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My little Escapade | Chapter 31 | *I had a feeling I was going to regret going to Twilight for magic testing.* I thought as I limped away from the crystal castle. *Should've done shit on my own.* I say limped because the last spell I used back there didn't cause an explosion and fling me towards a wall breaking my right leg. And it also didn't burn a few feathers off and I don't look like a burn victim. No, none of that happened, I totally didn't use magic to heal myself. Me and Twi were just testing my abilities. Nothing of the sort happened, not even a little moment of awkwardness fell over us when she asked how humans 'mated' as she calls, and I responded with 'a guy sees a good-looking woman, or vice versa, they're gonna end up fucking, maybe have a kid if they love each other that much, and spend about thirty years together until they can't stand each other and split'. I later explained that some marriages do end up lasting a lifetime, but I got my point across either way; man see pretty lady, they fuck, uga bunga.
Anyway, we both decided that the trials would stop there and call it a day, or a year, or preferably, forever. And I decide to head over to the bakery, it's been a long time since I've had doughnuts and I just got a real craving. Luckily the place wasn't as packed as I thought it'd be.
"Hi Emby! What'cha doing here? Wanna buy some cupcakes?" Pinkie happily chimes from behind the counter as soon as I walk through the doors.
"Hey Pinkie. And no. I would actually like a dozen of your finest doughnuts please."
"Ok!" She beams before she zips to and back from the door next to the stairs, box held up by one hoof. I've always wondered how they never fall walking on three hooves the way they do, if you saw what I see you'd know what I mean.
"Which ones do ya want?" She waves a dramatic hoof over the display of many of the glazed, sprinkled, coated, cream-filled pieces of heaven before me.
"Hmm... I'll have two chocolate, three lemon cream filled, and three... regulars. And what's one?" I pointed to a weird looking bread circle; dark brown bread, chocolate glaze, it looks like it's filled with cream, and chocolate flakes cover the thing. A stark contrast to all the other brightly colored pastries.
"Oh! That's my newest creation! Triple Chocolate Trinity Cakes!" Good god they look good, as a chocoholic I had to buy a separate box full of the chocolaty-goodness. I. Fucking. Love chocolate. "Let's see... that'll beeeeeee twenty bits!" I nod and snap my fingers. A small pile of bits pops onto the counter. Pinkie happily swipes them and shove the pile in the register.
"See ya Pinkie."
"By Emby!" I'm really not liking that nickname. It only makes it worst that she practically screams it out so everybody hears it.
I pretend to not care, just smile and wave. But it's really grating. I may be exaggerating, but you have Pinkie call you a stupid nickname in the high-pitched voice of hers, and tell me it's not annoying.
"Hey lady, how 'bout you come with me to make a couple bits?" And my day just got ruined even further.
-The alleyway to your left.- Embris states.
*Alright, let's find out what's going on.*
"No! I don't want to!"
"You do what I want or you little colt here gets it!" Ok, high alert now.
"Mom!" I rush to the alley and find that Button Mash and his mother, Nursery Rhymes if I remember correctly. Held up at knife-point, if that's an actual term, by some guy with a dull brown coat and a dirty blond mane. I wasted no time and dashed for the stallion, and he. Didn't. Know. What. Hit 'em. It was by far the most theatrical display of ragdoll physics. I decided to kick him into the wall with one powerful swing of a leg. With how fast I was running and that I put all my weight into it, it was no surprise that he slammed into the wall with a resounding whack and slumped to the ground. Incapacitated. Luckily for me Button slipped from his grip when I kicked the absolute FUCK out of 'em.
"You two ok?" I turn all my attention towards Button and his mom.
"Y-yes. We're fine."
"Yeah. Thanks again."
"No problem... Does... this happen often?" I asked. I may be a little overworked, but then again this was the second time something like this happened to them.
"More than we'd like." Nursery answered, confirming my suspicions. What? I can't be concerned about a mother and her son? I was very close to my parents. I'd hate to see a family suffer meaningless pain like those two have. It... affects me. A lot. "But we're used to it." Ah shit.
"You know that's not good."
"I know, but what can we do about it?"
"I know, hold on." I step away and turn my back to them. And use my magic to create and put together three little transceivers. With enough range to reach Canterlot,. "Here." I kneel hand one to Nursery and Button.
"Woah, what are these? Are they the new Joy Boy!?" The fuck's a Joy Boy?
"What? No. These are little transceivers that when you push the little button. It'll send a signal to the one I'm holding, the screen tells me who pressed whichever button. And I can get to wherever you are as it tells me where you are."
"Really?" Nursery asks and I nod. "Wow, is this... you're 'human technology', everypony's been talking about?"
"You guys are talking about it?" She nods.
"Yes, ever since Vinyl Scratch started talking about a... I think she said it was called it a phone?"
"Yeah, she said I have one?"
"She practically bragged about it nonstop! Saying she was 'the first pony ever to use alien tech'." Fucking Vinyl... But I can't blame, her. I mean, I'd probably brag about it if I got to use alien technology that was far superior to my people's.
"Oh. Wait, you know what a phone is?" They both nod
"Uh huh! We always hear about those things whenever somepony from Canterlot talks about it." Well, that's new.
"Huh." I don't what it is with this place and it's inconsistencies with technology. There was Vinyl using a dj system, and some rooms in Canterlot Castle having light bulbs (The Gala), and then Pinkie Having a fucking flashlight in her mane. She loves to show me things for random situations, that case being 'in case of a solar eclipse'.
"But I have one question."
"Yeah?"
"IS it true that the phone you have can play music?"
"Yeah, it can." Nursery's eye grow wide, so do Button's. "And it can do many more things."
"Like what?" Button asked.
"Like, take pictures, record and play videos, you know what those are? Cool. Let's see, it can also do simple and some advanced forms of math, store documents. Surf the internet, and that is basically a network of libraries that can share books and books worth of data in a matter of seconds. And I can play games on it." Button goes off.
"Really!? What kinds of games?" He bounces in place out of excitement. Nursery just rolls her eyes with a smile.
"Pretty much any game you can think of, like racing, maze, puzzle, survival, first person shooters. Stuff like that."
"Cool!"
"Gruuuhh..." And there's the crook waking up from his catnap. I can see the looks of Button's and his mom's faces as I stare at the stallion.
"Excuse me." I get back up and face the stallion as he groggily gets up.
"Ugh... what happened?" Time for a freak out! I love doing this.
"Nothing much, you just missed an epic kickoff." He jumps and faces me. To his horror he sees the bottom half my face perfectly covered at an angle, and the top half perfectly illuminated. The rest of me silhouetted in the shadows. He started panting and looking everywhere but me as I got closer, revealing more of me. " I guess you know who I am?" He flinches and nods weakly. "Then you know why I'm here." He looked at me like a deer in the headlights for a full five seconds before he tried to gallop off. But before he could move a muscle I grab him in my magic, effectively immobilizing him.
"You two head home, I'll take care of him." I say to Nursery and Button. They nods happily and walk off. Through the corner of my eye I saw Button give me a thankful look and poke his tongue out at the guy before running of back to his mom. I then use my magic to hog tie the guy with rope and head off towards town hall with him slung over my shoulder; it also acts as the police station for some reason. I guess that can be beneficial, I forget if we actually do that back home...
"Lemme go!" He began to struggle.
"You really wanna get me pissed today, I've had a bad enough day without your lowlife horny ass. And stop struggling if you want stay awake." The shuffling and thrashing stops I keep on my way. I nearly forget to pick up my doughnuts and the knife the guy used.
"... Where are we going?" Oh great, I got Mr. Chatterbox. Oh how so fun.
"Where do you think?"
"Oh... Wait! I can't go to prison!" It took all my willpower to stifle a snort of amusement when he said that.
"Why not?"
"I'll never last in there!"
"How would you know?" He pauses.
"... Do you?" Fucking wise guy, trying to get to know me. Anyone can tell he's never been incarcerated.
"All too well little shithead. How about you shut up and you get to keep your teeth? Deal?" I get no response besides a quiet pony. "Good boy. I'd give you a treat if you'd actually deserve it. Oh, touch my wings and you'll regret it." I hear him grumble 'bucking flank hole.' It's kinda cute that the ponies here have there own curse vocabulary that sounds like a censored script from Breaking Bad.
As I kept walking I couldn't help but think; does this place actually have a dark side? These two encounters with Nursery and Button suggest that there is. And if things like this happen here in a small town like Ponyville, then could it be worst in someplace like Canterlot? I could only imagine what goes on underground here. Jesus this took a dark turn.
-I hate to pop your little thought bubble, but we're here.- Embris rudely interrupted my train of thought.
*Thanks* Without paying attention I managed to walk to Townhall without smacking into something on the way, cool. And there's an officer standing, well resting since he's leaning up against the wall with his eyes closed, outside. Bonus! And I didn't scare him when the floorboards creaked, another bonus, for him anyway. He still woke with a start though.
"Huh? Oh! Ember! What brings you here?"
"Hey Lawful. Just came drop this guy off." I remove the guy from my back and set him on the ground.
"Why? What did he do?" He raises a brow at me.
"He tried to get... something from a girl by threatening her colt with a knife."
"Oh? And what might that be?" He scrutinizes the tied up stallion.
"Is this true? Can you tell me if this is true?"
"I ain't talkin'!" Of course he wouldn't talk, time to offer an incentive.
"You're already under arrest for mugging. You as well talk now-"
"Lawful? You mind letting me take over for a sec?" I looks at me weirdly, but nods. "Thank you. Now you, you tell him what he wants to know, got it? You really don't want to clam up right now." I will my eyes to turn red for effect. And it works.
