been released from the hospital and as it turned out, Twilight was basically to be looked after at all times. This applied to now more so given that Trixie wasn't in town and didn't want to bring along her chaos sorcerer. He didn't know why she would do that at the time. Now he knew. Twilight was a headache to keep on target and it would take away from her investigation. This all lead to now where he had to deal with two rather messed up ponies.
"Attention!" He cried out. Several pies hit the floor as the two ponies stood in front of him. Lyra gave him a salute with her forehoof and panted like a dog with her tongue lolling out. Twilight just grew out her tail and morphed the hairs into a hand to do the same thing. The tongue thing included. He sighed, "What are you two doing?" 'I already know the answer, but the best thing is to keep them talking so they don't get right back to it.'
"Just playing, sir." Lyra dutifully answered. He could at least count on her to be honest with him. "Since Twilight is to be under our command for the time being, I thought it would be good to unwind."
"Just make sure it doesn't go like your last attempt," Time Turner narrowed his eyes when they nervously chuckled. "You're still on lockdown because of it. If you hadn't, maybe Trixie would have brought you on her mission."
Twilight pouted and crossed her forelegs, "It's not my fault I get bored easily. She's just so... orderly sometimes." She stuck out her tongue in disgust at saying that word. Then her smile broke out into a grin as it morphed into Trixie's, "But the look on her face when I surprise her is priceless." She made an angry face with it, which Turner wondered if that was Trixie's regular expression.
"Nonetheless," Turner started as Twilight morphed her head back to normal. "Trixie should be coming back any moment soon. We've just got a message back that she's safe and sound and being transported-" Twilight then vanished piece by piece as if being popped like a bubble. He sighed, "And now we have to catch her before she causes more damage. Wonderful."
He honestly wouldn't trade this headache for anything.
_____________________________________________________________________
"So everyone," Sunset said as she stood upon a platform overlooking the citizens of Equestria. Standing behind the podium, she stared down at them as she kept talking. Beside and behind her were several of the more important creatures involved in the recent battle, including her friends. Of course, her voice was amplified with the Royal Canterlot voice so there was no way anyone could not understand her. "What have we learned?"
"Not to judge someone based on their species," the ponies grumbled.
"And?"
"Not to rush into things and misuse your power for your own gains."
Sunset smiled and looked back at Trixie. She was currently cuddling Cato to her chest as she talked with Pizzelle who was doing likewise with Hikaru. Dot was nestled beside her. Sunset cleared her throat, gaining Trixie's attention. "Did you get that as well?"
Trixie huffed. Everyone had basically been chewing her out for everything that had been happening as of late. Usually she would take offense to this. She would come up with some excuse for her actions, but right now she wasn't feeling like it. She simply nodded, "Yes, I heard every word of it."
"So take that to heart then," she heard Blueberry comment beside her. Sunset had to hand it to her, Blueberry seemed like an awesome soldier. Even more so now that she knew she was staying in town to bolster the local militia. Thankfully they were sending a few more troops, and magic users, to replace her loses.
"I will, Blueberry." Trixie frowned and looked away.
Suddenly, Lightning Dust landed right beside Sunset. Sunset gave a little yelp and her horn lit up with a fireball before she cancelled it out and instead just glared at the pegasus. "And let's not forget the most important lesson!"
Sunset groaned, "To trust your friends word." 'I swear, if she wasn't my friend and a fellow element bearer, I would burn her to a crip and laugh as I used her ashes as pillow stuffing.'
Lightning smirked, "Not so bad, is it Sunset?"
"Oh can it before I actually incinerate you." Sunset huffed which only caused Lightning to laugh at it. Seemed things were going back to how it was, which caused Sunset to let out a little smile. She turned back to the crowd. "So what do we say to the nice old griffon?" She gestured to Crowland.
"We're sorry," the townsfolk relented, although some just grumbled or mouthed the words. Saying sorry to a griffon didn't come natural to many and some would never do it. This was the best they could get.
"Apology accepted, mates." Crowland tipped his hat to them.
Suri let out a breath of relief, "Glad that's out of the way."
"Yeah," Lightning idly put a hoof over her shoulder and pulled her close as she gave her a cocky grin. "I wouldn't leave a friend hanging if I can help it." Suri just blushed in response, unsure of what to say to her secret crush.
"Now that's out of the way," Trixie huffed and moved forward. "You are all free to leave." To which the townsfolk were more than happy to comply. She turned back to Sunset Shimmer and bowed, "I'm sorry for my actions, princess. I have shamed this fair country of ours."
"Oh don't be so dramatic," Sunset rolled her eyes. "I'll put in a good word for you and hopefully you'll end up on the southern front dealing with the 'griffon menace'." Sunset's wicked grin unnerved the others. "It's the least I can do after you tried to kill my friend."
Trixie gulped and shivered, "Y-You are most kind, my princess."
"I don't think that's necessary, Princess Shimmer!" They all turned to see it was Inquisitor Time Turner shouting out to them. Inquisitor Acolyte Lyra Heartstrings was trailing close behind. They both stepped onto the stage and walked up to her, giving a small bow of their heads. "I have received news from Canterlot about the situation."
"That was quick," Sunset quirked an eyebrow at that.
Time Turner simply grinned at that, "With the right spells and tech, the Inquisition does its job well." He paused as he looked over Trixie and then back to Sunset, "So I've been reinstated and have been given the status for Trixie. Effective immediately Inquisitor Trixie de Lis is to be stationed in Ponyville and to hold equal power to my own."
"What?!!" Pretty much everyone else shouted in confusion.
Time Turner nodded, "Yes, that is their orders. It seems some of the Inquisition don't want you back or the others want you to learn a few things from me. Either way, Trixie is here to stay."
Trixie gritted her teeth, "Great. As if this day couldn't possibly get any worse."
"Trixie~!" With that being said, Trixie was glomped by a flying purple blur. Trixie looked up only to have said blur, which was Twilight Sparkle by the way, to kiss her on the lips. Trixie's eyes widened as she struggled in her hold before Twilight pulled up. "I was so worried about you. I would have come but I was on lockdown which I'm not anymore so yay~" Twilight teleported away when a sword slashed where her neck used to be.
Trixie quickly got up on her hooves and snarled, "Te cretin sale!" (You dirty moron) She rushed the teleporting and giggling maniac, trying in vain to slash her down. All she got out of her efforts was frustration and slicing air.
Sunset rubbed her forehead. 'This is going to add so many headaches to my day. I mean, why did I have to end up with Twilight in the same area again? The gods hate me.'
___________________________________________________________________
Selfias wasn't like most chaos sorcerers. They would usually break down in a tirade about their loss and their hatred of the 'heroes'. They would scream, shout, and probably kill some of their subordinates just to make themselves feel better. He wasn't like that. Partially because he needed as many resources as he could get given their recent failures had drained him of some much needed cannon fodder. That and he was more level headed.
Chaos was random, but sometimes it had a purpose. Selfias knew that purpose and he was guide it on its way to victory. This was the long game and he had all the pieces he needed to play his hand. The loss of his trained apprentice was agitating though. It would take a while to find someone of his caliber again. One that could at least stay sane with all that chaotic power but for now, that wasn't as much of a concern as the thing before him. He looked down at the jewel which pulsated with life inside of it. He gently touched it.
"Soon you will be reborn and with you by my side, we will bring back our god." He grinned as a small chuckle bubbled its way to his lips. More plans came to mind that would have to proceed that, but for now he could at least allow himself to get lost in the certain future. "That much I promise you." |
True Despair | pre | The zebra eyed the trinket curiously before looking up to the injured magician. "So this is the jewel you used to rule. I must say however you are a fool. To rely on the amulet to increase your power, you failed to realize that fault this hour."
"What are you talking about?" Trixie snapped, "Twilight did the exact same thing as me. She used this amulet to fight me, but you made it so only her power worked with it."
"Yes, I did give her that jewel to fight, because her heart was too filled with fright. With that she trained hard to increase her skill, but the strength of her power came from the strength of her will."
Twilight deactivated her shield, confused at what Zecora was talking about. "What do you mean? The amulet is what helped me stop her."
The zebra couldn't help but cast a small grin. "That amulet of mine, with your magic it does glow. the truth, however, is it is all for show."
Spike's jaw dropped slightly in disbelief to what he heard. "For show? you mean... That amulet was..."
"Your friend Twilight thought her power raised in its wake. The fact however is the amulet is fake." Zecora watched as every pony there gasped in shock. "I had to tell her this would give her aid, if not her heart was far too afraid. While she was broken, hurt and stripped of pride, I could see the true power she had inside."
Twilight stuttered as she tried to put together all of the facts she had just learned; all of that time she trained with that amulet of Zecora's, she truly believed that she was stronger with it on. Now she was hearing that the entire time, the illusion was just in her head. Everything that she had done was completely on her own. All of it came from inside of her. She was this strong all along.
Before she could think anymore, All of her friends jumped on top of her and pulled her into a massive group hug.
"Twilight! I knew you could do it!" Fluttershy yelled out in excitement.
"Wow, you beat her even when she had that amulet on! You are the toughest unicorn ever!" Rainbow chimed in with delight.
While Twilight celebrated alongside her friends,Trixie was busy focusing on the lavender mare's "Amulet". Slowly, she reached up with her hoof and pulled the amulet from off of her neck. Trixie stared at the necklace, her hoof shaking in the air before she slammed it into ground, shattering the false totem against a rock. She clenched her teeth tighter and tighter in her growing anger. After all of that effort and determination, combined with the power from the alicorn amulet, Twilight was still strong enough to fight against her using nothing but her own power. 'No ... this isn't happening!'
Flashbacks about Trixie's humiliating retreat shortly after Twilight stopped the Ursa Minor began to play through the ex-magician's mind over and over like a broken record. 'Why ...' The images in her head were replaced by the laughter of everypony who ever mocked her since her first trip to Ponyville, followed by Zecora's words after retrieving the amulet. 'So this is the jewel you used to rule. I must say however you are a fool.'
Amiss her inner struggle to block out all of the thoughts running through her mind, Trixie's gaze was lifted back back up to Twilight, and then she saw another sight that caused her blood pressure to reach an all new peak.
Twilight was in the center of her friends, laughing and crying happily as she was being hugged by the mares around her. Pinkie Pie's mane puffed out back into its cotton candy like state as she hopped up and down in happiness to everything. Twilight reached down with her hoof and pulled Spike into a hug, kissing him on the forehead. All of them were so happy together, embracing each other with love. But while they were happy, Trixie felt a pain bore through her heart at the very sight.
The void inside of Trixie's heart doubled in size. All of the emptiness that she had felt before the duel was growing by every moment. Subconsciously, her hooves gripped her shoulders, almost as if she was embracing herself. Then, she did the only thing she felt at the moment.
She screamed.
Twilight and the others jumped back in shock from the decibels emitted by the magician. The magenta unicorn flipped around to see Trixie drop back down to the dirt, her head shoved down while repeatedly smashing her right forehoof into the ground. Cautiously, she stepped away from her friends and crept towards the azure unicorn. Soon after, she recoiled in shock as Trixie shot her face up in her direction, but Twilight was caught off by the expression across the other mares face.
Trixie was crying.
Tears cascaded down the unicorns face as she glared up at Twilight. "Why is this my life!?" Trixie screamed out. "Why did I ever get this life!?"
Twilight stepped back in shock from the question. "Yo-what do you mean your-
"Why couldn't I have your life!?" Trixie's lip started to quiver slightly, "Why couldn't I get what you had?"
"What are you talking about?" Twilight mumbled in confusion.
"You are a pony who had everything in your life handed to you from the start. You had a mother and a father always there for you. To be with you. You even had a brother that helped raise you too. Growing up in a home with that, you were never alone in your youth. The princess was even there to help you. The princess! You had the ruler of this land help raise you! But me? No ..." She stopped for a moment as she coughed up several times. "I had nothing.
"I grew up in an orphanage unlike you ... unlike any of you." Trixie shot a look to the stunned group behind Twilight. "I never had a pony to call family. I never knew what it was like to wake up to a pony waiting to help me through my day, to show me how to do things. To ... to say that they loved me." Sniffling hard several times, she clenched her eyes shut. "I was stuck in a place the stallion in charge never did anything for us. He wouldn't give us meals if we got too loud. that was my life as a filly.
"I got out of that crap hole as soon as I could, taking to the road and never turning back. I lived on the road for days, picking up anything I could eat to stay alive. Then I saw a magician, and the love and bits he got with his show. I wanted that, for ponies to shout my name with joy and happiness when they saw me. I wanted to be able to eat like anypony else and not out of the garbage." Her eyes opened up again, but instead of anger, there was only pain. "None of you know what it feels like to live as I did, the things I had to do to get the bits for my wagon."
"Once I got my show wagon, it finally felt like I could have something for myself. I started traveling to different cities and doing my shows. Ponies saw me as wonderful, magical, and they saw me as powerful. In time, I began to forget all about the life that I had before and what I went through to get to where I was. The past felt more like a bad dream and I was finally starting to wake up. But then ... your town destroyed me." Trixie bared her teeth in anger once again at Twilight. "I lost everything I had that day! I spent years busting my flank just so I could change my life for the better and, in less than a day, you and your precious little town knocked me all the way back to square one! No, I take that back! You all knocked me off the board!
"I've worked so hard for everything, always pushing myself to become better than before. I had to do that all by myself, but you didn't have to do that, did you Twilight?"
Twilight didn't respond. She couldn't respond. She didn't know how to.
"You had a princess to teach you your magic! You were chosen to be an Element of Harmony and save the land, making you famous and special! You were born with a power far beyond most ponies and you didn't even have to earn it! Even now you have a home here with friends always there for you! In the end, the only thing I ever had was my pride and even that was taken away since that amulet of yours was nothing but a fake!"
Trixies sobs were becoming so quick she could hardly even breath. "Tell me right now Twilight! I want you to look me in the eye and tell me if it was fair! Why was I the one who never had anything? Why was I given nothing while you got power and ponies who love you!?"
Twilight and her friends were speechless. None of them knew what to say to Trixie; no rebuttal, no retort, nothing. Twilight gulped and tried to step towards Trixie.
"We are sorry to hear that."
Twilight froze when she heard the new voice. She looked over Trixie's back and saw two figures approaching from behind. Princess Luna and Princess Celestia came towards the mares with mixed expressions. Zecora was already bowing in respect while offering the amulet up for them to take.
"Princess Celestia! Princess Luna!" Twilight gasped in surprise, bowing with her friends.
Trixie did not bother to turn around, for she knew why they were here and she didn't care. Trixie had been so very tired for so very long. Besides the endless abhorrence that coursed through her body, there was a small part deep within her heart that only wanted to rest, an end to her struggles and hardships. Even further down, there was a miniscule piece that had been hoping that Twilight would be able to grant her the rest that she so desired, but it seemed as though she'd just have to settle for the Princesses instead.
Twilight sat still for a moment before she stood back up. "You knew something was wrong, didn't you?"
"Yes we did, Twilight. After I returned from Saddle Arabia, Luna told me everything that had happened." The white alicorn's face revealed the pain she felt. "I am so sorry we couldn't stop this horrible act, but we knew the barrier was too unstable to try and free the town. So Luna and I waited for the right moment to act, which happens to be now since the barrier has vanished. We came as soon as we could, but it seems that you have already done your part."
The sun goddess stared down at the cracked amulet in Zecora's hoof. Picking it up with her magic, she breathed deeply seeing the trinket that had entrapped the town in its dark power. Summoning it back to the palace, she turned to the other Elements who were still bowing with respect. "Please rise," Celestia instructed to the mares, and they obediently did as commanded. She winced at the condition that Equestria's six champions were in. Lashes, burns, and cuts were all present on their features. She then gazed off into the distance and took in all of the devastation that hung over Ponyville. She shook her head with a frown forming on her face. Her attention was then drawn over to Trixie, looking down on the mare as though she were the school principal punishing a schoolyard bully.
"Trixie Lulamoon," she spoke with a tone that echoed with authority. "You have committed crimes against the ponies of Ponyville, the Elements of Harmony and, by extension, Equestria as a whole ... do you deny this?"
Trixie sighed. "No I don't." she said, before standing up to face the princess. "If you're going to kill me now or banish me, then make it quick. I stopped caring months ago. There's nothing left for me here anymore ..." She wiped away the tears that stained her cheeks but her expression remained neutral, something that matched the monotone in her voice. "What do I have left to lose? Its not like anypony is going to miss me once I'm gone."
Celestia's eyes widened at the mare before her; it was so shocking and tragic to see a pony give up on life as easily as Trixie was doing now. She had almost finished preparing herself to pass her verdict when, out of the corner of her eye, she saw Luna who, to her surprise, walked forward until she stood inches away from Trixie's battered form.
Luna stared deep into the empty unicorn's eyes and saw the nihilism in the mare. Her eyes widened at what she saw, her vision becoming hazy from small tears forming from the sight of the young form. She shook her head, clearing her eyes as she glared down upon the mare before her.
"I shall be the one to judge you, Trixie Lulamoon!" Luna shouted out in her Canterlot-voice, creating a boom around her that made the other ponies knees buckle. "For your crimes against the town of Ponyville and for the life you have lived thus far..."
Trixie took a deep breath, her eyes were sealed shut, patiently awaiting the end.
"I am making you my personal student!"
"What!?" Twilight and all of her friends screamed in unison. They couldn't believe the words that just came out of Luna's mouth. Even Celestia's eyes were wide in utter disbelief at the sudden choice her sister just made.
Perhaps the most shocked of all of them was the magician herself. Trixie's eyes shot open, this time in confusion while looking up to Luna. She blinked before tilting her head to the princess. "Wh-what?"
Luna lowered herself until she was on eye-level with Trixie. "I want you to be my student, Trixie, for you see-"
"Now just hold yer horses!" Applejack cut Luna off,seething anger and rage chiseled into her features. "Do y'all know what kind of horrible things this here pony has done?! She made me... she made me whip Fluttershy or she woulda hurt Applebloom!"
"She kept us prisoner for over a month in that barrier of hers. I lost count of how many times I saw a pony assaulted by her!" Rarity yelled out.
"But Princess, she... she tried to kill Twilight and the rest of us!" Spike shouted.
"Yeah, a pony like that should be locked up somewhere for the rest of her life!" Rainbow Dash shout out.
Princess Luna's serene gaze remained locked on Trixie even through all of the shouting. She took in all their anger that they had built up over this month, something she knew they needed to release. After a few moments, she took a deep breath before finally speaking again. "Then perhaps I should still be locked away on the moon."
All of the element bearers went silent at the statement. Celestia stepped forward, her face stern as she confronted her sister. "Luna, what are you doing? This pony has committed serious crimes against an entire town. My own student and her friends were injured because of her actions."
"How was I any different, sister?" Luna retorted, catching her sister off guard. "Back when I became Nightmare Moon, I tried to overthrow you Tia. I wanted the land to be plunged into eternal darkness out of my blind greed and selfishness. Then, after you banished me for a full millennium and I returned, I tried once again to take over, successfully imprisoning you within the sun." Luna turned her head to look at her older sibling, who was too stunned to say anything in response.
"But this is different, princess!" Twilight yelled out. "She tried to destroy Ponyville and everypony in it! She tried several times to kill me and-"
"I tried to do the same thing to you as well, Twilight." Luna shut her eyes as she thought back, her guilt still haunting her for what happened. "I attempted to make you fall off of a cliff. I made a manticore attack you and your friends. I even assaulted the guards back in Ponyville. I did those things and yet you still had it in your hearts to forgive me and let me have a second chance at redemption."
Twilight opened her mouth to speak again, but she couldn't think of anything to say in response to the princess. While she didn't want to admit it, Luna was right; she had done horrible things in an attempt for her quest for power, yet they found themselves able to forgive her immediately.
"But Luna, that was completely different..." Celestia said, "You were given a second chance because the Elements of Harmony removed the dark power around you."
"Or was I forgiven because I'm your sister? Did I receive special treatment because I am a blood relative, a sibling to the princess?" Luna shot a stern look to her sister, "Is it fair that a pony who has nothing should be treated differently than one with a title despite the fact they did the same thing?"
Trixie's body dropped back down to the dirt in complete shock about everything that was happening; she was certain that the princesses would have immediately punished her without mercy for the everything that she did to Ponyville and for what she had attempted to do to Twilight. And yet here before her, one of them was not only forgiving her, but was also requesting that she become her student.
Luna turned her attention the stunned Trixie, standing up and moving towards the young mare's side before nestling back down again. Opening one of her wings, she moved it over and laid it across the unicorns back. Trixie flinched at the sudden touch, but Luna pulled her long feathers tighter around until they encircled to her other side. The magician trembled in confusion at what the princess was doing, but as she sat there, she couldn't help but feel... warm. The warmth itself had nothing to do with her being shielded from the chilly air, because the feeling was coming from inside of her.
Here on the dirt, the princess of the night was using her own body to comfort Trixie. After a moment, Luna pulled her closer until their sides were almost touching. Trixie then looked up into the bright sapphire eyes of the princess, filled with kindness and comfort for her. Tears began to form in Trixie's eyes, not from pain, but of fulfillment. She realized what Luna was doing, what she was giving her. The broken pony was experiencing something for the first time in her life at this moment.
A hug.
Trixie's eyes began to moisten. Her chest suddenly felt sore as her heart burned. Trixie's breathing began to hasten as she was losing her breath with each second. By instinct, her hooves shakily reached out to Luna's neck and began to encircle it, the latter gladly accepting it and giving Trixie something else she hasn't never received in her life. Something so soft she thought it only existed in her dreams and in the afterlife.
A nuzzle.
With her lips quivering, the fluids of Trixie's eyes began to overflow. The unicorn was now overcome with unbearable guilt for every atrocity that she had committed. Such a feeling that she believed that she was no longer capable of feeling, slowly re-emerged when one pony gave her the kindness she had been denied since day one. What's more, the pony that gave it to her was a princess.
Trixie immediately submerged her head into Luna's neck, wailing out as her crying grew from barely audible whimpers into loud and out of control sobs. She started muttering out words in the princess' neck, mostly a single sentence: "I am so sorry!" She felt a tender hoof on her neck, stroking her mane gently and felt a soft weight press down on her head. She opened her eyes to see Luna resting her head on top of hers.
Twilight and her friends looked at the scene with a new sense of sympathy and sadness. Before any of this, they merely thought of Trixie as a blight to the harmony they sought to protect. Yet now with wishing misfortune on a pony who had seen no harmony in her life, had made them feel rotten after seeing this display. Even with every horrible thing she had done to them, they felt it hard to have any anger at this moment.
Celestia was speechless at what she was seeing. Never before had she seen her sister commit such an act of kindness like this before. The elder princess however could see the pain running through the weeping mare, almost as if she was watching Luna cry after returning as Nightmare Moon. While she had come to punish Trixie, she found it hard to find the urge inside her heart anymore. Lifting her head up, Celestia looked to Twilight and the others, who all were staring down at the scene before them. She then took note of the town and saw the destruction that had been caused from everything. She looked back down to Luna with concern. "Luna, are you sure that you want to do this? After everything that has transpired here, are you absolutely sure that you still wish to make her your student?"
"Every pony deserves a second chance at life, Tia..." Luna quietly answered, "For them to change for the better. Work harder to overcome what they have gone through. And sometimes..." she smiled down to the crying mare at her side, "They need somepony to help guide them."
When Trixie lifted her head from Luna's neck and looked at the lunar deity with red-rimmed eyes. "Why? After everything I've done... why would you help me?"
"Because young Lulamoon, I see myself when I look at you." Luna used her hoof to lift the crying mares chin up higher. "I know what is feels like to be alone, to have nopony there to comfort you when in pain. I can sense the fractures in your heart, but I know that any broken soul can be mended in time, something I am willing to give for you. Will you accept my offer?"
Trixie had no idea what to say to Luna. She brought a hoof up and rubbed at her tears to clear them away. Before this, anger and pain were the only things that gave her body the fuel needed to press on. All she wanted to do was to make Ponyville feel the same way that she had felt for all of her life. But now, it was all gone. All she felt was a warm feeling growing inside of her chest, and she didn't want to let it go. Sniffling, she gazed up and nodded to the princess.
Luna smiled and stood up, helping Trixie up to. She looked over to Twilight and her friends, and then to Celestia. "Will you stay here with them?"
Nodding, Celestia made her way over to her own student. "Yes. I will help with the town and explain to them everything that has happened."
Looking back down to the silent Trixie, Luna signaled for her to follow. "Come with me, we have much to discuss back at your new home." She began walking, but stopped when the unicorn turned to face the Element Bearers.
Where once animosity towards the opposite was present in their eyes, only a deepening sorrow remained. Twilight and Trixie locked eyes with each other, each of their eyes moist with sadness. Trixie tried to say something, but stopped and closed her eyes. She couldn't bring herself to say anything at the moment, no matter how much she wanted to. Turning back around, she trotted up until she stood alongside Luna. The latter used her magic to form a dome around herself and Trixie, which started to close in on them. When the dome was gone, so were they. |
Magicles | pre | Fluttershy rubbed the red carpet with her hoof. "Oh, um, well, you see, Mister Filthy, we--"
"Rich, please," the business pony interrupted. "Mr. Rich."
"Oh, sorry. Mr. Rich, my name is Fluttershy, and I look after many animals that live in the forest. A lot of them lost their homes when you cleared out so much of the forest for your construction."
"Would it do me any good to ask how you connected the project to me?" Filthy Rich asked.
"We spoke to one of your workers," Twilight said. "He didn't give us his name, but we managed to get yours from him. To be fair, we caught him off-guard with our already knowing about the project."
"I'll worry about that later," Filthy Rich said. "So, Miss Fluttershy, what you're telling me is that some animals have been driven out of their homes by the project, is that correct?"
Fluttershy nodded. "That's right. I was hoping you could do something about it."
Filthy Rich clasped his forehooves together and leaned forward. "And what exactly would you have me do?"
"Um, you could maybe stop building?" Fluttershy suggested weakly.
"I don't see how that helps the animals, or me," said Filthy Rich. "To be honest, I didn't give much thought to clearing out a small part of the forest because I thought the animals would just find somewhere else to live. But you're telling they're distraught about the whole affair?"
"Very distraught," Fluttershy said. "My house and yard are both louder and more packed than ever before."
"All right. Well, halting construction won't give them their original homes back." Filthy Rich said. He raised his forehooves and placed them upon the table. "Is there any other way to make them less upset? Some form of compensation?"
"Not really," Fluttershy replied. "The only things animals really want are food, water, and shelter."
Filthy Rich gazed up at the ceiling thoughtfully. "Food, water, and shelter? Well as a short-term fix, I think I have a solution for at least one of those problems."
Twilight and Fluttershy watched in disbelief as a small crowd of forest creatures rejoiced. Birds were singing, squirrels were chittering, and others celebrated with other noises. The cause of their celebration sat in a large pile in the forest.
"Marshmallows," Twilight said incredulously. "He bought them marshmallows."
"I wasn't even aware they came in bags that big," Fluttershy said in awe. "It will take weeks for them to eat it all."
"Well, they're certainly not upset anymore, that's for sure."
A mouse ran up to Fluttershy and held out a marshmallow as big as its body.
"Oh! Thank you, Mister Squeakers," Fluttershy said gratefully as she accepted the treat. "I guess everyone got what they wanted in the end, didn't they?"
"For the time being, at least," Twilight said. "The animals are happy, and Filthy Rich got our silence about his secret factory and his machine. I wish I knew why he had a machine that looked like a unicorn, but I guess some things will have to stay a mystery."
"I wasn't expecting it to be this easy," Fluttershy confessed. "I was expecting him to not even care about the animals. But he does--he just didn't mean to upset them. He's actually a very nice pony."
"I thought the same," Twilight admitted. "I guess just because someone is very good and making money doesn't mean they're cold and uncaring. Ooh! That's a letter for Princess Celestia right there."
It was the gaping hole in the wall that drew Cyrus' curiosity at the Crystal Empire Museum. Only moments before he had made his rounds through the building, his incredibly bored mind studying every detail. The floors, walls, and ceiling were a polished white, with glowing light stones making visibility just as easy as being outdoors. The displays throughout the museum were just as dull to Cyrus as the ceiling: wax figures, plaques, and models represented the Empire's long and occasionally violent past.
Normally, Cyrus hated seeing the same stuff every time he took the night shift, but as he stood facing the hole revealing the dark streets outside, he had to admit that seeing the same things every night was preferable. Forgetting his boredom entirely, the crystal pony glanced around, looking for any sign of something that could knock down a wall. It couldn't have happened very recently or he would have heard the wall collapsing.
Cyrus briskly trotted down the hallway, his head swinging from left to right. Being the only one who was supposed to be in the museum that night, it was ultimately his responsibility to find the intruder. Cyrus was grateful for the well-lit halls and the crystal armor he wore, although an actual weapon to use would have been nice too.
Cyrus' search led him into the King Sombra exhibit, his least favorite place in the entire museum. King Sombra's reign may have taken place a thousand years ago for most of Equestria, but for the crystal ponies it had been only months since Sombra's rule ended. A wax figure of King Sombra stood in the fray of a mock-battle scene, his army of darkness versus the might of the Empire.
Cyrus borrowed a sword from a wax figure who appeared ready to lop the head off of a black pony with green orbs for eyes. The sword was made of plastic, but it made Cyrus feel a little bit more confident.
An abrupt clank caught Cyrus's attention. With sword in mouth he spun toward the direction of the noise. Standing on a pedestal surrounded by broken glass was a full suit of armor. Unlike the plastic adorning the wax warriors in the room, the suit of armor on the pedestal was made of genuine earth pony steel. It was a true relic, and it now had one armored leg standing on the floor instead of the pedestal. The armor clanked three more times as it stepped off completely, crushing glass pieces underhoof as it did so.
Cyrus scowled at the sight. Had he arrived sooner, he might have caught the intruder before he or she had put on the armor. Now the only way he would be able to see the intruder's face would be to lift up the slitted visor. He charged forward, sword pointed at the intruder's head.
An armored leg snapped up and out, catching him in the chest.
Cyrus dropped the plastic sword as he flew backwards. He knocked over the wax figure of King Sombra before landing on his side.
"Strong, aren't you?" he grunted as he rose back up to a standing position. "Go ahead, try to do that again. I dare you."
Without a word the armored assailant strode toward Cyrus, clanking all the way. Some kind of mist had started to obscure the gleaming white floor around the suit of armor, but Cyrus hardly paid it any mind. Instead he zigzagged in for another strike, only to be knocked into the wall by another casual slap by the intruder.
Cyrus's vision blinked in and out as the mist began to fill the room. Like something ethereal, the armored attacker walked through the haze and swept Cyrus' legs out from underneath him. Before Cyrus could get up again, the assailant placed an armored hoof on Cyrus' exposed underside and began to apply a crushing force.
Unable to move or even breathe, all Cyrus could do was watch the slitted visor of his assailant until he couldn't see or feel anything anymore. |
Magicles | Chapter 5: Confounding Variable | Twilight had a silly grin on her face and a bounce in her step as she departed the train. Every time she visited the Crystal Empire, its pristine beauty never failed to impress her. The Crystal Empire train station was actually a bit of a distance away from the city-state, allowing a full view of its gleaming glory. Its white-and-blue castle stood at the heart of the Empire, with pointed towers poking at the sky like great, icy stalagmites; by comparison, the rest of the buildings in the city seemed merely jagged against the skyline.
Unlike the rest of the Frozen North it inhabited, the Crystal Empire sat in a vast expanse of green fields. A crystal gate decorated with levitating gems marked the simple dirt road that led from the train station to the actual city. Spike, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Applejack all paused to take in the sight as they, too, disembarked.
"I'm so glad we made the time for this," Rarity remarked as she casually flicked her mane. "I've never actually been to the Crystal Empire Museum before."
"This is actually my second time going," Twilight said. "But the brand new exhibit on King Sombra opened today for the first time. I'm looking forward to seeing it."
"It's very brave of the crystal ponies to put something so recent in their museum," said Fluttershy. "I read in the Ponyville Express that it was very controversial."
"That's part of what makes the Crystal Empire so fascinating!" Twilight's eyes shone much like the city. "What they consider recent history goes further back than anything else the rest of Equestria has to offer. Being a thousand years behind everyone else, you could say that the entire city is a piece of history!"
"You think I'll be mentioned at all in the exhibit?"
Twilight turned her head to Spike, who was riding on her back. "I would hope so. If not, someone, will be getting a very stern talking-to about the exclusion of such an important historical figure." Her grin widened. "Oh, I can hardly wait!"
Twilight had to suppress the urge to break out into a full gallop as the group stepped onto the city's main path. The road became smooth purple crystal before long, with not a fracture or jagged edge to speak of.
Twilight took the lead as she guided her friends along the streets, until they at last reached their destination. The Crystal Empire Museum was two stories tall: a mostly rectangular structure, with steps leading up to an entrance, flanked by tall pillars that supported the slanted roof.
Twilight, still making an effort not to leave her friends in the dust, noticed right away that something was off. Two stallions in silver armor stood in front of the museum entrance, blocking the way. Perplexed, Twilight slowed as she approached the museum; two sets of eyes tracked Twilight's movements as she came up the steps. "What's going on here?"
"The museum is closed," the guard on the left answered.
"Closed?" Twilight's mouth fell open. "B-but why? The King Sombra exhibit was supposed to open today!"
"We're not at liberty to say why, only that you cannot enter at this time," said the guard on the right.
"O... oh. Okay. Well, you sirs have a good day." Twilight walked back down the steps toward her friends, her head hung low.
"Aw, cheer up, sugarcube," Applejack said with a sympathetic rub on the back. "There's still plenty of things to do in the city. We'll just swing on by another time."
"Ooh! We can go get ice cream! And crystal rock candy!" Pinkie Pie suggested, bouncing on the spot.
"I cannot believe you're all giving up so easily," Rarity said with a huff. "I swear, I always have to be the one who solves these sort of problems when they come up. Fluttershy, would you be a dear and charm more information out of those guards?"
"What? W-why me?" Fluttershy hid behind Rainbow and ducked her head.
"Have I not trained you in the art of flirting?" Rarity frowned and took a step forward. "Are you implying that my teachings are insufficient to handle such a crisis?"
"But, they're royal guards!" Fluttershy protested. She squeaked as Rainbow leaped into the air, leaving her exposed once more.
"They're also stallions, dear," replied Rarity, a gleam in her eye. "And that makes them vulnerable."
Spike developed a sudden interest in the ground and began scratching at it with his foot.
"Just watch and learn," Rarity said confidently as she sauntered up the steps of the museum.
"Museum's closed," said the guard on the left.
"Oh, it is? How awful!" Rarity lamented, raising her hoof to her forehead for dramatic effect. "And after my friends and I came all this way! Whatever could have caused such a tragedy?"
"That information is classified," the guard on the right replied. "You'll have to come back later."
"Oh, well of course that's exactly what such noble stallions such as yourselves ought to say," Rarity said with a smile. "But I would be ever-so-grateful to at least know why we can't enter this majestic building."
"I'm sure you would," the guard on the left said. "But we still cannot say."
"Hey, sis--why so glum?" a voice from behind Twilight said suddenly.
Everypony spun around; Captain Shining Armor stood before them all, decked out in full ceremonial garb.
"Big brother!" Delighted by the surprise, Twilight embraced him in a hug.
"Good to see you, Twily," said Shining Armor as he returned the gesture.
"Good to see you too," said Twilight as she stepped back again. "What are you doing here?"
"There's been a break-in at the museum," Shining said as his eyes narrowed. "The King Sombra exhibit, specifically. I'm here to see if it might be a sign of his return. We're trying to keep it all hush-hush for the moment though, at least until we know more."
"Well, I hope it's not him." Twilight shuddered at the memory of the Crystal Empire's former conqueror. "But if there's a crime to be solved, I might be able to help."
"Oh? You mean like one of your friendship problems?" Shining Armor inquired.
"That's part of it, but I developed a new spell recently, and... you know what? This would be easier to explain with a demonstration." Twilight waved a hoof behind her. "You think you can get me onto the crime scene? The guards won't let us in. I know they're only doing their job--"
"Say no more, Twily." Shining winked and strode past everyone. "I am the Crystal Prince--if I can't get you inside, nopony can."
Befitting of his royal and military status, Shining Armor strode up the museum steps with head held high and back proudly straight. About halfway up he paused; Rarity was still in the act of trying to charm information out of the guards.
"--Oh and of course I could create a positively dazzling addition to your already-beautiful peytrals--"
"Ahem."
Rarity turned around, ceasing her efforts. "O-oh my, Prince Armor!" she remarked, taking on an expression similar to one that Spike pulled after being caught eating ice cream after midnight. "What a pleasant surprise--"
"Miss Rarity, in the future, I would greatly appreciate it if you did not attempt to manipulate my soldiers into disobeying orders," Shining Armor said flatly.
Rarity's face turned beet-red. She nodded before meekly retreating back down the stairs.
Shining Armor turned his attention to the guards. "You can let my sister and I through, privates."
"All due respect, sir, you have to give us the password first," one of the guards replied.
"Milk, Lima, Puma, Foxtrot, Indigo, Milk," Shining Armor stated. "For your adherence to protocol, expect a bonus with your next paycheck."
The two guards grinned as they stepped aside.
"We'll catch ya later, Twi," said Applejack. "Don't worry about us. Just catch that rascal the same way you nabbed that nasty apple thief."
"Will do," Twilight promised as she entered the museum, her brother leading the way.
Brother and sister traipsed through rooms full of artifacts and displays before the reaching the Sombra exhibit. Twilight's eyes widened she saw the exhibit. The scene consisted mainly of a large mock-battle, complete with realistic wax figures. Royal guards that looked just like their modern counterparts--armor and all--fought against ponies in mismatched armor. Twilight couldn't help but noticed that every pony that wasn't a crystal pony had completely green orbs instead of eyes.
But Twilight could also tell that there was several things wrong with the exhibit. The wax figure of King Sombra lay on the floor, along with a fake plastic sword. Glass shards littered the floor around a shattered display case nearby, now empty of whatever it held.
"The Crystal Prince has arrived!" announced a guard already in the room.
Despite herself, Twilight twitched. The speaker had been standing so still that she had sincerely taken him to be another wax statue.
"At ease, soldier," Shining Armor said. "Where is the guard who was supposed to be on watch?"
"Gone, Your Highness. We're still trying to figure out where."
A light-blue crystal pony entered from an adjacent room. Upon noticing Twilight, she turned up an eyebrow. "Who is this? Why is she in my crime scene?"
"Ah, Detective, there you are." Shining aimed a hoof at the mare. "Detective Frosted Glass, this is my sister: Twilight Sparkle, Protege of Princess Celestia. I think she'll be able to help with this case."
"Nice to meet you," Twilight said.
"Likewise," Frosted Glass said evenly. "So, how can you aid this investigation?"
"Oh, um, I have a spell that can trace magic."
Frosted Glass' eyes narrowed. "What do you mean by that? Magic can't be traced."
"So we've always believed," Twilight replied dryly. "But nonetheless, I have a way. I discovered it not too long ago."
"You did? And, Miss Sparkle, may I ask--has your new discovery been lab-tested? Peer-reviewed?" Frosted Glass snorted. "If not, I'd rather not have you do something that I can't rely on."
"I've already solved two crimes using my method," Twilight countered. "It's reliable."
"Anypony with a degree in forensic science can tell you that magic is untraceable," Frosted Glass said icily. "So I'm sure you'll understand why I'm still skeptical after a mere two trial runs."
"Twilight, how about you just cast your spell?" Shining Armor suggested. "Time is wasting."
"Sure, let's just dump a spell with unpredictable results all over the crime scene." Frosted Glass rolled her eyes. "Because experimental spells always produce the desired result."
It took considerable willpower on Twilight's part to not make a sarcastic remark of her own, but instead focus on her magicle-revealing spell. Purple energy enveloped the tip of her horn and transformed into a white ball of light that exploded outward. Everypony but Twilight reflexively braced themselves as the whiteness expanded past them, encompassing the entire exhibit.
Soon as is flashed, the white light vanished. Twilight eagerly scanned the room for the telltale glow of magicles.
Nothing. "Nothing at all." She tilted her head and groaned.
"Well, would you look at that--absolutely nothing happened," Frosted Glass remarked with a sneer. "All things considered though, that could have gone a lot worse."
While Twilight was starting to find Frosted Glass highly annoying, she held her tongue. Instead, her concern grew over the fact that the spell appeared to have failed.
"Hold on." She aimed her horn at the floor. "Let me just test it again where I'm standing." With that, she reached out with her magic to touch the floor. In response, the tile she touched turned purple.
"The spell is working... there just wasn't any magic involved in this crime!" Twilight said.
"Are we seeing the same thing?" Frosted Glass stared at the purple spludge. "Because to me, it just looks like you turned my crime scene into a fluorescent canvas."
"I suppose I did, more or less," Twilight said, sensing an opening to make her case. "According to my research, wherever magic has been pulled into the physical plane, it leaves behind a special kind of particle. A magical bi-planar luminescent particle."
"That's quite a mouthful," said Shining Armor.
"So I've heard," Twilight deadpanned. "Regardless, that is what they are. I've used them to track unicorns, earth ponies, and pegasi alike. However, if this crime scene is any indication, crystal ponies have no magical bi-planar luminescent particles on their bodies. Otherwise, all of you would be glowing somewhere right now."
"Well, if no magic was involved, that rules out the possibility of Sombra," Shining Armor said. "The culprit must have been a crystal pony upset about the exhibit."
"I wouldn't rule out magic just yet," Frosted Glass said. "It seems to be the only explanation for the culprit's entrance."
"Teleportation?" said Twilight.
"Try a giant hole in the wall," Frosted Glass said. "Just down the hall. I'd argue that only powerful magic could have taken it down. Not only that, there's condensation all over the walls and floor of the crime scene. Explain that without magic, Miss Sparkle."
"Perhaps I don't need to," Twilight said as she inspected the bottom of her own right forehoof. "Unicorns don't make magicles with their hooves like earth ponies and pegasi do. If the culprit is a unicorn that used magic to take down the wall, I should be able to find magicles there. As for the condensation, I have no idea just yet."
Frosted Glass gestured towards the hall. "Well, since you've put your magic all over this part of the crime scene, you may as well finish the job. Follow me."
Twilight ignored the implied contamination and walked down the hall, Shining at her side. She spotted the damage the very moment she came around the corner: a gaping hole large enough for a pony to walk through, along with a pile of rubble on the inside. Chunks of the wall were crystalline in nature, the same light-blue as the museum's exterior. Other parts of the rubble were a polished white, which matched the wall on the inside. Through the hole, Twilight could see that the crime scene was blocked off from the street by yellow tape, and two guards standing outside had their backs facing the hole.
"As skeptical as I am of your methods, Miss Sparkle, it would be nice if you found something," said Frosted Glass. "I've already gone all over this with tried-and-true forensic methods, but yielded nothing."
"If there's magic involved, something will come up," replied Twilight as her horn glowed to life. A burst of energy struck the rubble, transforming once again into a white sphere that grew outward, enveloping the area around the ruined wall.
Alas, no magicles.
A crippling wave of self-doubt washed over Twilight. Had could the spell not have revealed any magicles? Had she been wrong all along about her theories? Could it be that the spell really was as unreliable as Frosted Glass thought?
Frosted Glass tsked. "So much for that. There's no way this wall was broken by physical force alone, it's too thick for that. Clearly, your magic trick doesn't work as well as you would like."
"No offense, detective," Shining Armor cut in, "but if your way of looking for evidence has failed, I don't think you have any right to criticize my sister's way."
Frosted Glass' face lightened a shade of red or two when she heard Shining Armor's words; Twilight made a mental note thank her brother later.
"The way I see it," he continued, "We don't know how the wall was knocked down. However, I'm willing to bet that the condensation we found in the exhibit might have something do with this."
"I already had the condensation analyzed," Frosted Glass said. "There wasn't anything special about it, save for the fact it was found in an unusual place."
"So if our only real lead is the water, we need to find out how it got there," Twilight said. "If we do that, we might find out how the wall came down, which might lead to our missing guard and the culprit."
Frosted Glass leaned in and brushed the wall with her hoof. "It isn't wet here. Perhaps the hallway?"
Twilight moved back into the hallway and dragged her hoof along the wall. "Nothing here either."
"Are we missing something?" asked Shining Armor. "Is there anything at all we haven't looked over?"
Twilight thought back to what she had noticed when she first saw the exhibit room. "That statue of King Sombra had been knocked over, and there was that display case with the shattered glass. Oh! Do we know what was taken?"
"According to the records, that case held a suit of armor made out of earth pony steel," said Frosted Glass. "Very thick, very heavy. Not exactly something you could gallop around in unless you were in very good shape."
"Maybe the missing guard took it?" said Twilight.
"I already thought about that," said Frosted Glass. "The guard's name is Cyrus, by the way. In order to wear the armor, he would have had to remove the crystal armor he was already wearing. Since we didn't find any crystal armor anywhere, the only other possibility would be for him to walk out with two sets of armor on him, which would have over-encumbered him."
"Hmph. Almost no evidence, but still a very complicated case," said Shining Armor.
"Uh, Twilight?" came a small voice from behind.
Twilight turned around; it was Spike, clutching a scroll in his claws. "What is it, Spike? Is that a letter from Princess Celestia?"
Spike nodded. "It's about the pony who tried to steal Applejack's apples. He's missing."
"Missing?" said Twilight.
"Yeah, uh... Princess Celestia says that the ceiling of his cell was destroyed, and also the outside wall," said Spike.
"I don't believe this. Two destroyed walls?" Frosted Glass brought a hoof to her face and rubbed.
"If it's the same culprit as ours, he sure gets around fast," remarked Shining Armor.
Twilight frowned thoughtfully. "If that's the case, this other crime might give us the information we need." She turned to her brother. "I'm going to need a chariot to Canterlot."
"I as well," said Frosted Glass. "This is clearly related to my case here."
Consider it done," Shining Armor replied. Turning his attention to a nearby guard he said, "Go get a chariot."
After the guard saluted and galloped away, Spike jumped up onto Twilight's back. "So... just who in Equestria has the ability to knock down two walls, back-to-back, without getting caught?"
Twilight glanced back at the Sombra exhibit she had just come from. "I don't know," she said. "But magicles or not, I'm going to find out." |
Magicles | Chapter 6: Break Through | Twilight's vision blurred as she entered her tree-home. She didn't see Spike anywhere in the library, but she thought nothing of it. It was very late, after all, and he was probably in bed already. Twilight intended to do the same just as soon as she was done.
Her hooves fell heavily on the stairs as she ascended. When was the last time she had gotten a full night's sleep? If she recalled correctly, not since she had made her discovery. But that wasn't the reason she had been out so late. Ever since the incident at the Crystal Empire Museum, crimes started popping up all over Equestria. A few of them were solvable, sometimes even without the use of Magicles. The culprits were just common thieves and ruffians; in terms of crime-solving, mere child's play.
Twilight cast a spell as she entered her study. Various candles scattered about the place lit up from her magical spark. She turned her attention to the wall, which was home to a very large map of Equestria. There were circles written in ink all over the map. A few of them were connected to other circles by string held in place with tacks. Some circles were isolated, and the same went for the some of the tacks.
Twilight rubbed her eyes with a hoof as she plucked another tack off a nearby desk and stuck it into the map. There were too many tacks. Too many unsolvable crimes. Impossible crimes with destroyed walls and nary a trace of magic. She shook her head to keep herself awake while she stared at the map. She tried to think, but her mind refused to form a rational thought. She couldn't see any new patterns. Maybe there weren't any patterns. Thefts, kidnappings, destruction... all over the land. None of it made any sense to her. Equestria had clearly been facing a wave of crime, but the why remained as elusive as ever.
She let out a frustrated groan and stormed out of the room. All she wanted now was to get some sleep.
Taking care to not make any more noise, Twilight entered the bedroom. Spike's bed lay on the floor, but Spike wasn't in it. Twilight glanced out the window at the moon.
It was well after midnight.
"Spike?" Twilight called out softly. She cast another spell to light all the remaining candles in the room. Still no dragon. "Spike?"
Fueled by anxious energy, Twilight did a quick sweep of the entire tree-home, lighting up every room with candles as she did so. Her heartbeat accelerated with every second that Spike didn't appear.
"No, no, no no no, please no!" Twilight returned to the bedroom and cast her magicle-finding spell. White light flashed across the room, revealing silver hoof prints leading up to Spike's bed and away from it. Twilight's anguished cry shook her entire home. "No!"
The empty bed wavered in Twilight's vision, swaying in a sea of dark possibility. Spike had been kidnapped, no doubt about it. But the crime was solvable. Twilight had her magicles. Using her magic to reveal more of the silver hoof prints, Twilight bolted down the stairs and out the front door.
Spike awoke to the sound of something crashing. He stiffened on reflex, an act which made him aware that something was very wrong. Instead of lying in his cozy bed, he found himself sitting upright in total darkness, his arms bound behind his back.
Spike shifted in his seat. Yes, he was in a chair, and his wrists were wrapped in rope. He held his breath as he desperately tried to think of a way to escape. Somewhere nearby he heard muttering; whoever had taken him was close.
The solution to his predicament occurred to Spike so suddenly that he would have smacked his own forehead had his arms not been bound. His claws were still very free.
He began to slice at the rope binding his wrists just as he heard the sound of hooves clacking against tiles, steadily drawing close. As quietly as he could, he finished his severing job and stood up in his chair. A door creaked open and the sound of a switch being flipped was heard. The very next moment, a painfully bright light burst into existence, directly into the eyes of both Spike and his captor, a brown coated earth pony wearing a black hooded cloak.
"Ah, dang it!" the stallion said as he covered his eyes with his leg. "I thought that was going to be a lot dimmer."
Spike squinted his eyes as he jumped down from his chair. He was in a closet full of cleaning supplies, and there was only one door. He bolted for the exit, but was blocked by the stallion sticking his hoof out.
"Whoa! Hold on there, little buddy--I'm on your side!" the stallion said. He squinted his eyes, same as Spike, who saw that his eyes were silver. Spike didn't believe the claim for a second, and struggled to shove past the leg in his way.
"Rrrr... Let me go--you can't keep me here!" Spike said.
"Not until I give you the message!"
Spike stopped pushing. "What?"
The stallion stood firm. "A message. For you to deliver to Twilight Sparkle."
Spike took a step back and crossed his arms. "Well, you have the right dragon. You could have just sent it to me, though. I'm basically her walking mailbox."
"Yeah, well, I had this whole act planned out which would have been better. I was gonna walk in and look all shadowy and mysterious in my black cloak here." The stallion flicked at his hood with his hoof. "But the light was too bright and stuff and it totally killed the mood."
"Are you going to give the message or not?" Spike asked.
"Can we do it with the lights off?" the stallion pleaded.
Spike rolled his eyes. It was amazing how quickly the situation had gone from scary to inconvenient. "Do what you want."
The stallion snatched a flashlight up off a nearby shelf and switched off the lights. He turned on the flashlight and pointed it up past his face. "You know not who I am, but I am your ally," he began, his voice dark and spooky.
Spike's arms remained crossed. "Doubt it."
The stallion didn't react to Spike's comment. "The answer that Twilight seeks lies with one pony... Filthy Rich."
"I don't know who that is."
"Twilight does. Trust me, she'll know who I'm talking about."
"You haven't been spying on her, have you?" Spike asked.
"No!" the stallion said quickly. "I just... have my ways of getting information."
"You're making that up."
"Time is short! Twilight draws closer, remember my message. Investigate Filthy Rich."
"How do you know she's getting closer?"
"She has this thing that lets her magically trace ponies," the stallion said as he held up a hoof. "Earth ponies have a magical connection with the ground, so she can see everywhere we walk. You didn't know about that?"
"I did. I'd just like to know how you did."
"No time! Maybe later." The stallion backed up and shut the door, leaving Spike alone in the darkness. Suddenly the door opened again, but only just enough for the stallion to stick his head in. "Oh, and tell her not to follow me," he added before pulling his head back out.
The door closed again, followed the sound of a lock turning. Spike tried the handle just to be sure. It didn't open. Not wanting to wait for Twilight in the dark, Spike turned the light back on and sat down. After a few minutes of silence, he heard the sound of someone galloping. With a crunch, the door to the closet was suddenly ripped off its hinges, revealing Twilight on the other side. Her eyes and face were wet, but Spike only had a moment to behold the sight before Twilight flung herself down before him and wrapped him up in the tightest of hugs.
"I thought I had lost you forever," she whispered.
"You didn't," Spike replied as he gladly returned the embrace. "I bet we can still catch the guy if we hurry."
Twilight looked down at Spike, her eyes still misty. "O-oh, that's right. Where did your kidnapper go?"
"He left just a few minutes before you got here. He said to tell you not to follow him, but I say we should anyway."
Twilight stood up, a look of determination setting over her face. "I agree completely, Spike. It's time for all these kidnappings to stop."
Spike grinned as he hopped up on Twilight's back. "You know what I'm going to say now, don't you?"
Twilight smirked as she glanced over her shoulder at Spike. "You'd better not," she warned teasingly.
Spike stuck out his arm and pointed a claw towards the closet door. "Hi-ho, Twilight!"
Twilight let out a short laugh as she cast her Magicle finding spell. A cone of white light from her horn revealed a set of silver hoof prints on the floor. Once they had exited the hall, Spike easily identified his location: The Town Hall of Ponyville.
Twilight swept her spell back and forth across the floor of the main room to find the trail. There were colored spots everywhere, but the color silver was unique among them. Spike held on tightly as Twilight quickly followed the silver spots out the main entrance and into the night. For a while it was just a silent run, save for the sound of Twilight's hooves against the dirt road--
Twilight screeched to a halt, nearly flinging Spike of her back.
"Why'd you stop?" Spike asked.
"The trail's ended," Twilight replied. She breathed heavily as she looked around with the white cone of light. Her horn flashed, creating a larger range for the spell that reached the cottages on both sides of the road. The silver hoofprints appeared to have stopped in the middle of the road.
"What, did he start walking on his knees or something?" asked Spike.
Twilight shook her head. "I don't think so. Look, Spike--see those tinier red specks around the spot where the trail ends?"
"Pegasus magic, right?"
"Correct. I bet he arranged to get flown out of Ponyville. It's a slow way to escape though, not really practical. Why would he do it that way?"
"Well, he did say he knew about your technique for tracing earth ponies."
Twilight glanced at Spike in surprise. "You spoke to him?"
"Yeah, he... said he was on our side, believe or not. And that you should investigate Filthy Rich."
"Really? Wow. Did he say why?"
"His exact words were, 'the answer that Twilight seeks lies with Filthy Rich.' I trust you know who that is?"
Twilight let out a long breath. "I do. He was tied to one of my earlier cases, the one that Fluttershy brought to me."
"Oh, right, that case you said you couldn't talk to me about because of a promise!" Spike scratched his chin thoughtfully. "So... does that mean that Filthy Rich is responsible for the crime spree Equestria's having?"
"It could be. I don't know. I'm too tired to think about it right now, to be honest."
"Let's go home then and figure it tomorrow. It's been a long night."
"That it has," Twilight agreed. "I'm so glad I found you again, Spike. I was really worried."
"I could tell. You ripped out a door to find me earlier."
"Oh, geez. I did, didn't I?" Twilight chuckled. "I guess that makes two things to worry about tomorrow." |
Magicles | Chapter 7: Established Link | Twilight found herself standing outside Barnyard Bargains that morning. The big barn-themed supermarket looked the same as ever, but now it held an air of mystery. What secrets did it contain? Who could have imagined that the next big lead in her ongoing investigation was so close to home? At least, she hoped it was the next big lead; Spike's kidnapper seemed to think it was, in any case. After all the horror she had been through the night before, she reasoned she was entitled to a lead.
Twilight felt Spike's weight upon her back, but she turned her head to check for his presence all the same. She could hardly be blamed for her paranoia; the logical side of her mind knew she would eventually relax her guard, but for now she wouldn't be going anywhere without Spike. She figured that Filthy Rich would most likely not be happy about Spike knowing the corporate secrets that she and Fluttershy had sworn to never share.
Twilight didn't like the fact that her promise had been broken, but at the time she had no idea that Filthy Rich would become relevant to her ongoing war with crime. After taking a moment to steel herself for the inevitable confrontation, Twilight strode into the supermarket. It took her no time at all to the find the door to Filthy Rich's office.
A nearby employee noticed Twilight approaching the door and intentionally moved into her way. "Can I help you, miss?" he said calmly.
From his tight expression it was obvious that he expected to be yelled at. Twilight felt a little bad for him. He probably had to deal with many ponies demanding to see the manager.
"I'm here to see Filthy Rich," she said.
The stallion's brows went up at the mention of his employer's name. He looked between Spike and Twilight for a moment before moving out of the way with a shrug. Twilight continued on her way and went right on in without knocking.
The surprised look on Filthy Rich's face was oddly satisfying to Twilight. She reminded herself that she didn't know exactly how Filthy Rich was involved with Equestria's crime spree, if at all. The office's dark wooden decor was no different than her last visit. The golden unicorn-shaped machine even stood in the exact same spot.
"What is that?" Spike said when he saw the golden construct.
"Better question," Filthy Rich said without missing a beat. "What are you doing in here?" As he spoke, the machine swiveled its head towards Filthy Rich, and then back to Twilight.
Twilight gulped. the construct had spoken during her last visit, but seeing it move unnerved her. Its glowing blue eyes held no friendliness. "I... uh, need your help," Twilight said.
Filthy Rich leaned over his desk and pressed his fore-hooves together. "I'm not opposed to helping, but you can't just barge into my office like this." His brow furrowed. "I would prefer it if you asked permission to enter my office if you feel the need in the future."
"Ah, right. Yes, sorry," Twilight replied. Heat rushed to her face. Already, she could feel the conversation slipping out of her control. Hadn't she come to question Filthy Rich? It seemed now that she was on the defensive.
Filthy Rich waited silently while Twilight tried to re-organize her thoughts.
"I'll get straight to the point," she said at last. "You know how Equestria has been facing a wave of crime recently?"
Filthy Rich nodded. "Yes. It's very troubling, to say the least. I've heard that among the culprits who are caught, none of them ever say why they did it."
"I've heard the same," Twilight replied. "I've been... helping with the investigations. I even helped catch some of the perpetrators. However, a large portion of the crimes have been deemed unsolvable." Twilight took a deep breath, hoping that Filthy Rich didn't ask how exactly she had been helping. The last thing she wanted was yet another pony criticizing her magicles. "Last night, somepony kidnapped my assistant here, Spike. As you can see, I got Spike back, but I also got a message from the kidnapper."
"He told me to tell Twilight that you had answers," said Spike.
Filthy Rich leaned back slightly in his chair. "He did? That's... wow. I have to be honest with you, I have no idea what he means by that. If I had any information on the crimes, I would have told the authorities."
Twilight felt the bitter twinge of disappointment. Whether Filthy Rich was lying or truly ignorant, it seemed that answers were still beyond her reach. Perhaps Filthy Rich had answers without realizing it?
"Okay, well, maybe you can tell a little more about your secret factory in the woods? What are you planning to produce there?"
As she expected, Filthy Rich looked annoyed when Twilight mentioned his secret factory. He tilted his head towards the unicorn-shaped machine. "The factory is where my friend here is going to be mass-produced."
Twilight turned her attention back the machine. Finally, some answers! Even if this turned out to be a false lead, she was dying to know what was up with the golden contraption. "What exactly is he?" she asked.
"I am Talos," the machine answered, still without opening its mechanical mouth. "I am the world's first automaton."
"He's kind of creepy," Spike said.
"He's a prototype," said Filthy Rich. "Very few ponies know about his existence. The model that will be available for purchase will have a working mouth. He's designed to accomplish any task with the greatest efficiency possible."
"That's incredible!" Twilight exclaimed. "So he can move around and talk?"
Talos stepped forward, his pistons hissing faintly as he did so. "Indeed I can. I am the ultimate assistant."
"Oh yeah?" said Spike. "I bet you can't breathe fire."
Talos glanced over at Filthy Rich. "Perhaps I should."
Filthy Rich shook his head. "Not in the budget. It would be very dangerous anyway."
Twilight moved in closer to examine Talos. "So how does he work? What gives him the power to move and talk?"
"His designers could explain that better than I could," said Filthy Rich. "His ability to move comes from an internal hydrogen engine. As for the talking, that's magic."
Twilight looked into the automaton's glowing blue eyes. "I didn't know that there was magic spells for making things talk."
"A researcher from Celestia's school for gifted unicorns developed it for me," said Filthy Rich. "For the life of me, I don't see how any of this relates to the fellow that kidnapped your assistant."
With a start, Twilight realized that she had gotten sidetracked. To be fair, Talos seemed like a revolutionary idea, much like her magicles. "You know, I don't see the connection either," she admitted. "I guess I was just hoping that I could find a lead through you."
"Sorry to disappoint you," Filthy Rich said sympathetically. "Is there any other way you think I can help?"
Twilight shook her head. "Not at the moment. I guess I should get going then."
"Feel free to drop by if you think of something later. My door is always open." Filthy Rich smiled. "So long as you knock first, that is."
Twilight returned the smile in kind. "Thank you, Mr. Rich. Have a nice day."
Once Twilight and Spike were outside the store, she cast a teleportation spell that took her and Spike back to her study room instantly. Spike slid off of Twilight's back as she gazed forlornly at the map of Equestria with all its tacks and strings.
"I really thought I had something this time." She sighed. "I guess your kidnapper was just trying to throw us off the trail."
"I dunno about that," Spike said. "He took a huge risk sneaking into our home. I think he was telling the truth when he said he was on our side."
"Well he has a funny way of showing it." Twilight huffed. "'The answer you seek lies with Filthy Rich.' What a bunch of bologna."
Spike grinned. "If had said the answer stood with Filthy Rich, then we would have known it was Talos."
Twilight glanced at the decorated map of Equestria again. Spike's statement caused something within Twilight's mind to click. Could it be? "Actually..." she said thoughtfully. "Maybe Talos is the answer."
Spike's grin vanished. "How do you mean?"
Twilight began to walk around in a circle, deep in thought. Be it instinct, a gut feeling, or something else, she got the distinct impression that Filthy Rich had given her the last few pieces necessary to finally move the case forward. But what were they? The answer felt close. Very close.
"Think this through with me, Spike. I think you were on to something about Talos." Twilight paused to take a deep breath. "Let's start with a simple review of everything we know so far. Equestria is being plagued by two kinds of crimes: solvable ones, and unsolvable ones. For now, we're going to focus on the latter. The common elements for the unsolvable crimes are destroyed walls and no traces of magic. But one of the unsolved crimes had a third element."
Spike's eyes widened. "The robbery at the Crystal Empire Museum."
Twilight nodded. It was coming to her now. Spike seemed to be getting it as well. "That's right. There was condensation all over the crime scene. None of the other break-ins had that."
Spike hopped up and down, scarcely able to contain his excitement. "Oh! Oh! I know where you're going with this! I know how it's connected!"
Twilight beamed with pride. "Then by all means, my fellow detective, reveal the answer."
Spike rubbed his palms together vigorously. "Okay, here goes. Talos is connected to the robbery at the Crystal Empire Museum because..."
Twilight rolled her eyes when Spike drifted off. "Going for the dramatic reveal, I see."
"But of course," Spike said with a confident smile. "Think you could give me a drum roll?"
Twilight conjured a drum and set of drumsticks into existence with a magic spell. While suspended in the air, they performed a drum roll.
"Because... Talos is powered by a hydrogen engine," Spike said.
Twilight dispelled the drum set with a flash of magic. That settled it. She and Spike were on the same page for sure. "Very good, Spike. Care to elaborate?"
"Water is a byproduct of hydrogen engines," Spike said, pointing a single claw straight up. "If you used a machine powered by a hydrogen engine to bust down a wall, you could expect it to leave condensation behind."
"If walls all over Equestria are being broken down that way, why was the Crystal Empire Museum the only one with condensation?"
"Oh, right." Spike rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. "I didn't think about that. I don't know."
"Come on, Spike," Twilight said encouragingly. "You made it this far. Think about what was taken from the Museum. Do you remember?"
Spike closed his eyes and squeezed his fists. "Yeah... there was a suit of armor taken. A suit made out of Earth Pony steel, which is very heavy. A guard went missing too. We know he wasn't the one who took the armor, because his own armor wasn't left behind. It would have been impossible for him to leave with two sets of full armor."
Twilight grinned. "And we know that magic wasn't involved with the theft either, because my spell didn't reveal any traces of it."
"I was going to say that!" Spike protested. "But yes, that's right. The armor wasn't stolen by any regular old pony." His eyes snapped open as the answer that Twilight was seeking finally hit him. "It was stolen by Talos! If he's strong enough to break down a wall, then he would also be strong enough to carry two suits of armor and a crystal pony! But because of the extra strain, his engine had to work extra hard!"
"And because his engine was working hard, it produced enough water to form condensation that we could notice!" Twilight scooped up her dragon assistant into a big hug and spun around. "You did it, Spike!"
"Next time, I'll figure it out before you do," Spike said with a grin.
"It's not a contest, Spike. We're doing this for Equestria." Twilight set Spike back down. "I suppose we should determine our next move now."
"Get Filthy Rich arrested, obviously."
Twilight shook her head. "Not yet. All we have right now is a suspect. Talos, who might be following Filthy Rich's orders, is probably the only thing in Equestria capable of breaking down walls without magic. He told us himself that he was the only automaton in existence."
"But he could be lying. He and Filthy Rich," Spike said.
"That's true, but I think we can at least partially trust Filthy Rich. Why would he lie about Talos's power source?"
Spike shrugged. "Huh. You got me. I can't think of any reason."
"Me neither. What we need now is more information on both Filthy Rich and Talos. Spying on them might do the trick."
"But if they're guilty, won't they be extra careful now? You told them about the kidnapper and that you were investigating Equestria's crime wave."
Twilight stomped her hoof on the ground. "Shoot! I did, didn't I? There's gotta be another way. We're closer than we've ever been before."
Spike tapped his chin with a claw. "Oh! I know! if we assume Filthy Rich wasn't lying about how Talos is able to move, could we also assume that--"
"That's right!" Twilight interrupted. "Filthy Rich said that a researcher from Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns developed the spell that allows Talos to speak!"
Spike crossed his arms and made a pouty face. "Aw, I was hoping I would get to explain it to you."
Twilight laughed. "Oh Spike, you've already been a great help. I never could have gotten this far without you." She pulled him in for another hug. "We're a team, Spike. We're going to crack this case together."
"You know, you're really huggy today," Spike said.
"You disappeared yesterday. I get extra hugs now."
"Okay, fine--just try to take it down a notch while we're out investigating, okay?"
"Deal." Twilight released Spike. "Now then, let's go pay my old school a visit, shall we?" |
Magicles | Chapter 8: Taking Notes | Twilight looked skyward as she stepped off the train with Spike riding on her back. A tower of white and gold could be seen a few blocks away, its pointed roof poking the underside of a cloud. While touching the clouds didn't take much for the mountain-high city of Canterlot, it still struck Twilight as an impressive feat of architecture. She walked towards it, following the curve of the road.
As she got closer, she was able to see more towers and a large marble slab that bore six all-too-familiar words: Princess Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns. Young unicorns were spread across the green grass of the campus. Some sat at tables, others walked around, and still more practiced spells under the close supervision of their instructors. One filly managed to imprison herself inside a magic sphere; her limbs flailed helplessly as she floated upward, at least until her teacher popped the sphere like a soap bubble.
Twilight continued on, her destination being the research tower at the rear of the campus. She didn't know how she was going to track down the researcher that Filthy Rich had mentioned, but where better to start?
As Twilight entered, a mare sitting behind a horse-shoe snapped desk glanced up at her.
"Hi! I was hoping you could help me find the researcher here who developed Talos?"
The mare blinked twice. "Ah... I'm sorry, but I don't know who you are referring to."
"Oh..." Twilight mentally scrambled for another route to the information she was seeking. "Um, if someone here developed a spell that could make a machine think and speak, who would it be?"
The mare took a moment to ponder the question. "I couldn't list you any names off the top of my head," she said, lowering her hoof, "but that sounds like something that could come from the Department of Mental Magics. They're on the fifth floor."
"Great! Thank you very much!" Twilight made for the stairs and quickly reached the fifth floor: a white marble hallway with over a dozen wooden doors.
"Ah geez, are we seriously gonna try every single door?" Spike sighed.
"Looks like it," Twilight said, also sighing. "And so begins the tedious leg of our investigation." Twilight approached the closest door and knocked.
"Come in!" said someone from inside.
Twilight peered over her shoulder at Spike. "Okay, leave the talking to me, Spike." After affirming his quick salute, Twilight entered the office. Sitting behind a desk was a bearded unicorn, hunched over a stack of papers. A quill dipped in red ink floated nearby.
Twilight recognized him instantly. "Professor Gray Matter!" she exclaimed.
Gray Matter glanced up. "Hmm? You're not in any of my classes, are you?"
"Not for a long time. Twilight Sparkle?"
"Twilight Sparkle... Twilight Sparkle..." Gray Matter muttered. "Ah, yes! The filly who threw up during their final test!"
Twilight winced as the embarrassing memory resurfaced. "Um--" she coughed "--y-yes, that was me."
"You never told me about that, Twilight," Spike whispered into her ear.
"Anyway--!" Twilight coughed a few more times to clear her throat and regain her composure "--Professor, I'm currently seeking the creator of a spell that could make a machine think and talk. Would you happen to know anything about that? The machine is called Talos."
"Waitaminit, back up--" Spike leap-frogged over Twilight's head to land in front of her "--I wanna know more about the vomit incident. Did you hit anypony?"
"Spike!" Twilight protested. "Now is not the time for that!"
Gray Matter smirked. "Well, in regards to the spell you mentioned, I do know about that. In fact, its creator is speaking to you right now."
Twilight had to resist the urge to cheer for joy. "Really? Could you tell me more about it? I'm trying to gather information for an incredibly important investigation."
"Certainly. You mentioned Talos, so I imagine you are already aware of my employer's identity?"
Twilight nodded. "Filthy Rich--Talos is his secret project. I wouldn't normally pry into others' private business, but..." She dragged a hoof along the carpet. "Well, I think there might be a connection between Talos and Equestria's crime wave."
"Is that so?" Gray Matter looked up thoughtfully. "I can't imagine how those two things could be connected. Though to be fair, I too have been following recent reports related to the crime wave, and it appears to have started not too long after I cast the spell on Filthy Rich's machine to make it... intelligent."
"How did you do it?" Twilight pressed. "A spell of such complexity has never been engineered before, has it?"
The ghost of a smug smile crossed Gray Matter's face. "That's difficult to say. After accepting the job from Filthy Rich, I tried as hard as I could to create such a spell. Animating lifeless objects is one thing, but Filthy Rich wanted more than that. He wanted an actual thinking, constantly evolving intelligence--something that could evaluate everyday problems and come up with solutions. His offer was, ah, generous to say the least. My specialty is magic that relates to the mind: Illusions, reading emotions, stuff like that. But for all my skills, I couldn't create a sentient mind using magic."
Twilight felt her heart drop. "Please tell me you didn't resort to dark magic."
Gray Matter chuckled. "By Elysium, no. I wasn't that desperate. But just when I was at the end of my rope, I caught a lucky break: the Crystal Empire reappeared."
"The Crystal Empire?" Twilight tilted her head. "I don't understand. How did that help you?"
"History, Miss Sparkle. In addition to bringing all those crystal ponies back to our era, the Crystal Empire also brought us a wealth of information. Books that had been previously lost to time. Hoping to find something that might help me, I paid their library a visit."
"I take it you found something helpful?"
Gray Matter nodded. An unmarked book appeared next to him, encased in green light; Twilight thought it looked ancient, all brown and faded. "Here's the real kicker, though. The answer I was looking for wasn't in a textbook or scholarly article. It was in this notebook. And the best part? It appears to be a student's notebook." He grinned. "Such irony--I've been teaching students for decades, and then some student from another time has something to teach me. Anyway, I used this student's notes to create my spell, and it worked perfectly. Or at least--" Gray Matter frowned slightly "--it seemed to."
"Could I trouble you for a quick look?" Twilight asked.
"Of course, go right ahead." Gray Matter directed the book over toward Twilight.
Twilight opened it up and began reading. The first page contained numerous spells, some familiar to her, others not. The margins had annotations, such as questions about the spells and magic theory in general. She skimmed through a few pages, until one particular annotation caught her eye.
More testing is required, but it looks like the mind-maker spell is a success.
Twilight looked up. "This looks like some pretty high-level stuff in here."
"You can keep that if you want. It is but a replica anyway--I returned the original to the library, to preserve its historical value."
"Really? Thank you!" Twilight beamed. "I'll definitely be giving this a more thorough perusal later."
"Well, knowledge is meant to be shared." Gray Matter sat up a little straighter behind his desk. "Now, would you care to know anything more about Talos?"
Twilight hesitated and considered her position. Grey Matter knew who she was, her reputation, and that she had made herself involved. He had made a confidentiality agreement with Filthy Rich in good faith. And yet here he was, offering her more information. Could it be dangerous to know more, straight from the horse's mouth?
She looked sidelong at Spike--who'd remained silent beyond the mention of Twilight's past embarrassment--and shared a look with him, as if to ask, What do you think?
Spike raised an eyebrow, and then simply shrugged, returning a look that suggested, Beats me--go with your gut.
"Not at the moment," Twilight said as she stood up. "I'll analyze this book first, and if I have further questions that I can't figure out for myself, I'll return. Thank you so much for your time."
"You are most welcome, Miss Sparkle." Gray Matter stood from his desk and offered first her, and then Spike, a hoofshake, before leading them to his door. "I should check up on Talos soon, myself. See if he's functioning as intended. Good luck with your investigation."
It was dark by the time Twilight and Spike made it back home. Together they simultaneously collapsed into each of their beds, sighing with relief.
"Another full day investigating," Spike said after a yawn. "Progress feels nice."
"Nice, but e-exhausting," Twilight said, suppressing a yawn of her own. "I'm not sure where to head next, though. But I should probably start reading this notebook before chasing any more wild cockatrices."
"Guess there's no point telling you not to stay up all night, huh?"