"I-I just wanted some poontang!" They have that word here? Huh..
"Alright that's enough Ember! I got what I need." I step away from the stallion and remove the red from my eyes.
"Alright, I'll be on my way then. Later Lawful."
"Good day Ember." I wave to him before I make my way home with my well-deserved doughnuts.
"So, Ember, what new things have you found out about your magic?" Spark asked as she bit down on a doughnut, yes, she can do that. I didn't know she could eat either, fucking magic! Anyway, me, Spark, Golden, and Chrysi were sitting the kitchen table. They all wanted doughnuts as soon as they saw the boxes.
"Yeah, I'm a little curious myself." Golden commented.
"Well, to start, I found out I can do this." I held up my hand and it morphed into large knife-like claws. "I can alter parts of my body to do stuff like this."
"That's impressive, it's rare to see non-changelings to, well, change their body."
"That's what Twilight told me. Even she was impressed when I first did it."
"Oh... What else can you do?"
"Hold on, this one's my favorite." I turn my hand back to normal and stand up. "I kinda got to concentrate on this one."
~After I told you to.~
*Shut up.* Fucker.
"What spell is it?" Golden asked.
"You'll, see. It's gonna be epic." Next to the body changing spell this one's awesome.
"What do you mean?"
"Shut up and let me do this." Without wait for a response I close my eyes and concentrate my magic to flow around me. Within seconds the flow becomes constant. *C'mon, c'mon. C'mon!* *POP* *Yes!* I excitedly open my eyes and look to the left, and there stood an exact duplicate of me staring at me.
"What?" He spoke to me. "You want something?" And he acts just like me! I fucking love this!
"No, I just wanted to show you to them." I motion towards the people in front of us.
"Oh, cool. Hey guys." We both smile smugly at their mystified faces. And they just... sit there, looking at nothing in particular, just like that time I was with Cadence and Shining. "I don't think they're gonna recover on their own..."
"Me neither."
"You wanna snap them out of it the usual way?" We look at each other with a sinister smirk.
"With pleaser, just don't hit Spark so hard. She's metal."
"Got it." I move to stand between Chrysi and Golden. And the other me stood in front of Spark, we rear our arms back, charging up for what I like to call 'the smackening'. But Chrysi had to recover from her stupor and yelp in surprise. And that snapped the other two from there wasted stupors.
"Fuck!" We both shouted.
"Ember? What the fuck I'm seeing double!" Golden feverishly rubs his eyes.
"You're not seeing double. Ember just created me with magic." The other me explained.
"Oh... bu-but still! How the fuck did you do that? A spell!?" We both nod simultaneously.
"A duplication spell." Chrysi said. "Spells that duplicate objects are fairly simple, but to duplicate living beings, nearly unheard of. I've only heard the spell's only capable to duplicate little animals. And even then I was told that there were problems."
"Interesting. I wonder how I'm able to do the spell perfectly... Mm... it could be that magic has different effect on me it could allow my to do spells more accurately?"
~Or it could be due to you having me, the Alicorn Amulet, in your possession.~
*Oh shut up Ruby, you know why I'm not telling them about you.*
~I know.~ Ruby chuckles. That little asshat.
"I guess... Didn't you figure this out with Twilight?" Chrysi asked and I shake my head.
"She was too interested in finding out what I can do."
"Oh... Well what else did you find out about your magic?"
"Well, I think he can do this magic eye thing, right?" The copy of me says.
"Oh yeah! I call them 'Eyes of Ember'." I snap my fingers and a little golf ball-sized dragon-looking eye. "When I close my eyes I can see it sees."
"Oh, I didn't know that it glowed yellow, and that it looks like your eyes."
"Twilight said that the eye will look similar to the one who cast the spell, and that there would be a slight slight difference."
"The difference being that looks like a dragon's eye." Golden says, more like a statement than a question.
"Yeah , pretty much." The other me confirms.
"Ok, that's great n' all, but I'm still trying to wrap my head around the two of you." Golden points to the both of us. "How can you two be right next to each other and not, like, freak out or... cause a paradox and destroy space and time?"
"Ooh, lemme answer this one... me." The other nods and I go on to explain. "This is what Twilight explained to me earlier; he is an exact replica of me. He thinks like me, acts like me, hell, he even eats and shits like me! Don't ask how I know that." At the mention of things that will never be known to the public both me and my copy shudder. "Anyway, he is a copy of me, but, he is his own living being, he can do whatever he wants, whenever he wants, and however he wants to do it. And only I can get rid of him with his permission. Since he is his own human being with free will."
"It's true, though we both agreed that if either of us go mad or turn evil to kill each other, or maybe create the greatest battle of all time."
"Wait, does that mean he can use magic just like you?" We both nod.
"Yeah, I can do that eye thing too." He holds a yellow glowing eye out.
"Yep, just as capable as me if that's what you're asking."
"So he can turn into that fire thing too?"
"I... uh... I don't know. Can you?" I turn to the other me. Yes it's really weird the first time he came about. We almost fought to be the real Ember. But he realized he was the magical double and we agreed to let him exist because of the whole 'he's his own person and he gets equal rights and treatment' thing. I wonder how people back home would react to this spell...
"I... don't know maybe?"
"And how do you know that Ember can into that fire thing? If you know what I mean?"
"Oh, since he's exact copy of me he has all my memories too." I explain. "Oh man, you should've seen me when I first found this out, this basically means he has all my memories and I later found out that anything he has seen or heard goes right to me whenever I stop the spell. Fucking awesome right?"
"... Does that mean he technically lives inside you head whenever you do that?"
"No, no. It's more like combining two similar documents. Everything that's the same stays the same, and the different stuff as added accordingly. You get it?"
"I think so..."
"Good, 'cause it's hard to explain this shit."
"I know, but..." He drifts off.
"But what?"
"How do we know who is the real Ember?"
"Oh, we decided to just let you guys know when any of you lose track of us, all you have to do is ask."
"That's not what I mean! I mean, like, if you two are exactly the same in every way possible, then what defines the real you?"
"That's simple." The other answers. "It's always going to be him that's the true Ember," We had a few hours of figuring this stuff out, it's still a little weird whenever I or him talk about it. I don't think we'll ever get used to it. "I was created out of magic. He was created because mom and dad fucked and he popped out. I will always be the magical copy, and he will always be the original."
"You understand now?" I ask.
"Yeah, I guess I do."
"Good, I assume the same can be said for you two?" I ask Chrysi and Spark.
"Yeah, I just need something to... dumb myself down. Thinking too much." Chrysi cradled her head in her hooves.
"Yes, I understand." Spark answers.
"Good, now let's go do something stupid. How does freaking out everybody in town sound?" Ember numero two and I look at each other with evil smirks.
"Yeah!" Everyone eagerly agrees.
"Let's go!" That rest of the day was spent having loads of fun scaring ponies and causing small, little freakouts. It was a shit-ton of fun. |
My little Escapade | Chapter 32: Teaching a lesson | "Ember! Do you know what you did!? Get back here!"
"No! Fuck you!" I say as me, Spark, Golden, Chrysi and the other me run towards Whitetail Woods. Allow me to elaborate. So it seems that the ponies of this town didn't find Two of me very funny, they all think I'm a ghost now, and that started a pandemonium. How and why would they think that? Do ghosts exist here? They probably do if magic is a real thing. I'll need to ask Twi about that...
"Hey, um, Ember?" Chrysi got my attention.
"Yeah?"
"Where are we going?" Oh yeah, running from a pissed off Twilight, nearly forgot about that in the midst of running away from said pony.
"We're going to Whitetail Woods."
"Why?"
"To lose her of course!"
"But she can bucking fly! She can easily spot us!"
"Not through the thick trees! Come on!" I double my efforts and sprint towards the woods. That is, until Twilight tried to block us off by teleporting to stand right in front of us, her horn a bright pink. Everyone but me and the other me kept running. We got closer, and closer, and closer to Twi, we were about three feet away from her. Running full speed.
Then, we leaped. We leaped over the purple pony, flipping her the bird in the process. Both of us also did a full flip and landed elegantly on our feet, never stopping, never slowing down. Never taking a glance back. How can you when you got an angry being as powerful as a demigod after you?
"E-ember! Both of you! Get back here!" She's only after us, great.
"The fuck do we do?" The copy of me asked.
"Just keep running for the woods, we'll lose her when we get there." He nods to me and we keep up a full-blown sprint for a while.
"Hey, so, uh... you got, voices too?" He asked.
"Yep, they came with my magic. You got three right?" He nodded. "Cool. You got the amulet too?" He smiles widely at me and thumps his chest. "Nice." So there are now two of those Alicorn Amulets. If Celestia ever found out she'd probably have a shit-fit. Wouldn't mean any good for me.
*BOOM* The ground rumbled and shook a bit.
"What was that?" Ember Two asked.
"Shit! That was Rainbow!" I could see the rainbow wave above us. "Change of plan! Run for the fucking Everfree!"
"Got it!" We change course and make a mad dash towards temporary sanctuary. Then I hear wings flapping behind me.
"Jump." I mutter calmly. We then jump the side, and a rainbow streak whizzed right through where we were sprinting. I jumped back to my talons and prepare for Rainbow. The other me does the same. And just in time too, the streak that was her made a vertical U-turn. In a split-second she was heading right for me. I couldn't tell what or where every part of her body was.
She was moving at a speed that not even I could keep track of.