Twilight rolled onto her back and rested the book over her heart. "You're right to worry about my health, Spike. I know I haven't been taking good care of myself ever since I made my discovery. And then the crimes began, with ever-increasing frequency." She sighed. "But I just don't feel like I have any choice in the matter. I've been too busy to do any follow-up research on my bi-planar particles, let alone publish the results. Instead, I've been using them to run around Equestria and solve crimes. I'm the only pony who is really prepared to handle this."
Twilight stared up at the ceiling. "It feels like every time I stop to take a breath, every time I stop to eat something, I allow more bad things to happen! Even now, while I'm lying here, somepony else out there might be getting kidnapped by Talos, or something worse... assuming he's the one behind it all."
Spike groaned and put his claws over his face. "Look, Twilight. I know you mean well, but you're putting way too much pressure on yourself. You can't be all over Equestria at once just 'cause somepony might be up to no good." He lowered his claw and waved it around. "And besides, why would Talos start a crime wave anyway? Why all the kidnapping? Is he keeping them all locked up somewhere?"
Twilight shuddered. "Honestly, that all the missing ponies are even still alive is the best we can hope for. Locked up somewhere. Somewhere... big."
Twilight put her face into her hooves. Somewhere in her tired brain, something was tickling her memory. Where would a machine hide a lot of ponies? Talos probably didn't even own a house; the only place that Twilight had ever seen him was standing in Filthy Rich's office.
Her train of thought shifted gears. Filthy Rich. As a business pony, he would own a lot of property: housing, stores, sheds and the like. But those would be places that anypony could find, be they employees, family, or friends... no, to keep the kidnapped ponies a secret, he would need a large place. A secluded place.
Something clicked.
That's it!
"The factory!" The struggling memory burst into her conscious mind like water breaking through a dam as she shot up to a sitting position in her bed.
Spike flinched. "What?"
Twilight half-sprang, half-fell out of her bed and shook off a sheet clinging to her leg. "Filthy Rich's secret factory in the woods! It's the perfect place to hide all those ponies!"
Spike's eyes widened. "Oh! Where Talos is going to be mass produced, right?"
Twilight nodded vigorously. "Both Filthy Rich and Talos would know about it, as well as the ponies who built it. If any one of them were the mastermind, the missing ponies will all be there."
"Well, what are we waiting for?" Spike leapt out of bed. "Let's go check it out!" A purple glow pinched his tail. "What?"
"Hold on, Spike. We need a plan." Twilight exhaled as she released Spike's stretched-out form. "I've had way too many close calls already from charging in without thinking." She closed her eyes to think. A horrifying image of chained-up ponies crammed together in a dark space filled her mind. Every second's delay would be another second of suffering.
She opened her eyes. "I have a plan. We're going into the factory--reconnaissance only," she stressed with the last word. "At the first sign of trouble, I'll teleport us both out."
Twilight's horn glowed as she focused on the spot where she and Fluttershy had found the factory. A flash later, she and Spike were gone.
When Twilight opened her eyes again, she almost didn't recognize the factory. Instead of wooden frames, the building now stood supported by steel walls. The fake treetops remained overhead, making it indistinguishable from the surrounding forest to anyone who might be flying above. From the surface up, it was three stories tall. Giant steel double-doors were visible: no handles or knobs, but a single button on the wall next to them.
Too easy, Twilight thought. Anypony could just reach out and press that button. There must be more to it.
Twilight glanced over her shoulder. A barbed wire fence encircled her and the entire property. There was only one gate, with three large padlocks on it. She looked up. What prevented pegasi from flying over the fence? Nothing, so far as she could tell. But since she was already past the gate, there wasn't really any need to ponder the design. She turned her attention back to the factory doors.
"Remember, Twilight--first sign of trouble, we're outta here," Spike said. "You can't help anypony if... something bad happens to you."
"I know, Spike. This was my idea, remem--"
The sound of machinery starting up cut Twilight off. Gears and pistons clicked and whirred as the double doors slowly opened. As if in a dream, fog rolled out from the opening, replacing the surrounding grass with a hazy mist.
A steel suit of armor stood in the entryway. For a moment, Twilight was too shocked to move.
"Twilight? I think this counts as 'something bad'."
Twilight stared at the suit of armor; it remained in place, regarding her through its slitted visor.
"Twilight?"
"It's not doing anything," Twilight whispered. "It's just... standing there."
"There's no horn," Spike whispered back.
"What?"
Spike pointed at the armored figure. "Talos has a horn. There's no room for a horn in the helmet. That's earth pony armor."
Twilight scowled at the armored pony, hoping her expression would distract them from hearing her accelerating heartbeat. "Who are you?" she asked. "Filthy Rich?"
The armored figure tilted its helmet to the side. "No," it said in an even tone that reverberated through the metal. The distortion made it impossible for Twilight to determine whether the armored pony was a female or a male.
Twilight waited for it to continue, but all it did was stay in place with its head tilted.
She decided to try another question. "That armor--is that the armor that was stolen from the Crystal Empire Museum?"
The armor didn't move in the slightest. "Yes."
"So it was you that stole it."
A hesitation. "Yes."
"Why?"
The figure righted its head and looked at Twilight straight on. "If you seek answers, you may step inside. Your progress will not be hindered."
Twilight snorted. "Yeah, right. This has 'trap' written all over it."
"Your arrival was not predicted. No trap awaits you."
"Twilight..." Spike said warningly.
"They're suffering, Twilight."
Twilight felt her heart drop into her stomach. "Wh--who's suffering?" she asked, though of course she already knew the answer.
"All of them. They're here. They're inside. Suffering."
Twilight's legs began to shake. "Why are you doing this?" she whispered.
"Words cannot adequately justify. You must see for yourself."
"What are you doing to them?" Twilight screamed, hesitation giving way to rage.
The armored pony remained silent.
"He's trying to bait you, Twilight!" Spike yelled. "Don't go in there. Let's get help. They'll be there when we come back."
Twilight's entire body shook and her eyes began to water. The idea of making those poor ponies wait any longer to be saved sickened to her. For a moment, she had to turn her gaze downward as her emotions waged war against the more rational part of her mind.
She lifted up her head and locked her sight onto the helmet's slitted visor. "I--I'm going to come back soon," she said. "I'm bringing all of my friends, and my brother. There's no way you could move everypony in there somewhere else before I return. You act like you're in control, but the truth is, this is the end for you. Whatever you're up to, whatever your plans are, we'll stop you together."
Her quarry then did their most lifelike thing yet: they harrumphed. "Very well, Twilight Sparkle. We'll be waiting. Don't be late."
An armored hoof pressed a button on the inside of the door frame. The door slid shut with a drawn-out hiss, leaving Twilight and Spike sweating and shaking alone. |
Magicles | Chapter 9: The Results | Twilight appeared first at the secret factory again later that night. Applejack and Rarity trailed behind her. About a minute later, Spike appeared at the scene leading Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Rainbow Dash. None of Twilight's friends had been pleased about being woken up long after dark, but the walk to the factory had given them ample time for their minds to reawaken.
Six ponies and one dragon approached the triple-padlocked gate to stand before it.
Rainbow Dash snorted. "Whoever built this isn't real smart," she remarked, pointing atop the fence. "Three locks on the gate, but any pegasus could easily fly over that fence. Is this really the secret base of some kind of evil genius?"
"I guess the architect was banking on the idea that no pegasi would stumble upon this place by accident," said Twilight. "Hence the treetops on the roof."
"If it hadn't been for my animal friends, I certainly never would have found this place," said Fluttershy.
A thick silence hung over the group for a moment.
"It's very drab, isn't it?" Rarity said. "All different shades of gray--most unimaginative."
"Don't even have no windows, neither," Applejack added. "Not real homely at all."
Another pause.
"You... got two bits to add about the building, Pinkie Pie?" said Twilight.
Pinkie Pie rubbed her chin with a hoof as she eyed the structure critically.
"Meh."
After what felt like an eternity of maddening silence, Twilight heard the sound of many hooves approaching from behind. She turned around to see Shining Armor stride out from the trees with eight crystal pony guards, Detective Frosted Glass, Filthy Rich, and Talos. The guards were carrying a large golden chest on poles. Most of the new arrivals had grim expressions on their faces. Filthy Rich looked completely bewildered, while Talos was a blank slate; Twilight was unsurprised about Talos, but she dearly wished she could see what Filthy Rich was thinking.
Shining Armor's horn lit up as he opened the golden chest and levitated each of the Elements of Harmony over to their respective owners. Twilight took comfort in feeling the Element of Magic settle on her head. The Elements of Harmony has vanquished many evils before; it seemed only fitting that they would do so again, once the pony in armor was found.
After he finished passing out the Elements, Shining Armor walked over to Twilight to whisper into her ear. "I'm going to have the guards form a defensive perimeter around you and your friends."
"Sounds good," Twilight whispered back. "How much did you tell Filthy Rich and Talos?"
"Only that they were required to come guide us around the factory. I followed all of your instructions to the letter."
"Thank you. Hopefully this will all be over very soon."
Shining Armor looked up and motioned with his head towards the guards. As one, they moved into position around the other five Element Bearers.
"Excuse me, but what exactly are we looking for that requires all this security?" asked Filthy Rich. Already, sweat was dripping down his face. Whether he was nervous about being exposed as a criminal or just nervous about entering the factory, Twilight couldn't tell.
"That's none of your concern," Shining Armor said firmly. "Just focus on leading us through the building."
Filthy Rich glanced at the factory's entrance and gulped. "Talos, I want you by my side the entire time."
Frosted Glass glanced at Shining Armor. "Is it wise to allow that?" she asked.
Shining frowned at the ground for a second. Raising his head, he looked again at Filthy and Talos. "Can you lead us through without Talos next to you, Mister Rich?"
"N--no! I mean, I don't even know how! I put Talos in charge of building this place. I haven't even been here before."
"You mean your machine there is the only one who knows the layout of this factory?" asked Frosted Glass.
"He has a name, you know," Filthy Rich said, turning his nose up slightly. "I would prefer you not refer to him as just a 'machine'."
Shining Armor looked over to Talos. "Are you really the only one who knows the layout?"
Talos gave a curt nod. "My boss speaks the truth," he said in his usual monotone. "I alone can guide you."
Twilight raised a brow at Filthy Rich. "'Boss'?"
Filthy Rich shrugged. "Talos works for me. It seemed more appropriate than 'master.' He's my assistant, not my slave."
"So what, you pay him?" Spike said.
"Well, no, but he enjoys the work. Don't you, Talos?"
"My primary function is maximizing efficiency. Mister Rich has already spent enough of his hard-earned bits on my construction."
"Right. He has no need of money anyway. He literally sleeps standing up."
"If I am to guide you, I will be most effective at the front," said Talos.
"Fine, fine, lead us in then," Shining Armor conceded. "Mister Rich, you can stay between myself and Detective Frosted Glass."
Twilight joined her friends inside the circle of guards while Shining Armor, Filthy Rich, and Frosted Glass lined up in front of them. Spike hopped onto Twilight's back. Talos walked up to the gate, his pistons hissing as he did so. His horn glowed blue; a compartment in his foreleg opened up to reveal three keys. All at once, the keys floated into their locks and turned.
The gate squeaked as it opened outward.
After passing through the gate, Talos pressed the button next to the doors. Machinery hummed as they, too, opened.
The keys floated back into Talos' leg as he stepped into darkness. The others followed him in.
After the doors closed again, Twilight could hear the hum of other machines echoing throughout the building. They were all standing on a grated walkway with rails. Four horns glowed to life: Twilight's, Rarity's, Shining Armor's, and Talos'. So far as Twilight could tell, the walkway was above an abyss. All around them were more walkways, conveyer belts, giant pistons, enormous gears, and mechanical legs that looked like oversized versions of Talos' legs. Each and every one was in motion--clicking, whirring, and pivoting. Twilight watched as pony-shaped frames traveled past their walkway on a conveyor belt.
"This place is really scary," Fluttershy murmured.
Twilight glanced over the edge of the railing, half-expecting to see the missing ponies below, although her hornlight revealed nothing but more machinery on the floor below. The armored pony had said the missing ponies were inside the factory. So where were they?
"I'm going to check for magic use," she said. White light shot out from her horn. Once it had faded, Twilight looked around. The grating beneath their hooves was coated with a wide variety of colors, as were the rails. Applejack had green on the underside of her hat. Rainbow Dash's wings were magenta, while Fluttershy's were blue. The horns of Shining Armor, Rarity, and Talos were blue as well. Talos also had a spot of blue on his side. Frosted Glass, however, had no magicles on her at all.
"Looks like a lot of ponies came through here," said Spike as his eyes traveled up and down the walkway.
"They might just belong to the ponies who built this place," said Frosted Glass.
Twilight cast her spell again, this time focusing it into a cone of light. Every piece of machinery bore traces of residual magic; it was impossible to make out any patterns to the colors.
The group continued along the walkway until they reached a steel door, which Talos opened. Everypony gasped when they saw what was through it: three ponies were chained to bars sticking out of a large metal pillar in the center of the room. Sweating and grunting, they pushed against the bars in order to make the pillar rotate.
"Sakes alive!" exclaimed Applejack when she saw the closest one. "That there's the fella who robbed my family's farm!"
"That's the guy who kidnapped me!" said Spike, pointing at the second closest.
"That crystal pony..." Shining Armor focused the light from his horn onto the last of the chained ponies. "Is that--"
"Indeed," said Frosted Glass. "That would be our missing guard, Cyrus."
The three chained ponies squinted against the light as they slowed to a stop. Everypony began talking at once, creating such a din that no one could understand each other.
"Quiet! Quiet!" barked Shining Armor. "Everypony quiet down! One at a time, starting with you." He pointed at Cyrus. "What are you doing here? How did you get here?"
"What... I'm... doing here..." Cyrus said. His eyes had a glassy look to them, and it seemed that every word he used was mentally taxing. "I... I was at the museum... there was the broken wall... the armor, somepony took the armor, we fought... then I was here." He glanced down at the metal bar he had been pushing.
"Hold still," Twilight cut in. "I'll break off your chains." With two blasts from her horn, the chains were severed, leaving only a metal collar around the crystal pony's neck.
"Okay, that's confusing, but onto the next," said Shining Armor. He glanced at the pony whom Spike had identified. "Who are you?"
"Silver Bells," the pony replied. Unlike Cyrus, his eyes danced around erratically, speech coming out in quick little bursts. "My name is Silver Bells. Uh, like the scaly fellow said, I kidnapped him. Uh, but I was coerced into doing it. Wasn't my idea."
Spike folded his arms. "Really? You didn't seem like you minded what you were doing at the time."
Silver Bells shrugged. "Well, you know. If you're gonna be forced to do something, you may as well have fun with what little artistic freedom you have."
"How were you forced to kidnap Spike?" Shining Armor asked.
"Threat of life," Silver Bells replied. "Some figure in armor said I would be done for if I didn't. But after you were rescued, I was very unwillingly brought back here and--" Silver Bells choked up, his eyes watering "--Sorry, sorry, I'm just--just really happy to be rescued. This is a rescue, right?"
Twilight severed Silver Bells' remaining chains with another two blasts of magic.
Silver Bells glanced at her in awe. "You're my hero now," he said softly.
Shining Armor turned his attention to the last remaining pony in chains. "And you are?"
"I'm Tough Break," the stallion said. The fatigue in his voice was evident, in cahoots with the faraway look in his eyes. "I came home one day to find my wife and daughter gone, and I heard a voice say that I would never get to see them again unless I stole some apples--" he tilted his head toward Applejack "--from her farm. After that one there exposed me--" he nodded toward Twilight "--I was arrested. But then I heard the voice again, the prison ceiling came down on my head, and I woke up here."
"We were all told that we wouldn't get any food or water unless we turned this thing all day long," chimed in Cyrus. "So we got to work."
"Well now you're all free," said Shining Armor. Copying Twilight, he broke Tough Break's chains with magic. "We'll get those collars off later--I'd rather not risk shooting at your neck."
"I'll escort the three of you out," said Frosted Glass. She glanced at Shining Armor. "With permission, sir, these stallions most definitely have important information in their heads. I'd like the chance to question them more thoroughly outside."
"Permission granted," Shining Armor said with a nod. "Try not to hold them too long. I'm sure they're eager to get back to their lives."
"Right. Off we go then." Frosted Glass gave the group a curt nod, turned about, and departed. The three newly-freed stallions hesitated for a moment, exchanged a glance, and then followed after her.
"I can't believe this. Ponies being held against the will--and on my property!" said Filthy Rich.
"There could very well be more," said Twilight. "Let's not relax. We should keep going."
"Right, right, of course. Lead on, Talos," said Filthy Rich. "Good grief. This whole time..."
Talos used magic to open another door, revealing a small platform that appeared to be suspended in midair. It had railings on three sides and a gate right in front of the door.
"What's this?" asked Rarity. "It doesn't seem to go anywhere."
"Elevating platform," explained Talos. "This factory goes down several floors from the surface. A large piston beneath the platform raises it up and down, allowing transportation to any level."
"Looks like only four will fit at a time," said Shining Armor. He motioned toward four of the eight guards. "You four first."
The four guards got on. Machinery hummed as the platform descended. After a few moments it came back up empty.
"Everypony else ready?" Twilight asked.
Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and one guard stepped onto the platform; Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash glided down after it. A short while later, it came up with just Rainbow Dash.
"Twilight!" she exclaimed. "You were right! The lower floors have ponies everywhere. There must be hundreds of them!"
"I knew it!" Twilight stomped a hoof on the floor. "Are they all okay?"
Rainbow Dash nodded. "Far as I can tell. They're all chained up to machines down there. Turning and pulling stuff. From the looks of it, they're powering the entire factory."
Filthy Rich shot an accusatory glare at Talos. "What is the meaning of this?"
"I do not know the meaning," Talos said matter-of-factly. "The only ponies with authorized access are the workers you employed."
"Let's just focus on getting them all out of here for now," Twilight said. "We'll obtain testimonies later."
Twilight, Shining Armor, Filthy Rich, and Talos stepped onto the platform. As it descended, the sound of wrenching metal suddenly rose up from below.
"Uh-oh," was all Twilight had time to say before piston and platform started to keel over like a chopped tree.
Twilight's hooves lifted off the platform as she entered a freefall. Screaming, she fumbled in her mind to prepare a levitation spell--
Her scream caught in her throat as Rainbow Dash caught her.
"Oof! Thanks, Rainbow. That was--oh no!" Twilight watched in horror as Shining Armor, Filthy Rich, and Talos were left to grip the railings for dear life.
Shining Armor and Filthy Rich yelled as they descended into the darkness. Still holding onto Twilight, Rainbow Dash flew down after them. Just before impact, Shining Armor cast a forcefield around himself and the others.
The platform smashed into the floor with a resounding crash. Shining Armor's forcefield shattered from the impact, but it had absorbed most of the blow--Both Talos and Filthy Rich shuddered as they began rising unsteadily to their hooves.
"Are you all okay?" Twilight asked once she was at the same level. "Answer me!"
Talos said nothing, letting the pistons in his legs do the talking as he regained a standing position first.
"A little shaken, but otherwise good," said Filthy Rich as he too picked himself up. He glanced at Shining Armor, who was lying on the floor with his eyes closed. "Ah, I'm not sure about him."
Twilight rushed over to her brother and pressed her head against his chest. Relief flooded through her as she felt him breathing. "Hey, Shining Armor?" she said gently. "Come on, BBBFF, get up."
Shining didn't respond.
"Um, Twilight?" Spike tapped her on the shoulder.
Twilight glanced up. The machinery had quietened down. Chained ponies filled the room, watching Twilight and company expectantly. The eight guards were standing nearby, as were Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie. A far-too-familiar fog obscured the floor.
Twilight glanced at the platform's piston--it was missing a chunk from its base. "Our mastermind is close by," said Twilight. "Keep your eyes peeled."
"No need for that. I'm right here."
Every ear in the vicinity perked up as the voice's owner stepped out from behind a machine. Multiple heads turned to follow the voice. Every set of eyes that could see the new arrival stared in shock. Silence reigned for a few seconds--
"What," Pinkie Pie deadpanned. |
Against Time | pre | ***
The path between Whinniesburg and the temple was short. The cliff was visible from the western gate. From the sky a ways out, Ace could make out the shape of the temple in the distant fog. "I can see it from here," he called out upon landing again. "Not much farther now."
"What are we gonna find there?" Thunder asked.
"Hopefully, Luna," Ace replied bluntly. "Also, and I should have probably mentioned this earlier, but there's going to be a lot of danger." He looked down, slightly ashamed. "I almost guarantee that we won't all make it out alive."
"Sounds like a challenge!" Chrys boasted. "Leave it to us, we'll have it cleared in no time."
"It's not that simple," Ace added. He would have continued, but he stopped when the three guards were in a battle-ready position. He turned to see what had got them so worked up.
"It's... just a bush," Stella pointed out. "Nothing special about it except it's the last one we'll see."
"No, there's a pony there," Blaze said. "I can sense it." The bush began glowing with the same orange aura as his horn. He pulled it apart, revealing a violet face, eyes closed, and appeared to be trembling. Stella grabbed the pony with her own magic and dragged her out.
"Lila?" She opened her eyes for a moment when Stella called her name. She closed them again and turned her head away when she saw everypony staring at her. "What are you...?"
"I thought I told you to stay back!" Ace yelled. "Why did you follow us?" She didn't answer. Ace stepped closer. "Answer me!" When she didn't react at all, he turned to Stella. "Send her back."
"No."
"What? Why not? She did exactly what I told her not to!"
"That's no reason to send her home," Stella replied. "If anything, it shows that she's willing to defy anyone to come here."
"But still..."
"I know. She may be dead weight, and none of us want to see her hurt," Stella finished for Ace. "But remember we're a pony down, and we're not likely to find any better replacement this far out. It was your idea to tell her where we're going and show her what we can do. Now get back to where you were and apologize to her." He backed up, ready for Stella to return time to normal.
Lila half-opened her eyes, her head still off to the side. "You did, and I'm sorry for following. I'll be going home now."
"Wait," Ace stopped her. "I was a little harsh on you back there, and I apologize for that." She looked up at him. He sighed before adding, "If you want to come along with us, I won't stop you."
"Really? Thank you!" She was about to grab Ace, but he flew out of the way.
"Just try not to slow us down," he added, landing beside Stella. "If something happens to her, it's on you, Princess," he whispered to her.
"Just stop worrying about it. I'm sure she'll be fine."
"I hope you're right." Ace started back towards the cliff. "Okay, let's get going. Our destination is just over the cliff, so let's go!" He led the way to the cliff overlooking the temple. The others followed him down the cliff side walkway leading up to the temple. They stopped in front of an arch with inscribed text that only Stella could read. Ace turned to face the rest of the party.
"Once we go through here, there's no turning back," he said. "I'm sorry to have to put you all through what's ahead, but it's crucial that we get Luna back. If you want to leave now, then speak up." For a moment, it appeared as if they all wanted to keep going. Then, Thunder stepped forward.
"I'd like to go home," he said. Ace nodded and looked to Stella.
"I'll teleport you back," she said. "Remember, you can't tell anypony about what has happened." Her horn began to glow. "And make sure Zephyr doesn't say anything, either." Thunder disappeared into the blue flash that was Stella's teleportation spell.
"Anyone else?" Ace asked. When none of the remaining responded, he continued. "Then let's go." He walked under the arch, followed by Stella, Lila, and the guards. A flaming wall cut them off from behind, marking the start of the first trial. |
Against Time | 4: Trial of Combat Revisited | No turning back. Four of the six looked back when they heard flames roar to life behind them. Ace and Stella, however, were already mentally preparing for what was about to come. "Get ready! It's about to begin!" Ace yelled back before drawing his sword. Any second now, there should be a hole appearing at the center of the arena.
Two figures appeared to be crawling towards the group; one a mint green and one a pale blue. They had a faint blue glow around them. They looked like normal ponies, one being a pegasus and one being an earth pony. The green pegasus even had what appeared to be a burnt wing.
A black pegasus was on the ground behind the two others. It was also glowing faintly, and also appeared to be severely injured if not dead. It had blood and gashes from the neck down. Some of the gashes had what appeared to be metal sticking out of them.
"Wait a second... Ace, aren't those...?" Before Stella could finish her sentence, the figures had gotten close enough to recognize.
"Ace? Stella?" one of them called.
Ace had put away his sword and ran up to them. "Pepper, Crescent, what are you doing here? You're supposed to be in Ponyville!"
"Did you make it?" Pepper asked. "To the Epochust?"
Ace hesitated a moment. "What's the last thing you remember?" he asked.
"I read another funny message, and then I was in the middle of the first trial," Crescent said. "But the hole was gone and Pep and Nighthawk were there too." She stopped and had a sad expression.
"Nighthawk died before you got here, though," Pepper continued. "The last thing I remember was going into the pillar so you could finish what we started."
"You mean that's me out there?" Nighthawk asked. "How is that possible?" Both Pepper and Crescent looked between the two Nighthawks, the living one and the dead one.
"I'm not sure it's safe to tell you yet," Ace said. He stopped time and brought Pepper and Crescent into it. "Yes, we did make it to the Epochust. I thought you all died, though, so we went back to the perihelion. After about a week of not being able to tell you, Luna came to us and brought up a method to let you know. It backfired when we tried it, though, and you ended up dying again.
"Finally, we went back and decided to tell you directly. Of course, we both knew that we would die from it, but I couldn't just lie to you for the rest of my life. It turned out that you would die, too. Luna stepped in and gave herself up so that we could all continue living. That's why we came back. To bring Luna back."
Peppermint walked up and hugged Ace. Something trickling down the back of his neck caught his attention, and he pushed her away. He noticed the rings of blood around her hoof where her bracelets would normally be. Shards of it appeared to be implanted into the wound.
"What happened to you?" Stella asked, coming in after seeing the blood going down Ace's neck.
"Same thing that happened to Nighthawk," Pepper replied. "Any metal is crushed into the skin of whoever's wearing it."
"Is this really Nighthawk?" Crescent asked. She had been so unnaturally quiet, Ace had forgotten he pulled her out of time.
"Yeah, that's really Nighthawk. But he doesn't remember anything that you do after the perihelion," Ace said. "Now go back to where you were so I can resume time safely." They all did as instructed, and time returned to normal.
"When will it be safe to tell me?" Nighthawk asked angrily.
"We have three trials ahead of us," Ace said calmly. "Once we've finished all three and rescued Luna, then it's safe to tell you."
"Don't worry about it, Night," Crescent said. "It'll all be over soon enough."
Nighthawk was about to respond when the ground started to shake violently. "Sounds like the first one's starting!" Ace yelled. The shaking lasted for a minute, and then ended just as suddenly. But something was different. There was no hole in the center. Instead, the dead body of Nighthawk lay there. Ace cautiously went closer.
Stella, Blaze, and the living Nighthawk came closer as well, but they kept a safe distance. Lila and Chrys stayed a little farther back. Ace stepped closer and closer until the corpse was within reach.
Before Ace could even react, the body sprang up and kicked Ace hard in the jaw. Ace was sent flying, and he hit the ground unconscious a few yards away. That's when all hell broke loose.
Crescent pounced on Lila. She struggled to break free, but it was no use. Crescent easily pinned Lila on the ground and let loose a barrage of attacks. She would have continued if Chrys hadn't intervened, sending Crescent flying with a well-aimed kick to the side.
Pepper flew a loop and dove straight towards Stella. The strike winded her, and she found herself on the ground gasping for air. Pepper flew high into the air, ready to drive Stella right into the ground. Stella attempted to put up a barrier, but she couldn't. Pepper was mere feet above Stella when she bounced off an orange field. Seeing Blaze had it handled, Stella went over to check on Lila.
Nighthawk pulled out his remaining sword, ready to kill. He started towards Ace, but was stopped by Nighthawk. He sent a strike, but it was blocked by Nighthawk's sword. Strike after strike was deflected on both sides as the two Nighthawks were locked in battle.
Chrys stepped towards Crescent, who was motionless. Another step, and Crescent was engulfed by a bizarre effect. Momentarily, she was nothing but tiny squares that were various shades of gray. She was like that for less than a second, and then she was standing upright. She had a smug look on her face, taunting Chrys.
The force of hitting the barrier face first knocked Pepper away. She regained control and flew full speed towards Blaze, who retaliated by shooting orange bolts of magic at her. She dodged most of them effortlessly. One appeared to hit her, but it passed right through her wing. Her wing seemed to be split where the bolt hit, but it was reformed by the same gray squares. Pepper hit Blaze full force, landing him right beside Lila and Stella.
Nighthawk managed to knock the sword away from his clone. The clone easily dodged all of Nighthawk's attacks. Finally, the clone decided to go on the offensive. After a nimble dodge, he flew straight at Nighthawk. He put the tip of his sword directly at the clone just in time, causing the clone to take a self-inflicted stab to the face. As he pulled his sword out, the clone fell to the ground.
Chrys tried multiple times to charge Crescent, but she would always disappear and reappear behind him. Finally, he decided to try another approach. He charged her, but when she warped behind him, he stopped and kicked hard. A direct hit to the face which sent Crescent back quite far. She got up, only to be struck dead by Nighthawk.
Stella was trying hard to fight off Pepper, making sure she wasn't able to attack Lila or Blaze. Every spell she used seemed to have no effect. Bolts passed right through, immobilization spells did nothing. Pepper slowly came closer, even walking right through Stella's last resort barrier like it was nothing. Stella, close to magical exhaustion, put up no resistance when Pepper knocked her aside. She almost reached her target when a sword stuck through her neck.
Ace released the sword as he flew over, allowing it to stay lodged in Pepper's neck as she joined her corrupt comrades in death. All three exploded into tiny gray squares, which all converged at the center before disappearing entirely. "Everyone alright?" Ace called to his teammates.
"I'm fine," Nighthawk said, putting away his swords.
"Doin' swell!" Chrys called back. "But Blaze seems to be out cold. Kinda ironic, huh?"
"What about you, Lila? You alright?" Ace asked.
"Yeah. Just regretting following you is all," Lila replied.
"Don't worry, it gets easier from here on," Stella said. "Chrys, can you carry Blaze for a while? We need to move on as soon as possible."
"Sure thing," Chrys said as he followed instructions.
"Shouldn't we wait for him to wake up?" Nighthawk asked. "That way, we're more likely to pass the next trial."
"No, the next one's flight based," Ace replied. "It's just you and me, Nighthawk. Blaze has the whole trial to recover if necessary. It's the third one we'll really need him."
The group made their way to a hollowed out pillar. The pillar had an inscription on the inside. Lila stepped up for a closer look. "Ego ipse ut tributum ad Epochust...?" she said.
"Lila, no!" But it was too late. The center of the pillar crashed down, killing Lila on the spot. Stopping time was evidently useless, as the pillar still collapsed. Ace closed his eyes, turned around, and laid against the pillar. "This is why I didn't want you to come..." he finished weakly.
"Ace, you knew this would happen," Stella said, sitting next to Ace.
"Yeah, but I figured once we got Luna back, we would be able to turn time back to before this and keep everyone alive."
"We still can, though."
"I'm not so sure, now." Ace opened his eyes and looked at the pillar. "The pillar came down even though I'd stopped time. I don't think we can bring Lila back."
Stella was speechless. She thought Ace was simply overreacting. She didn't realize the full severity of the situation. "Then that means..."
"Two more of us have to die still," Ace finished. "And there's no going back."
"What just happened?" Nighthawk asked once time returned to normal. Stella and Ace hadn't bothered to move from their place before the pillar.
"Lila's gone," Ace said, standing up.
"That's terrible," Chrys said. "She seemed so nice."
"There's no time to dwell on it," Ace added. "We need to finish the other trials."
"Do these other trials end in one of us dying?" Nighthawk asked.
"Unfortunately, that is the case. I'm sure there are ways around it, but we can figure them out at the next one." Nighthawk said nothing more as Ace led the way through the arch to the next trial. |
Against Time | 5: Trial of Flight Revisited | It looked like just a normal plain. Once the five had passed under the arch, the plain came to life. The pillar traveled farther and farther away as a giant fissure split the land between them. Rising up from the fissure were large chunks of dirt and rocks. "Just like I remember it," Ace said.
"Isn't that a bad thing?" Stella asked. "You know, since you couldn't complete it on your own last time?"
"That's beside-- wait, how would you know?" Ace replied. "You were still in the Changeling's hive until we finished the last trial."
"Luna told me before I rejoined you."
"Alright, then." Ace turned to get a better view of Chrys and Nighthawk. "There is one change from last time," Ace yelled over the monstrous hurricane-force winds coming from the fissure. "There are no substitutes. Since flying is the only option through it, Nighthawk and I will do this trial alone. Once we complete it, the hole should close and you can rejoin us."
"How do we end this trial?" Nighthawk asked.
"We'll figure that out once we get there. Let's go." Ace took off. Nighthawk followed him. They disappeared from sight completely before a few seconds had passed.
In a way, neither of them knew what to expect. Ace was knocked out halfway during his first time through. He had been rescued by Zephyr, but he had permanent hearing damage caused by her sonic boom. Although Nighthawk was there when it happened, it was in a different time, one which never occurred for him.
There was another difference from last time. The wind seemed to converge in on Ace. He didn't think much of it until he noticed that whenever he neared debris, that converging wind caught it and brought it all to him. He generally managed to get away from it, but there were a few pieces that he couldn't shake.
Nighthawk had the same problem. Despite that, he still managed to overtake Ace. He had much more flying experience than Ace did, thanks to the fact that he was a Lunar Guard. The trial was a lot like parts of his training, except the course was out to kill him.
As they flew, the ground shook so hard that they could feel it. Ace looked down to find out why. What he saw sent him into panic for the first time on his journey. The magma that rested at the very bottom shouldn't be visible, yet it was. Not only that, but it appeared to be rising.
The pressure was on to complete the trial before the magma surfaced. It wasn't just a matter of not being able to complete it, but the three non-pegasi were still at the gate. If the magma came out, nothing would be able to save them. They would all die if Ace and Nighthawk didn't hurry. ***
"What's that sound?" Chrys asked. Before Stella could answer, the ground started shaking. The temperature around them started to rise. The fissure was giving off light, as well as steam. There was magma coming up, and they were in the path.
"If we don't do something, we'll die. Any ideas?" Chrys said. Stella looked around for some kind of idea, but couldn't find anything. "Can't you use magic or something?"
"It's not that simple," Stella said. "I could only levitate you and Blaze out of the way. When that magma gets to me, you'll both fall in too."
"What if you held us and Blaze held you?" Chrys offered.
"That might work, save the fact he's unconscious!" Stella snapped.
"Okay, what about teleportation? Can't you teleport us all over there?"
"Two things against that. One, I can't even see the end of the trial. I have no idea how far I'd have to teleport us. Two, this trial is supposed to test your abilities to fly. Magic would make it too simple, and the trial would surely disapprove of that method."
Chrys looked around. "You say you can't lift yourself, but can you lift something you're standing on?"
"Conceivably, yes," Stella said after a moment of thought. "Though I've never really tried."
"That's our best option, then. Think you can grab a rock from out there?" Chrys pointed to the maelstrom occurring before them.
Stella stepped as close as she dared to the edge and braced herself. She looked for a sizable stone that could hold them all. She closed her eyes and her horn began to glow. A decent chunk of stone also began glowing, but it broke apart instantly. Stella fell back has her concentration was shattered. "I don't think fishing for a rock will work," she said, standing. "But I do have another idea. Stand back."
Stella moved to a location a bit farther from the edge. Her horn was glowing and her eyes were closed. She lifted her front hooves off the ground and stomped hard. A large crack encircled her, her own blue aura emanating from it. She lifted it off the ground slightly before cutting her magic, letting it drop back down.
Chrys tried pushing Blaze onto the platform. He got him halfway there before he finally woke up. "What's going on?" he asked, looking around. "Where's Nighthawk? And Ace and Lila?"
"You were knocked out," Chrys explained. "Lila's dead, and Ace and Nighthawk are going through the second trial. There's magma coming up out of that giant hole, and Stella's gonna try and lift us up out of the way."
"You can do that?" Blaze asked Stella, standing and getting on the platform. "Lift us all?"
"It's very hard, but yes," Stella replied. "Now get over here, it's about to hit us!" Chrys did as he was instructed.
Stella tried lifting the platform, but the added weight made it impossible. Blaze tried to help, but he couldn't do much. The ground started to shake again, causing both to lose their concentration. The magma had started to recede back into the crevice. After a moment of it draining, the crevice appeared to be closing. ***
Nighthawk landed at the end of the trial. He started towards the pillar when Ace landed behind him. The ground shook, and the magma stopped rising. It actually started going down. Nighthawk stepped in the pillar.
"Nighthawk, what are you doing?" Ace asked.
"I'm not sure if you know this, but I had plans to leave the Lunar Guard in a few days," Nighthawk said.
"I did know that, actually. That's why I brought you, as well as the other guards," Ace replied.
"I left as an act of courtesy," Nighthawk continued. "Once I was on my own, I had every intention to die."
"What? Why?"
"If you truly knew me, you would know why. Inside, I'm a monster. A cold-blooded killer. My katanas have tasted more innocent blood than you can even imagine. I don't want it to continue, and death is the only way to escape it."
"That's not entirely true. There are plenty of ways to escape it. I've seen that monster in action. We fought alongside each other in the first trial. It never even crossed your mind to kill any of us until King Metamorphus sent an attack to Crescent."
"That means nothing to me. Crescent's dead now and it's my fault. I killed her." Nighthawk closed his eyes, holding back tears.
"No, that was just the trial," Ace said. "The real Crescent is alive and well right now. I know you love her, so do you really want to leave her behind?"
"What would we do? Get married? Start a family? That wouldn't change the fact that I've killed so many, and will probably continue doing so until I kill myself. I don't want her to see me like that."
"Nighthawk, it doesn't have to be like this," Ace tried. "We can find some way to end the trial without this, surely."
"Thank you for the adventure, Ace. And when you see Crescent again, tell her this; I'm sorry for bringing myself out of her life, but it was for her own safety."
"Nighthawk..."
"Ego ipse ut tributum ad Epochust."
The pillar came down and Nighthawk was dead. "Goodbye, friend..." Ace whispered to the pillar. "Don't worry, I'll tell her."
The crevice closed up completely, returning the land to the calm plain it once was. Stella, Blaze, and Chrys came up to the pillar. Stella put a hoof around Ace. "I don't know how much more of this I can take, Princess," he said.
"Not poor Nighthawk, too," Chrys said. "So close to having his life the way he wanted it."
"The way he told me, that is how he wanted it," Ace said. "But we need to keep moving. We're one step closer to getting Luna back."
"Will one of us have to die in the last trial?" Blaze asked. Ace looked away, too ashamed to answer.
"I'm afraid so," Stella answered. "But it's crucial that we get Luna back. If we don't..." She trailed off. "I don't even want to think about it."
The four said nothing more of it as they made their way to the arch. |
Against Time | 6: Ex-King of Equestria | "Wait," Stella said. "Can you feel that?"
"Yeah, I can," Blaze replied. "There's a lot of magic around here."
"I don't feel anything!" Chrys added loudly.
"Probably because they're unicorns and we're not," Ace said. "They understand magic."
Stella closed her eyes. Between her and her fellow unicorn, she was the strongest when it came to magic. With her eyes closed, she's able to visualize the magic. There's something distinctly familiar about it to her. It almost seems to be her own. "Luna..." she mumbled quietly to herself. The magic responded by surrounding Stella, gently lifting her.
"What's going on, Princess?" Ace asked. She didn't respond. "Princess?" He flew to her, intending on breaking her out of her magic prison. Instead, the raw magic deflected him. The change in the magic's flow caught Stella's attention, though. She opened her eyes and saw Ace lying on his side, a light blue aura around him visible to even Chrys.
Stella was placed gently back on her hooves. The magic around Ace dissipated. There was a change in the magic, Stella could feel it. It was no longer Luna's, but instead an ancient and much stronger magical entity. A ring of fire spread around the field, marking it as a battlefield. A mist rolled in, but the unicorns could sense that there was something off about this mist...
Slowly, the mist began to swirl. It focused in on one central point. At that point, the form of a pony was appearing. It was a very majestic looking white alicorn. Various shawls trailed off of him, held aloft by an invisible wind. His mane and tail looked to be of pure white magic. Right away Ace noticed something; this was the same alicorn that abducted Luna. This was Luna's father.
"Adeo ut bene feceris," the alicorn said, his deep voice echoing around. "Natam me gratias debeo uniendi. Adeo ut fortes estis, et praecipue iterum. Paene placet ut sint vobis finalis impedimentum."
"Transeamus certe potes, licet," Stella said.
"Utinam esset," the alicorn replied. "Donec a Luna Epochust iam non sum in potestate."
"Hey, I can't understand you guys. What are you talking about?" Chrys asked.
"We have to fight the Lord of the Moon for the last trial," Stella answered.
"Fight him? Aw yeah, let's go!" Without warning, Chrys charged the alicorn. Within a second, he was vaporized by the Lord's powerful magic.
"Non habebo inquietudinibus," he said. "Iustus mihi et filio meo filiam."
Stella was mortified. She was just challenged to a one on one with the old King of Equestria himself. Not only that, she just witnessed him kill a pony without any effort. She was barely able to say "Stay back, you two."
"You can't be serious!" Ace said. "You'd have to be crazy if you thought we were going to let you fight him alone!"
"It's his choice," she responded. "He want's to fight just me."
"That's suicide! You saw what he just did to Chrys!" To stop Ace from trying anything, she teleported him and Blaze to the final pillar and erected a barrier to stop them from interrupting.
"Accipere virtutem nimium puella," the Lord of the Moon said. "Autem nos pugnare."
Stella took the first strike. She shot multiple bolts, all of which were stopped inches from the Lord's horn. Once he'd collected them all, he sent them all back at once. Stella was knocked off her hooves. Before she could even stand back up, she was knocked further back by the Lord's own bolts.
She slowly lifted herself, wary to keep an eye on her opponent. A white serpent was on it's way to her at an alarming speed. Without thinking, she sent a spark through it. This caused it to burst into blue flames, which left a mark on the tip of the Lord's horn.
He sent more bolts to wear down Stella. These bolts were a very light blue, as they were partly imbued with Stella's own magic. Because of this, she effortlessly sent them back. The Lord combined them into one shot, sending that to Stella. For a while, the two were in deadlock, a magic bolt gaining power with each return in a game of Deadmans Volley.
Finally, a change. The Lord slipped up, and the bolt hit him. The immense power that built up managed to lock him in place, overpowering even his own magic. Stella took the opportunity to draw magic to her horn. The resulting bolt was powerful enough to knock the Lord onto his side. It also took away the last of Stella's magic. Both were on the ground, but only one was victorious.
The Lord of the Moon stood up and walked towards the unconscious Stella. He lifted her with his magic. "Eratis dignus adversarium," he said. "Heu perdidimus." He closed his eyes, preparing to use his magic on Stella one last time. Stella came to consciousness. "Nisi forte natam possis." He gently set her back down.
He turned to the pillar. He made his way towards it, Stella following right behind him. He stepped into the pillar. "What's he doing?" Ace asked.
"I think he's letting all three of us go to the temple," Stella replied. "Instead of one of us dying so the other two can go."
"Epochust postquam fuit, tantum mihi fuit," The Lord said. "Nunc restitutus sum, me nihil reliqui mundi. Adepto meus filia domum securius, et destruere templum."
"Quomodo id facere putaretur?" Stella asked.
"Videbis. Ego ipse ut tributum ad Epochust. Vale, mi filiis." And with that, the pillar came down. From the crack at the bottom, wisps of white magic could be seen floating around aimlessly.
"Princess?" Ace spoke up. "You said it was impossible for an alicorn to actually die. So does that mean he's still alive?"
"In a way," Stella replied. "Before he did that, he transferred some of his magic into me so that I may keep going. That magic is all that's left of him. I don't know how or if I can return it, though. I will certainly keep some, just in case I can find a way."
"We can worry about that later. Right now, Luna's more important. We're one step closer, and one step away." ***
"Thunder! Tell me I'm not crazy! You were there with me!"
"I'm sorry, Zephyr. I have no idea what you're talking about."
"What?" Zephyr seemed furious. "Come on! I know you were there!"
"I was where, though?" Thunder asked, well aware of what she was talking about yet unable to discuss it with her.
"With Ace! And Stella! And those guards!"
"Who's Stella? And what guards?"
"Ugh, just, nevermind! I'm done with this!" She flew away angrily. Thunder thought he might have taken it a bit too far, but decided it would be best to leave her to her own business.
"Thunder!" He turned around to see Peppermint flying towards him. She landed neatly next to him. "Where are the others?"
"I don't actually know. They're probably still going through the trials at the temple," Thunder said.
"Weren't you with them?" Pepper asked.
"Up until about an hour ago," Thunder admit. "I came home right when we got to the temple's outskirts."
"So you don't know how they're doing?"
"No, sorry."
Pepper was silent for a moment before saying, "You should probably talk to Zephyr. She's been so confused since she came back, and I think you could help her."
"Except I think she's angry with me now," Thunder said. "I was told that I can't talk about the Epochust with her.
"Who told you that? Ace?"
"Crescent, actually. She said it would completely go against what she told Zephyr."
"Why would Cres try to lead Zephyr wrong?" Pepper asked.
"No idea. She tried the to do the same to me, but she didn't succeed. My guess is that Ace or Stella told her to."
"Why would they do that?"
"So that neither of us would tell somepony, I guess," Thunder shrugged.
"Tell somepony what?" Crescent said, coming up right behind Thunder, and scaring him in the process.
"From what you told me and Zephyr, nothing," Thunder replied.
"The Epochust, then?" Crescent asked.
"Yeah. What are you trying to do to Zephyr, confusing her like that?" Pepper asked.
"She appeared out of nowhere from right in front of me, and it looked like Stella's magic. I remember them saying that nopony can know about the Epochust, so I tried to get her to forget about it or think she imagined it," Crescent explained.
"A good idea up until the fact that she and half of Ponyville thinks she's going crazy, as well as that she now hates me and that same half of Ponyville." Thunder said. "You didn't think this through, did you?"
"Now that you mention it... no." Crescent gave a nervous smile as Thunder sighed.
"Come on," he said, starting to walk away.
"Where are we going?"
"To find Zephyr and fix this."
"Do we have to?"
"The alternative is to let her drive herself into insanity. I don't think any of us want that."
"Okay..." Crescent reluctantly did as she was told. She lagged behind Thunder a little ways, and attempted to slip into an alley to get away. It would have worked had Pepper not landed in front of her, blocking her path.
"You lost your chance to get out of this when you lied to Zephyr," she said. "Talk to her."
"I know, but I'm kinda scared," Crescent said. "I know she can be violent when she's angry, and I'm pretty sure she's angry with me."
"That's why I'm coming along," Thunder said. "To make sure she doesn't hurt anyone."
"Well... fine." Defeated, Crescent lowered her head and followed Thunder.
They finally arrived at Zephyr's house. Thunder knocked on the door. No response. He tried again, with the same result.
"Well, looks like she's not home. I'll just have to come back later, then!" Crescent said, about to leave.
"Hold it," Thunder stopped her. The door was unlocked, so he pushed it open and, almost literally, dragged Crescent in behind him. A quick inspection proved that she was indeed not home. A note on the table was left by Zephyr. Thunder picked it up and read it aloud.
"'I'm going to prove that I'm not crazy. I'll do whatever it takes. I'm not coming back until I can prove it. Zephyr.' Not good." Thunder threw the note back on the table. "Not good, not good!" He was pacing now. "Look what you did, Crescent! Zephyr's gone to prove she's not crazy! She only thought she was crazy because of <i>you</i>!" Thunder stopped momentarily to point at Crescent. "I've gotta stop her," he said before taking off full speed, out the door and in the general direction of Whinniesburg. |
Against Time | 7: The Waxing Crescent | The sun was nearing the horizon. In a couple hours, Princess Luna was supposed to resume her duties. There wasn't time to waste.
The temple entrance was locked by three large bolts. On one, a lilac blossom pattern appeared. The bolt then came out and floated in front of it. A yin-yang appeared on another bolt, and it did the same. The final one had a gray circle with a white crescent moon embedded into it appear before it too came out. The three bolts frantically circled one another until they came together in a central point. The result was another bolt with a regular crescent moon, which pushed itself back into the door. Slowly, the door split apart. After a moment it pushed inward.
The inside was as Ace remembered it. Lining the walls were statues of various ponies. Along a large spiral staircase were more statues. As the three climbed, Ace noted one difference. The statue of the alicorn that stood in the center of the upper floor had been moved to the top of the walkway. In it's place was a stone statue of none other than Luna herself.
"She's here, I can feel it," Stella said. Luna's magic swirled about the room, emanating from one central point; her statue. Stella approached the statue. "Right here."
"Just what I was afraid of," Ace said. "She's a statue."
"What are we gonna do?" Blaze asked. "If the Princess is a statue, then we can't really bring her back. Not like that, at least."
"There has to be some way to bring her back," Stella said. "I've said it before. Alicorns are immortal. Plus, I can feel her magic. It's faint, but it's there."
"What if we break the statue?" Blaze suggested. "If she's in there, surely we can break her out."
"I would advise otherwise," Stella said. "She's not trapped in the statue, she is the statue. Break the statue and you break the only chance of saving Luna."
"What can we do, then?" Ace asked.
"I might be able to reverse it," Stella answered. "Though I don't know if I have enough magic at the moment."
"Try your best, Princess."
"Alright." She closed her eyes and touched her horn to the statue. Slowly, a blue aura completely enveloped both Stella and the statue of Luna. A mysterious wind swirled around the temple, encircling the unicorn. The magic around Stella began fading to white as her body itself began to glow. Cracks beginning at the point Stella's horn made contact worked their way around the stone, illuminating with the same white light. Once the cracks met on the other side, a bright flash forced Ace and Blaze to look away. ***
The first place Zephyr decided to go was Canterlot. Initially, she planned on following the same route they took at the beginning. She changed her mind once she saw the castle. She landed outside the gate where two guards were doing their duties. Before she passed through, one of them stopped her.
"Do you have business in the castle?" the guard asked.
"I'm here to see Princess Luna," Zephyr replied.
"She's not currently accepting visitors," the other guard said. "I'm sorry, but you'll have to go home now. Maybe you can try again tomorrow."
"But this is important!" Zephyr near yelled. "She may have been taken!" The two guards looked at each other. One of them nodded, and the other went into the castle.
"We're searching the castle for Her Highness right now," the remaining guard said. "May I ask how you obtained this information?"
"Someone I know came to Canterlot for a few days, during the perihelion," Zephyr explained. "When he came back, he said she was abducted, and that it was his fault."
"What was this pony's name?"
"Ace Doughty."
The second guard ran back out and whispered something to the first, who whispered something in return. The second guard nodded and ran off again into the castle. "What does this 'Ace' look like?" the guard asked Zephyr.
"Brown pegasus, red hair, golden lion cutie mark," Zephyr stated.
"Thank you," the guard said. "Now, if you could follow me." He started towards the castle. Zephyr followed him. The gate closed behind her. "As it turns out, you were correct. The Princess is indeed missing. Because of this, the castle will be going into lockdown. And since you seem to be the only one who knows about what happened, you're being brought into the castle for witness protection. Any objections?"
"Are you kidding?" Zephyr exclaimed. "Not at all!" ***
The light of intense magic subsided. A very uneasy Luna was standing on the pedestal where the statue was moments before. Ace and Blaze rushed up to her. She collapsed, but Ace caught her.
"...Ace?" Luna said slowly.
"That's right, Luna," Ace said. "We'll get you out of here, don't you worry."
"Why did you come back, Ace?" Luna asked.
"I don't want anypony to sacrifice themselves for me. Especially not you."
"I shouldn't have brought you to the temple," Luna lamented. "None of this would have happened."
"But you didn't," Ace said. "At least, not in this or the previous times."
"Strange... I remember coming with you on your first journey."
"We'll figure that out later. Right now, we need to get out of here. Stella, can you... Stella?" Ace trailed off when he realized Stella wasn't anywhere nearby.
"Stella...? But I thought..." Luna said slowly. "I thought I was Stella?"
Ace set Luna down and sat beside her. He slowly pieced together what had happened. "You were," he said after a moment. "Then you gave her her own life. And just now, she gave that life back to you."
Luna was silent for a moment. "I'm sorry, Ace," she said.
"Don't worry about it. Rest now, we'll get you out of here. Blaze, can you teleport us?"
"I'm not good with teleportation," Blaze replied. "Sorry."
"Alright." Ace slid his sword under his wing and lifted Luna onto his back. "We'll just have to walk, then." ***
"Do you know where Ace is now?" A Lunar Guard asked.
"Yeah, he went west," Zephyr replied. "Last I saw him, he was in Whinniesburg."
"Thank you," The guard said. "You stay here while we go take care of this."
"Commander Darkfire, sir!" Another guard came up to the first and saluted him. "All are accounted for except Nighthawk."
"We'll have to leave without him, then," Darkfire said.
"Nighthawk? He was with Ace," Zephyr said. "So were Blaze and Chryso-something."
"Those traitors!" Darkfire yelled. "Prepare to move out." The second guard nodded and left the room. Darkfire followed without another word. Zephyr was left alone in one of the castle's few guest rooms. Little did she know, it was the very same room that Ace, Pepper, Crescent, and Cherry stayed in the night before the perihelion. There was a guard outside the door, but after seeing Darkfire's display, Zephyr thought it best not to try her luck.
Instead, Zephyr just went out onto the balcony and sat down. She hadn't planned ahead, and now she was stuck doing nothing while the whole Lunar Guard hunted down Ace. She felt it was the right thing to do, but she couldn't help but feel sorry for Ace. She wondered what they would do once they found him. Would they kill him on the spot? Lock him up for life? Hang him for all of Equestria to watch? There wasn't any chance they would be merciful to him.
And what of the others? Darkfire was clearly enraged by the defected guards. Surely they'd be locked up as traitors at best. And what would become of Stella? She just seemed to come out of nowhere. Maybe she would just disappear the same way before she can be apprehended. Although she did seem pretty powerful. Along with the defected guards and Ace, could they take an entire squadron of Lunar Guards? Nighthawk was a part of that squad, so he could probably give away their weaknesses.
"Zephyr!" Her thoughts were interrupted as a familiar blue pegasus landed on the balcony in front of her.
"Thunder? What are you doing here?" she asked.
"Looking for you," Thunder said. "What are you doing here?"
"I told the Royal Guards everything," Zephyr replied.
"What do you mean by 'everything?'" Thunder asked.
"I told them about Ace and Princess Luna."
"You what?" Thunder exclaimed. "Why would you tell them about that?"
"Ace said it himself that he took her away," Zephyr defended. "Since he wasn't going to tell the guards, somepony had to."
"Ace left to rescue the Princess!" Thunder said. "And now he's going to be killed by the guards of the very pony he's trying to help!"
"If it weren't for him, the Princess would still be here, and the guards wouldn't have anything to worry about!" Zephyr shot back.
"You're never going to understand, are you?" Thunder snapped. "Ace didn't take the Princess away! Something he did is what took her away! That's why he left, so he could bring her back! He didn't want the guards to know because they'd be walking to a certain death! He knows what he's doing, and here you are just making sure he can't get back the Princess and leading the entire Lunar Guard to get themselves killed at the same time!"
Zephyr didn't respond right away. She let Thunder's words sink in. "I never really thought about it like that before," she said finally. The full magnitude of what she just did hit her. She just sentenced five innocent ponies to a certain death they didn't deserve.
"And now, if somehow Ace is still alive when he's brought back, he's never going to forgive you for this."
"We need to do something!" Zephyr said suddenly.
"Alright, let me know when you find some way to stop a squad of pissed Lunar Guards," Thunder said.
"No, not that. We need to warn Ace!"
"How are we going to do that when he's currently outside the country?"
"We just need to get to them before the guards do. Come on!" Zephyr took off full speed, flying straight in the direction of Whinniesburg. Thunder flew right behind. How far the guards had made it or how fast they were going was anyone's guess. But the duo felt sure they could reach Ace before the guards. At least, they hoped so. |
Against Time | 8: Fullmoon | The sun was now at the horizon. It appeared the moon wasn't going to make an appearance tonight. Tonight's when the guards would know for sure that the Princess was missing. Whinniesburg slowly became visible in the dusk horizon.
"Wait!" Ace said suddenly, careful not to disturb Luna.
"What is it?" Blaze asked.
"We can't just go through Whinniesburg with the princess unconscious on my back," Ace said.
"What do you suppose we do, then?" Blaze asked.
"Are you any good at transfiguration?" Ace asked.
"Don't think that's possible on a pony, mate."
"Then we'll just have to go around. It looks like a small town, so it shouldn't be that hard." They veered to the side and started around the town. ***
"I don't know where they went from here," Zephyr said. They reached Whinniesburg relatively quickly, compared to how long it took the first time. Naturally, they tried the Inn first, but Summer confirmed they weren't there.
"I do," Thunder said. "Follow me. The temple they were going for is this way." He flew up and towards the setting sun. Zephyr followed closely behind. So sure that they were about to find Ace in the temple, they didn't even look to the ground, where Ace, Blaze, and Luna were changing their course to avoid Whinniesburg.
Towards the sunset they flew, finally reaching the point Thunder turned back. Something was off, though. The two landed just beyond the perimeter of the temple. The archway that marks the beginning of the first trial stood before them. Behind that, the temple was visible.
What's left of the temple, that is.
The place looked as if time had caught up to it. No longer did it stand as if it were freshly built. Instead, it lay in ruins. The stone it was carved from had eroded. Two of the three pillars were missing; only dried blood indicated where they were. The third pillar was only a few yards high, with the remainder gone with time.
The central part itself appeared to have split in half. One half fell inward, which pushed the other outward. Gravity teamed up with erosion to bring the upper story to the ground. From there, erosion split it further while gravity did it's bidding with various pieces of the temple. Broken statues of various ponies littered the area around it.
"What would anyone want in a place like this?" Zephyr asked.
"This can't be right, I just saw this place a few hours ago! It was in perfect condition!" Thunder exclaimed. "They must've got the Princess back, 'cause why else would the place have collapsed?"
"So we just missed them?" Zephyr asked.
"Must have," Thunder said. "Where'd you tell the Lunar Guards they were?"
"West of Whinniesburg. They should come here first, too. If we can't find them here, then surely they won't."
"Except for one thing. See that?" Thunder pointed at the ground. "Hoofprints. Clearly they've gone back already, and they left an easy trail. Let's go!"
"Wait!" Thunder had jumped already and was about to take off. "Why are there only two sets?"
Thunder examined the prints, then said, "Ace said the trials were hard. There must have been one survivor who got away with Luna."
"Probably Ace," Zephyr suggested. "He said he'd been here before right?"
"Right, so we should probably warn him about the Lunar Guards." Thunder took off again, and Zephyr followed behind without hesitation. ***
"This seems very ineffective," Blaze said. "I mean, it's a bloody field! Not a tree or hill in sight. I can even see the town from here! Surely they can see us, too!"
"Think of it this way," Ace replied. "Out here, they only see three ponies. None of them know who we are. None of them know what we're doing. If we go through town, they'll recognize us. They'll see that I'm carrying Luna on my back. They'll want to know what we're doing. They'll try to stop us. We can't have that."
"Alright, fair point. Still, what are we going to do once we get to Canterlot? We can't exactly get into the castle while you're carrying Luna."
"Well, I doubt we'll actually get back tonight," Ace began. "Surely somepony will notice that there's no moon. I think we should set up camp, out of view from the town, and rest up until morning. By then, hopefully Luna will be awake, and she can bring us home."
"That's probably our best option," Blaze agreed. Suddenly, he stood straight up. He looked around cautiously, like something was about to happen. One by one, the group found themselves surrounded by pony after pony. They seemed to come from nowhere like ninjas. Each of them wore armor bearing the symbol of the Lunar Guard.
"Ace Doughty," a blue pegasus in the group stepped towards Ace. "I've heard quite a bit about you. Get the Princess!" Three guards came forward. One grabbed onto Blaze. Another held Ace down as the third grabbed Luna. "I know you've got acquaintances somewhere. Where are they?"
Ace didn't respond. He didn't have time to deal with this. He knew he could get out of it, though he would have to leave Equestria if he did. Blaze would also have to be taken care of. Ace hoped the guards didn't know about Thunder and Zephyr, otherwise he'd have to worry about them, too. All his friends back home would be left to worry, and possibly be taken by the Guards for questions they couldn't answer.
"Where are they?" Darkfire said, more commanding than before. Ace froze; he thought he already stopped time. He tried again and again, but time kept going. He had no choice.
"Dead," Ace replied flatly.
"Shame," Darkfire said, a condescending tone slowly taking over. "I know Nighthawk was definitely looking forward to retirement."
"What should we do, commander?" The guard holding Blaze asked.
"Bring them in," Darkfire replied, walking back to his place among the circle. Ace's hooves were all secured together, and he was fastened to the back of the guard that was holding him. Blaze, however, decided to fight back. He knocked out his captor, using magic to keep the others at bay.
"Blaze!" Ace yelled. "Stop fighting." When Blaze gave Ace a confused look, he added, "Just trust me on this one." The magic subsided, and Blaze found himself covered in at least three guards. He was tied up in much the same way as Ace.
"Knock them out!" Darkfire called. ***
Ace woke up in a strange room. There were cots lining the walls. Based on the blue sky visible from the window at the end, it was around midday. Slowly, the events of the previous night came back to Ace. Then he realized something; shouldn't he be in the dungeons at Canterlot rather than this place?
The door opened. Ace expected Darkfire or some other Lunar Guard to walk in and take him to that cell. To his surprise, it was Princess Luna who walked in. She walked up to Ace's cot and stood beside it.
"Luna?" Ace said tentatively.
"Oh, good. You're awake," Luna responded.
"Where are we?" Ace asked.
"The infirmary at the Castle," Luna answered.
"What are we doing here?" Ace asked as he sat up slowly.
"You were unconscious when we got back, so I took the liberty of bringing you here to rest up."
"But, your guards...?"
"Don't worry about them," Luna said dismissively. "I've taken care of that."
Ace was about to say something, but then Luna cut him short. "I know you must have a lot of questions about what happened. I'll try to explain as best I can." She sat down and continued. "I don't know exactly what happened, but I was awakened in the middle of a field by Darkfire. He told me that I was safe, and that he had taken care of my captors. He was of course speaking of you and Blaze. When we got back to the castle, he ordered you be taken to the dungeon. I managed to convince him otherwise. That's why you're here now."
"What about Blaze?" Ace asked. "Is he alright?"
"He woke up a couple days ago," Luna answered.
"Days? How long have I been out?"
"About a week. I've been checking in on you daily, as has Zephyr."
"Zephyr?" Ace said. "Why's she concerned about me? We sent her home after she attacked me at Whinniesburg."
"She's the one who told my guards about my disappearance," Luna said. "She led them to believe you took me, though she had a change of heart afterward. She even went to try and warn you about the guards."
It was silent between the two for a minute, until something else came to Ace's mind. "When the guards attacked, I tried to stop time, but it wouldn't work."
"That might be because there wasn't anyone to replace me at the temple," Luna said. "No guardian to maintain it. Zephyr told me that it had collapsed. I don't think there will be anymore trouble caused by the Epochust."
"What about the tributes? What happened to them?"
Luna sighed before answering. "As far as I know, they're still gone. And since you can't use the powers of the Epochust any longer, I don't think they're ever coming back." Ace closed his eyes at the news. He felt terrible dragging them into this, only for them to die without a proper explanation. Another thought came to mind.
"What about Stella?" he asked quietly.
"She's gone, too," Luna said. "I'm sorry, Ace. When she used her magic on the statue to bring me back, she didn't quite have enough. She converted herself into the magic needed to bring me back entirely." Ace hung his head, eyes still closed. "I know you two were very close. If I could bring her back, you should know that I won't hesitate."
"Thank you, Luna." Ace said quietly.
"Thank you, Ace, for saving me." Luna stood up. She walked to the door and turned to face Ace again, adding, "You're free to return home whenever you feel like it." She walked out and closed the door, leaving Ace alone once again. |
Against Time | Epilogue | "Ace!"
He was expecting it, but he had hoped he would go a little longer without it. Crescent was running up to him full speed, likely ready to pounce him. Ace had been gone for over a week, so it's only natural that Crescent would do that. When she was close enough to pull it off, Ace jumped in the air to avoid it. He landed behind her and continued walking.
"Ace, what's wrong?" she asked, following right beside him.
"I'm not ready to talk about it," he said. "I need some time alone right now."
"Okay." Crescent started to walk away. "When you get a chance, you should go see Pep. She's been in the hospital for a few days now."
"Maybe later." Ace continued walking, leaving Crescent to stand there and watch him.
"Ace, you're back!" He had almost made it home. He was actually right outside his house before he was interrupted again.
"Not now, Cherry," Ace said. He opened his door.
"Have you seen Peppermint yet?" Cherry asked.
"Not yet. I just got back, and I wanted some time alone first," Ace said before closing the door and locking it. He laid down on the couch and closed his eyes. While he had nothing better to do, he thought about what happened.
Nighthawk must have been destined to die, as he witnessed it happen twice, both times being eerily similar to one another. What about the time he lived? He died because he thought Crescent was dead. What about the time he didn't know if she was still alive at all?
And then Lila. Ace felt absolutely terrible for allowing Lila on the team. Especially since she was the first to die. It all went downhill after he accidentally called her by her name. If he could have just held his tongue, she would probably still be alive, awaiting that shipment of seeds she ordered that was due that evening. Something else about her stuck out to Ace. Why did she want to go? The first time, she only went to find foreign flora. She even turned back at the edge, instead going abroad with Darkfire. What was different this time? Unfortunately, he would never know.
Then there was Chrysoberyl. He was close to retirement. If he hadn't tried to attack the Lord of the Moon, then he would have definitely been able to leave alive. Ace didn't know him well enough to know what he would have gone back to. That only made it worse. He could have a family that will never know what happened to him. A son waiting for his dad to return, but he never will.
Ace opened his eyes and sat up. He decided that he might as well go see Pepper now. ***
The nurse opened the door and let Ace in. She closed the door behind him. Pepper was asleep on the bed, the lone occupant of the room. Ace sat down beside the bed.
"I don't understand," Ace said quietly to her. "Last time you were hospitalized, it was because of the Epochust. But that's gone now. It shouldn't be affecting you anymore." He looked at the ground.
Pepper slowly woke up. She saw Ace sitting there. "Ace?" she called.
Ace looked up. "Glad to see you're awake, at least," he said.
"Ace!" Pepper reached out and grabbed Ace, pulling him over the bed. They sat there a moment, simply embracing. "I thought I wouldn't see you again," Pepper continued, letting Ace go. "Did you get the Princess back?"
"Yeah, we made it," Ace said.
"What's wrong?" Pepper had caught the sadness in his voice.
"We went in with six, but we came back with three, including Luna," Ace said. "Four ponies died there that day, and it's all because I told you about the Epochust."
"Don't blame yourself for it," Pepper said. "There isn't anyone to blame. Nopony could have known what would happen."
"I know, but still. If I hadn't told Crescent to see Twilight Sparkle, then none of this would have happened.
"Stop blaming yourself, Ace. You wanted an adventure, and you got one. No adventure can have a perfect ending." When Ace didn't respond, Pepper continued. "Why are you so sad about the ones that died, anyway? Can't you just go back in time and get them?"
"I haven't had any control over time since we got Luna back," Ace said.
"What about Stella? Can't she control time, too?"
Ace closed his eyes. "She was one of the four," he said.
"Oh... I'm sorry, Ace. I didn't know."
"Don't worry about it." Ace stood up and started towards the door. "You have your own problems to deal with. I'm sorry I bothered you with mine."
"Ace, wait!" But he had already closed the door behind him. ***
Ace walked through the door. He closed it behind him. Something caught his attention. There was a scroll with the Royal Canterlot seal on it and a bright red feather sitting on the table. He opened the scroll and read it.
"Dear Ace,
Remember what I said at the castle infirmary? Well, there's something that I would like for you to witness. If I haven't given it away yet, then I will keep it a surprise. I will be visiting you tonight, at which time I will reveal the surprise to you. I hope you won't mind such a sudden intrusion, but I feel you would rather wish to see this happen as soon as you can. I eagerly await tonight's meeting, and you should too.
Yours truly,
Princess Luna"
Ace read the letter several times. He unrolled it further, but that was all that was written. Such a large bit of parchment for such a short letter, but Ace put that thought aside. What could this surprise be? He tried to think back to his conversation with Luna, but nothing really stuck out. She could have been more specific as to what she meant. He would find out soon enough, though, as it was currently dusk.
Sure enough, not even ten minutes later, there was a knock at the door. Ace opened it, expecting to see Luna. Instead, a dark blue pegasus walked in. "Uh... who are you?" Ace asked the mysterious mare.
"Take a guess," the pegasus replied, following a short giggle, in a familiar majestic voice.
"Luna?"
"That's right," she said. She became enveloped in a bright blue light, where her shape changed. The light faded, and there stood Luna in her full glory, minus the breastplate, shoes and tiara. "Good guess."
"So what's this surprise you mentioned?" Ace asked.
"Quick to cut to the chase, aren't you?" Luna asked playfully. "Very well, then."
For a second time, Luna's body was glowing bright blue and her shape changed. The light faded, and where Luna once stood was Stella, but with one minor difference. Her eyes were teal instead of the light blue they should be. Her horn was still glowing.
"Stella?" Ace said slowly.
"Not yet," she said, "but almost."
Again, her body was glowing blue. Her backside split apart, wings coming out of the gaping hole. They pushed against the shell, pushing it farther apart. Soon, her body was split in half down the middle, the two halves apart with Luna's figure in between. She backed up and stopped glowing. The shell came back together perfectly, the glow fading into Stella.
"She should wake up soon," Luna said. "She may not be <i>exactly</i> as you remember her, but I tried my best. I couldn't give her the abilities the Epochust gave her, but I don't think that's possible anymore, since the temple's destroyed."
"Does she remember me?" Ace asked.
"When she gave her life to me, she gave everything to me. I kept her mind and mine separated as best I could, so it should be as if she simply fell asleep and will awaken in a moment. Of course, there may have been some intertwining between our minds, which is why I can't guarantee she's exactly the same."
"What about the others? Lila, Nighthawk, and Chrys?"
"Unfortunately, I don't know if I'll be able to do the same for them. Stella was my creation from the beginning. I had nothing to do with the birth of the others."
"Ace? Luna?" They both looked at the now awake Stella. "Quid de illo?"
"Ah, whoops! Let me just fix that." Luna touched her horn to Stella's and both began to glow. She backed away and said, "Try now, Stella."
"What happened?" she said.
"Ace will explain it to you later," Luna said. Then she turned to Ace. "Let me know if there's anything else wrong with her." She glowed blue one last time, turning into the pegasus from before. Ace opened the door to let her out. She stopped in the doorway and added, "And if you ever want to stop by the castle, feel free. I could always use some extra company."
"I'll keep that in mind," Ace said. "Bye, Luna."
"Farewell, Ace." And with that, she flew away.
"So what did happen?" Stella asked again.
"Well..." Ace began. ***
Ace hadn't expected to see a flaming bird appear right in front of him. He also didn't expect it to drop a sword and scroll, then disappear into a burst of flames. The feather it left behind was exactly like the one when Luna sent her last letter, so he figured it was from her. The scroll only had a simple note on it.
"I forgot to bring this with me when I visited the other day. And while I'm at it, there might be something you're forgetting as well. If you really don't remember, just think of who first gave this blade to you."
Ace hadn't forgot, he was simply putting it off. He knew what she was referring to. It was Nighthawk's dying wish, to pass his final message on to Crescent. He'd kept her oblivious intentionally, as he knew they were close in the past. But he couldn't just ignore it. He put the sword under his wing and set off to find her.
As fate would have it, she was literally right around the corner. "Ooh, cool sword!" she said. "Where'd you get it?"
"About that..." Ace started. "It was Nighthawk's."
"Nighthawk? Do you mean...?"
"Yes, I do. He gave it to me before he died."
"He's... dead?" Crescent sat down.
"Yeah, and he wanted you to know something." Ace sat down beside Crescent. "He wanted you to know he's sorry. He's sorry for leaving your life. He saw himself as a monster, and he wanted to keep you safe by being as far away from you as he could."
Crescent couldn't hold it. In an instant, Ace found his neck to be the resting place of her head. He put a comforting hoof around her. After a few seconds, he transferred the sword to her back. She looked up, confused.
"I'm sure you'd be better suited to have this than me," Ace said. He stood up.
"Thanks, Ace," Crescent said.
"Don't mention it," he said, taking flight. ***
A few days had passed since Ace's return, and since then, he'd become accustomed to the normal life he had before. In all his time back, though, there was one thing that was bothering him. He wasn't sure what, but he felt one last thing needed to be done before life could truly go back to normal. He finally realized when he randomly passed by the problem on the street.
"Pepper!" He called to her. "They released you?"
"Yeah, I've been good to go since yesterday," she said.
"So what happened that put you in there, anyway?" Ace asked.
"It's a mystery. None of the doctors there could explain it. I just started coughing blood and I passed out. Thankfully Thunder found me and got help."
"You say you coughed blood and passed out?"
"Yeah, why?"
"That happened last time," Ace said.
"What do you mean?"
"You remember what happened at Canterlot the night of the perihelion, right? Well, when I told you what happened, I left one thing out. And that was that this is actually the third time. We went back immediately from the temple only to find that the perihelion was the earliest possible point in time we could go. From then, we went about a week trying to resume life as normal. Stella tried explaining the Epochust to you in a way that you would figure it out on your own, since we weren't supposed to directly tell you. That same thing happened, and you died from it."
"What? But how?" Pepper asked.
"I don't know. We assumed it was from the Epochust, just working backwards."
"There was another Peppermint that passed away the day I went in," Pepper said.
"Another..." Ace trailed off. "That would explain something. Then it was all just coincidence."
"Well, anyway, I was just on my way to see Cres. Wanna come?"
"Not this time," Ace said. "I need to find Stella now."
"Okay, I'll see you around then." At that, Pepper walked away. Ace thought about what she had just told him. One more mystery that would never be solved. Still, he just had to talk to Stella about it, see what she thought, before letting it go. He set off to find her.
The End |
A Noble’s Shadow | pre | It was a skill, the Spartan mused, that had taken many weeks to perfect with the changeling's disguising ability having only since been used to mimic ponies, rather than grass. An organic copy of the active camouflage systems employed by the Covenant, though not to the same extent. As much as the changeling tried, bending light around her body was not yet possible, though Six remained hopeful.