"You're mine!" She shouted right before she delivered a numbing blow to my jaw. How she did not decapitate me right there mystifies me. Sure as hell sent me flying backwards a couple yards though. The sheer force of the blow shattered my jaw, and I think it broke my neck, but I was conscious so that probably didn't happen. I then felt more and more and more blows pepper my front and sides. "You bucking idiot! You made us think you were dead! How could you!? HOW COULD YOU!?" I felt one final punch to my center, cracking a few ribs and probably bursting a kidney or two. It hurt, a lot if you didn't guess, so much so that I couldn't move without anything protesting. All I could see was red, dammit my eyes are covered in blood. Blinking it away would be useless. All I could hear was my raspy breathing and Rainbow's heavy breathing, which soon turned panicked sounding. I don't think the other me stuck around, he would've stopped Rainbow before she did any real damage.
"Uh... Ember? You still there." I can feel myself losing consciousness. Red was slowly fading to black, though my breathing was at a steady pace. Thank the nutjobs who put those things in me. "C'mon dude, stop messin' with me!" She let a strained chuckle. If I had the strength I would've laughed too. But then again, why am I not really angry right now?
"Ember?" I still have enough strength to focus on my breathing. Heh, let's see how Dash likes the feeling of almost killing someone. And I'm sure gonna be pissed about that later on.
"Rainbow!? Where are ya!?" I heard Aj call out. Though I think Rainbow was too busy with other things to care. Thankfully the girls found us in about five minutes. Man, they're quick.
"Oh good, we finally found ya! Where's Ember?" Still no answer from Rainbow.
"Rainbow! Oh thank Celestia! Hey... Are you alright." She still remains silent, they haven't seen me yet.
"I... I killed him..." She mutters.
"What?" A panicked voice I recognized as Chrysi asked. "Please tell me I heard something else than what I heard you say..."
"Oh Celestia, I killed him... I bucking killed him!"
"Now Rainbow, Ah'm pretty sure that's not the case-"
"Look at him, I smashed his face in!" is that why I can only see red? Huh. She must've went all out this time.
"He ain't dead! Ah can see 'em breathin'!"
"Well he's gonna be! There's nothing we can do!" Wait, where's-
"Oh no! Ember!" I felt two stubby something's gently grab my head with the delicacy of a brain surgeon. "Ember!" I can hear all the worry and fear in her voice. "E-ember? Please say something. Let me know you're still here..." Aw fuck... Using my magic I pick up my hand up and place it on her shoulder, I hope.
"I'n here." I managed to say before I let my hand fall off. It's hard talking with a broken jaw.
"Ember!" I hear many voices yell at once.
"Awrigh, hat hur." I mutter in annoyance. Do they really have to yell for almost anything?
"Oh thank christ you're alive! I really thought you were gone for a sec." Golden said, clearly relieved.
"Heh, ih's prery hard ho hill me. Rehender?"
"Yeah, I know. So... how do we..?" I once again use my magic to hold up my hand in a 'hold on' position. I then speed up the healing process and fix my face. "Woah dude, that's cool, no matter times I see you do that. It's just, just like..."
"Wolverine right?" I heft myself up.
"Yeah! That's it! But... wasn't Twi after you or something?"
"Oh yeah, fuck." I look at Twilight and she's tending to Rainbow, along with the rest of the girls minus Chrysi and Spark. And Rainbow is actually crying. I got her to cry. I got her to fucking cry!? Holy shit! That's a first. And with perfect timing to boot. That oughta teach her a lesson, the one with that thing, that 'quit fucking with me' thing. "Well, looks like they're occupied with comforting Rainbow for almost killing me."
"She almost killed you!?" Golden and Chrysi shout. Spark just puts on a surprised look.
"Yeah, she almost did." The ponies either didn't hear them shout -doubt it- or they didn't care enough to look, still better that they stay there anyway, Rainbow seems a little down.
"But how?"
"Didn't you see my face caved in?" they shake their heads. "Alright, she did, and landed a whole hailstorm of punches across the front of my body, which I highly expect caused a lot of internal bleeding. If it weren't for the nano's and magic I'd be still on the ground, probably dead."
"But wouldn't those things heal you up?" I shake my head.
"They don't work as fast as Wolverine's healing ability, that was magic. If I didn't do that, yeah the nano's would've stopped the bleeding, fixed my face up and fully heal me, but there would probably be brain problems due to the lack of blood to my brain, since I'd be clinically dead for a minute or two."
"Because of all the already lost blood?" Chrysi questioned and I nodded.
"Like I said, those little fuckers aren't fast, but they get the job done. Even though their efforts could be fruitless."
"But I thought you upgraded them?"
"I did Spark, but I can only do so much as slightly increase their speed. They can close up cuts deep enough to show bone as fast as using liquid glue to put two pieces of paper together. Maybe a little quicker than that."
"Really?" I nod. "Hmm... Are you sure there isn't a way to make them operate at a faster speed?"
"Nope. I did all I could to speed them up. Betcha anything back home there's a way."
"Yes, I'm fairly sure." She says with a smile.
"Sorry to interrupt you three." My magical copy cuts in from nowhere, where did he come from? "But we should probably get going. The girls are starting to recover. Mainly Rainbow." I look back and now they're standing, still crowded around Rainbow.
"Yeah, let's get going." I agree with myself and we start walking to my house.
"Ya sure you'll be alright Rainbow?" I heard Aj ask.
"*sniff* Yeah, I'll be fine. I just... I just need to go home." I look behind me and see Rainbow take off. And just in time for the rest of the girls, minus Fluttershy and Pinkie, to shoot death glares at me. I just scoffed and turned back around.
"Hey, me." I call out to my magical double.
"Yeah?"
"You mind if-"
"Oh, yeah, sure. I've had enough fun for a while." I nod.
"Alright." I say right before I snap my fingers and he fades away, now it's just me, Golden, Spark, and Chrysi. We continued on our way to my house at a much calmer pace.
"That's weird you know." Golden remarks.
"I know, but he's gonna be useful later on."
"No, not that."
"What?"
"I mean, you're still able to... you know, die."
"And what? It's still pretty hard for me to kick the bucket though."
"I know, but... I thought..."
"I know what you mean. I had the same thoughts when I first heard nano-tech was first available. Bastards didn't even tell me it was nano-tech that changed my looks."
"And... you're ok with all that?"
"Yeah, well, when I first found out it did make me mad. But then I remember the little guys increase my lifespan. After that I never really gave it much thought."
"Oh. How... like, how long can you live with those things in you?" I had to mentally pause to recall those statistics.
"... If I remember correctly, they gave me about eighty more years. But it all depends on your lifestyle."
"How so?"
"Hmm... Well, if you live a sedentary life, you'll for about... a hundred, maybe one-ten... I can't remember too well. But if you work you work your body a lot, the max you can go for is about fifty to seventy years."
"Really? Huh... That's, still pretty cool. But I thought that, you'd be... immortal or something."
"Yeah, I bet they got better shit back home..." At that moment I had a thought cross my mind. I thought I'd never think I'd think of.
I want to pay home a visit.
"Actually, you guys go on ahead. I just remembered I need to go talk with someone." I lie.
"Uh... alright. See you later then." Golden says as they walk off without me. Him and Chrysi, shooting me worried and confused looks. I just smile and wave, hopefully they don't worry too much, or at all. I was just about to go back to Earth for a little while, after all. Good thing being they don't know that.
I teleport to the front gates of Canterlot Castle. Wow, I really know what to call this now? Cool, I guess. And the guards standing at the gates were the night guard, considering how late it was it made sense the night guard would out and about. They slightly flinch at my sudden appearance, but their eyes widen when the really see me. Must've made an impression on them. Nice.
"Excuse me, but which Princess is available right now?" They both just sit there before the thestrals, they told me that's what they call themselves last time I was here, before the one on the left talks.
"Both Princess Luna and Princess Celestia are attending night court." He instantly regains his stoic guard pose, along with his friend.
"Good. I'll be heading in then." I walk past the guards, opening the gate with my own magic.
"Hault!" I stop and turn my head to them, turning my head a complete one hundred and eighty degrees. "Y-you can't go and see them right now, the Princesses are in a meeting." He probably stuttered because of attempt doing to the Last Exorcism head spin.
"Oh don't worry, I won't take too much time away from whatever snobbish idiot trying to get more money for themselves." I turn back around and continues on my way, and none of those two guards try to stop me, either they're afraid of me, or they really want to know what happens tomorrow. The thestrals guarding the actual entrance to the castle look me before nodding and open the door. I nod back and head in. I didn't want to walk a few miles to get to Celestia or Luna, so as soon as the doors closed I teleported to the front doors leading to the throne room. The guards there flinch but quickly catch themselves. They don't don't ask any questions, they just look to me through their helmets, and allow me entrance to the room. I nod towards them appreciatively and head in.
"But aauunty!" Oh for fucks sake.
"Prince Blueblood, no means no." Not this prick again! Haven't I delt with him enough? At least Luna notices me, a hopeful look on her face. Yeah, she doesn't like her own nephew, probably just as much as Celestia.
"Ember! It's so good to see you again!" Luna stands up from her chair and casually walks down to me when I'm close enough, and gives me a hug? She just stood up on her hind legs and gave me a hug. That's... new. Not that I don't like the hug or that it's weird, it's just... new.
"You... too, Luna." I respond a bit slowly. She lets go and returns to her four-legged stance. She smiles brightly and walks back up to her chair. All the while Celestia was staring with a happy smile, and Blueblood. He looked like he just threw up years of repressed memories of molestation while staring at a picture of rape.
"You seriously let that... Ape in the throne room!?" Huh, I thought he'd be terrified of me.
"I could say the same for you. Why would you aunt's ever listen to you when all you want to do in here is ask for more money." I chuckle. "You're such a fucking child." At that he gasps.