As she watched the camouflaged form of Spirit vanish over the hill and towards the crystal spire Six switched her gaze to Sparrow and sighed deeply.
"Something wrong?" questioned Cadence as she watched the Spartans visor examine the unconscious pegasus.
"Her behaviour was not that of a Spartan," Six answered simply as she began to circle and inspect the area around the Princess who frowned at her response.
"Six it's fine. If you want to blame that lapse of etiquette then blame me, they don't call me the Princess of Love for no reason, after all."
"This was not the first time their... relationship has impacted operational security."
"And I doubt it will be the last but I must say I am disappointed in the lack of trust you have in her." Six's head snapped back to meet Cadence.
"What... Do you mean?" the Spartan asked slowly and almost dangerously.
"Well let me put it this way," Cadence began as she ever so slightly leant back from the burning gaze Six was not shooting at her. " All of your Spartans have not only been trained by the most dangerous pegasus in Equis, but were also on the front lines in the first major war in over a thousand years. Sure they may not be as fast as you, or as duty driven, and they are certainly more fun in comparison to you." Cadence expected a reaction to that comment, but Six didn't even flinch and even started to relax somewhat.
"But what I am saying is," Cadence continued with more confidence, seeing that her words were hitting true, "they know what they're doing and will be the model Spartans you trained them to be when the situation needs them to be, but they are still ponies underneath the Spartan training. Get what I'm saying?" Cadence waited for a response, Six continued to say nothing as she broke eye contact with the Princess. "Look I will agree with you that they do need to keep a sense of professionalism on the job, I won't argue that. I'm just saying, there's more to them than just the mili-"
"Enough," Six cut the Princess off, the Spartan moving to sit behind Cadence's right, her back leaning against the sled that housed the unconscious Sparrow. "I'll take your words into consideration but they're my Spartans. Remember that. I'll deal with them how I see fit," Six finished with a glance towards Sparrow, her tone one of finality to the Princess.
Cadence sighed but said nothing, her attention returning to the organisational duties of the final few oncoming sleds leaving the Spartan to her brooding.
An hour had since passed before the camouflaged changeling returned from her mission, her presence announced via the sound of rapidly buzzing wings and the yelp of the awakened Sparrow as he was smothered with affection. The other ponies that had been affected by the black smog had woken up half an hour prior; their awakenings also preceded by them coughing up the last of the poison that had filled their bodies. They were far more violent than Six's, with most also losing their lunch as their bodies expelled the smoke, unlike the Spartan who had experienced a mere coughing fit.
Their expedition was all gathered around the warming stone at the center of their makeshift camp, the main task being the treatment of those that had been afflicted. That was why Sparrow was now lying on the ground, the bowl of soup he had been given spilt across his coat with a chirping changeling nuzzling the croup of his neck. A cacophony of laughter at the pegasus's expense echoed throughout the camp as Six, accompanied by the royal couple, approached the heap the two of them found themselves in. Cadence was the first to speak up with a grin directed at the Spartan couple.
"Having fun there?" A surprised chitter was her answer as Spirit suddenly shot up, buzzing into the air, the undisguised changeling now hovering above Sparrow with a distinctive green blush across her face.
"U-um..."
"Enough," Six cut through, snapping the changeling to attention. "What did you find?" the Spartan asked as she led them all away from the main group to leave them to their meals. Once the four of them were gathered just outside the main camp, Spirit spoke up.
"Nothing."
"Nothing?" Shining Armor repeated in surprise, a facial expression mimicked by all save Six.
"The city is... empty. I couldn't see any guards, any civilians, and not even a stray pet!"
"Impossible," Cadence stated as if she knew what she said was fact. "The crystal city wa--is home to thousands!"
"I got as close as I could without exposing myself, and it was a ghost town. If any creature is in there, maybe they're hiding?" Spirit offered, unsure of what more she could tell them.
"Could they be preparing an ambush?" Six asked, her mind focusing on the threat this development may pose.
"Maybe... I counted four entrances into the city, one for each direction. The closest one is the southern entrance and, as I said, it was deserted," Spirit added, disappointed she had nothing more to share. Shining was next to speak up, his hoof brought to his chin in thought.
"The last thing they may remember is being under Sombra's hoof. There is a high chance that they're all just hiding inside their homes, the mines, or the king's dungeons. I'm hoping it's the former, but I wouldn't be surprised if it's the latter."
"What about the King's military? Could they still pose a threat?" asked Six, her own hoof now mimicking Shining's.
"If they did, Spirit would have seen them. From what I know, the King liked his security and he loved to show it off," the Prince finished as he looked up towards the crystal spire. "We stick with the original plan. Sombra seems to be part of the blizzard that's surrounding this valley and the only place we stand a chance is in the city. We will move up with myself and Cadence taking the lead. Once we know for certain that we're welcome in the city, I'll call for the rest of us to come." He looked towards the Spartan. "Six, due to your...stature, it's best if you stay back with the supplies to avoid frightening any civilians that may be watching us."
Six nodded, but with some reluctance. "My Spartans will be your security then."
"Yes. Any objections?" Shining looked at his wife, who shook her head at the question. "Good, then get everypony ready to move out. We leave as soon as we're ready." |
A Noble’s Shadow | 3- Out of Time | To call Six annoyed would be an understatement. To call her pissed would be an overstatement. To be accurate, Six was experiencing a limbo between both sides of the spectrum as she sat atop her sled and watched as Shining Armor and Cadence walked down the slope towards the crystal city's gates, flanked by her three Spartans.
As much as she knew that duty and following orders came first, being told to sit back and let her charges walk directly into probable enemy territory would never sit well with her. Throw in her Spartans as well and you had a recipe for impatience, one Six was indulging in quite heavily. Most of the ponies around her had given the Spartan a wide berth. Her posture, constant staring towards the royal couple and her underlings, as well as the errant twitches that made her diamond-sharp feathers glint in the slowly dwindling sunlight.
Those that knew her stayed away, those that didn't followed their seniors, and those that only knew of her reputation whispered amongst themselves in awe. However, there was one exception to these groups: those that didn't give a damn and continued on as normal. And one pony among them managed to draw the Spartan's gaze.
Prompted with an annoyed question of "Why isn't this sled in position?!" and getting nothing but glances to the Spartan atop it in response, an annoyed Crimson Sky walked up to the sled and hitched himself to it. With a raised eyebrow in curiosity, Six turned to watch the display before her, a part of her conscious mind welcoming the brief distraction.
With a heave and several flaps of his bright red wings, the sled began to move, the ropes binding the Pegasus to the Spartans sled straining against their bonds as the sled began to move with a lurch. Six could faintly feel the pressure of a tailwind pushing through her feathers as this lone soldier managed to pull the combined weight of the Spartan and her sled.
The wind at her back began to increase as the sled began to move to its destination, closer to the others. Six watched the straining pegasus before her with ever-increasing curiosity and attention.
"What's your secret?" Six asked suddenly, briefly breaking the straining pegasus's attention, the breeze at her back wavering before returning in force.
"Would you..." Crimson Sky began with a pant, "Would you take magic as an answer for now? Need to... need to focus here. Wind isn't... as favorable...as before."
Six did as asked and remained silent for the rest of the short trip, the analytical part of her mind processing what the pegasus had said. Could he control, or at least influence, the surrounding wind? Could she do so as well? Six pondered with an experimental flap of her wing as her gaze switched between her still ones and the flapping pair attached to Crimson.
She knew from experience that her weight was nothing to scoff at, with even the strongest of earth ponies required to move her any amount of distance. The ponies that had said job during her stay in any hospital were given the unofficial nicknames of 'Six's Noble Steeds.' So seeing this, by all accounts, average size and strength pegasus managing to pull not only her weight but that of the sled as well was nothing short of astounding to the Spartan.
Five minutes later, Crimson Sky collapsed to the ground, his spirit seeming to have overestimated his body, the pair having only made it halfway to their destination. Six grinned under her helmet as she looked down at the panting pegasus before jumping down and offering a hoof to help him up.
"Well, color me impressed," Six began as Crimson took the offered hoof and rose from the ground. "So tell me now, what's your secret?"
"My own technique..." He took a moment to catch his breath before continuing, "If I concentrate, I can influence the surrounding winds to help pull the load. Haven't...haven't found another use for it, though. Too tiring, too situational. What happened in the blizzard was a fluke, I tell you. Winds everywhere else are way too weak," Crimson finished as his breathing slowly began to calm.
"Hmm," Six hummed, her attention drawn to the distance they had managed to cross. It was certainly a short distance, but not an insignificant one. This pegasus had potential, maybe... maybe Shining Armor had more influence on Six's thinking than she realized.
Without saying another word, Six hooked one of the sleds reigns around her wing before beginning to bull it--extremely easily-- the rest of the way, leaving Crimson to catch his breath.
"Pegasus Magic has always interested me."
Six froze, her eyes darting to her tracker. It was the same voice--that same seductive tone, and it came from everywhere.
"After all, my Empire is sorely lacking in genetic diversity. There are only so many experiments one can undertake when your test subjects possess neither a horn nor wings. And quite frankly, I hate needles."
The voice was coming from behind, her heart rate already beginning to skyrocket involuntarily, her biology betraying her once more. Turning as fast as she could, wings shivering and feathers vibrating, Six met the source of this siren's song.
Sitting atop the sled where she had sat not too long ago was a pony. His coat was a dark grey, its color nearly mimicking that beneath her undersuit. A long, dark, flowing mane as black as night grew from his head. A sharp, red-tipped, curved horn grew from his forehead. Wisps of translucent black and purple smog seeped from his eyes. In fact, upon closer inspection, his whole body was transparent, as if the pony was not really there in the first place. He looked down at the Spartan with an impassive gaze, his eyes focusing on the extended wing she held towards him. He chuckled, as if seeing a child pointing a stick at him.
"Please, there is no use for violence Noble Six. What you are seeing is merely a...projection. I simply wish to speak with another warrior on equal terms."
Upon closer inspection, the King was indeed almost completely translucent, a dark haze distorting the space around him as if his mere presence interfered with reality. Approaching carefully, wings still raised, Six realized that the King--or his projection--seemed to be as large as her. The two eye to eye as Six climbed up the sled. His body was covered in scars and burns, his build large and powerful, not too dissimilar to Sparrow or herself. It was the body of a soldier, a killer, a weapon honed to perfection and tempered by warfare. He continued to watch the Spartan in amusement, a grin on his lips and his fangs bared.
"You may want to lower your weapon. All the others will see is you threatening empty air."
"Shut up."
The King sighed, stood up, and simply walked into the blade pointed at him, his form passing around it as if it weren't there. Her shield became visible along the armor inside his translucent form.
"There, as you can see, weapons are not needed. I merely wanted to say hello."
Six continued to say nothing, merely staring the King down before retracting her wings. Sombra mirrored her expression, the two warriors staring each other down.
"Hello," Six was the first to break the silence. "Now leave before I find a way to kill you where you stand."
Sombra smiled. "And why would you want to do that? I haven't done anything personally to you, no?"
"Many I killed haven't, but I still did my Job," Six shot back as Sombra's smile only grew into a chuckle.
"And those sisters thought they could be rid of me." His eyes roamed across Six's armored form. "I must say that the craftsmanship on your armor is simply divine. I have no doubt that should our swords cross in battle, I would have found myself a worthwhile foe. Though I hope it will not come to that."
Six wanted to retort, but the translucent unicorn continued before she could speak.
"No matter. You may have come here to stop me from retaking my throne, but it will be for naught. My ascension back to King is as inevitable as the rising sun itself. What your charges are doing is merely buying time."
"Tyrants live on borrowed time," Six retorted, hoping to would wound the shadow's pride. It only elicited a deep laugh.
"My my my, what have those princesses been telling you? That I am a tyrant? A monster from the deepest pits of Tartarus? A power-hungry and enslaving Warlord? I am merely what my creators wanted. As for the Empire, let's just say... the dog took hold of its leash." Another laugh billowed out from the spectral King as he turned to look Six directly in the eye, the Spartan finding herself frozen solid, body refusing to follow her commands.
"We are more alike than you could ever know, little puppy. Perhaps next we meet, your leash will be as broken as mine. But for now, our conversation must come to an end."
"Good, your arrogance was beginning to annoy me." The King laughed once more.
"We will speak again, Noble Six. After all, us living weapons must stick together." And like dust on the wind, Sombra had vanished. Six remained still for several long moments, her mind still processing what had just happened.
She inspected the area Sombra had appeared, the Spartan finding nothing out of place.
'I. hate. Magic.'
Half an hour later, the convoy entered the ancient crystal city, Six walking along the side, watching for any possible attack. Her conversation with Sombra had left her more shaken than she cared to realize, the sudden biological whiplash leaving the Spartan with involuntary shivers periodically running down her spine.
Walking down the crystal boulevard, the Spartan witnessed several windows slam shut and fearful looks being shot at not only her but their entire convoy as they entered the Empire. But the moment their eyes landed on Six, they vanished and slammed their windows and doors shut. The scenery surrounding them looked abandoned, with large cracks running down the crystalline walls and street, as if chunks had been ripped out and brought to who knows where.
To Six, however, it meant nothing. She had seen her fair share of cities ravaged by warfare, and this was no exception. It was as if the battle had happened only days ago, the ash having only just settled from whence it had come. By all accounts, this should not be as, apparently, until yesterday, the Empire did not exist.
Reaching the plaza underneath the Spire that rose from the city's center, Six met back up with the royal couple and their Spartan escorts. They were organizing the sleds like before, telling them to spread out and begin to hand out the many supplies they had brought. From modern medicines to food and warm winter clothing, all the humanitarian supplies they had brought were handed out in their bid to introduce the modern world to this Empire out of time.
Six said nothing as she took her place by the royal couple's side among her Spartans, glad that nothing ill had befallen them whilst she was stuck having a conversation with that... shade. She didn't know what to feel when it came to what the King had spoken to her. She should have, by all accounts, shrugged it off as the lies of a madman, some failed attempt to manipulate her to his side like in those books Shining kept recommending her.
But there was something about the way he said it, about the way he looked at her underneath that arrogant conquerors mask he wore, the voice in the back of her mind telling her to not dismiss it outright. Six closed her eyes in thought, the drone of ambient conversation around her allowing the Spartan to focus more intently.
Though attempted would be more accurate as the sudden, very slight, pressure of something pressing against the Spartan's forelegs brought her back into reality, interrupting her ruminations.
"Yes?" she asked, annoyance quite clear in her tone. Opening her eyes and looking towards the source of the pressure, she found herself at a loss for words.
Coiled around her right foreleg was a small snow-white ferret looking up at the Spartan with its small black eyes and tiny pink tongue sticking ever so slightly out of its closed mouth.
Six was only able to mouth the word 'what' before she felt another pressure running its way up and along her back before resting atop her helmet. Seconds later, a second snow-white furry face came into view. The ferret looked upside down into the Spartans visor, inspecting the golden glass with its nose before she felt it run along her shoulders. The little mustelid squeaked in what seemed like happiness as its companion climbed up the Spartan's leg to join it on her armored form that had become their playground.
A suppressed giggle from her side drew her attention; the Spartan finding out that the ambient conversation around her had gone silent, everyone throughout the crystal plaza stopped to watch what was transpiring to the Spartan. Looking to her side, careful not to throw the little animals off, Pixy was barely suppressing a giggle.
"I see our Spartan has found herself a few friends," began Cadence, smiling warmly at the cute display before her.
"They came up to me," answered Six before quickly catching one of the ferrets with an outstretched wing that had lost its footing atop her helmet. It jumped around its newly discovered environment, its little paws tapping against the many armored feathers. Wether out of amusement or wanting to join its friend, the other ferret jumped off the other side, prompting Six to extend her other wing to prevent it from falling.
Cadence giggled as the sound of the surrounding ponies returning to work began to pick up. She moved to pick one up in her magic and remove them from the Spartan, but the moment the little creatures felt themselves being pulled away from their new playground, they fought back. They squeaked and hissed and trashed Cadence's light blue aura. When Cadence set them down upon her outstretched wings, they bolted. The two ferrets rushed back towards the Spartan.
"Huh... they seem to like you," Cadence remarked as Six now looked at her with a small tilt of her head, the ferrets climbing up her back and wings. "...Can you perhaps remove your helmet, Six? I think they want to know what's under the armor."
The Spartan almost reflexively answered no, only just stopping herself before the words left her lips. She looked to her left shoulder, finding one of them attempting to remove her knife from its sheath, its squeaking making the Spartan pause. What was happening to her? Why was there a smile growing on her lips, and why in the hell was that sound making her feel warm inside? She couldn't tear her gaze from its small face as it attempted to remove the knife from a different angle before it noticed the visor staring at it.
It leaned forward and began to sniff the golden surface like its companion had before. And then it licked it, and for some reason unknown to all --perhaps even the heavens themselves--Six giggled.
Not laughed or chucked or smirked in amusement. The Spartan giggled. A happy sound that seemed so utterly alien to be coming from the Spartan that it made those around her do a double take in response.
"Please tell me I'm not the only pony that heard that," began Pixy, her eyes locked on the Spartan.
"No, I heard it as well," added Spirit, equally flabbergasted as they all continued to watch Six in surprise.
Six meanwhile ignored them all, her attention becoming squarely focused on the little mustelid attempting to ascertain the inorganic nature of her visor with its tongue. That or it was thirsty and attempting to drink the melted snow that dripped off her helmet.
Six shook her head ever so slightly, causing the little ferret to move back, allowing Six to remove her helmet without worry. The hiss of the pressure seal breaking startled the animals, causing them to jump around, backs arched and mouths wide open. It made Six pause again, barely suppressing another un-Spartan giggle. The two of them were still on her outstretched wings in front of her, watching the Spartan with great interest. Once the helmet was removed, however, Six barely had time to put it on the ground between her forelegs before the two ferrets began to inspect her in earnest.
Their little whiskers tickled against her cheeks, the animals squeaks making Six's normally stoic heart soar even further. A part of her brain thought long dead and buried underneath the Spartan III program's training beginning to revive.
"Well, aren't you two brave ones," Six said with a smile so uncharacteristically large it made even the Spartan herself pause as she flexed one of her wings to very daintily play with the ferrets, an unconscious knowledge within her mind telling her exactly how and with how much force she should use. The experience seemed oddly familiar as if some long forgotten and dead memory had returned to life, and with a vengeance at that. The animals 'dooked' in happiness at the attention, the word coming to Six's mind like it had always been there.
Meanwhile, on the outside, the attention surrounding Six had only grown, more and more ponies stopping to watch the display before them. And as time continued to progress, Six's behavior only continued to grow stranger. From merely playing with the ferrets with her wings soon she was actively chasing them and them her, the Spartan giggling and laughing all the way with almost childlike joy. It was as if the world had fallen away to the Spartan, and all that remained was herself and the ferrets.
"Should...should we do something?" questioned Shining as he watched Six he had come to know and respect as the personification of an unstoppable force play with the two ferrets like a foal would with a puppy. The look he held was mirrored by the other Spartans, their minds surely having the same thoughts.
"I..." Cadence began herself also almost at a loss for words, though smiling warmly nevertheless. "As much as I don't want to, Sombra is out there, but I think that just this once, we should leave her be." The princess looked around, seeing the many other warm smiles being directed toward the playing Spartan. "If anything, you can file this under a moral boosting event," Cadence proposed with a giggle towards her husband before the smile became sad. "When Sombra comes, we're going to need all we can get."
Shining glanced toward his wife before shuffling closer to her and using his magic to pull one of her wings across his back. And whilst this was happening all around them, crystal ponies began to leave their hiding places, drawn to the epicenter of the childlike laughter that seemed to echo throughout the plaza. Within moments, the caravan was no longer alone in the city center. The soldiers along the outskirts of the plaza, now realizing they were no longer alone, began to hand out the supplies they had brought in earnest.
Soon the plaza began to bustle with the sound of ponies hard at work, helping to bring the civilization out of time into the modern world. The gentle and innocent childlike laughter of the Spartan signaling to all who heard it that maybe, just maybe, everything was going to be okay. |
A Noble’s Shadow | 4- Reinforcements | Six walked behind the royal couple in line with her training on how one should act as a bodyguard to a VIP. Her helmet was located at her hip, and her wings remained half extended at her side, ready to deal with any threat that might approach. Or at least, that's what she would have liked anyone to think. With the small white balls of fur located within her helmet and between the crook of her wings, the bright red blush and bashful smile portrayed quite the opposite message.
Currently, the trio was inspecting the spire that encapsulated the plaza below, her Spartan underlings tasked with keeping watch for any would-be attacks on their convoy. But even Six knew that after her rather...unique display, they would've already been attacked if they were a target.
"So..." Cadence began with a glance towards Six, drawing the Spartan's attention. "You gonna keep them?"
"Yes," Six didn't even hesitate with her answer as she looked back and smiled at the sleeping animals' form. She could almost feel their soft breathing, unconscious squeaks, and hums through her armor, and each and every one of them made her smile. Six didn't know why and, right now, she didn't care. All that mattered to her right now was that they didn't get hurt.
Her Spartan training suddenly reasserted itself, bringing a metaphysical sledgehammer to her mind and forcing her to remember that the ponies before her were her real charges, not the sleeping ferrets.
"I thought as much," Cadence continued with a smile. "I'll make sure to have some food and bowls for them brought to your room. Though we still have to know where they came from. They might have names."
Six hummed in agreement as they entered what appeared to be the throne room proper. It was a large crystalline room, its walls sharing their characteristics with everywhere else inside the spire. Against the far wall was the throne itself, though it seemed more like a foreign object rather than part of the castle itself.
It was covered in a black crystalline substance, with red and violet veins crisscrossing its surface like blood vessels. Colors seemed to flow like liquid underneath the surface, as if the inorganic substance was alive. The structure seemed to radiate an almost palpable feeling of wrongness to the trio, its mere presence felt like a mistake in the cosmic fold. A tumor that needed to be excised lest it be able to fester and grow. Even the ferrets were not exempt from its influence, the little mustelids waking up and hissing in the general direction of the black throne.
Shining sneered and looked in utter contempt towards the throne as he began to charge his horn with more power than Six had ever seen. Even with her enhanced biology, she dared not look directly towards the tip of his horn, its light blinding. The Prince was soon joined by his wife, who also began to charge her magic. Within moments the couple's magical auras began to merge, forcing the Spartan to raise her wing to protect against the blinding light, her other moving to do the same for her two furry passengers.
A bright beam of pink and blue shot out from where their magics met and toward the tainted throne. The room was bathed in a pinkish-blue hue, and the sound of glass shattering filled the air, the light dissapaiting shortly afterwards. Removing her wings from her face, Six blinked the spots out of her eyes. The throne was gone, not shattered or broken, it was as if the tainted throne was never there to begin with.
The feeling of wrongness had vanished with the throne, Six's two passengers calming down though remaining in their newest hiding spot within the helmet attached to her hip.
"That feels much better," began Shining as he walked around the throne room. "Nothing quite like the feeling of banishing dark magic, ey honey?"
"Yep!" Cadence answered happily before joining her husband in inspecting the room.
"Dark...magic?" Six questioned, her mind already beginning to grow peeved at the thought. "Don't tell me there's dark magic I now have to deal with as well," the Spartan grumbled, exasperated as she brought a hoof to her face. In the corner of her vision, she could see the sheepish smile shot at her by the royal couple. Six sighed deeply.
"Great. Just...Great!" Annoyance wouldn't even begin to describe how Six was feeling at this very moment. Were it not for the sudden warmth of one of the ferrets deciding to use her head as perch she would have surely released her frustrations on the nearby wall. Such an event did not come to pass, however, as the little mustelid calmed the Spartan down like water on a flame. Its little dooks as it began to play with her jet black hair easing Six's nerves immensely.
After the display that had transpired on the plaza below between herself and the ferrets, the Spartan's mood had improved immensely. Spartan and professional etiquette be damned, that was the most fun she had ever had in recent memory, perhaps even her whole life. It was as if, for a brief moment, she wasn't a Spartan, or even a soldier; she was a child playing with her pets without worry about what the future might hold. But reality reasserted itself soon after, forcing the Spartan back into her role as protector of the royal couple.
Walking towards where the royal couple now stood, Six found herself overlooking the city from a balcony. She could see for miles on end, but the horizon obscured by the ever-encroaching blizzard that surrounded the valley. It had gotten closer, and within the hour, it would be on top of them.
"Dammit, it seems Sombra is accelerating his timeline," cursed Shining as he eyed the blizzard with a look of uncharacteristic disdain. "Looks like my sister won't arrive until after he's already knocking at the gates."
"What can we do?" asked Cadence, worry clear as day in her voice. "We only just got the crystal ponies to come out of hiding. If...if they see Sombra again, it could become a full-blown panic."
"My shield seems to be strong enough to hold him, so mayb-"
"Shiney, no, please. Sombra isn't Chrysalis. He won't hesitate to k-kill you to get what he wants. L-let me do it, p-please I'm an Alicorn. I can take it," Cadence pleaded as Shining bit his lip, clearly having an internal debate.
"My shield spell is too energy-consuming for you. I...I would have to take over," Cadence smiled at his words however, confusing the Prince.
"But by then, you would have Twilight and her friends with you. And I know that they'll find a way to deal with Sombra once and for all."
Shining Armor looked at his wife, his face unreadable. He stayed like that for several seconds before sighing deeply, a hint of resigned amusement in his voice. "I swear to Celestia, I hate how it's always up to Twilight and her friends, making us soldiers look bad. Fine, wait until the absolute last moment to put the shield up then, Cadence. Six?"
"What do you need me to do?" answered the Spartan, her serious aura only marred by the sleeping ferret atop her head and the awake one lying across her soldier, watching the unicorn with interest.
"Well, first, I would suggest finding someone to take care of those little guys."
"I'll take care of them," answered Cadence as she slowly moved up and coaxed the two ferrets off of Six and onto herself. They didn't seem to mind much now that they were not being flown through the air against their will within her magical aura. "Well, aren't you two just the cutest little things?"
Shining smiled at the sight before refocusing on the Spartan, who mirrored his expression. 'Seeing Six like that will certainly take some getting used to.'
"You'll be coming with me to get my sister and her friends in case Sombra decides to crash our party. Which, knowing what I do, he most probably will."
"If I see him, I'll deal with him."
"Do not enter a protracted fight with the King. If he comes, you will have to slow him down until we get back to the city. His magic is far unlike anything you've faced before... and we all know how you feel about that." The Spartan's undisguised hatred for anything magical had become quite well known among the equestrian guard, leading to several incidents of freshly recruited unicorns outright refusing to use magic after an encounter with 'The Angel.'
"What type of crap am I going to have to deal with now?" Six asked, somewhat exasperated. "How is this dark magic he uses any different?"
"Other than its increased potency and penchant for the effects of the more... esoteric nature, it is incredibly dangerous. Your shield--as effective as it is against normal magic--may not be so protective against him. Dark magic it's... how do I put this..." The Prince wracked his brain, trying to find the words he needed.
"It's... an anathema to normal magic, a type of energy that can only be extracted from those dark crystals we destroyed. And Sombra happens to be a master at creating and using these crystals."
"Cut the history lesson. I need specifics on what it can do and how to counter it."
"Well, to be honest, then we have no idea." That answer made Six frown as Shining quickly put his hooves up in a defensive posture. "Hey, hey! Look, you've felt what just being near that stuff feels like. Imagine being directly next to it for days at a time. Needless to say, researching it is not high on the priority list"
The answer seemed to calm the Spartan down. Though it still remained, it was no longer directed at him. Shining continued, "What we do know is from the Princesses, and that's how to destroy it. It's why I'm coming with you to get my sister and her friends."
Six turned to look at the horizon, squinting as if trying to find Sombra with her naked eye among the raging storm.
"What of my Spartans?"
"Protecting Cadence. Sombra may have sleeper agents or something else hidden as a contingency plan. I would not put it past him having planned for this situation in advance."
"You think he may have?"
"If he did not, we're massively overestimating him, and I do not want to take that chance. According to Celestia, he took over the entirety of the crystal empire by himself, slaughtered the royal family, and consolidated his power as the only ruler of the Empire."
Six opened her mouth to say something but was cut off.
"He had no help. He had no allies. He took over the entire Empire within a single day by himself," Shining intoned again with more force. "Killed every single blood relative of the royal family so that none could claim his throne. He is not somepony we can afford to underestimate. For all we know, this is all part of his plan to retake the Empire."
"I'll tell my Spartans to be extra vigilant. If he has something up his sleeve, they'll handle it."
"I wouldn't expect anything less from those ponies," Shining offered with a small but sad smile as he looked out towards the encroaching storm. The only sound that now reverberated through the throne room was the innocent squeaks of the two ferrets inspecting Cadence. A moment later, Shining Armor turned to look towards Six, a dead serious look on his face. "Twilight will be arriving soon. Tell your Spartans their new orders, then wait for me at the city's gates."
Six nodded and gave a short salute, turning to leave and fulfill Shining's orders, the Spartan giving one last cursory glance towards the pair before leaving the room fully.
"Are you sure it's a good idea to go out there?" Cadence asked, breaking the silence as she refocused her attention away from the ferrets sniffing her wings. " I can handle myself, you know, if that's what you're worried about."
Shining said nothing for several long seconds before sighing loudly. "I know it's not a good idea. It's a terrible one. But I'll be damned if I'm not there to protect Twilight." A fire was lit behind his eyes as he made the proclamation. Cadence knew that look; it was the one he did when his mind was made up.
"Alright... but if you end up dead, I'm going to kill you myself," Cadence responded with her own deathly serious tone. Both stared at each other for only but a moment before sharing a small laugh and embracing each other.
"I wasn't joking," Cadence whispered into her husband's ear, tightening her grip on the unicorn.
"Then I guess I better come back," Shining whispered in return before bringing his lips to hers.
Six waited somewhat impatiently at the city's gates, the edge of a pink shield lying several meters before her just outside of the crystalline walls. She held her knife in her hooves, sharpening its surface along a nearby wall whilst idly watching her motion tracker.
She had deafened herself to the conversations around her, the only sound reaching her ears being her own calm breathing and the vibrations traveling up her hoof from her knife.
"While I can commend Shining Armor's forward-thinking nature, you should know it will ultimately be useless when I arrive."
Six extended her right wing out in an attempt to impale the voice's origin, but as she feared, her wing met nothing but empty air. She sighed into her helmet. "Now what? You're starting to really piss me off."
"Not my intention, I assure you. Is it so bad that I want to merely speak with the Demon of the Empress herself?"
Six turned to look in the direction of her outstretched wing. It was bisecting a translucent Sombra's face, golden shield visible to the naked eye. "What is your end goal here? Annoy me to death? Try and manipulate me to your side?"
"No, I require no manipulations. Once you get a taste of the freedom I am offering, you will join of your own free will," he responded as if it were fact. Six couldn't help but laugh at the King's pronouncement.
"You are sorely underestimating a Spartan's loyalty--my loyalty."
"And you are a fool for giving them that loyalty. Once your usefulness is at an end, they will do the same as my old masters. You are a tool to them, nothing more. But I know that you will enjoy the freedom I am offering. After all," Sombra smirked as if he had already won, "you appeared to enjoy my gift."
"Gift?"
"Those little animals you appear to be so fond of." Six froze. "Do be sure to take good care of them until I arrive. I took great pride in raising Castello and Cristallo before I gained my freedom."
"...They're yours?"
"In another life, I suppose, but now they belong to you. As a gesture of goodwill from myself to you. From one weapon to another. We do not have to be enemies. That is all I am trying to tell you."
Six moved to say something but was cut off by the King.
"Do not mistake my gifts for weakness, however. When we meet on the field of battle, I will not hesitate to kill you if it means reaching my goal. These offers and gifts are as easily taken away as those ponies you care so deeply about."
"Don't you dare threaten them," Six responded coldly, her tone laced with enough venom to kill a dragon.
"Joining me guarantees their safety, and as powerful as you are, you are but a single drop in the ocean compared to me. If I had been there when those changelings attacked, Spear would still live. And if they were to attack again, you needn't worry about the rest."
Six growled in anger as she jumped up to behead the shade, only to meet empty air once again, the King having vanished as if he were never there.
"You do not get to speak his name!" the Spartan growled out into her helmet, breathing heavily and heart racing.
She stood there panting for several seconds before calming herself down with several deep breaths.
'Ignore him. He's just trying to manipulate you.'
Six told herself as she returned to where she was previously seated, ignoring the looks being thrown her way by several faraway guards and citizens. Her mind attempted to dismiss the intrusive thoughts the King has given her--to ignore the memories unearthed by his words.
'There was nothing we could do.'
Yet as hard as she tried, some small part of her brain disobeyed, a little voice in the back of her mind awakening to ask her one simple question: Could she handle losing her family again? |
A Noble’s Shadow | 5- Fragments | Having finished his duties at the newly occupied crystal palace, Shining Armor made his way toward the city's gates. As he walked down the main street that led towards his destination, he was beginning to catch more and more glimpses of crystal ponies exiting their decaying abodes. A lingering fear of the King still hung in the air, even with their arrival and subsequent assurances that he would not return to claim his stolen throne. The encroaching blizzard did little to calm the populous down.
By now, it was only mere minutes away from striking, and already, stray snowflakes and ice-dust were beginning to rain down on the city's walls. He had told Cadence to raise the shield at the last possible second to minimize the strain his wife would be under, and it seemed that time was approaching fast. Picking up his pace, Shining began to lightly gallop towards the gate, and within short order, he could see his favorite super-soldier sitting off to the side, completely unphased by the snow beginning to strafe against their armor like a flurry of icy arrows.
"Hey, Six!" the unicorn called out as he began to come to a standstill beside his friend. The Spartan did not respond, however. The metal giant of a mare remained as still as a statue.
Shining frowned slightly and called out louder. "Six!" Silence.
With trepidation, Shining moved to stand in front of the Spartan and waved his chilled forehoof in front of her visor. That seemed to grab her attention as she, with a small shake of her head and flutter of their wings, began to speak.
"Sorry, Captain I... I think I may be compromised." the Spartan responded, a clear apologetic and worried tone tainting her usual concise speech. Shining Armor's face took on a serious note, his muscles tightening.
"Explain," he spoke, his tone sharp and horn beginning to glow. When Six of all ponies said something like that, you don't take any chances.
"Sombra, he has been... speaking to me. Appearing beside me like a ghost and trying to turn me to his side." Her voice was... distant. Like it was a struggle to put the words together in her mind.
"Since when?"
"Since I woke up from that smog. It's annoying, to say the least... I should be locked up. There's no telling what else his damnable magic could be doing to me." Six surrendered with a sigh.
Shining Armor bit his lip before cursing under his breath.
"If this was any other time, I would agree with you, but right now? I need you with me to get my sister... Can I count on you, Six?"
"Are you absolutely certain? You know how dangerous I am. If he forces me against you..." Six left the rest unsaid, merely gesturing to the blades upon her armored wings.
To Six's surprise, Shining smiled slightly at her before responding, "Sombra's magic may be strong, but if anypony would be strong enough to resist it, it would be you. But to be safe if he does mess with your mind... I'm sure I could give you a run for your bits." His grin turned cocky before solidifying back into cold seriousness. "Now let's go, or we'll miss Twilight's train."
Underneath her helmet, Six held an expression of genuine surprise at the captain's statement before she herself steeled her gaze and moved to stand up, determination filling her spirit as the small amounts of ice that had formed on her joints cracked and shattered under her movements. Rolling her wings and neck, she began speaking, her previous trepidation seemingly gone.
"I'll take point."
Shining Armor nodded before following behind the Spartan into the storm, the shield cast by his wife activating behind them.
The storm pelted their armor relentlessly, with winds that occasionally challenged even Six's balance, as the air seemed as dense as molten lead.
"Want me to ease up on the storm?" a smug voice whispered into Six's ear.
"Oh, will you just shut up already!?" Six growled like a timberwolf. Her outburst did not go unnoticed by her companion, even within the harsh blizzard.
"Six?" Shining yelled in confusion over the wind.
"Sombra," she grumbled.
"Oh, what did he say?"
"That this storm of mine is rather strong, of course!" A rich, baritone voice slithered between them as snowflakes suspended mid-fall. And there, on a mound of pitch-black ice, stood the one responsible for it all.
Bearing armor with a similar shade to that of Six's titanium, he stood proudly, a malicious grin plastered on his face and red cape billowing in a nonexistent wind. Whisps of purple and dark green vapor leaked from his eyes like bloody tears as scarlet red eyes stared down at them, utterly emotionless despite the fanged smile he bore. Trails of seemingly living shadows licked at his armored hooves, and his curved black and red horn bubbled with unnatural magic.
He cast his gaze downward at the two with an air of expectancy, much like a lion sizing up a wounded gazelle. Merely looking at the King gave Shining a headache forcing him to avert his gaze whilst Six remained stoic.
"Do not look away," the returned King's voice boomed. "You witness your King's revival."
"Shining," Six spoke, pulling his attention back to her. "Get Twilight." He didn't have time to respond before Six vanished from where she stood, charging at the King with bladed feathers raised. Doing as the Spartan commanded, he galloped away towards the distant, shadow of the train platform. The eye-searing light of an oncoming train signaling that his sister was about to arrive.
Six charged.
Sombra remained unblinkingly still.
A shower of ice and snow kicked up from behind Six like the coattails of a fighter jet, and her wing blades raced to meet the tyrant's jugular like the reunion of two old friends.
A moment passed. Two. She swiped.
He grinned.
A wall of black crystal erupted from the earth, and Six's eyes widened.
Bracing herself, the mare felt the air get knocked out of her lungs as the crystalline barrier smashed into her stomach, instantly shattering her golden shield and sending her flying several meters away.
She hit the ice with the force of a tank, spinning and rolling uncontrollably for several more agonizing meters before coming to a stop.
Head spinning and mind in a daze, she felt the ground beneath her begin to rumble, giving her only seconds to roll to the side before four large spikes erupted from the ground right where her hooves had been sprawled out.
Breathing heavily, she whipped her head back towards where the King had been standing, only to find it empty.
As quick as lightning, her stance lowered and her wings raised in a threatening flare as she scanned the snow and watched her tracker for any movement.
Golden arcs of electricity leaped off her form as her shield struggled to reform in the battering snow.
There was nothing for several long moments.
Then, suddenly, a tingle on the back of her ne-
Six stumbled back, a hoof brought up to her visors now cracked and bloodstained glass as she tried to figure out what the hell had just happened. Her nose was bleeding, droplets marring the broken glass. The blue light of her HUD flickered sporadically now, parts of it varying wildly in shape and size.
A meter before her was what could only be described as a breach in the world itself. A cut in the very fabric of reality began to expand to reveal a grinning Sombra.
"Is this really a battle you think you can win?" He spoke confidently, his smile not reaching the eyes that remained as cold as the vacuum of space.
Six charged once more, intent on taking this smug king down in close-quarters combat.
Her shields were still down, but she couldn't wait lest she lose the initiative. The revived king seemed to accept the unspoken challenge as his gaze hardened and his posture lowered.
She moved to fake the King out, to get as close as she could to provoke his counter before rolling to the side and bypassing his defenses.
Six only made it within a meter of Sombra before it all went south.
The ground below her burst open once more in black crystals. She moved to jump out of the way, but just as her shields began to flare and recharge, they were broken once again as a spike bore against her right foreleg.
With the sound of screeching titanium and shattering energy, the Spartan's hoof was impaled, the dark crystal fully piercing her limb with already frozen blood coating its sharp and slightly chipped end.
Six yelled as pain rivaling the plasma sword that brought her here erupted from the wound, crystal spreading to encase the torn ligaments. Six struggled and thrashed in an attempt to free herself. She raised her other hoof, intent on shattering the crystal with all her might.
Her hoof only made it halfway before another spike burst from the ground and shot through her limb faster than she could react. Six barely managed to grit her teeth through the pain as gravity caught up, causing the Spartan to hang from her impaled forelegs several meters off the ground. She couldn't fight this. She needed to get away.
Six flared her wings before attempting to saw her way through the crystal. The king tutted in response as he circled the strung-up Spartan. "I'm afraid that won't work. My crystals will require a lot more than those pathetic blades to shatter, though the effort is commendable." His armored hoof tapped against the base of the spike, the vibrations amplifying from nothing to bone shattering as they traveled towards the immobilized Spartan. "Still, better not take any chances."
The connecting enhanced bones shattered like glass within her armor, the pain unlike anything she had ever felt before forced a scream so loud and hoarse from her throat she likely wouldn't be able to speak for weeks.
"My apologies, but I simply cannot risk you attempting some elaborate escape plan for the time being. Once my kingdom is assured, however, you have my word that I will heal your wounds. But first, I must deal with its upstart pretenders." He continued looking up at the now limp Spartan, wings flapping irregularly against her side as she struggled to continue her futile escape attempt through the pain. "Now come, once the ponies see you at my mercy, they are sure to surrender."
He turned and began to walk towards the distant empire, a corridor of calm winds appearing before them, revealing the shining city and its glowing defensive bubble. The roots of the impaling crystals began to follow their king, dragging Six along with them.
"Leave..." she gasped through her helmet's damaged speakers, her voice coming out garbled, horse and nigh illegible. "Leave my Spartans... p-please." The mare begged, knowing they couldn't fight this enemy.
One of the King's ears twitched and swiveled towards the beaten Spartan. "What was that?" he began, not even bothering to turn his gaze away from his soon-to-be Empire. "Are you begging that the lives of your underlings be spared?" he spoke almost casually, as if they were currently speaking over a cup of tea.
"L-leave... them." Darkness was beginning to close in from the corners of her vision, heart beating in her ears and a searing pain radiating from her numbing forelegs. She could barely see out of her visor with its glass cracked and H.U.D failing and flickering.
"You needn't worry about them, my dear. You have my word, not as a King, but as a fellow warrior, that they will not die during my reconquest of the Empire." The voice of Sombra emanated from within her very mind, its presence calmed the Spartan as the thundering of their heart in their ears began to slow and quieten. The adrenaline that had flooded her system dried up and forced her limp, energy gone.
She wanted to respond but couldn't. Her vocal cords were shredded, refusing to make sounds until they had rested. She was conscious but trapped within her limp body, forced to watch as the King dragged her by her unfeeling limbs towards the crystal city.
"SOMBRA!" came a shout--no, a yell of pure unadulterated fury as the Spartan watched a wall of pink energy crash into the surprised King, sending the umbral unicorn flying into the snowy mist in a puff of jet black smoke.
Six could barely register what was happening, her mind clouded and neurons slowed as her exhausted body struggled to intake oxygen. In a flash of light, she felt herself fall and crash into something soft, blue, and much smaller than her. A scratchy voice she couldn't make out but was definitely familiar emanated from below her before a much larger orange form joined in as she felt herself lifted onto something, or rather someone, before her vision winked into darkness.
"You dare strike a King!?" A booming yell that came from both within and without pierced her brief bout of unconsciousness, forcing her eyes open as her senses suddenly rebooted with near total clarity, foreign energy coursing through her veins as she saw through a cracked visor and swiping snow-covered orange tail the magical battle happening behind them.
But she could tell, however, that it was no battle as she watched spire after spire of corrupted black crystal pierced the ground, turning the flat landscape into a maze of jagged spikes. And just before the trailing field of spikes and a rapidly forming blizzard of black smoke was Shining Armor, his horn ablaze as he shot falling crystals out of the sky and sprinted towards the Spartan and her rescuers.
Purple bolts of energy joined the stallion's from outside the Spartan's vision, her neck muscles refusing to answer her calls to move. Voices her mind refused to translate shouted out towards him and each other as the sky behind them began to grin.
The skies churned with lightning and ashen snow as Six passed over the familiar light blue barrier that covered the crystal city, herself and her rescuers coming to a stop just beyond the wall as the magical storm behind them hit a crescendo. Searing bolts of blood red struck relentlessly at Shining Armor's shield, his breath ragged as each sequential bolt zeroed closer and closer to its mark.
Crash. A bolt had found its mark, shattering his shield and striking the unicorn on the horn, forcing hi, to stumble and roll as he cradled his forehead in obvious pain. They were so close to the barrier, only meters away from safety. A shout echoed out as Six watched a purple mare run out and drag the stallion by his mane into the city moments before the ground beneath him gave way to a forest of dark crystal spires.
Darkness filled her vision, and she felt herself hoisted upward, causing her stomach to lurch inside her tightened chest as she was carried off, the Spartan plunging into the sea of unconsciousness, her last thoughts being on that of her Spartans and how ill-prepared they were to face the coming threat without her. |
A Noble’s Shadow | 6- Wounded | Six walked the battered streets of the changeling hive, a diorama of frozen violence surrounding her. Where she was going, she didn't know. She just walked down the main street towards the palace at its core. Broken buildings of design so alien they might as well be covenant stretched into the sky, with crimson flames licking the sky.
To her left, she saw a warrior frozen mid-strike against a pegasi combatant. On her right, a small swarm of drones leaped at a unicorn whose horn sparked with half-formed energy. And right in front of her stood one of the Custodians weaved in their blood red armor and swinging their void steel glaive right towards her neck.
Six walked past the frozen display, continuing forward toward the palace. Looking up at it, she found her eyes drawn to a particular section, a crack in its outer shell that spilled crimson light into the scene. Like a breach in a fusion reactor, its light radiated outward in small, barely perceivable waves that warped space around it.
"This is certainly one of your more... exotic dreams, Six," a familiar voice penetrated the silence to her right. The Spartan turned to look before having to fight the corners of her mouth from plastering a grin on her face.
The moon princess had taken the place of a changeling drone that had been hanging from their tangled tail fin against a wall. Her ethereal mane touched the ground and covered part of her muzzle as her wings hung limply at her sides. Clearly, she was not expecting to end up there upon entering the Spartan's unconscious mind. With a small flash that blinded Six temporarily, the alicorn had righted herself. Her mane, however, had seen better days despite its ethereal nature.
"Need a little help there?" Six asked in amusement, not bothering to fight the grin anymore.
"That is what I should be asking you," Luna responded with a small gesture of her hoof towards the Spartan's armored forelegs, her facial expression turning from exasperation to shellshocked in a heartbeat.
With a tilt of her head, Six followed the alicorn's gaze only to find nothing wrong. She willed her body to lift a hoof to inspect, yet her limb did not respond. She tried again, more forcefully this time, pulling with all her might only for her hooves to remain unmoving as if stuck to the floor itself.
The sound of cracking glass shearing metal pierced the world as pain on a nigh indescribable level shot through her. The metal on her legs began to buckle and warp before finally exploding in spikes of black crystal. Six cried out as the crystal began to grow, climbing up her limb and tearing the armour from her body.
She looked to Luna, heart racing, panic gripping her by the throat, only for her gaze to meet that of the King's. The world began to crumble, buildings falling into the void and streets breaking open to reveal absolute darkness. The crystal continued to grow, encasing her limbs and devouring the flesh and bone underneath.
Her eyes became locked with Sombra's, unable to tear her gaze away from him as the crystal reached her neck. She couldn't breathe, her lungs had turned to crystal. All she could do was stare with frightful eyes as the crystal encased her completely.
Yet as the world began to fade as crystal encased the rest of her head, just before the last remnants of herself were lost under the crystalline growth, it stopped... and Six's vision turned red.
The gentle sound of a vital signs monitor broke through the haze as the Spartan began to wake. Then came the voices from all around her, as if she was caught in a storm of activity and she was its eye.
"...Six..."
As her mind dragged itself out of the gutter, the darkness across her vision began to recede. She looked up at a fractured world as the broken glass of her helmet turned the white blob behind it into a fractal.
"Six..."
Then came the pain. A searing, cracking, and radiating pain that crawled up her forelegs like lava. A feeling of burning flesh and melting bones, her brain screaming at her to move, to get away, save what was left of her forelegs from the fires that now consumed them.
"She's going into shock!"
"Hold her still!"
"SIX!"
Her blurry vision finally focused on Shining Armor's face. His tired, hurt, and sweating face. She continued to weakly struggle and kick out her limbs in futile attempts to escape the pain, yet her focus was now on her friend before her. She fought against her primal mind to still herself from burning that eclipsed all her senses.
Noticing her subdued movements, Shining did what he came here to do.
"You have to detach your armor," he spoke loud and slow, making sure every word was heard.
Without a second thought, she sent the command through her neural link. Within moments, the instructions were disseminated throughout her battered Mjolnir armour. Servos whirred and magnetics disabled as the emergency command the Spartan had sent forced the various plates of armor to disconnect from her undersuit, titanium clattering to the ground and denting the floor. While Six would normally abhor such treatment of her most prized possession, it was either that or die.
The loud sound of crashing metal and hissing air filled the room before quickly being replaced by gradually dampening sounds of hurried shouts and medical work as Six's brief awakening came to an abrupt end and she fell into a dreamless unconsciousness.
Shining Armor sighed before sucking in air through his teeth as he brought a hoof up to soothe his aching forehead. The sudden limpness of the figure before him signaled her return to unconsciousness despite the helmet still covering her face.
Careful to stay out of the way of the specialized medical staff around him, he went to remove the Spartan's helmet that now hung limply over her head. He winced as he instinctively tried to grasp it with his magic, only for the crystals buried deep into his horn to punish him for such action. The unnatural molecules consumed his focused mana and fueled their own growth outwards by several milimeters. A headache slammed into him briefly, making his vision blur before vanishing like it was never there.
He cursed himself under his breath for his stupidity as he used his hooves to remove the Spartan's helmet. Its cracked golden visor reflected his face in a fractal, the crystal suffering no such fate with it remaining perfectly clear.
He turned away and put it with the rest of the armor plates that had been gathered onto a nearby, now slightly bent, metal table. Looking back, he saw the grimacing face of his friend, pain and discomfort clearly burned onto her face even while unconscious. And with the injuries she had, he couldn't blame her.
Her forelegs were in a shape he couldn't even begin to describe without his stomach beginning to lurch. The same crystal that grew out of his own horn had pierced both of her hooves, covering them from the knee down in its corrupted growth. From what magical scans and X-rays could pierce below the shell, the damage was extensive.
As one of the privileged unicorns briefed on the nature of dark magic and its related constructs, the normal way to... destroy them is to soak it in pure, unrefined mana. The exact science behind it, even he did not fully know. What he did is that when both associated energies come into contact with one another, both are destroyed.
But Sombra was insidious. If they attempted to do so on either himself or the Spartan's limbst, both the crystal and the flesh they were rooted into would be destroyed. And if they didn't find a way to remove these crystals soon and they continued to grow at their current pace...
Shining Armor shook his head, ridding himself of such dark thought. Now was not the time to dwell. With Twilight and her friends here, they would surely find a way to defeat the King that had struck the Angel low. Intent on leaving the medical staff to their work, Shining turned away and exited the room. The echoing sound of an irregular heart rate monitor muffled as he left the medical wing of the palace fully.
Cadence looked towards a nearby window with trepidation, her heart thumping in her ears and sweat slick across her forehead, matting her usually pristine coat as her horn burned in arcane energy. She could already feel the strain as she sat in what was to become her throne room.
'Shiney, how do you do it so effortlessly?'
She thought with another glance towards the stained glass window, staring at it as if Sombra himself was about to burst in and send her flying right back to Equestria. And considering the situation they were currently in... that was not an impossibility.
A twitch to her side brought her back to reality as the ferrets, using her enclosed wing as a makeshift bed, kicked out in their sleep. She smiled slightly at the sight.
"They are precious creatures, are they not?"
Cadence stopped, a shiver running down her spine at the soul-chilling voice. Slowly turning her head, every minor combat spell she could think of prepared with what little energy and concentration she could spare. It shouldn't be possible, how was he here?!
Looking up towards where the voice emanated from, she saw the King that was knocking at the gates. He stood in the center of the room, though something was off about his form. He wore his battle armor with his red cape waving in an invisible breeze, but what really caught her eye was the fact she could see through him.
"H-How?" she couldn't keep the stutter out of her throat as her mouth felt as dry as the desert.
"Oh, there is no need to fear, pretender. Not yet anyway. Your shield is doing its job admirably at preventing my physical form from passing its boundaries," he spoke, his voice as smooth as silk, as he began to look around the room with a frown on his face. "Luckily for you, a thousand years is excellent practice for one's mental abilities."
With resurgent determination, Cadence took a page out of Six's book. Making sure to project an aura defiance, she answered the King with a bolt of magic.
It passed through him without any reaction from the king as he continued to nonchalantly inspect her throne room whilst quietly speaking to himself about interior decor. Until he was interrupted by a bolt of magic burning a hole into the crystal he was inspecting.
He did not physically react in any way Cadence could tell, but when he turned and his eyes met hers, she recognized that look. It was one she would never forget, that look that brought a knife to one's throat. The gaze of a predator, moments away from devouring its prey.
Cadence swallowed unconsciously, her throat even drier than before as her heart began to thump out of her chest.
Within the blink of an eye, Sombra was a hair's breadth away from her face. His eyes glowing with purple magic and weeping black as night smoke into the air.
Cadence yelped, and Sombra was back to where he stood before.
"Let me make sure you understand my intention clearly, Pretender." He began to approach slowly and methodically, intoning every word with a step forward. "Were it not for the Spartan lying in your apothecary, there would be nothing to stop me from making the streets of my city run red with the blood of you slavers."
Cadence held her ground even as the image of the king was so close he could feel his noncorporeal breath on her muzzle.
"Y-you are wrong. You are the slaver, Sombra. We have liberated these people from your tyranny!"
"What you call tyranny, I call irony. What glorious lies those sisters have told you. But enough reminiscing about the rewritten past." He leaned in to whisper into her ear, the alicorn's blood running cold as she found herself unable to move away, "I come to you with an ultimatum."
He pulled away and, with the barest turn of his head, cut a line across her cheek using the tip of his jagged horn. Cadence winced before bringing a hoof up to her face. It came away bloody, shocking the alicorn to her core. How...how was this possible?! How could he harm her here?! Were... were they ever even safe to begin with behind this barrier she was struggling to maintain?
"Hopelessness of your situation finally setting in?" the King mocked before returning to his previous demeanor. "This is my offer: I will grant you and all your ponies safe passage back to Equestria. In return, Six and her soldiers will stay as my valued guests here, and I can give you my word as King that neither you, your entourage, or any other equestrian here in the empire will be harmed."
"And what will happen to the crystal ponies? You will just enslave them as you did a thousand years ago!" Cadence shot back, a righteous fire burning in her heart.
"A far more merciful punishment than they ever deserve!" Sombra yelled, his composure momentarily shattered as a fury that eclipsed that of the sun broke through his regal exterior. His eyes billowed out smoke, and his horn glowed with such light it made the princess sick to her stomach from its baleful energies.
For several long moments, the King simply stared at Cadence before he regained his usual demeanor, though it did not reach his eyes this time. "You have twenty-four hours until I reclaim my kingdom. I am many things, but a liar I am not." And with that, the King disappeared, his image losing cohesion before dispersing like smoke in the wind.
Cadence blinked as she once more brought her hoof up to her stinging cheek. It was still bleeding. A rustle from her wing snapped her back to reality as the ferrets twitched once more in their sleep, having somehow remained oblivious to the conversation that had just unfolded.
She sighed as she carefully got up and walked towards the balcony before looking over towards the barrier's edge. And for perhaps the briefest of moments, she could see the small form of the King standing on the closest hill, atop a throne of crystal, staring her straight in the eye.
A knock on the throne room door and the unforgettable voice of Twilight Sparkle and the ruckus of her friends greeted her ears. She allowed a smile to grace her features. If there was anypony who could find a way to defeat Sombra, it would be her and her friends. Of that she had no doubt.
'Right?' |
A Noble’s Shadow | 7- Written by the Victors | "So Twilight, what are we looking for in here anyway? What're a bunch of dusty old books gonna do to kick Sombra's flank?" asked a bored Rainbow Dash as she skimmed through another ancient book before unceremoniously tossing it to the ground behind her.
Twilight caught it in her magic without looking. "Because I am sure that somewhere in here is the answer to how they defeated him a thousand years ago."
"But why can't we just like... y'know, blast him with the elements? That's worked pretty well last couple times we dealt with a big bad from a thousand years ago," she called over her shoulder as she tossed another ancient book about crystal sculpting over her shoulder. This time it was caught in Rarity's magic.
"You saw what Sombra did to my brother, to... Six." The mood suddenly dropped at the memory of what the King had done to the two ponies. Even Pinkie, who had been building a castle out of the books Twilight was finished with visibly slowed from her usual hyperactivity.
While only Twilight had been privileged to get to know the Spartan as something more than what the papers made her out to be, all of them knew of her contribution and role in defeating the changelings. And to see that living symbol of Equestria's defiance brought low by Sombra...
Rainbow Dash turned and continued to search in earnest now before noticing a button hidden behind the book she had just removed. "Hey Twi, I found somethin'." Informed Rainbow as she tentatively raised a hoof and pushed the button.
With a click that made all of the Element's gathered ears perk up the bookshelf retracted, revealing a dusty passageway with a spiral staircase of dark crystal leading down. Twilight stared at it for several seconds in confusion as an image of the palace flashed in her mind's eye.
The library they were located in was on the first floor just above the plaza underneath the palace. If one squinted hard enough it was possible to discern movement below them from the many crystal ponies helping themselves to the supplies her brother had brought. This staircase in front of them shouldn't have been able to physically exist. Applejack was the first to speak up.
"Well, that's... certainly something ya found there, Dash."
"Well? Where does it go?!" questioned Pinkie in her usual squeak as she peered down the winding staircase.
"Hopefully somewhere with far less dreadful decor than that... Do you feel that darling?" Rarity called out to Twilight. "Blech. Dreadful, I tell you," Rarity complained like she had just tasted something rotten.
"I feel it too. Dark magic, this must be one of Sombra's secret chambers."
"And If I were a betting mare, that's where we'll find what we're looking for," finished Rainbow who, upon crossing the threshold, glided to the ground. "Huh," she questioned as she flapped her wings harder yet refused to leave the ground. "Can't fly."
"I can't cast anything either," responded Twilight with a small grunt as she tried and failed to channel her magic. The mana simply ceased to exist the moment it attempted to leave the confines of her horn to light up the surrounding area. While it wasn't dark inside the discovered passage, it certainly wasn't bright. The dark crystal construction eating a majority of the light that attempted to bounce off of it from deeper below.
"Well, we aren't gonna get anything done just sitting here-"
"Let's go exploring!" Shouted Pinkie from behind as she bounced past the gathered mares and hopped down the spiral staircase into the space that shouldn't exist. The others looked at each other sighing and shaking their collective heads before following and crossing the threshold.
"So... girls? Anypony know what exactly I'm looking at?"
"Sweet Celestia..."
A chorus of surprise rang out from the gathered ponies as they reached the end of the impossible staircase. They had entered into a large room of slightly grey translucent crystals, the area beyond their boundaries swirling with purple and crimson flux that made the stomach lurch when put in focus. Two large archways, obscured by what seemed to be solid shadows lay to their left and right but the real focus of their attention is what lies at its center.
A painting of a unicorn...a crystal unicorn. She wore a long flowing light blue mane with matching color eyes. Her fur is a slightly lighter shade of purple than Twilights. She bore an expression of love and compassion, a slight smile on her face that could disarm even a charging minotaur.
Twilight's mind raced as she tried to figure out why such a painting was in the impossible chamber Sombra had made. She and her friends began to spread out and investigate the room.
"Darlings? Any idea who this pony is?" questioned Rarity as she inspected the painting closer. "I do have to say that she is quite striking for somepony a thousand years ago."
"I don't understand. The books in the Canterlot library said that Sombra killed all the crystal unicorns so that nopony could threaten his power. But then why does he have a painting of one here? And why is it the centerpiece of a room behind a secret staircase in a space that shouldn't exist?!"
"Calm down, sugarcube. Take it one step at a time. First, mind explaining to us non-magical types where in Tartarus we are? It's giving me the heebeegeebees," Applejack began with a shudder as she glanced toward a nearby wall and the swirling liquid behind it.
Taking several deep breaths, Twilight centered herself, "Okay... We went down a staircase that shouldn't exist, there was no space for it. It must have actually been a portal, teleporting us somewhere else. We know the area around the empire so we cannot be located above ground, we must be underneath the city... As for why I can't cast any spells or Rainbow can't fly..."
She sat on the cold, swirling floor and began to think, every time she so much as attempted to channel her mana it vanished the moment it left her body, its energies simply ceasing to exist. While her first thoughts were on any standard anti-magic fields and spells, they did not do that. They worked by absorbing any and all magic used within its radius into itself, this was complete annihilation. Could... could the amount of dark crystal surrounding them cause such an effect? Possible, but from her calculations regarding the rate at which the crystals give off their dark magic radiation it would require an astronomically large power sour-
Twilight froze, no... that wouldn't be possible, it couldn't be possible. The energy to even accomplish such a feat and not have it be detected for leagues all around would be impossible. The only way this could even exist would be in a pocket or a separate dimen-
The walls swirled in the corner of her eye much more forcefully and her stomach began to lurch. The air was so utterly saturated with dark energies that it made her feel like a fish out of water. She couldn't breathe, she couldn't speak. All she needed to do was get out. She didn't belong here--none of her kind belonged here. Get out. They had entered the Anthema, the origin of Sombra's power, and the source of all dark magic. A place all unicorns had only heard whispers about in the darkest recesses of their soul. GET OUT!
"Uhhh, y'all alright there, sugarcube?" Asked applejack as Twilight blinked the tears she didn't know she was crying out of her eyes. She was surrounded by her friends, each glowing ever so slightly with the color of their element, though this seemed to be unnoticed by all except her.
Twilight smiled slightly as she resurfaced. "I-I'm fine. We..." need to leave "have to find a way to stop Sombra." Her determination won out, the whispers receding for the time being. They had a mission to accomplish, and if they ran out screaming they would never find a way to defeat Sombra.
"Okey dokey!" began Pinkie. "How?".
"Have one of you tried anything with the archways?"
"The one on the left wouldn't budge. The right one seemed to have some give, though. Felt like a bunch of spider webs on my hoof," Rainbow replied, sticking out her tongue in disgust at the memory. Though she quickly regained her brave posture with a small shake of her head. "Not like it bothered me!"
"Then let's go and see what's on the other side."
After a short, and highly uncomfortable, trip through the archway, the group appeared to find themselves back in Equestria in a space near the tip of the crystal palace. The walls to their left and right were transparent, giving a rather pleasant view of the Empire save for the light blue shield and the unnatural blizzard raging outside of it. Several knee-high bookshelves lay just beneath the windows, each filled to the brim with books that looked to be brand new, but upon further inspection were over a thousand years old.
Against the far wall was a quaint desk with a rather comfy-looking chair. The desk was covered in various knick-knacks and books with multiple colored indentations sticking out from between their pages. A pink feather and multiple pots of various colored inks lay opposite the books. A small picture of the same unicorn from before smiling happily framed on the desk.
If it weren't for the overbearing feeling of wrongness permeating the air like sludge one might be forgiven for thinking themselves back in Equestria and perhaps the office of a local governor or low nobility. Was this the study of the King knocking at the city's door?
"My this is rather... humble," Rarity was the first to vocalize what they were all thinking.
"That same unicorn from before is also here," spoke the, until now, silent Fluttershy as she moved to pick up and inspect the picture frame. Until this point, she had been practically catatonic and opted to hide behind Twilight or Rainbow Dash at any opportunity. The less reality-opposing scenery had put her somewhat at ease.
She turned the frame in her grasp, inspecting it for any writing. Meanwhile Twilight had flipped open the book at the centre of the desk. Her inner librarian was both elated and mortified upon flipping through the book's pages. It was the latest edition of the book 'From Herds to Cities: The History of Equestria.' A version that was not set to be published for at least another month! Questions as to how Sombra got a hold of this early swirled in her mind before they were swiftly overtaken by a more pressing development.
The book's pages were filled with annotations, scribbles, and footnotes by the King himself! Multiple times a page, for almost every page, were what looked to be corrections, each more condescending than the last. With a 'wrong' here and a 'oversimplified' there. His notes spoke of these events as if he was actually there to witness them. Which should be impossible with him being in stasis along with the rest of the Empire, right?
Turning around, Twilight grabbed a book at random from the shelf behind her, flipping it open and gasping as this book was equally filled with the words of the King. Sensing the golden opportunity this was she scanned the bookshelf for anything relating to the Crystal Empire.
Her eyes caught one lying on the bottom shelf. It looked old, its pages having turned yellow from time and its cover having faded to a shadow of its former self.
Her eyes caught the corner of a letter engraved into its surface before her blood turned to ice within her veins as a voice reverberated through the very fabric of this broken reality.
"Ah... visitors."
The King stepped through the darkness obscuring the doorway, his every step forward making them flinch as throughout the room each mare stared at him in awe. It was as if some very part of their soul couldn't help but gape at seeing the umbral stallion in the flesh.
"While I would like for nothing else than to stay and chat, with us currently being considered enemies that would not be very tactically sound on my part, hmm? Wouldn't you agree, Elements of Harmony?" he finished with a rhyme, grinning toward them as if they had met at a dinner party. With the slightest tilt of his head reality around them began to unravel. The sound of tearing paper and rushing wind filled the room as each mare found themselves being pushed through a portal behind them.
Knowing they wouldn't get another chance like this, Twilight grabbed the book and held onto it with all her might as she was dragged through the hole in reality. The mare's ears popped with changing air pressure as they suddenly found themselves back in the Empire's library. All of them were breathing heavily like they had run several miles as the final words of the King reverberated in their minds.
"Tick-tock, ponies. My patience will not last forever."
Twilight clutched the book close to her chest, holding onto it for dear life all her gathered friends caught their breath. Her eyes darted to where the tear in reality had been. All her eyes met with was a disheveled crystal bookcase. They were back in the Empire and back in reality. First came relief at escape, then terror at where they had been before, finally, curiosity took hold of Twilight's mind as her gaze switched between the dark staircase and the book in her grasp.
She held in her hooves the source of information they had been looking for, a text annotated by the dark King himself. Would... would it even be safe to open it? To read its contents without going mad or falling to the King's manipulations? Questions for another time. Right now Cadence, her brother, and all the ponies of the Crystal Empire needed her help. They needed what was contained in this book.
The unicorn placed the book on the ground and opened to the first page as deep within the palace infirmary, an Angel began to dream. |
A Noble’s Shadow | 8- Birds of a Feather | Six didn't know where she was. Her surroundings were that of a blank, white room with a crystalline window she couldn't see out of. Light shone down upon her from the four corners of the ceiling making her cast no shadow upon the padded flooring. She was wearing her undersuit, though its armor plating was gone, and her front legs tingled with pins and needles.
Getting up on all fours from her previous position on the floor the Spartan inspected the room, tripping slightly over her numb hooves with each step. 'How did I get here?' she wondered, trying to recall the events leading up to her awakening in this padded room. Her mind was in a fuzz--like static within her neurons obscuring the recent past.
"Subject Fourteen has awoken, beginning preliminary testing," a female voice boomed, seemingly within her mind. It bounced around inside her skull forcing a hoof to her temple.
With a shimmering haze, the wall in front of her vanished, on the other side lay a chunk of light blue crystal. Her forehead began to tingle the same as her front hooves as she inspected the formation. Something about it just made her feel...wrong. The Spartan couldn't quite put it into words, but being near that formation just made her limbs tingle uncomfortably.
"Destroy the crystal," the voice boomed within her once more.
Six, in her stoicism, ignored the order and instead began to move around the room, putting her hooves against the walls looking for a way out.
"Subject Fourteen, destroy the crystal," the voice ordered more forcefully, drawing another hoof to her temple as Six stared daggers into the room, eyes darting around to identify wherever this voice was watching her from. Still, she refused to follow its orders and continued to look for a way out.
"Okay, well, if playing nice isn't going to work, let's move on to plan B, Subject Fourteen. Dr. Radiant, your assistance please." All went quiet for several seconds, the anxious tingling in her front-end persisting.
*'Destroy the target.'*
The world went black, her entire body turning numb as her consciousness was suddenly shunted out of her mind. She was now floating in a dark void, muted sounds of breaking glass and broken wood permeating the inky blackness as she floated aimlessly, not knowing what was up and what was down. Her lungs felt empty, her breath caught in her throat, drowning and choking on nothing for what felt like an eternity.
Then suddenly, she was back in the room. The crystal she had been ordered to destroy by the voice were gone, and a fine powder now covered her hooves. A small crack down its horn seeped blood.
Six looked back up at the one-way glass, panting heavily as she felt a trickle of blood run down her forehead. Her eyes focused on her reflection as she brought her hoof up to her face. Growing out from her skull was an obsidian jagged horn.
The world began to fall away from the Spartan as a final sentence from the voice serenaded her return to oblivion.
"Very good, Subject Fourteen. Now get some rest. We resume testing in an hour. And next time, don't make me get the good Doctor."
The Shadow King watched the slow rise and fall of the Spartan's chest in interest, his unnatural horn glowing as he worked his magic upon the mare. He cursed himself slightly for allowing the urge to damage the Spartan so severely.
His goal was to incapacitate the mare to make sure she wouldn't interfere with his takeover, and while he did complete this goal it meant what was to come next would take far more effort than he initially expected.
Having watched this sibling in arms from the shadows since she first appeared on his metaphorical radar he couldn't help but feel a connection and an... obligation to help this soldier experience the same freedom he now has. It is what she would have wanted him to do were they here now...
But Six was too stubborn to listen to him, too loyal to her gilded cage because she had experienced nothing else. Sombra bit back a growl as his own memories were brought forward to his mind's eye involuntarily.
Images of the atrocities he had committed in the name of that Wicked Queen and her Empire were thrust into the light before he bit his tongue and forced them back. His gaze once more rested upon the unconscious Spartan, the mare gritting their teeth in their sleep as Sombra's spell revealed the cage... by showing her his.
He would have her see through his eyes, through his memories, and illuminate her with the truth. She would see the error in her ways, and he would show her what true freedom was. That nopony other than herself had the right to wield her power! Even if that meant some temporary discomfort.
The sound of approaching hoofsteps and the turn of the door handle forced Sombra back out of the material plane as he melded himself with the shadows in a wisp of smoke like magic. He watched as the nurse came in to check up on the grimacing mare who was beginning to sweat in her sleep.
A pang of sympathy coursed through Sombra's immaterial veins before he steeled himself once more. His road to freedom had to undergo the same hardships, it would be the only way she would learn.
Reaching out with his soul, he wrapped himself with magic as he returned to his home away from home. When the magic fell away he was back in his study, his own little realm within the Anthema. The unwanted feeling of comfort embraced his being as he felt his magic wish to meld into the Anthema.
He sighed into the empty and unkempt room. First, cleaning. Then he would deal with that. While the spell to briefly rip open the planes was useful the draft it tended to create was always Tartarus to clean up, especially with all his manuscripts lying around as they were.
Well, if there was one upside that made this bout of spring cleaning worth it, it's that the bait had been taken. He had been very careful over the past millennia to conceal his existence, so for those little weapons of harmonic destruction to see just how... active he had been behind the scenes is sure to have them shaking in their hooves. Psychological warfare was his specialty of course.
With a flick of his horn, he began to reorganize his study, putting everything right back where it belonged, taking extra care with his manuscripts and the picture frame on his desk. He frowned when he saw that a corner of the frame had been damaged when it fell to the ground as his guests were expelled.
Opening one of the many drawers of his desk, he searched for a replacement frame as simply repairing the damage through magic would not do in his mind. He soon found what he was looking for and smiled slightly to himself as he got to work.
Working as softly and carefully as he could, he removed the ancient snapshot from its damaged frame. He allowed it to slowly drift into its hoof as if it were a delicate feather while his magic prepared the replacement frame. Without the magical filters he had placed upon each frame, the picture's true age was revealed. With yellowing edges and fading color it felt as if the smallest of breezes could reduce the picture to ash.
The fading psychic imprint of the magical snapshot brought memories of a happier time to the forefront of Sombra's mind. The warmth of her smile, the sound of her laugh, the softness of her lips... How he could just melt into those feelings, it would all seem so simple the-
The photo began to fall as his hoof turned dangerously transparent. Cursing himself for his slip in concentration in his current state, he quickly reformed his hoof and finished his initial task.
With the picture reframed and his study cleaned, it was time for him to deal with his condition. A remnant of his time as Amore's guard dog, but it was something easily fixed. Regardless, he winced at the thought.
Exiting his study, he stepped through the portal and into the main 'hub' of his little realm. He gave a cursory glance towards the spiral staircase that led into the material plane, sealing it off with a flick of his horn. It had served its purpose, there was no need for it to remain.
Focusing his full attention on the large painting that took up the far wall, he steeled himself for what was to come.
"In spe, libertas," he spoke aloud in the ancient crystalline tongue.
The painting began to shimmer, accepting his passphrase as the King approached. He walked through the centre of the image as if it weren't there, its surface rippling like water until he had passed all the way through.
Behind the painting was a simple small room, with a casket made of glass at its far end. The body of a pink unicorn lay within, her face forever stuck in a loving smile, and a dagger of pink crystal piercing her chest. The sound of a gentle beat of magic untouched by the Anthema around them radiates outwards in faint light-blue pulses across the dark crystalline walls.
Sombra almost shied away, but continued forward until he stood by the casket's side. He placed his hoof upon the casket glass above where her heart was meant to be. The faint beat of her crystal heart made the Anthema within him scream.
He did not care however at the pain this proximity was causing him as he leaned down to touch his horn against the glass and prepared to speak his three most hated words in the ancient crystal dialect.
"Servio... Regina... Amore."
Within an instant, a bolt of pale blue light pulsed out from the casket and was absorbed into the King's being. First, there was a bolt of pain as the Anthema's hold within him was burned away.
He fell to the ground panting, struggling to catch his breath with his heart beating out of his body. He brought a hoof to his chest as he worked to calm his breathing. He was fully corporeal once more, for a while at least. Taking deep lungfuls of air he worked to slow his breathing as he moved to stand back up on his four hooves.
The sudden feeling of a pair of hooves hugging him from behind filled him with warmth.
"It's good to see you, Radiant," he spoke in a soft tone as he lifted a hoof to the ghostly hooves around his neck, his flesh passing through them. "I should have come sooner, but then again... I haven't used the Anthema as much until now."
He turned and found the ghostly image of the mare he loved, her form whispy and transparent. Glowing in a pale blue light powered by the beating of her crystal heart. Her face morphed into a smile as she beckoned with her eyes for the King to continue, to speak for time was always short between the two of them.