"H-he called a goat! Aunty!" What?
"Now Blueblood, that must be what his kind call their young. Correct?" Celestia looks to me with a clean look and I nod.
"Yeah. Now if you don't mind, us grown-ups have to talk." He just stand there like an idiot. "I'm telling you to leave."
"Wha- I- bu... Buck you!" He shouts, his horns lights up as a bright beam of magic shoots out from it at me. It was easy casting a shield to block the shot. It was also just as easy to just run over and kick him through a window. But I refrained from doing so, for obvious reasons. I just looked with extreme disdain.
"Blueblood!" Celestia shouted, I turn to her and she had this pissed off look on her face that almost sent chills down my spine. But it looked more like an angry pout than anything, which, was no matter how which way you put it, cute. I swear, I can witness a pony commit murder here and it'd be adorable. "What was that!?" Woah, ok. She's sounding like a mother angry with her kid. Backing away now.
-Well he's in deep shit.-
*No kidding.*
"I-I'm sorry-!"
"Sorry my left flank!" Oh shit. Even Luna is surprised, and she more or less teleported to my side, using me for cover. "Never, in my own life, would I ever imagine my own nephew to attack the ambassador of the Human Race!" Oh yeah, I am that guy in this place. Woopie. But Celestia was fuming at Blueblood. "Now GO to your room! And guess what? Your weekly allowance is hereby banished, no Removed from existence!"
"Bu... but-"
"NOW." The little sniveling pile of flesh that goes by Blueblood jumps and runs off. Crying like a fucking kid who scraped his knee. We both look back to Celestia and she's flipped a one-eighty on us. Literally a second before it looked like she was going to bring down the sun to incinerate him. And a split-seconds it's as if nothing happened. I find that both awesome and terrifying.
"I'm sorry about that, I... I've just... had it with his..."
"Bullshit?" I supply.
"Yes, that." She pauses. "After this, I'm sure he'll see the error of his ways and change for the better. And hopefully make some friends who aren't out for his bits." I laugh.
"The day I'll need a friend like him I'll just have myself a little squat and shit one out." I deadpan right at Celestia. I feel Luna swing her head at me, then, out of nowhere, she falls to the floor. Having a good old belly laugh, clutching her sides. But there was something about her laugh that seemed a bit off. Her laugh, it had a melody to it. Not like music or anything. It's not like any normal laugh I've heard. I don't even how to properly explain it. Melody just comes to mind when I try to explain. I find it kinda... soothing though. Weird.
"That wast truly humerous!" She laughs a bit more before calming down. "We agree that Prince Blueblood is not a... gentalcolt," Ok, I just noticed something, what is it with these fucking puns? It just fucking me that the names of the places I've heard are puns of places back on my world. And why did it take me so long to notice!? "but we truly wish that gent would see the error of his ways and changeth for the better."
"Forgive me, but I don't think that'll happen at all. Usually people like him back on my world stay like that their whole lives."
"But aren't there ways to change a... person's way of life?" Celestia asked.
"I guess there are some ways, but unless their life or money is at risk they really won't care. Unless they're taught or raised to be humble, that's an entirely different story on its own." This may not how you see people, but this is how I see it: You're either born with a silver, gold, or rusty spoon in your mouth. Rusty for poor, silver for middle, and gold for high-class. And depending how you taught and raised, you either become a spoiled brat, or a humble, good-natured kinda guy.
"Interesting." Celestia seems to think that over before moving on. "Well, with that over and done with, what are you here for?" Ah, yes,what I came here for.
"I just wanted to know if you can send me back to Earth for a while." Both sisters raise their brows at me.
"May I ask what for?" Celestia asks.
"I just want to visit, see what's changed, if anything has. And maybe bring some fancy technology from there." At that last part Luna gives me an excited look. Man, she really loves technology. "If you want, I can bring something for both of you."
"Hmmm..." Celestia put a hoof to her chin. "Alright," Yes! "but," Fuck! "you have to bring me and my sister your people's best examples of human technology. In fact, I herby order you to do so, is that understood?" She smiles.
"Yes ma'am." I salute, but then break down in laughter, soon Celestia and Luna join in. "I'll bring something for the both of you."
"Very well, here." A scroll pops into existence, I catch it before it hits the floor. "This will bring you back here with anything you may have in your magic, be sure you have all what you need and what I asked. Do you understand?" I nod. "Good, now off you go!" She says in a cheery voice before everything goes white.
*Did... did she just teleport me?*
~It appears so. I sense a magic signature of a teleportation spell.~
*But how!?*
~I don't how she cast a spell without turning you into a slime, but I suspect that she somehow knows how to successfully cast spells without any side effect.~ The white dissipates with a loud 'pop' and the image of my apartment fills my view. Then, all of a sudden, without a fucking warning, my stomach lurched.
*BLAAAAAARGH* Ooooh this is going to be another one of those long days. |
My little Escapade | Chapter 33: One Last Visit? | Whelp, I just cleared my stomach of any and all food that I've eaten. Always a good feeling.
"Bugh, fucking Celestia," I saw that bitch smirk just before she teleported me. That little-
Ugh, fuck it, can't do jack about it now.
"Alright, where am I again?" I mutter to myself. "Right my apartment, I wonder how much time passed here?" I assume a lot of time passed since I was last here, I think it's about year since-
"Honey? Is that you?" Oh shit. *Who's that? Doesn't matter, gotta hide.* I was in the living room and I heard the voice from the kitchen, so I leaped towards the opposite end of the room. Right through a small hallway that lead to a door that lead to my room.
What? It's a big apartment.
"Honey?" Who the fuck is this woman? Why is she living in MY apartment? Well, this could mean that a year has gone by here. There must've been a whole search-and-rescue thing once someone found out I was missing. And who might you ask might be that person who might of found out? That'd be none other than my neighbor, Mrs. Glass. Nice old lady. "Honey! Stop messing with me! You know I don't like it when you do that!" Alright, this bitch is really getting annoying. Maybe if I... Oooooh this is gonna be MEAN! "Corey! Stop it!" Wait, is she..? Ooooh that fucker. Alright, abandoning hijinks now.
"Who the fuck is Corey?" I shout. "And why the hell are you in my apartment?" I step out from my room and step into the living room. Right at the kitchen is a lupine anthro washing dishes. A woman to be specific. She didn't look at me immediately for some reason, but when she did, holy shit that was most hilarious face of horror I've seen. Too bad I had to use magic to keep her from screaming her lungs out. "Don't worry, I'm a... let's say friend, of Corey's. Corey is a Lupine right?" She surprisingly calmed down and nodded, huh, this must be a thing for her. Except for the magic part. "Do you know if this guy knows a guy named Ember?" At that her eyes go wide and she nods. She then tries to talk, I relinquish her from my grip and let her speak.
"You're Ember!?" I nod. "Holy crap! We all thought you were dead!" What? Oh yeah, I did kinda fall off the face of Earth.
"Who's 'we'?"
"Oh, me, -name's Brittany by the way- my boyfriend Corey and his 'gang'." Boyfriend?
"Wait, you're going out with that fucker?" Of all people, Corey has a girlfriend?
"Hey! He's a nice guy!" This bitch be crazy.
"Oh surrrrrrrre," I scoff. "I betcha he hasn't said much about me huh?" Brittany nodded. "Ok, what has he told you then?"
"Well, he's told me that you two were really good friends." At that I nod with a chuckle.
"That's true. But that's not the whole story."
"Really?" I nod again. "Well, I've got nothing better to do today, mind telling me the 'whole story' then?" She pauses. "And what was that earlier?"
"What?"
"I couldn't open my mouth or anything. Was that you?"
"Yeah, and before you ask it was magic." She shoots me a disapproving glare. "Want me to prove it?" She nods. "Alright then." I hold up a hand, light it up with my magic, and levitate a glass plate sitting in the kitchen towards us. At first she didn't notice, as she was staring at my glowing hand. "Look behind you." She slightly flinched when I spoke, as if she was in some sort of trance. She looked at me weirdly for a second before doing what I told. Next thing she sees is a floating plate in the same grey glow as my hand.
"You're shitting me." She utters in a complete state of dumbfound.
"Nope," I set the plate back in its place in the kitchen. "There are a few things I learned and gained from where I've been for the past... however long I've been gone. You know how I've been missing here?" She's still a little shocked, but she managed to answer.
"I think it's been about a year since you've been gone." That's a big coincidence, It's been less than a year that I've made my home in Equestria.
"Huh, Thought it'd be less than a year..." I feign ignorance. "Anyway,back to the task at hand."
"Oh yeah, please continue." I smile and begin the tale which involves me and Corey's history as friends turn enemies.
"What do you guys think Ember had to go do?" Golden asked.
"Not sure, he seemed pretty dead-set on doing whatever it was." Chrysi answered. Her and Golden Streak look to Spark, expecting an answer. The three friends were sitting in the living room. Golden watching as the fire cackled softly in the fireplace. He nor Spark didn't feel it, but it was starting to get cold, as it neared fall. It's already been a few weeks since Ember left. Sometimes Fluttershy or Rainbow would come by and ask about Ember, especially Rainbow. She went to his house and visited almost daily, every time her demeanor as a brash and awesome pegasus falling just a little every time she came by and Ember wasn't there.
"I don't know either. I just hope he doesn't get himself into any trouble." Golden scoffs.
"If don;t know any better trouble follows him wherever he goes!"
"I guess so."
"Yeah, but seriously, I hope he's alright." To anyone else, him saying that would suggest some very obvious things about his sexually, but in all truth. Golden is just a good friend worrying about Ember.