"I found another, Radiant. Another creature like how I was before you. Her name is 'Six'."
Her visage took on a shocked and sad expression, like she had been stabbed through her heart all over again. Unable to see his tortured beloved so sad, Sombra closed the distance to nuzzle the apparition. His nose tickled from her ghostly vapour but his own heart ached as he felt no resistance as he comforted the mare. It felt as if he were nuzzling a winter breeze.
"Don't you worry about it, my little star. I will help her and with her by my side we will find a way to save you." The ghostly mare looked up with spectral tears glistening in the corner of her eyes as she was already beginning to fade once more. "Once the Empire is back in my hooves, I will stop at nothing to have you by my side again." His lips began to close the distance between hers. She did the same even as her body began to vanish.
But then just as they were about to connect, she was gone. Only the silence of her tomb and the laughing of long dead queens remained with him now as he moved to sit by the coffin's side without a word. He eyed the dagger piercing her chest, the dagger of the accursed Queen that had taken everything from him, its hilt still glowing in her sickening magic that forever kept his beloved between the cusp of life and death. Forever keeping the duo that had toppled kingdoms apart in one final act of spite.
He ripped his gaze away from the weapon before his emotions called forth the Anthema unnecessarily as he focused on Radiant Hope's serene face. He planted a gentle kiss on its glass before gazing into her closed eyes, dreaming about what might have been in the millennia stolen from them both.
But dreams would not bring back Radiant, only his actions would. Only once the denizens of the Empire that had enslaved him and called for his death when he was no longer needed repaid him in turn would he finally allow himself to dream.
The King quickly ran through some calculations in his head as he laid his weary head against the glass. If he incorporated the knowledge he had gained from the ponies over the millennia he could...
Sombra's eyes began to widen as he did the math over and over again in his head before lighting his horn and writing it in the air to make absolutely certain. His calculations didn't lie, if with only the lowest of efficiency averages for incorporating modern equestrian technology into his plan Amore's vault could be cracked in less than a month! And in two, with enough encouragement for his penal workforce, he would be finally reunited with his beloved!
"No...No, don't start planning the wedding yet you old fool," he spoke to himself, slowing his mind and tempering his expectations. "Those arrogant Sisters won't let you just keep the Empire unopposed, and you won't have enough time or the resources to prepare another tesseract spell." His hopes seemed to be withering right before his eyes until he remembered Six.
She could, and had, taken on whole battalions without a scratch. Her reputation is known as far as his was millenia ago, perhaps further. With her by his side the princesses wouldn't dare interfere, and if she didn't comply willin-NO!
He bit his tongue and growled as he once more focused his mind on containing the Anthema's influence. "Either she helps me of her own free will or she doesn't help me at all. If have to use her as a temporary hostage, I will. But I WILL NOT. BECOME. LIKE. THEM!" the King of Shadows and End of Empires shouted out into the void with conviction.
All went silent in his realm for minutes afterward, only the sound of his heavy breathing piercing the shroud. He regained his composure and centred himself once more. A minor outburst nothing more. It seems his extended time apart from Radiant and inside the Anthema had taken its toll on his psyche, its urge remaining unchecked for too long. No matter, it was only temporary, afterall. Once Radiant was revived all would be fixed, and he could finally get that beachfront cabin in Griffonia the two of them had dreamed about millennia ago.
Then he could finally leave this life behind, and start a new one with the one he loves unbound by the legacy of the Empire that had created them.
> 9- 90 Seconds
"You have got to be kidding me!" shouted out the would-be Prince of the Empire as he read through the response sent to him by the sisters back in Equestria. "We just had a war! Surely there must be a division they can reassign. Tartarus I'd take just Horizon Squad if they could give me them!"
"Honey... calm down."
"How can I calm down?! Sombra's ultimatum ends in three hours, Six is barely alive, and Twilight is still nowhere close to finding a way to stop him!"
"Shiney, please- ah!" The alicorn winced and brought a hoof to her tired head. Her minor yelp of pain broke her husband out of his spiralling and he quickly rushed to his exhausted love's side.
Bringing Cadence into an embrace, he could now fully see the state she was in. She was never a prodigy with magic, and her inexperience showed itself now as this high level shield spell sapped at her energy and concentration. She couldn't sleep as her every waking moment was focused on protecting the crystal city from Sombra's unrelenting blizzard.
Deep bags were visible under her eyes that remained in a constant state of half-closed with her eyelids resting just above her iris at all times. She looked like at any moment she would just collapse with her lethargic movements and drooping wings. Not even the copious quantities of caffeine she had ingested over the past twenty-one hours had helped as her fatigue went much deeper than mere sleep deprivation.
Shining Armor wasn't doing much better, with bloodshot eyes and small unconscious twitches his body was the exact opposite than his wife's. Hyperactive and unable to remain still, but it was nothing the stallion hadn't experienced before during his time in the guard.
Beside the couple, the two snow-white ferrets continued to sleep blissfully unaware of the situation around them. They lay in a small basket off to the side of the throne, their bodies an organised knot that, while looking incredibly uncomfortable, allowed them a pleasant nap.
Yet it would not stay that way for long as quite suddenly both mammals woke from their slumber and began to stare into the room.
Their sudden movement did not go unnoticed as both the hyperactive prince and lethargic princess looked to see what was happening.
"My my, did the diarchs really send such a pathetic rabble to face me? I barely touched your barrier and you already look ready to collapse," the King that should not be there mocked before his eyes met that of the tiny creatures. An uncharacteristic smile grew over his features as the ferrets ran, nearly barreling over each other, towards their original caretaker.
With an ease that spoke of this being a normal and expected reaction he held out a smoking hoof as a step for the two mustelids. They accepted it graciously, using it as a rung on a ladder to climb up and onto his back before disappearing from view beneath his crimson cape. "I am glad to see that they came out of the banishment just as energetic as they went in."
"Sombra! What are you doing here?! How did you get in?!" Shining yelled out as he defensively jumped in front of Cadence, his posture low and ready to fight back even if his magic was sealed away.
"Simply inspecting the crystalwork of my palace. No need to worry dear usurper, I am a King that keeps his word. You have nothing to fear from me... for now at least. I paid a visit to your little weapon-on-a-leash before coming here. If only she weren't so blinded by your chains, I wouldn't have needed to hurt her so."
"Six?" Shining asked, to which the glance from the King confirmed. Anger began to well up within the unicorn. "What have you done now?!"
"Oh nothing life-threatening I assure you. I don't intend to hurt my soon to be guests, nor the little trespassers you call the 'Elements of Harmony'. I do not intend to wage war against you or the alicorns in Equestria."
"The Elements... if you hurt Twilight I swea-"
"Hold your tongue!" Sombra spoke with such power it forced the unicorn to silence and made the crystals on his horn grew a few more centimetres. "I have only one wish, and that is to enact my righteous and just punishment on the worms that created me! Even if you are no better than them when it comes to the Spartan you forced me to incapacitate! But enough about that, I have come to get your answer: Fight and die or leave and live?"
Cadence was next to speak up, "B-but, we still have 3 hours!"
"I am a practical stallion, and in 3 hours from now your answer would be the same either way. So why waste time? I have much to do and reorganise in my Kingdom and I would much prefer to get started right away."
Shining steeled his resolve "And let you turn this place into an open air prison once again?" he asked rather mockingly.
The King didn't even bother to register that jab as a response as he returned Shining's glare. This lasted for several agonizing seconds until the King's lips curled upward slightly in a sinister smile
The sun began to darken as the blizzard outside grew to encompass the dome in its entirety, blotting out the sun as Cadence...began to scream. Yet as hard as Shining tried to look away, to speak--to even turn his head towards the screams of his wife his body would not react. His very being locked in place as the crystals that bore into his skull pulsed in tandem with the smoke billowing out of Sombra's eyes.
"This..." the voice was not that of a King, of the regal Sombra, it was that of a cold and calculated killer, "is me playing nice. I may be one stallion, but I have felled kingdoms and empires much larger and stronger than this city. So I ask you again: leave or die?"
The shield outside began to crack and flicker as the blizzard began to pound against its form, pressing against it like a pressure cooker. Cadence's voice began to crack and tear. Shining beat and bucked against the lock on his body but still nothing obeyed his command, all except for his lips.
"I...I choose-"
"Yes?" He growled as the very edges of his body almost seemed to disintegrate into plumes of purple smoke as his grin turned from menacing to victorious. He already knew what his answer would be, just as he had from the moment the Empire returned from stasis.
Six's eyes shot open with a gasp, the Spartan shooting upwards on the bed she had laid upon. Images flashed through hermind, foreign memories and imprints still yet to settle. A mother of all migraines began to pierce her temples not unlike a metal spike being driven into her cranium with all the subtlety that came with.
Through gritted teeth she seethed as she brought both of her hooves to the sides of her head, only to be met with the feeling of cold glass mixed with rough fabric. Pain ripped through her limbs like a tuning fork against her nerves, freezing the Spartan in place with a cold shiver that rippled up and down her spine and feathers.
"Easy there, my crystals may be multipurpose but even they need time to reform your bones," a figure spoke from her side, a voice that sounded familiar but she couldn't quite place until her mind broke through the pain that hazed it and her instincts kicked in.
Without thinking, her body lashed out. A wing extended to pierce Sombra's neck with its bladed tip. Instead she felt her primaries flex and give around his neck. In her haze she had forgotten about releasing the seals on her armor before falling unconscious.
"You know, back in my time that was how pegasi asked for one's hoof in marriage. Sorry Six, but I'm taken." He raised a bare hoof and lowered her wing from his neck in a manner too gentle to be the same stallion that had strung her up by her forelimbs.
Six tried to strike out again with her hooves this time, only to find her limbs unresponsive as the brief rush of adrenaline ran out, sapping her energy and slowing her movements to a crawl.
"W-what are you-?" Six spoke, her voice hoarse and words breathless only to stop mid sentence as she took in her surroundings and her situation. She was in a hospital room, that much was obvious to her, but overlapped with another scene in her mind's eye. It was as if her vision were doubled but the two images were vastly different. One was an almost warm and clinical environment she could easily recognise as a hospital room, but the other was a nigh featureless white sterile room with a single window taking up the opposite wall.
But what was most striking were the state her forelegs were in. Bandages covered what they could of the various smaller wounds but the space between her hooves and knees were encased by dark crystals that seemed to be growing out of her very limbs in fractal patterns. Roots similar to that of a plant were visible like veins just beneath her fur showing just how deep the crystals went.
Six's eyes went wide as her mind was bombarded with chaotic images and scenes from the feeling of being impaled, the sound of shattering glass and glaciers of black crystal bursting from the ground to swallow cities.
Bile began to rise up her throat, too fast and strong for her to fight back, forcing her to roll to the side and expel the contents of her stomach into a hastily placed bucket that still glowed slightly with dark purple energy.
"I told you to take it easy... ah, who am I kidding, I should have expected this. You have my sincerest apologies, Six, I may have overdone it in our encounter. But what a thrilling encounter it was."
Six wasn't listening as she stared at the ceiling, her body dry heaving in aftershocks of the automatic reaction as her body tried to make sense and recover from severe trauma it had suffered.
'Can't feel my limbs, weakness all over, nausea, vomiting, nausea, dizziness, double vision-'
Six began to list off everything she could feel, taking stock of her combat readiness. Needless to say, it was not good.
'Arms are broken and covered in crystals both inside and out, concussion, blood loss. Vision's shot and my mind may be compromised. Probably because of his magic because this situation could not get any worse.'
She sighed audibly, though it came more out like a pained moan as bruised ribs resisted the sensation of expanding lungs and made their discomfort known to the Spartan. But Six did not care for such trivial things such as severe and traumatic chest trauma when something far more pressing was at the forefront of her mind.
"M...my Spartans..."
"Unharmed and confined to their barracks for the time being. Do not worry, you may consider me an enemy but I do not share the same view of you. You are my guest here, I will treat neither you nor those under you any differently than I would a visiting statespony. As for the others, well..."
Unpleasant images began to flash through Six's minds eye once more of piles of bodies impaled by pitch black crystals like an old earth warlord from the distant past. Her reaction did not go unnoticed by Sombra as her wings began to twitch in agitation.
"Oh don't look at me like that. I simply deported them out of my Empire. They did fail to go through the proper channels afterall." He chuckled to himself. "But in all seriousness, I promised them a safe evacuation in return for keeping you as my honoured guest. And no, I see that look in your eye. When I say 'guest' I do in fact mean guest, not hostage."
He took a deep breath as if to calm himself. " I've seen enough upstarts give that word a bad reputation. Honoured guests used to mean something in my time, now it's nothing more than a cliche in badly written novella." Sombra leaned back in his chair, his horn lighting up briefly as he plucked what looked to be a bog-standard cigarette from thin air. He inspected it briefly, giving a small nod, before lighting it and bringing it to his lips. "The Equestrians do have some good ones, I admit, though they are far too full of inaccuracies and take too long to update." He was talking to himself now more than Six as he blew the smoke towards an open window before offering the lit cigarette to the Spartan.
Six merely opted to stare down the stallion in silence, her eyes saying more than words could, not even bothering to acknowledge the offered smoke even as a small part of her would have welcomed the feeling. While not a smoker herself, she had spent enough time around them to get an inkling of what the activity offered.
Sombra accepted her non-verbal answer with an understanding nod of his own as he brought it to his own lips once again. "I wonder if the memoirs of a King would help clear things up... Something to think about once I'm done with this rotten Empire."
Now that things had somewhat calmed down for the Spartan she was able to properly take in the visage of the stallion that had nearly killed her. He wasn't wearing his armor or red flowing cape, he appeared to her like he had during their 'one-on-one' talks though this time the battle-scars his body held were far more pronounced. But what caught her eye were the outliers across his hide. Long straight and almost geometric patterns of lines in his fur dotted with small nubs of black crystal. Six could recognise what these scars were, what they echoed, as she had many of them herself.
They were surgical scars.
A phantom pain began to blossom on her chest, mirroring those on Sombra's as her double vision overlayed a room of pure crystal with black stalagmites hanging from the ceiling. Crystal ponies in surgical garb standing above her, the black crystal hanging from the ceiling boring into her skin, its roots growing into her chest before crawling up her spine and coalescing at her forehead.
The room, the crystals, the voice they all came rushing back vividly interposed with other foreign images and scenes. Voices and ponies spoke to her in an indecipherable language, ordering her about, shouting at her, comforting her. It reminded her of her training but with the omnipresent feeling of icy-cold crystals sprouting out of her forehead and a burning sensation of intense discomfort whenever she disobeyed the voice of her instructors.
But... they were not her instructors and doctors. One figure, one pony constantly reappeared in the images, her presence always accompanied with a cocktail of pain, comfort and obedience. She pulsed with a pink aura that hurt to look at, and was agony to ignore. All she knew was that if she told her to topple an Empire, she would stop at nothing to complete her mission. To fight and kill those who opposed the Crystal family. To eradicate all those who would stand against the Heart and its Shadow!
Because that's what he was, what he was made to do. The first successful subject of the Blighted Realm Anthema Project and he would stop at nothing to...
Six shook her head free of the foreign memories only to find the pale glow of the moon shining through the window when only moments before it was as bright as high noon.
"Oh good, you're back. Must have triggered one of my stronger memories."
Sombra spoke once more, closing the door behind him as he entered from the far side of the room, a large platter of crystalline food sitting upon an equally opulent tray held within his magical aura before him. Six's mouth couldn't help but water as her body realised just how long it had been since she had last eaten.
"What have you done to me?" The Spartan questioned with as much luster she could manage as she slowly and carefully sat up. Her forelegs didn't hurt as much as before but that did not mean they were healed, not after such a short amount of time she reasoned. The crystals that grew around her limbs appeared to have since darkened, the material beginning to almost mimic her natural fur color.
She was in no position to fight, however. The best course of action right now was to recover and observe even if it meant swallowing her pride. Find a weakness, know the routine then strike when the odds are in her favor. Also the food looked really damn good, it felt like she hadn't eaten in weeks.
"Nothing permanent, I assure you. Just a little conversation starter if I may be so coy. Crystal berries?" he offered with an uncharacteristically cheerful smile that looked utterly out of place on his hard face. "A local delicacy and specialty of mine."
The food appeared to be a type of pudding bowl with the look of a stained glass window of purple, pink and red, yet when Sombra placed the tray squarely on her lap the glass jiggled and wobbled betraying its true consistency. The image of a smiling pink mare with a teal blue mane munching happily at a spoonful of the pudding flashed before her eyes wearing a white lab coat with the words 'BRA-S-14' emblazoned before a crystal heart sewn onto her chest pocket. As she tried to focus on the image a headache began to make itself known.
"What. Did. You. Do?"
"I am showing you the cage you so wholeheartedly believe doesn't exist. Words didn't work so memories will have to do. I have said it once before, I am not your enemy, I do not wish to become your enemy, nor do I wish to remain one. We are siblings of war, Six. And I will not cannot sit idly by and let my sister live in the darkness of captivity while I stand in the light of freedom," he spoke with conviction that held the weight of someone who believed with all his heart in what he was saying.
Six showed no outward reaction but grimaced with the telltale sign of another memory in Sombra's eyes. She froze in catatonia once more, just like the last time he triggered one of the stronger seeds. A small part of him cursed himself for cutting what could have been a pleasant conversation short by walking over that tripmine.
'Well, no use crying over crushed berries. At least this one should be shorter. Then again, I didn't think the first one would last 90 days either...' The King thought to himself as he encompassed Six in his magical aura, adjusting both her and her bed in order to position her in a more comfortable position for when she woke up next.
Taking his usual spot by the window he levitated a pair of spoons towards the confection still sitting in her lap.
With ease that spoke of this repeated activity, Sombra began to feed both himself and the Spartan with his latest work of crystal berry art.
Smacking his lips, Sombra hummed as he looked out towards the moon. "Needs more cinnamon," he mused out loud before making sure to spoon an extra large serving for the catatonic Spartan.
He never could get the recipe quite right, though he doubted all the additives he needed for his guest helped much when it came to following Radiant's recipe. Crystallized proteins and enzymes really do a number on the pudding's taste, but compared to the crushed crystalline fabric of the Anthema he needed...
'Meh, 50/50,' he thought as he took another bite. |
Soul Nomad and the Equestrians | pre | "We got to get this thing off of him!" the first voice called out. "Everypony grab a part of it and get ready!"
The voice coordinated the others to other parts of the structure. From what everypony could see from Dusty's point of view, several sets of white hooves grasped under the roof.
"Ready?" the voice called out. "1, 2, 3, LIFT!"
Several grunts and groans of exertion were heard as the structure was gradually lifted off of Dusty and he was removed from under the roof. From his view on the ground, he was looking up into the faces of at least ten Royal Guards. The guard had a variety of emotions on their faces ranging from shock to pity.
"Alright..." one of the guards, apparently the leader of the group, spoke up.
He pointed at several different guards in succession.
"You two, take him to the chariot and return to Canterlot. The rest of you are with me for recon." he ordered.
The leader turned to another guard. Dusty was beginning to lose consciousness once more. He was able to make out one last comment.
"Take a letter. We've got a lot to tell the Princesses..." he said grimly.
Back in the hospital room, the white mist faded away as the ponies continued to look on in absolute horror.
"W-What did... we just s-see...?" Fluttershy whimpered.
"...I-I don't know Fluttershy..." Twilight stuttered out fearfully.
"What was that creature?" Rainbow asked. "That weird thing with the sword?"
Applejack growled, clearly angered at the lack of details.
"That didn't tell us nutin'!" Applejack said angrily. "All we know 'bout it is that it walks on two legs 'nd it's got a sword."
"Patience, Applejack..." Celestia began, her face plastered with a mixture of understanding, and righteous anger. "Whatever that creature is, it's the one who caused this catastrophe, and it will be brought to justice. Nothing gets away with harming my subjects."
The girls had never seen Celestia this angry before, except for their first encounter with Discord in Canterlot Tower.
Luna spoke up as well. "We should send a note out to the guards, so they know what to look for."
"Good idea Luna." Celestia replied and grabbed a blank piece of paper from an open drawer. She levitated a quill and began to write.
To: The 114th Battalion
We have partially discovered the identity of the destroyer of Appleloosa. Be on the look out for a bipedal creature wielding a sword. From what we were able to deduce, the creature is extremely dangerous and seems to able to wield a strange form of dark magic. Aside from the general details, we have no further information to provide about it. If it is encountered, attempt to subdue it. We want it alive for questioning, if reasonable possible. If that fails, you cleared to use lethal force as a last resort.
From,
Princess Celestia
The Princess, satisfied with the note, rolled it up, placed her royal seal on it and engulfed the scroll in blue flames, sending it to the guards.
Celestia looked out the window towards the desert and sighed.
"I just hope that scroll reaches them before that creature does..." she said to the group.
The Mane Six remained silent, but as for Twilight, there was only one thought on her mind:
"What are we dealing with here...?" |
Soul Nomad and the Equestrians | Chapter 3: The Battle in the Desert: The Devourlord Shows His Power! | (Content Warning: Contains blood and violence. Viewer discretion advised.)
*Epic Chapter Opening Music (Read title while song plays)*
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Soul Nomad and the Equestrians
Chapter 3: The Battle in the Desert: The Devourlord Shows His Power!
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"Violence isn't always evil. What's evil is the infatuation with violence." - Jim Morrison
Equestria, Two miles north of what was once Appleloosa
Devourlord Revya: Level increased from Lvl. 2,367 to Lvl. 2,402
Thick plumes of black smoke continued to rise from the destroyed remains of Appleloosa. Along the dusty path away from the town walked a lone figure, the town's destroyer, Devourlord Revya. The souls from the victims of his attack provided the much wanted nourishment to temporary quell his endless hunger. However, he knew it would return, as it always had since he began down his path of darkness. Revya couldn't help but think back to the days on Haephnes, the destruction he wreaked, the lives he slaughtered without a second thought, and of course all those who tried to stop him. He could still hear their annoying voices yelling at him.
"Demon spawn!"
"If you focus on your petty desire for bloodshed, you'll lose sight of what's really important."
"Why can't you stop doing all these horrible things?"
"How's it feel being the most hated person alive?"
"Pretty damn good." Revya responded out loud, echoing the same response he gave to that particular voice the first time.
"You and me, together forever, till the end of time!"
"Well, then I'll just have to snap your neck!"
"Did you hate us? Hate us enough, to want to kill us? Kill me...?"
"You have to stop this senseless destruction."
"Our world might disappear completely! And you along with it!"
That last one really bothered him. Haephnes had said that he would disappear along with the world if he destroyed it, but he went ahead and did it anyways and was perfectly fine. Why? Why was he still here? But then again, it was all in the past.
Revya broke away from his thoughts long enough to let out a sigh. Now he was in an entirely different situation. He was in a world full of nothing but colorful ponies; a real big step down from what he was used to dealing with. Speaking of ponies, he kept sensing the same good sized group of ponies tailing him for the past couple minutes. They actually thought they were hidden from him.
"How long do those morons plan on following me?" he muttered peeking over his shoulder with an annoyed look.
On the sand dunes a little ways from the Devourlord's position was the 114th Battalion, an elite branch of the Equestrian Royal Guard that specialized in stealth, who was used mainly for stopping very delicate situations that Celestia really didn't want the public knowing about. And due to the mob mentality most of the ponies had, she definitely didn't want her subjects to know there was an omnicidal maniac running around that was probably going to destroy them eventually. The problem was that Revya had already sensed them from a mile away.
"Oh crud...." one of the guards looking through a pair of binoculars at Revya muttered.
"What is it?" another guard asked.
"I think he sees us..." the guard said in a loud worried whisper.
"Is he even the right creature?" another guard asked looking over Celestia's note that had just arrived a few minutes earlier.
The guard with the binoculars looked back at the Devourlord and focused on him.
"Let's see, a bipedal creature with a sword. Yeah, I'm pretty sure that's it." he responded back. "How many bipedal creatures with swords do you know of?"
"Well... I would have to say none." the guard with the note responded.
"Exactly."
"Hey!" a voice called out to them.
"Huh?!" the guards said, surprised at hearing the voice.
"I know you're over there, so you might as well come out." the voice called.
"Oh, crud!" the guard with the note responded. "He knows we're here!"
"So much for the element of surprise..." another guard muttered.
"Listen..." the first guard said to the group. "We outnumber him 28 to 1. I think we can take him."
"I hope so..." a guard said to his companions.
The group of 28 guards came out from behind the dune and begin to advance upon the Devourlord. However, one of the guards turned to one of the newer members of the group, a rookie Pegasus guard named Bronze Mace.
"Stay here in case things take a turn for the worse." he ordered. "We need somepony to return to Canterlot to send for reinforcements if the situation gets out of hoof."
Bronze Mace shakily saluted his superior. "Yes, sir." He returned behind the dune and just barely peeked above to watch the action that was sure to follow.
The group of now 27 guards stopped a few yards from the Devourlord. Some of them seemed rather nervous. There was an air of death and despair around this creature. Revya, himself, remained calm and straight faced, even almost bored.
The guards' battalion leader, Lance Greaves, stepped forward toward the Devourlord.
"Greetings creature." he called out to Revya.
"Why are you guys following me?" Revya asked gruffly.
Lance blinked in surprise then regained his professional look. "Straight to the point I see. Very well." he cleared his throat. "We are on the lookout for a bipedal creature with a sword, and you seem to match that description."
"So I do." Revya said calmly. "And may I ask why you're looking for a creature like that?"
"It's believed that a creature by that description destroyed the town of Appleloosa." Lance replied.
"Oh, that stupid little town?" Revya asked casually. "Yeah, it was a pretty boring place. Probably better off like that."
The guards all tensed up at hearing Revya's comment and a few began sweating.
"So..." Lance began. "You're the one who destroyed Appleloosa I presume?"
"So what if I did?" Revya asked back, casually folding his arms across his chest.
A few guards drew their spears at hearing that next comment. Some backed away slightly.
"I'll take that as a confession." Lance said as he cleared his throat again. "In that case, you are under arrest by order of the Princesses of Equestria for mass murder."
Revya cocked an eyebrow at the guards. They really thought they were going to take him in? Even if they outnumbered him, he was stronger than all of them put together. And who were these "Princesses"? He silently hoped they weren't like that crybaby child Queen Diness from the kingdom he took over a while back.
The Devourlord drew the Onyx Blade from its sheathe and took his fighting stance as a twisted, maniacal grin grew on his face. The sword ignited with pitch black flames.
"You guys have no idea who you're picking a fight with..." he said darkly. "I'm going enjoy snuffing you all out."
The rest of the guards drew their spears and a few of them seemed to be a bit unnerved by Revya's sudden change in demeanor. He had gone from calm to bloodthirsty in the matter of a few seconds. Lance Greaves was still unfazed and spoke up again.
"Resisting arrest and threatening the Royal Guard?" he questioned. "Well, the Princess's note said we are allowed to use lethal force if you didn't cooperate. So be it." he finished as he drew his spear.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Victory: All enemies defeated
Defeat: Hero defeated
- Commence Battle -
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Royal Guards: Lvl. 120
Lance Greaves: Lvl. 150
Devourlord Revya: Lvl. 2,402
The guards began to charge towards the Devourlord with clear intent of destroying this creature who threatened their country. However, Revya seemed to vanish and reappeared behind the group, holding the blood stained Onyx Blade. In the group, an explosion of blood erupted as one of the guards toppled to the ground, minus his head.
The guards, originally sickened by this brutality, quickly got focused and broke away from each other and formed a much looser group and surrounded Revya, trying to stay just out of his reach.
One of the guards charged forward and thrust his spear towards Revya. The human swung the sword blocking the spear and dashed forward with his own thrust which hit its mark of the guard's chest. Blood burst forth and the guard slowly slumped to the ground, dead.
Another guard threw his spear at the back of the Devourlord's head. Without even looking, Revya quickly brought the sword over his head and blocked the spear with the sword's blade.
While Revya was blocking, a guard leapt forward determined to drive his spear through the human's twisted heart only to have a hand shoot out and grabbed him by the throat. Seeing this, a Pegasus guard flew into the air and dive-bombed with his spear at Revya to free his comrade. However, the Devourlord swung the guard in his grip towards the dive-bombing Pegasus guard and watched with sadistic glee as the Pegasus guard looked in horror as he impaled his own ally, killing him.
Revya swung the body again, knocking the shocked Pegasus guard away as he let a maniacal chuckle loose.
"...Heh heh heh heh heh..."
The guards looked upon this creature with looks of shock and anger. How could he be taking pleasure in causing pain like this? The guards yelled in anger and four of them charged towards the Devourlord, hate burning in their eyes.
Revya threw the dead body at one of the guards, knocking him to the ground, then focused on the other three. A guard swung his spear at Revya like a baseball bat, only for Revya to catch it and snap it like a twig before following up with a upward stab through the guards jaw, instantly killing him and showering the group with blood, bits of bone and brain.
The several other guards stopped at seeing this and fell to the sandy ground, vomiting at the brutality. The Devourlord took advantage of this moment of weakness to decapitate the other two guards that had charged at him. The others regained their stomachs and one after another charged at Revya, all looking to kill this maniacal creature before he hurt anypony else.
Revya blocked a spear from the left and sliced a guard's front right leg off, sending him to the ground, bleeding heavily. He ducked under another spear and smirked seeing another guard get stabbed by his own ally. Another Pegasus guard leapt at Revya and came directly down at him with his spear. The Devourlord acted quickly and delivered a punch to the guard's ribcage, shattering several ribs and sending him tumbling to the ground as he writhed in extreme pain. Revya took this one step further and stomped on the guard's ribcage and then kicked him away.
The Devourlord unleashed a spinning slash with the Onyx Blade, decapitating five guards at the same time, as he smiled cruelly at the carnage. The guards tried to pay no attention to any other deaths and continued to desperately attack Revya, hoping something would eventually work against the Devourlord.
Unfortunately for the guards, Revya was starting to get bored with this too easy of a challenge. He suddenly vanished from sight, leaving a group of bewildered guards in his place. Suddenly, one of the guards fell to the ground, a massive gash spewing blood appearing on his side. One by one, the guards began to fall and die. One fell missing his front legs and bleeding out. Another lost his head from Revya's sword. Before long the sandy ground was covered in a fresh layer of blood and corpses of the dead and slowly dying.
Revya looked on with sadistic satisfaction at his handiwork before slowly turning to a now very, very unnerved Lance Greaves who looked like he was about to wet himself. He shakily held his spear out in front of him as Revya began to slowly advance towards him, his malevolent and insane smirk still adorning his face. As he walked forward, small blue orbs began to rise from the bodies of the slain guards and surged into the Onyx Blade. Revya immediately felt a new increase in power from the souls as he consumed them.
Devourlord Revya: Level increase from Lvl. 2,402 to Lvl. 2,435
Lance shook his head and did his best to try and banish the fear from himself and made a brave, if not very desperate, charge at the Devourlord.
Revya took a moment to survey this as the guard charged at him. This guard knew full well he couldn't defeat this him on his own, but still was trying anyways. Revya couldn't tell if this guard was incredibly brave, or incredibly stupid. He decided it was the second one. One swing of his sword later and the guard leader was disarmed of his spear and thrown to the ground. Revya stabbed the Onyx Blade through the guard's shoulder to pin him down and stood over him.
"Now then..." Revya began. "...you're gonna tell me a few things about this world."
"Go to Tartarus, creature!" Lance spat back.
Revya didn't know what or where Tartarus was, but assumed this guard probably just told him to piss off. He twisted the sword in the guard's shoulder causing him to cry out in pain.
"I can do this all day." Revya said, casually leaning on the Onyx Blade and increasing the pain in the guard leader's shoulder.
Lance clenched his teeth trying to ignore the pain, but it felt like somepony had just driven a hot iron stake pulled fresh from a furnace right into his shoulder.
From behind the nearby dune, Bronze Mace continued to look on in absolute horror as his commander was being brutally interrogated right in front of him. Just looking at this creature was made his blood run cold. Bronze wanted to run, fly, be anywhere but here, but his fear froze him in place. He continued to watch the scene unfold.
Revya brought his boot up and stomped down on one of Lance's hooves, the sound of bone shattering echoed through the area. Lance screamed in pain, but continued to give the Devourlord a determined glare.
"You can make this stop if just tell me what I want to know." Revya said smiling cruelly at the trapped guard. He kicked the guard in the ribs and heard Lance's ribs cracked.
Finally Lance couldn't take it anymore. The pain became too much for him to handle.
"Okay! You win!" he yelled "What do you want to know...?"
Revya smiled at finally getting somewhere with this guard.
"I want to know who's in charge around here."
Lance hissed in pain and came up with the information.
"Our rulers are Princesses Celestia and Luna."
"Anything special about them?"
"The Princesses are Alicorns, a mixture of a Pegasus and a unicorn. Princess Celestia is responsible for raising and lowering the sun every day and Princess Luna raises and lowers the moon every night. They use their magic to move the sun and moon."
Revya gave the guard a suspicious look. Animals capable of moving celestial bodies? Using magic? Then again, it wasn't the most far fetched thing he had ever heard.
"Really?" Revya asked unbelievingly. "Raising and lowering the sun and moon with magic?"
"Yes...that's all I know..." Lance lied. "They never told me anything else."
Revya sighed and pulled the Onyx Blade from Lance's shoulder.
"I guess that's it then."
Lance sighed in relief at the idea of finally being able to get away from this creature and being free of the intense pain in his shoulder.
Revya then stabbed Lance in the chest, and chuckled darkly at the shocked guard.
"W-Wha...You...why..." Lance stuttered weakly.
"As much as I would love to see you roast to death in the desert," Revya said. "I figure I might as well take your soul as well."
Lance knew he was running out of time, and fast. Suddenly, he remembered his ace in the hole. He gathered up his remaining energy and yelled out.
"BRONZE MACE! GO! GET OUT OF HERE! WARN THE PRINCESSES!"
Revya was confused at why the guard was yelling out but suddenly sensed another soul nearby. A Pegasus guard few out from behind a nearby sand dune and was getting away.
Damn it. Revya thought, mentally kicking himself. I was so focused on these guards I didn't noticed that other guard.
Pulling the Onyx Blade out of Lance again, the Devourlord pointed his weapon at the escaping Pegasus and fired several small bolts of dark energy after him.
Bronze was flying away as fast as his wings could carry him. It pained him deeply to leave a fellow guard behind to die, but he had to get to Canterlot to warn the Princesses of the terrible threat to Equestria. Out of nowhere, several of Revya's bolts of energy struck him. His flight faltered for only a few seconds, but he pushed through the pain and continued on, escaping from certain death.
Revya frowned as the guard escaped from him. He turned hearing Lance chuckle weakly at the Devourlord's situation.
"Now...they'll know all... about you...and they'll stop you..." he coughed out weakly.
Revya's frown quickly deepened as he pointed the Onyx Blade at Lance.
"Don't taunt me you stupid horse!" he snarled, unleashing a blast of dark energy that instantly incinerated Lance. A soul emerged from Lance's burnt corpse and surged into the Onyx Blade, but Revya was too annoyed to acknowledge his slight increase in power.
Devourlord Revya: Level increase from Lvl. 2,445 to Lvl. 2,461
The thought of being outwitted by a mere pony didn't sit well with the Devourlord, but then again it wasn't the first time he had been fooled. Seeing that now all the guards were dead, Revya glanced back in the direction that he seen the Pegasus guard headed in.
"I suppose that's as good of direction to head in as any..." Revya muttered. He sheathed the Onyx Blade and began to head out away from the bloodstained battlefield.
Canterlot Castle, Castle Balcony, 20 minutes later
Having said their good-byes to Doctor Gauze and leaving him to care for Dusty Spur, the Mane Six, Spike, and Princesses sat on the balcony to plan their next move.
Applejack was still in a rotten mood from seeing nothing significant from the memory spell, other than Appleloosa being utterly demolished.
On the other hand, her other friends were still shaken from seeing the level of death and destruction from the memory.
"To cause that much destruction..." Twilight muttered. "Princess, what was that thing...?" She asked, looking to her mentor for an answer.
Celestia sighed in reply. "If I knew, I would have surely told you Twilight. But that, for lack of a better term, 'creature' isn't something I have ever seen in Equestria."
"Perhaps the castle's library has information on this creature." Luna suggested.
"Maybe the Princess is on to something dear." Rarity spoke up.
"Yeah." Rainbow exclaimed. "Maybe it's some new animal that you can take credit for discovering."
Twilight gave Rainbow a flat stare. "Oh yes, that's exactly something I would like to add to my list of accomplishments in life, Rainbow." she said with heavy sarcasm. "Twilight Sparkle discovered a new creature that causes mass destruction in its wake."
Rainbow shrugged in response. "Hey, I was just suggesting."
Pinkie began to twitch again. Not as bad as last time, but it was up there.
"Pinkie senses tingling!" she exclaimed.
"Oh, great." Rainbow moaned. "Where's it gonna land this time?"
"Right here!" Pinkie shouted.
"What?" Celestia questioned. "Here? In Canterlot?"
"It's up there!" Pinkie yelled pointing to the sky.
The rest of the group looked up to see that, indeed there was something approaching Canterlot. It appeared to be white and gold, and it was coming in fast.
"Is that...a Pegasus guard?" Twilight asked, squinting at the object.
The guard flapped his wings furiously to try and slow his descent, but only managed to slow down slightly.
"Oh hay," Applejack muttered. "He's comin' right here!"
"Everypony, move!" Celestia ordered.
The group dove out of the way as the guard crashed into the balcony and tumbled into the room before coming to a stop.
The ponies immediately entered to see that the guard was in bad shape. He had several burns across his body, and his armor was singed in a few places. He looked utterly exhausted, like he just flew a marathon.
The guard recovered and shakily stood up to see the Princesses before him.
"Who are you?" Celestia questioned.
"B-Bronze Mace of the 114th Battalion, Your Highness." he said with a small salute.
Celestia went wide-eyed for a moment. "The 114th Battalion? W-Where is the rest of your group?"
Bronze Mace looked away for a moment as a troubled frown crossed his face before looking back at Celestia.
"We found the creature that you asked us to find..." he replied. "Or should I say...he found us."
"It's male?" Twilight asked.
"Yes." Bronze replied briefly.
"What else did you find out about it?" Celestia asked.
"He has red hair, red and brown clothes, white baggy pants and a pair of boots, along with a large black sword he carries around." Bronze responded.
"And what happened to the others?" Luna asked.
"My commander told me to stay back in case things got bad." Bronze replied, his voice starting to crack. "I hid behind a sand dune while the rest of the group confronted the creature. Things escalated quickly into combat."
"And then what...?" Celestia asked softly.
Bronze shut his eyes tightly as tears began to stream down.
"I-It wasn't even a battle..." he sobbed. "It was...was just a...a one sided slaughter!"
Celestia took a step back in shock. "What...What do you mean?"
"They didn't stand a chance!" Bronze cried out. "That thing just cut them all down!"
The Mane Six gasped in shock at hearing this.
"He just...killed them all...?" Twilight asked with a disturbed look on her face.
"No way..." Rainbow muttered.
"That's horrible..." Fluttershy whimpered.
Bronze could only nod as a sob escaped from his lips.
Celestia stood quietly, taking in this new information. For starters, she knew that every guard underwent a harsh training regiment to make sure they were ready for just about anything that came their way. She also knew that whatever this thing was, for it to have the combat prowess to apparently slaughter an entire battalion of guards was enough evidence that this wasn't some run-of-the-mill creature. This creature was truly dangerous.
"I-I know you girls have taken down threats to Equestria before..." Bronze spoke up. "But...that thing...it's...it's completely insane..."
Twilight gulped at hearing that comment.
"I-Insane...?" she asked.
"You...you can't stop that thing..." Bronze said to the Element Bearers. "He'll rip you apart..."
"Do you know where he is headed?" Celestia asked gently, kneeling down next to Bronze.
"N-no..." Bronze muttered.
"Well, thank you for the information you were able to provide us." Celestia said gratefully. "Do you require assistance getting to the medical ward?"
Bronze wiped his eyes and shook his head.
"I'll be fine Princess, thank you for offering though." he replied with a sad smile.
Bronze turned and trudged out of room as Celestia turned to the others.
Twilight took a step towards her teacher.
"We have to stop that thing, Princess." she said solemnly.
"Yes, we do Twilight." Celestia answered. "But not right now."
"What?" Twilight asked, "Princess, you know we can handle ourselves in a fight."
"That's true, but I also don't feel comfortable sending you six out after this creature yet." Celestia answered.
"But-" Twilight began.
"No buts, Twilight." Celestia replied firmly. "I know it's hard to sit by and wait, but it isn't the best idea to rush after something that we don't know much about."
"I understand Princess..." Twilight answered glumly.
"Thank you, Twilight." Celestia smiled. "You seven should retire to your rooms, Luna and I have a few things to discuss."
The six mares and one dragon headed to the door and exited the room as Luna walked up to her sister's side.
"I see dark times ahead sister..." Luna muttered solemnly.
"I know Luna..." Celestia replied. "I know..." |
Soul Nomad and the Equestrians | Chapter 4: Calm Before the Storm: The Ponies' Lament | *More Epic Chapter Opening Music (Read title while song plays)*
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Soul Nomad and the Equestrians
Chapter 4: Calm Before the Storm: The Ponies' Lament
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"In the present world, this technological, psychotic, politicised, nonsensical world, you have to believe that the good guys are going to win! That evil will be banished somehow!" - Rufus Wainwright
Canterlot Castle, Celestia's Chamber
At top of the central tower of Canterlot Castle was Celestia's personal chamber. It was mainly used as an office of sorts, or a place for her to retreat to when she had a bad day. Today was one of those days. On Celestia's oak wood desk was a simply massive pile of paperwork, mostly funeral arrangements and a number of letters of sympathy to the families of the guards who had been recently killed at Revya's hands. After hearing about the slaughter in the desert, the Princesses had dispatched several small recon teams out into the Equestrian countryside to search for, but not confront, Revya.
The Royal Sisters themselves sat in front of the fireplace in the room. Celestia had taken a break from the paperwork and was sipping a cup of tea. Luna broke the silence.
"Why didn't you allow Twilight to go after that creature?"
Celestia sighed, placed her tea cup on its platter and set it down before staring into the fire.
"It's not that I don't believe that she can't defeat this creature, it's that I don't know if she's ready for the harsh reality of such a brutal opponent."
"But what about the others she has faced?" Luna asked in return.
Celestia paused a moment to ponder Luna's question before replying.
"This isn't a threat that she's used to, Luna." the Solar Princess said. "Nightmare Moon only desired eternal night across Equestria-"
"Which would have killed every living thing on the planet." Luna interrupted.
"Well, yes, but I don't think she thought that far ahead."
"Fair enough."
Celestia continued her list of past threats.
"Discord, as powerful as he is, and the fact that he loves to see others miserable for his own amusement, would never take the life of another for any reason. He's about chaos, not killing."
"But this creature seems to be about both chaos and killing." Luna replied. "He attacked and destroyed Appleloosa for no understandable reason, and then killed that entire group of guards."
"That's exactly why I'm apprehensive to let her go after this thing, Luna."
"You're afraid she will be killed by this creature?"
"Yes..." Celestia confirmed. "I love Twilight like a daughter and it would pain me greatly to see her killed over a bad decision on my part, but I have to accept that the kingdom's safety comes first."
"I see, and about Chrysalis?" Luna asked, getting back to the list.
Celestia grimaced at the thought of the Changeling Queen. The fact that Chrysalis was, at the time, powerful enough to overwhelm her in combat made her uneasy. Even if it was though use of Shining Armor's love, the fact she was defeated by another opponent showed that even the immortal ruler of the sun could be brought to her knees by a stronger force.
"I don't think Chrysalis really wanted to kill anypony." Celestia replied. "She only wanted food for her subjects, and watching after one's subjects is always important."
"I suppose that's true as well..." Luna muttered. "And Sombra?"
"King Sombra, I will admit, was a cruel tyrant who enslaved others and was probably willing to kill to get what he wanted, but you felt that creature's aura, Luna." Celestia replied looking at her sister.
"I know..." Luna said quietly. "An aura full of dread and terror, one that stank of death and despair."
Celestia suddenly frowned and grit her teeth in frustration.
"Why am I so powerless to protect our subjects...?"
"You aren't powerless, Tia." Luna said firmly. "I know you care for our subjects very much and hate to see them in this state."
"I know Luna, it's just that..." Celestia trailed off. "Ever since we lost control of the Elements of Harmony, we've had to send others to protect the country in our steed."
"You're frustrated that we don't have a more active role in protecting Equestria?" Luna asked.
"Yes." Celestia responded. "I knew that the threats against Equestria would become greater and greater, and it just frustrates me so much that all I can do is send my student and her friends out to handle them, and pray they return safely..."
"But we have our own responsibilities sister." Luna replied. "You know that we have to..."
"Yes Luna." Celestia replied to her younger sister. "I have not forgotten the thousand years that I had to burden the responsibilities of both of us. The raising and lowering of the sun and moon were the least of my worries. I don't know how you deal with yours all the time."
"You would get used to it after a while. And you know we can't keep our other responsibilities hidden from Twilight forever. Eventually, she and her friends will find out the truth. But back to the matter at hoof." Luna said. "Do we even know anything useful about this creature?"
"No, we don't." Celestia responded. "Other than the very vague description from Bronze Mace, we don't know anything about this creature. We don't know his name, age, intentions, or generally anything else about him." Celestia said. "But I know one thing Luna."
"What's that Tia?" Luna asked curiously.
"He's getting stronger." Celestia replied grimly. "I can feel it."
Canterlot Castle, The Mane Six's Room
The guest rooms of Canterlot Castle were the equivalent of five star hotel rooms in the human world. Apparently, Canterlot got a lot of important visitors such as dignitaries and rulers of other countries that stayed for meeting with the Princesses. The seven friends were grouped together in a one well sized room with six king-sized beds and a small basket for Spike. Plush carpets covered the floor and a fancy oak cabinet sat in the corner. However, the posh conditions couldn't improve the moods of the Mane Six and Spike. The group was sitting around discussing the potential threat that Revya posed to Equestria.
"Okay," Twilight spoke up from her seated position on her bed. "Just from what we've heard and seen, what do we know about this creature?"
"He's a real meanie pants." Pinkie announced with a frown.
"Mean is an understatement, Pinkie." Applejack said with a scowl. "He's seems purty cold hearted if yah ask me."
"And he's apparently very brutish and isn't pleasant in any way." Rarity called out.
"And you heard what the Princess said." Fluttershy whimpered. "She doesn't want us going after him, thank goodness."
"She said 'not yet' Flutters." Rainbow said as she laid on her back on her bed with her eyes closed and her front hooves behind her head. She sat up with a smug smile on her face. "I don't see what the big deal is. We could probably go in and totally kick his sorry butt with the Elements of Harmony and be done with it."
"Princess Celestia has to have a good reason for us not to confront him yet." Twilight said in response to Rainbow's brag.
"Yeah, well," Rainbow began. "She's never hesitated to send after guys like Discord and Nightmare Moon before."
"Well, this guy ain't Discord, now is he?" Applejack said roughly.
"Whoa, chill out AJ." Rainbow said nervously.
Applejack heard Rainbow's comment and began shaking with rage and turned to Rainbow.
"AH CAN'T 'CHILL OUT' RAINBOW! AT LEAST HALF MAH FAMILY'S DEAD BECAUSE OF THAT THING!!!" Applejack screamed in anger at the Pegasus.
The room fell silent after Applejack's outburst. Rainbow gulped nervously and backed away from the cowpony who panted angrily.
Twilight decided to step in before the situation grew out of control.
"Applejack," she said, picking her words carefully. "We know you're going through a lot right now, and you have every reason to be angry at that creature, but yelling at us isn't going to solve anything."
Applejack looked around the room at her worried friends and exhaled, relaxing her shoulders as the anger drained away from her.
"Ah...ah know Twilight..." Applejack said sadly. "It's just..."
"I know Applejack," Twilight said putting a comforting hoof on her friend's shoulder. "If something like this happened to my parents or brother, I would probably be in the same position as you."
"All of us would Applejack." Fluttershy spoke up. "We all deeply care for our families and can understand the pain you're feeling."
"Ah just..." Applejack began. "Ah just can't understand why he's doin' all of this... What did we do tah him?"
"It does seem strange." Rarity said. "We have this obviously very violent and insane creature that seemed to come out of nowhere."
"He had to have come from somewhere Rarity." Twilight responded while getting up and heading to the door. "Maybe we should follow Princess Luna's suggestion and head to the royal library to see if we could find any information."
"On what?" Rainbow asked folding her hooves over her chest. "If even the Princesses don't know what he is, what makes you think the library will?"
"Well," Twilight said opening the door. "You never know Rainbow, maybe Equestria has faced this kind of threat in the past."
"Yeah, but-" Rainbow began.
"Well, I'm with Twilight." Rarity spoke up as she headed for the door. "It's probably better to search for information rather than sitting here twiddling our hooves."
"I'm in!" Pinkie said jumping up and bouncing to the door.
"Ah suppose it's a good idea..." Applejack said getting up.
"It would be a good distraction." Fluttershy said and glided over to the door.
"But- we- Ugh! Fine." Rainbow said exasperated. "We'll go to the library." She followed Fluttershy's lead and glided to the door.
"That's the spirit Rainbow Dash!" Twilight said smiling. "And maybe they'll having some Daring Do books you haven't read yet."
"Maybe..." Rainbow muttered as the last of them exit though the door.
Canterlot Castle, Hallways
A single guard galloped wildly through the halls of Canterlot Castle, carrying a note in his mouth. Sweat poured down his face as he cut corners and barely dodged servants and other guards. He burst through the door leading to the castle courtyard and then galloped over to the spiral staircase leading to Celestia's personal chamber at the top of the castle.
"Why couldn't I be a damn Pegasus?" he panted to himself as he climbed the stairs. "They've got it so easy with their wings."
Two guards stood in front of the double doors leading to Celestia and Luna. They stood and watched silently as the guard stopped in front of them.
"State your business here." one of the guards said.
"I have important information to give the Princesses." he said panting heavily.
"What kind of information?" the other guard asked. "The Princesses said they did not wished to be disturbed while they spoke of important private matters."
"It's information on the creature that attacked Appleloosa and then killed the 114th." the guard with the note said a bit irately.
"The creature?!" the guards asked at the same time. They exchanged glances and then nodded.
"Very well." said the first guard. "You may enter." He pushed the door open for the guard with the note who hurried in.
Celestia and Luna had been continuing their conversation when the guard stumbled into the room. Luna looked less than pleased.
"We thought we said that we wanted no interruptions." Luna said to the guard.
"I'm very sorry for the interruption your Highnesses but we have word from the recon teams you sent out earlier."
The Princesses' eyes went wide at hearing the search teams had found something.
"What did they find out?" Celestia asked.
"They discovered where the creature is headed next." the guard said solemnly.
"And where might that be?" Luna asked in return.
"He's headed... for Ponyville." |
Soul Nomad and the Equestrians | Chapter 5: The Battle of Ponyville Pt. 1: Devourlord Revya vs. The Mane Six! | *More Epic Chapter Opening Music (Read title while song plays)*
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Soul Nomad and the Equestrians
Chapter 5: Battle of Ponyville Pt. 1: Devourlord Revya vs. The Mane Six!
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"The battleline between good and evil runs through the heart of every man." - Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn
Canterlot Castle, Royal Library
The Canterlot Royal Library was considered to be one of the greatest in Equestria, if not the known world. Containing books from everything to Alicorns to zebras, there was nothing that the library didn't have. Well, almost nothing. The Mane Six and Spike were scouring the library for any information on the current threat to Equestria, and finding less than what they expected. Spike was darting from shelf to shelf, the countless times he had re-shelved Twilight's library had allowed him to quickly scan the countless rows of books, grabbing ones that looked promising and delivering them to Twilight before going back to repeat the process in a different section. Twilight herself had torn through book after book, but she had become frustrated at the lack of information on the current threat.
"Ugh! This is hopeless!" she groaned as she levitated and skimmed through four books at the same before placing them down on the other side of the table. "None of these books say anything about this creature!"
"Yeah, well..." Rainbow Dash said sitting on top of a book shelf. "I don't want to say I told you so, but... I told you so."
"Not helping Rainbow." Twilight said, annoyed at the situation.
"Well maybe if yah got off yer flank and helped look, we might actually find somethin'." Applejack called out to Rainbow.
"But I did look!" Rainbow said defending herself. "It's not like there's a book that says 'The Big Book on Destructive Creatures That Blow Stuff Up.'"
"Well, ah bet ah could find something on the creature before you could."
"Is that a challenge?" Rainbow asked, her competitive spirit ignited.
"Yup, unless yur scared of losing."
"You're on AJ!" Rainbow said leaping from her perch and flying to the nearest shelf to continue her previous search for information.
Twilight sighed and shook her head in disbelief.
"Turn a tedious and boring task into a competition and Rainbow Dash will do anything. I should probably remember that for a later time." she thought to herself.
While the friends were still looking, a guard entered the room and cleared his throat loudly.
"Oh, hello." Twilight said looking towards the guard. "Do you need something?"
"The Princesses have requested your presences in the Throne Room, immediately." the guard said solemnly.
"Oh?" Rarity asked. "What ever for?"
"They didn't say, but apparently it's of the upmost importance you go see them."
"We'll be right there." Twilight replied. She turned around to face the others.
"Okay everypony we-" she stopped short at the sight behind her.
There was what looked like a wall of books about the height of about three ponies tall. She could hear Applejack and Rainbow Dash arguing on the other side.
"Ah got more than you did."
"No way! I got way more than you did!"
"No ya didn't!"
"Yeah I did!"
Twilight, who was aggravated enough at not finding anything useful during this trip to the library, really wasn't in the mood to listen to a "Did Not, Did Too" argument and used her magic to pull the two ponies through the wall of books, causing it to collapse into a pile.
"You two can figure this out later, but right now, Princesses. Throne Room. Now." Twilight said releasing Rainbow and AJ from her telekinesis.
"Fine." they both said at the same time.
The rest of the Mane Six quickly filed out of the room and headed off to the Throne Room for a meeting with the Princesses.
Canterlot Castle, Throne Room
"So, we don't have a choice anymore do we sister?" Luna asked Celestia as the two of them stared at the stain-glass windows depicting the various triumphs of the forces of good over evil.
Celestia sighed and shook her head.
"No, we don't Luna." Celestia said solemnly. "As apprehensive as I am, they're going to have and go defend their hometown. Asking them not to would be cowardly."
The door to the room opened as the Mane Six and Spike entered the room.
"You wanted to see us Princesses?" Twilight asked.
"Yes..." Celestia replied. "We have grave news to share with you."
"What is it Princess?" Applejack asked,
"Thanks to a recon team we sent out earlier, we've discovered the direction the mysterious creature is headed in."
"We've discovered that he's headed towards...Ponyville." Luna finished.
"WHAT?!" the Mane Six yelled out together.
"He's going to tear the town apart!"
"What about Sweet Apple Acres!?"
"My boutique will be ruined!"
"He'll kill all the innocent animals!"
"Now everypony calm down." Celestia said sternly. The room instantly fell silent.
"I know I said before I didn't want you six facing this creature yet, but seeing as the loss of life would be massive, and the town also being your home, I will permit you to pursue this creature..."
"Alright! Let's go kick his sorry flank!" Rainbow Dash yelled.
"However." Celestia continued, silencing Rainbow.
"Since time is of the essence, I shall teleport you all back to Ponyville. I want the six of you to confront the creature, but attempt to not engage in combat with him. You may do battle with him once Luna and myself retrieve the Elements of Harmony and send them to you."
"Understood Princess." Twilight said.
"Alright, I wish you all the best of luck." Celestia said charging up her horn. "You're going to need it."
A flash of light later and the Throne Room was empty save for the two Princesses.
"Do you think they can handle him?" Luna asked.
"I hope so Luna, I hope so..."
Equestria, Outskirts of Ponyville
The dirt path leading to Ponyville was silent, save for the clomping of leather boots. The animals had hidden and watched as the red-haired terror of Equestria strode past, his presence instilling fear and terror in the small creatures.
Revya didn't really like the world he found himself in that much. It was too colorful and full of weaklings. Nothing really seemed enough to threaten him and those he had fought left him feeling unsatisfied. Revya had also discovered his relentless hunger for souls was returning once again. He sniped a few unlucky animals that failed to hide from him with some bolts of dark energy from his hand and consumed their souls but felt only a small increase in his power. It also did help sate his hunger for the time being.
Devourlord Revya: Level increased from Lvl. 2,461 to Lvl. 2,485
"More...I need more..." he muttered and closed his eyes to search for more powerful souls. He felt a large number of souls just a mile or so ahead and some of them were rather strong.
Revya smirked insanely and continued on the path towards the town, where a showdown between human and pony would soon occur.
Ponyville, Golden Oaks Library
A flash of light engulfed the inside of the library, leaving six disorientated mares and a baby dragon in its wake. Turns out long range teleportation tends to do that to those who aren't used to it.
Twilight shook the dizziness from her head and immediately ran to the window to survey Ponyville.
The town seemed peaceful enough. Ponies sat at the outdoor cafe chatting and enjoying their lunch. The marketplace was busy with ponies engaging in hardcore negotiations for food and other goods. Derpy flew from house to house delivering the mail and small fillies and colts were playing a game of tag.
"Okay, it looks like he isn't here yet." Twilight said turning to her friends.
"So we're just suppose to sit around and wait?" Rainbow asked.
"Until the creature shows up, Rainbow." Rarity replied. "Then we're suppose to stall for more time until the Princesses send the Elements to us."
"Oh, so we're suppose to have a nice conversation with him?" Rainbow asked sarcastically. "Maybe ask him not to kill us?"
"That sounds like a good suggestion." Fluttershy said timidly.
"No, the first thing we're going to do is warn the town about the creature and have them hide indoors until we handle the situation." Twilight said to the others. "But the most important thing is that we need to keep everypony calm. We don't need the whole town running around in a hyped craze."
Twilight continued. "Applejack, you go warn your family at Sweet Apple Acres. Pinkie, you go tell the Cakes and warn the area around Sugarcube Corner. Fluttershy, you can go warn the animals around Ponyville. Rainbow Dash, you can keep a lookout for the creature, but remember not to bother him. Rarity and myself will warn the area around the library and the market. Everypony got what we need to do?"
"Sure do." Applejack replied.
"Look for the creature, got it." Rainbow said.
"And not fight him." Twilight reminded.
"Yeah, yeah I know." Rainbow replied.
"I'll go warn the animals right now." Fluttershy said leaving the library.
"I'm on it Twilight!" Pinkie said bouncing out of the room.
"Alright, let's go Rarity." Twilight said to the white unicorn.
"What about me Twilight?" Spike asked.
"You can come with us Spikey." Rarity replied.
"Sounds good to me." Spike replied as the entire group exited the library.
With the group split up, it took very little time at all for the entire town to learn of the impending danger that loomed before them. Before long every door was locked and barred, every window shut and boarded up, the market was closed and every doormat mat removed.
The ponies met outside the library after the town was warned. The only one missing was Rainbow Dash, who was still on lookout.
"So how did everything go girls?" Twilight asked the others.
"Mah family's hidin' in the cellar at the farmhouse and is safe. Ah also grabbed mah lasso" Applejack replied.
"The animals have hid far into the Everfree Forest away from Ponyville, Twilight." Fluttershy said happily.
"The Cakes are hiding in the cellar of Sugarcube Corner and everypony else is hiding inside their homes." Pinkie said smiling.
"And the market is cleared on our side." Rarity finished.
"So all we have now is to wait for Rainbow to tell us if she sees the creature." Twilight replied.
"Ah just hope she listens tah what ya said Twilight..." Applejack said unsure of Rainbow's status.
"TWILIGHT!"
The ponies looked up to see Rainbow hurtling towards them, and barely slowing down enough to make a clean landing.
"Rainbow, what happened?" Twilight asked worriedly.
Rainbow gasped for breath and looked up at her friends.
"He's here."
Ponyville
Revya had finally arrived at the town that he had sensed a mile back. His bloodlust was roused at the thought of another slaughter, but as he walked into the town, Revya noticed that something was wrong. The entire place seemed empty. Walking into the town square, Revya didn't see a soul in site. A tumbleweed randomly rolled past him.
"Where the hell is everyone...?" he muttered looking around.
Not wanting to search, he focused his power and reached out around him. Nothing. Not a single soul. But then he felt it. There were six very strong souls up ahead. They made the guards he killed earlier seemed like insects.
"Well, it's about time..." Revya said walking forward towards the source of the souls.
Ponyville, Outside Golden Oaks Library
"He's here? The creature?" Twilight asked Rainbow.
"Yeah, I saw him walking around the town square. He was probably looking for ponies."
Twilight turned to Spike.
"Spike, I want you to wait in the library. We don't want you getting caught in the crossfire."
"Alright Twilight, just be careful." Spike said as he retreated into the library.
"Ah can't wait tah make that varmit pay fer what he did tah Appleloosa." Applejack said angrily.
"Remember AJ, we're just suppose to stall for time." Twilight reminded Applejack.
"Yeah, ah know but-"
Applejack was interrupted by the clomping of boots ahead of them.
Revya turned a corner and paused at what he saw. It was a group of six ponies standing together facing him, and none of them looked happy to see him. Doing a quick look he saw that the group consisted two unicorns, two pegasi and two ponies with neither horns nor wings. The pegasi were a butter colored one with a pink mane who looked very nervous and the other was a cyan blue one with a rainbow mane who looked pretty angry. The earth ponies were a pink one with a curly darker pink mane and an orange colored pony wearing a cowboy hat with a blonde mane tied in braids who looked PISSED. The other two were a white unicorn with a somewhat stylishly curled purple mane and the last one, whom Revya assumed was the leader of this band of misfits since she stood ahead of them all, was a lavender colored unicorn with a dark purple mane that had a pink streak running through it.
Twilight on the other hoof looked at the creature who apparently had been causing all the havoc and chaos across Equestria. He looked no older than 18, with a head of red hair. Just as Bronze Mace had described earlier, the creature had a sleeveless collared red button-down shirt on and what looked like a leather toga of sort that was trimmed with gold. He also wore a pair of leather gauntlets that went up past his elbows. His pants were white and baggy and stopped just above his ankles and on his feet were leather shoes as well. Twilight also noticed the long black sword at Revya's side, the one he no doubt used to cause all of this tragedy. It gleamed dangerously and seemed to just absorb all the light around it. But the thing that terrified Twilight the most about this creature was just his presence. The aura of death and terror she had felt earlier was magnified ten-fold with Revya actually standing right in front of her.
The two sides stood in silence for a few moments each eyeing each other up before Revya finally spoke up.
"Who are you suppose to be?" he asked.
The ponies looked surprised that this creature had actually asked them a question and didn't just start trying to kill them like he had apparently done with everything else he had come across.
Twilight stepped forward and spoke up first.
"I am Twilight Sparkle, personal student of Princess Celestia." she said, proudly putting a hoof to her chest.
"There's that name again." Revya thought to himself. "Celestia."
"I'm Rainbow Dash, fastest flier in Equestria!" Rainbow announced.
"I'm Pinkie Pie!" Pinkie said bouncing up and down.
"I'm Rarity." the white unicorn said. "And who gave those horribly ugly clothes?"
Revya gave Rarity a blank stare. She was about to fight him and the only thing on her mind was how ugly his clothes were. "Who knew ponies had an idea about fashion?" he thought to himself. "...or clothes in general for that matter..."
Twilight gestured to Fluttershy, who was hiding behind Rarity.
"This is Fluttershy."
The orange pony with the cowboy hat and braided mane stomped forward.
"And ah'm Applejack." she said. "Ya varmit..." she muttered quietly.
"Who are you?" Twilight asked. "If you have a name that is."
"...Revya." the Devourlord replied simply.
"Revya?" Rainbow asked her friends and Revya. "What kind of name is 'Revya'?"
"It's better than Rainbow Dash." Revya taunted.
"Hey! My name is awesome!"
"Enough!" Twilight yelled. "We know your here to attack Ponyville, but this is where your reign of terror ends."
"Oh really? Why's that?" Revya asked with amused curiosity.
"Because we have friendship on our side." Twilight announced proudly.
"...What." Revya asked flatly.
"Our friendship has allowed us to overcome every obstacle we've come across." Rarity called out.
Revya stood dumbfounded for a moment. Of all the things he had seen and heard today, that one really took the cake. These ponies had apparently defeated threats to their kingdom before with nothing more than friendship. No violence, no bloodshed, and apparently, no death. That was where Revya had to draw the line.
"...heh heh heh heh heh..." he chuckled. "Heh he ha ha ha ha ha...!"
The ponies gulped at hearing that laugh. It was the same one that they had heard during the memory spell a few hours earlier.
"he HA HA HA HA HAH he HAH HA HA ha AH HA AH HA HA HAH!"
"Hey!" Rainbow shouted to Revya. "What's so funny?"
Revya finished laughing and chuckled out his reply.
"And I assume you're going to defeat me with this so called 'friendship'?"
"That's right." Twilight replied firmly.
Revya merely shook his head in disbelief. "...That would have to be one of the most stupid things I've ever heard ever in my life, and I've put up with some really stupid crap in my time. Friendship is for weaklings who think they need others." he responded smugly.
"Hey! Our friendship isn't stupid!" Rainbow yelled to Revya.
"Yeah it is." Revya replied. "Heh, friendship, what a joke."
"I'll show you!!!" Rainbow said flying at Revya.
"Rainbow, no!" Twilight yelled vainly.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Victory: All enemies defeated
Defeat: Hero defeated
-Commence Battle-
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Devourlord Revya: Lvl. 2,485
Twilight Sparkle: Lvl. 563
Pinkie Pie: Lvl. 347
Rainbow Dash: Lvl. 412
Applejack: Lvl. 513
Rarity: Lvl. 317
Fluttershy: Lvl. 303
Revya stood calmly with his arms folded over his chest as Rainbow approached. He raised his left arm as Rainbow got closer and once she was just in front of him, he casually swatted Rainbow away. Rainbow went flying to the left as she bounced once against the ground and slammed through the front of a building, causing the front part to collapse.
The rest of the group could only look on in shock seeing Rainbow being easily repelled by Revya.
"RAINBOW DASH!" Twilight yelled and turned to Revya in anger. "I guess this means we have to fight him..."
"This is gonna be fun..." Revya chuckled darkly. "Compared to those guards, you should be easy."
The rubble of the building exploded out as Rainbow flew at Revya again.
"Eat this loser!" Rainbow said swinging her hoof at his face.
Revya left hand shot up and caught the hoof, stopping Rainbow dead in her tracks.
"Too weak." Revya muttered. His right hand curled into a fist and them slammed into Rainbow's stomach, knocking all the air out of her.
Applejack galloped up to Revya and immediately bucked him as hard as she could in his stomach, only for it to do nothing. Applejack got a kick to her stomach in return sending her tumbling back to the others, with Rainbow being flung after her.
Revya drew the Onyx Blade from it's sheathe and took his fighting stance as the ponies watched the sword ignite with black flames.
"Alright..."Twilight said. "Let's all attack him at once."
"Sounds good..." Applejack coughed out, shakily standing up.
Rainbow flew up above the field of battle to look for an opening as the others charged forward.
Pinkie reached behind her and pulled out her Party Cannon and aimed it at Revya. Pulling the string, Pinkie launched cakes, balloons, streamers and various other party supplies flew at Revya who simply slashed through all of them. Revya charged forward and swung his sword and launched a wave of dark energy from the Onyx Blade at Pinkie who just barely managed to leap out of the way. The Party Cannon was destroyed in the process by Revya's attack. The Devourlord suddenly lurched forward and planted a strong kick directly into Pinkie's face, sending her skidding across ground before ending in a crumpled pile.
Rarity and Twilight took a further back position and began fire bolts of magic at Revya. Revya turned and blocked them with the Onyx Blade, occasionally swatting a few away that managed to get past his defense.
Seeing Revya was busy with Rarity and Twilight, Rainbow saw her chance to attack and flew the human once again.
"She really doesn't quit does she?" Revya thought as he glanced in Rainbow's direction. "Well, let's see if I can ground her."
Revya watch the next magic bolt head towards him and using the Onyx Blade, swung his sword and directed the bolt of magic towards Rainbow. The bolt struck Rainbow in the face, causing her to crash to the ground.
As Revya prepared to launch his next attack, Fluttershy suddenly darted in front of him.
"YOU!" she yelled in his face. "YOU LEAVE MY FRIENDS ALONE!" However as Revya looked up at her, her anger suddenly melted away and in its place, fear took hold. Staring into Revya's cold eyes, Fluttershy could see the power that radiated from them. His eyes were like that of a demon. They looked empty and hollow but behind them she could see they burned with sadistic insanity and a bloodlust that could never be satisfied. She was so focused on his eyes, she failed to notice Revya swing the Onyx Blade around and was struck in the jaw with the hilt of the sword, sending her tumbling away.
"This is starting to look bad." Twilight thought worriedly to herself as Fluttershy was knocked away. "It looks like he's not even taking us seriously. He's just taking us apart like we're nothing."
"Ah've had it with you, ya no good varmit!" Applejack yelled charging at the Devourlord. She turned and bucked him again, only to feel her hooves collide with the Onyx Blade. She barely managed to pull away as she felt Revya's counter swing grazed her side, leaving a long shallow cut in its wake.
"Why are you so fired up?" Revya asked swinging the sword at Applejack's head, only to miss as she ducked under the blade.
"Why am ah so fired up?" Applejack asked harshly. "You killed half mah family!!!"
"When did I do that?"
"When ya destroyed Appleloosa!!!" Applejack yelled back.
"Oh..." Revya muttered. "Heh heh heh...well that sucks for you doesn't it?"
AJ grit her teeth angrily and charged at Revya.
"AH'LL KILL YOU!!!"
"You can try." Revya remarked as he charged at Applejack.
Applejack reared back to buck him again, but Revya had caught on to Applejack's tricks. He sidestepped her attack and stabbed forward with his sword towards her side. Before the sword made contact, a pink bolt of magic from Twilight struck Revya in the face, causing him to stumble back.
"Oh, right. I forgot about those two..." Revya thought rubbing his slightly burned cheek.
The two unicorns glared at the Devourlord as he looked back at them. The rest of the group came over and joined Twilight and Rarity.
"...Okay...he's a lot tougher than he looks..." Rainbow told the rest of the group.
"We've got to try and get that sword away from him." Twilight said to the others. "If we do that, we might have a chance to actually hurt him."
"Ah'm on it Twilight." Applejack said grabbing her lasso.
Applejack threw the lasso towards Revya and managed to catch on Revya's right wrist.
"Ha! Ah got ya!" Applejack cheered.
"Actually..." Revya said smirking. "I got you."
He yanked the rope and sent Applejack hurtling towards him. He cocked back his left hand and punched AJ square in the jaw as she approached, sending her crashing back into the library's outside wall.
Revya ripped the rope off his wrist and ran at the group again, looking to finish them off.
Thinking quickly, Twilight decided to take matters into her own hooves and charged at Revya as well, while beginning to charge up her horn with magic.
"I've got to stop him now before he hurts anypony else." she thought to herself as the distance closed between the two combatants.
Revya pulled back the Onyx Blade and thrust the sword forward, aiming for Twilight's head.
Twilight dodged the stab and slid in close to Revya with her horn pointed right at his chest.
"What the-" Revya began to say.
Twilight finished charging up power into her horn and unleashed a massive blast of magic point blank into Revya's chest. A huge explosion erupted from the area as all of Ponyville was shook to it's foundations as the attack continued. As the dust settled Twilight noticed Revya wasn't in front of her anymore. He was laying in a pile of rubble that was once a building.
Twilight collapsed to the ground as the others ran over to her.
"It's...over..." she panted out.
"That was AWESOME!" Rainbow cried out.
"You showed that brute!" Rarity replied.
"It was all 'BOOM!'" Pinkie said leaping in the air.
However, a noise began to echo out from the rubble. It was a sound that they didn't want to hear again. That insane laughter. The Devourlord rose to his feet as he chuckled darkly.
"That tickled." he sneered.
"...You've got to be kidding me..." Rainbow said unbelievingly.
"That's...impossible..." Twilight panted out. "I put everything...I had...into that attack..."
"My turn." Revya said smirking as he raised the Onyx Blade over his head. The sword charged up with a large amount of power and Revya swung the blade at the group, sending a massive wave of black energy surging towards the group.
"Oh." Rainbow said.
"Buck." Applejack finished.
Twilight attempted to summon a force field but couldn't find the strength needed to create one after have used up most of her magic in her last attack.
The wave of energy slammed into the ponies, every one of them yelling in pain as the attack barraged them with Revya's dark power. Twilight could practically feel the sheer levels malevolence and darkness that rippled through the attack.
Eventually the attack stopped and the group fell to the ground, beaten and burned from the brutal attack. The area was a mess with black flames licking the ground and most of the windows were blown out from the pressure of the blast.
"That's it? You're finished? What happened to all that big talk about 'friendship'?" Revya asked mockingly. "How pathetic..."
"This is bad..." Fluttershy whimpered out.
"Twilight..." Applejack asked weakly. "Tell me ya got a plan..."
"I...I don't know..." Twilight panted out. "He's too...strong...it's no wonder the Princesses didn't want us going after him..."
Revya raised his sword once again and pointed at the group again as it blazed with black fire.
"I'm going kill you losers just for wasting my time." he smirked.
Inside Golden Oak's Library
The entire library was a massive mess. Most of the books had been knocked off the shelves, a few pieces of wood had crumbled from the ceiling and the ground was covered in broken glass from Revya's last attack. Spike was cowering fearfully under a table that shielded him from most of the debris.
"I wish I could do more than just sit here like a coward." Spike thought bitterly to himself. "But...Twilight is probably right. I would just get caught in the crossfire...and probably end up dead...or worse..." He gulped at thinking about the possible consequences.
Out of nowhere, another flash of light engulfed the inside of the library and in it's place was a large light blue ornate chest. Spike glanced around nervously and creped out from his hiding spot to approach the chest. Opening it, he saw six golden pieces of jewelry.
"The Elements!" Spike said in awe. "I got to get these to Twilight and the others."
Scoping up all six at the same time, Spike ran to the upstairs' window and looked out upon the sight that laid below.
Back outside with Revya and the Mane Six
The Mane Six could only lay fearfully watching Revya charge up what would probably be the killing blow for them.