"Speaking of which, have you seen Rainbow lately, she's a wreck!" Chrysi changed the subject.
"I know. I think it has to do with what she did, and what she almost did, to Ember a while back."
"Really? Hmmm, I wouldn't have guessed."
"Har har." Chrysi giggled.
"But seriously though, I've heard that Rainbow hardly does anything anymore. I hardly see her fly around Ponyville. I think that 'incident' really did a number on her." Golden let out a hearty laugh.
"Heh, I think she deserved it."
"What?" Chrysi sounded shocked. Disbelieving of what Golden said. By now Spark was watching the two talk with interest.
"Hear me out, Rainbow and Ember were at each other's necks ever since he got here. Don't you think something like that would've happened at some point? Whether it be Rainbow or Ember getting badly hurt?"
"I... I guess you're right..."
"And it was also better that Ember got badly hurt, to be honest."
"What do you mean?"
"Think about it, Rainbow nearly killed Ember, and from what we know she went all out beating him up. Imagine what would've happened if Ember went all out." Chrysi digested this thought before realization dawned on her.
"Oh by the mother you're right." She cursed in her tongue. "It really was for the better that Ember be hurt. But... what's going to happen now? I'm sure that he's angry at Rainbow, I tasted it before he left."
"Whatever may happen when that time comes, we'll be there to stop him."
"But, how will we stop him? You and I have seen what he can do. Who knows how he'll carry this out!"
"Don't worry, we'll find out before the time comes."
*I hope it doesn't.* Chrysanthemum thought. "What do you think Spark?"
"Hmm? Oh. I have to side with Golden, a confrontation is inevitable with Ember. Whether it be with Rainbow, you, or even me. He is known for having a 'short fuse'. I just hope that, whatever happens, we all will come out of it unscathed."
"Yeah, I hope so too." The three sit in silence, having nothing else to say.
"And that's pretty much it." Man, it's been a while since I got to tell a story to an audience. Even though it was to an audience of one.
"Wow, that's a lot to take in. Corey's still like that to you, even though he knows what you've been through?" I nod. "Huh, makes sense why you shot him then." I laugh.
"That's not even the half of it. It either me, or him. And it was basically a shotgun versus a few pistols, who'd you think would win?"
"Yeah... but didn't you use your... magic? To make a shield or something?"
"Yeah, I did. But that was after he shot me in the shoulder. Even then I still gave him and his buddies to walk away. They didn't."
"Heh, I know that part." I chuckle along with Brittany. "Hey, can I ask you something?" She suddenly asks.
"Shoot."
"What's this place like?"
"What? Oh, you mean Equestria."
"Yeah, that. What's it like there?"
"Not bad I guess. It's what you expect from a girl's imagination for a cartoon show; everything brightly colored with, everything having a cartoony look to it, even down to the ponies-"
"Ponies?" She shoots me a scrutinizing look.
"Yeah, ponies. Didn't I mention that?" She shakes her head. "Oh, well, yeah. That place is pretty much populated with talking colorful cartoon ponies, along with some other intelligent species like griffins n' shit. Funny thing is they're about as tall as my waist."
"That small?"
"Yep."
"How do I know you're not fucking with me?"
"I showed you an hour ago with that magic crap. Some of the ponies can use magic, unicorns I mean. The others are either pegasus or regular ponies."
"Those things exist there!?" I nod. "Woah! You have to take me there!" She jumps up from the couch and nearly touches her muzzle to my small beak.
"First off, personal space. Second, I don't think Celestia would be happy with me bringing a friend with me back From here." She backs away and adopts a downcast stance, but it only lasts a second.
"Who's Celestia?"
"She's a friend of mine. And she basically rules Equestria along with her sister, Luna."
"So Equestria is a kingdom?"
"Yup."
"And you're friends with the rulers of this place?"
"Yup."
"How..?"
"Being the only human in existence on an alien planet has its perks."
"That's fucking awesome. Expect for, you know the whole, 'being alone' thing." I wave it off.
"Eh, it's not bad if you don't mind spending most of your time at home. And going out those few weird times." I chuckle at her surprised expression. "I'm joking, all you need to is not make any sudden moves when they first see you, act like a lost puppy -should be easy for you-,"
"Hey!"
"don't be an asshole, and generally just be nice, and they'll love you. Especially if you tell them you come from a world where our technology is far more advanced than theirs."
"What?"
"They're pretty much stuck in a timeline before... somewhere in the eighteen-hundreds. But the weird thing is the inconsistency."
"What do you mean?"
"They have electric lighting in some places, -their housing involves thatched roofing- and then you can see a pony with fucking headphones jamming out. It looks like they're on they're in the middle ages, but the kind of tech they got suggest otherwise in some places."
"Oh, do these... ponies, have computers then?" I shake my head.
"No, as far as I know, the only thing notable was a dj set with turn tables."
"Oh, that's weird."
"Yeah, it is."
*knock knock knock*
"Who's that?"
"That must be Corey. Are you gonna hide or..?" I shake my head.
"Nah, I figured that a reunion of friends is long overdue." She nods with a bit of a mischievous look on her face. She then goes to the front door.
"Hey honey, had a good day?"
"Yeah, just hung with my gang." Hah, never changed.
"Oh really? How come I don't see any bruises then?" I nearly snorted at that joke.
"Ha ha Brittany. Hey, you smell something?" Really? Could it be me? I haven't showered in a while... Eh, must be me.
"No, what is it?" I hear some footsteps before Corey walks into the room I'm in.
"Hey! Who the hell are you!?" I wasn't looking in his direction. When I do though, his face was priceless.
"Hey Corey! Long time no see!" I stood up and faced the asshole. And it looked like he's seen a ghost. I might as well be a fucking ghost to him, I literally fell off the face of this planet for the better part of a year.
"E-ember? Is that really you!?" His face slowly, but surely, contorted with venomous anger. "Where the fuck were you!?"
"Why would you like to know, I'm here, in the flesh. So how about we finish what you started?"
"I didn't start shit!" He lunges towards me. I flare my wings and catch him in my magic grip. He struggled for a second but froze when he saw my current set of bat-like wings.
"Like my new wings?" I chuckle.
"Wha.. what the fuck happened to you!?" I put on a sinister sneer.
"Magic bitch." With a simple thought I practically force him through a wall with my magic. I look at Brittany, who has a mortified look on her features, and give her an innocent smile. "I'll be right back." I walk through the hole in the wall. Corey is barely getting up before I encase him in magic again. "You know, I never thought I'd become this way towards, we were good friends. And all because I got you in trouble by ratting you out, that was completely your undoing by the way. You made it you goal to end me. You thought I was a snitch." I slam him into another wall that separated the restroom from my room. I casually walk around and grab him again, this time with my bare hands. He's five-five, and I'm six-four.
"I always thought you were an idiot. You always hated me for what I've done for you-"
" Done FOR me!?" He shouted. "You got me in the slammer for ten years!"
"You think I don't know that!?" I brought him closer to me. "If it weren't for me your stupid fucking ass would be fucking dead in North Korea!" There was a long pause.
"... What?"
"There! I fucking said it! I knew you'd never last in that god-forsaken war! And you had more of a life than me! I looked up to you! I fucking looked up to you!" I scream in his face. And I think tears started to well up in my eyes. "You think I wanted to go to war? To become a soldier to fight in the bloodiest war in human history? And just leave to rot in fucking jail? I never knew you ended up in there for ten years! I thought it was just five." My grip on him relaxes while I maintain a serious look, though it was probably faltering a lot. "I didn't want any of what happened that day to ever fucking happen. I just wanted to have fun with my best friend I've known since fucking kindergarten."
"Then why did you-"
"My parents were well-connected, they found out the war was gonna start, and they knew you were getting drafted." At his confused look I elaborated. "My parents told me this, they wanted to tell me before you actually went off." I let go of him and he stumbled back before regaining his footing. "They thought It would help me 'get used to it' after you left. You were basically my only friend at the time."
"The day after my parents told me you were getting drafted I spent all my free-time planning how to stop it from happening. And the only way I figured was... you know."
"You cut that rope on purpose?" He looked slightly irritated, but that look quickly went away, replaced by a blank face.
"Yeah, I figured you'd be better off in jail than in the war. I even went as far as faking to be you went they came to pick you up."
"But what about your parents?" Brittany came in and asked out of nowhere.
"They knew, they knew there was nothing they could do to stop me. So they just wished me luck and let them take me away."
"Ok, wait," Corey says. "Can you guys take me the hospital? I think you broke... everything."
"Don't worry about that." I snap my fingers and Corey's body is quickly healed up with my magic.
"Woah! Ok... but uh... You did all that, just to keep me here?" I nodded.
"Yeah, I did. But I guess that doesn't matter anymore." I grab him by the throat and carry him closer. Kinda like that Darth Vader neck thing. "Even after all this time you still thought I was just fucking you over. You sought to do whatever you could do to my life." Jesus I hate getting like this. I always start talking like a sophisticated asshole. "You made it you personal life goal to end me, no matter what the cost to you." The magic grip around his neck tightens. "I guess nothing I did matters in the end." It tightens even more. "Here we stand, you, spending the last few pitiful seconds of your life hanging by your throat. While I just wait for you to croak. Not how you imagined it would did you?"
"*Errk!* *gasp* *hack!*" He struggled, clawed at his neck, and squirmed. Trying to suck in some air.
"Ember! Stop! He was gonna say something!" Brittany yelled. I very slowly turned my head towards her.
"You think I care anymore? You honestly think I give a flying rat's ass about this lowlife piece of shit?"