"Oh sweet Celestia." Twilight thought fearfully. "He's going to kill us!"
"Time to say night night!" Revya said manically as the sword's flames blazed stronger.
Before Revya could fire his attack, Spike's voice came from above them.
"Twilight!"
The ponies and Revya looked up to see Spike holding the Elements of Harmony in his hands.
"The Princesses just sent the Elements! Here!" Spike said tossing the jewelry down to the ponies.
The ponies seeing the Elements quickly rose and put them on and then faced Revya.
"Okay girls..." Twilight said. "We've probably only have one shot at this, so let's show Revya what our friendship can really do."
"Yeah!" Rainbow cheered.
"We're gonna give ya what fer!" Applejack said angrily.
"Let's do it!" Pinkie cheered.
"Okay..." Fluttershy said quietly.
"Let's hit this brute hard!" Rarity cried out.
Revya lowered his sword at seeing this. He was confused at the sight on these ponies seemingly finding their second wind but quickly got over it.
"So you have some fancy jewelry, big deal." Revya sneered at the ponies. "It's not going to make a bit of difference against me."
"Yer gonna eat them words ya monster!" Applejack said.
"AJ focus." Twilight called out to her.
Elements of Harmony: Lvl. 2,455
The group closed their eyes and began to focus the Elements' power while Revya stood with an expression mixed between amusement and confusion.
"What the hell are they doing?" he thought to himself. "They're just standing there..."
The wind began to pick up as the group began to rise into the air. Twilight's eyes suddenly shot open glowing pure white as the all Elements glowed with power.
"Oh look they're putting on a little light show for me." Revya chuckled at them.
The Mane Six didn't respond as the Elements' power built up more and more before a shockwave of rainbow energy surged out followed by a rainbow surging from the group and soaring high into the air above Ponyville.
"Okay...that's one hell of a light show..." Revya admitted. "But I don't really see what that's-"
Revya was cut off as the rainbow fell over him. It felt like he had just been hit by a load of bricks tied to the front of a speeding train. The Devourlord suddenly felt a enormous surge of pain ripple through his body and his head. His body felt it was on fire and his dark soul raged against the purity of the attack. Revya yelled in pain and felt his knees buckling against the power of the Elements. However, Revya began to focus and began pushing back against the Elements' power with his own. It was an epic struggle as Revya's inner darkness very gradually pushed back the Elements' magic. After what seemed like an eternity, the attack ended and Revya dropped to one knee, panting heavily.
The Mane Six couldn't see what was happening but assumed the attack had worked as Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie, Rainbow and Fluttershy collapsed to the ground and passed out from the strain of using the Elements in such a weakened state. Twilight managed to stay conscious for a moment longer and smiled weakly seeing Revya drop down before losing consciousness.
Revya wasn't in much better shape. His entire body was racked with intense soreness. His head pounded with a splitting headache and he clutched his chest as his black soul burned fiercely in his chest against such a powerful blow. It hurt to move but very gradually he rose to his feet.
"I'll...kill...you...losers..." Revya snarled as he attempted to lift the Onyx Blade up, but found himself lacking the strength to do so. He could barely raise the sword off the ground.
"Ugh..." he muttered. "Whatever...I can just kill them later...maybe after a much needed nap..."
Revya turned away and looked around briefly for a means of escape before spotting the Everfree Forest nearby. He began to trudge towards the forest and, after some difficulty, sheathed the Onyx Blade.
As silence fell over the area, Spike peeked very slightly out the door after Revya had left and looked around at his unconscious friends.
"I'd better get them inside before that maniac decides to come back..." Spike said quietly as he walked over and began moving Twilight inside the library.
10 minutes later in the Everfree Forest
Revya trudged sluggishly through Everfree Forest, using the trees as means to steady himself. His head still pounded with a brutal headache, his chest burned like a bonfire, and all he really wanted to do was hopefully sleep it off.
"Those damn ponies..." he muttered. "I would've killed them if it didn't hurt to move so much. They won't get so lucky next time..."
As he stumbled along, something caught the Devourlord's eye. He saw what looked like an abandoned castle. It was rundown, crumbling and overgrown with vines and weeds but it seemed like his best and only option for means of a place for a safe recovery.
Revya staggered towards the castle as quickly as he could and entered the structure. He looked around the entryway and picked a random door in the first room and found himself in a somewhat impressive bedroom. There was a large bed in the corner and various pieces of wooden furniture laying around on the floor. Old books were scattered on the ground and looked like they hadn't been touched in hundreds of years.
Revya untied the Onyx Blade's sheathe from his outfit and let it fall to the ground with an echoing rattle as he walked up and collapsed on the bed. It only took moments before he finally allowed himself to fall asleep.
But as Revya would soon learn, the Elements of Harmony hadn't let him go unscathed. His dark past would soon begin to come back to haunt him once again... |
Soul Nomad and the Equestrians | Chapter 6: A Surprising Reunion: The Most Hardcore Asskicker Returns! | *Even More Epic Chapter Opening Music (Read title while song plays)*
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Soul Nomad and the Equestrians
Chapter 6: A Surprising Reunion: The Most Hardcore Asskicker Returns!
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Things We've Learned From Soul Nomad and the World Eaters:
Gods of death tend to be really cool.
The Everfree Forest, The Ruins of the Castle of the Two Sisters
A warm breeze blew through the empty halls of the once great Castle of the Two Sisters. Ever since it was abandoned after the battle between Princess Celestia and Nightmare Moon over a thousand years ago, the castle had fallen into a state of ruin. Much of it was overgrown by the Everfree's uncontrolled plant life and many of the passages were blocked off by rubble. Not to say the castle wasn't a great place to hide and recover one's strength like a certain being was currently doing.
The Onyx Blade still laid ominously on the floor where Revya had casually thrown it after his arrival. As for the Devourlord himself, he still laid sleeping on the dusty bed that sat in the corner of the room. It wasn't the cleanest choice nor was it the most comfortable, but it was probably better than sleeping in a tree or on the ground. His chest no longer burned and his pounding headache had mostly gone away.
Revya turned over in his sleep as more voices from the past came to haunt him in his normally empty dreams.
"You just... have no conscious!"
"...I'll kill you... I'LL KILL YOU!!!"
"You're not really the same anymore... are you?"
"You're really living this up, huh? Your eyes... they're not even human anymore."
Revya covered his face with his leather gauntlets and rubbed eyes as they opened slowly. The voices were beginning to seriously get on his nerves. They always seemed to be trying to instill guilt in him for his horrible accomplishments. So what if he killed thousands of innocent lives? So what if he destroyed his home world? So what if he-
"Having trouble sleeping?" came a teasing voice.
-was hearing a very familiar voice.
Revya quickly sat up on the dingy bed and looked around the room at hearing that voice. At first he had believed it was just his imagination or maybe someone else was with him he didn't know of. He was right about the second one.
"...No...it couldn't be..." he muttered quietly.
"Couldn't be what?" said the voice coming from the area around him.
Revya paused as the voice echoed through the room. It took only a minute before he recognized it. It was a voice he thought he would never hear again. The one that he first heard over a year ago on that fateful day when his life changed forever. It was the voice of a dead man.
"G-Gig...?" Revya asked hesitantly.
"Heh heh heh... yup. The one and only, badass extraordinaire!"
"Gig, you're dead." Revya said quietly.
"You can hear my voice, right?"
"Um...yeah...?"
"Then I'm not dead, am I?" Gig replied, a bit annoyed.
"I ate your soul." Revya muttered. "You shouldn't be here...I-I'm probably just hallucinating..."
"Oh yeah, thanks a lot for reminding me about that horrible experience, soulmate." Gig replied with the last word spoken quite sourly. "Turns out for that second part that it ain't that easy to get rid of a soul that's been bound to you."
"Oh really?" Revya asked malevolently. "Well, I got rid of you once and I'll do it again."
"Um... kid? That's not a good idea..."
Revya ignored Gig and began focusing on his soul to purge the unwanted entity from him once more. Not even a few seconds later, a fresh wave of searing pain surged through Revya. A shout of pain exploded from his mouth as he rolled from the dingy bed to the floor, clutching his chest. A moment later, the pain subsided and the Devourlord propped himself up on one arm.
"W-What was that?" He stuttered out.
An exasperated sigh came from Gig. "If you had let me friggin' explain before you tried to get rid of me, I would've told ya that our soul is different."
"What are you going on about now?" Revya spat as he sat up.
"Look kid, I'm gonna break it down for ya here. While you were taking the train to Slumberville for the first time right after we fought Feinne, I did a little poking around in your soul. Turns out, the old hag only did a half soul fusion"
"A half soul fusion? Why would she do that?"
"She probably meant to un-fuse us after you took down the World Eaters. And then she'd stuff me back the sword until the next time I was needed."
"And you wouldn't want that."
"Uh, duh!" Gig stated obviously. "Of course I wouldn't want that! That's why in the beginning, I tried to complete the fusion and kick your soul out so I could take your body for myself."
"You were going to get rid of me?" Revya asked somewhat angrily.
"Kid, I flat out told you in the beginning I was gonna get rid of your soul, but because of the old hag and that Crimson Tear she used, I never got the chance to."
"...And you're telling me all of this just now." Revya said deadpanned. "Why did you keep it to yourself?"
"You were having so much fun blowing stuff up, and I didn't want to ruin your fun, heh heh..."
Revya just silently doubted Gig's last statement and let the matter drop before changing the subject.
"So, how did you come back?"
"...Actually... I was hoping you could answer that." Gig remarked.
"Wait, you don't know how you came back?"
"No, I don't. Do you have any idea?
"Not really..." Revya stated quietly. "So what happened to you?"
"Ya know... I'm not actually too sure myself. After you devoured my soul, everything went pitch black. It kinda freaked me out because it was all quiet and crap for a while. Then I saw it. There were all of these little blue-white glowing orbs everywhere. Thousands of them."
"Souls?" Revya questioned.
"Yeah, and the freaky part is that I could hear them. I could hear their screams of pain and shouts of anger." Gig explained. "All of those souls you've eaten? They're still in there, alive and aware."
Revya pondered this for a moment. It did explain the voices he heard, and maybe with Gig back, he'd only have to deal with one annoying voice in his head again.
Gig continued. "I was stuck there for a while before I felt something pulling on my soul. Then everything went white and I felt myself back in your body. I tried moving around but then I found out I can't control your freaking body anymore when you're out-cold! Something happened and our souls have gotten twisted together by some outside force." Gig commented. "In other word, my soul comprises half of your soul. I've literally become a part of you."
"Wait, what?!" Revya asked.
"Yeah... it's that bad. But don't just take my word, go ahead; look inside of yourself."
Revya listened to Gig and then focused on himself. After a moment of searching, he saw that what Gig had said was true. Instead of two souls bound together, there was only one soul. His and Gig's combined. Revya took a moment to mull it over before speaking again.
"What does this mean?" Revya asked quietly.
"Were you not listening?" Gig asked irately. "We're. Freaking. Fused. Together. As. One. Soul! The fusion is complete and we're stuck like this!"
"I know what you said, but why? Why is this happening?"
"How the hell should I know? You were the one living it up with all my powers." Gig said.
"Well, you don't seem to be really mad since I kinda sorta destroyed you."
"I can't really say I hold it against you." Gig replied. "I mean, yeah, I'm still pretty friggin' pissed about it, but it's what I was planning to do in the beginning of our fusion. Of course, when you turned out to be a cold-blooded murderer with a desire for total genocide, I guess I kinda forgot about it. So... I really shot myself in the foot there because I didn't see how strong you were becoming."
"So once again, another not-so-rare lapse in judgment from you?" Revya asked mockingly.
"Hey!" Gig shouted. "How the hell was I supposed to know how strong you were?" He huffed. "It ain't easy measuring the exact strength of your soul when it's fused to someone elses."
A moment of silence passed between the two before Gig spoke up again.
"I do want to know, though." Gig said. "Why did you eat my soul?"
"Maybe it was because of all the stupid crap you were doing finally pissed me off enough?" Revya replied smartly.
"You got rid of me because you got pissed off at my antics?" Gig asked incredulously. "Name three times I did something stupid."
"Okay..." Revya answered. "How about taking a hostage that we didn't want nor needed?"
"Well, that was an opportunity to maybe get some leverage."
"What about all the times you didn't tell me what you were doing when you had control of my body?"
"I didn't think you'd cared enough to know." Gig replied. "You wantonly used my power even though it put your body in danger of possession by me."
"Fine." Revya remarked. "What about when you stupidly renamed Orviska the 'BFF Empire'?"
"Hey! I thought the name was working fine!"
"Everyone said the name sucked."
"You didn't."
"I let you name it that only because I knew you wouldn't drop it, and if I named it, I'd never hear the end of it."
"Fine, whatever. But... I have to admit though, you made things fun again. You know, going around killing shit and raising hell everywhere you went."
"You mean YOU made things fun again."
"What are ya talking about?"
"If I remember correctly, YOU were possessing MY body for weeks at a time. All I got was a few hours to kill stuff." Revya explained a bit sourly.
"I was picking up where I left off." Gig said defensively. "It's kinda hard to destroy stuff when ya don't have a body anymore to do it. "
"Yeah, yeah...of course you were..."
"By the way...I love what you've done with our castle." the Master of Death replied dryly and was apparently looking around the room. "It really says gloom and doom with a hint of hopelessness. It's a bit cliche, but it works."
"...We're not in Orviska, or even on Haephnes for that matter." Revya responded.
"Wait, we're not on Haephnes?" Gig asked. "What happened to Haephnes?"
"Well, after I took your power, I blew it up, along with Drazil." Revya replied simply. It was just a statement, like one had just swatted a fly without second thought.
"You blew them both up...?" Gig asked, clearly impressed. "Well, damn. Can't do much better than that I guess. Just wish I could have been there to see it."
"Yeah, after I killed everyone, there wasn't any point to keeping the worlds around. That and I didn't really feel like killing every single living being on Drazil individually. It was easier just to destroy it and be done with it."
"So where the hell are we anyways?"
"You wouldn't believe me if I told you."
"Try me."
Twenty minutes of explaining later...
"Ponies."
"Yeah."
"We're in a world...full of nothing...but ponies..."
"Yeah."
"...and they apparently worship friendship like it's a friggin' religion."
"Pretty much."
A moment of silence passed before Gig spoke again.
"...How hard did you hit you hit the ground earlier?"
"I knew you wouldn't believe me."
"Well, the whole thing just seems really freaking weird to me. I mean, we've dealt with some crazy stuff, but ponies and friendship?" Gig said before finishing with a groan. "I haven't even been here for a hour and I already hate this friggin' world."
"Well, that makes two of us." Revya agreed.
"Alright, now that that's taken care of, on to more pressing matters. Do we have any hotpods?"
Revya resisted the urge to face palm himself. Of course with Gig around again, he knew would eventually have to address the issue of hotpods. Revya already knew the answer but really didn't want to tell Gig based solely on the fact that Revya would have to listen to Gig whine and complain about it. Gig had mentioned during the time that they had occupied Orviska, he had ordered that every single solitary hotpod that was within the city be delivered to the castle. Apparently, this happened while Revya was asleep and couldn't berate Gig's obsession with the food that the Master of Death had claimed was the "snack food of the gods."
After a moment to gather himself, Revya spoke one word.
"No."
"What."
"...Yeah, there's no hotpods..."
A moment of silence passed as Gig processed this new information.
"Huh, he seems to be taking this better than I-" Revya thought before being cut off.
"WHAT DO YA MEAN THERE'S NO DAMN HOTPODS?! HOW CAN THERE BE ANY WORLD IN EXISTANCE THAT DOESN'T KNOW THE GLORY OF THE HOTPOD?! I CAN KINDA ACCEPT THE PONIES AND FRIENDSHIP PART, BUT NO FREAKIN' HOTPODS?!?! WHAT KIND OF CRISPY HELL HAVE WE LANDED IN?!?! THIS IS ABSOLUTELY, COMPLETELY, AND TOTALLY BULLSHIT!!!"
Needless to say, Gig wasn't taking it well. At all.
"...You don't have to yell, I'm right here you know." Revya said, clutching his head trying to stop the ringing from Gig's voice.
"THIS HASN'T REALLY PUT ME IN A GOOD MOOD KID!!!" Gig roared in anger.
"I'm pretty sure we kind find some hotpods or even hotpod seeds, maybe." Revya replied calmly, trying to stop the returning headache that he had just rid himself of earlier.
"Okay, so what you meant to say is: you don't know if there's any hotpods." Gig said panting heavily.
"Yeah, let's go with that."
After giving himself a moment to calm down and gather himself, Gig continued his questions.
"I just gotta know... How the hell did you lose to a bunch of colorful horses?" Gig asked.
"I didn't lose, Gig. I was kicking their asses for a while. Then they got lucky and hit me with some kind of weird rainbow attack." Revya replied annoyed. "And they're not horses, they're ponies."
"They hit you with a weird rainbow attack?" Gig asked with a chuckle. "That's pretty girly if you ask me. What else did they do? Sing about love and friendship? Maybe they gave you a necklace of flowers?" he asked in a teasing tone. "Or maybe they-"
Gig was cut off as Revya slammed his fist into a nearby wall causing it to crack and crumble. The wall fell apart and a rush of air kicked a cloud of dust up in the aftermath.
"Shut up." Revya said solemnly.
"Okay, okay! Jeez, take it easy kid."
"Gig...it actually hurt." Revya replied seriously. "It was something actually capable of causing me immense pain."
"Something other than the fact that you were trying to pull your own soul apart earlier to try and get rid of me again?"
"..." Revya remained silent at Gig's point. The reaper continued speaking.
"Huh, well still, that's gotta be some pretty powerful magic to hurt you. I mean, you once took a freakin' lightning bolt to the face and you made it out alright."
"Well, yeah but this was different..." Revya replied, thinking back to the battle. "They had these six pieces of jewelry with them. Five necklaces and a tiara. And they used them to attack me with that rainbow."
"Jewelry? What the hell kind of weapon is jewelry?"
"I'm not sure. They called them the 'Elements'."
"So you got blasted with a rainbow shot from a bunch of jewelry called the 'Elements' wielded by six colorful ponies?" Gig asked.
"That pretty much sums it up." Revya said, finishing his explanation.
"Didn't you try, oh I don't know... moving out of the way?" Gig asked.
"The only reason they managed to hit me with it was because I was foolish enough to let them charge it up..." Revya replied. "...And... I didn't think it would actually be able to hurt me."
"Well there's the problem. You didn't take them seriously enough."
"When have you ever seen me take an opponent seriously before?" Revya asked.
"...Good point."
Revya stretched out his arms and stood up from his spot on the floor before picking up the Onyx Blade and reattaching it to his tunic. He strode over to the window in the room and glanced outside into the forest.
"So...what's next?" Gig asked casually.
Revya already had something in mind: Revenge. It was time to pay another visit to the six ponies he had fought.
"I'm going to find those six ponies and turn their pathetic miserable lives a living hell." Revya said as his tone turned darker and more unhinged with each word. "I'm going to personally kill them in the most brutal way I can think of, and even if they beg for mercy, I'll slaughter all of them. Then I'm going to take that armpit stain of a town and turn it into a smoldering crater. Heh heh heh heh..." he finished as an insane chuckle slipped from his lips.
"Whoa, kid." Gig muttered.
Gig knew that Revya was never really sane since their fusion. On Haephnes, he was the most mentally unstable of their band of misfits and the most violent and sadistic as well. The fact that in mere minutes after their fusion, Revya had slaughtered everyone he knew in his village, including his former best friend, as well as later consume the Master of Death himself, made Gig slightly nervous. When he had his own body long ago, Gig had killed and destroyed thousands of lives as well without a second thought, but Revya seemed to be on a whole other level. He was willing to go to any length to cause others misery and once Revya set his mind on something, well, good luck on trying to deter him from it. The Devourlord had proven that he was worse than anything Gig was at one time. It's was the reason why, that deep down, Revya was the only one who Gig was actually afraid of. Of course, Gig would never admit it.
"...So... we're gonna blow some shit up? Maybe make a couple heads roll while we're at it?" Gig asked, to confirm their plan of action.
"Hell yeah."
Gig rejoined the party!
Gig's bio was added to the Character Sheet. Go check it out after you get done reading!
As Revya turned to leave and began walking towards the door, he passed in front of a mirror that he hadn't noticed before that had been leaning up against the wall. He couldn't remember the last time he had seen his reflection and paused when he saw it. While he seemed to be relatively normal, something caught his eye and he leaned in for a closer look. To Revya's mild surprise, a few streaks of gray were running through his normally crimson colored hair. He reached up slowly and brushed his hand through his hair a few times thinking it was dust, but the streaks remained.
"Huh... weird..." Revya muttered under his breath.
"Hey!" Gig called out, breaking Revya concentration. "When your done admiring yourself, can we get a move on? I want some freakin' action already!"
"Yeah...let's get going." Revya said as he turned away from the mirror after giving one last look.
Revya walked away and reached the front door of the castle and opened it up, revealing the Everfree Forest. The sky was still blue with the slightest indications of the approaching dusk. As Revya exited the castle, the area fell silent, as if the very forest itself was in fear of the Devourlord's presence. Revya began to walk away from the castle along the same dirt path that led him there as Gig spoke up.
"This world doesn't exactly strike me as being colorful. More like...dark and depressing."
"We're in a dark forest, what do you expect?"
"Fair enough."
Another moment of silence pasted before Gig spoke up again.
"So, you do know where you're going, right?"
"Not really, but if worse comes to worse, I can just level the whole place to clear a path."
"So why not just get it over with?"
"Because I'm going to take a more quiet approach this time."
"But that's boring!" Gig groaned. "You're suppose to charge in and start blatantly chopping heads off!"
"I think the townsfolk were all hiding the first time I got there. That, or they somehow evacuated the entire town in the matter of a few minutes."
"So why didn't you just blow the whole town up and be done with it?"
"It's no fun if I don't get at to at least see my victims suffer and squirm in fear of me." Revya replied casually.
"But you destroyed Drazil because you didn't want to deal with it."
"Well...yeah...but that was an entire world and this is just a small town."
"But... that doesn't make sense!"
"Destruction isn't suppose to make sense. It's only fun when it's senseless. You should that better than anyone Gig." Revya smirked.
"Oh come on!"
The Devourlord and Gig continued to talk/argue as they made their way along the path. The once fierce predators of the forest could only watch from the relative safety of the bushes as the he strode past. Revya could sense their presences but made no attempt to attack them. They simply weren't worth his time. He had bigger and more important targets to think about, like six mares that he just couldn't wait to take his revenge upon... |
You Can Go With This | pre | "I think so."
"Can just go back to how nice things were at the start or something like that?"
"If you want. Or something like it."
Jack stared at his lap, idly winding the other chains around his arm before pulling that free of the wall as well.
"I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought about that. And that's not just me fucking with you, I have thought about it," he said before looking up, his smile lopsided. "Or I could just, you know, escape."
"Not while I'm here, Jack," Twilight said, firmly.
Though, the instant the words had left her mouth she knew she could - should - have picked better ones. The way his face lit up told her that much.
"That so?" He said again.
"Jack, no-"
But far too late. Teeth bared Jack lunged, flopping forward onto his front and launching himself at the bars. Twilight reacted immediately, horn glowing as she went for the chains still around his arms.
Twilight, bright spark that she was, made sure to grab the chains at the very ends, as far from Jack as possible. Out of range of whatever bizzare magic-destabilising influence he carried with him the magic held firm and the chains were immediately pulled, yanking him backwards and off balance.
He looked honestly surprised.
"Wha- oh, that's actually pretty clever!" He said, beaming once he saw what Twilight had done. Then he kept pulling, bracing against the wall. Twilight skidded perhaps an inch forward.
"Guards!" She shouted and in rushed a good half-dozen unicorns.
"Hold where I'm holding!"
They did as they were told and put their backs into it, too, or at least their horns.
Physically, a pony wasn't a match for Jack. Hell, physically speaking a good dozen or more had barely slowed him down when he hadn't really been trying. And those had been full-grown guards!
Magically though, that was something else.
"Whoa," Jack said as he tipped backwards, again surprised.
Then he rose and - tilting like a man walking into a gale - started pulling again.
Even with the guards helping it was obvious that Twilight was the one doing most of the heavy lifting, as it were, and while Jack was making minute amounts of progress it was nothing to feel especially proud about. That, and none of the ponies looked set to give up.
That, and the look on Twilight's face was morphing into one that Jack did not particularly enjoy seeing. Did not make him happy at all. So Jack decided - his choice, no-one else's - to give up first, giving up on resisting and letting himself be yanked backwards into the wall with a smack, sitting down and letting the chains go slack.
"Fine, whatever," he groused, letting his legs splay out in front of him. Twilight and the guards panted, keeping wary eyes on the human but Jack continued sitting placidly as anything. Slowly, they relaxed.
"Are we going to talk now? Like adults?" Twilight asked, getting her breath back. Jack made a great show of sulking. He even folded his arms and huffed. All for show. Well, mostly for show.
"Yes we can talk like adults," he said, then looking up through his nightmare tangle of hair at the guards. "Though, if we are can you send them out? I won't try anything again, I promise. Honest."
All the guards looked highly skeptical about his but Twilight was convinced enough to usher them out and have them close the door behind them as they went. Once that was done and it was just the two of them again she moved right up beside the bars and plonked herself down. Jack hadn't moved.
All the really, really good ideas for what to say that had been bouncing around inside Twilight's head had apparently bounced right out while her attention had been elsewhere, leaving her with nothing. She glanced up to Jack hoping that maybe he would get the ball rolling, but he looked to be just as cocooned in his own thoughts as she was.
Twilight cracked first.
"I meant what I said the other night," she said, getting Jack to raise his head again. "About being sorry. About not being able to get you back."
"It's fine," he said flatly, trying to smile and managing half a one.
"No, it's not. I promised you. I said I would do it and I couldn't. I let you down."
She was doing her best to keep her voice steady. This was something that weighed on her mind a lot, especially during the quieter times, especially after an exhausting conversation with Jack. She had promised, she had. But it hadn't been enough.
With a grunt Jack lay flat on the stones and stared at the ceiling, hands on his belly.
"You didn't let me down. I'm not disappointed in you or anything like that, Twilight. I know you did the best you could and I am genuinely thankful for that. Whether you believe me when I say that or not is up to you, but I am. I'm just - ah - unhappy with the situation. Or I was. I like to think I've settled on something now that helps keep me ticking over."
"Really?"
"Really. I know this is dumb, what I do. But it's something, isn't it? And it's pretty fun. Better, though, having to run through the trees, punch wildlife, steal food, steal what you ponies for some reason insist on calling 'hard' cider when it's just bloody cider - all of that doesn't give me a lot of time to dwell. I liked being in the castle with you, it was nice. We had some fun times. But it gave me way too much time to dwell. Felt like my brain was trying to eat its way through my skull. Not a lot of fun. So now this happened, and my head is...quieter."
"You could talk to me about it. Or anyone. Talk to Spike. It could help."
That got a chuckle from Jack, though he knew she was at least being semi-serious.
"I should. I know I should. But I won't. I think you know I won't, too."
"Had to try though, didn't I?" She asked, smiling weakly, drawing circles on the stone with her hoof.
He thought about this.
"Yeah," he said. "Yeah, you did."
The pair of them had not felt so miserable and so awkward for quite some time, and both wallowed in the feeling for nearly a whole minute of horrifying silence. Only the dungeon drip punctuated it.
Eventually though Jack spoke up again:
"Hey Twilight, can I ask you something?"
"What?"
"Once you told me that dragons lived somewhere. Somewhere far off? Where was that again?"
"The Dragon Lands? Why?" She asked, suspicion bubbling up.
"Oh. No reason. Not planning on breaking out and going there to punch dragons and get in sick dragon fights. Just curious. Just want to get a lay of the land."
"Jack. Don't. Please don't do that."
"Do what? I said I wasn't planning on doing anything like that."
She would have pressed the issue but by now knew in her bones there really wasn't any point. So instead she went with something else:
"That reminds me. Before I forget, can I ask you something?"
"Shoot."
"You wouldn't happen to know anything about a hydra we had to help Fluttershy unknot from around a tree, would you?"
Jack stared into space for a second or two, his face an impassive mask that twitched only just a little bit at the edges.
"...I don't even know what a hydra is," he said.
Before she could call him out on this a noise from outside caught her attention and her ears twitched.
"You do have another visitor," she said.
Jack - whose hearing was not quite as good - looked up at her.
"...why didn't you lead with that?"
"She wasn't here when I came in, and I wasn't sure she'd be coming at all. But I can hear her outside now."
"Oh, right. Wait, her? Who's her?"
Then his brain caught up and fed him the obvious answer. He sat abruptly, hugging his knees and swivelling in place.
"Eggs? Eggs is here?"
His eagerness got a proper smile from Twilight despite herself and she nodded, trotting back to the door she opened it up and, sure enough, accompanied by yet another guard (Canterlot was infested with the things) was Eggs, looking incredibly nervous.
She was not disguised anymore. The Changelings now resident on the island - which was assiduously not referred to as a camp, if it could be helped - were gently encouraged to look as they naturally did, both to lower suspicion among the other locals and also to help them become more comfortable with the idea of being themselves around others. It was slow work, but seemed to be moving along.
"Hello, uh, Eggs," Twilight said, not entirely sure this was the right name to use. Eggs didn't seem to mind and drew no comment to it, instead shifting her blank, shiny eyes from peering at the guards to peering at Twilight.
"Is he really in there?" Eggs asked.
"He is, and I think he's quite excited to see you," Twilight said. She'd put on her best friendly face, though it didn't seem to improve the Changeling's mood much.
"Don't know why..." Eggs mumbled.
"Well, I think he's fond of you," Twilight said.
Eggs said nothing to this, but allowed herself to be guided into the room. Twilight held back by the doors mainly to keep an eye on things as Eggs shuffled over to the bars, looking up and widening her eyes when she saw the state that Jack was in. It wasn't much worse than how she'd seen him last, but worse enough to catch her unawares.
"Eggs! Fancy seeing you here!" He said, delighted, moving up to the bars. This just caused more things for Eggs' to widen at, given his present state of undress, and even Twilight was left blushing. Jack didn't notice.
"H-hi Jack," Eggs said, averting her eyes. Again, Jack failed to notice this.
"So it wasn't some evil plan! You good? What they doing with you?"
"Lots. We got a place to stay and they're teaching us about, uh, pony manners and customs. And some life skills. And they say they might find us somewhere to live on our own soon and help set us up with that. Or we could be citizens."
Jack raised his eyebrows. He hadn't had any idea what to expect but this was more comprehensive sounding than anything he might have guessed. Not for the first time in his life he was glad he wasn't the one in charge of running a country.
"Wow. Holy shit, Eggs, that all sounds really, well, cool and, uh, grown up."
And it was then that Jack understood that he and Eggs had nothing in common beyond one single shared experience, and likely were just not the sort of people who would likely become friends anyway. Acquaintances at best. Not his fault, not her fault, just one of those things. Ships in the night and all that.
Probably for the best,.
He hid his devastation well.
"Good, good," he said, his body feeling far heavier all of a sudden. "Well I'm glad they're treating you well. Making friends?"
"Oh, yeah! There's more coming in every day!" She said brightly, clearly just trying to spare his feelings.
Sweet, kind Eggs. Good of you to pretend for my sake, Jack thought, but not necessary. I'm a big boy, he thought. I can look after myself. You probably don't even like me anyway, he thought.
"Good, good. I'm glad. That's good. Friends is good. Which are you going to go with?" He asked.
"What?"
"Citizen or going off?"
"Oh, right. I - I don't know yet," she said, pawing at the floor.
Jack could not think of anything else to ask her.
"A-are you okay?" He heard her ask, as though from a distance.
"Hmm? Me? Oh, I'm fine."
"You're locked up again."
"You know me," he said, though he did not elaborate. She didn't, really, but she knew enough for him not to have to elaborate. Looking back at Twilight she leaned in and hissed:
"Are you going to break out again?"
That at least got a tiny smile from Jack. A glimmer of sunshine across the mire, if you like.
"You know me," he repeated. "But you don't have to be here for it this time. I'm sure there are things you could be doing. Thanks for visiting, though. I hope everything works out."
Eggs smiled. This looked very odd, because her face was odd. But it was nice all the same, and very nice of her to put the effort in. Giving him a wave she trotted back out again. Jack caught a flash of her being escorted off before the door was pulled to.
He slumped onto his rear again, arms resting on his knees.
"I don't think she likes me," he said. Twilight groaned.
"I think you're just miserable and thinking the worst of things. Eggs likes you just fine, Jack, otherwise why would she have come here in the first place? She's just got a lot going on right now. Maybe once things are more settled - and you have some clothes on, just a suggestion - you could try again? I'm sure it'd go much better."
Jack, in a mire of despair that had appeared basically out of nowhere, considered this. He nodded.
"You're probably right."
"Are you going to follow my suggestion?"
The mire sucked him deeper. He was aware that this was happening, but could do little to fight off the chill that soaked up through his legs, his belly and then seized his heart. This happened from time to time. It would pass, and he would be right as rain once more.
"Probably not."
She groaned again, louder, rubbing her face with her hooves. This was more like the sort of interactions she was used to. With great effort she rose above it, settling back down onto all fours and folding her wings back more comfortably.
"My offer is still open, Jack. I can stay here another day or two if you want time to make up your mind. I do really think it'd be good for you."
"No, no don't worry Twilight. You can go home. I'll take things from here. I'll be fine."
"Please, Jack, please at least think about it."
"I have. A lot. Before you even asked, in fact. And I am not going to do the sensible thing, and that's on me. So don't worry about it. You did your best. You always have. Unfortunately I was involved, so it was a doomed endeavour from the start. I'll keep myself busy, have no fear of that. I'll be fine."
Twilight stared at him. A hard stare. The kind that seemed as though with just a little more effort it could flay him on the spot to get at the layers beneath. She was appraising him, thinking, trying to work out if there was anything in his words that he wanted to say but hadn't out loud.
This was useless. She'd done it before and it had never worked then. It didn't work now, either, and so she gave up. Head hanging, she sighed.
"If you say so," she said.
"I do," he said, nodding. She nodded too, though she hadn't seen him do it.
Then she straightened up again, putting some princessly steel into her spine.
"My offer remains open for as long as it needs to be. Anytime you want to come back you can. But please don't break anymore windows."
"Noted. I'll do my best."
And with that all that could be said had been said. Jack grinned, the mire receding, and Twilight gave a wan smile before turning and making her exit.
With one last look over her shoulder at him she left, the door closed for a final time and Jack was alone. Again.
He looked down at himself. A naked man sitting in chains in a cell. There was a distinct lack of dignity, but by now he was used to that. He sighed.
"Well, that wasn't the smartest thing you could have done, was it?" He asked himself. As was usual, he had no good answers. He had bad answers, of course. Ones he didn't want to hear. But those were no use to him now.
Grunting, he rubbed his face, chain links tinkling quietly against one another.
There was another drip, somewhere. The ambience really was impeccable.
"Whelp," Jack said, rising to his feet. "I've made my bed. Time to lie in it."
Turning, he marched over to the bars set in the wall, the ones that overlooked the view of the sheer cliff the dungeon was apparently set against. Linking the chains through and around the bars and giving them an experimental tug he set his feet against he wall, leaned back, and started pulling.
At first, nothing, but then little by little the bars started creaking. Then protesting. Then bending. Then the stones started giving way. Jack grinned. He couldn't believe this was actually working, but at the same time he could. Everything here seemed to run on this same kind of easy logic. Things just worked.
And so it was that in an embarrassingly short time he'd ripped the bars free, dislodged the stones and then managed to tear a whacking great hole in the wall with nothing but his bare hands. He'd felt incredibly manly doing all of this, and had only lost one fingernail in the process.
Executing a heavily flawed dive into the raging river below Jack swam to the other side, shambled up onto the opposite bank, shook himself off like a dog and then looked around. He had no idea where he was in relation to anything, he had no provisions. He wasn't even sure what time it was.
Clapping his hands together he rubbed them briskly and then set off at a full sprint.
How hard could a whole land of dragons be to find, anyway? |
Beyond the Herd | pre | Diamond Tiara wasn't the sort to cry, at least not while others were watching. She was too proud for that. Seemed to Apple Bloom that pride had a lot to answer for lately.
Once Diamond Tiara either finished or paused to rally the next round of rage, Apple Bloom said what needed to be said.
It took a while.
At the finish, Diamond Tiara still looked suspicious.
"All those chores?" she said.
"All them chores. Every last one."
"You?"
"Yeah."
"I thought you had Applejack and the others doing that for you?"
"Ah wanted to do it myself, see?"
"Why?"
Apple Bloom had an answer for that. It just didn't want to come up on stage and speak. The poor thing had seen who was in the audience.
Diamond Tiara grabbed a step forwards. "So all that makes it OK to insult me, does it?"
Apple Bloom grimaced. She mumbled, "No. It don't."
She could see Diamond Tiara's face struggle to think where to go from there. Her rage was still looking for an excuse. It had been a lot of weeks.
"Ain't there anything Ah can do to make it up to you?" said Apple Bloom.
Diamond Tiara glared at her, but the fire was running out of fuel. "Well... I guess there's no need, since it's not like I ordered you to come or anything. Technically, you didn't have to come. I guess."
Rage found new wood to burn.
"But if you ever talk to me like you did again, Daddy will hear about it, got it?"
"Ah get it, Ah get it. Ah shouldn't have taken it out on you. That weren't neighbourly of me."
Diamond Tiara inspected her face to check the jewel wasn't fake. Then she held out a business hoof.
"Promise you won't do it again, got it?"
Apple Bloom wondered if Diamond Tiara spent too much time watching her parents. Picking things up. Trying to learn how to be a good Rich pony.
She almost spit on her own hoof, but common sense and a desire not to die told her that would not curry favour with the daughter of a successful business stallion. So she just met dry hoof with dry hoof.
"We're still friends, right?" Apple Bloom couldn't help herself. "Ah don't want you to think Ah don't want to be your friend or anything. This was all on me. Not you."
Diamond Tiara failed to stop anything poking out of her face. Instead, she just lit another bit of anger and waved it about distractingly.
"Of course I knew that! Just don't shout at me again." Eventually, Diamond Tiara's act dropped. Pure worry. "That's how this sort of thing normally goes, right?"
Puzzled, Apple Bloom said, "How what normally goes?"
"You know... making up and forgiving and so on."
"Uh... of course. Ah'd be a bit less angry about it though. Not that you ain't got a right to be angry! Course you do! It's just a little... well, scary."
"Scary?"
"Only a little scary. Not very scary at all, actually. Ah just happen to be one of those rare ponies who scares easily. Ignore me! Ah don't count!" Apple Bloom coughed to block more words, and so badly wished her embarrassment, shame, and mortification would just stop already.
Despite her own tangled idiocy, she wondered how many foals Diamond Tiara considered friends. Friendship wasn't something that came naturally to a rich daughter who'd impressed, intimidated, and insulted her way to the top, only to find it was awfully cold up there. Even her parents didn't approve of her methods, if only because they were so blatant: she'd grow up to take the business, and so far Barnyard Bargains had managed to hide its less appealing social aspects quite carefully.
Did she have to take the business, though? Didn't she get a choice?
Maybe if she was showed one?
Apple Bloom decided. "Hey, why don't you come over and visit me sometime?"
"Me? Visit you?"
"Ah could invite you over for a party after next weekend? Just a small one. Kind of a family matter - just me and Applejack and Granny Smith and Big Mac - but we could always say yes to one more."
Apple Bloom had just made it up on the spot. The Apples usually had a night to themselves on the weekend. Still, she was sure she could explain it to them ahead of time. It'd only be the one, and once she explained to them all about Diamond Tiara...
"After you turned me down, you expect me to just -"
"It's just an offer. Ah won't hold it against you if you say no. How can Ah? And you can tell us what you want ahead of time so we know what kind of things you like. That's fair and square, right?"
Diamond Tiara slipped, very expertly, from general haughty anger to a reluctant peevishness. It was good acting.
"The food had better be good," was all she said.
And going into class, Apple Bloom couldn't help smiling behind Diamond Tiara's back. Such obvious acting. Everyone in Ponyville knew the Apples made the best food.
This was another step on the road of Apple Bloom's life. A sidestep, true. But a step nonetheless.
In mid-air.
On Fluttershy's back, she held on tight. Then after a while, she realized she didn't need to. Riding on a pegasus was no stranger to her, but Rainbow Dash tended to dislodge passengers against the wind. Whereas Fluttershy drifted calm as a cloud.
Plenty of time to take in the forest below. Hear the birdsong - a big mass of tweets and twisting whistles. At first. Apple Bloom listened, and could make out a few unique voices. Put characters to them, as if that thrush's song was Applejack's, and that bossy bunting's was Twilight's, and the refined singalong splutter was Rarity as a nightingale...
Then her ears lost the sounds, and the mass of chorus left her stranded.
"Be patient," Fluttershy whispered. "It'll make sense in time. Not everyone can do this."
"Ah don't think Ah'll be takin' your job any day now, Fluttershy."
"Heehee! That's good to know."
From the forest below, a howl broke out.
Apple Bloom hesitated. It had seemed like a good idea when she'd discussed it over drinks. After all, she vaguely felt she owed it to Fluttershy. Should give back to someone who'd given her so much. Besides, her cutie mark crusading instincts and childlike interest teamed up to make her curious. And Applejack always said it was a good thing to walk a mile in another pony's horseshoes, even though Apple Bloom was actually flying and by this point was definitely more than a mile from the cottage.
Still, she hesitated. As much as she'd wanted to try this stunt back in Fluttershy's cottage, out here it seemed reckless. Wild, as the trees and their vines were. Dangerous, as anything lurking below.
To her surprise, it didn't seem to matter anymore. Fluttershy was here. Fluttershy had been a part of her life for a fair few weeks already, and it was hard to imagine a time when she hadn't been. Apple Bloom had grown bolder. Had wanted to try anything.
Right now? Anything but this.
Fluttershy flew through the canopy and took her time landing on this stretch of shrivelled ground. Leaf litter stirred under her gentle wings. The forest otherwise barely noticed her. It got on with the murky business of looming in knife shadows and dead green.
Another howl, very far away.
Before Apple Bloom prepared herself, Fluttershy howled back, echoing against the trunks in their grove. Distant howls broke out in reply.
A pair of green eyes peered out of the murk.
Apple Bloom clung tightly, sliding very slowly down Fluttershy's side. "Is that him? Is that Brown Fang?"
Fluttershy's ears rose. So did the timberwolf's.
After a staring contest that left Apple Bloom sliding her hooves onto the dirt, Fluttershy said: "That's him."
"Brown Fang?"
"Yes."
Making Apple Bloom jump, Fluttershy howled, less noisily than before. The timberwolf howled back, somehow weak and modest.
"What did he say? What did he say?"
"Not much. He's only been allowed back in this patch recently. His family haven't accepted him back into the den yet."
"But they will with time? Right?"
"Of course," said Fluttershy, her cup always full of faith. "Until then, it always helps to hear from a good friend." She turned to Apple Bloom. "Did you want to try now?"
"You mean before Ah change my mind? Heh."
"All right. Just remember, I'm right here."
The timberwolf's gangrenous glow watched Apple Bloom as she cleared her throat. To make sure, she waved at him. Situation being what it was, she waved nervously, and slowly so as not to startle him.
She tried a howl.
Very self-conscious. Very embarrassed. Very much wondering what the hay Applejack would think if she could see her now. If anyone could see her now. She'd look so darn stupid.
The timberwolf backed off - to her surprise - uncertainly.
She tried again.
After a few more weak attempts, she broke off to catch some air. Fluttershy patted her on the back.
"Very good work, Apple Bloom. That's an amazing start. I bet you will take over my job before the month is done."
Sheepishly, Apple Bloom gave her the job back today. The howling conversation went on for about five or six turns. It seemed an awful lot could be said in one go.
Then that seemed to be it. Panting - less like a sanded down wolf and more like a very ugly dog - Brown Fang barked and turned and rushed off, the crashing of leaves vanishing almost instantly.
Apple Bloom tried not to think about what she'd just done too much, but a bit of pride earned its way back in her chest. One step, an odd step, and not much of a step. It was still her own step.
For Apple Bloom had learned over and over that a pony was just a pony. She could only be herself. Be yourself. And so on and so on. A fair few ponies had taught her that one up-front.
That evening, they had a lovely chat over muffins and talked about how Diamond Tiara and the new mockingbird were getting on, just for a change of pace. She stayed a little longer than usual. At the end of the day, it was Fluttershy who had shown her there was more than one way to be herself. |
Hindsight | pre | This is it. Let it out. Don't hold back. Cheerilee sighed, shuddering as she let out the breath. "Big Mac," she started, though she hesitated. She could still play this off and not go through with it.
I'm going for it. "Big Mac, do you remember anything about what happened while we were under that love potion?"
Big Mac seemed to tense up. "E'nope."
"Are you sure? We never really talked about it afterwards."
"What makes you ask?" asked Big Mac. He let go of Cheerilee's shoulders and shifted away from her.
"It's been weighing on my mind lately," Cheerilee clarified, though she bit her tongue. It wasn't the whole truth, but that would come out in due time. "To be perfectly honest with you, that's why I came out here. There never was a bake sale."
"I could figure that much," Big Mac muttered, making Cheerilee's cheeks burn faintly. "I don't think there's much to talk about there. It's over. Finished. Nothing we can do, so we don't need to waste time worrying about it." He pushed away from Cheerilee a bit and stood up, walking over to his tool box.
This isn't off to a good start. "Big Mac--"
"So, how about this weather, huh?" Big Mac cut in. "I don't particularly like winter, but it's kinda nice to be able to do things besides harvest apples all day."
"Big Mac, would you come back over here and talk to me?" Cheerilee asked.
"What? I'm talking to you right now."
Oh great, avoidance. "Big Macintosh, don't do this to me. I really need to have this talk with you, and I think it would be good for you too."
Big Mac didn't say anything. His ears splayed back and he crossed the barn to the workbench on the far wall. Cheerilee rose to her hooves and followed him across the room. He had taken a seat at the stool there and was tinkering with a part that looked like it belonged to the wagon.
She stood there and watched him for a moment. She could tell that he knew she was standing right next to him, but he was doing his best to pretend not to notice. She rested a hoof on his, and he froze, back stiff as a rail.
"Big Mac, this is hard for me to talk about too. But I really need us to have this conversation right now."
"Cheerilee, I think I see where this is going," said Big Mac, staring straight ahead.
"No, I don't think you do," said Cheerilee. "Look, I know you don't want to talk about it. It's an awkward subject, and to be honest, it was traumatic. But I've been bottling all of these things in for a long time, and I think it would be best for us to talk this out. Get it all out in the open."
Big Mac sighed, relaxing his back. "E'yup." He hopped down from his stool and plopped down on the floor right next to it.
Cheerilee took a seat as well and smiled. Gosh, that floor's cold. She adjusted herself to where she was sitting on her tail, and once she was situated, she was surprised to see that Big Mac was finally making eye contact with her. She froze for a moment, searching for a way to continue the conversation. "Remember how we pranked the Crusaders with dopey talk that evening?"
"E'yup," Big Mac chuckled, smiling at last. "I loved the looks on their faces."
"That was probably the best part of the whole day," said Cheerilee with a laugh. She could feel that the conversation was beginning to stall already. Why do things always get tougher when you try to make them happen?
"Big Mac, have you ever thought about the... implications of what happened that day?"
He didn't answer.
"I have. I've thought a lot about it, and it frightens me to think of what might have happened if the girls hadn't been able to fix their mistake. We nearly entered a marriage together without even being able to think for ourselves. Can you imagine the nightmare that we'd be in if we'd managed to actually get married like that?"
Mac remained silent.
"Imagine if we'd had a--"
"Cheerilee, stop." Big Mac was staring straight into her eyes, like he was trying to analyze the depths of her soul. He looked away, locking his gaze on the far wall.
"You know, I've thought about it too. I've thought about what those fillies might not have told us about what happened. I've thought about what I--" He choked up, tears forming in his eyes. He looked away from her. "What I might have done to you with my head the way it was."
"Oh Mac," Cheerilee said. She grabbed his hoof, holding it tight. The stallion shuddered as he inhaled; he was trying desperately to hold himself together.
"I don't think it happened. Heck, I'm probably just getting worked up for nothing, but I kept thinking about what might have happened." The emphasis on the last word caught Cheerilee's attention, and she couldn't help feeling her cheeks heat up from the implication. He looked to her again, and his eyes were clouded with tears. "I wouldn't never do something like that to you, Cheerilee. I care too much about you to ever hurt you like that."
"It's okay, Big Mac. You didn't do anything wrong," Cheerilee whispered.
"That don't make it okay! I could've easily hurt you, and I can't forgive myself for that."
"Big Mac don't, please. Don't feel bad. There's no way either of us could control what happened. We can just thank Celestia that nothing bad happened. You're talking like we could be parents right now, but nothing happened!" The look on his face told her that she hadn't exactly worded in the best way. She was just going to keep digging a hole if she kept talking, so Cheerilee pulled Big Mac into an embrace, which he was hesitant to return. However, after a few seconds, he hugged her tight. He nuzzled his snout into her shoulder, and for the first time since Cheerilee had known him, he began to sob quietly.
Cheerilee didn't know how long they stayed locked together, but she didn't care. She was lost in the sensation, the softness of his fur overlying the firmness of his toned muscle underneath, the warmth of his body against the cold barn, and even the gentle rocking movements from his sobbing. She closed her eyes, content to be his shoulder to cry on.
"It's okay, Big Mac. It's okay," Cheerilee whispered, gently stroking his mane. His quiet sobs had stopped, but he didn't move from the hug. Perhaps he was enjoying it as much as she was.
Wow, he's been holding a lot in, Cheerilee thought. Come to think of it, it was rather surprising. He'd seemed so ready to forget it, and yet here he was, bottling all of it up and hoping it would go away. It was astonishing that he was able to even look at her, let alone stay good friends after that.
Big Mac sniffed heavily. "You know, I do feel a lot better after that."
"It always feels good to let things out," Cheerilee said quietly, running her hoof over the yoke around his neck.
"Thanks, Cheerilee. I didn't even know I needed to do that."
"I'm happy to help, Big Mac," Cheerilee soothed. Big Mac shifted a bit in her hooves, and she held him tighter in response.
"Uh, Cheerilee, you can let go now."
Cheerilee's eyes shot open, and she immediately let go of Big Mac, clamoring to her hooves and taking a few steps back.
Big Mac looked at her with his mouth twisted in confusion. "What was that?" he asked.
"It was nothing! Well, glad you're feeling better, Mac, but I'd better get going so I'll see you--"
"Wait a minute," Big Mac said, interrupting Cheerilee as she tried to slip away. He rose to his hooves. "Are you sure that potion ain't still messing with your head?"
Oh no, here we go. "Of course not. Don't be ridiculous." Cheerilee mentally cursed herself. She was getting nervous butterflies, and now it was infecting her speech as well. How did the tables turn so fast?
"Cheerilee, you mind telling me what's going on?"
"There's nothing going on. Nothing at all!" Cheerilee started trying to back away, but Big Mac kept edging forward.
"Cheerilee, don't lie to me. What's going on here?"
"I told you, nothing! Everything's fine!"
"You don't seem fin--"
"Okay, fine! I like you!"
The barn went silent, save for the faint whisper of the wind through the old rafters. Cheerilee's heart was beating a mile a minute, and the blush on her face was rapidly matching Big Mac's coat color.
"What?" asked Big Mac. He looked at her with the most incredulous stare she'd seen in a long time. The type of stare that a pony gave when they couldn't figure out whether to feel happy or upset.
"I said I like you! There, you happy?"
"Since when?" he asked, a slight blush of his own coloring his red cheeks a little brighter.
"I don't know, since three days ago." Cheerilee sighed, dropping back onto her haunches. "Three days ago, I overheard Pinkie Pie talking about how you and her sister were getting... involved with each other."
"Who, Marble Pie?" Big Mac asked. He also took a seat on the floor.
"Yes, her. It made me start thinking about Hearts and Hooves Day again," she replied. "I got jealous, and then I started realizing that I really care about you, and... well, here I am."
"Cheerilee, I don't know what to say."
"It's fine. I won't get in the way of your relationship with Marble. Just, please, promise me we can still be friends after this?"
"No, it's not that."
"Then what is it, Big Macintosh?" Cheerilee shouted, causing Mac to reel backwards ever so slightly.
"I-I just..." Big Mac stammered, losing his place. "It's just that, I don't know if I can like you that way."
"What do you mean?"
"Do you know if that potion can keep making ponies crazy after the spell breaks?" Big Mac asked.
Cheerilee deflated a bit, looking down at the ground. It was the same question she'd asked Nook the day before. "I don't know. They didn't say anything about lingering effects."
Big Mac sighed. "If I was to like you back, how'd I know if me loving you wasn't just that potion making me cuckoo again?"
The barn went silent again, both ponies unable to look at each other. Finally, Cheerilee rose to her hooves.
"I'm glad we had this talk," Cheerilee said, all of her enthusiasm drained from her voice. She took a deep breath and turned around. Her hoofsteps echoed through the rafters of the barn as she walked out, her head held low, and her tail dragging on the floor behind herself.
It was going to be a cold, lonely trip back to town. |
Hindsight | Chapter five: From Bitter to Sweet | "Class dismissed!" Cheerilee announced. The students needed no further signal, and they raced to leave in their usual fashion. Cheerilee watched them rush out the door, and she sighed. With the departure of the class, she was left with little to keep her busy for the rest of the evening, little to keep her from dwelling on the previous day.
Cheerilee stood up and grunted as she stretched her back out. Her eyes still felt heavy from all of the crying she had done the night before, and she sighed as she pulled her scarf down from the wall with what little enthusiasm she could muster. She threw her bags over her back and plodded towards the door, not caring enough to do her usual check back over the classroom to make sure things were in order.
She wasn't looking forward to going home. That meant time to think, to feel bad, and the inevitable comfort food that came with it.
The weather team still hadn't gotten rid of the clouds from the day before, and the thick blanket of overcast was keeping the sun from warming anything. It was a dreary, depressing day over Ponyville, and it almost made Cheerilee feel like the weather was mocking her.
She trudged down the slope that led back towards town, her head held low and her eyes downcast, as if the weight of the entire world was pressing down on her shoulders. Her hooves dragged with each step, lazily scuffing across the frozen dirt beneath her hooves.
As she made her way through town, she was beginning to draw some attention from other ponies. Roseluck passed by in the opposite direction, staring at the way Cheerilee was holding herself. Lyra and Bon Bon weren't far behind her, and they began whispering to each other after she passed. Cheerilee normally would have been embarrassed by the sympathetic attention, but at the moment, she didn't care.
She just needed some cake.
The bell over Sugarcube Corner's front door jingled cheerily, quite unlike the pony of similar name walking through it. Mrs. Cake was standing at the counter this time instead of Pinkie Pie, just completing a transaction with another mare whom Cheerilee did not recognize.
"Thanks for stopping by, dear. Have a wonderful day," she announced, sending the mare on her way with a doggie bag in her mouth. "Hello, Cheerilee. Gosh, you look like you've had it today."
Cheerilee grimaced, and Mrs. Cake took notice and quickly moved the conversation along. "What can I get for you today?"
"Do you have any Chocolate Overload cakes in the back?" Cheerilee asked.
"The whole cakes?" Mrs. Cake asked.
Cheerilee nodded.
"I'm not sure, let me go check on that. Just a second." With that, Mrs. Cake disappeared through the swinging kitchen doors. Cheerilee took the time that she was gone to fish her bit bag out and count out exact change. Mrs. Cake returned barely thirty seconds later with a cake box balanced on her back.
"We had two of those left. Will that be everything today?"
"Yes, that's everything." Cheerilee barely even made eye contact with the baker, and she placed her pre-counted money on the counter.
"Alright, twenty-three bits," Mrs. Cake muttered to herself, sliding the cake across to Cheerilee and swiping the bits off the counter and into a waiting cash drawer on the other side. Cheerilee picked the cake up by the ribbon on the box and placed it on the small of her back.
"Cheerilee," Mrs. Cake said, making eye contact for the first time. "From one mare to another, I get what you're going through. I've been there plenty of times myself."
"Thanks," muttered Cheerilee, turning to leave.
"Let me finish, dear." Mrs. Cake leaned across the counter, close enough to whisper in Cheerilee's ear. "Before you go, I have one piece of advice that I know works for whatever it is that's bothering you." She kept her voice hushed, despite the fact that there weren't any other ponies in the store. Cheerilee perked up a bit with interest.
Mrs. Cake smiled, "Don't eat too much of that cake at once. You'll wind up regretting one more thing than you already do."
For the first time that day, Cheerilee smiled.
"Thank you, Mrs. Cake," Cheerilee said, walking out of the bakery with perhaps just a tad more pep in her step.
The clouds were still blocking the sun's exact position, but the entire scene seemed a little darker as Cheerilee stepped back out into the street. Dusk wasn't too far off, and she would be spending the rest of the evening curled up on the couch with cake and a book of whatever kind her fancy decided on when she came to it. A particularly sharp gust of chilly wind cut around the corner of the building, and Cheerilee nuzzled into her scarf, immediately starting down the short walk towards home.
The lamp over the far end of the sofa was the only light on in the house. Cheerilee sat under the warm glow, curled up in her blanket and reading away on a particularly cheesy romance novel called A Whisper in the Wind. The classic, completely unrealistic male love interest had just been introduced, and Cheerilee found herself a bit surprised that the author had waited at least three chapters to bring him in.
Maybe this one won't be quite as goofy as I expected, she thought, turning the page. Her hopes were immediately dashed when the next paragraph was entirely devoted to listing off all of the incredible physical attributes of the stallion in question. It's like the author has no idea what she's doing.
A knock at the door pulled Cheerilee's attention away from skimming past the wall of pointless description in the novel, and with some difficulty, she kicked the blanket off of herself and climbed to her hooves. Without her book to occupy her mind, the cake sitting in the fridge was starting to sound like it was ready to be eaten.
It's probably Nook. Maybe she can sit down and have a piece of cake with me. Cheerilee ran a hoof through her mane to at least help make it more presentable and she gripped the door handle. She braced herself for the imminent hug coming when Nook would burst through the door, and she pulled the door open to greet...
Big Macintosh.
On reflex, she immediately slammed the door closed again before he could even speak, and her heart immediately began racing a mile a minute. What was he doing here? Was he coming to apologize? Why did he have to come back just when she was well on her way to feeling better?
Why am I letting him think that I'm angry with him? With a deep breath, Cheerilee steeled her nerves and pulled the door open just enough to speak through the opening.
"Yes, Big Mac?" she asked, doing her best to retain a calm tone.
"I...uh," Mac stammered, scratching at the back of his head. "I figured on having something to say when you opened the door, but all's coming to mind is that it's cold out here. Can I please come in?"
"Sure," Cheerilee said, opening the door wider so he could enter. As he walked in, she flipped on the entry lights so the house wouldn't be so dark.
"Thank you." Big Mac stamped his hooves on the mat, knocking the snow from them. Cheerilee closed the door behind him, the cold getting to her just long enough to get her to shiver.
"The weather team sure has outdone themselves this winter," Cheerilee offered in an attempt to start a conversation of some kind.
Any other kind than what I think you're here for.
"Applejack said that Rainbow Dash is gonna start warming things back up tomorrow. I hope so, 'cause I hate the cold."
"I feel the same way. Can I get you something to drink?" asked Cheerilee.
"Do you have anything hot?"
"I can brew us some coffee if you'd like." Cheerilee started making her way to the kitchen, and she noticed that Mac was following her a bit closely.
"That'd be just fine, thank you." Big Macintosh went over and took a seat at the breakfast table, his large frame not fitting very well in the more mare-sized chair. Cheerilee turned the stove on under the already-prepared kettle.
Here it comes. Any second now, thought Cheerilee. She glanced over at Big Mac, whose gaze was on the window, watching as the view outside slowly darkened. She felt a pang of sadness in her stomach that nearly demanded she get out the still-untouched Chocolate Overload cake in the refrigerator.
"You know, I've always sorta wanted to live in the middle of town for a while," said Big Mac.
"Oh? Why do you say that?" asked Cheerilee. It wasn't quite the way she'd expected him to start the conversation.
"I've always liked watching ponies," said Big Mac, looking out the window. "I've always liked going to work the market so I can just sit there and see other ponies go by. I always wonder where they're going, what their day's been like..."
"Sometimes I like to do that with Nook, but she usually tries to judge other ponies by their appearance, and then it doesn't last too long after that."
Big Mac didn't reply other than laying his ears back. Silence tried to take hold again, and Cheerilee could almost feel what was going to pull them out of the lull.
"Cheerilee, I wanted to talk to you about yesterday." Big Mac didn't look at her, instead keeping his gaze on what was outside of the window.
"Big Mac, I thought you made it clear about how you want to be with Marble Pie." Cheerilee watched him grimace, and she felt another pang deep inside her chest.
"You left before I got to speak my mind," said Big Mac. Cheerilee crossed the room and took a seat at the chair across from his.
"You made it pretty clear to me, Mac." Cheerilee reached over and brushed her hoof against his own, causing him to jump a bit, but it worked in getting him to glance at her. "It's okay, really! I understand how you feel, and I'm fine with it. You don't have to--"
"You're doing it again," he said, pulling his hoof back. "Cheerilee, please, just let me talk."
"Okay," Cheerilee said quietly, sitting back in her chair.
"I guess I'd best explain the situation with Marble Pie a little better." Big Mac shifted in his chair, which squeaked under the strain of his large frame shifting. "Marble was just a little crush. We got to liking each other a little while I was there, but we just live so far away. It can't work over that distance with a mare who can barely talk for herself without Pinkie doing it for her."
Cheerilee stared on in disbelief. Was this going where she thought it was going?
"Heck, she'd probably not even write me back if I sent her a letter," added Big Mac. "I appreciate that you were keen on letting her take priority, but there just wasn't nothing much there in the first place."
"Oh," Cheerilee said quietly. She looked down at the table, avoiding eye contact at Big Mac. She blushed a bit as she reflected on her overreaction from the day before. The room went silent for a few moments, neither pony sure what to do next.
"So," Big Mac began, starting the conversation forward once more. "I did a lot of thinking about what you said yesterday."
Wait... is he?
"I always wanted to forget about Hearts and Hooves Day, but after yesterday, I started thinking real hard on it. I didn't get much sleep last night." BIg Mac stopped, flattening his ears and biting his lip as he blushed ever so slightly. "Drat, how do I say this?"
Cheerilee looked up at him, her eyes brightening faintly. Is he really going to do it?
"I was thinking about how much Apple Bloom always talks about how great you are in class. It seems like she's always got a story about something she's learning, or what you did to make her smile, and whatnot. And then I remembered how much I liked spending time with you. Remember when I came over and helped you fix the bathroom door?" Cheerilee nodded.
"I guess I just chalked it up to us being friends back then, but I really liked helping you out that day. Maybe I just didn't realize how much I enjoyed being there because how scared I was of that danged potion."
"Big Mac--"
"Cheerilee, I decided that I shouldn't let that potion keep messing with my life, and if you'd be willing to have me, I'd like to give... 'us' a shot."
"Uh," Cheerilee gasped, unsure of if she'd heard him right. "What?"
Big Mac sighed. "Cheerilee, I'd like to go out on a date with you."
Cheerilee's eyes widened as a deep blush colored her cheeks. She sat there in silence for several seconds, mouth agape. Finally, after her brain spun itself around a few times, she managed to squeeze out one cohesive thought.
Say yes.
Without thinking to do it first, Cheerilee jumped up from her seat and ran around to the other side of the table, locking Big Mac in a hug from behind.
He chuckled, "I take that as a 'yes'?"
"Yes, Big Mac. I would love to," Cheerilee whispered in his ear. She rested her head on his shoulder, a deep warmth in her chest replacing the pangs of sadness that had been there just moments ago. Three days before, she hadn't even had an inkling of an idea about what would happen. If I hadn't made that bet with the students, I might not even be here right now.
The kettle on the stove began to whistle as the water boiled, and Cheerilee reluctantly released Big Mac from the hug. "So Mac, do you have anything in mind for a date?" Cheerilee asked, unable to suppress a giggle. After all, she was talking about going out with perhaps the nicest stallion she'd ever met.
"Well, how about something simple? Does dinner sound good?"
Cheerilee smiled as she turned the stove off. "Yes, Big Mac, that sounds lovely."
"How about Friday at six?" he asked.
"That works well for me," said Cheerilee.
"I figure I should probably take that coffee to go. It's getting late."
"It's awfully cold, Mac." Cheerilee's voice took on an almost playful tone. "Maybe you should stay a while and see if it gets any warmer. Have you had dinner yet?"
"I ate before I came over. Why?" asked Big Mac. He wasn't quite picking up on what she was going for.
"I've got a really good cake that we could try together. Ever had Chocolate Overload cake from Sugarcube Corner?" Cheerilee poured the water into the Prench press.
"I can't say that I have," said Big Mac.
"Well stick around for a little while. I'm sure you'll love it," said Cheerilee.
As she pressed the plunger to make the coffee, the window suddenly lit up with orange light. Big Mac gasped in awe, and Cheerilee scampered over to the window to look out and see what was happening.
On the edge of the horizon, the clouds had parted just enough for the last of the day's rays of sunshine to break through and bathe the underside of the cloud layer with light, causing the entire sky to come to life with brilliant shades of scarlet, orange, and yellow. It was one of the better sunsets she'd seen in years, and she turned to the stallion sitting in the chair next to her. The stallion that she had a date with on Friday.
Tomorrow was going to be a beautiful day. |
Stuck In The Middle With You | pre | "Rarity, um..." Luna was openly giggling at this point, unable to keep it quiet any longer. "You... kinda drew a needle."
Rarity seemed absolutely flabbergasted that she could do such a thing, and when she took a look at her own drawing, she could scarcely believe it. What she thought had been a simple line had indeed been a very rough-looking needle. "I... but... how did..."
"Muscle memory, my friend. Muscle memory."
And so, like the second day, the activities for the third day ended with a single object - not a pea, but rather...
A needle. |
Stuck In The Middle With You | Day 4 - Free Time | "And that's how you do a hook. Got it?"
"Like this?"
"...you uh, did a jab again. Let's... start from the top."
Luna had given all of the campers the day off, and with their new-found free time, they all busied themselves with various things. Rainbow Dash sighed and returned to the task in front of her - namely, teaching Pip how to spar. The colt's small size made him an easy target for bullies within his class, and the cyan pegasus had taken it upon herself to teach him how to fight back. Applejack had already taught Pip a little bit about defense, and the orange earth pony had since retreated to a spot underneath a tree, where she now spent her time playing various songs on a harmonica. Underneath that same tree were Rarity and Twilight Sparkle - the fashionista was in the midst of a nap, and Twilight had her nose buried in yet another book. Out in the training yard itself, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie ran about, chasing one another and enjoying themselves.
Rainbow Dash had to suppress a laugh as she watched Pip continue to mimic her every move, and it wasn't uncommon for the colt to fall over when attempting a punch or a kick. A gentle lift from one of her wings was usually all it took to pick him back up, and then the lesson would resume. The cyan pegasus put on her best smile and took a seat upon the grass as she watched Pip practice. "Alright, try the hook again."
The colt tried once more and would have succeeded if had hadn't lost his balance. Pip tumbled over onto his face and was quickly helped back up once more. "Did I do it?"
"Almost, bud. Lemme help ya." Rainbow Dash had been especially careful not to use 'squirt' when referring to Pip. Though it had been her go-to nickname for Scootaloo and several other foals, his diminutive nature also put him at risk of being offended by it - it was best to play it safe. The cyan pegasus sat down beside Pip and grabbed hold of one of his forelegs, guiding him through the motions and keeping him stable throughout it. She repeated the gesture a few more times for him, explaining the intricacies and techniques behind a proper hook. "Think you got it now?"
"Yup!" Pip nodded enthusiastically and hopped away from the pegasus, giving himself some space. He slowly repeated the movements Rainbow Dash had showed him, and after several practice runs, the colt threw a hook as hard as he could muster.
And he did it.
He nearly toppled over, but Pip quickly managed to regain his footing, and the colt beamed up at the cyan pegasus. "I did it! Did you see me?!"
"Oh, don't worry. I definitely saw. You learn awful fast, kiddo." Rainbow Dash gave the colt's mane a playful ruffle, though she was a bit surprised when he hugged her leg in return.
"You should teach more ponies. You're really good at it!"
That was something the cyan pegasus had never really pictured herself as. Weather team, maybe. Wonderbolt, definitely. Teacher? She had never really given it much thought. Rainbow Dash certainly couldn't picture herself doing such a thing day after day - after all, she was born to fly. To feel the wind beneath her wings. To go fast and to 'wow' others. She would never be much of a teacher, but it had been an interesting change of pace for her, and it had been surprisingly enjoyable.
Still, there were some things about Pip that reminded her of another foal. The colt was certainly determined and more than willing to learn about things, but... the way he had hung on her every word, and the way he had mimicked her every move? It reminded her of Scootaloo, and perhaps it reminded her too much. Pip was just like the orange filly, and though she hadn't ignored him, she had continually distanced herself from Scootaloo. Once the cyan pegasus had returned to Ponyville, she would have to fix that. Rainbow Dash glanced down at Pip and grinned. "Hey Pip, how about we go raid the royal kitchen for some ice cream? You wanna do it?"
"You bet!"
Rainbow Dash lowered herself down towards the ground, and as Pip hopped up onto her back, she stood up once more and trotted off towards the kitchen. From their spot underneath the tree, both Applejack and Twilight stared blankly as they watched the two depart. The lavender mare closed her book and quickly glanced over at Applejack. "Hey AJ? Was that... actually Rainbow Dash? Willingly spending time with a foal?"
"Twi, if I hadn' seen it mahself, I wouldn' believe it either."
The orange earth pony soon returned to her harmonica while Twilight Sparkle pulled out another book, and Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie joined them not longer afterwards. The yellow pegasus was completely out of breath and dropped to the ground, rolling over onto her side and glancing up at the tree branches out of the corner of her eye. "No... no more, Pinkie... Too... too fast..."
"Aw, it's okay, Flutters! We can play tag some more after you're all rested up!" Pinkie Pie was hopping about in a circle, and she didn't look the least bit exhausted after playing with Fluttershy - the pink earth pony never seemed to run out of energy, no matter the situation. "Hey, where'd Rainbow and Pip go off to?"
Twilight set down her book briefly and looked up at Pinkie. "I think they ran off towards the castle. Something about 'raiding the kitchen'."
"And they didn't invite me?! Oh, I'm not letting them hog all the food!" With that, Pinkie Pie hurried off towards the castle, leaving the remaining four to wonder just what was even going on.
It was doubtful they would ever get the answer.
Midnight. All seven of her guests had already gone to bed, as did many of the others that lived within the castle. Only a few ponies were still up, and not surprisingly, Princess Luna was one of them. It was hardly a shock, given her very nature. After all, she was the Princess of the Night. This was her time, and her domain. To be up during the day and asleep during the night felt unnatural to her. Having the day off hadn't been without benefits, of course.
For once, the quiet and solitude had been rather welcome. It wasn't as if she disliked her campers - oh no, it was anything but. Luna truly enjoyed their company, but she still needed some time to herself as well. The young Princess had spent much of the day confined within her room, painting and drawing as she pleased. Her subject material had shifted as well, drifting away from landscapes and moving towards actual figures such as her very own guests. In that one day alone, she had already managed to paint four of them, and only three remained. That would be for another time, however.
The sun had already set and the moon had been raised, and now Luna was stuck trying to keep herself busy until she felt tired enough to go to sleep. For the first time in what seemed like months, she felt restless. She didn't really want to paint or draw at the moment, nor did she want to play with her toys or observe the night sky. She didn't want to read and she didn't want to make stars either. The Princess of the Night rolled around on her bed and groaned with agitation as she tried to find something she could do to keep herself occupied - boredom simply irritated her even further, and only exacerbated her own restlessness.
Luna felt a sudden urge, though, once she had not felt for at least a thousand years. The young Princess opened up the doors to her closet, her horn softly glowing as she levitated a phonograph out of the depths of the closet and into her room. It was a dusty old thing, one that hadn't seen use in... a very long time. Though she couldn't remember just how long it had been, Luna took a deep breath and blew most of the dust off of it, coughing and waving a hoof to clear the air as the dust floated about.
With that matter taken care of, her magic picked up a stack of records hidden underneath her bed, and she began to rummage through them as she searched for an artist she might like. Some of these records were definitely new, but she wasn't entirely sure just where they came from. Regardless, Luna was left with two choices - on the left was a record from an artist who went by the name of Vinyl Scratch. The album art itself was rather... flashy, and it was somewhat obvious that this probably wasn't the kind of music one played during the middle of the night. The other record was much more subtle, a plain black background with white text, and had apparently been created by a pony named Octavia. At the very least, she recognized that name. Celestia had invited her to one of Octavia's concerts, after all, and she had declined. The young Princess felt a bit more inclined towards classical music anyways. She carefully set the record upon the phonograph, and after making sure she had plenty of room, Luna placed the needle upon the record.
And then she began to dance.
It had been years - thousands of years - since she had last danced, yet it was just like swimming. Slowly but surely, it began to come back to her. It was nothing more than a simple ballroom dance, but Luna still went through the steps in her head, closing her eyes as she walked herself through the timing.
"One... two... three... one... two... three..."
It must have been a truly odd sight for anypony that happened to peek into her room, to see the Princess of the Night dancing alone and talking to herself the entire time. Luckily for her, she didn't have an audience.
Not yet, anyways.
Twilight Sparkle wasn't normally one to have insomnia, but it was especially bad tonight. She had spent several hours simply laying in bed, tossing and turning as she tried to get some semblance of sleep. Instead, she had been stuck hearing all the other ponies within the barracks as they slept peacefully, and it was almost as if they were all mocking her. Frustrated, she had left the barracks and now wandered the halls of the castle by her lonesome. It's not like she would get lost - this place was a second home for her, after all.
It still felt odd for the entire castle to be this quiet, though the unicorn knew quite well that this wasn't exactly normal either. Luna normally held court during these hours, and even if the Princess of the Night wasn't that busy during such a time frame, it at least meant that there would have been more ponies around. The castle was still fairly well guarded, of course - Luna's own retinue of royal guards kept watching during the night, and it was Twilight's first real encounter with any of them. They proved to be much more talkative than the guardsmen that followed Princess Celestia around, and they all seemed to know her as well. She stopped and talked with some of them while she wandered about, and contrary to their appearance, they were quite friendly.
Still, there was one pony she wanted to talk to, and that same pony was likely the only one who would be able to help her get some sleep - Luna. The lavender mare continued to make her way towards her destination, her hooves softly echoing off the tiles as she made her way through the halls of the castle, and her ears twitched slightly as she drew closer to Luna's room.
"Is that... classical music?"
Intrigued, she picked up her pace a bit, halting outside the young Princess' room and peeking in. What lay within certainly hadn't been what she was expecting, and her eyes widened as she watched Luna dance by herself. She had known that Celestia's sister had a knack for the arts, but she had never known that the Princess of the Night also enjoyed dancing, and she remained silent as she continued to watch the alicorn step to and fro. Luna continued to dance and twirl in-time with the music, her ethereal mane twisting about her body with every movement, and Twilight was somewhat awed by it all. Luna certainly appeared graceful at times, but this had taken it to the next level - to see her move so fluidly, with the very stars seemingly wrapped around her, had been something else entirely. The lavender mare would have continued to watch, if it hadn't been for one thing.
The music had stopped. And Twilight had felt herself picked up by magic, forcibly brought into Luna's room, and now found herself staring eye-to-eye with the Princess of the Night. "Is there a reason why you continue to spy on me, Twilight Sparkle?"
"Oh, um... n-no. It's just that... well, I didn't want to disturb you or anything! And you seemed to be enjoying yourself, so I... thought it'd be best to just stay quiet." The unicorn grinned nervously, but the alicorn didn't necessarily buy it.
"So you gawked at me instead." It was becoming increasingly clear that Luna hadn't been prepared for this latest visit, and she was quite irritated as a result. "What? Never seen a pony do a ballroom dance on her own?"
Twilight blinked and nervously glanced about as she desperately searched for something that might not offend the Princess any further. "I have, it's just... it was so different."
"Different? Different how? In a good or bad way?"
"Good! In a good way! It looked really graceful and pretty, with... you know." She gestured at her own mane with a hoof, and Luna quickly picked up on the message, though she seemed somewhat confused by it.
The Princess blinked and raised an eyebrow, quickly setting the lavender mare down upon the floor. "...That doesn't explain why you even came here, though."
"I uh... I couldn't sleep."
"You too, huh?" Luna smirked and slowly shook her head. "I apologize for being so rough with you. I'm not used to having guests at this hour... sorta becomes habit after you run the kingdom during the night for over a year, and the only other ponies around during such hours are your own guards."
"It's alright, Luna." Twilight briefly glanced around the room, pawing at the floor with a hoof before looking back up at the alicorn. "...so um... can you do anything to help me get some sleep?"
"Nope. Dreams, I have a bit of control over... sleep itself? Completely out of my grasp. Best thing I can think of to help you get some sleep is to tire you out, and I have a few things in mind to help with that." Luna grinned slyly, her horn glowing as she shut her bedroom door. "Tell me, Twilight Sparkle... have you ever danced?"
"Um..." The unicorn thought back to when she celebrated her birthday in Canterlot, just a few months prior. The dancing she did then... hadn't really been dancing. It was more like flailing about in a fancy manner. "...no."
"Excellent! You can be my dance partner!" Luna giggled and clapped her hooves together, quickly stepping forward to stand beside Twilight. "Okay, it's been thousands of years since I've last taught this to anypony, but I think I remember it well enough to do it again. Just follow my lead. Ready?"
Twilight Sparkle smiled and nodded, and then...
The music started. |
Stuck In The Middle With You | Day 5 - Painting Ponies | Luna groaned and yawned as she began to stretch, wincing as one of the muscles in her neck angrily responded back. It was incredibly likely that she had slept funny, given what had happened the night before. She and Twilight Sparkle had spent several hours dancing together, and the lavender mare had eventually dozed off. The Princess' first thought was to carry her back to the barracks, but that ran the risk of waking both the unicorn and the rest of her guests. Instead, the alicorn had decided to sleep on the floor while Twilight got to have her bed - Luna was thousands of years old, after all. A single night of sleeping on the floor wasn't likely to cause much harm. "...except for a sore neck. Should've gotten more pillows."
The Princess of the Night sat up and yawned once more, gently rubbing at the back of her neck with one of her hooves as she glanced about the room. Her room was messier than usual, though it never really was 'clean' to begin with - the arts took priority for her, and as such, her supplies and creations took up much of the free space. Pencils, paints, brushes, and paper completely filled her desk, and almost every inch of the walls were covered with a drawing or a painting. Those that were too big to fit were either filed away elsewhere or propped against one of the walls, destined to be safely stored away... eventually, of course. It was a mess, but it was her mess. She had caused it, and she knew where everything was as a result. Besides, this was her comfort zone as well, and any changes to it might disrupt that little 'bubble' of hers.
It was still early enough in the morning that neither Twilight Sparkle nor the rest of her guests would be up for quite some time. Luna slipped out of her room as quietly as she could, shutting the door behind herself and turning away from her room, only to come face-to-face with her sister. Celestia grinned and leaned over to peek past her sister, staring at the door to Luna's room. "So, little sister... I see my student paid you a visit. I'm guessing you two had some fun?"
"Oh... um, yeah. She showed up late last night, told me she couldn't sleep. We danced for a bit, just to tire her out, and then I put her to bed. Didn't want to risk waking her or any of the others up, so she stayed in my room."
"You only danced, hm?" Celestia giggled and leaned over to give her sister a poke with one of her hooves. "You're not hiding anything from me, are you?"
"Celestia, what are you... oh. Oh goodness. You're not trying to imply we actually did anything, are you?!" Luna looked absolutely mortified by what her sister had said, but she was quick to fire back, giving the white alicorn a poke in return. "And you called me the dirty one! Honestly, 'Tia, I'm not sure which of us is the bigger foal sometimes!"
The elder sister got a chuckle out of that and gestured out towards the open hall, and the two alicorns soon began to walk together. Though Luna had indeed gotten a bit of free time every day thus far, Celestia's own duties usually meant that the two sisters couldn't chat as often as they would have liked. A walk such as this gave them ample time to talk, however, and they both took opportunity of it. Celestia briefly glanced about the hallway before returning her gaze to her sister. "I'm simply poking fun at you, Luna. You've got quite a bit on your plate right now, so I figured I'd liven the mood a bit."
Luna turned and blinked, somewhat confused by the latest statement. "Quite a bit on my plate? I raise and lower the moon and I run an entire kingdom at night, and you call this 'quite a bit'? I mean, it's the Bearers of the Elements and Pip. It's not like they're going to cause any trouble."
"Exactly."
"Um... what? Celestia, I... don't quite follow."
"They may just be the Bearers of the Elements and Pip, but this is the most contact you've had with others since... well, let's just say it's been a while. You seem to have done well enough so far, looks like you've made some friends too. They haven't given you any trouble, have they?" Both sisters had stopped, and Celestia now had a smile upon her face as she looked down at her younger sibling.
"Well, uh..." Luna let out a nervous laugh and shook her head. "Aside from the incident with the romance novel, no. They've actually behaved quite well. I'm... kinda surprised it's gone this smoothly, to be honest. I mean, Pip has bonded rather well with Applejack and Rainbow Dash. Rarity is actually... funnier than I anticipated, whereas Pinkie Pie has been a bit more 'normal' compared to what I've been told. Fluttershy is... well, she's been rather quiet, but if there's a topic she likes, she comes out of her shell rather easily."
"And Twilight Sparkle?"
The two sisters resumed their walk, both of them smiling and nodding at any of the staff or guardsmen that bowed before them. "I'm surprised you have to actually ask that, 'Tia. We both know her well enough to know how she is, you especially. She had a bit of difficulty with the arts at first - was trying too hard, of course, but I think she's beyond that. It's a good thing, too... I've got painting planned for today."
"Good, good! Speaking of painting, that reminds me..." Celestia paused once more, turning to face her sister and grinning as she did so. Such a thing always made Luna nervous - it almost always meant that the elder sibling had something planned. "How much trouble would it be to add another easel to your little lesson? I haven't ever gotten to spend any time with the Bearers in an informal setting, and it's been... longer than I would have liked since I've spoken with my student at-length. Besides, I still need to meet Pip myself!"
Luna blinked and briefly panicked as her mind drew a blank. She knew Celestia had an increasing interest in the arts, of course, but she never expected that her sister would want to actually join in on one of the lessons. It was a very minor issue, however, one that could be easily rectified. "I... suppose that could be arranged, 'Tia. I'll have to try to find another easel for you to use, but there should be enough supplies otherwise."
"Perfect! I already cancelled all of my appointments for today anyways."
"Wait, you did what?"
Celestia snickered and grinned, quickly trotting away and leaving Luna behind.
"Oh, nothing!"
In a somewhat surprising gesture, Princess Celestia had completely removed all of her royal adornments, and now sat seated between Twilight Sparkle and Luna herself. To take things even further, Celestia had begun to only answer to 'Celestia' - any attempts at addressing her as 'Princess Celestia' or 'Your Majesty' were met with a confused look from the white alicorn. It was a bit of a cruel joke, given that almost the entirety of the castle staff had been calling her 'Princess Celestia' for as long as anypony could remember, and it had simply become habit. To see the staff and guards constantly correct themselves, well... the elder sister could hardly refuse such a thing.
It had been her first real taste of informality, and to simply be 'Celestia' rather than 'Princess Celestia' was rather refreshing. Some of them, such as Rainbow Dash or Pinkie Pie, had taken to it much more quickly. Others, with Twilight Sparkle being a glaring example, took longer - much longer, in fact. Throughout the entire lesson, the lavender mare continually referred to her mentor by her proper title, only to correct herself moments later.
Luna was obviously used to such a thing, considering she had always called her sister by name throughout their lives, but it was still incredibly entertaining to watch the other ponies struggle with such informality. As funny as it was to watch, however, she had an art lesson to continue. "Since we've already discussed complimentary colors and the like, we'll move on to painting itself. Like drawing, you must use your mouth to hold the brush. No magic allowed, no exceptions."
Rarity and Twilight Sparkle both huffed and picked up their brushes, and Celestia turned and snickered at her student's apparent 'misfortune'. "Ith really naht tho bah, Twiligh Spahrkle."
Princess Celestia's attempt at talking was met with a rather loud guffaw from Rainbow Dash, which sent the cyan pegasus' paint brush sailing through the air. Pinkie PIe also burst into laughter, followed by Pip, and soon enough, the others joined in as well. As funny as it was at first, Luna was eager to get her class going once more, and did her very best to get things back in order. "Alright, um... settle down, please!"
Fluttershy continually giggled, tears welling up in her eyes as she laughed, and Rarity kept her hooves firmly placed over her mouth in a vain attempt to keep herself from laughing as well.
"Everypony, please! We... we have a lesson to finish!"
Applejack was crying from how hard she was laughing, and Twilight Sparkle held her sides as she continued to giggle.
"Okay, that's... that's very funny, but please settle down!"
Pip and Pinkie Pie were both chuckling and snorting, and even Celestia had joined in, the white alicorn laying on her side on the floor as she continued to giggle. Luna's patience, however, had worn thin - this was her camp and her class, and she wasn't about to let things get so far out of control that they disrupted her carefully constructed plans. "ENOUGH."
Celestia and the seven campers quickly quieted down, and the elder sister sat up from her spot on the floor. "Luna? You ought to know better than to use the Royal Canterlot Voice indoors."
"Sorry about the Voice thing, it's just... I couldn't get you all to calm down, and..." Luna sighed and closed her eyes, gently rubbing a hoof against her temple as she continued to speak. "Just... all of you paint for a bit or something. Please."
The guests soon returned to their stools and began to paint, and Celestia continually glanced over at Luna while she worked. The younger sibling was resting her head against the easel, and her eyes were closed. Celestia knew quite well that, though it had been unintentional and unexpected, she had caused her sister more stress than she deserved, and the elder sibling decided to try to make amends for her actions.
Long ago, when they had been much younger, she had often recited a lullaby of sorts to Luna, both to calm her down and to help her sleep, and now seemed like as good a time as any to use it again. It was a deeply personal song, however, one that the white alicorn had conjured up for her sister and nopony else - to have an audience for such a song was unwanted, but hardly preventable. She would simply have to live with it. Celestia stood up and pushed her stool backwards, turned to face her sister, and then she began to recite it once more.
Rise and fall, the setting sun
It tells us all the day is done.
The campers all immediately stopped painting, many of them peeking out from behind their easels and staring at Celestia. All of them, including Twilight, didn't even know that the elder Princess was capable of such a thing. It was a slow and deliberate cadence, aided greatly by Celestia's soothing voice, and it seemed to have the intended effect on Luna - the Princess of the Night quickly opened her eyes, her ears twitching with every word as her sister continued to chant.
We lay our weary heads to rest,
then face tomorrow and its tests
"...'Tia? Is that...?" The young Princess unknowingly began to tap a hoof in time with the lullaby, and though her sister wasn't truly singing, it was doubtful that any of the other ponies would notice the difference. Though Celestia was simply reciting the lullaby, it was just as beautiful as it was all those years ago.
Our dreams join us, in peaceful sleep,
days to cherish, nights to keep.
Luna smiled and began to slowly nod, her face still pressed against the canvas. "It is... My lullaby."
The world spins 'round, the stars are bright,
we all bed down 'neath Luna's light.
As Celestia finished the lullaby, she looked down at her younger sister and smiled. "Feel better, little sister?"
"Much better." Luna returned the smile and moved away from the canvas as she peered out past the easel at her other guests. The young Princess grinned and had to stifle a giggle as she took a look at them. "I think you may have stunned them into silence, 'Tia."
"I suppose that sort of thing is bound to happen when you don't sing for thousands of years. Come along, my little ponies." Celestia stomped a hoof upon the floor, rousing the guests from their stupor, and they all soon returned to their stools. Grinning, the white alicorn took her seat once more and picked up her paint brush, returning to her painting. It wasn't long before the others did as well, and shortly afterwards, Luna began to make her rounds - after taking care of the commotion earlier, hearing her sister's lullaby had been a sorely needed second-wind. It had been far too long since she had heard her sister sing, let alone since she had heard her song. She firmly stuck the lyrics within her head, not wanting to lose them again, and proceeded to the first canvas.
Her first stop was Pinkie Pie. The pink earth pony had taken a rather interesting approach, considering she had discarded her paint brush entirely. Instead, she had been dipping her hooves into the paint and had been smearing them across the canvas. It made for a rather interesting, if not random picture - rather befitting, given Pinkie's personality. Luna leaned down and peered over Pinkie Pie's shoulder, observing her as she dipped her hooves into the paint once more. "An interesting approach, Pinkie Pie. Any reason why you chose this method over the paint brush?"
"Oh, that's easy!" Pinkie Pie glanced over at the young Princess and smiled. "It's just 'cause finger painting is so fun!"
"...finger painting? Pinkie, we don't have fingers. We have hooves."
"Well duh! I know that!"
"But you just said... actually, forget it. Uh... good job and all."
Luna stood back up and quickly moved on to the next easel, Rarity's. The fashionista had seemingly taken the young Princess' advice to heart and had actually managed to paint something else. It was a quick portrait of a rather young unicorn, likely no older than a filly. With dark green eyes and a rather curly pink and purple mane, the pony in the picture didn't seem to bear much of a resemblance to Rarity, aside from the coat color. "Who's that?"
"That's Sweetie Belle, my little sister." The white mare practically beamed as she continued to talk about her sibling. "We've... had some rough spots here and there, but after one of my friends taught me a rather important lesson, I'd never want to give her up."
The Princess of the Night glanced across the room at Celestia and quickly returned gaze back to Rarity, a smile upon her face. "I think I can sympathize. Does she have her cutie mark yet, Rarity?"
"Uh, well... no. She's in a club of sorts with Applejack's sister and another one of their friends, however. They call themselves the Cutie Mark Crusaders - they get into far more trouble than they should sometimes, but... they're trying. And Sweetie Belle has some friends now too, so I suppose I should be thankful."
"That you should. Good work with the painting, and tell her I said hello when you see her again." Luna smiled at Rarity, and the fashionista was quick to return one. Without wasting another second, the young Princess moved on.
She proceeded to the next easel, though it was now two easels instead. Applejack and Rainbow Dash had both placed their easels beside one another, and both ponies had seemingly been taking cues from the other painting when working on their own. The orange earth pony had painted an orchard, likely the same Sweet Apple Acres Luna had heard so much about, whereas Rainbow Dash had depicted some clouds and a setting sun. The pegasus had borrowed some of the darker and more vibrant hues from Applejack's painting, and in return, the earth pony had taken some of the lighter and cooler colors from Rainbow Dash's picture. Both of them had done quite well, considering neither of them had any sort of formal art training. "Looks like you both did pictures of home, hm?"
Applejack turned towards Luna and nodded. "Yyyyep. Lived there mah whole life. Great place ta be too."
"And mine's not really 'home', but..." Rainbow Dash let out a brief chuckle and shrugged. "It may as well be. Dunno where I'd be without my wings sometimes."
Luna snickered and pointed a hoof towards the floor. "Well for starters, you'd be on the ground."
"What? Oh, ha ha. Very funny." The cyan pegasus rolled her eyes and swiveled on her stool, mumbling to herself as she busied herself once more. Applejack soon did the same, and the Princess of the Night felt it was a good time to take a look at the next easel.
Moving along, Luna approached Pip's station... only to find that the colt had fallen asleep and was drooling on his canvas. Even though the lullaby hadn't had any immediate effects, it looked like Pip had still ended up as a 'casualty' of the song - for now, it was best to simply let him continue to sleep, and so the young Princess continued on to the next easel.
"Let's see what you've got here, Fluttershy..." The Princess of the Night peeked over Fluttershy's shoulder, and though the yellow pegasus knew Luna was there, she remained quiet and continued to work. Fluttershy, like Pinkie Pie, had taken a more abstract approach to things. It was a complete departure from the more natural subjects she was so fond of, but she had made it work somehow. The painting consisted of several splotches and smears of earthy colors, and Fluttershy had purposely stuck to greens, oranges, and browns while working. Even now, the yellow pegasus was adding more rusty tones to the painting, and Luna soon left so that Fluttershy could continue to work in peace.
Up next was Twilight Sparkle, and true to what the Princess of the Night had said earlier, the lavender mare had indeed taken the lesson to heart. She continued to work diligently even as Luna approached, and the young Princess couldn't help but grin upon seeing what the unicorn had decided to paint. It was hardly surprising, but Twilight had decided to paint a portrait of her mentor, Princess Celestia. She had done a rather good job of it too, considering she had gotten all of the colors right. "So... Twilight. About your painting..."
"Look, um... you're not gonna tell Pri- Celestia about it, are you?"
At the mention of her name, the white alicorn leaned over towards her student. "If you hadn't said that, I probably still wouldn't know about it. It's a lovely painting though, isn't it Luna?"
Twilight Sparkle let out a small 'eep', causing Luna to snicker as she slowly nodded in agreement with her elder sister. "Definitely. It looks just like you, Celestia!"
"Oh, we should hang this in my room! It'd be perfect!" Celestia grinned and sat back up, clapping her hooves together as she continued to embarrass her student even further. Twilight Sparkle did her very best to hide her own red face, and she quickly picked her brush back up and returned to her work again. All that was left at this point was her own sister, and so Luna quickly hurried around to Celestia's easel.
"Alright, 'Tia, let's see what you've..." The young Princess blinked upon seeing the canvas, and she felt her own jaw drop as she continued to look about the station. Celestia's painting was a conglomeration of several different colors and had no real rhyme or reason, but it seemed the elder sister had purposely mixed her paints this time. "...done. Celestia, did you do this on purpose?"
With a wide grin on her face, Celestia looked up at her younger sister and leaned towards her.
"I have no idea what you're talking about, dear sister."
Shortly after concluding the lesson, Luna had quickly carried off Pip and placed him within his bed back in the barracks. He somehow managed to stay asleep through the entire thing, but the young Princess wasn't about to complain. The rest of her campers had since been dismissed for the remainder of the day, and with the art supplies already cleaned up and packed away, Luna had the rest of the day to herself. There was one thing on her mind, however, and a quick trip by her sister's room would certainly clear it up. She was about to knock upon the door when she heard her elder sibling speak from within.
"Come in, Luna. I know you're out there anyways."
The Princess of the Night nudged open the door and let herself in, shutting it behind herself. Celestia appeared to be in the middle of a book, but that didn't stop Luna from speaking. "Celestia, about the..."
"The lullaby?" Celestia snapped the book shut and looked up from it, smiling as she eyed her sister. "I know that's our song and that nopony else is really supposed to hear it, but... you were starting to get a bit frazzled there. The stress was getting to you, and part of that was my fault."
"You didn't mean for it to happen, 'Tia. It's alright."
"I know, but this is supposed to be your time to shine, and I simply added to your workload by inviting myself." The white alicorn's horn briefly glowed as she picked up the book with her magic and carefully filed it away on one of the shelves within her room. "I stressed you out a bit, and I thought I'd make it up to you."
Luna raised an eyebrow and peered at her sister. "So you... sang the lullaby?"
"Mhm. I did it to try and help you relax, which it seemed to do. I'd consider that a job well done, wouldn't you?" Celestia's horn glowed once more as she picked up a collection of papers and began to sort through them. "In any case, I apologize for distracting your guests. It was selfish of me to invite myself."
"Oh, no... it's no big deal, 'Tia. Really. I think some of them liked seeing you be so informal." Luna thought back to everything else that had happened earlier that day, and the young Princess had to suppress a giggle as some of the memories raced through her head. "I'll admit, it was rather funny seeing everypony stumble over their words so much, simply because you decided to do away with the title for a day. Seems your star pupil isn't immune to that either."
Celestia snickered and slowly shook her head, smiling as she sorted through the papers. "It's habit for them. As much as I'd like to simply be 'Celestia', I don't think it's realistic to expect such a change."
Luna smiled and nodded, and she stood for a while longer within the doorway before speaking once more. "Celestia, about the lullaby... thank you. It was... nice to hear my song again."
"You're very welcome, Luna." Celestia smiled as she stacked the papers up and quickly filed them away, turning to face her sibling once more. "That's what sisters are for, right?"
The Princess of the Night slowly nodded and walked over to her sister's bed, leaning over to throw her forelegs around Celestia's neck as she gave the white alicorn a hug.
"Right."
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
The Cycle of Days (Luna's Lullaby) - Written by Ariamaki |
Stuck In The Middle With You | Day 6 - Looking Skywards | As her sister's sun ended its daily trip across the Equestrian sky, Luna was already frantically getting the observatory set up. Not surprisingly, she had saved the best for last, but 'best' was rather subjective - in her humble opinion, astronomy was indeed the best activity, and she had purposely set it up to be the last activity she and her guests would complete. She already had almost everything set up, but the young Princess still needed more time.
Luckily, Celestia had offered to keep the campers busy by allowing them to watch her lower the sun, and Luna put the additional time to good use. The alicorn's horn glowed a faint blue as several cabinets throughout the observatory flew open, and all manner of astronomical tools began to float out and set themselves up around the room. Telescopes, sextants, and more all calibrated themselves at Luna's whim, and yet something was still missing. The Princess of the Night nearly brought a hoof to her forehead as she remembered, and her horn glowed once more as she directed the magic towards another cabinet.
"Ugh, star charts. Of course."
She had the rare privilege of being in possession of the most up-to-date star charts, a feat that had been accomplished thanks to the efforts of herself and Twilight Sparkle. After all, if it weren't for the two of them, most of Equestria would still be using woefully out-dated charts. The young Princess hurriedly brought them out and unfurled, laying them down in various spots throughout the observatory. Everything looked to be in order, but there were still two other things she needed to take care of.
On certain nights, Luna used a spell of her sister's creation, one that amplified light refraction. It was a rather simple trick, but when used properly, it was capable of greatly reducing light pollution from the rest of Canterlot. She couldn't exactly leave the castle to check on its effectiveness, however, and she had been forced to rely upon her guards to relay her information - as if on cue, one of the dusky pegasus stallions trotted up to her and gave a quick salute. "Update for you, Luna. One of the others flew off to Cloudsdale to see how things look from there, another went to Ponyville."
"And?" Luna peered at the guard, a faint smile upon her face as she waited for the answer.
"Both reported that Canterlot looks almost completely dark. Seems the spell is working as designed."
"Perfect! That's all I needed done. Have the others recalled."
The pegasus gave another salute and departed just as quickly as he arrived, leaving Luna in solitude once more. The Princess trotted from place to place within the observatory, making last minute adjustments to the telescopes and sextants, and ensuring that everything was within the proper place. With everything seemingly in its proper place, the only thing that remained was to raise the moon. Such a thing had gotten considerably easier compared to the first time she practiced with Celestia, and though it took her a bit longer to really get back into the swing of things, she had quickly adjusted to her role once more.
At this point, raising and lowering the moon didn't take much effort, and thankfully, such a thing would leave her with more than enough energy to follow through with another one of her ideas. Luna gave her wings a good stretch and took to the air, her horn glowing as she began the nightly task of raising the moon. As she continued to slowly rise, a smile spread across her face as she watched the pale moonlight fill the observatory, and the Princess considered herself awfully lucky to have chosen this night for their astronomy activities - though it had been purely by chance, this particular night had been blessed with a full moon, and it pleased Luna to know that everything had gone so well thus far.
With her duties fulfilled, the alicorn began her slow and steady descent and softly touched down upon the tile floor, the magic around her dissipating as she landed. Luna glanced over her shoulder and smiled as she surveyed her work once more. "Not bad, Luna. Not bad at all."
"I'll say. A full moon and everything - you're really pulling out all the stops tonight, little sister."
The Princess of the Night quickly snapped her attention back towards the entrance to the observatory, the smile never leaving her face as she watched her sister and her guests enter. The elder sibling had apparently taken to informality quite well, as she had once again left her royal adornments behind, and the rest of the campers seemingly stood in awe at just how big the observatory truly was - except for Twilight Sparkle, of course. Aside from the Royal Library, the observatory had essentially been the lavender mare's second home during her studies at Canterlot, and she was pleased to return after all those years away.
Luna had already approached the group, and gave a slight bow to them all before speaking. "The final activity, as you've no doubt already guessed, is astronomy. Your last day here in Canterlot, which is tomorrow, shall be another free day. You may do as you wish during that time. I have three stations already set up throughout the observatory. At each one, you'll find a telescope, sextant, and a star chart. You'll need all three for what I have planned. Now then, before we..."
Twilight Sparkle already had a hoof raised in the air, and the unicorn quickly lowered it after receiving a nod from the young Princess. "Um... Luna, there's seven of us, but only three stations. That doesn't exactly split evenly."
"I was getting to that." Luna smiled faintly, and her sister's protegee grinned sheepishly in return. The alicorn took advantage of the ensuing silence and continued once more. "Given Twilight's rather... extensive background with astronomy, it didn't exactly seem fair for her to be grouped with any of you. As a result, she'll be grouped with none of you - instead, she'll be helping me... well, help all of you."
The group of ponies let out a collective groan of frustration, and quietly began to divide themselves up into groups. Applejack and Pip formed the first group, with Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash creating the second. The third group consisted of Rarity and Fluttershy, and all six ponies made their way towards their own stations. It didn't take long at all for them to begin to poke and prod at the various instruments, and Twilight Sparkle let out a nervous laugh as she walked over to stand by Luna's side. "This is... gonna be interesting."
"Yes... yes it will be." Over at one of the stations, Rainbow Dash bumped into one of the telescopes, knocking it over and causing Luna to wince as it crashed to the floor. "...Oh dear."
This was going to be a long night.
Luna's horn glowed as she picked up the tool with her magic, and she allowed it to float in front of both Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie as she explained its usage. "Now then, this is a sextant." Both mares snickered, causing the Princess of the Night to briefly raise an eyebrow before continuing once more. "Using it is rather simple. To start, aim at the horizon, release the clamp, and gradually move the arm until you bring the object of focus into view - for this example, we'll be using the moon. Now, after you have the object properly found within the sextant's telescope..."
Rainbow Dash let out a quiet snort, slowly shaking her head as she muttered to Pinkie Pie. "Heh... sextant."
"Yes, har har. It's funny because of the word it contains." Luna narrowed her eyes at the two of them, and the cyan pegasus let out a quiet yelp as she turned her head to look up at the alicorn.
"You uh... you heard that, huh?"
"As a matter of fact, I did. Now please take this seriously." The Princess of the Night kept her eyes trained upon them for a while longer, and a faint smile crept across her face as she watched Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie visibly straighten up in front of her. "Now then, after you have the object within the telescope, simply tip the sextant back and forth to verify the position, and then read the angle. Simple. Think you two can handle it from here?"
Pinkie Pie watched with a raised eyebrow as Luna gently set the sextant back down upon the table, and the pink earth pony was slow to respond. "Uh... okey dokey lokey."
"Good." Grinning, Luna trotted away from the two ponies and made her way towards another station. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see Twilight Sparkle attending to Rarity and Fluttershy, and so the alicorn turned towards Applejack and Pip. Over the past few days, the orange earth pony had become a surrogate sister of sorts for the young colt, and even now, Pip was perched upon Applejack's back. To make things even better, Applejack had removed her hat, and the pinto colt currently had the sextant actually sitting upon her head - though it was entirely likely that Pip simply had trouble holding the instrument at his age, it didn't make the situation look any less comical.
As the young Princess approached the duo, the orange mare looked over at Luna as best she could without moving her head. "I uh... I'd turn ta actually say 'hi', but Pip's kinda... busy."
"Just hold still, Applejack! I've almost got it!" Pip gave Applejack's head a gentle tap with one of his hooves, and she sighed in return.
Luna raised an eyebrow and cocked her head as she peered at the colt. "Got what?"
"He's lookin' fer th' Big Dipper right now." Applejack glanced up at the Princess, and she shifted slightly to relieve her hooves somewhat. "Pip already found Orion an' a few others. Little guy's awfully good at this."
Before Applejack could say anything else, Pip hopped off her back and onto the table, and he quickly scrambled over to the telescope. Using his mouth, the colt swung the telescope around and made the needed adjustments before peering through the ocular, smiling to himself as he looked through. "Found it!"
The Princess of the Night simply blinked at Pip, and she soon made her way over towards the telescope and took a look for herself. Sure enough, the pinto colt had managed to find the Big Dipper, and surprisingly quickly too. The alicorn pulled herself away from the instrument and looked down at Pip, a faint smile upon her face. "Pip, I'm awfully curious... Try finding Andromeda now."
"Andromeda?" The colt put on the most determined face he could muster and he scampered over to the star chart, peering down at it and placing a hoof upon it as he followed the various stars that made up the constellation. After nodding to himself, Pip hopped onto Applejack's back once more, causing the orange mare to wince slightly. It wasn't as if he noticed, though - he had already picked up the sextant and made the necessary adjustments, and it didn't take much longer for him to tip the sextant back and forth as he verified the results. The colt hopped off of Applejack again and ran back across the table to the telescope. It took a few seconds more for him to make the necessary movements and adjustments, but Pip proudly puffed out his chest upon finishing the task. "Done!"
"Already? Lemme see..." Luna leaned down and took another look through the ocular, letting out a low whistle as she found herself looking at Andromeda. "You really did find it. You weren't kidding when you said he was good at this, Applejack."
"Told ya. Any others ya wanna look for, Pip?" The pinto colt quickly hopped onto her back once more, and the orange earth pony let out another sigh. "That's a yes..."
Giggling, Luna trotted away from the two earth ponies and proceeded towards Twilight Sparkle. The lavender mare had apparently managed to teach both Fluttershy and Rarity a great deal, considering that the two of them had already found and charted several of the constellations on the star chart, and the young Princess was pleased with their progress. "I'm guessing my sister's prized pupil has been an adequate instructor?"
Fluttershy let out a quiet 'eep' and quickly turned around to face the alicorn, smiling nervously as she looked up at Luna. "Oh, certainly. Twilight's always been an awful good teacher, though..."
"And she certainly knows how to use these silly little things." Rarity rolled her eyes and continued to toy with the sextant, never once turning around to face the Princess - it was likely for the best, considering the disapproving scowl that Luna currently wore upon her face.
The Princess of the Night sighed and gave her head a quick shake, wiping the scowl off her face as she turned to look at Twilight Sparkle. "Yes, well... I suppose I should be thankful that some ponies love my nights as much as they do." Luna threw a glance towards her sibling, who had been sitting off to the side throughout the activity. Celestia knew how important the nights were to her younger sister, and she had chosen to fulfill the role of silent spectator rather than vocal participant for that evening.
The white alicorn caught her sister's glance and returned it in kind, a faint smile upon her face. "Looks like you're ready, little sister."
"I am."
"Awfully hard for your guards to keep a secret. I've heard the stories, but I've been wanting to see it for myself." Celestia grinned at her younger sister, and Luna was quick to flash a smile back.
"And now you shall, dear sister." The Princess of the Night pounded a hoof upon the tile floor, calling the attention of her guests to herself. "Gather 'round, friends. There's something I wish to show you."
The seven campers all left their respective stations and slowly made their way towards the center of the room, with most of them unwittingly crowding around Celestia herself. One by one, they gradually took their seats beside the white alicorn, and all of them looked up at Luna with a keen interest. With a faint smile upon her face, Celestia nodded at her sister. "You're all about to bear witness to something very special. Begin when you're ready, Luna."
Luna smiled and nodded in kind, and she briefly flared her wings - it served no real purpose with what would soon follow, but it made for a good show. As the Princess of the Night closed her eyes, her horn began to glow, and it let out a bright flash of light as the air within the observatory began to stir. It was slow at first, a gentle and steady breeze that seemed to have no real effect upon the tools, charts, or books within the observatory, and yet its results were quite obvious upon the spectators. Manes began to shift and billow as the wind continued to increase, and it steadily ramped up into a gust. Luna remained locked within her spell, her horn continuing to glow, and Twilight Sparkle threw a worried look up at her mentor. "Princess Celestia...?"
"What you're witnessing and feeling, my faithful student, is magic. Pure, unadulterated, and unbridled magic. It's been... thousands of years since I've seen my sister perform this spell." Celestia glanced down at her pupil and smiled. "This is magic in its most raw and primal form, but also its most powerful. Beautiful, isn't it?"
Twilight blinked in return, and she winced as the gust picked up even further, progressing into a howling roar. It was almost deafening, and she had to yell as loudly as she could just to speak above it. "I GUESS? ISN'T THIS DANGEROUS, THOUGH?"
"Luna has done this nightly with her guards around. I promise you, you'll be safe. And just wait until you see the result..."
Slightly soothed by her teacher's words and surprised that she was even able to hear the alicorn, the lavender mare turned back towards Luna and continued to simply watch. What Celestia said had some merit to it - to see magic in such a raw and powerful form was a very rare sight, and the magical capabilities of the Royal Sisters were second-to-none. Considering how highly she valued her own magic, Twilight couldn't help but feel a bit jealous of what she was seeing, nor could she deny how incredible such a spell was. It was so simple, and at the same time, so very intricate.
The arcane storm continued on, and the Princess of the Night was beginning to visibly strain herself as she carried out the spell, yet she pressed onwards. She couldn't fail now. She needed to do this. Not just for herself, or her guests, but for her sister - for them. Aside from Philomena and Celestia herself, the very art of creating stars was the last tie Luna had to her 'old' life, and just like the lullaby, it was theirs. Nopony would ever be able to take that from them. As the last of the dust and gas was squeezed into its new form, there was another brilliant flash of light as the magic ceased, and Luna fell to the tile floor, panting and exhausted. "...d-done."
Celestia was the first to rise, and she slowly walked over to her sister's side, helping the young Princess back up to her hooves. "You did wonderfully, little sister. I see you haven't lost your touch at all."
"I... I even did something special this time. Just... just for you." Luna smiled and laughed weakly before abruptly taking a seat upon the floor, and she gave her sister a brief nuzzle as the elder sibling wrapped a wing around her. The rest of the guests had since hurried over to the two alicorns, and all of them seemed rather concerned about Luna's state. Even while weakened, the young Princess was determined to make herself appear as strong as possible, and she was quick to wave a hoof dismissively. "I'm not hurt or anything, I'm simply... tired."
Twilight Sparkle stepped forward, an eyebrow raised as she peered at Luna. "So... did you just...?"
"I told you in the library that I would show you what it looked like when I made stars. Now you know." The alicorn grinned at her sister's pupil, and she quickly beckoned Fluttershy towards herself. "Fluttershy, could you please fetch some water for me?"
"Are you sure you're alright, Luna? You look absolutely awful... oh, maybe you should take a nap." The yellow pegasus was already hurriedly placing her hooves all over the Princess' face as she tried to feel for a temperature, and Celestia couldn't help but laugh at such a sight.
"My sister will be fine, Fluttershy. As strong as we may be, we both still have our limits, and creating a single star completely exhausts Luna. Just give her a few hours, and she'll be quite alright." The white alicorn smiled back at Fluttershy, but as the pegasus continued to stay put, Celestia glanced around before letting out a soft cough. "...um, Fluttershy. The water, please."
"Oh dear, I'm so very sorry! I'll be right back, I promise!" The yellow pegasus quickly took to the air and flew out of the observatory, leaving the others to awkwardly stand around the Royal Sisters.
Luna had her face buried in her elder sibling's coat, but she briefly turned away to eye her guests. "...I'll be fine, honest. Go back to your telescopes, sextants, and star charts, and try to find the star I made."
The seven guests did as told, though Pip certainly seemed most excited, and the pinto colt hopped up onto the table and patiently waited for Applejack to return. While she slowly walked back over, Pip had already propped the sextant up on the table with the aid of several books, and he was quickly comparing the star chart to anything he found within the night sky. With a gentle kick from one of his hind legs, he swung the telescope back around and was already quickly scanning the heavens, even as Applejack finally made her way to the station. The colt let out a small gasp and began to grin ear to ear, quickly giving a few of the dials and knobs a few turns with his mouth before peering through the ocular once more. "I think... I think I found it!"
Celestia glanced over towards the tiny colt and smiled at him. "Describe it for me, Pip."
"It's... orange, and really bright. A lot brighter than all the other stars around it!"
"Mm... orange. Father's favorite color." The white alicorn tossed a quick glance down at her own flank and grinned. "...and the color of my cutie mark."
The others had since found the star as well, letting out several 'ooh's and 'aah's as they all surveyed Luna's creation. Twilight Sparkle eventually pulled herself away from the telescope and made her way towards the two alicorns, a slight expression of confusion upon her face. "Doesn't Luna want to see the sta-"
"Shh." Celestia looked up at her protegee with a faint smile upon her face, then soon turned her gaze back to her sibling at her side.
"...is she?"
"Mhm." Luna's only response to the two of them was a quiet snore, and the Princess of the Night shifted slightly, burying her face into her sister's side. The elder sibling pulled her wing a bit tighter around her younger sister, and Twilight could hardly contain her own smile as her mentor leaned down to give the sleeping Princess a gentle kiss upon her forehead. "Sweet dreams, little sister. And... thank you.
For everything." |
Stuck In The Middle With You | Day 7 - Last Day in Canterlot | 7/8
It's hard to believe that it's already been a week since the Bearers and little Pip came to Canterlot. It feels like I only met them a few hours ago - my sister may have had a point when she mentioned how time seems to pass differently for us. Even if my guests may not consider me to be their friend just yet, I see all of them as being my friends. I simply hope we'll all continue to stay in touch, even after all of this is said and done.
Luna set the quill down and levitated her coffee mug up to her muzzle, taking a quick sip before returning to her writings once more. Though she had fallen asleep relatively quickly the night before, she didn't stay asleep very long - the Princess had woken up around four in the morning, and simply couldn't go back to bed. Luckily for her, her retinue of guardsmen had kept their nocturnal habits, and it wasn't difficult for her to find somepony to waste the time with.
Celestia had already raised her sun, however, and Luna's guards retired to their barracks not long after. Finding herself with a sizable bit of free time, the alicorn had decided to return to her journal once more, and was presently writing yet another entry within its pages.
I know for a fact my letters with Twilight Sparkle will continue, as they always have. As awful as it might be to admit, I'm somewhat envious of my sister at times - though I have yet to truly see Twilight's magic at work for myself, I can still 'feel' it to some degree. The potential within her is remarkable, and if the circumstances had been any different, I would have gladly taken her on as my own apprentice. I simply can't 'steal' her, however. Such a thing is deeply frowned upon within the academic world, and my sister has already built up a surprisingly strong relationship with her student. I wouldn't dare destroy such a thing.
In due time, perhaps I'll find an apprentice of my own - maybe not quite on the same level as Twilight Sparkle, but I digress. Regardless of my own feelings or attitudes towards wanting an apprentice, I would consider myself fortunate to stay in touch with any of these ponies. They've all proven themselves to be remarkable individuals in their own ways, and I think I'd be rather proud to refer to them as my friends.
There was a gentle knock upon her bedroom door, and Luna turned upon her stool as she faced towards the door. One of Celestia's guards stood in the doorway, giving her a deep bow before speaking - unlike her own retinue of guardsmen, her sister's guards had the tendency to be much more formal around her, even though she wasn't necessarily their Princess. "Apologies for the intrusion, your Majesty, but your guests have requested your presence."
"...they what? But I gave them the day off!" The Princess of the Night had already hopped off her stool, quickly making her way over to the stallion. "Why did they want me?"
"I'm afraid they wouldn't say, your Majesty. They simply requested your presence, and wouldn't tell me anything else."
Luna slowly nodded, her horn faintly glowing as she used her magic to shut her journal and put it away. "Very well then. Take me to them."
"As you wish."
"You know Pinkie, for once, I think you're throwing a party for all the right reasons."
"...what's that supposed to mean?"
"Just... finish the cake. We already sent that guard out, so Luna could be here any minute now." Rainbow Dash trotted away from the table, quickly approaching Twilight Sparkle and giving the unicorn a mocking salute. "Rainbow Dash, reporting in, sir! Pinkie Pie, Applejack, and Pip have almost completed the cake, sir!"
The lavender mare looked up from her list, an eyebrow slightly raised. "It's ma'am, not sir. And stop that."
"Bah, you're no fun."
"Sorry Rainbow, but I need to make sure everything's in order before the Princess shows up." Twilight sighed and looked around the room once more, nodding to herself and checking off another item on the list. "Simply getting to stay within the castle is a huge honor, and Luna's been extremely hospitable - there's no better way to show our thanks than by throwing a Pinkie party."
As if on cue, the pink earth pony wandered past the two of them, a rather large cake balanced upon her back. "'Cause there's no party like a Pinkie party! Cake's done!"
"Perfect!" The unicorn ticked off an entry labeled 'Cake' and gave another quick glance around the room. "Fluttershy and Rarity, how are the decorations coming along?"
The yellow pegasus was still flitting to and fro, making several last-minute adjustments to the various streamers and balloons that were pinned up throughout the room, and Rarity flashed Twilight a rather large smile. "Swimmingly, darling! Oh, to think of it! Me, doing decorations for a party for one of the Princesses! Mother and father would be so proud..."
"Oh, it's going just fine, Twilight. I just have to..." Fluttershy shifted one of the streamers slightly, smiling briefly before watching in dismay as the streamer moved back to its original spot. "Oh dear, um... okay, how about..." The yellow pegasus tried again and again to keep the streamer in place, failing each time to do so. "Rarity, could you pin this up for me, please? I mean, if you have the time for it. If not, that's perfectly okay."
"Let me handle it..." With a sigh, Rarity's horn briefly glowed as she sent a nail floating upwards, driving it into the streamer with her magic and pinning it firmly in place. "There."
Finally satisfied, Fluttershy slowly returned to the floor and smiled towards the lavender mare. "Okay, now it's done!"
Twilight Sparkle checked off 'Decorations' upon the list and grinned as she surveyed the room once more. "Well, the cake and decorations are done. All we're missing now is Luna. And... Applejack and Pip. Where did those two run off to? Luna could be here any minute now!"
"Right here, sugarcube." Applejack walked back into the room, a smile upon her face as Pip sat perched upon her back. "Cake-makin' got a bit... messy fer Pip here. Little fella went an' fell into some of th' frostin', so I got 'im cleaned up. Nothin' a damp washcloth can't fix!"
"If only I could get Spike to understand that. Still, it's good you two could get back here in time. Princess Luna could be here any-"
Before the lavender mare could speak any further, the doors to the room swung open, and in strode the Princess of the Night, flanked on both sides by her sister's guards. She immediately froze in place, a look of confusion upon her face as she glanced about the room. Streamers lay pinned to the walls, while several balloons of varying colors sat tethered to the floor. In the center was a rather large cake, and surrounding that were all of her guests. For the longest time, Luna simply stared at her campers, and only broke the silence to ask the question first and foremost within her mind. "Is... this a party?"
The campers simply stood there, as none of them had expected Luna to arrive this quickly, and most of them simply stared back at the Princess. After a few nervous glances, one pony eventually spoke up - Fluttershy. "Um... surprise?"
"So, wait. This is all for me?" The alicorn still appeared highly incredulous, and it was hardly surprising. Despite her long life, it was rare for her to ever really receive a celebration of any sort in her honor. Her birthday parties had always been fairly low-key events, kept between her and her sister, and it was rare for the public to ever join in on the festivities. To have a party such as this thrown in her honor was unexpected, to say the least. "I'm... not sure I understand. My birthday isn't until December, and it certainly isn't Night Mare Night."
"Your Majesty." One of the guards that accompanied her gave a small cough immediately following his statement, and she soon glanced over her shoulder to face him. With her attention fixed upon him, the stallion quickly continued. "It's... actually quite common to throw parties for occasions besides holidays or birthdays."
"...it is?"
"Yes, your Majesty."
"Oh. Um. Well then..." The explanation had only helped slightly, and Luna still found herself at a loss. The Princess of the Night turned to face her guests once more, and she took a single step forward. "So... what seems to be the occasion?"
Fluttershy once again spoke up, stepping forward and placing herself at the front of the group. "We um... we did it for you, Luna."
"But... why?"
"To show our thanks." Twilight Sparkle smiled and stepped forward, taking her place beside Fluttershy.
Not one to be outdone, Rarity also stepped forward and quickly spoke up. "You've been awfully polite to all of us, even when some of us were a bit... misguided with their reading choices. It only seemed fair."
"So we decided ta throw ya a lil' party. We know ya've been pourin' yer heart into this camp, so we did th' same with this party. Ain't that right, Pip?" Applejack and Pip both stepped forward, and from his spot upon her back, the colt nodded enthusiastically.
Pinkie Pie was already hopping in circles around Rainbow Dash, and the pink earth pony could hardly contain her own excitement. "And there's no party like a Pinkie party! Were you surprised? Were you?"
"Well since she's looking at us funny, I think she is, Pinkie." The cyan pegasus rolled her eyes and tilted her head slightly as she looked up at the Princess. "You uh... you like it, right Luna?"
The alicorn had since fallen to her haunches, and appeared to just as confused as ever. As the guardsmen quietly excused themselves from the room and shut the doors, Luna continued to glance from one pony's face to another. "I... I don't know what to say. I've never really had anypony throw a party in my hon-"
"What?!" Pinkie Pie rushed forth, pressing her nose against Luna's and staring the Princess straight in the eye. "You've never gotten a party? Never ever never?"
"Um... well, no. My birthdays have usually just been my sister and I. Pinkie Pie, could you please back up a bit. You're kinda-"
"Oh, we can fix that! We can fix that right now! Quick, someone cut a slice of cake!"
"Pinkie Pie, I really don't think this is necessary. Could you please back u-"
"Don't worry, Luna, I've got it all under control!" The pink earth pony had already cut a slice of cake herself, and now held it on a plate in front of the alicorn. "It's chocolate too! I know that's your favorite!"
Luna stared at Pinkie, an eyebrow raised and her mouth agape. "But... I've never even told you what my favorite is. I don't even li-"
Before the Princess could say another word, Pinkie Pie took it upon herself to feed the cake directly to Luna, shoving the slice into the alicorn's mouth and tossing the plate aside. Luna simply stared at Pinkie, completely and utterly shocked as several cake crumbs continued to fall out of her mouth and down towards the floor. The rest of Pinkie's friends, Pip included, seemed completely mortified, and Twilight Sparkle looked like she was on the verge of fainting. With a wide smile upon her face, the pink earth pony leaned towards the Princess of the Night. "Well? Do you like it? I made it myself!"
Unfortunately for Pinkie, Luna soon spat out much of the cake and scowled at her. A frown upon her face, the pink earth pony backed away and the alicorn stood once more, staring at the rest of her guests. "I'm leaving. Have fun with the party - I want no part of it. If you need me, you know where to find me."
As the Princess turned and made her way for the door, the guests reduced themselves to hushed whispers, and several glares were directed towards Pinkie Pie during the course of their discussion. As they hurriedly attempted to salvage their party, Twilight Sparkle teleported and placed herself in Luna's path. "Sooo... Luna!"
The alicorn seemed surprised at first, but quickly returned to her dour demeanor. "Not now, Twilight Sparkle. We can talk later, if you'd like."
"Well, there's just something I wanted to ask. Won't take long at all!"
Luna sighed and rolled her eyes. "...Very well, then. Speak."
"Do you remember when I visited during Hearth's Warming last year, and I brought you that gift?" Twilight grinned up at the alicorn and threw a quick glance back over her shoulder at her friends before looking back at the Princess.
"The astronomy book that you compiled and made for me - it's awfully hard to forget such a gift."
"...Aaaand remember how you didn't really have anything for me in return?"
Luna raised an eyebrow and peered down at the unicorn. "Well... no, I didn't have anything for you. Your entire visit was a bit of a surprise. Why do you ask?"
"Well, um..." The lavender mare nervously pawed a hoof against the floor and looked back up at Luna. "I was wondering if I could maybe get a belated Hearth's Warming gift? As in... now?"
The rest of the ponies were all watching their conversation with bated breath, and Luna was keenly aware of it. The young Princess quickly glanced over towards the group before looking back down at Twilight Sparkle. "And just what kind of gift do you have in mind?"
"...Stay here and have some fun with the rest of us? We all worked hard on this, and I know Pinkie can get a little... over-enthusiastic at times, but she meant well. So... please stay?"
Had it been any other pony, Luna would have very likely said 'No' and continued onwards without a backward look - Twilight wasn't 'any other pony', however. The unicorn was likely the closest thing the Princess of the Night had to a best friend, and Luna could hardly fault the lavender mare for wanting her to stay. As she mulled it over, she gave another look downwards towards Twilight, and let out a slight frown as she found her sister's apprentice staring up at her with pleading eyes. "I... don't know, Twilight Sparkle."
"Alright, fine... um..." The unicorn tapped a hoof to her chin, her eyes lighting up as an idea sprang to mind. "What if I danced with you some more later? Since you need a dance partner and all."
Luna opened her mouth, hesitated, and shut it once more as she thought it over. It was already difficult enough for her to even dare say 'No' to Twilight, and this latest offer made it essentially impossible. With a sigh, the Princess looked back down at the unicorn and faintly smiled.
"...Oh, fine."
As per Twilight Sparkle's request, Luna had indeed returned to the party - that had been hours ago, however. After enjoying the cake at her own leisure, the young Princess had spent the rest of the time socializing and playing several games with the rest of her guests. Just like with her sister's own birthday parties, Luna was better than most when it came to charades, but as she had found out that afternoon, she was sorely lacking in other departments. She found herself performing especially poorly in Pin The Tail On The Pony, as well as several card games. Even with all the time she had spent playing Blackjack and Go Fish with her guards, she almost always found herself on an even playing field with the others.
Applejack and Rainbow Dash were both surprisingly good at card games, and Pinkie Pie and Pip both proved themselves adept at Pin The Tail On The Pony. Whereas Rarity and Fluttershy both performed well at Pictionary, Twilight Sparkle did admirably well while playing Twenty Questions. All of her guests had their own strengths and weakness, as did she, and they all had several facets to their personalities - as colorful and varied as they might be at times, such a thing was actually a source of comfort for Luna. After all, Canterlot itself was the very embodiment of boredom and dullness, considering that many of the citizens often followed incredibly strict social standards.
That had been hours ago, though. All of her guests, with the exception of Twilight Sparkle, had since wandered off to various other areas of the castle, leaving the Princess of the Night and the unicorn to dance in private. The lavender mare was still a bit clumsy, as far as dancing was concerned, but she was a fast learner. Already, she had made a great deal of progress, and though she struggled to keep up with Luna's own steps, she was still keeping up - that was the important thing.
"And one... two... three... step, turn... good, watch your footing." The young Princess smiled warmly at Twilight Sparkle, only to receive a rather nervous one in return. "Two... two... three... Twilight, not so serious. Dancing is supposed to be fun, not a chore."
"Right, sorry." The unicorn let out a nervous laugh and quickly looked back down, watching her own hooves as she followed the steps in-time with Luna's voice. It was a common mistake, but one she could hardly be faulted for. Everypony was bound to do the same at one point or another, and the alicorn had been no exception.
"Three... two... three... eyes up, Twilight. Your dance partner is in front of you and to your side, not on the floor." Luna couldn't help but laugh as she watched the lavender mare look up and smile sheepishly, and the two of them locked eyes as they continued to dance. "One... two... three... step and turn... and bow." As the song came to an end, the two ponies turned and bowed toward one another, and Luna stomped her hooves in approval as she pulled the record off the phonograph with her magic. "Much better! I think we'll make a dancer out of you just yet."
Twilight Sparkle blushed faintly and smiled, tilting her head as she watched the alicorn switch records. "I can't be doing that well so quickly. I mean, we only started this two days ago or so..."
"Better than most. You still have some very slight issues, but nothing some practice can't fix. Your biggest problem is that you take it far too seriously - after hearing about some of your letters to my sister, I know you have the tendency to get a little... too serious in situations you deem important." Luna's horn faintly glowed as she continued to flip through the records, rolling her eyes as she passed some of them. She honestly had no idea where so many of these records had come from, but at least it gave her plenty of options. "You dance your best when you loosen up. Let the music speak to you, and allow yourself to follow its cues. Don't over-think it."
"It's funny, really. I never expected you to be this big on music and dancing. You always seemed more like a patron of the arts."
"Dancing and music are both still forms of art, Twilight Sparkle."
"Well yeah, but... I just meant the rest of this." The lavender mare waved a hoof and gestured to the rest of Luna's room, and the alicorn nodded knowingly in return.
"Though my paintings and drawings still get most of my attention, dancing and music are both still fairly recent for me - I only picked them back up two days ago, after... well, over a thousand years without either. Still, it's like swimming. What was once forgotten is easily relearned as you begin to go through it once more."
Twilight idly shrugged as she continued to browse through the paintings that hung upon the walls. "Makes sense. What's next, Luna?"
"I was thinking we could try doing the tango. I keep seeing it mentioned in books, but you need a partner to really do it properly, which is always something I've lacked... until now, anyways." Luna tapped a hoof to her chin as she held one record in front of herself with her magic, quickly filing it away and retrieving another. "I just have to find the right music for it."
"...why the tango? If you um... don't mind me asking." Twilight pulled her gaze away from one of the paintings and glanced over in Luna's direction, staring at the Princess with a raised eyebrow.
The alicorn smiled as she finally found the appropriate piece of music, and she carefully pulled the record out with her magic, setting it aside. "'tis a more passionate dance. Much more lively than what you'd find in a ballroom. It's also much more intimate, in a way."
"...i-intimate?"
"Well... yes. You have to have a much deeper bond with your dance partner, and you also have to trust one another. Quite a few of the moves one can do while doing the tango rely heavily on that. That is the saying, after all - 'It takes two to... Twilight Sparkle, are you blushing?"
Upon closer inspection, the lavender mare was indeed blushing, and she let out a nervous laugh as she discovered she had been caught. "M-maybe? Um... well... I've been doing some reading as of late..."
"...and?"
"And I may have read a few stories about the um... 'appetites' you and your sister have."
At the mention of that, Luna stared deadpan at Twilight Sparkle. "You've been reading the tabloids, haven't you."
"...yes."
"One moment." The alicorn sighed and grabbed a quill and piece of parchment with her magic, scrawling furiously in front of the unicorn.
To The Staff of Equestria Daily,
If you publish one more false and disgraceful rumor about the 'deviant behaviors' my sister and I have, I will personally see to it that all of you are banished and thrown into a dungeon in the place I banish you to. This is the eighth time I've had to warn you, and enough is enough.
See to it that it does not happen again.
-Princess Luna
Before she had even given the ink any real chance of drying, Luna had already set the quill aside and hastily folded up the letter, shoving it into an envelope and sealing it shut with a wax stamp. This was not to be delivered by a pegasus - oh no, she was going to personally deliver this to their offices. That would wait until tomorrow, however.
With that little errand out of the way, Luna clapped her hooves together and gave Twilight Sparkle a warm smile, her horn faintly glowing as she placed the record on the phonograph and set it to play.
"Now then, where were we?" |
Stuck In The Middle With You | Fond Farewells | Mornings. Oh, how she hated mornings. It wasn't her dear sister's fault, of course, but Luna had always disliked the day for one reason or another. Perhaps her sister's sun was too bright or the days were too hot - she wasn't entirely sure what the reason was, and she likely would never know. The dusky alicorn gave her head a quick shake as she tried to wake herself up, and she quickly took a sip of her coffee before devouring yet another donut.
All of this was something Celestia was acutely aware of, of course. The two sisters knew each other intimately, and the elder sibling knew that Luna's moods and emotions fluctuated and changed just as often as the phases of the moon. Although the Princess of the Night often seemed quite stable and normal to most ponies, Celestia certainly knew better. During the day, Luna's patience often wore thin, and she had the tendency to fidget when sitting or standing still. She was, for lack of a better word, uncomfortable - the day and the sun were both polar opposites of everything Luna represented and controlled, and as such, it was outside of her own comfort zone. The white alicorn looked up from her newspaper and took a sip from her own mug, peering across the table at her sister. "So, Luna."
"So, 'Tia."
Celestia smirked upon hearing her younger sister essentially echo what she just said, and she chuckled softly. "Oh, stop that. Are you looking forward to getting back to your usual sleep cycle?"
"Definitely. I mean... I am a bit sad that the camp has come to an end, but I'm looking forward to holding night court once more. That, and being awake during the day is absolutely killing me... um, no offense or anything." Luna levitated up her coffee mug once more and nervously took a drink, much to her sister's amusement.
"None taken, little sister. You still have to bid your guests farewell, don't you?"
The Princess of the Night nodded and quickly ate another donut, swallowing it before speaking. "Mhm. Just have to tell them goodbye and watch them get on the chariots so they can return to Ponyville. Though I'm... not sure how long that might take."
Celestia was in the midst of taking another sip of coffee and quickly stopped herself, setting the mug down and peering across the table at Luna. "I'm sensing a hint of... something, little sister. Hesitation? Sadness? Apprehension?"
"All of those, actually. I'll admit, though part of me is glad that the camp is coming to an end..."
"...the other part doesn't want it to end, hm?"
"Well... no." The dusky alicorn gave one of the donuts in front of her a prod with her hoof, even though she appeared rather uninterested in it. "I mean, I'm ready for this to be over so things can go back to normal, but... I've enjoyed this. For once, 'Tia, I have friends. Actual friends. I'm just a little worried that after all of this is said and done, I won't really hear from any of them ever again. I've got my letters with Twilight Sparkle - she'll definitely keep in-touch - but I don't know about the others."
"And it worries you, doesn't it?"
"A little, yes."
"Just voice your concerns later on, Luna. Let them know that you'd like to stay in contact with them." Celestia, faintly smiling as always, briefly glanced down at her newspaper before returning her gaze to her sibling, her smile now replaced with a hint of a frown. "And while you're at it, could you ask Twilight Sparkle if she could write me more often?"
Luna blinked, momentarily surprised by her sister's question. "I... yeah, I can ask her that, 'Tia. What do you want her to write about?"
"Anything. Anything at all. As of late, the letters from her and her friends have been increasingly rare, and it's always about something they've learned that involves friendship."
"But... that's what you asked them to do."
The white alicorn sighed and slowly shook her head. "I know, but I've been stuck dwelling on what you told me a few days back. About how, 'If we can't love all the ponies for the rest of time, we'll simply have to love them lots while they're still here'. With these friendship reports, I've been treating them more like subjects than..."
"Than what, Celestia?" Luna peered across the table at her sibling, visibly concerned. It wasn't often that her sister was moody like this.
"Well, I should be treating them like ponies, like my children, but... I haven't been. And I need to fix that."
"But why can't you just ask her yourself?"
Celestia hesitated repeatedly, opening her mouth and quickly closing it before glancing away from her sister. She seemed to struggle for the right words to use, but she eventually found them. "Well, it's... not that simple, Luna. I don't know Twilight Sparkle like you do. To her, you're just Luna. There are no titles or anything else, you just... are. But for me, I'm Princess Celestia, or her teacher. There's no real sense of informality, and because of that, things are more... oh, what's the word?"
"...distant?" Luna blinked momentarily, bringing a hoof to her chin as she eyed her sister.
"Yes, distant. It's just not the same. I may have known her longer than you, but you know her better than I do. That's why I need you to ask."
The dusky alicorn nodded and stood up, stepping away from the table and giving her older sister one last look. "I understand. Is there anything else you'd like me to ask of them?"
"You can ask any of them that same question, if you'd like. I wouldn't mind getting letters from all of them, and I'm sure you wouldn't either." Celestia's frown slipped back into a faint smile, and she took a quick sip from her own cup of coffee. "At the very least, ask Twilight Sparkle to write me more often. Just promise me that much."
"For you, Celestia? Anything."
"Thank you. Get a move on, Luna - you don't want to keep your guests waiting."
Luna nodded in return and quickly proceeded out the door, leaving the dining room and leaving Celestia to finish breakfast by herself. Alone once more, the white alicorn returned her attention to the newspaper in front of herself and began to skim through it. One article in particular caught her eye, and Celestia leaned down to get a better look at it.
The staff of Equestria Daily would like to apologize for several false and harmful rumors that we've been publishing over the past few weeks. We have nothing but the utmost respect for Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, and we apologize for not verifying the validity of any rumors that involved them.
With a smirk, Celestia set the newspaper down and slowly shook her head.
"Oh, Luna."
"She's late again."
"Yep."
"She's always late."
"Mhmm."
Upon hearing that, one of the guards let out a groan of frustration. Being given guard duty over Luna's guests had been exceptionally easy work, but it was also exceptionally boring. They had been standing here for hours now, patiently waiting for the Princess of the Night to arrive so she could bid her guests farewell - and she had yet to show up. It had been enough to truly test the patience of one of the guards, and his comrade had repeatedly calmed him down and kept him in line, though that was quickly becoming more and more difficult to do. Clearly irritated, the young stallion turned towards his fellow guardsmen and shot him a glare. "Why are you always so nonchalant about this?"
The other guard, an older stallion by several years, paid no real mind to his comrade and simply sighed. "Because it's our duty to serve the Royal Sisters, not to question their every action and word."
"Princess Luna has been late every single day she's been scheduled to meet with her guests. Every single day!"
"Princesses Celestia and Luna have breakfast with one another every day, regardless of the situation. You seem to continually forget that. Mind your tongue and stand at attention."
"No, I will not mind my tongue! I've had enough of this! Proud as I may be to serve Princess Celestia, her sister makes a... a mockery of the Guard! I see her out in the training field sometimes, laughing as she watches the recruits run through their drills! Not only that, but the complete disregard she and her 'Night Guard' have for etiquette and procedure is disgraceful! It's a complete and total mockery of everything we and Princess Celestia stand for!"
Still in the midst of his tirade, the younger stallion had failed to notice the arrival of Princess Luna, who currently stood at a distance, watching in silence with an amused look upon her face. The older guardsman knew she was there, of course, and he gave her a brief yet subtle snuffle as his way of acknowledging her presence - the dusky alicorn nodded and smiled faintly in return, even as the two guards continued their conversation. "Well then, considering how much emphasis you seem to place on etiquette and procedure, it might pain you to know that Princess Celestia has been attempting to be as informal as Princess Luna, and with a fair level of success. She also seems quite a bit happier as well. And besides, I fail to see what Princess Luna's activities within the training field have to do with anything."
"Isn't it obvious? She's spying on us!"
"...spying on us? And what makes you say that?"
"She's always out there with a pad of paper and a pencil. Just sits on the grass and watches, jotting down notes or scribbling things. If you ask me, she's looking for weaknesses in the Guard."
The older guard sighed and slowly shook his head. "Weaknesses in the... oh please tell me you're joking."
"I'm not! I've read about it too!"
A softer voice soon joined in on the conversation, though the younger guard seemed to pay it no mind at all. "Did you also read about how fat Princess Luna's flanks are from all the donuts she eats?"
The younger stallion let out a boisterous laugh and quickly nodded. "Oh yeah, I remember that! Got quite the donut addiction, too! She's starting to get awfully tubby - serves her right, if you ask me."
There was a soft sigh of disappointment, and it was enough to draw the younger guard's attention, though he quickly regretted doing so. His face instantly paled upon seeing Princess Luna, though the alicorn seemed to be staring at her own flanks with a frown. "...they're not that fat, are they? I mean, I only said that as a joke. I didn't think you'd take it seriously or anything."
"Your flanks look quite fine, your Majesty - even a little thinner than your sister's, if I do say so myself." The older stallion grinned and even chuckled a bit as he watched Luna give him an embarrassed stare.
The young Princess certainly hadn't been expecting an honest answer out of either of the guards, and she found herself blushing at the apparent compliment. "...um, thank you... I think? And what's this about my sister's flanks?"
"Ah, that." He chuckled once more and slowly shook his head, the grin never leaving his face. "'Tia knows that some of the guards take peeks, but she never does anything to stop it. Truth be told, I think she kinda likes it. Reminds her that we're still ponies, instead of stone statues."
All of this was rather new to Luna, and she briefly took her time to process it. "So... my sister knows that you all take peeks at her and she does nothing to stop it? And she even lets you all call her 'Tia'?"
"Lets us? Your Majesty, Princess Celestia encourages it."
The Princess of the Night blinked, surprised to hear such a thing. It seemed her sister was far more successful with informality than what she originally thought. "That's... new. The guests are still inside, though, yes?"
"They are, your Majesty. Been patiently waiting for you. Shall I let them know you're headed in?"
"The fanfare won't be necessary, but thank you. Though, I have to ask... is he going to be alright?" Luna pointed a hoof at the younger guard, who was still staring at her, his mouth agape. Ever since he had noticed her, the younger stallion had yet to utter a word, and it was starting to become rather concerning.
"...I'm sure he'll be fine, your Majesty. At the very least, seems like you shut him up. Just head in, and I'll take care of this." The young Princess nodded and gave a brief bow to both guards before proceeding through the doors and into the barracks. As she disappeared inside, the older stallion leaned over and smacked his comrade on the cheek. "She's gone now, you know."
The younger guard quickly shut his mouth and looked back at his counterpart, a frown upon his face. "...h-how long was she standing there?"
"A while."
"A-and you didn't tell me?"
"Nah. Wanted to see the look on your face."
There was a soft sigh. "...You're a jerk."
The only response was a low chuckle.
As Luna strode into the barracks where her guests had been staying, the first thing she noticed were the suitcases. At the foot of each bed was a single suitcase, though the sole exception seemed to be Rarity - the fashionista had brought six. It seemed they had all been packed and ready to go for quite a while, and had simply been waiting on her. Such a thing caused the dusky alicorn to feel slightly guilty, though she quickly dismissed it as she greeted her guests. "I apologize for making all of you wait for me, but my sister was rather... talkative this morning. One thing lead to another, and I've been stuck with lots of little delays. However, after everything all of you have done for me, I simply had to see all of you off."
Her last statement confused some of them, and Pinkie Pie stepped forward, her head tilted as she stared at Luna. "But we haven't really done anything at all. You're the one that's done all the work!"
"On the contrary, Pinkie - you've all done a great deal for me. First and foremost, I have a request for all of you on behalf of my sister. Celestia talked with me earlier and essentially said that... well, that she's been lonely."
Celestia's own student took a step forward, and Twilight Sparkle raised an eyebrow as she looked at the young Princess. "But... Princess Celestia never sounds lonely in any of the letters I've gotten from her."
"Because you two only talk about official business. I've taken peeks at the letters between you two, and it's always about the kingdom, or it's a friendship report. It's never just about you two." Luna let out a sigh and slowly shook her head before glancing over at the lavender mare. "Truth be told, Twilight Sparkle, she misses you terribly. She has yet to actually tell me that, but I can see it from her body language, and how she perks up any time I mention your name."
"Oh..." Twilight's ears quickly flattened, and the unicorn looked away from Luna. "I... feel kinda bad about it now. I mean, I'm her personal student, and I didn't know any better."
"Don't worry yourself over it, Twilight Sparkle. Celestia's quite good at hiding her emotions, even from me. All she'd like out of you is some more contact - keep it informal, and treat her as 'Celestia' instead of 'Princess Celestia'. Think you can do that?" Luna smiled faintly, and it grew as the unicorn quickly nodded in return. The alicorn was quick to direct her attention to the other guests. "That goes for the rest of you as well. Just send me and my sister some letters every now and then. It doesn't matter how trivial you think it is, send it anyways. Besides, I'd kinda like to stay in touch with my um... my friends. Could you all do that for us?"
The Princess of the Night was given several enthusiastic nods of the head from all seven guests, causing her to smile widely. At the very least, it seemed like her sister's request would be easily fulfilled, and it also meant that she would get some extra letters of her own. Before Luna could dwell on it any further, a gentle tug on her ever-billowing mane caused her to look down. In front of her was Pip, and the little colt looked expectantly up at her. "Princess Luna?"
The dusky alicorn smiled at him and gave his head a gentle pat. "You don't have to call me that, Pip."
"I know, but... I was wondering if I could get a hug before we leave, and I wanted to ask nicely."
"A... hug?" She blinked, momentarily confused - in all her years, every display of affection had been directed at her own sister, with the sole exception being Twilight Sparkle. Even that had only occurred once or twice, and never again. Still, these were her friends now, and from what she had been told, giving out hugs is what friends did. "Oh, I don't see why not. C'mere, Pip."
The obvious differences in their heights made a traditional hug impossible. Instead, Luna dropped down and simply laid upon the floor, and Pip quickly trotted over and threw his forelegs around her neck. The dusky alicorn placed a single foreleg around him, pulling him into the hug and causing him to laugh. Before she could do anything else, another pair of legs wrapped around her, and then another. It was a rather comical sight, to see the Princess of the Night quite literally buried in ponies, but she certainly didn't mind - these were her friends, after all.
Afterwards, the Princess and her seven guests simply spent what was left of their time chatting, telling various stories. Some were from the camp, some weren't, and each was a tale worth telling. The Bearers spoke of the various adventures they had all been on, as well as the lessons they had learned. Pip told the others of how he ended up traveling from Trottingham to Ponyville, and Luna told all of her guests about herself and her sister.
Slowly but surely, the guests began to leave - Rarity was the first to depart, and only did so after vowing to visit the young Princess the next time she was in Canterlot. Next was Fluttershy, and the yellow pegasus gave the alicorn another hug before grabbing her bag and making her way out to the waiting chariot. Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash both left shortly afterwards, and both ponies promised to send something extra when they sent the first letter to the Royal Sisters.
When the next chariot arrived, it was time for Applejack and Pip to leave. They both apparently lived near one another, and the orange mare promised to make sure that the colt made it safely home. Pip seemed especially reluctant to leave, and the pinto colt galloped over and gave Luna's leg a hug. "I don't wanna go, Luna..."
The Princess of the Night tilted her head and peered down at him, an eyebrow raised. "Why not?"
"'Cause I had a lot of fun, and I dunno if I'll get to see you again."
"Oh, Pip..." Luna sighed and lowered herself to the floor once more, a faint smile upon her face as she looked him in the eye. "All you need to know is that... no matter where you go, what you do, or how many years pass, I'll always be there by your side. If you ever look up at the night sky, and you see the moon and the stars, just know that I'm there with you. Besides, I'll be visiting Ponyville again for Night Mare Night."
The small colt looked up at her and sniffled. "...promise?"
"I promise."
Pip nodded and gave Luna another hug before turning and trotting over to stand at Applejack's side. The orange earth pony was carrying both of their bags, and gave a quick wave to both Twilight Sparkle and Princess Luna before heading out the door. As Pip followed her out the door, the dusky alicorn let out another sigh and got to her hooves. There were only two of them now - herself, and her sister's student. As they waited for the last chariot to arrive, both ponies spoke at length about various topics.
"...so that's why you were acting and speaking like that when you visited on Night Mare Night."
"Mhm. 'Tia thought it would be rather funny. I obviously disagreed."
"I'm guessing you got back at her?"
"Ohh yes. Make no mistake, Twilight Sparkle, my sister and I are both pranksters at heart. After I got back to the castle that night, I snuck into Celestia's room with a tube of whipped cream and a feather."
The lavender mare audibly gasped and giggled, shaking her head. "You didn't!"
"I did! Put the whipped cream on one of her hooves while she slept, then tickled her face with the feather. She ended up smearing it all over herself."
"And what did she say the next morning?"
"Well, I showed up for breakfast, and-" A rather low cough interrupted Luna's train of thought, and both ponies looked over to find one of the guards standing beside the doorway. It seemed the last chariot had arrived. The dusky alicorn slowly nodded and looked at the unicorn. "Well, I guess this is it."
The lavender mare let out a soft sigh and slowly nodded as well. "Guess so. Luna, I just... wanted to thank you again for everything you've done this week. I had a lot of fun."
"As did I." Luna paused for a moment before continuing. "You'll... still write to me, won't you?"
"Of course I will! I've been doing it anyways, so there isn't much of a reason to stop." The unicorn's bag was already levitating in the air, and she slowly made her way towards the door, only to stop and look over her shoulder at the alicorn. Luna's expression had already become rather solemn, and it caused Twilight to frown slightly. "Luna? Is something wrong?"
"It's just... well..." The Princess of the Night sighed and slowly shook her head. "I never expected it to be this difficult to tell somepony goodbye."
"It's not goodbye, though. You'll see all of us again on Night Mare Night, right?"
Luna blinked, slightly confused. "Well... yes, but I'm not seeing how this isn't a goodbye."
Twilight Sparkle simply smiled in return. "If you're seeing us again, it's not a goodbye. It's simply a good night. Make sense?"