"Yes! Let him go! Please!" Her pleading to let Corey go stunned me. So much so that I lost concentration on my magic and ke fell the ground, barely breathing. Brittany ran over to him and helped him up when his breathing started to stabilize. She cared about him this much? I never thought I'd see the day...
"Corey," he weakly looks up to me. "what were you going to say?" He stays silent, looks to his girlfriend. And like a loving mother she nods to him. As if she knows what he's about to say. Time seemed to slow as he turned to me, and utter a phrase I never thought I would hear him say.
"I'm sorry. I didn't know you did that for me." Emotions I haven't felt for years hit me like a semi-truck. I just stood there with the thousand yard stare as I processed Corey's apology at a snail's pace. And finally, after spend a few long seconds of standing in front of them like an idiot. I grabbed Corey and pulled him into a man-hug. As both of us shed a few manly tears. Years of hatred, bitterness, and resentment all melted away. Leaving behind two kids hugging as if they haven't seen each other in years. After holding that manly hug for who knows how long we finally let go. "Dude, if only I realized... I made your life a living hell. I'm sorry."
"It's ok dude. I forgive you."
"What!?"
"What?"
"Nothing, I just thought that... it would take a lot more time than that." I chuckle.
"I got to beat the shit out of you a lot. I think I can be a forgiving guy after all that."
"Awesome." He then notices the rubble around us. "Uh... You know you're paying for this, right?" I shoot a smirk at him.
"That won't be necessary." I snap my fingers and the destroyed wall begins the repair itself.
"Woah! What the fuck!?"
"Magic, bitch." |
My little Escapade | Chapter 34: Reunited | "So magic exists in... What's this place called again?"
"Equestria, and yes." I answered Corey. Him, his girlfriend and me where at Carlos's Bar, catching up with each other. "Magic does exist." I lean back in the chair I'm sitting in.
"Wow, and you just happened to end up there because of some mad-scientist experiment?" I nod. "And you were able to make friends with these... talking ponies?" I nod again. "And you've fought this giant... centaur?" I nod once again. "And helped them defeat the thing?" I nod, hopefully for the last time. "Dude, that's one hell-of-a story. You're a fucking hero."
"Yeah, I guess." I say smugly as I take a swig of Scotch.
"Heh... You think we would get the same powers like you if we end up there?" Oh, I know where he's going with this.
"I don't know for sure. But I'm pretty sure you'd have at least some of the same level of magic as me." As much as that was a lie. I honestly had no idea whether they would be able to use magic at all.
"You don't know?" I shake my head. "Huh..." He thinks about something for a second before a wide smile graces his face. "You wanna find out?"
"What?"
"C'mon! You somehow got back from here, you somehow got to my apartment-"
"This was actually my place." I cut in.
"What? Huh... cool. Anyway. you got to my apartment and nearly kill with that magic shit. There's obviously some way you can get back to this... Equestria place. And especially since I ran into you a year back at the bar!"
"Oh yeah, I forgot about that."
"So? Whaddya say? You think you can bring us with you?"
"Woah, hold on." Brittany interjected. "Corey, you know you're basically asking him to bring us to a place where there's hardly any kind of our stuff-"
"What?"
"You know what I mean! They don't have T.V.'s, computers, or phones, or internet!"
"Oh. But, how have you lived all this time there then?" They both look to me.
"Eh, there's always something to keep you occupied; parties, monsters attacking, giant centaurs trying to take over the world. There's always something." I list off past events nonchalant.
"Wow." Both Brittany and Corey mutter.
"Yeah." I agree. "Pretty hard to believe isn't it?"
"Yeah, I mean. You have literally done things that exist in fairy tales. In a place where those tales are reality. It's a lot to take in... How do you do it?"
"Hmm?"
"How do you take it in stride? You never seemed to give it any second thoughts."
"Oh, I highly suspect it's the fucking magic that keeps me sane. I hardly ever give it any thought unless I talk about it. And even then I don't think to react too much to it." Yeah, I think if it wasn't for magic I'd probably be in some insane asylum right now with a restraint jacket on.
"Oh, huh... But you really think we can come with you?" I shrug.
"I don't see why not."
"Well, are you gonna take us with you?"
"Yeah, why not?"
"Awesome dude."
"But we get to take whatever we want with us, right?" I nod. "Good. There's no way I'm going to an alien planet without my phone, or computer. Even though it's not going to be very useful there." I chuckle. "What?"
"You'd be surprised. Anyway, you guys wanna get ready to go?"
"Yeah! Let's do this." All three of us get up and head out the bar. Corey paying for our drinks on the way out.
"Alright, you guys get all your shit ready while I got get some stuff, and Corey, you got a credit card? And a truck?"
"Yeah."
"What's the limit?"
"Fifteen thousand, why?"
"Perfect, I need to get some shit I promised those princesses I talked about I'd get."
"Woahdude. I know we just got back to being friends, but-"
"Don't worry about it. I'll pay it back. Whatever I spend."
"How?"
*The big bag of gold coins I have back home.* "Don't worry about it. Just trust me with this. It won't even matter anyway, you're going to get to live on an alien planet."
"I... Guess you're right..."
"Good, now hand me your card."
"Alright." He pulls his wallet out from his jeans, yes, some anthros still wear clothes, especially the women, and hands me his credit card.
"Awesome. Meetcha back at your place. I'm gonna need to borrow your truck."
"But how are we going to get home?" I smile and hold my hand up.
"Magic." I snap my fingers and they're gone, sent back home by my magic. Good thing no one saw that. I find Corey's truck and then head off to the nearest Best Buy to go on a little shopping spree. And to a few other places as well. "I love fucking with people."
"You think you got all you wanted bro?" Corey sarcastically asked/stated. "I think you missed a few things."
"Shut up and help me move all this to your place." I lug a few boxes of headphones, computers, and other things.
"But seriously thought, what the fuck did you get?"
"A few computers, towers, headphones, phones, solar panels, battery cells, keyboards, mice, screens, -a few large enough to split-screen- and some other things."
"Ugh, like what?" He picks up a short stack of plain cardboard boxes.
"Be careful with those."
"Why?"
*Because it's something that can blow up* "Laptops." He nods understandingly.
"Right, those delicate fuckers." I pick up a few boxes full of containers filled with methane and hydrogen. Those are some things I plan to experiment with once I get back to equestria, for reasons that involve the laws of physics my people abide by.
"How come you don't use your magic or whatever?"
"I don't want people to fucking panic over some floating boxes. I've had enough bullshit for a while." I pause. "Plus, I don't know if I'll run out of magic here. I kinda need that to take us back home."
-As if that would be a problem.-
"Alright." He decided not to push it and we kept on with carrying the boxes to his apartment. "So..."
"So?"
"Sooooo... Are we gonna be able to like, come back, here I mean? Whenever we want?"
"Of course, why?"
"Well, me and Brittany still have family here..."
"Oh yeah, you'll be able to come whenever you want. It's not like I thought about that or anything."
"That's why you're okay with bringing us with you, right?"
"Pretty much, would've said no otherwise."
"Cool." We make it to the apartment and set the boxes down by the huge pile of computer stuff and brown cardboard boxes. "That it?"
"Yeah, got your shit ready?"
"Lemme check, hey Brit!" He yells.
"Yeah?" She yells back from somewhere in the place.
"Is our stuff ready!?"
"Yeah! I just need help moving it all!"
"Alright!" He turns to me. "I'll be right back."
"Alright." Corey walks off and I grab the scroll I left on the coffee table since I got here, and open it up.
Teleportation Scroll. Purpose: Interdimensional Travel.
Instructions:
Invission your destination (Be very specific, invission in detail),
Concentrate and channel as much magic readily available into scroll (WARNING: Caster cannot be distracted under any circumstance, CONCENTRATION IS VITAL TO INCREASE SAFETY.)
Encase any materials needed in magic,
Wait for spell to take affect.
Authorized use approved by: Princess Celestia
WARNING: Recommended that caster is highly familiar and trained when using scroll. Assistant crystals recommended for easier transport.
Huh, seems easy enough. Especially since I have lots of magic at my disposal.
"Ember?" I turn around and see Corey and Brittany holding four large briefcases.
"Yeah?"
"We're ready."
"Good, you already told Brittany about coming back?" He nods and I smile. "Alright let's do this then."
"Ok, but... uh... what do we do?" I can tell Brittany was getting a little worried.
"You can just stand there. There isn't a thing you have to worry about." They nod and wait. I grab the scroll again and follow its instructions. Once I make sure everything is ready and nothing will be left behind I encase myself in my magic grip. And pour magic into the scroll. It only took about five seconds before a bright flash of light surround the edges of my vision for a moment. Once the flash came and left, I looked around and we, along with all the shit I got are right in my living room. Thankfully it just large enough to comfortably hold all the boxes with enough room to walk around it.
"What was that?" I heard Golden ask from the kitchen.
"It's me Golden! And I brought a few friends with me."
"Ember!? Holy fuck dude!" Some running and in comes Golden Streak. A happy look on his face. "Finally you're back!"
"What? Why? How long was I gone?"
"It's been almost two months!"
"Wow. Ok. Fuck I didn't think that much time would pass here. I've only been to Earth for three days."
"No kidding, what's all this stuff anyway? And who are those? Friends?"
"This is just stuff I need for things later. And those two are Corey and Brittany." During me and Golden's talking they've been looking around, a little unimpressed. Until they saw Golden that is. They stay staring disbelievingly at him for a good three minutes before Corey spoke up.
"Uh, dude? Who, or what, is that?"
"That, is Golden Streak. He's another one of us from a different dimension."
"Really?" He loses his look and gives me a scrutinizing glare, trying to see if I'm lying. Who could blame him? Golden literally looks like a robot.
"Yeah, whenever he comes to Equestria he gets turned into... that."
"Yeah, and I'm really jealous, you guys get to look like dogs and cats n' shit. We're not anywhere near there, yet."
"Then why is your name Golden Streak?" Brittany asks.
"His real name is Gabriel. He just wants to be called Golden Streak while he's here."
"Oh, ok." She smiles.
"Nevermind that, he's a fucking robot!"
"Yeah, I know right? More or less I reacted the same way you did."
"Cool."
"Alright, nevermind that, I need to move this shit to my room, so if you'll excuse me." I grab all my stuff in my magic and begin to send it to my room, magically. "If you want you can take a room upstairs." They nod to me and head to the upstairs area, while they were getting situated I turn to Golden. "So, what did I miss?"
"Eh, not much, besides Applebloom and her friends getting their cutie marks, Big Mac dressing as a woman, Cadence and Shining are having a baby. Nothing much."
"Cool, anything else?"
"Oh! And Fluttershy found a foal at the edge of the Everfree."
"Oh?"
"Yeah, he won't talk either, only thing we know is his name's Lunar Star."
"Really?" He nods.
"And he's scared of owls."
"What?" I deadpan.
"Yeah, we only know because he freaked out when he saw an owl in Fluttershy's house."
"Reeeaaally?"
"I'm not kidding! You go over there and find out for yourself!"
"I'll be right back." I snap my fingers and appear in front of Fluttershy's cottage. I take a second to gather my thoughts and knock on the door. I hear some walking around from inside and the top half of the door opens.
"Oh! Ember! You're back!" She flings the bottom half open and jumps up to my chest, giving me a hug. "I- me and the girls were missing you!" I smile, reach up, and pat her on her head
"Good to know Flutters. So, I heard you found a lost colt?"
"Yes." She nods and fluttered back down to the ground. "Would you like to meet him?"
"Yeah, I heard he's afraid of owls." At that she looked to me with a surprised expression, which then turned to dejected, but why would she be like that? "That true?"
"Y-yes." Oh, she feels bad for me, huh. Been awhile since anyone felt sorry for me. A few years almost. "But I'm sure he'll like to talk with you, if you don't mind."
"I'm sure he won't even know what I am, Fluttershy." I say sarcastically. "So, you gonna show me to him?" She remembers that we're standing outside and nods happily.
"Of course! Follow me please, if you want." She utters meekly and walks back inside with me in tow. She leads to the second floor of her place and to her room. Where a small little purple coated, dark blue-maned little guy sat on her bed. Staring off into the sky beyond the window on the adjacent wall. "Lunar?" She called and the little guy turned to us.
"Oh hello Fluttershy, you startled me a little." Theeen he turned to me. What follow next was a little expected. He jumped off the bed in fear and unceremoniously fell the unforgiving, wooden floor with a loud thud. He got back up and back pedaled into the corner closest to him. I just stood there, umoving, unshowing of emotion. I didn't want to do anything that would terrify the poor kid.
"G-get away from me! No more!" He started cowering. Now I notice that his hair was covering the left side of his face. And after all that moving around he did, the patch of hair did not move single inch from it's spot on his face. Crazy ass magic... crazy ass magic...
"Shh... It's ok. He's not here to hurt you." Fluttershy nearly ran over and comforted him, embracing him in a warm hug. He opted to hide behind her and completely disappear from view. And he started whimpering.
-What the fuck happened to this kid?-
*Don't know. But he sure is adamant about hiding from me.* I decided to sit down legs-crossed. Hopefully I'm not as intimidating like this.
"Listen kid. I don't know what happened to you. And I ain't here to bring any harm to you. Fluttershy can back me up on that." He peeked out from her and looked up to her. Fluttershy, like a loving mother, smiled brightly and nodded.
"It's true, Ember would never hurt you." He dropped his gaze back to me and stared for a minute. He then decided to slowly and cautiously walk forward towards me, his head held low in fear and his ears folded back. I just stayed as still as possible to not scare him. He stopped and sat on his haunches when he was about four feet in front of me.
"I-if it's true, th-that you don't want t-to hurt me. Then... why are you here?"
"I just wanted to see if you were actually scared of owls." He blanched and his little form trembled a bit. "But," He froze. "I also wanted to see if you'd like to be friends." He gave me a confused look, which turned to one of hesitance as he looked back to Flutters. Heh, that's a good nickname. What? As if I was just gonna leave the kid like that. At this point he could be some kid that lost his parents. He needs all the attention he can receive, and don't take me for a heartless bastard. I may be the kinda guy I am, but... I still got a soft spot for kids. You know why.
Flutters just gave him a reassuring smile and ebbed him on with a motion of her hoof. Almost like a mother waving her hand, saying 'go on, he won't bite'. The little guy looks back to me and slowly walks forward with trepidation. But that only lasted when he was two feet away from me. And by god he was small. Not as tiny as Pipsqueak -he's the definition of microscopic-, but small. He must be only be eight or ten by the way he's acting; scared shitless, afraid of someone he never meet before, had some kind of traumatic past before ending up in the Everfree, and generally had a tough life. My heart went out to this kid. I wanted to grab him and hug him like a mama bear protecting her cubs, tell him it was over; whatever he experienced would not happen again in his lifetime. But I had to leave him be, unless I wanted him to terrified of me anymore than he already is.
"Y-you want to be friends?" He finally, but slowly, spoke. I nodded with a soft smile. "Y-you promise not to hurt me?"
"Tell you what," I started. "how 'bout I make it so that you never get hurt like that ever again?" He lit up a little.
"Really!? Y-you mean that?" I nod. "... But, how?"
"Well... I can probably get the girls to take care of you. Since they happen to be the Elements of Harmony I doubt anyone would want to mess with them." I look to Fluttershy questioningly and she nodded happily. "Yeah, I think I can do that. Plus I can get Celestia if we need her." At that he perks up like a fat man smelling fresh-backed doughnuts in the distance.
"The Princesses!?"
"Yeah, I'm good friends with her and Luna. If anything happens I can always get them involved." I tried my best to make this kid feel safe. Sure all I said were nothing but half lies and full-blown boasting. But anything to make this kid feel at home and safe was worth it. Lunar just sat there as he took it all in. Makes a lot a sense, must be a lot of shit for his little mind to process. So the three of us just sat and waited. Me and Fluttershy sharing a glance at each other every once in awhile.
Finally, after what felt like an hour. The little guy jumped up to me, wrapping his forelegs around my neck while his hind legs kept him from falling. A second later I felt my shoulder becoming damp. And seeing that he wasn't going to let go anytime soon I gently place a hand on his back and another on his head, gently stroking his hair.
"It's alright kid, let it all out." He then openly started sobbing. His little body shaking with each sob.
"Th-thank you." He said between sobs. I just pat him on his back and continued to comfort him. Meanwhile Fluttershy was staring at me with a heartwarming smile, the beginnings of tears welling up in her eyes. We stayed like that until his crying died down and he let go of me. Staring up me with bloodshot eyes.
"Thank you. I never knew somepony could be so nice to me."
"Eh, it's the least I could do." I say nonchalant. Lunar giggled before a long yawn escaped his mouth. "Tired are we?"
"Yeah, I feel really sleepy." He rubbed his eyes with his foreleg.
"In that case. I'll let Fluttershy take over." I gently grab the kid and hand him over to said pony. She took in him in her forelegs while she floated. Just then he passes out, snoring softly.
"Awwww." Fluttershy adored the kid. She then ever-so-carefully set him on her bed and tuck him under the covers. After that we both quietly made our way downstairs. I was about to be on my way until she stopped me.
"Ember, I never knew you could be like that around a foal." She said with an amused tone. I just shrug in response.
"I've always had a sofspot for kids, kinda like you with animals. Besides, who do you take me for? A heartless monster?" Fluttershy squeaked and visibly shrunk behind her hair. It's easier to say hair than mane.
"I... um... I... Y-you know you're not a monster. Don't you?"
"Oh, I know Flutters. Because if I was, I'd be standing where Discord used to be on my very own pedestal." |
My little Escapade | Chapter 35: Making Home more like Home | Fluttershy flinched hard and her face lost a bit of it's yellow color. She even took a step back and made a little pose that looked like a dog holding up a wounded paw, but with her head rearing back.
"Fluttershy, you know I'm just joking." Some yellow color returned to her face.
"I'm sorry, it's just that, nopony really jokes about that. Not even Rainbow." She then froze and all color returned to her facial region. As if she just remembered something. "Oh goodness! Rainbow! She's been waiting for you to come back!"
"Why?" I question.
"I think... she wants to... apologize." What!?
"What for and you know how?" I ask non-threateningly.
"I-I don't really know if she does or not. But, when Twilight old us you went back to your world, we all thought it was because of what happened between you and Rainbow."
"I see..."
"And ever since she's been going to your house, to see if you were ever going to come back." She paused. "She used to go to your house every day, asking Golden Streak or Spark if you were there."
"Wait, how do you know all this?"
"Oh, um... Golden told me when I kept seeing Rainbow fly over my home a lot, and I asked him."
"Oh, ok. Go ahead."
"Ok, well, after a while. She just... stopped."
"She stopped flying to my house?" She nodded.
"We thought that you weren't going to come back, so she just stopped going to your house. I really haven't seen her since."
"And how long ago was this?"
"About... four days ago."
"Alright. Thanks for letting me know. I'll be seeing you around, alright?"
"Ok, bye Ember." She then smiled sweetly and waved as I left her house. But something seemed to puzzle her. "Wait. Are... you going to go to Rainbow?"