"I... suppose it does. In that case, um... good night, Twilight Sparkle."
"Good night, Princess Luna. See you on Night Mare Night!" The lavender mare gave one last smile before trotting out the door, leaving Luna by herself to think over everything that had happened over the past week. It had been a whirlwind of activity, but she had come out of it with several new friends, as well a few lessons learned. With all of the experiences still fresh in her mind, the Princess of the Night turned and left the barracks, trotting through the halls of Canterlot as she made her way back to her room. Her journal would certainly be getting some more use today.
As the alicorn trotted along, her hoofsteps echoing off the marble pillars, she muttered something under her breath. It was far too low for anypony else to hear, but that didn't matter - what mattered was that she heard it, and she certainly did.
"See you on Night Mare Night. And... thank you." |
Stuck In The Middle With You | Epilogue: A Chat Between Two Sisters | "Come in, Luna. Yes, I know it's you."
Luna simply sighed in return and nudged the door to her sister's room open, a letter in her mouth as she trotted in. It had been a week or so since the end of Luna's summer camp, and both sisters had been busy since then - the younger sibling had since returned to holding court at night, and surprisingly enough, both of them had been seemingly swamped in requests from the citizens of Equestria. Even the night court, which was typically a slow and boring affair, had been quite busy.
There was a silver lining to all of this, of course. The Bearers and Pip had already begun to send letters in, and simply receiving one was often enough to brighten their day. When the first letter had arrived, Celestia had been absolutely giddy, and the white alicorn had hastily torn open the envelope and yanked the letter out. Since then, the two sisters had made it a habit of getting together whenever one of them received a letter, and they would simply read them out-loud. Some of the letters had even come with a little something extra - Pinkie Pie had the tendency to include cookies with her letters, and Pip would often include a doodle or two of his own creation. Celestia often joked that Pip had picked up such a habit from Luna, but the younger sibling never denied it.
Luna walked over in front of her elder sibling and placed the letter down in front of her. "This one's a little more special than the others."
"Special? Special how?" Celestia had already levitated the envelope up and began to inspect it, and she quickly raised an eyebrow upon spotting something. "...it's got your wax seal. This is from you."
"Mhm. Open it."
The white alicorn did as told, breaking the wax seal and pulling out the letter within it. Not long after, she unfolded it and began to read.
To my dearest sister,
I'll admit, I was skeptical when you first told me your idea about opening a summer camp. All I could think was how it was going to end in disaster, and how it would further tarnish my reputation. I'm glad you won out in the end, because I ended up making six new friends. Six!
Sure, some of the activities didn't really go as planned, but I'm okay with that. If everything had gone perfectly, I think the camp actually would have been rather boring. I learned a great deal from my guests, though I'm still slowly figuring out just what I've learned - all I know is that I've come out as a better pony in the end.
To finish up this letter, I'd like to do three things: First, I'd like to thank you. You were simply trying to help when you first proposed the idea of a summer camp, and you ended up doing just that when I went along with it. Thanks for being the best sister a pony could ever hope for.
The last two things are actually two requests. For the first request, I'd like you to come with me to Ponyville for this year's Night Mare Night. I don't think many of the citizens of Equestria have ever seen both Princesses at the same time. Besides, I think it'd be quite fun! You spend too much time holed up in this stuffy castle, and that's saying a lot when it's coming from me.
For the second request, I'd like to formally ask to make Pip my apprentice. Now, I know what you're thinking - Pip isn't a unicorn, and so he's completely incapable of practicing magic. While that may be the kind of apprentice you have, that's not the kind of apprentice I want. Little Pip has a very unique and special gift, and if you'll excuse the pun, he seems to be quite bright in regards to astronomy. I'd like to help him hone his talents. For all we know, he may very well end up making some very big discoveries.
With love,
Luna
"Well?"
Celestia looked up from the letter, only to find herself staring at a grinning Luna. "Well what?"
"The requests."
"Oh! Well... you drive a hard bargain, Luna..."
"...Celestia."
"In regards to both requests, little sister? Permission granted."
The dusky alicorn let out a squeal and threw her forelegs around her sister's neck, giving her a hug. "Thank you, 'Tia! Thank you so much!"
Celestia snickered and slowly shook her head as she hugged back. "You know you didn't have to ask for my permission, right? You're a Princess, after all."
"Oh, I know. I just wanted to do it anyways. Makes me happier when I know you approve of something." Luna grinned and broke away from the hug, standing back and looking down at her elder sibling. "I suppose I'll go to Ponyville tomorrow to break the news to Pip and his parents. And... I suppose you'll be coming with me on Night Mare Night too?"
The white alicorn briefly looked away to peer at the calendar that hung upon her wall, and as she turned back towards Luna, she grinned.
"You can count on it." |
The Rescue Service | pre | I tried another sip. "I like it."
"Finding the right pony to drink it with helps too." Cressie had wandered in again and put her head up to his flank; he petted her absent-mindedly while he held up his glass towards me. "Cheers!"
It was clear enough that he was flirting with me, even right in front of his marefriend. Perhaps I ought to have let that be a hint, said my thanks and left. But still I was curious about how their relationship worked if he could do that. If I could find out what made them tick, I might be able to use it in my book -
Ah, buck it, who was I kidding? This guy was a hunk, and I wanted him, alright - even if my role would probably just be an extra, brought in to realize somepony's infidelity fantasy.
I raised my glass too. "To finding the right pony."
"To the right pony." He drank up.
Cressie left again and could be heard knocking on the inside of the front door. Perhaps 'pawing at it' would be more accurate, what with her doggie act and all. It made Pokey actually turn his attention to her.
"Um, I'm really sorry, but it seems I have to take Cressie on her evening walk," he said. "You know how it is - can't get out of that just because of charming company. So, unless you'd like to join us . . .?"
"I'd love to," I said.
"I'm surprised you're not using a leash." We were down in the street, strolling leisurely up towards Reinwick Square while Cressie meandered ahead of us, sniffing flower pots and lightpoles.
"Oh, you know, these days if you keep a pet on a leash in public, there'll be all sorts of animal welfare groups showing up to make a ruckus. She's mostly well-behaved enough not to need one either - though I do take one with me in case she starts acting up."
My writer self had to admire how smoothly he was blending the dog fantasy with pony reality, crafting an explanation that was meaningful on either level. Ponies would stare if I went about everyday life parading a fellow pony around on a leash, he was saying, and that wouldn't be fun for either of us. But when the occasion is right we still do it.
Cressie was waiting for us when we rounded the corner at Reinwick Square. Pokey nodded quickly to her, and she made a beeline for a small shack at the other end of the plaza. A public outhouse.
It dawned upon me what the purpose of the trip was. "Don't you have a toilet in your apartment?"
"Only a pony one," Pokey answered.
I gained new respect for Cressie. Here was a filly who took her doggie impersonation freakishly seriously. And who was quite good at it too. If she hadn't been twice the size of any self-respecting dog, I might have forgotten already she wasn't really one. Though I had to wonder what someone who didn't already know would see - perhaps just a young pony acting a bit silly, wearing a necklace? It wouldn't be apparent that it was really a collar and the heart-shaped pendant dangling from it a padlock, unless you stared more closely at her than would be polite.
We circled the square while waiting for Cressie to finish her business. Pokey told me about his job, managing the timetabling office at the Equestrian Railways. (Or perhaps he embellished that a little). I repaid him with some slightly sanitized anecdotes of pony rescuing.
That made me think of something. "When we arrived here, it looked as if Cressie didn't know we might be coming."
"Well, right. It's my job to make sure she's safe, but you can't expect a bitch like her to care how I do that."
I couldn't help wincing a bit. "I don't know. It seems like she understands a lot more than most dogs." How's that for works-on-both-levels, smart guy?
"Of course she does; she's a smart cookie. Aren't you a smart cookie? That's what you are!" The last was to Cressie, who had just come back from the outhouse. She wagged her tail while he ruffled her mane affectionately.
We began walking back towards his apartment. He continued, "But the thing is not really if she understands, but whether she should need to care. If she did, what would be the point?"
Cressie looked at him quizzically, clearly aware that there was a context to this conversation she had missed. Then she whirred her head and trotted down ahead of us again, tail held high and relaxed.
I walked beside Pokey, thinking it over. He had a point - whatever was in their arrangement for her, being free of responsibility had to be a large part. And what did he get out of it? All I'd seen of him was easy-going and courteous, not the type who'd enjoy having power over a mare for its own sake.
I felt him swish his tail against mine, trying to twist them around each other. Okay, if I was going through with this, I had to know whether I or Cressie was the third wheel here. She'd called him her coltfriend, hadn't she?
"So, um, Cressie said that you -"
"She said?" He sounded amused. "Oh ho, there's a naughty girl. She ought to know bitches don't talk."
There it was again. "In her defense, there were two strange ponies standing around talking to her at the time."
"Hrm. Perhaps I'll let it slide this one time." He continued in a lower voice, as if letting me in on a secret. "It's her rules too, you know."
"Does she have a safeword?" You don't work in the kink business without picking up a few terms. I hoped this one was not inappropriate to ask about.
"Look like she needs one? But if you must know, it's 'banana pie'."
Cressie herself had disappeared out of view, but as soon as Pokey gave a sharp whistle and called her name she came galloping around a corner and fell into step beside him. At least it didn't seem she was being held against her will.
Back in his apartment we settled in the living room couch, and he served kibble and water in bowls for Cressie, beer and hay chips for himself and me. I still wasn't exactly sure where I stood, but was content for the moment to be the one who had Pokey's foreleg around my loin. Eventually he excused himself to go to the bathroom.
Cressie lay by the fireplace, gnawing quietly at a treat Pokey had given her.
I walked over to her. "Cressie?" She looked up. "Banana pie."
Her eyes went wide, and for a split second she looked lost and uncertain. Then she lifted up her head a fraction of a hoof straighter than she usually held it. "What is it?"
"I just wanted to be sure you're okay with, um, all this."
By 'all this' I mostly meant my own presence. And the fact that I was about to seduce her coltfriend, or possibly the other way around, but in any case right in front of her.
"I am if he is," she answered quietly. A small smile flickered across her muzzle and was gone again. "But thanks for asking."
Seconds passed. "Is that all?" she finally said, throwing a quick glance in the direction Pokey had left in.
I had a thousand questions. Was she chained up in that kitchen every day? How could she be okay with all this? But this wasn't the right time to ask. She wasn't supposed to speak, I knew - and whatever it was she wanted out of this, being interviewed by nosy strangers wouldn't be it.
So I just nodded, and without a word she went back to munching on her doggy treat.
Pokey started being a lot more cuddly after he came back. He petted my mane and nibbled at my ears, and I was more relaxed after talking to Cressie, so I put my hooves around him and my head against his chest and made little satisfied hums to encourage him to continue.
Suddenly there was something licking at one of my hooves. I started upright, and Cressie danced a few steps backward, staring at me innocently.
Pokey chuckled. "Aw, she wants a part of the fun too. That's what happens when one lives with a pet. I can put her out in the kitchen if it bothers you?"
Do you want me to send my marefriend away while we make out so she has to imagine what happens, or are you okay with her watching?
I looked at Cressie, who shrugged almost imperceptibly. You're on your own here.
I didn't want to be responsible for her being chained again. Well, in for a bit, in for a gemstone. "Oh, she can stay, of course," I said as nonchalantly as I could, and threw my hooves around Pokey again.
He smiled and started nuzzling though my mane. I nibbled quietly at his chest fur. After some time a fifth member of his came growing up between his legs.
So, moment of truth. Could I actually go through with this? Only one way to find out.
"Ooh, is that thing for me?" I asked, bimboing it up ever so slightly.
He grinned and didn't even glance towards Cressie. "Who else could it be for?"
"But it is so large!" Careful now, don't overdo it.
He just smiled smugly. (Ah, stallions!) I shifted around on the couch so I could reach, moving my muzzle down the length of his cock while exhaling slowly on it. Once past the end I settled down to suckle on one of his balls, using my horn to poke at the base of his cock from time to time to remind him there'd be more coming.
He leaned back and wrapped his hind legs around me, scratching my crest. That was a nice touch, not just letting me do all of the work.
Then I felt Cressie push my tail aside and start licking at my private parts! I almost bailed out then and there, because I really don't like mares that way. But . . . she was pretty good at it. I could almost imagine that it was another stallion and we were having a threesome. And I didn't want to go back on my word either, though I hadn't been aware this was what I okayed.
To hay with it. I let her continue, and moved up to give a good tongue massage to the first part of Pokey's shaft, between the sheath and the ridge going around it halfway up. He was breathing heavily now and making troubled little noises. But he'd just have to keep it in until I reached the end in my time, or there'd be a mess to clean up.
I took perhaps a little bit longer to move past the ridge than than I usually would, somewhat distracted by Cressie's ministrations. Pokey began using his legs to urge me forward, and when his gasps turned to panicked swears, I took pity on him and cut to the chase, reaching forwards so I could close my lips around the tip of his cock.
It had sounded like it was at the last moment, but he proved to have better self-control than that. I had time to take him in almost down to the ridge and then pull back slowly, sucking gently while I played my tongue around the shape of the tip. Only once, though; when I moved down again he did come, squirting warm goop into my mouth. Quite a lot of it too - if I hadn't managed to swallow some of it while he was still going on I might have overflowed.
When he was done I sat up, pushing Cressie out of the way, so I could get at my beer and wash the rest of the cum down. I admire mares who can pretend they like the taste, but that's not me. Still worth it, though - most stallions get a lot more receptive to your ideas once you've blown them.
Cressie looked so contrite after I'd pushed her away that I had to reach out a hoof and pet her on the head to show I wasn't angry. She'd just wanted to be nice, and it wasn't as if I had come or anything.
Pokey had collapsed on the couch. He smiled weakly to me and raised his eyebrows in a way he probably thought was suave and charming. It looked so goofy that I giggled a bit and grinned back. Well, perhaps it did work.
"So, do you want to stay the night too?" he asked.
I've never been one to play hard to get. "Buck yes," I said.
We finished the beer and chips before retiring to his bedroom, walking side by side through the hallway with Cressie trailing behind us.
He turned to me and kissed my cheek. "You on the pill?" he asked.
"IUD. Less maintenance that way."
He didn't even bat an eye, but just nodded approvingly, before his horn lit up and he opened the bedroom door.
Inside was a princess-sized bed and a huge wicker basket by the door, lined with a blanket. Cressie quietly slid into the room and lay down in it, just before Pokey closed the door.
I settled down on the bed and let him run the show for some time - nibbling and nuzzling and petting and tickling and pecking me everywhere. Soon I was drunk with his caresses and full of happy little shivers. He pushed me gently with his muzzle, rolling me over on my back. Then he was down on the floor, suckling at my teats which his head stuck in between my hind legs.
"Um, are you gonna mount this way?"
He paused. "That a problem?"
"I'd prefer right way up, if it's all the same to you."
He thought for the tiniest moment. "Okay," he said. "Just roll over when you're ready. But stay on the bed."
Feeling pretty close already, I rolled onto my belly again and inched backwards until I could put my hind legs down on the floor. I usually prefer standing up for sex, but I also like being with a stallion who knows what he wants. Sometimes you have to compromise.
I was even readier than I had thought, because I could hear the wet swop when he rose up and the front of his cock slipped into my rear. In one long, slow, smooth movement he slid it all the way into me and came to rest with his sheath against my ass. My fur stood on ends with anticipation.
Then I made the mistake of glancing over at Cressie. She lay in the dog basket with her head raised, watching us solemnly. I stared at her, and she returned my gaze.
What was she thinking right now? Had she set Pokey up to do this, or was she indulging him in his lust for outside nookie? Were we hurting her? Her expression was unreadable.
The briefest of small smiles graced her, just like when we talked earlier, and she looked away.
What did that smile mean? Was it, okay, you win! or on the other hoof, enjoy him while you can because I'm the one he loves and tomorrow he'll be mine alone?
Pokey had seen where I was looking. "Ignore her," he whispered, and he used his magic to cover my eyes with a lock of my own mane, like a blindfold. I could have resisted, of course, but he was right. I let my head drop down on the bed, and he began fucking me in earnest.
At first he shuttled back and forth slowly and methodically, but then his pace and force increased, becoming proper thrusts. Without forelegs on the ground to push back with, there wasn't much I could do to contribute, but there's something to be said for simply being taken without having to work for it, once in a while. I forgot about Cressie and knew only Pokey, hot and firm as he plowed into me again and again, driving me to moan loudly -
And he stopped. Suddenly. With his cock pulled halfway back. "Is something wrong?" he asked. "If you're uncomfortable, we don't have to -"
What the hay? "No no, just go on," I said. Dammit, I was so close. He had stopped with his ridge just outside my clit. I tried to push myself back onto it, but managed only to make the bedsprings bounce a bit. "Please."
"Please what? I'm a bit confused here." The concern in his voice didn't hide the teasing tone.
That was what he wanted? "Fuck me!" I pled, through clenched teeth.
He responded by pulling back and suddenly ramming all the way in, almost knocking the air out of me. "Is that what you want?" he whispered sweetly. "Is this how you like it?"
"Yes!" Don't you stop again now. "Rut me!"
He granted me another ramming.
"Hump me!" Ram. "Ride me!" Ram. "More!" Ram. I was running out of synonyms, as well as clarity of mind. "Yes! Do! Ah -" Finally I came, shaking and shivering, whinnying incoherently.
It turned out that Pokey was a rester.
Some stallions like to stay on top of their mares for some time after they've come. And there are mares who like it that way too and find it wonderfully romantic and intimate. I've never seen the allure, though. Just the feeling of his cock shriveling and crawling back inside you while you wait for him to bucking get on with it . . . ew!
It's bad enough when that happens standing up. But like this, with me sandwiched in between the bed and him, that felt positively oppressive. I felt I had a bit of trouble breathing and started squirming a little under him. Thankfully he got the hint and pulled out, with no grumbling at all, but a friendly little pat on my flank as he climbed down. Gentlecolt to the last.
Out of the corner of my eye I saw Cressie lower her head and curl up in the basket, her muzzle full of smile. Pokey stepped over to her and ruffled her mane tenderly, before going back to the bed and holding up the blankets for me so I could get properly into it.
He lay down too and wrapped his forehooves around me. I kissed one of his fetlocks and bit down on it softly, just enough to stake a claim. I may only have your stallion on loan, little filly, but I do have him.
After that I must have fallen asleep.
* * *
I've always been an early riser. As soon as sunlight began shining through the blinds I slipped out of the bed and sought out Pokey's bathroom to freshen up a bit before I left. There was a single toothbrush in the glass by the sink.
The sound of running water must have woken him. When I came out in the hallway again and carefully opened the front door, he emerged from the kitchen.
"You're leaving." His ears fell. "I hoped you'd stay for breakfast."
"I have an early shift," I lied. "But I did have a wonderful night."
He nodded and floated a piece of paper towards me. "Call me sometime," he said. "I think Cressie likes you. Usually it's as though she scares the mares that I, um . . ." He shrugged.
No shit. I took his paper and we nuzzled goodbye. "I'll think about it. Tell her I like her too."
Then I went.
He didn't really need to give me his number, because it's on the work slip which I still have. But it was a nice gesture, and it does make it more official, less abuse-of-my-position.
I have it in front of me here. I could call him right now, set up a second time. But I doubt I will. They're both nice ponies, but it would just be too weird in the long run. Being number two isn't really my style, and that's what I would be.
Also, I'm pretty sure I'm straight. |
The Rescue Service | 5. With This Ring | Bellchaser was probably right when she said I didn't look well. I couldn't tell her why, of course.
Physically I was fine, after a day or two of rest. But it was like my brain had seized up. Or gotten stuck in a loop. It's hard to describe when you only have the same mind that doesn't work right in the first place to figure it out with - like trying to untangle the meaning of 'this sentence is a lie'.
I'd go to the Institute, open a book, and stare blankly at it until I gave up and went home. And then I'd curl up in bed under the blankets, hoping the world would go away if I ignored it for long enough. It never did.
Each time I heard somepony in the corridor outside my room I jumped, imagining it would be the Royal Guard coming to arrest me for raping 'O. Melody' that day. Some of the time I managed to convince myself this was completely unrealistic; the rest I was just as convinced it was only a matter of time before that other horseshoe dropped.
Tavi had said, when she and Vinyl eventually let me go, that I had atoned for my screw-ups and we were quits. I supposed she wouldn't tell the Guard on me then. But she says so much. It doesn't always keep.
And if the Guard did come, what would I say? Of course I could lie, saying I did not have sexual relations with that mare, and then it would be my word against hers. Would that work? Supposedly I'm innocent until proved guilty, but that didn't feel like a strong defense. After all, a rapist has every incentive to lie, but why would a victim suddenly up and accuse a guy who didn't do it? Wouldn't her word count as good proof? I might have thought so if I were the judge.
Telling the truth, however, wouldn't be much better. Yes, I did force her to fellate me, and yes, she was tied up at the time, but it was her idea, she asked for it. Yeech, that was practically a confession. The bit about being her idea was a transparently pathetic attempt to evade responsibility; it didn't even sound convincing to myself.
She had asked for it, hadn't she? I wasn't even sure anymore. Perhaps I really had done it, in a moment of insanity, and then repressed the memory and made up the story I remember as a way to reconcile it with my self-respect? It wasn't something I think I could do, if I'm the pony I think I am, but how do you know such things?
And so it all went, round and round. I thought about how I'd appeal my case all the way to the Princesses themselves, and then I slapped myself for imagining that might be cool and dramatic when in reality it's just desperately miserable and hopeless.
But of course life must go on. Nothing else for it to do. I go to the Institute and stare at books; I go and rescue ponies with Bellchaser. I bury myself in blankets and hope that suddenly, by some miracle, everything will be all right. Yet every morning when I decide I'm not going to get any sleep anyway and stagger out of bed, the world is still there.
* * *
The second rescue after I returned to work took us to one of those neighborhoods in Canterlot where ponies live if they want to appear richer than they are. At street level the mansions look positively regal, surrounded by leafy gardens, but really they're just fronts. There are no back gardens - there aren't even back sides of the houses; instead they become the front side of a house on the next street over. From the air you can see how absurdly close the streets are, but Canterlot is a unicorn city. They don't care much about flying.
The appointment slip said we were supposed to go to a side door instead of the big center entrance. Nothing happened for a few moments after I knocked; then we heard running hoofsteps inside, and a mare's voice called out.
"Is anypony there? Help! Break the door in if you must, or get somepony who can!"
"Not to worry, ma'am, we've got a key," Bellchaser shouted back, and opened the door.
Inside was a yellowish unicorn mare, looking rather disheveled. I mean, I know I shouldn't talk right now, but at least I had showered and combed myself - she looked more like she had dressed up for a court function and then been left to fend for herself for a week in the wilderness. Her face was a mess of runny mascara and blue eyeshadow, and her two toned-mane a horrible jumble.
"Oh, thank Celestia somepony finally came around! I thought I was going to perish in here when the food ran out."
She backed away from the door when Bellchaser opened it, letting us into a kitchen where, apparently, a small bomb had gone off. Most of the cupboards stood wide open, and the floor was strewn with cereal in small piles, some shattered china, and various packaged foodstuffs, some of which seemed to have been trampled and bitten.
The mare noticed me looking around. "Yes, gawp all you want, but I'd like to see you get one of those things open with only your feet and muzzle to help!"
I tried to find a response that didn't involve stating too pointedly that thousands of earth ponies regularly manage to feed themselves using only hoof and mouth. Most pegasi, too - at least those of us who were raised not to eat with our wings.
Bellchaser relieved me of answering. "We're from the Rescue Service, ma'am. Do you have -"
"You're the who what now? Never mind that; what you need to do now is find somepony who can get this thing off of me!" The mare gestured towards her horn with a hoof, and I saw she was wearing a magic suppressor ring. Did that mean she was our client? She didn't look very tied up - no collar or shackles or even ornamental tack.
"Um, like this?" said Bellchaser. Her horn lit up and she lifted the ring off the client and set it down on the countertop.
"Yes! Oh, thank you, you have no idea how awful that was!" Freed of the ring, she activated her horn and slammed a few of the cabinets shut, as if to make sure she could.
Bellchaser rolled her eyes while the client wasn't watching. "So, er, how did you come to be wearing that?"
"Why, my lousy husband put it on me yesterday morning - or perhaps the day before that, it's all just a blur. Is today Tuesday? Then he said to wait while he fetched something from his office, and then he never came back! Can you believe that? I could have starved to death!"
"Well, if you didn't make the appointment with us, he must have," said Bellchaser, and launched into a quick explanation of how the Rescue Service works.
"So you're saying he planned not to come back?" the client asked. "Why, that dirty, rotten -"
"Not necessarily, ma'am," I said. "Most likely he was just making sure you'd be safe if he had an accident or something unexpected came up. Did he lock you in here too?"
She looked at me like I was an idiot. "Of course he locked the doors when he left. Apparently it didn't occur to him that I couldn't unlock them wearing that pesky thing."
I refrained, again, from mentioning the thousands of earth ponies who also lock and unlock their houses without any magical assistance. "It's just that according to our work order we're supposed to find a key in the back of the K volume of an encyclopedia."
"What? That makes no sense. Nopony ever reads that encyclopedia; it's just for show." She stalked out of the kitchen, and we followed her into a sitting room where she pointed a hoof accusingly at a row of identical volumes in a bookcase.
I picked out the K volume and opened it. There was a letter taped to the inside back cover.
Dear Crusty - if The Rescue Service leads you to this letter, I've gone to Buckhorn Island with Golden Harvest. I'm afraid that even being an earth pony, and even being from Ponyville, she's still more interesting company than you are. Eventually she talked me into arranging this little test, predicting you'll be dim enough to let that silly ring keep you from calling me at work to nag like you always do when I'm the least bit late. I don't really want to believe her, but I'll wait all day before I leave, and since you're reading this she must have been right. I'm disappointed with you, but thanks for making the choice easy for me. There will be some papers for you in the mail one of these days; you may need to get somepony to read them to you. - With regards, Jet Set.
"WHAT? With that frumpy little dirt-pony tart? Oh, that two-timing good-for-nothing pitiful little excuse for a turd! Despicable cur! The rat, the louse, the -"
I and Bellchaser shared an uncomfortable glance. She waited until the client paused for breath.
"Um, it looks like we have done all we came for here, ma'am. Is there anything else . . .?"
"No! Get out! Except, could you please take that thing with you? I won't even touch it."
"The ring? You know, those are not exactly cheap . . ."
"I don't care! I want it out of my house, now. Oh, I'll kill him! I'll buck his teeth in. I'll saw off his horn and roast it -"
We made our exit the way we came, before we became accomplices to something.
Bellchaser stomped down the street, seething with rage once we got out of the client's sight.
"I don't believe it! That was what it was all about?"
"I know," I agreed cautiously. "We're not really supposed to be used for serving divorces."
"Oh, that's not half of it, Finey. Look, I think I saw a cafe up by that corner there; I'll need to drown this in something strong. Will you join me? I'll buy."
"Um, okay." I had my own troubles to drown, of course - although so far I had managed to avoid descending into drinking alone. But this wouldn't be alone, and it'd be rude to reject the invitation anyway.
"Great!" She marched onwards, still grumbling. "To think, for this I missed a Pepperhorse concert!"
The place did call itself a cafe and looked suburban chic from the outside. Inside it was just a bar, like every other in Canterlot. Perhaps the faux rich prefer not to host such a crude establishment too openly. Not for me to judge them.
I sat down at a table while Bellchaser went up to the bar. She came back with two glasses of something red. "This is 'icebrand'," she said. "From the Crystal Empire. Be sure to enjoy it; I wouldn't have ordered if I knew what it cost."
I tried it. Pretty good. I nodded to Bellchaser, who had calmed down a bit and was savoring the drink too. Eventually I felt I had to say something.
"Is it just me, or wasn't our client back there unusually helpless without her magic?"
"It's not just you." She sighed and pulled out the suppressor ring the client had insisted we took with us. "How much do you know about these things?"
"Well, they make unicorns unable to do magic. Popular with ponies who're into bondage because magic makes it too easy to untie all sorts of knots and buckles. That's about it."
"Right. Do you know about the safety features?"
I shrugged. Never wondered much about that; it's a unicorn matter as far as I'm concerned.
"They're - well, let me show you. Take the ring and slide it onto my horn."
I hesitated. It was just a horn ring, but this ring was also a sex toy, and it didn't feel appropriate to use that sort of thing on a colleague that, I think I've mentioned, is not really my type. And in a public place too.
"Come on now, it's not gonna zap you!"
She suddenly reminded me of Tavi, who had also urged me to do questionable things to her for her own amusement, not caring they'd leave me being the bad guy afterwards. But of course I couldn't start explaining that, or even object, without looking silly. Just like with Tavi, I had no bucking choice. I picked up the ring with my forehooves and placed it gently on her horn.
"Atta boy." She grinned. "How do I look?"
"Like the most indifferent sub ever." Of course that was only because I knew what it was. Somepony not in the know would just see a not very stylish fashion accessory.
"Truly you know how to flatter a mare. Now, the way it is with this ring, if I try to lift up something -" her horn glowed, and one of the beer floats on our table rose up and began tumbling over and over in the air "- it doesn't do anything!"
"Is it defective?"
"No, it's in perfect order. That's safety feature number one: The rings it's legal to own must be activated by the wearer before they do anything. Like this." She let the beer float drop to the table, and her horn began to glow again, but immediately the glow turned inward on itself and seemed to seep into the ring. "There, now it's on. They can be made so they start blocking as soon as you put them on, but if you're found with one of those and you're not the Guard, then it's an assault weapon and you're in deep trouble. I mean, serious-jail-time trouble."
"I see." I tried to keep my expression neutral even as my stomach twisted into a knot at the mention of jail time.
"So now if I attempt to pick up som- YOW!" The ring gave a sizzling sound and discharged a small shower of sparks into Bellchaser's face. She jerked back and then curled up in her chair, hooves clutching her temples. "Fuckfuckfuck . . ."
"What happened? Are you alright?" Stupid question, Finey.
She cautiously unfolded herself. "Shit . . . yes, I think I am, just a splitting headache . . . must be one of the high-end ones that punish you for even trying . . ."
She grabbed her icebrand with her forehooves and downed what was left, making a face. "Ugh. I need something softer than this. Be right back." She stood up and went off towards the bar.
I looked after her and tried to remember what the rescue handbook says about removing suppressor rings. Nothing came to mind - I've rescued plenty of unicorns wearing the things, but they always seemed happy enough to deal with it themselves once their limbs were free. With the exception of Mrs. Get-it-off-me earlier today, that is.
Still, I had gotten the thing onto Bellchaser, and I'd be responsible for getting it off her again. But how? Should we go to a hospital? Or to the Guard, or possibly to Hissy Fit? Neither option felt appealing. Or could we just ask one of the other unicorns in the bar to magick it loose? Would they even know what it was?
Why did this kind of thing always happen to me? I finished my drink, hoping against hope there'd be calm at the bottom of it. There wasn't.
Bellchaser came back, carrying two mugs of beer with her foreleg. She set them down on the table, the light one for herself, a darker kind for me.
"Now watch this," she said, sitting down. She raised both forehooves to her horn, and lifted the ring clean off, just like that! She set it down on the table and levitated her beer up towards me. "Cheers!"
"Um, cheers." I clinked my mug against hers and drank. Not bad, if a little stronger than I'd have ordered myself. "How did you do that?"
"There's nothing to it - it comes right off. That's why it has these little slits near the base, for strapping it to a bridle."
"Our client back there wore it loose, didn't she?"
"She did." Some of the anger from before returned to Bellchaser's eyes. "Her only problem was that she's too stupid, or too proud, to use her bucking hooves. And that's not even all. The second safety feature - by law it's not allowed for the ring to keep working more than 12 hours after you power it up."
"So it wasn't even on when we arrived?" I began to understand her exasperation.
"Can't possibly have been," she agreed. "So I don't know about you, but I'm wishing her husband all the luck in the world with his frumpy little tart."
Bellchaser finished her second beer and banged her mug down on the table determinedly.
"And now, Affine Scheme, you're going to tell me what the buck is wrong with you."
"Wrong?" I put on my best grin. "Nothing's wrong."
"Like hell there isn't. You're being jumpy and officious and sigh and moan and act like you're afraid of the clients half of the time. That's not you. And it's not just recovering from the flu either. There's something weighing you down, and you need to talk to somepony about it, and I'm appointing myself to be that somepony. So spit it out!"
She was beginning to get on my nerves. "Look, there's nothing wrong with me! Never felt better! Just keep your muzzle to yourself, alright?"
That came out louder than I had intended it to. A few ponies at the neighboring tables turned to look at us. I glared right back at them, and they went back to minding their own business. Bellchaser had shied a bit back from me and started saying something, but she caught herself and sat there with her eyes closed, breathing deeply.
It occurred to me that I ought to feel bad about lashing out at her. But it was her own fault for being nosy, wasn't it? And she had probably figured most of it out by herself anyway. The other day, when she'd stayed behind to fraternize with a customer after a rescue, it had been clear she knew something. 'Say hi to Fizzy from me,' she had hissed, implying that if I tattled on her, she had some dirt on me to retaliate with. I hadn't meant to tattle, just to warn her about how wrong those things can go. It wasn't fair; it was herself who tricked me into going to the rescue alone so she could use it against me later -
Suddenly I found myself blurting out: "It's all your fault!"
That surprised her. "It's all my fault? What's all my fault?"
"That time last week when you had to foalsit someone and made me do a rescue alone -"
"Oh dear, was that so taxing? You should have said something."
"- the client was angry that there was only one of me and she wanted to complain, -"
Bellchaser frowned slightly. "I don't think I've heard anything from Fizzy about a complaint . . ."
"- but she said she wouldn't, if only I, um, did something to her first." I looked away from her, fiddling with my hooves while I tried frantically to think of a way to backpedal from here. It was finally getting through to me that I was telling what I couldn't tell anypony - but how to stop telling it once I had started?
"So, when you say you 'did something' with the client, was that of an, hmm, intimate nature?"
". . . Yes."
"And she was so hideous that the experience has haunted you ever since?"
"No, she was hot! I mean, really. You wouldn't understand. But she was also, uhm, kinda still tied up at the time . . ."
She raised her eyebrows. "Really, Finey, I didn't think you were into that kind of thing. I mean, you wouldn't be the first to have a bit of a romp with a client, even though we're not supposed to" - she paused for a moment, lost in some internal thought - "but couldn't you at least have finished the rescue first? You know, it can backfire -"
"She wouldn't tell me where the keys were until I did it!" I half-shouted, blinking back tears. "And then she said she couldn't remember it was her who asked me to and I was in trouble, and she made me do even more and then that was wrong too, and I did everything she said but it was never enough, and - and -"
Now blinking back was not enough; I actually bawled like a foal. In a random bar-cafe somewhere, in front of Bellchaser, but it was just too much. I hid my face in my hooves, trying to collect myself.
I felt a hoof around my withers. It was Bellchaser, who had stood up and was hugging me awkwardly. "Oh, Finey, Finey," she said. "That's some serious shit you've gotten into."
"I . . . I don't know what to do." There was a knot in my throat still.
She took a deep breath. "Right now we're getting out of here. You live fairly close by, don't you? I'll walk you."
I managed to stand up. "Yes, just downslope from here, by Fairweather Road." It made me a bit calmer to concentrate on here-and-now details. "Sorry for making a scene."
"Don't be; you're allowed to. Come on, let's get you home."
On the way down to Fairweather, Bellchaser pried the story out of me in a more orderly fashion. Most of it, anyway - I didn't go into much detail about after Vinyl arrived. The cool air helped me straighten up, and it did feel kind of good to be telling somepony, now that the damage was done.
"The way I see it," she eventually said, "you have to go to Hissy Fit and tell her all this."
"What? No, she'd flay me!"
"Come on, I have it on good authority that she doesn't actually flay anypony. Look, I know she sometimes has to send just a single pony on a rescue when the rosters don't work out. She'll have to know what to do if the client starts making that kind of accusations."
"Perhaps," I admitted. Actually I'd convinced myself of exactly that several times already. Two or three times I had even been on my way to her office, only to chicken out on the way up the stairs. Because she might also not be understanding. I didn't even care about being fired anymore, but she might take Tavi's side. She might turn me in to the Guard herself. And so all I managed was to declare myself to be recovered and get back to work.
Bellchaser didn't reply as we turned left along Fairweather. "But it isn't just an accusation, is it?" I pressed on. "I mean, I actually did - or I let her -"
"Finey, no matter what this client pressured you into, if it was her who wanted to, she can't just turn around afterwards and say it was you abusing her. That's not how it works!"
"Difficult to prove, though."
"It's not that bad. If you really did assault her, you could just as well deny everything; no need to come up with a silly story about doing it because she told you to. So the fact that you are telling that story points to it being true."
We reached the entrance to my apartment block. I stopped outside, shaking my head. "That doesn't make sense. If telling a silly story were proof I'm innocent, what's to stop guilty ponies from doing the same?"
She sighed. "Your problem, Finey, is you expect everypony to be as logical as you are. That's why you need to go to Fizzy; she doesn't let that kind of thing stop her."
"Easy for you to say." I turned away from her and pushed open the door. "You're not the one who screwed up."
She followed me inside. "Neither did you. Okay, how about I go with you and start by admitting it was me who made you do the job alone in the first place?"
"You'd do that . . . for me?"
She shrugged. "As you said, it is all my fault, at least in some way. And, Finey, I can't let you go on like this. When did you last sleep an entire night?"
"I - I don't remember." I looked up the stairwell, trying to figure out how I'd ever get up to the third floor. I recalled dimly I used to do that without even thinking - but -
"I thought that. Now come on, it's not far." She nudged me towards the stairs, and I began climbing them.
She refrained from commenting on the state my room was in, and if she rolled her eyes at it, it was when I wasn't looking. She did tell me to lie down on the bed, though, when I stood in the middle of the room and wondered what we both were doing there. I did so, and she tucked the blanket around me with her magic.
"Now, suppose I stay with you for the night, and in the morning we go up and talk to Hissy Fit together, does that sound good?"
It sounded uncomfortably like how I got into trouble in the first place. "Um, Belch, it's nothing personal, but -"
"Not your type, I know. But still your friend, hopefully. I'm gonna commandeer your couch, and if anypony bucks the door in while you sleep, they'll have to go through me before they can get to you."
"That's . . . awful nice of you . . ."
She may have answered that, but I didn't hear it. |
The Rescue Service | 6. Therapist | Today began so well.
I had slept surprisingly soundly for someone who was scheduled to own up to the blunder of his life later in the morning. According to Bellchaser, it was the calm that comes with finally deciding to do something about it. I wasn't so sure. It was probably just the alcohol.
Anyway, she woke me up at half past eight, and then had the cheek to act like she had let me sleep in. Over breakfast I had plenty of time to start panicking and second-guess the plan, and I'd probably have called the whole thing off (once again!) if Bellchaser hadn't been there. As it was, I didn't have that option. She marched me uptown to Hissy Fit's apartment while I tried my best to think of a way to tell the story that would make me sound less like a horrible pathetic loser than I am.
True to her word, Bellchaser started by admitting she had left me to rescue Tavi alone, that day. Then she turned to me expectantly, and I had no choice but to spill the beans. It went better than I expected, at first. I didn't quite manage to save my face, but at least I didn't cry this time, and Hissy Fit sat and listened without showing any emotion other than focused attention.
But then I reached the point where Vinyl had joined us, and ground to a halt. I didn't even know how to say what came next. To tell the truth, I hadn't thought much about it, after it was over. It wasn't relevant anyway - if I could just think of a way to skip past it -
"That - is - NOT - ACCEPTABLE!"
Hissy Fit banged a hoof into the desk and rose from her chair, angrier than I have ever seen her. Beside me Bellchaser gave a start. I let my head drop, cringing. So much for imagining this might have a happy ending.
"I'm sorry," I muttered. It wasn't much of a defense, but what could I do?
Hissy looked surprised. She sat down again and sighed.
"Finey, you're an idiot, and you goofed up," she said, in a tone so calm that one could almost think she wasn't mad at me. "But with how it ended up, you're never going to goof up in that way again, am I right?"
"I suppose so," I mumbled. It wasn't as if I'd ever to get an opportunity to repeat that particular mistake.
"Good. And Bellchaser, you and I are going to have a little chat about honesty and submitting timesheets for work you didn't actually do."
"Yes'm," said Bellchaser stiffly. I hadn't thought about how she would be in hot water for herself too, rather than just just for getting me into trouble. I felt a bit selfish for only thinking of the latter.
"But that will have to wait," Hissy continued. "Finey, basically what you're saying is that this customer manipulated you into a situation where she could do a lot of harm to you, and then she threatened to do that unless you had sex with her, is that correct?"
"Well, not really in so many words. But it was sort of implied."
"It doesn't matter how many words. There's just one word for that - I don't know what the lawyers call it - but I call it rape." The fire was back in her eyes now. "Nopony does that to one of my workers. I will not have it -"
She said more than that, but I didn't fully listen. I was busy wrapping my head around the idea that Tavi had raped me. From a strict formal perspective I supposed it fit, but that wasn't how it felt. I clearly remembered wanting to rut her - though of course I wouldn't have done so if she hadn't made me. Some of what Vinyl did afterwards, on the other hoof - but it was no good thinking about that -
"- long as you work for me that's not gonna happen."
Huh? "Um, aren't I fired?"
That stopped her dead. "What? Oh no, one misstep won't do that, not when I've dozens of clients praising you. What do you take me for? But look at you, you're shaking. Please, you need to sit down before you faint."
She was right; I did shake. I staggered over to the couch, at the end of the room that's a living room rather than an office, heart pounding. She didn't fire me! She actually believed me! I hadn't really allowed myself to think that could happen.
Hissy Fit was searching through her files for something, conferring with Bellchaser in low voices. A few times she tried to phone somepony but didn't seem to get a response. Finally she came over to me.
"Finey, I'm sorry, but can you handle the phone while I go out and take care of this? I know you're upset, but I can't get anypony else right now. You have the training, don't you?"
I nodded. "Sure." Answering the phones is pretty easy once you get to know Fizzy's filing system, just a matter of taking down rescue appointments and cancellations.
"Thanks. Don't take any rescues that trigger before five, and if there's any new customers, have them call back later."
I nodded again, only beginning to comprehend it all. Only minutes ago was certain I'd be kicked out; now she was basically letting me run the shop while she went out doing whatever.
"Also, Finey," she continued with a concerned look on her face, "do you have anypony you trust you can talk to about all this? Don't keep it bottled up. Family, close friends - perhaps a mare?"
I searched my mind unsuccessfully. Even if I had a special somepony, I don't think I'd be telling her about how I let two other mares use me. And Mother, back in Cloudsdale? I love her dearly, but she's about the last pony I'd share stories of my sex life with. I shook my head slowly, feeling pathetic.
"I understand," she said. "Just sit tight here; it'll be all right." She turned around and went off towards the door. "Bellchaser, you're with me! I'll need a witness."
I was too tired to be really elated over how well Hissy Fit had taken my confession, so I dozed off on the couch. Late morning is a slow time; the phone hardly ever rings. If it did, I was pretty sure it could wake me up.
What did make me up was the sound of the front door being opened. At first I thought it was Fizzy coming back and scrambled to my feet, but instead there was an earth mare I'd never seen before standing in the hallway. Kind of cute too, light brown with a golden-yellow mane. She wiggled out of a pair of saddlebags and came into the living room.
"Hi. Are you Affine Scheme?"
"Um, yes." I wondered if I should do something to verify she was supposed to be there. I didn't know how, though.
The mare smiled as if she'd just been reunited with a dear friend. I wish mares would smile to me like that. Except this one did. Huh.
"I'm Cinna," she said. "I'm here to hug you and listen to you and make you feel good about yourself."
". . . I'm sorry?" I looked around, imagining there could be someone else around she might be talking to. There wasn't, of course.
She chuckled. "Yes, you. Hissy Fit sent me. Said you might need a hug or two. Is that right?"
Before I could react, she came at me and threw her hooves around me. Automatically I hugged back. She was warm and strong, and her mane smelled like Hearth's Warming and hot chocolate. It was a scent to get lost in. It struck me that this was the first time I'd even touched a mare since Tavi.
She didn't seem to be letting go of me, until I noticed I was squeezing her pretty tightly myself. I eased up a bit, ashamed to be treating a perfect stranger that way. Then she did put her legs down, and I backed a few steps away from her.
She was still smiling. "I think you did."
I sat back down on the couch. "Sorry. I don't usually - I mean . . . So, are you a friend of Ms. Fit?"
"Oh yes, we go way back." Cinna sat down in the couch beside me, turned to face me. "But the reason I'm here now is that she hired me to."
Hissy Fit hired her . . . to come here and hug me? "You mean, you're an, um, bought mare?"
As soon as I said it, I knew it was a horrible mistake. Probably she was only here to take over the phone so I could be sent home. And now I'd gone and called her a -
"I am a licensed mood therapist," she said, wrinkling her muzzle. "I'm part of your Workplace Incident Response Plan."
Oops. Stupid fucking idiot Finey, you waste of good air. I kicked myself mentally, wishing (not for the first time) I could just expire.
Cinna's miffed expression shattered into a friendly grin. "I'm also a whore, don't worry. You won't find me walking the streets, though. Or even in the classifieds. But if sex will make you feel better, then that's covered too."
I had no idea what to say. Was this some kind of secret test?
When I didn't answer, she went on: "You know, your boss must really value you as an employee. She got you the 'anything you want' package."
"And what's that?"
"Just what it says on the tin, really. You get me for eight hours, and I do whatever will make you happy. Until you decide on something you want me to do, I make my best guess at what you need. Thus, hugs and talking, for now."
She reached out a hoof to me, suggesting another hug, but I shrugged it off as politely as I could. I had to figure this out first.
"And you do anything I want? 'Anything' is a pretty open-ended term, isn't it?"
"Within reason, of course. You don't get to kill or cripple me, or wish for more wishes or any other loopholes like that. Apart from that, you're the boss. Some things I charge extra for, but that's between me and the insurance company."
"There's an insurance company?" I asked, more fascinated than I probably should be. That wasn't something I'd thought buying a whore would involve.
"Well, yes, otherwise anything-you-want would basically be impossible." She sat up a bit straighter, apparently resigned to be talking about business. "The thing is, for most ponies anything they want isn't actually terribly expensive, so I charge just a rough average of that, with a bit of markup for the uncertainty - as least when it's not themself who decided to hire me, like with you.
"But there are still outliers, of course. Suppose you're the one in ten thousand who wants to shave me bald all over and poop in my mouth while singing the Maresillaise. That's when the insurance pays out, so there's a few account managers in Manehattan who're not getting any Hearth's Warming bonuses, and I won't need to work for the next year or two."
She looked about the room for a moment and added almost as an afterthought: "Still, if it's all the same to you, I'd prefer you didn't do that."
"Got it. No singing the Maresillaise." Wait, was that too flippant? I found myself cringing again.
She grinned easily. "Hey, if you like the song, you're still the boss." She reached out her hoof again, and this time I let it rest on my shoulder. "I think I like you, Affine. Just don't worry about the price, okay? It's taken care of."
I nodded. "Sorry for being so . . . technical about this."
"It's alright. You're not the first client to be curious, and I can't really expect you to open up your soul to me until you get to know me a bit. And we have lots of time. Hissy Fit said she won't be back until one."
I looked over at the big clock above Hissy's desk. Two hours. I still wasn't sure what I wanted, but I had to take some initiative.
"Can we do another hug?"
The couch wasn't really a comfortable place for hugging, but Cinna said Hissy Fit had promised we could use her bed. I felt a bit self-conscious about lying down in my boss's bed, even if my boss wasn't in it at the time - but on the other hoof not messing up the bed would tell her I hadn't even tried on the nice rent-a-cunt she'd gotten me. And I didn't want that either. Yes, I know it sounds silly. To hay with it, I thought, and we settled down on the bed and hugged for a bit, nothing good friends couldn't do. It was nice.
My mind kept coming back to that 'anything you want' thing, though, like your tongue seeks out a bit of straw stuck in your teeth. She couldn't possibly mean anything anything?
"So for example, I could tie you up?"
Her friendly smile didn't waver. "You certainly could."
"And I could shove things into your ass until you scream and cry and beg me to stop, and then keep going anyway?"
"Hmmm." She bit her lip. It felt like I had scored a point - why, she did have boundaries after all. "If you want loud screams, your boss's neighbors might take offense, but we can always go and rent a sound-proofed . . ." She trailed off, suddenly lost in thought.
Then she looked at me kind of sadly. "Did somepony do that to you?"
I turned away from her, looking into the wall.
Vinyl towers above me, giggling with fascination. "Oh, look!" she exclaims, "he squirms when I twist it around!" I try to blink the sweat away from my eyes and squirm the best I can. Perhaps that will satisfy her. There has to be something that will; I just have to find it.
Cinna reached a hoof around my withers and hugged me silently until the shaking went away.
"Do you think it would make you feel better if you did that to someone yourself?"
I kept looking away. "You make it sound so easy."
"To give or to receive it? Neither is easy, sweetie."
"You know what I mean." I could hear I sounded bitter, but I didn't care. "Like it's all in a day's work."
She stroked my mane for some time before she answered. "I'm sorry if it sounded that way. You know, I'm a professional, but do you think I ever leave for one of these jobs without worrying whether this is the one that'll win me a six-moon recovery and a Mareibbean sabbatical?"
I turned to look at her. "How do you do it?"
She shrugged. "It pays very well. And I like helping ponies. Most times I go home knowing I've made a difference. But I know the risk and I choose to take it." She looked at me significantly. "You didn't choose, I think."
I wanted to disagree and point out that everything had been a result of my bad choices. But I also saw that she was right, in her way. I never chose the consequences, only my actions. Did that somehow make it not my fault? I wasn't sure. But I could see her point of view.
She gave an extra squeeze with the foreleg she had around me. "Do you want to tell me what happened? It will help."
So I told her. The part I had already told to Bellchaser and Hissy Fit went easy this time, the rest not so much. But Cinna was patient and gentle, hugging me when something hurt to remember and somehow making the silence not be awkward when I needed time before I could put it into words. She sat up behind me and preened my wings while I spoke, even the sore spot on the left -
Vinyl's head jerks upwards. "What was that? That sound!" Tavi, sitting off to the side, rolls her eyes. "I believe he said: Ow," she says. Vinyl looks back at me. "Why, I don't think I allowed him to speak. Did you?" A smile creeps slowly across her muzzle. "Oooh, I think that's gonna cost another feather . . ."
When I ran out of story to tell, she lay beside me, her side pressed against mine. I could feel her breathing.
"Wow," she said eventually. "Those two really did a number on you, didn't they?"
I nodded, not sure if I'd start bawling again if I tried to answer.
"In your mind you know you didn't deserve any of that, right?"
I nodded again. It still didn't feel that way, but I couldn't defend that feeling. "Thanks." I put a hoof around her, gave a small squeeze.
"So, what I think you should do now is fuck me."
"What? Now?" I pulled my hoof back and inched a bit away from her. Anything I want, I remembered, but was that what I wanted?
"You don't have to, of course. Usually the point in case of a rape-like work experience - that's you - is to give you back the experience of choosing for yourself. That's why there has to be someone like me who's ready and willing, so it's a real choice.
"But you were told it all happened to you because you had sex in the first place. What you need to experience now is that you can give in to a mare and it won't end badly. So, it's still your choice, but I really think it'll do you some good. Please, let me help you."
That sounded very clinical to me. "Are you sure that will work when you've just told me how it works?"
"It'll have to. If I didn't tell you why, that would be manipulating you, and that's the last thing you need now. It doesn't have to be your reason, though. Don't tell me you're not at least tempted."
I looked her over, trying to be objective. Yes, she was nice and sweet and right here and sort of attractive in a filly-next-door kind of way. But I also knew she was only in it for the bits, even if those bits were not mine, and that was just wrong.
Back between my legs, Finey Jr. began to register a minority opinion, that little traitor -
The feather floats before me, caught in Vinyl's magical field. She turns it around slowly, regarding it critically. "Now what can we use this little fella for? Tickling was kind of a dud, and it's too thin to do any good in the ass by now . . ." Suddenly she brightens up with an epiphany, and I know this can't be good. "Urethra!" she proclaims triumphantly.
- but then it retracted back to the safety of its sheath. And you may call me shallow, but I wasn't happy about that. Not that I particularly wanted to bone a prostitute, but abstaining by default because I couldn't get it out was something different.
Hadn't Cinna just said something like that, too? Perhaps there really was something wrong with me that she could fix.
"Suppose you're right. How do you like it, then?"
"That's up to you. Anything you want, remember?"
I hadn't forgotten. "What if what I want is to at least try to make it good for you?"
"Can't argue with that. Hmm. . ." She smiled sheepishly. "I do like wings." She poked with her muzzle at my good wing.
I think I've mentioned that my sex life isn't usually very adventurous. Even though I have wings, I'd never given any thought to how they might be used erotically - so if Cinna wanted that, I'd need to improvise. I unfurled the wing and wrapped it around her body, scratching her far side with its tip. "Like this?"
"Mmmm." She closed her eyes and shivered a little before snuggling closer to me. "Like that."
I stuck my head down to the base of her neck and began nuzzling around in her fur. Before long I could feel the little jitters below her skin that show a mare is enjoying the attention. I usually like that - with all the mares who ever let me, sometimes even better than the actual sex. But now I couldn't help feeling weirdly inappropriate, as if it was too intimate and private to do with a mere whore. It didn't really make sense: I could picture myself perfectly well sticking my dick into her, but somehow still balked at foreplay? Get a grip on yourself, Finey.
As I moved up along her neck and cheek, it became difficult to keep my wing around her. I maneuvered myself around so I could reach her muzzle with the other wing and run the tips of the long feathers along her jaw. That must have been right; she gave a cute little squeal and buried her entire face in the wing.
This left me nibbling at her ear, which was pleasant enough - but it was becoming clear that I wouldn't be sticking my dick anywhere at this speed. I rose halfway up on my hind legs to try and shake it out. That never works, of course. Not this time either.
"Here, let me help you with that," said Cinna, and pushed me gently onto my side. She put her muzzle down to my sheath, and - oh, my! - stuck her tongue in to tickle the penis inside it.
That certainly helped! I popped out so fast that Cinna's head was pushed aside, and she giggled softly and planted a little kiss on the shaft before she lay down again.
I crawled off the bed and stood on the floor, not to spoil the erection by lying flat on it. One of Cinna's hind legs dangled lazily off the side of the bed, and I took to nibbling at its folds and joints while fondling her bum with a wing. Each time I swiped a feather across her mare parts a sudden tremor went through her body, and she made an adorably half-controlled little yelp.
Then she sort of slid down from the bed, in a flowing motion that left her standing with her hind end towards me, legs spread, rump lowered. She lifted her tail up and to the side and shoved her marehood towards me, pulsing and ready. Some fluid was trickling out from it and down towards her inside thighs. On impulse I stuck out my head and licked it up. She tasted a bit like Tavi had, but also stronger. Spicier.
I got an idea. "Um, actually, could you be upside down instead? On the bed?" Just saying it out loud got me twice as hard as I'd been. She had said anything, after all.
"Sure," she replied immediately, as if that wasn't weird at all. And just like that, she lay back up on the bed, legs toward the sky. "C'mere, stallion!"
I reared up between her legs and pushed into her, slowing down to savor the feeling of my cock being enveloped by warm, smooth flesh. Oh, that was good! As soon as I could reach I spread out my wings and wrapped them around her hind legs. She looked up at me with a hundred summer afternoons' worth of lazy happiness, and grasped my forehooves with hers.
When I started thrusting it was her as much as me who set the rhythm, pulling me back and forth by the wings. Not that I minded; it was a new thing, thrusting together. She lay her head back on the bed and tossed it jerkily from side to side in step with our thrusts, while she whimpered happily: "oh . . . oh . . . yah . . . oh . . ."
And then, "oohOOWAAY!" and she pulled me towards her at the end of the thrust, and her body contracted around my cock, clenching it tightly, and then I came too, pumping out more than a week's pent-up worry and fear that became something magical and good within her instead.
I let go of her legs and lay down on top of her, belly to belly like I had with Tavi. And just like Tavi did, she wrapped her legs around me and hugged tight, humming softly while I caught my breath. I wasn't sure it was healthy for me to basically recreate the way I'd fucked Tavi, back when I still thought she was my friend. I wasn't sure I cared either. If I really was broken forever, at least I'd choose to be a broken pony who could feel like this.
Cinna's body had released its grip on my cock, and I could feel it begin to retract inside her. I remembered something Bellchaser said once, about how that's the worst thing a stallion can do (don't ask me how that came up; she seems to think that just because we're part of the sex industry, anything she can think of is fair game for small talk), so I quickly climbed back off and lay down beside her instead, staring at the ceiling.
"So how do you feel now?" she asked.
I searched my mind, not looking at her. "I dunno," I said to the room in general. "A bit sad."
"Sad? Why?"
"Because you're not for real."
"I'm not? I don't feel like a figment of anypony's imagination."
"You know what I mean. Even if I could afford to hire you myself -"
"You can't. Trust me."
"- it would just be an act. What would be the point?"
She strangled a sigh and sat halfway up. "Well, did you enjoy this?"
I had to smile. "I did. A lot."
"That's for real. Hold on to that. And what's also for real is that your boss wanted you to have me so you could feel better."
"I guess." It did make it feel a bit less empty, thinking about it that way. "So what happens now?"
"Well -" she put her business face back on "- it can't be long until your boss is back. Afterwards you still have a good five hours of anything you want left. Do you have a place we can go for that?"
"Oh? Sure." I had allowed Bellchaser in to see the mess in my room last night; surely I could do the same for this mare who was being paid not to judge me.
"Good. There's a lot of other things I can show you," she said teasingly, "if you can get over not being for real."
"Are you for real, though? I mean, did you enjoy this?"
She sighed sadly. "That's the one thing you can never really know. Think about it: Even if I told you now that I did, how would you know I'm not lying?"
"True." I remember how she had looked when we climaxed, how she had felt. "You'd have to be a pretty good actress, though."
"Oh, but I am; that's part of the job. Half actress, half psychologist, half slit-for-hire."
"That makes more than one!"
She reached over a hoof to boop me on the muzzle. "Why do you think I'm so expensive, sweetie?"
And then we heard the front door open, and Hissy Fit was back. |
The Rescue Service | 7. Duct Tape | Vinyl Scratch has a standing invitation to crash at Octavia's place whenever she's in Canterlot, provided she doesn't wake her up when she inevitably comes home late, and doesn't make a fuss if there's a stallion in Octavia's bed. The latter tends not to happen often if Vinyl announces her arrival in advance - stallions are fun, but Vinyl is the real deal. There's never been any talk of having other mares over.
Today, therefore, Octavia wakes up alone and is not surprised to find Vinyl snoring on the sofa in her living room. She does her best not to wake her up until late mid-morning, when she slams a breakfast tray down on the coffee table in front of Vinyl.
Vinyl wakes up with a start and immediately begins pawing around for her shades, eyes shut in the bright morning light. Octavia puts them into her hooves, and she sits up, finally turning her attention to the table.
"Breakfast in bed? Cool! Aw, did you miss me that much?" It has been more than a week since Vinyl was in Canterlot last.
"All the better to surprise you when the whip comes out, my dear," says Octavia with a toothy grin and pours herself a glass of orange juice. "How was your gig?"
"Ugh. Four hundred bratty kids in a gymnasium, and each and every one of them came up and wants to hear the Swan Gallop. I fucking refuse to play that trash."
"Oh, poor you." Octavia has only the haziest idea what the Swan Gallop is, which, given that even Vinyl won't play it, she suspects she should be thankful for.
Vinyl picks out a toasted hay cake and starts spreading a generous layer of sweetpepper relish across it. "In the end I had to play the Beethoofen recording - you know, that one you're on - and then go on mic and say I get one more request for the wretched thing and it'll be string quartets for the rest of the party. Then they shut up."
"So now I'm punishment?"
"Damn straight you are, Tavi. The best." Vinyl munches on the hay toast for a while. "So, um, any plans for today?"
"Nothing in particular," Octavia replies, not entirely truthfully. "Perhaps you'd like me to show you just how much punishment I can be?"
Vinyl brightens up. "You know it!"
"Do I? I thought perhaps after last week you'd found your true place on the other side."
"Nah. I mean, it was cool and all to try it out - thanks, by the way - but, y'know, half the time I was like, why's he get to have all the real fun? I know which end of a whip's the fun one."
Octavia smiles, losing a tension she wasn't aware of before. "I think I can come up with something. You'll want to use the bathroom first, though."
"Sure!" Vinyl wolfs down the rest of her breakfast and disappears into the bathroom while Octavia gathers together a few necessary toys. When Vinyl comes out she's already wearing her bridle, with a suppressor ring strapped into it.
"Ready?"
"Ready."
Vinyl concentrates for a moment and the ring activates, absorbing her magic. That's how the session starts.
The first thing Octavia does is to rip off Vinyl's shades and slap her - not hard, but enough to show who's boss. "What is this? Precious should know she's not allowed to keep herself hidden from me."
"I'm sorry, mistress. I forgot," says Vinyl, blatantly lying on both counts since she's also grinning from ear to ear. Keeping the shades on when she turns the ring on is a common gambit for her, a way to tell Octavia not to hold back.
"I don't believe you." Octavia tosses the shades unceremoniously across the room. "I think we're going to have to plug that lying little mouth of yours."
"What? No, mistress, I'm sorry! Please, not the gag. I'll mh hmmmmhmm, mhmm mhm -" It's a high-quality gag bit, not just a ball but an actual plug sculpted after Vinyl's oral cavity. Octavia got it for her for last Hearth's Warming.
Octavia waits for Vinyl to nod microscopically before she orders her to lie across the end of the sofa, with her head on the floor and her rump in the air. She sits down next to her and begins to apply a tail bandage, wrapping an elastic strip of fabric tightly round and round Vinyl's tail starting from the dock. It is slow, soothing work, giving plenty of opportunity to pat Vinyl's flanks and observe how her marehood is already moistening up in anticipation. Every so often she wipes it dry with the bandage material.
When there's only a tuft of blue hair free at the end of the rod of pony tail and fabric Octavia has created, she ties off the bandage and stands up to admire the result.
"That's my pretty precious. You can rise now - actually, get up and stand on the coffee table for me."
"Hm mmh mhmmh?"
"Yes, just climb it, like this. Upsie! Don't step in the relish, or kick he teapot. That's right. Now just relax. Heeere comes a Wonderbolt!" Octavia stuffs a small vibrator, not switched on yet, into Vinyl's pussy, and secures it with straps between her hind legs and around her barrel.
Then she brings out the roll of duct tape.
At first Vinyl stares at it in alarm, but she calms down a bit after Octavia pulls a cloth cap over her head, protecting her mane. She sets about wrapping Vinyl systematically with the tape.
There's an art to wrapping a pony in duct tape, which is not to do it tightly. If you pull the tape taut while you wrap, it will stick to every little hair of the wrapped pony's fur, and it's going to hurt like tartarus to pull the tape off afterwards. What you want to create is a kind of loose tube around the limbs, lightly touching the fur in just enough places to stay put but otherwise hovering a fraction of an inch above it, ready with its sticky caress. It will keep the pony inside immobilized just fine, because she knows that the more she struggles, the more is her fur going to stick to the tape, and the worse will it be at the end of the day.
Vinyl is going to struggle. Oh, of course she is. Octavia is a firm believer in letting a pet work for their agony, but she's not above actively provoking some struggle if it becomes necessary. And Vinyl has earned herself an extra helping of discomfort for today because of the irresponsibly rough way she treated the nice birthday present Octavia got for her. Octavia doesn't approve of such crudity - something could have happened - -
It had been a spur-of-the-moment decision to seduce the pony from the Rescue Service. Octavia wasn't really sure what she had expected - serious-faced ponies in suits or white coats, perhaps - but it certainly wasn't the gawping twentysomething pegasus who showed up, sporting a hopeful little erection. He needed a bit of persuasion, but not much, and performed more with coltish enthusiasm than actual skill. Still charming enough in his own way, though.
They were just about to move on to the more interesting parts of Octavia's repertoire when Vinyl arrived after all and Octavia quickly repurposed the stallion from consolation prize to birthday present. Vinyl had been dropping little hints for moons that she would like to have a go at topping, just once or twice, and Octavia couldn't say no to her. In fact her original plan would have had Octavia on the bottom, herself the birthday present.
As soon as she saw how Vinyl went about dominating the stallion, however, she had to count herself lucky that this plan had fallen apart and she wasn't the pony tied to the bed when Vinyl entered. Vinyl's style was more crude bully or monster clown than the loving-but-firm mistress Octavia thought she had taught her to be, by example. Fortunately the stallion turned out to be a natural, staying stiff and erect through abuse that Octavia was sure would have led her to lose any appetite for carnal pleasures. When Vinyl finally decided she was bored and sent the stallion on his way, Octavia considered tipping him, but there must be limits to charity. At least no lasting harm had been done.
Several times during the ordeal, Octavia had to struggle to keep herself from saying something to rein Vinyl in. But a promise is a promise - if Vinyl was going to top, it wouldn't do for Octavia to keep telling her what she could or couldn't do. And in any case it would be unthinkable to take a stranger's side against her marefriend in front of both of them. Loyalty is the glue that keeps a relationship together; you support your mate against the world and hash out your misgivings later.
Today is later. And Octavia has had a week to get her thoughts in order. So once Vinyl is properly mummified, there will be Words. Octavia is going so say all of them, and they are going to be about responsibility and respect and why that vibrator beneath the duct tape will not be turned on today after all. And then Vinyl will have a few hours to herself to think about them while Octavia attends a short non-rehearsal meeting at the Fillyharmonic, to learn the next season's touring schedule and who the new concertmaster is going to be.
Octavia has a special treat ready for Vinyl for while she's out: a set of magical noise-canceling headphones that the unicorn who sold them personally supercharged for her. She has tested them herself; they really do take away every sound. That should be educational for Vinyl. Octavia has long thought she has entirely too little appreciation for silence, the medium music lives in.
Afterwards, perhaps she will treat herself to a horn job, before she moves on to seeing how well the glue sticks today. Or not. There has to be some room for improvisation left.
The two strangers enter the living room just as Octavia steps back to look over her finished Vinyl, balancing on the coffee table.
"Good morning," says the elder of them, a matronly unicorn whose bearing suggests she has years and years of experience with walking in unannounced on ponies who're busy wrapping each other in duct tape. "Are you O. Melody?"
Octavia manages not to look visibly startled. Keeping your calm in all situations is half of getting what you want from ponies. She allows herself a raised eyebrow. "And who might you be?"
"I'm Hissy Fit, with The Rescue Service, and this is my associate Bellchaser."
The associate who entered behind her is a younger unicorn, not quite as casually confident as her superior. She nods politely to Octavia but stays in the background.
The intruder holds out a hoof towards Octavia. "We have your key on file," she explains, even though Octavia made a point of not asking how they got in.
"Octavia Melody," she says pleasantly, shaking the hoof. "I'm afraid there has been a misunderstanding, though. The rescue I booked shouldn't be for several hours yet."
"Yes, we'll get back to that. For now, though, I understand you have a complaint to make about one of our employees?"
"A complaint? I do believe you're mistaken."
"Really?" The mare receives a clipboard from her assistant, and quickly scans the paper attached to it. "Hmm, yes. The incident we're investigating is to have taken place during a rescue on this address, in the morning of the Saturday before last. Were you the pony being rescued on that occasion?"
That was Vinyl's birthday. "Yes, as a matter of fact I was."
Off to the side, Vinyl risks moving her neck to look quizzically at the other ponies. A short displeased stare from Octavia is enough to make her turn away again.
"The agent conducting that rescue," continues Hissy Fit, "came back with the clear impression that you were dissatisfied with the level of service he provided and wanted to lodge a complaint. Am I to conclude that must have been a misunderstanding?"
Octavia wonders how he got that idea. On the contrary, she explicitly promised him when he left that she wouldn't complain about him. Time to keep that promise. "Oh yes, definitely. In fact the, um, agent performed impeccably and to our full satisfaction."
The other pony smiles broadly. "Very glad to hear that. I think that settles it, and our apologies for interrupting. Say, could I get you to fill out a customer statement repeating that, just for our files? The owner takes claims of abuse extremely seriously, so we have to keep precise documentation from each inquiry." She floats the clipboard and a pen towards Octavia and rolls her eyes amiably. "Paperwork, huh?"
Octavia shrugs and takes the clipboard, spending a few minutes to run through all of the inane questions on the form. At the end she signs the line at the bottom and passes it back without a word. Just a suggestion of an impatiently raised eyebrow.
The mare mumbles to herself as she goes over Octavia's answers. "Hmm. . . I see you have answered 'no' to At any time during the rescue, did the agent(s) touch you other than as plainly necessary for removing restraints or other devices you were wearing when they arrived?"
"Yes. That is correct."
"You also answered 'no' to Did the agent(s) demand, suggest, solicit, or initiate any sexual contact with you during the visit, whether or not it was related to the contracted rescue?"
"That one, too."
"Indeed. Can I ask you if there were any questions on the form you found unclear or difficult to understand?"
Octavia is a bit irked now. "Do I look like an illiterate simpleton?"
"Not at all, not at all. We have to ask, though. Be a dear and initial this for me." The last is to the assistant, who takes the form back and scrawls a few letters on it.
"Hrm. Was that all?"
"Not by far." Suddenly the professional smile has disappeared into the assistant's saddlebag together with the questionnaire Octavia filled out. "You see, the story my employee told was that you pressured him into having oral sex with you, and later threatened to falsely accuse him of assault unless he agreed to full intercourse."
"Why, that's a fascinatingly preposterous set of allegations. Do continue."
"Long story short, it ends with him tied to a bed, and being molested by yourself and an accomplice. And there's -"
"Hm mmh mhmmhmm hmhhm mmh mmhmmhhm mhh mhm mhm mm mhmmmmhm?" Vinyl interjects, fighting in vain to get words past the gag. "Mhm mmhm hmm mh!"
"Quiet, precious!" Of course Vinyl wants to defend herself, now that her treatment of that stallion has suddenly caught up with her. But Octavia knows her; she would just turn it into a shouting match and end up blurting out something she'll regret. It's a good thing she's gagged, so Octavia can defuse the situation quietly instead.
The way to deal with rudeness is to give the rude pony plenty of rope to hang herself. "Now, whatever your name was, since it is obvious at this point you're not going to listen when I deny your little fairy tale, why don't we cut to the chase where you yell at me for a while and then discover you have nothing in the way of proof for it?"
Hissy Fit opens and closes her mouth and takes a deep breath. "As you wish.
"How dare you treat one of my ponies like that? Do our ads look like we're fucking escort agency? Well, do they? I can assure you, if we were, we'd be a good lot more expensive. And our staff would be ponies who knew what they're going into, and were okay with that. My lad, he does a simple job for a few spending bits, one of my best workers. Then he goes out here and comes home a complete wreck. Can't sleep, can't smile, afraid even to shake hooves with a client. Not much better after a week, studies shot to hell. And for what? Just so you -"
"Mhmh, mmhm mmh mhmmhmm mhmm mhm mhh mhmh mh mh?" Vinyl is now so agitated that she loses her balance on the coffee table and tips down onto the sofa, ending up with her tape-encased legs pointed towards the ceiling.
"Oh bloody hell." Octavia rushes to her side. "You alright? Anything broken? Go on, ma'am, I'm still listening."
Hissy Fit waits for Vinyl to wiggle her limbs and shake her head before she continues.
"- Just so you could have a few hours of cheap fun? It's not as if you needed to - this place isn't a slum; just a week's worth of rent could have bought you a hirecolt who'd gladly agree to whatever you negotiate for. Or are you so sick and twisted that actually scarring an innocent pony for life gets you off?
"You, lady, are scum. You're a monster, a misfit, and a festering disgrace to all ponykind. And I would love nothing better than to see your pitiable little self broken and thrown into the deepest darkest dungeon the realm possesses, to rot slowly in your own filth while you try desperately to remember what light and air and clean water was like. Unfortunately, as you pointed out, the law will not afford me that pleasure. But I will tell you -"
Vinyl makes another attempt at a tantrum, but Octavia puts a hoof to her muzzle. "Hush, precious. Let mistress handle it." She feels good about being able to take the brunt of the verbal barrage instead of Vinyl, but even so, the strength of it has shaken her a little. She stands up to confront the other pony. "I don't have to listen to this -"
"Had enough already? Very well. You're hereby fired as my customer. We leave your key here, but I keep the deposit, pursuant to section 9 of our terms of service. Do not attempt to open another account. You won't be able to get one with Leasewhip or Your Ice Only either; they're upstart competitors but we do tell each other things, to protect ourselves from the likes of you.
"One other thing, though. That guy you raped? From this moment onwards you stay the fuck away from him. You don't try to contact him, you don't try to find him, and if you happen to meet him in the street you turn around and gallop the other way like the changelings are invading again. Or I will destroy you. I've worked the sex trade for thirty years; it's amazing how many favors from highly placed ponies a patient mare can end up being owed. Think you can match them? Think again."
Octavia stands there trying to work out a repartee. Hissy Fit does not wait for one and instead walks over to Vinyl.
"Miss, I'm not quite comfortable leaving you here with the monster. Would you like to be rescued before we go? It's on the house."
Vinyl blinks for a few seconds, then slowly shakes her head.
"So be it. Bellchaser, we're done here."
The assistant has not said a word during the visit. She follows her boss out, a look of pure awe on her face.
Octavia looks after the departing ponies for some time, while she attempts to work out what just happened. Then she remembers she still has Vinyl to take care of. She sits down in the sofa next to her.
"Now, precious, that was really naughty of you, making that kind of ruckus while I'm entertaining guests, you know that?" She strokes Vinyl's cheek with one hoof while unbuckling her gag with the other. "I'm going to remove this, and then you get one chance to tell mistress what all that was about."
"Stuff it, Tavi," gasps Vinyl as soon as the gag is out. "Diminuendo! Ritardando! What was it? Safeword, dammit!"
Octavia is mildly surprised Vinyl even remembers there is one. She can't recall her ever using it. "Fermata," she says, rolling her eyes.
"Yeah, whatever. Get all of this off of me. We need to talk. Like, right now."
* * *
Hissy Fit almost knocks on the front door before she enters the apartment, in case the ponies inside need some time to get decent. But that would be ridiculous - it's her own home, after all. She settles for making a lot of conspicuous noise with the keys and taking a generous time to set down her purse after she gets in.
She comes into the living room right as two ponies emerge from the bedroom. "I'm back," she says, redundantly. "Everything's well here?"
"Oh yes," says Finey. One wouldn't think it's the same pony she left here in the morning; he's practically glowing.
"Hello Hif," says the mare, holding out a hoof. "I'm Cinna."
"Right. Cinna." That's not how Hissy has known her for years, but of course she'd use a stage name in front of Finey. Hissy shakes her hoof. It's funny how being on the job changes her demeanor - usually they hug when they meet.
She turns to Finey and gives him a scroll of paper. "I went out to that customer and got her to sign this. It's not quite a confession, but it should give you some peace of mind. That's your copy, by the way, and I'll keep the original on file."
Finey sits down to read the document, and Hissy motions for Cinna to join her at the business end of the room.
"I'm impressed," she half-whispers. "I knew you were good, but -"
"I am."
"By the way . . . if I just give you the bits now, would you still need to pay that pimping house?"
Cinna sighs and rolls her eyes. "For cock's sake, Hif, it's a member-owned booking cooperative, not a 'pimping house'. And the rules say we pay dues on all engagements; otherwise we'd just have to raise the fees and everything goes south. Besides, I need the insurance cover."
"Insurance? Good gracious, what did he do?"
Cinna puts a hoof to her face. "Hif, two things. One: I'm not gonna tell you and you know that. Two: Even if all he wanted was a smile and a hoofshake, I'm still using the insurance the moment I promise him he can have everything."
"Look, Hop-, I mean, Cinna -" Hissy sits down at the desk "- pimps are pimps. Even if they claim they're working for you and not the other way around -"
"Well, in that case I'm the pimp; I'm on the bucking board."
"What, you?" Hissy is surprised; she didn't think her friend would fall for the collectivist nonsense the 'booking cooperative' bosses spout.
"Yes, ever since last -" Cinna catches herself. "Sorry, Hif, can't talk now. I'm with a client."
Behind her, Finey has stood up. "This is wonderful!" he says, waving his scroll about. "Thanks!"
"It's the least I could do." Octavia's declaration probably wouldn't be worth much in a court, even with the affidavits from Hissy and Bellchaser it has attached; it is there mostly to make Finey feel safe from her threats. So Hissy made it as impressive as she can, even went to a notary and paid for a fancy seal certifying the copy. "Now, if you ever hear as much as a peep from her again, come to me immediately, okay?"
"Right."
"Good. As of right now, then, you're suspended until tomorrow, with pay. Go get some rest - or, well, whatever you'll be getting."
Finey grins towards Cinna, and she grins back.
"We'll think of something." |
The Rescue Service | 8. A Real Mare | Old Fizzy was merciful and let me off with a two-week suspension without pay. It was clear she expected me to be thankful still to have a job afterwards, and I suppose I ought to be - perhaps I have been taking things a bit too much for granted. I did my best to show appropriate contrition after getting her verdict - not that I've ever known Hissy Fit to go back on her word after she's given it, but there's no point in coming across as ungrateful.
Of course that won't bring food to the table, so I went straight from Fizzy to my manager at Cafe Neighberry to beg for some extra shifts to tide me over, just for those few weeks. He wasn't much for it, but I used the beggy pout and managed to get a few afternoon shifts scheduled.
That was then. Today, halfway through the first of those shifts, he came by and told me Azure Beech had returned from vacation earlier than expected, so I had to clock out at five. Strictly speaking I don't know that the Beech lifts tail for boss stallion - but it sure would explain a whole lot.
I couldn't really be as bitter about that as I probably should be, though. I attempted to, mostly out of respect for future me, who's going to have a bit of a tight spot at the end of the month. But all in all, the cafe only pays slightly better than being on call for The Rescue Service and doesn't leave you any time to write. Oh well, at least I tried. That's all future me can reasonably demand.
"Bellchaser?"
Somepony came trotting up to me from behind right as I left the cafe. I turned around and saw it was Cressie, the dog-pony Finey and I had rescued last week, down in the Old Mews. She had been eating at one of Dripping Tip's tables about an hour ago, I remembered. Of course I had dutifully refrained from recognizing her; client privacy is one of the axioms of the Service. Besides, I had basically cheated with her coltfriend in front of her, so I didn't imagine striking up a conversation would be pleasant.
Yet here she was, impossible to ignore, and still waiting for me to reply.
"It is you, isn't it? I heard the stallion tell you when you'd get off and I thought . . . Don't you remember me?" She looked even more lost and uncertain than when we found her chained to the floor in her master's kitchen.
"You're Cressie, right?"
Somehow she managed to brighten up and blush all at the same time. "I'm Lavender when I'm a pony," she said apologetically. "But, um, you can call me Cressie if you want to. I don't mind."
I nodded, looking around. Pokey didn't seem to be nearby. "Er, I'm surprised to see you like this - out and about, I mean."
"It's Pokey's idea. He says I have to keep my pony act practiced because I may need it if something happens to him. I've got a job and everything."
"Really? What do you do?"
"Oh, just office work at the castle. I keep the court calendar posted, issue visitor passes, type out audience summonses, that kind of things."
"Sounds interesting."
"It's not that bad. There are other ponies making all the decisions, so I just have to do what they say."
We began walking. I didn't think she had lain in wait for me just to exchange a bit of small talk about her job, but she didn't seem to be in a hurry to get to the point. Eventually the silence got too awkward for me.
"So, um, what brings you here? Do you -"
"You never came back!" she blurted, sounding almost hurt. "Pokey said he had asked you to, but you didn't come back."
That wasn't what I had expected to hear. "Sorry, I'm confused . . . did you want me to come back?"
"Is it strange? Perhaps it is. But when Pokey brings a mare with him home, sometimes she'll think she's supposed to be mean to me. And sometimes she's afraid even to look at me. And some of them act like it's some kind of competition they have to win at."
I looked away, acutely aware how I myself fit into the third category.
"But you're the only one who asked me how I felt. That meant a lot. Even if you're not supposed to."
My heart melted slightly. Damn, this filly needed a hug - but it wouldn't be from me; I wasn't sure how she'd take it, and I don't really like mares, not that way. Better not give her any ideas.
"I never really got an answer, though," I said. "How can you be okay with him doing that? I'd be - oh, hopping mad, I think."
"Well, it's sort of my idea," she said, blushing again. "You see - or maybe you don't - I don't really do sex."
I stared at her, remembering how she'd been pretty forward about inviting herself when I started getting intimate with Pokey that night.
"Oh, there's all kinds of oral, that's okay. But the real thing, with sticking something into my you-know-what, I can't have that. Just can't." She shuddered. "Pokey's the only stallion I've met who respects that and still wants to be together. He's very good to me. I think he deserves to have a real mare once in a while. He likes that, you know."
That made a certain amount of sense. "I see. I think I see."
"Of course we've tried a lot of things to find a way I could do it myself. Everything from training with dildos, to him being really really slow and careful, or even getting tied up so I didn't have a choice. All that did was I broke a perfectly good gag and then couldn't breathe for hours."
"Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that." I wondered where the line between being supportive and prying was. It was her own business, to be sure, but -
She must have read my expression. "Don't you begin too. Everypony who hears about it thinks I must have been abused as a foal or whatever, but I swear to everything that's not it. I'm just wired that way. Please, it's not a big deal. We make it work."
"With some help from a 'real mare' now and then."
"Oh." Her face fell. "I hadn't thought of how it must be from your side. I'm sorry if you feel used or something . . ."
I must have sounded angrier than I felt. "Not your fault. I knew what I was going into, more or less. Look, I'll think about coming back, okay?"
She let her head drop. "Thanks . . ." she mumbled, not looking at me.
I had expected more enthusiasm. "Okay, what did I do wrong now?"
"It's just me being stupid." She kept looking at the ground in front of her. "I was so excited to find you, and I thought if I just told you how it was, you'd want to . . . and you've come all this way . . ."
All this way? I looked around and realized we were about to cross Reinwick Square - not anywhere near where I had any plans to be tonight, but right on the way to Pokey's apartment. I'd just been following her without looking.
Come to think of it, I didn't really have any plans for the night. Not the worst idea to find a nice stallion to spend it with. And if the package came with Cressie on the side, then what the heck?
I reached a hoof around her shoulders. "Actually I do have tonight free. So if you think I'd be welcome . . .?"
* * *
Cressie had warned me that she would turn back into a doggie as soon as Pokey opened the door, but it was no less spectacular to witness for that. One moment an articulate if soft-spoken young mare was leading me up the stairs, the next she was making little yips and jumping up against him (how did she do that? He wasn't that much taller), licking his face, tail wagging wildly so I had to step back not to be hit by it.
"There you are! I was almost getting worried. You know I worry about you, don't you? Yes I do! Now easy there." He lifted her collar down from a hook by the door with his magic, and clasped it around her neck while he half-hugged, half-ruffled her with his hooves.
Then he noticed me behind her. "Bellchaser!" His face lit up with surprise. "What are you - I mean, that's wonderful!"
"Um, I followed her home. Can she keep me? I mean, will you -"
"I'm sure we can work something out." Quickly recovering his suave balance, he sent Cressie off towards the inside with a pat on the croup. "Come in, come in! Have you eaten? I've got a pot of beet stroganoff cooking, nothing much, but -"
"That'd be lovely." We touched muzzles, like old friends. "I hope I'm not intruding."
"Not at all. Please, make yourself at home."
While Pokey finished his cooking, I sat down in the couch next to Cressie, brushing her mane with a hoof. She seemed completely at ease with the pet role, none of the undercurrent of awkward there had been on the way home. Strange girl.
Pokey served the stroganoff with a heap of fresh parsley and a nice compact red wine. He had actual candles on the table and a cello concerto playing on the stereo. Cressie got just water in a bowl, and I realized with some alarm that some of the main dish would have been for her - but she nudged me towards the table with an expression that somehow quite clearly said, don't worry about it. So I didn't, as best I could.
Swapping stories over dinner, I told of rescuing that mare with the suppressor ring from her own ignorance and stupidity a few days ago. "- And then when we left she insisted we take the ring with us. She refused to have it in her house!"
"Must have been traumatic," agreed Pokey.
I remembered I still had the ring and fetched it out of my bag to show him. He held it up to the light and eyed it critically.
"Well well, this is a fancy one indeed. Looks like the lining here is silk. Mind if I try it on?"
Before I could react, he floated the ring onto his own horn and activated it, causing the line of indicator gems along the upper edge to glow faintly. He tossed his head from side to side, testing how tightly the ring clung to his horn.
"Careful, it's not -"
Bzzzt! Of course he had to try using magic with the ring on. The punishment function kicked in and flooded his face with a cascade of small sputtering stars. Immediately he brought both forehooves up to the ring and pushed off, launching it across the room. I managed to catch it in my own field and set it down on the coffee table.
"Ba wow," muttered Pokey breathlessly, "that's heavy stuff." He was rubbing his head with his forehooves, and Cressie had rushed to his side and was clutching him tightly.
"Sorry. I tried to warn you."
"Yes yes, own damn fault . . . ouch . . . nothing you could have done." He turned to Cressie and hugged her back. "Sssh, I'm all right, just reckless." He looked back at me. "And you just carry it around when you go out?"
I shrugged. I had intended to give the ring to Hissy Fit, after Finey told her his story, but that ended up much more dramatic than I'd expected, and then the right moment never came before I found myself suspended and Hissy gone. And I didn't want to leave it at home; that would feel too much like stealing. It hadn't escaped my imagination that my money woes would be solved if I could just be enough of a crook to keep it for myself and find a way to liquidate it. But that would be wrong.
"Looking for somepony to use it on you?" Pokey continued.
In fact, when I did have the ring out yesterday evening, I put it on and posed in front of the mirror, trying to imagine how it would be if someone put it on me and prevented me from taking it off. How would it feel to try to use your horn and then it just didn't work and there was nothing you could do? Too bad this ring wouldn't let me find out, what with its punishment fireworks. There was that monster attack the other year where all the unicorn magic in Canterlot had been drained for hours until the princesses got things sorted out, but that just left everypony in a daze, and I couldn't remember much of it.
Perhaps the pony I imagined forcing the ring on me had been a steel blue stallion with a smartly permed mane. Just perhaps - -
"Yes? No? Are you there?" Pokey and Cressie were both staring at me, looking concerned.
"Yes I'm here. I mean no, never crossed my mind. That's not even, I mean, nothing could be further. Making sure it's safe is all."
He grinned. "Just messing with you anyway." And then he went out to the kitchen and came back with two glasses of icebrand to finish off with.
* * *
All in all it has been a nice evening.
After dinner we moved to the couch for random snuggles, and also eventually beer and rosemary sticks. The beer is gone now, and I'm lying on my back with my left hind wedged in between Pokey and the couch back, contemplating whether it will be worth the trouble to try to extract it while there's still some circulation left.
Cressie lies on his other side; I've tried to be a bit more inclusive of her than last time. She was the one who invited, after all.
The suppressor ring still sits there on the coffee table. I pick it up with my magic and let it float in front of me. "I have to admit, it is kind of a fascinating item."
Pokey chuckles. "One would think so, the way you've been stealing glances towards it all night."
"What? I haven't."
"Did too."
"Did not!" I look to Cressie for support, but she just grins and nods. Whatever became of mare solidarity?
Pokey sits up straighter, and I grab the opportunity to pull back my trapped leg.
"There's nothing wrong with being curious," he says. "Ever gone further with it than curiosity?"
"Not really," I admit. "Actually not at all." I've got an inkling this is not a matter to feign experience with.
He takes the ring from me and puts it down on the table. "You oughta try it sometime. Find somepony you really, really trust with it, and then just take it slow."
"Are you saying I shouldn't trust you?"
He stays serious. "I'm not saying you should. Look, I'd love to give a hot mare such as yourself a taste of the old yoke, as it were, but it's not something you should go into lightly. You'd be completely in my power, and there won't be a lot of opportunities to back out if it's not what you expected."
I look away from him, trying to imagine that. I probably shouldn't be making this decision after drinking, but hey, what can go wrong? And where would I find a guy who does that sort of thing whom I have reason to trust more than him? I'd keep wondering forever.
"It's only for tonight, right?"
"Of course," he says warmly. "Remember, you're also welcome just to stay the night the old-fashioned way, and I won't think less of you for that."
I look down at Cressie, lazing on the couch with her head in Pokey's lap, listening to us. She raises an eyebrow at me, a content little smile playing on her muzzle.
"I'll take my chances," I say.
"Here, put this on." Pokey comes back into the living room and tosses something to me, a bundle of interconnected straps and buckles that I can't really make up and down of until he comes over to help me. It turns out to be a bridle with special ambitions, right out of somepony's Nightmare Night fantasy. Soon I have straps and girdles everywhere: across my forehead, behind the ears, between them, around my muzzle, and down and around my neck where they terminate in a snug collar with a metal ring dangling from the front.
"This is a head harness," Pokey explains while he adjusts the various buckles and latches. "It's supposed to restrict, not to hurt. If it chafes anywhere, let me know."
I've worn a bridle once before, back at my junior prom when a bunch of us rented fancy gowns that came with matching tack. I remember being impressed with how something that looked so constricting in the mirror could be so lightweight and comfortable to actually wear. This thing has no such pretenses - as Pokey promised, there's nothing that chafes or chokes, but it's certainly not going to let me forget it's there.
Pokey disappears out of view, and I have to turn around to see him picking up the ring again; the blinkers on the harness block all of my vision to the sides, and I can't turn my head much. He slides it down onto my horn.
"Don't turn it on just yet," he says. "I may need you to lift something later."
"Okay." The harness lets me use my mouth almost normally, short of yawning.
He starts threading the ring into the web of straps around my head. "There are some rules that come with wearing this," he says. "You will not speak unless I tell you to, and when you do, you will address me as, hmm . . ."
"Master?" I guess.
He scrunches up his face. "No. Not unless you truly mean it - and you don't know me, or yourself, well enough to do that yet." He sighs. "Just call me 'sir', I suppose."
"Yes, sir," I say, trying the word out to get into character with it. "Thank you, kind sir."
He chuckles. "'Kind sir'? I like that; stick to it - but only when I tell you to speak."
I almost speak up again to confirm that, but catch myself and nod instead, as far as the harness allows.
He reaches out and scratches my ear approvingly. "Right. You're a smart little hopeful - quick learner. I think we'll get along just fine. Now hold out your foreleg."
He ties long cords around each of my forelegs, around the pastern and knee. They trail after me when he leads me towards the bedroom, and I have to be careful not to trip on them. What did he have to do that for? Or is it part of the game?
Pokey tells me to lie down on his bed with my hind legs still on the floor. He grabs the foreleg cords with his magic as I lie down, somehow arranging them such that it takes him only a few pulls afterwards to bind the legs to my sides so I can't move them.
Now he's down on the floor, pushing my hind hooves apart. There's a sound of something heavy scraping across the floor, and I feel stocks close around my fetlocks, pinning them down. Then he ties rope around my gaskins and pulls them out towards the sides, and now I literally can't wiggle a limb. Unless the tail counts - no, he's grabbing hold of that too, forcing it up and along my back, and he ties it down with the same cords my forelegs are bound with.
For a moment nothing more happens. I realize I've let him do all this without having agreed on what happens next. Was that really smart? For yak's sake, this is someone who keeps stocks ready under his bed just in case! What the donkey's dock am I doing here?
Okay, don't panic. Pokey isn't a complete stranger. You know him, just a bit, but enough to be reasonably sure he's not a psycho. Cressie wouldn't act the way she does if he were. Really, the worst thing that can happen is that he rapes me, right? Wouldn't even really be rape; I've had sex with him before, and the plan all along was to let him fuck me again tonight anyway. See? Consent.
I wish he would get to it.
Suddenly there's a sharp searing pain in my right flank, just in front of the cutie mark. "Ow!" I shout.
"No talking, my hopeful," says Pokey calmly. The pain comes again with a slap, a bit further up my back.
"Hey!"
Pokey sighs and sits down on the bed next to me. I can't see him very well because of the blinkers. He scratches my withers with some kind of instrument.
"This is a crop," he says. "The first strike was just to introduce you to it. The second was because you spoke without permission. And now you've gone and done that again."
Slap. It smarts again, this time above my left shoulder. I manage not to cry out immediately.
"But -"
Slap. "Seriously?"
This time I really do stay quiet. It's not like it actually hurts that much, more the surprise of it.
"Good. You're learning," says Pokey. "I knew you were a smart one. Here comes midterms, then."
Slap, right thigh. I keep my mouth shut again. Somehow it's beginning to feel like an achievement. I'm actually feeling proud of being whipped without complaining. What gives?
"Congratulations, you pass. So, the next module of your education is about the paddle. It goes like this."
Something hits my ass, making it erupt in throbbing pain, and it knocks the air out of me so I can't help letting an "oof!" escape.
"Yes, that takes a bit more practice. Let's try it again, shall we?"
I grit my teeth and force myself not to make a sound when he hits me with the paddle again. He gives me a few minutes to catch my breath, while he nuzzles tenderly at my side.
"At this point I suppose you're wondering why I don't just gag you instead," he says eventually. "The thing is, a gag is a tool. It is there to make it easier for you to do something you want to do, namely not speaking without permission. But you shouldn't depend on a tool all the time. And if you use it right from the beginning, you won't really appreciate what it does for you. So it's something you need to earn first, understand?"
I'm not sure I do, but I'm not really in a position to discuss bondage philosophy, so I nod anyway. Nodding while tied to a bed and wearing a head harness consists of trying to lift my head a few times and making the bedsprings bounce.
"So now that you know which kind of punishment is in store if you're bad, do you still want to proceed?"
It takes me a few moments to understand that he's offering me a way out. Do I want to take it? It would be easy: If only I say the word, he will untie me, so I can use my legs again and get rid of the harness, and . . . then what? All I feel when I imagine that is disappointment.
As crazy as it sounds, I suppose I do want this to continue. I make another attempt at nodding.
"Speak up and answer me," he says, not unkindly.
"Um, I'm good."
Slap. "I'm good, what?"
Oh, right. There are still rules. "I'm good, kind sir. Please go on, kind sir."
"Better. If you're sure of that, activate your ring now. But then it will be the last decision you make until it runs out."
I squeeze my eyes shut and concentrate on pouring magic into the ring. You don't need to learn a spell, just make like you're trying to pull the ring apart, and it takes care of the rest. A sheet of dull numbness envelops my horn, and then it's done. Point of no return.
Is it rape time yet? My hind end is pulsing with readiness and pain from the paddling. A stray little breeze in the room grazes it with a cool reminder of how bare and unprotected I am with my tail tied back. Oh please, let rape time be now.
But instead Pokey pats the bedding in front of me loudly. "Come on, Cressie, up here!"
She must have been watching it all from that basket of hers. In seconds she's up on the bed and lies down before me, with her rump so close I have to pull back my head slightly.
"Now, my little hopeful, you've been depriving Cressie here of a lot of the attention she would otherwise get from me," he says. "It's only fair that your first task should be to show her a good time in return, don't you agree?" Slap - he's still using that crop, just with a lighter touch now. "So get licking."
Cressie's filly bits are right in front of my muzzle. I've never done this with a mare before, and never thought I would - but pretty clearly what I want is of no particular importance now. Of course it isn't. Still, I don't know quite what to do here; she said she doesn't like anything going into that hole, didn't she? I stick out my tongue and begin carefully wetting her outer labia, like a green colt with his first marefriend.
She settles that by pushing backwards onto me, almost wrapping herself around my muzzle. Okay, then. It does makes sense - I know well enough how a tongue in the antechamber is something entirely different from a cock all the way in. (Oh, to have a cock all the way in! Dare I hope Pokey will get on with it and take me while I service her? No, he's up at her other end, hugging or kissing her. Darn.)
At first I keep up the awkward-colt act, just waving my tongue around in between the folds. It doesn't taste as sour as giving a stallion a sheathjob; not bad. And I won't suddenly get my mouth shot full of cum either. Seems the lithe side does have its advantages.
Enough fooling around now; I have a job to do. Her clit must be down this way - ah, there it is, I think. It is larger than I thought it would be, and warmer. But it must be right because her tail, draped across my face and horn, starts twitching as soon as I reach it. I can feel every hair of it against my horn, even if it's numbed by the ring.
I settle into a rhythm, teasing and squeezing and tugging at her knob. There's only me, bound up tight like an overstuffed pancake roll, and Cressie's marehood, and I'm here to get her off. Her tail jitters erratically, as if she's trying to hold back, and if she can hold back I'm not doing good enough. What do stallions do that works for me? There was this guy - wosshisname, he was an art student and had a - I think he used his lip for my clit so his tongue was free. Worth a try . . .
Hey, I think that made her moan! She's squirting a bit too, a warm fluid with a soapy taste. So this is marecum. I swirl it around in my mouth before I swallow it, trying to decide if it's worse than a stallion's. She squirts again, and I suck it up, and now the squirts merge together in a steady gush -
Wait a minute. That's not cum, it's pee! She's pissing. In my mouth. Why am I drinking it? Why do I keep drinking it? Because I can't move my head is why; it would just get into my face instead, my nostrils, my eyes. And it would soak the bed, and then I think Pokey would punish me, or at least he'd know I backed down. No choice.
I remember my training; bladder accidents are common enough among the clients we rescue that we need to have a bit of background knowledge. A healthy pony's urine is effectively sterile. So this shouldn't make me sick. Hooray?
After an eternity the revolting stream lets up. Should I get back to licking? No, she's getting up now, and down on the floor. Before she moves out of sight she glances back at me with a small smile, but then for a split second she looks shocked and afraid and quickly looks away.
Pokey sits down in front of me where Cressie lay. "She missed her evening walk too," he says, "but I see you've taken care of that." He runs a hoof down my cheek, lifting my chin. "So, my hopeful, I promised I would have you completely in my power. Was I right?"
I nod.
"Tell me how you're in my power," he says. "In words."
I swallow. "You can - thank you, kind sir - you can make your marefriend piss on me." It's like the full force of the degradation only hits once I say it aloud.
"That I can," he agrees. "What more can I do?"
"You can . . . you can hit me and spank me."
"Very good!" His horn lights up for a second, and I feel the slap of the crop across my back, by way of example. "When can I do this?"
"Wh-whenever you want to, kind sir?"
He lowers his head right down next to mine. "And how does that make you feel?" he asks, voice silky smooth.
"Horny. It makes me feel . . . very horny, kind sir." And the worst thing is that even after everything, that's true. I need a cock inside me like I've ever needed anything.
He chuckles. "It won't be long now. But first you've earned a privilege."
The gag is a big intruding lump in my mouth, with straps around my muzzle to keep my jaws locked around it. They're keeping my lips apart too, and I'm already drooling uncontrollably on the bedsheets.
Apparently I've also earned an upgrade from blinkers to a blindfold, so all in all I'm pretty completely wrapped up.
"Now that you can't simply cry out," he whispers into my ear, and I try to keep it still so he won't decide my ears also need to be restrained somehow, "here's a signal for you: If you're completely dying and need to stop everything, make the ring do the fireworks two times in a row, okay? Once is just a mistake, twice for the real thing."
There's a lot of bouncing around on the bedsprings, and then somepony - I can't see who, but my imagination settles on Cressie - begins licking my horn. She's running her tongue sloppily along the groove and there's a shiver tickling down and all the way through me when she pauses and starts over in a different place. Once I was with a guy who was into this, and that felt kind of meh, but - now she takes the entire horn into her mouth and sucks on it like a lollipop - damn that's intense, wonder if it's the ring that does it - if only I could kick my legs or something; I'm going to explode if I don't -
And now there are hooves on my rump and a cock sliding into me YES never has being filled out felt this good I needed that, wait no he's pulling out again but only to thrust back in and my horn is warm and wet and amazing, he's still thrusting it's all I ever wanted and I ought to hold back and stretch the moment but it's no good trying and oh my
celestia that's good please let it go on and on and on and
Um. I think I lost myself a bit there. Pokey is still thrusting, he comes inside me, and then he's spent and flumps down on my back. Cressie lets go of my horn and begins kissing him again, I think, somewhere behind my neck. He just keeps lying there, and he ought to know I hate that, but somehow it feels appropriate anyway. Hay, I can't even move and Pokey and Cressie are lying on top of me making out, and I feel used and discarded and yet, for some reason, strangely happy about all of it.
It can't last forever, of course. Without moving he pulls out of me with a flaccid little plop. He sighs and goes down to the floor to open the stocks and free my hind legs, and he unties my fores too and lets me stand up, mobile again.
I still can't see, but he's pulling me somewhere with a chain attached to the harness collar. I let him. What comes next?
When the blindfold comes off we're in the kitchen, and he's chaining me down to the ring in the floor where we found Cressie, back when I first came here. He takes the gag out of my mouth too but puts a hoof to my lips. "Shh. Goodnight, my hopeful."
And then he just leaves, closing the door behind him.
What am I supposed to do now? Pokey turned out the light when he left, but there's a streetlight down there, illuminating a window-shaped patch of the ceiling. Do I just lie down and go to sleep here on the floor? That's not exciting at all.
For a while I toy with the idea of bailing out now. If I yell loud enough he will hear me, won't he? I don't think he would really refuse to let me free - why, he even gave me a kind of safeword with that 'fireworks' signal. On the other hoof, he might insist that I use it first. I suppose it's only meant for if what he's doing is worse than setting off the ring.
And dammit, if Cressie can be chained here for entire days, then I can endure a night. Never got to ask her how that fits with having a job. Perhaps last week was her day off . . .
Suddenly the door opens again. I look up, half expecting it to be Finey. Good evening, ma'am, I'm from the Rescue Service, do you need a hoof here? But it's just Pokey, peering in. How much time has passed - half an hour? It is still dark.
"Good, you're awake," he says, switching on the light.
He comes over to me and quickly unties a lot of the straps on the harness and then pulls the entire thing off over my head, ring and all. Now I can feel my horn again. I had gotten used to the numbness.
"Well, that's it," he says.
I blink in confusion and start saying something, but discover I don't know what.
"It's alright, you can speak now. You're free to go, too, if you want."
"Um, what happened to 'the last decision I'll make before morning'?"
"Well, if I gave you the whole ride now, how'd I keep you coming back for more?" He winks at me, and then stands tinkering with the harness for a second or two. "Besides, Cressie insisted."
That's nice of her. "What, she insisted? I thought bitches don't talk."
"In aftercare they do. Care to join us? There'll be hugs and apologies and perhaps some talk about feelings."
He holds a hoof out to me, smiling.
I take it. |
The Rescue Service | 9. Guilt | There goes the last candle.
It's been flickering weakly for some time, but now it finally gave up the fight and snuffed out with a last little sputter. There's a faint smell of half-burned wax drifting down here too. I wonder why their most intense smell is always right after going out.
It is pitch dark now. I shift around in the blackness, just to hear my chains clink and remind myself that I still, at least, have sound left. If my horn worked I could make light, but the blocker ring is unyielding.
It's all right, though. I have been in darker places.
The phone call from Hissy Fit saves me from getting my brain spaghettified by trying to visualize four-dimensional tensor field surgery. Supposedly that's the key to proving the discrete Haflinger conjecture, but I won't be unlocking that today.
"Finey? You up for a quick trip to Ponyville?"
"I'm on the list, aren't I? Just tell me where to go."
"Can't - it's a blind account. You'll pick up the details and your partner at the bakery. You know where that is, right?"
"Sure. Give me, um, an hour and a half." Normally I could be there faster, but the new feathers aren't quite fully grown yet. Better be a bit careful.
"Excellent. Fly safe."
"Thanks."
Oh, what I wouldn't give for a way to scratch my shoulder!
It's funny, isn't it? Here I am, tied to a table in a dark basement, helplessly delivered to the whims of my Mistress - and what gets to me is the itching.
But who am I to judge? Even the tiniest little discomfort of my punishment is worth dwelling on, worth categorizing and cataloguing. After all, I deserve all of it - the worst Mistress can do cannot begin to match the wrong I did. So the small things have to count too.
It's been some time since I was in Ponyville last, so I choose a scenic approach, staying low above the outskirts while I take in the ambience. With all the happy ponies out enjoying the Saturday afternoon, you almost wouldn't think this town would need a Rescue Service. Yet here we are, doing business.
I wave at a group of foals frolicking through a park, and one of them throws herself down on the grass, waving back to me with all four legs and looking almost as if . . . ew! Nope nope nope. I bank sharply to the left and start flapping to put some altitude between myself and that sight.
Okay, calm down. That filly didn't mean anything with it - it's just that ever since Cinna, my mind has been full of upside-down mares. Grown-up mares, that is, mind you. We went four times after coming home to my place, always with her on her back. It seemed innocuous at the time, but what if I've gotten myself addicted to some kind of perversion? Can I even get back into an ordinary relationship with a mare who isn't subserviently ready for anything-I-want?
I don't regret it, though. Between the sex we talked a lot, and she taught me how to think of my ordeal without letting it control me. It's something bad that happened to me, not something that defines who I am. I'd still be a wreck if it wasn't for her.
The park is far behind me now. I collect myself and start looking for my destination.
Shouldn't Mistress be back by now? It feels like it's been a long time.
Then again, she's fond of playing games with my sense of time. Once she went a whole week coming down here every sixteen hours to say her "good morning, prisoner!" Fooled me completely - I thought she had gone rogue, changing the agreement without telling me. It's just plausible enough that she can do that that I actually felt afraid.
Or take those candles. Usually Mistress comes down to change them before they burn out. But the way I lie here I can't see the candles themselves, on a shelf far above my head - only the light they cast on the walls and ceiling. I wouldn't know if she changed them to stumps the last time so I would think she has left me alone for longer than usual, or if she actually has done that.
I don't really try to keep track of time anymore. But that doesn't mean I don't grow impatient. It is lonely down here.
Our Ponyville branch is run out of a pastry bakery in the town square. It's a bit of a family operation, with the baker and his apprentice doing most of the rescues and his wife helping out at home. Makes an ideal front for us - even if you know the side business exists, you can't tell whether the pony in line behind you is there for a cinnamon roll or to pay a rescue subscription. Privacy is important in towns like this.
Today must be a slow day; there's nopony in the shop when I enter, except for the wife behind the counter.
"Welcome to Sugarcube Corner, what can - oh hello, Finey. It's good of you to come out on short notice; Pinkie had to go away on a friendship emergency."
"No trouble." I fold my wings in and and look around the room. "What's a 'friendship emergency'?"
"Oh, you know, Pinkie is on this board of advisors to Princess Twilight, and every so often they have to drop everything and go save somepony's doomed friendship. At least that's how she tells it."
"What, Princess Twilight? Hold on, are you saying she's the Pinkie Pie? Element of Harmony and all?"
"Why, who else would she be? Hasn't she told you?"
I shrug. "Always assumed it's just a common name hereabout." I've been on rescues with this Pinkie several times, and she never struck me as somepony who'd be a many-times-over savior of Equestria. In fact I doubt she'd have the attention span to save Equestria even once.
"Oh no, she's the real thing. Why don't you have a seat - Carrot had to run an errand, but it shouldn't be long. Here's your paperwork."
I sit down at one of the cafe tables to wait for my partner-in-rescue.
Loneliness is a strange thing. If you know for a fact that you're utterly alone and no living soul cares about you, then . . . well, you find a way to cope. Not necessarily a healthy or constructive way, but somehow you survive. But as soon as there's the tiniest chance of some real equine contact, however brief and fleeting - that's when you start craving it. That's when every heartbeat where it doesn't yet happen becomes a torment.
Soon - in a minute or an hour, or two, or three - Mistress will be down to administer my evening flogging. She's not going to talk to me or even make eye contact, only take out the whip and beat me with it again and again until I'm a whimpering little ball of pain and tears, barely breathing. And then she'll walk up the stairs again, not looking back.
I'm eager as a foal on Hearth's Warming Eve for her to appear. Because at least she's somepony.
It's not always whips. Sometimes she uses paddles, or canes, or knives or needles or scalding water. She's very creative with ways to hurt me - she's under explicit royal orders to make me miserable, and she takes pride in being good at it.
Still, what she does is never as bad as what I have done. That's why I won't scream. Screams are for ponies who don't deserve what they get.
The work slip is almost empty - just an account number and a bunch of SEE SEALED DEPOSIT notations in the fields for the address and instructions. There is indeed a small sealed envelope to go with it, with the same account number on the outside and something heavy inside. The customer must have mailed it here anonymously, so determined not to be found out that he or she wouldn't come here in person to deliver the key.
Mrs. Cake keeps her eyes fixed on the envelope as I tilt it back and forth, trying to judge the weight distribution. She's one of those ponies who always look like they're expecting something bad to happen, so it's difficult to tell when something is really up. But somehow I get the impression she's actually worried here.
"Um, is something wrong?"
She grimaces awkwardly. "I don't know if I should tell you - but when Ms. Fit called with the appointment, she said it has been scheduled ever since last Sunday and postponed eight hours at a time all through the week."
I shrug. "That's allowed, isn't it?"
"Yes, but think of the pony you'll be rescuing! If they've been there since Sunday - I mean, there's being kinky, and then there's this."
Oh, Mistress - my jailer, my tormentor, my lover (whenever you decide that if you are to have a pony chained up in your basement, you might as well take advantage of her to get that itch of yours scratched - not that I mind; it is your right), my accomplice, my subject, my friend! Have you forsaken me?
"Okay, we're good to go," says Mr. Cake. "Rip it, please."
I hold up the envelope, showing that the seal is still intact. If we had a cancellation before this moment, it would have gone back into the branch safe unopened. But now I tear it open and shake out a piece of cardboard with two keys taped to it. The address written on the other side means nothing to me, so I give it to Mr. Cake.
"Wait! I made something extra nutritious for that poor pony!" Mrs. Cake comes out from the back room with a thermos that she slips into her husband's saddlebag.
I wonder how it can upset her that much that this rescue has been a week in the making. I've heard Hissy Fit say some of our customers in Canterlot and Manehattan have kept daily appointments running for more than a year, but perhaps ponies are more moderate in a small town like this. Or have I simply grown callous on the job?
Mr. Cake holds the address card out towards his wife. She shies away from it. "Don't show it to me if it's somepony I know! What would I say to them?"
"Makes sense." He shrugs and turns to me. "Come on, let's go."
Tia would kill me if she found out what I'm doing. Not literally, of course. At worst I would get a stern talking-to. But she would be so very disappointed in me, and she would find ways to prevent me from coming here again. I can't let that happen.
After I nearly doomed Equestria for the third time, they were all so understanding and made wonderful speeches about how I must forgive myself, stop punishing myself, and move on. I'm sure they mean well. It's just easier said than done.
Oh, most of the time I do manage. Sometimes I can go moons on end without hating myself now. It's a nice feeling, and I try my best to stretch it. But eventually, inexorably, the urge to suffer for my misdeeds always grows overpowering. I know better than to make another Tantabus, so instead I'll quietly slink down here for a week of suffering at Mistress's hooves. It's not the moon, but it works. After a week of this I'll be fed up enough to convince myself that it's unfair I should be punished and everything is everypony else's fault. Then I'm ready to be the gracious princess again, revered and respected.
Tia accepted easily enough that I sometimes need to go away by myself on short notice, and that she's not to ask what or where. She still regrets banishing me back then (as if I gave her any choice!), and I try not to abuse that too much. But this is important. She may suspect what I'm up to, but she keeps her word and doesn't pry.
It is fortunate that one of the six ponies alive I would trust with anything turned out to have a dungeon and know how to use it. But it wasn't easy to get her to agree to our arrangement. I had to plead and point out how badly it went the last time I had to do it myself. Was that just one friend begging another for help, or a threat? One more thing to atone for, I suppose. They pile up.
"The pony whose house we're going to is something of a celebrity," Mr. Cake explains to me on the way, "especially outside Ponyville. So we have to be doubly careful with the secrecy rules. Even ponies you'd usually share anecdotes with -"
"Yes, of course." I feel mildly offended that he assumes I'm sharing anecdotes with anyone. "I'm not a gossip."
Our destination is a big round pavilion that looks like a cross between a wedding cake and a fairground ride. There's a sign stuck to the front door:
SORRY
The boutique is closed for FRIENDSHIP EMERGENCY
Please try again later!
When nopony answers after we knock, we let ourselves in. Mr. Cake studies the address card. "There should be some basement stairs next to the fitting mirrors," he says. "Wherever that is."
We spread out to search the inside, which is full of mirrors and drapes and fancy clothing, hanging on racks and displayed on dummies. Soon I come across a bank of three full-height mirrors, with a conspicuously locked door beside them. "Over here, I think!"
That was the door at the top of the stairs rattling! And somepony is speaking too - not Mistress, but a stallion. Two stallions. This is it, then. This is when it happens.
I wondered when Mistress would start taking stallions here. She can do that, of course - as long as she releases me alive and intact when the week is up, anything painful or demeaning she can think of is fair game, and I have forbidden her to ask my permission for any of it. But a few moons ago she did start asking these blatantly coincidental questions about contraception and whether alicorns can conceive (she needed not worry - Tia's doctors insisted after I came back that I get my tubes plugged. Apparently even a few centuries on the moon will do bad things to ovaries). Perhaps she expected me to decide there should be limits to my punishment after all. But I didn't; there can't be.
The thought did keep me away from here several weeks longer than usual. But here I am, and there they are, coming down the stairs with a bright light that casts dancing shadows all over the dungeon.
What if I recognize them afterwards, up there? I always imagined Mistress would blindfold me first. I squeeze my eyes shut and breathe steadily. Remember, I did worse myself. I deserve this. I deserve this . . .
The stairs lead down to a cavernous sex dungeon. Most of our customers make do with ordinary bedrooms or living rooms, but we do come across dedicated dungeons now and then. This is the most impressively themed one I've seen yet. Heavy chains hang on the walls like garlands, with manacles and collars dangling from the bottom of each arch. There's a row of barred cells at one end and a big old farrier's chair at the other, its unused restraining straps tied into bows.
In the open space in the middle there's a mare lying on an upturned table, her four legs tied to the table legs that stick up into the air. Her tail, sparkling faintly in the light of Mr. Cake's lantern, lies draped elegantly across the floor and leads the eye towards a nice set of almost black buttocks flanking an invitingly pink marehood. Her wings are bandaged up and chained to weights on the floor, and up at the far end it looks like her horn is . . . hey, wait a minute -
"Princess Luna!" Mr. Cake drops into a formal bow.
I follow suit, not quite sure what the proper etiquette for meeting a tied-up royal in a dark dungeon is. Should we wait for her to acknowledge us? Is she even awake?
Finally she speaks, her voice quavering. "Do what you must, sirs, but don't pretend to respect me while you do it."
"Um, Your Highness -"
"Gentlecolts, we all know why you're here. No need to dress it up. Then again I can't really make demands, can I? Would you have me issue royal decrees for where to violate me first? Know ye that I come with the same set of holes as any pony -"
"You misunderstand, Your Highness," says Mr. Cake, standing up and interrupting the princess! "We're from The Rescue Service, here to free you."
She lifts her head and looks at us from between her upstretched legs. "Didn't Rarity send you?"
"Somepony did, Your Highness," I explain, "to rescue an unnamed pony if they failed to call in regularly."
"She left a note saying she's away on a friendship emergency," Mr. Cake says.
She lets her head fall back and sighs. "You'd better set me free, then. I think she keeps all the keys in the cabinet by the stairs."
Together we get the princess free of her bonds. It's not as easy to remove the military-grade suppressor ring she's wearing. Without instructions from the princess herself, we'd never have figured it out - you need one pony to keep a key turned while another grips and twists the lower part of the ring with his teeth.
"Do you want something to drink?" asks Mr. Cake in a commendable attempt to stick to our script. "We've got sports drink, or, hmm, a protein-fortified milkshake."
She wrinkles her muzzle. "Thank you, but I'll pass. What I do need, however, is your silence. Nopony can know I'm here, least of all my sister. Can I do anything to earn your cooperation about this?"
Are those bedroom eyes she's making at us? No, it must be my imagination - she was lying upside down on that table before, and life just seems to delight in tormenting me with inverted mares of the wrong size or station to lust after.
"Your Highness can be completely assured of our commitment to discretion," I explain quickly.
"I promise not to tell anyone you're the client," says Mr. Cake.
That's a way of saying it too. "So do I."
"I am grateful," she says gravely. "I cannot pay you back here and now, but if you ever need a favor that is in my power to grant, come and talk to me. Can I have your names and addresses?"
Mr. Cake is already getting out a pencil from his bag, but I stop him. "We're not really supposed to tell clients our names."
The princess sighs. "You don't have to. But I need to instruct the castle staff to let you talk to me if you come to claim your favor. And if I wanted to harm you, I could simply have the Guard track you down."
Mr. Cake has finished writing his name on a bakery flyer. He holds it out to me, and I take it because it would probably be rude to reject such an offer from a princess, even if she's a client. But I can't help thinking I'm going to regret this sooner or later.
* * *
"The Rescue Service, good evening."
"It's Finey. I'm done in Ponyville."
"Good, just come home now. And once you're back in Canterlot, could you pop by the office to see me real quick, please?"
"Um, right. Of course."
Great. Now I have all the way home to worry whether I'm in trouble again.
As soon as I enter, Hissy Fit turns to me from her desk.
"Finey, you know we don't usually allow clients to contact the agents who handled their rescues -"
Oh shit. She knows I gave the princess my name. How can she know? Was the whole rescue just a ruse to catch us breaking the rules? Why would the princess take part in that, for a small private business like Hissy's? She was the real princess, wasn't she?
"- but I've been convinced to make an exception here. And I really hope I'm not going to regret that. Miss Scratch, the floor is yours."
The last part is directed at a pony sitting in the couch. It's Vinyl! Vinyl is here! Why?
Calm down, Finey. She could hurt you back then because Tavi had tied you up. You're not tied up now; you can run away. But why has Hissy Fit brought her here? I thought she was on my side.
Vinyl doesn't react to Hissy Fit, just sits there bobbing her head back and forth with an unreadable expression behind her shades. Hissy marches over to her and uses her magic to lift a headphone away from one of her ears. "Your turn, Miss Scratch!"
Vinyl jumps up from the couch and quickly takes a step away from me. Then, slowly, she walks out in the middle of the floor and stands still for several moments before she speaks.
"I want to apologize for what I did to you. I thought you were cool with it, and that you had already agreed on how far it would go, but that is no excuse. I should have checked it myself, and it is my fault I didn't do that. I never meant to really hurt you, and I'm very sorry that I did anyway."
That is the last thing I ever expected to hear. It sounds more rehearsed than sincere. "Did Tavi send you to say that?"
She shakes her head. "Me and Octavia are, um, not really seeing each other anymore. We had a fight."
"And then you came here to apologize?" It feels like something's missing from my understanding of this.
She nods. "I would be have been earlier, but it took a long time to find you."
"And - alright, you're sorry. Does that just make it okay? Do you think you can do . . . those things to me and then just trot up and say you're sorry, and everything's suddenly right again?" I'm angry at her, and also angry at myself for saying 'those things'. Cinna taught me I must not make them unspeakable; that gives them too much power. But Vinyl is not Cinna.
"I don't know." She hangs her head. "I just wanted to say it. I don't expect you to ever forgive me or anything."
"Darn right I'm not. What the hay kinda thing is that to come and say? How does being sorry make anything okay?"
"Listen, I'll do whatever it takes to make it more okay. Or less bad. Anything you want, just tell me what to do."
"What could possibly make it more okay?"
"I don't know!" She shrugs awkwardly. "I thought perhaps you'd want to tie me up without a safeword and get even?"
"Pardon me, miss," interjects Hissy Fit, "but if you're the sort of pony who habitually gets herself into situations like the one I met you in earlier this week, one might suspect this plan of yours isn't quite the sacrifice it sounds like."
Vinyl turns to her and just stares at her for several long moments.
"Lady, you have no fucking idea what you're talking about," she says eventually. "Yes, I bottom a lot, but that doesn't mean I get off from asking random ponies in the street to beat me up. That's not how it works. That's something you do when you trust somepony so damn much you let her take you all the way out where the world spins, and you know she won't do anything to really harm you. Because you're in fucking love with her. But what do you know about that?"
Hissy Fit doesn't rise to the bait. "Am I to understand that you expected my employee here to trust you that way?"
"No! That's not it! I thought he trusted Octavia, and she knew what he could take and she'd stop me if I went too far. Because that's what I would do - what I did do. And I sure didn't think she'd just stand aside and watch while I do horrible things and become a monster and afterwards she just says nopony was really harmed like it's all my fault . . ." Her face crumbles up, and she turns away from us. "Damn you," she sniffles, either to me or to Hissy.
"So is it your fault or isn't it?" Hissy Fit is sounding uncannily calm. "I'm getting some mixed signals -"
"Stop doing that! It's - I mean it's my fault to him." She points a hoof towards me, shaking angrily. "I'm not running away from that. But it's her fault to me that she let me do it. And I don't fucking care if you understand that or not - how's it your business anyway?"
"Boss, please," I say. (Why is it up to me to keep things civil? I thought I was the victim here.) "It's not gonna happen anyway - getting even, I mean." Cinna helped me figure out that revenge won't help.
They both stare at me. "Thanks, I guess," Vinyl says. "It was a scary idea. But I want to do something to make it right. You sure you can't think of anything?"
Hissy Fit starts saying something, still trying to fight my battle for me. I wave her quiet. Can't deal with that now. "No," I just say. "I can't."
There is an awkward pause. I'm fighting an instinct to thank her for offering. But she still did what she did. It's not like she's my friend, saying sorry for some random misstep, and then all is well. I'm not looking for revenge, but that doesn't mean I can just up and forgive her.
Eventually Vinyl sighs. "Look, I'm sorry if I've made things worse, trying to apologize. It felt like the right thing to do. Shows what I know." She walks towards the door, head hanging. "I'm not gonna bother you anymore."
I don't know how to respond to that.
Right before she reaches the door, she turns to me a last time. "There's one thing I wanna ask, though. If you're gonna press charges, please do it quickly. I don't think I can take the waiting much longer."
Without waiting for a reply she turns around again and lets herself out.
"Okay," says Hissy Fit finally. "Sorry for that. I don't really know what I expected."
I don't answer her.
"Look, I did get her business card. If you want to go to the Guard now, I'll back you a hundred percent. I'm not saying it's gonna -"
I hold up a hoof. "Please. Can I just think?"
She shuts up. Fancy that, me bossing the boss around like that. But there's something more important -
Somehow Vinyl's parting shot hit me harder than anything else. I haven't even thought about pressing charges, just about putting it all behind me. But . . . I don't think I can take the waiting much longer, she said. That felt more real than a thousand tearful apologies. Why?
Of course! She reminds me of myself, a week ago. Slowly going to pieces, never sleeping, always expecting that knock on the door . . . It's different because she's guilty and I wasn't; I know that now. But the waiting must be the same.
Can I wish that on anypony, even Vinyl? It would be easy - part of me does want her to suffer, especially if I won't have to do the dirty work myself. Just let her stew! But that feels like bitterness, and Cinna taught me I need to avoid that. Are a few hours of pain and fear more or less than days and weeks of fear and a life going to pieces? I've tried both, and I can't tell. But the waiting wasn't Vinyl's doing; that was Tavi. Wasn't it? But if what Vinyl says is true . . .
And if I just keep dithering here, it won't matter what I decide.
"Be right back!" I shout to Hissy Fit, and bolt down the stairs.
"Vinyl! Stop!"
There she is, trudging gloomily down the street. Either she can't hear me, or she's deliberately ignoring me.
"Vinyl!" I've caught up with her, but she still doesn't react. It's those headphones, blaring a thunderstorm of angry guitars so loudly that I could hear it from several steps away. I have to step right in front of her before she notices me.
Her horn glows briefly, making the music stop. "Oh. It's you."
"Yeah. Um, I just wanted you to know I'm not going to press charges." Wait, I'm not? I thought I hadn't decided yet. "Or at least not until I've had some time to think."
"So, you're either gonna or you're not gonna. Got that, thanks a bunch."
"Well, yes . . . I didn't really think this through, did I?"
"That makes two of us." She looks back towards Hissy Fit's apartment.
"Okay, what I mean is if I do go to the Guard, I will tell you first. So it won't be a surprise. And you can, uhm, relax until then." I almost said that she can sleep, but I don't know if that's what the waiting does to her.
"I guess that's something. Why are you telling me this?"
I had expected more gratitude. Oh buck, this is shaping up to be another fiasco; I'm feeling stupider by the second. "Because I'm trying to do the right thing is why, but excuse me for never having been in this situation before, so I don't actually know what the right thing is. I just need a few days to figure it out, alright? Is that so much to ask for?"
She backs away from me, looking more resigned than afraid. "Didn't mean it that way." For a brief moment she manages a small smile. "Thanks, um, whatever your name is."
I stare at her.
She shrugs. "Your boss wouldn't tell me."
"Well, I'm Finey." Automatically I hold out a hoof.
She shakes it. "Vinyl."
"I know."
"Look, I'm really sorry," she repeats. "About back there, too. I didn't mean to shout at your boss. I thought if I just got to say my piece, everything else would happen and I'd just have to let it. Kinda like getting tied up, if you know what I mean."
I'm not sure I do. "Just a few days, okay? Tuesday!" - I pick a date out of thin air, anything to get away from this - "I'll have an answer for you on Tuesday. Promise."
"Okay."
I take off and start flying back towards Hissy's office before the awkward can spread further.
Why do these things happen to me? Just when I thought I had it all figured out, Vinyl had to drop an apology on me? I think she meant well, but can I trust that? Is it just wishful thinking because I want to live in a world where nopony has it out for me? But even if it's true, what am I supposed to do with that?
When I come back, Hissy Fit just waits for me to say something. That doesn't make it easier to ask for the favor I'm about to. It's probably an expensive one.
Okay, deep breath. "Can you get me Cinna again? Just to talk?"
"I don't think she has a just-to-talk rate. But I'll see what I can do." She smiles encouragingly. "Don't worry about it."
Let's call that a success. It means I won't have to begin deciding until she shows up, or Hissy Fit tells me she won't. Until then I can take refuge in the nice, simple world of tensor field surgery.
Right. So, the stitching maps all work by permuting the indices. Therefore the fundamental group must act on the space of admissible frames . . .
* * *
I have asserted eminent domain over Rarity's living quarters. Just until she gets back, that is - if I can't keep wallowing in guilt, the next best thing is a long hot bath. And uninterrupted sleep in a soft, cool bed. There's one just as soft awaiting me in Canterlot, but there are also courtiers, guards, heavenly bodies to shift around, endless papers to sign, long lines of ponies to smile and wave to.
This must be what Tia thinks I'm doing each time I skip out for some personal days, just lazing about somewhere. It's nice, actually; I should take it up sometime.
For now I justify myself by saying I can't just let Rarity come home and find the place empty. Imagine that, a princess of the realm housesitting! Then again, Twilight probably does that all the time. I wish I had her natural humility.
It's a bit past noon on Sunday when she comes home. To her credit, she immediately rushes to the basement, shouting my name. It stirs me from the couch upstairs, and I go down to greet her as she comes back up again.
"You're late, Rarity. Your hired goons already found me."
She gives a jerk. "Goons? Why, I never! That firm has an impeccable reputation in the community." It's not quite clear whether she's offended by the supposed goons, or by me calling them that.
"Relax - I jest, of course. They were perfect gentlecolts. And admirably foresighted of you to arrange for their presence."
"Well, yes. Oh, Princess, I'm simply dreadfully sorry for cutting your session short in such an unexpectedly informal fashion. Can you ever forgive me?"
I have to smile. "Of course. It all seems to be within the bounds of our arrangement."
"Because it has none. You know, I do so wish you wouldn't need that 'arrangement'. I will help out if you need it, but it's just not the same as working with ponies who enjoy what I do."
"I know." I step forward to hug her. "I will try my best, I promise."
Shall I tell you that you're lying, Rarity? I have seen your dreams; I know what makes you tick. You're only fully alive when you truly impress somepony, when you can cause their thoughts to be all about you. What better way to do that than to make them suffer? The other guests in your dungeon, you're the center of their experience, but at the end of the day it's their own strange pleasure they're there for. When I'm down there I think only of how you might hurt me next. You love that.
You also hate loving it, I know, so you tell even yourself that you don't. Who am I to deny you that comfort just to show how clever I am? You must come to terms with yourself at your own pace. And once you do, you will thank me; most ponies with that affliction never get a chance to live it out.
Yes yes, and if I'm such an expert on the pony psyche, why don't I heal myself too?
I guess I do owe you to try.
"Thanks for your help this time," I say, breaking the hug. "But I should be going now."
Usually I come and go under cover of darkness. But today I think I'll chance a daytime flight. It's a beautiful day, from what I've seen of it. And no matter how soft the bed, if I stay holed up in the boutique waiting for night to fall, I'll only have swapped one dungeon for another.
Rarity follows me outside. I jump into the air and turn around to smile at her, and my mistress and friend waves back as I take to the clear blue sky of the magical land of Equestria. |
The Rescue Service | 10. Tartaric Gallop | The small diner behind the Ponyville train station was not a place sophisticated ponies like Octavia Melody frequented often. She looked quite out of place as she sat at one of the outer tables, wearing a pink bowtie that made a mockery of the checkered tablecloth (and vice versa), and nursing a mug of hard cider for the third hour straight, sometimes looking wistfully out the window at the trains that came and went.
Ponies who do come in such places tend to have a good feeling for when somepony wants to be left alone, so the few other patrons at this time of the day sat well away from her, and in return she bothered nopony. Looking at her, one might have gotten the impression that she was out of place in a deeper, inner sense too, ironically making the diner the right place for her to be.
Of course there was nopony around who would appreciate that delicious little paradox.
Then Pinkie Pie came skipping through, humming along to the insipid pop music streaming from the sound system, on her way to doing whatever it is Pinkie Pie does.
"Hiii Octavia!"
Octavia looked up from her cider and stared tiredly at Pinkie.
Pinkie screeched to a halt. "Oh no, you're sad! Why are you sad? Oh, oh, oh! I know exactly what you need to cheer you up. Wait here, don't move!"
Then she zipped off, not waiting for a reply.
Not half an hour later, Vinyl Scratch barged into the diner and stomped up to Octavia's table. She sat down across from her.
"What the spinning splat are you doing here?" demanded Vinyl.
Octavia looked up again. "What does it look like?"
"Well, it doesn't look like you're out playing a gig. Pretty sure I'd know if you had one anyway. And otherwise you only ever come to Ponyville to see me. So. What kind of creepy stalker are you?"
"The pathetic kind who can't even bring herself to go to your side of the town."
"So instead you sent Pinkie Pie to get me."
Octavia sighed. "She's your friend. Do you have a way to make her do or not do something when she gets an idea?"
"Point," Vinyl said. There was a long pause. "So what do you think you're doing here?"
Octavia made a show of collecting herself. "I'm being stupid. I shouldn't have come at all. I know you need some time to stop being angry before we can talk it over properly, like grown-up mares."
"Really." Another pause. "Well, I'm here. So talk."
Octavia shook her head. "I can hear you're not ready yet. I respect that." She looked back at her cider.
Vinyl started saying something, but caught herself several times. Eventually she gave up. "At least tell me why you did it."
"Why I did what?"
"Why you did what!? You tricked me into, into brutalizing that stallion! And you just hung around while I did it, like it was all a laugh. Is that all I am to you, someone to laugh at while she destroys -"
"Vinyl, we've been through this already." Octavia sighed. "I didn't make you do anything. It was all something you decided to do. You were in charge of that scene; that's how it works. And if you ask me, then I will readily agree that you went a bit overboard there, but -"
"Then you should have stopped me! Why didn't you stop me?"
Octavia reached out towards her in a calming gesture. "Listen, precious, I don't think -"
"Don't call me that!"
"- Sorry. But that's the point, isn't it? When you're being on top, what kind of friend would I be if I didn't let you make your own mistakes?"
"A real one! Do you think I wanted to be a monster? Dammit, Tavi, I trusted you! You're the one who knows how to top. You're supposed to help me get it right."
"And I would, if you had asked me."
"Asked you? What the hay kind of behavior is it to wait for me to ask you when you can see I'm going off the rails?"
Octavia frowned. "I wouldn't say you were 'off the rails' as such, just -" She stopped herself and rubbed her forehead with her hooves for some time. Then she shook her head violently. "Alright, I'm sorry if you feel I should have said more. Okay? Okay?"
"And what about him?" asked Vinyl.
"Who?"
"The stallion! The guy you made me brutalize! The guy whose life I ruined!"
Octavia sighed. "Vinyl, you're entirely too hung up on what that mare said. Look, she's his boss, alright? Of course it's against the rules for him to have sex with the customers, so naturally he'd tell her he didn't want to. Probably gave her a real tearful show for her money; it's that or be fired. But you know he was actually having a great time."
"Says who?"
Another sigh. "Really, Vinyl, I know you don't do stallions a lot, but you had sex ed in school, didn't you? It's not generally a subtle thing whether they're enjoying themselves."
"That doesn't mean they want it!"
"Yes it does. Trust me on that."
"No it buc- why, you didn't even know the guy! I thought he was one of your usual toy colts, whatever you call it -"
"Is that what you're upset about?" Octavia reached a hoof across the table again, wearing a pained frown. "We've talked about that before, and you were okay with it then, but if you've changed your mind, just say the word and I'll swear off stallions forever." She paused. "Damn it, Vinyl, I need you. The things you do, the things you can take . . . Don't you understand? You're the one pony in the world I would put up this whole pathetic show for."
Vinyl looked away, watching a train huff off towards Fillydelphia.
Eventually she said, so quietly it was barely audible over the music, "I miss the Tavi I could trust. I don't know - I think she's left Equestria. Together with the Vinyl I could wake up and like being."
"Vinyl, how can I be that Tavi again?"
"I don't know. Convince me you can be trusted, I guess. How about finding Fi-, I mean, that fine pegasus you made me abuse, and make good by him?"
Octavia sighed demonstratively, rolling her eyes. "Vinyl, read my lips here: It's not about him. It's about me and you. Us. Vinyl, I'm fucking desperate; I will do anything it takes to be alright by you again."
Vinyl raised her eyebrows. "Anything."
Octavia nodded. "Just tell me what to do."
Vinyl looked at her for some time. "Okay, how about this: I know this guy in Manehattan who runs a nightclub . . ."
* * *
"Rise and shiiine!"
Light streams into the small room as the stallion kicks open the door. It's not even really a room, more like a janitor's closet with delusions of grandeur. There's a grey-coated earth mare lying on the floor, in the space left between a mop trolley and a collapsed stepladder.
"I'm awake," she answers, not moving.
"Then what are you doing there on the floor? Come on, the music's about to start, and you're gonna miss the show!"
"Oh, haha, very funny." She tries to turn her head, but her neck is shackled tightly to a bracket in the floor. "Why didn't you become a comedian?"
"A comedian, moi? When bartending pays so much better?" He reaches in with his magic and unlocks the small combination lock that held her collar together. "There are so many fascinating ponies to meet. And we both know you're our real star anyway."
She grunts while she gets on her hooves and steps out of the closet. It opens up into the back of the gentlecolts' washroom.
"How are we feeling today then?" asks the bartender, still chipper.
"Hungry," she says curtly.
"Oh yes, you didn't make quota yesterday, did you? Tell you what, if you reach nine today, come up to me at the bar and you can have the tenth from me."
"That's what you said the day before yesterday. And then you went to the other end anyway."
"I did? Oh dear me, how fickle and fleeting are the promises of ponykind these days! You can't trust anypony! The offer still stands, though - who knows, perhaps today I'll keep my word."
She glares at him. "I'm thirsty too. I'm allowed to have water, that's the rules!"
"But of course!" Ducking into the broom closet, he picks a floor cloth out of its bucket and dumps it into the long urinal. It makes for enough of a barrier that water begins to pile up upstream of it when he pushes the flush button. "Here you go, miss, best quality Manehattan tapwater."
The mare looks between him and the trough in disbelief, but then sighs deeply and starts drinking from it. It's probably the cleanest thing she's going to taste today anyway.
While she drinks, the bartender runs a hoof across the short black fuzz growing on her scalp and crest. "Looks like your mane is growing out again. Time for a fresh shave soon, eh?" He grabs the dock of her tail as well, casually rubbing a hoof against her marehood as he picks it up. "Your tail too." The short hairs on the stump are barely a quarter inch long.
"Yeah yeah, just get it over with."
"Oh no, miss, no need to do anything rash right now. I'm sure you'll be able to last for, oh, several hours before you'll be hairy enough to need that."
"By which time the place will be full of ponies," she says flatly.
"Of course! We artistic types, we have to let the hoi polloi have their little diversions, don't we? Oh, why couldn't you have been a pegasus? A plucking, that would have drawn some real crowds!"
She saunters over towards a booth where a group of stallions have just started their first round of beer. It's not easy to saunter when one has no mane or tail to swish, but she makes it work. More or less.
"Well, hello, stallions!" she says in her sultriest voice. She has to raise it a little to be heard above the music.
They look at her. Some of them decidedly looking her over. Good.
"Um, can we help you?" says one of the older ones, blue with a yellowish mane.
"I was wondering whether one of you fine equines might be interested in a free blowjob?"
The stallions look at each other. "A free what?" asks one of them at the other side of the table, a big black-maned guy.
She smiles at him. "Darling, don't you know what a blowjob is?"
A few of the other stallions begin snickering, but he responds calmly, "I'm wondering whether you do. It's not something mares are usually eager to pass out to strangers, even in a place like this."
"Well, it's your lucky day, isn't it? Okay, to make sure everypony can follow along, I'm here to suck some cocks. Would any of you have a cock that needs sucking?" She blinks her eyes seductively.
"What's the catch?" shouts a younger stallion at the back of the booth.
"No catch, no strings. You whip out your thing and I show you what heaven is like - full satisfaction or you get a free second try. You game?"
The stallion who shouted blushes hard and shakes his head, trying to shrink into the couch he's sitting on.
"I think what he's saying," says the yellow-maned one who spoke first, "is there has to be something in it for you."
"I . . . it's -" Suddenly the seductress persona fails her. "I don't get to eat unless I can find ten stallions to blow before closing time, and I didn't make it yesterday, and I'm so hungry. Please, won't one of you let me blow you?"
The stallions look awkwardly at each other again. One of them decides to be a wiseguy. "So if a blowjob buys you a meal, how much is a real fuck worth?" Yellow and black mane both glare at him.
She winces slightly. "I am not allowed to resist if you try that," she says tonelessly. "But it won't count for my quota. Please, can I just suck you off instead? It'll be amazing, I promise."
He waves a hoof in her direction, backpedaling. "Just kidding."
"How about you?" She turns to the one of the stallions who hasn't said anything yet, licking her lips.
"Um, no, sorry," he says nervously. "I've got a marefriend."
"Oh, come on, who says she needs to be told?"
"She's my sister," declares the black-maned one.
"Look, lady," says the yellow-maned stallion, "we'd like to help, really, but I think that's just too weird for all of us. Nothing personal."
"I see." She lowers her head, admitting defeat.
"Hey, can't we buy you something to eat?" asks the one with the marefriend. "I think they serve food here."
"Not allowed to accept that either. But thanks for offering." She looks around to the others. "If any of you change your mind, come and find me. I'll be around all night."
She turns around and trudges away from the booth, trying to get back into the saunter.
"Good luck!" shouts yellow mane after her. "Sorry we couldn't help."
Later on she's sitting on her chair, by the doorway towards the restrooms, staring into space for a moment.
A small gaggle of youngsters enter the club at the other end of the room. As soon as they're all in, they make straight towards her. The unicorn in front walks with a confident swagger; the rest try to match his bravado with various amounts of luck.
"You the broad who gives out free blowjobs?"
She looks up at the unicorn. "Yeah. Interested?" It's taking her a moment to get her charm into gear.
"Our friend Nimbus here thinks it's time for him to become a real stallion. Isn't that right, Nimbus?"
The group parts to let a pegasus colt through. "Hi," he says, grinning nervously. He doesn't quite look old enough for the bouncer at the front to have let him in. Yet here he is. "Um, what happened to your mane?"
"Let's just say I lost a bet. Don't worry; it's not contagious. So you're here for a good time?"
"I guess." He glances around at his friends who're boxing him in on all sides. "Are you sure it's free? I don't have any money."
"Oh, you've come to the right place. It's free like the sun and the wind here." It's been some time since she saw either. She stands up from the chair.
He shuffles his hooves a little. "Uhm, how does it actually work? Is there a room in the back we go to? Or is it just, like, a bathroom stall?"
She takes a deep breath - this is where it gets difficult. "Sorry, no back room. It has to be out here where it can be seen from the DJ box." She points towards a raised platform behind the dance floor. The blue-maned pony up there grins and waves back at her.
"Here? That's not - I'm sorry, I didn't think - I mean, I thought it would be somewhere more -"
The unicorn interrupts him. "Nimbus, for pony's sake! You'll never get to anything if you keep locking up like that every time a filly talks to you."
"Yeah, and we didn't come all this way just to see you chicken out," says another of his friends.
She walks up to him and puts a foreleg comfortingly around his withers. "Shh, it'll be all right. You're gonna be too busy feeling wonderful to even notice them. I promise." She massages him gently while she murmurs into his ears.
"Really?" he manages.
"We're all here to help you, pal!" shouts one of the hangers-on from somewhere behind them.
She feels something in him give way, the resignation of somepony who gives up fighting the inevitable. "That's good, sweetie, now you just sit on that stool here, forelegs out to the side. Yes, like that. Then lean back and relax - I'll do the rest of the work."
He sits stiffly on the chair and presents his belly to her, breathing quickly and nervously. His stallionhood isn't out from its sheath yet, so she moves her head in between his legs to suckle gently at one of his testicles. There's no stallion she can't get in the mood when she puts some work into it. He gasps when she first touches him and shuts his eyes, as if to make the room go away.
His friends stand clustered around them, most of them watching in disbelief or awe. The unicorn leading them is standing back a little, staring at the mare's hind end. An erection has been growing between his legs since it became clear that Nimbus would go through with it. It doesn't take long before he's ready.
"Watch this!" he shouts to his comrades. When he has their attention he rears up behind the mare, forcing his stiff member into her exposed marehood. He doesn't even have to swipe the shorn stump of her tail away.
"Fuck, Trotter," says one of the colts. "You can't do that! I mean, just fuck!"
"Why yes, that's exactly what he's doing," says another one. They all laugh.
A few of them look nervously towards the mare's head, expecting an angry reaction, but she merely moves her hind legs apart so there'll be better room for him. She knew this would be coming, from the look in Trotter's eyes when he first talked to her. She moves her head a bit to the left to nibble on Nimbus's other testicle.
Trotter stands tall above her, his forehooves planted on her withers and pulling on her skin each time he rams into her. It only takes seven or eight thrusts before he's done and pulls out of her to aim a deluge of semen at her buttocks and tail. At the last squirt he pushes off her croup with his forelegs and lands down on the floor, grinning smugly.
"That's what all these sluts really want," he explains. "Of course it's against the rules for her to ask for it, so one needs to be a bit sensitive. Right?" He slaps her flank, far enough forward that it's not dripping with semen. She doesn't answer him.
"Okay, who else wants a go? Nopony? How about you, Comet?"
"Ew, no," says another unicorn with a bit of a slow expression. "When she's got your gunk all over? No way."
"C'mon, don't be a sissy. I'm sure you could get some napkins from the bar to clean her up with." Trotter laughs at his own joke, but when he looks back Comet is nowhere to be seen. "Where did he go?"
"To the bar, I think."
"You mean, he actually . . .? Oh, this ought to be good."
Meanwhile, the mare has given up on Nimbus's testicles and moved up to the opening of his sheath, reaching her tongue in to tease the penis out. He's never had a marefriend to teach him the inside of the sheath is a place that needs washing too, but she perseveres, and his cock begins growing up towards the light. When it's large enough to be seen from the DJ box, she steps to the side for a moment to make a clear line of sight.
The music that was playing stops abruptly, and in the sudden silence a spotlight comes on to illuminate Nimbus and the mare. Then the loudspeakers start blaring the theme from Offenbuck's Tartaric Gallop. She didn't think it was possible to hate an orchestral piece that much. With a sigh, she lowers her head around the penis in front of her and sets to work.
Comet comes back from the bar, carrying a stack of napkins that he sets down on the mare's loin. "The barpony gave me some water too," he announces, holding up a big glass of water in his magic. It has lemon slices in it, and a generous helping of ice. He pours some over the mare's hindquarters.
She gives a jolt when the cold water hits her. Most of the napkins slide off her back, and she narrowly avoids emasculating Nimbus with her teeth in surprise. She shuffles a bit to the side, planting her hooves further apart to steel herself against this new onslaught. If she lets go of Nimbus now, it will all have been for nothing.
Comet alternates between pouring water over the mare and wiping her off with a wad of napkins that he holds in his magic field. Eventually he's satisfied that she's clean enough. "Ready now, ma'am?" he shouts.
She doesn't answer. She has just managed to make Nimbus come and has enough to do with not choking on his load. She's shivering from the cold, and Comet seems to take that as a sign of excitement, because he climbs onto her and takes careful aim with his dick before penetrating her. He ruts her slowly and methodically with a beatific smile on his face, hugging her forebarrel.
Nimbus finishes ejaculating, and she lets go of his cock. "See, that wasn't so - oof! - bad, was it?" she asks, interrupted by a particularly deep thrust from Comet. Nimbus doesn't answer, still sitting straight up with his eyes closed like when she began working on him, only now drenched in sweat. He unsteadily stands up from the chair.
"Okay, next, up front!" she calls out to the group at large. Nopony answers.
Comet has stopped pumping and lies draped over the mare, panting hard. Trotter nudges him in the ribs. "No falling asleep up there; there's a line." He snorts and climbs slowly off the mare.
"Anypony else for a blowjob?" the mare shouts again.
Trotter puts a foreleg around Nimbus's withers. "Well done," he says. "See, there's the other end for you too, so you can really become a stallion."
Nimbus wiggles out of his grip and backs away from him wild-eyed. "No! I'm not - I mean, that's not - it's all wrong!" He turns around and bolts towards the exit.
Trotter looks after him and shrugs. "Okay, who else -"
"- wants a blowjob?" says the mare hopefully, turning around towards Trotter. This brings her hind end in line with one of the earth colts, who seizes the opportunity to jump up and hump her. It takes him a few tries to get his cock properly into her, but then he's up and riding her, basking in his friends' attention. She lets her head drop in resignation.
"Way to go, Silver!" somepony shouts.
"Wait a minute," another one interjects. "Comet, you just came inside her, didn't you?"
"Sure did," replies Comet proudly.
"So Silver's basically wiggling his tap around in a pool of Comet's jizz?"
Silver stops humping and looks uncertain as wheels begin to turn in his head.
"And, um, won't that make you gay?"
"Aargh!" Silver pushes himself off her as if she's burning him, and starts trotting panicky in place, half-erect penis dancing in the air under him. "No, get it off! Get it off! I didn't mean to! Shit, what am I gonna do?"
The mare turns around to face Silver while his friends laugh at his misfortune. "You know, if you get an actual mare to lick the gay off you, I think that'll break the curse."
There's a sudden glimmer of hope in Silver's eyes. "You think so? Yes! That's it. Thank you so much!" He rears up to climb on top of her head and push her in under him, smearing his dick desperately across her face so it takes her a few seconds to maneuver her lips around it.
Even while trying not to choke, the mare is aware that the spotlight comes on and Offenbuck starts playing again. Another point in her tally is recognized. Only eight more to go for today now - -
* * *
"- and when you've made quota on, let's say, seven days, then we're quits!" Vinyl grinned and wiped sweat off her forehead. She had become somewhat excited while she outlined the plan, throwing in piquant details left and right as she thought of them. "So, what do you say?"
Octavia stared at her open-mouthed.
"Vinyl," she said at last. "You're sick. No, of course I'm not gonna do that." She stood up noisily, looking at Vinyl with disgust. "Seriously, Vinyl, you need to get some help. I don't even know why I came here."
Vinyl watched her leave, slamming the front door and stalking across the tracks towards the station.
"Right," she mumbled to herself. "Anything it takes."
After some time she sighed and stood up herself. She downed what was left of Octavia's cider, and made her way towards the exit. She had her own anything to do. |
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