"Nah," A scrunch up my face. "I rather let her find out on her own." She was about to say something but I cut her off. "Besides, Pinkie should know I'm here already."
"Emby!"
"Speak of the fucking devil." A pink blur rockets into the house and slams into me, luckily I braced for it so I wasn't knocked onto my ass. The pink pony that made it that blur wrapped all her legs around, effectively giving me a full body hug. "Hey Pinkie, long no see huh?" She picks her head up from my shoulder and beams a bright smile at me.
"I know right!? When you left without saying bye we all thought that you were mad at Rainbow and she flew to your house like almost everyday and-" I clasp a hand around her muzzle.
"Pinkie," I calmly utter. "That is enough. I get it."
"Oookkhay!" She says through clenched teeth. I let go of her muzzle and she drops back down to the floor. Still beaming.
"You know, Rainbow has been really sad ever since Twilight told us you left. Nothing would make her smile! But I know you coming back will turn her frown upside down!" She grabs me by my hand and tries to pull me with her towards Rainbow's. "C'mon!" She grunted as she put more effort to pull me.
"Pinkie. I can't do that." She lets go and flops onto the floor.
"Why noooooot!?" She asked exasperatedly.
"Because, like I said to Fluttershy, talking to Rainbow is the last thing I want to do at the moment."
"Then wha-"
"Let her find out on her own." Pinkie sat back up and proceeded to look downcast, her hair deflating a bit and her ears folded back.
"Ok..." I walk over and pat her on her head.
"Come on Pinkie. You don't have to be like that."
"But I don't like seeing ponies sad!"
"I know, but I think it's better she find out on her own."
"Why?" She asked with a sniffle.
"Because, is Rainbow really cares and is actually apologetic about her almost killing me. She would find me and apologize when she hears I'm here. without you or the others telling her about me." Pinkie turned her gaze from me to the floor. A thoughtful look on her features.
"I guess you're right. It wouldn't be real apology if we told Rainbow to do it, huh?" I smile and nod.
"That's it." She nods weakly. "Oh come Pinkie." She didn't respond, she just continued to look down at the floor. Yeah, she wasn't gonna be her over-excited self for a while, unless... "Hey!" She looked back me with a sad look. "How about I by us some ice cream?" Before the question left my lips she was already back to her normal, hyper-active, self. She sprung to her hooves and her tail started wagging like a dog's would.
And then she started jumping around the room.
"Ice cream ice cream ice cream!" She cheered.
"I take that as a yes?" I ask teasingly.
"Uh-huh! C'mon! Let's GO!" She sped off towards town, leaving a pony-shaped dust cloud behind before it dissipated. I chuckled at the sheer unpredictability that little pony seemed to posses.
"Wanna come with Flutters?" I turned back to ask her. She thought about it for a moment, then she nodded.
"Ok." She and I walked by each other as we made our way to the only place I know where they serve soft serves: Sugarcube Corner. We just walked in silence for a while, something I didn't mind. Gave me time to gaze at the... weird beauty this place has. It is weird to actually see a completely different world. The wildlife, the inhabitants, the cultures, the way everything looks like something from a fucking cartoon -which it really is-. It's weird that here I am, on a planet that is in another dimension, populated by dog-sized ponies that are colored like the fucking rainbow. I am, quite literally, experiencing what millions upon millions of people have dreamed of doing. I am talking to aliens that happen to look like recolored little horses, using magic, turned into the human torch and a ball of slime, fought a giant centaur, killed a communist, went a few days without my memories, nearly died three times, magically created a doppleganger of me and god knows what else I'm going to do in the future. I have done things that I am not proud of, things I do not regret, and things that have given me nightmares. I've made too many mistakes, lost friends, family, sanity and sense of self at one point. Fuck, I'm a horrible person... But... I have done many 'heroic' things. Like save a nation, stopped a communist revolution, defended a mother and her son from thugs twice. And possibly other shit I don't remember. Does that make me a good person? I like to think it does... but...
"Ember?" I was snapped out of my train of thought.
"Hmm?"
"Are you ok? You look like you were thinking about something." The way she said it suggested it looked like I was having dark thoughts.
"I'm fine Fluttershy. I was thinking about... some things." She gave me a sour look. "What?"
"You know you can trust me with anything." She stated more than asked.
"I know, it's just... it's things that I need to keep to myself. Especially around you."
"What do you mean?" I thought about how I could explain all of this to her.
"You know that letter way back then, the letter Celestia sent to Twi about me." Her eyes widened, but nodded. "Well, that part of my life is only a few pages from the chapter." She initially didn't get what I meant, but after she thought about a look of realization quickly takes her face. Then she gave me a horrified look. "Yeah, I rather keep the rest of my life to myself. You understand right?" She pauses for second, as if mulling over her options. Before nodding with a bright smile. "Thanks Flutters." The conversation stopped there and we showed up at the only bakery in town. That place is more of a confectionary shop, since the Cakes sell more than just pastries. Like normal -pony- food, frozen treats... It's not a fucking bakery.
"It's about time you two get here! I've been waiting foreeeever!" Pinkie wailed as soon as we walked in the shop. I waved to Mrs. Cake and she waved, along with the rest of the ponies in the place.
"Good to see you dearie!"
"Nice to see ya Mrs. Cake. I assume Pinkie already told you everything?" She nodded.
"Of course! So what'll it be for ya?" I took a look at the menu that hangs from the ceiling behind the counter. Thank Luna for giving me a copy of the Equestrian language.
"I'll have the double mint chocolate deluxe. In a cup please." Mrs. Cake took out a note pad and scribbled down my order.
"And what'll it be for you Fluttershy?"
"Oh, um... I'll have a vanilla cone please." She meekly ordered.
"Alrighty! I'll be back with your orders." Mrs. Cake said before she went to the back.
*She must've gotten Pinkie's order before we got here.*
That's riiiiight! I slowly turned to Pinkie.
"Pinkie. Can you not do that? Like, not ever do that again?" She smiled innocently.
"Okaaay!" I roll my eyes and turn back to facing the counter. Which where Mrs. Cake was standing behind, holding a silver tray with mine, along with Pinkie's and Fluttershy's, on it. She set it down on the counter.
"That'll be twenty bits!" I nod and snap my fingers. After which a small pile of gold coins appear on the counter. Mrs. Cake stared at the bits for a second before she remembered who put them there. She then picked them up, somehow with one hoof, and put them in the open cash register. Making that icon 'cha-ching' sound. "Thank you!"
"Anytime Mrs. Cake."
"Oh just call me Cupcake." At that I stared at her weirdly.
"Uh... that's not weird?" She shook her head.
"Of course it isn't! My friends always call me by my first name."
"Oh, ok. I've only heard Mr. Cake call you by your first name, sooo... Yeah."
"Oh! I see. Well. Hm... That is a little weird isn't it then?"
"Well your friends call you like that, so I'm ok with it."
"Oh, that's good dearie."
"Sure is, well, I'll see later Cupcake."
"Oh do come back!" We waved as Pinkie, Fluttershy and me left the not-so-awkward departure. I was never any good at saying bye to people. Layoff. Pinkie stayed in the shop while me and Fluttershy head back to her home, well, more like I guide her back. She doesn't like walking back to her home alone. Or at all to be honest, apparently she is such a pansy that she jumps at her own shadow. As much as this was painfully obvious when I first met her, -yes that was a joke- she takes a whole new meaning to 'scared of your own shadow'. And brings a bit controversy with it. I mean, she is an introvert to a level I haven't see before. But she is terrified of being completely alone. Albeit she has her, *ahem*, 'animal friends'. It's strange that she feels more comfortable with animals that seem to be as intelligent as humans but shy away from her own kind. Then again... the only difference from being an animal and a sapient being on this planet is possessing the ability to talk. I've seen her argue with a fucking bunny. Doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out the very thin between animal instinct and sapient behavior. Makes me wonder why she's so comfortable around me. Oh yeah, to her I'm technically a fucking animal that just happens to speak the same language. And since I come from a different where apparently it's free of all judgement that can be cast onto the planet and it's inhabitants.
Ain't that something to feel good about?
Anyway, we make it her house and part our ways, I was still eating my Double-mint Chocolate Deluxe when I saw Golden running towards me. He slowed to stop just as he was about to run into me.
"Hey Golden. What's up?"
"Hey dude. This thing started buzzing a minute ago." He gave me the little device that told me where Button and his mother would be.
*Again!?* "Thanks, be right back." I drop the cup, grab the thing, and take to the air. The device told me that they're at the residence part of town. I double my efforts and end up right above the location indicated. And it happens to be right above a house. In the middle of a neighborhood. I push away the thought of anyone coming to help and land on the front porch of the house. But instead of just barging in I listen in on whatever may be happening inside.
"I told you we don't have anything!"
"Mooooom!"
"Shut up kid!"
-I think it's about time we go in.-
*No kidding. But let's make this a little fun.* I carefully and quietly open the door. Luckily this house has a layout that has the front door lead to an empty room, which connected to the rest of the rooms of the house. And judging from where I heard the voices they're in the living room towards the right. At least, looks like a living room.
*Ruby, got an invisibility spell?*
~I believe so.~
*You mind then?*
~Of course not.~ I look at myself and watch as I become slightly transparent. ~Don't worry, your transparency indicates the spell was successful.~
*Alright, let's do this.* With as much stealth as I can muster, I tip-toe my way towards the room and discover a... unique sight. Some guy with a grey coat and mane was holding button by knife point, Nursery was tied up on the floor for some reason, with her rump in the air. And another guy with a brown coat and blond mane was standing behind her...
"Fuck it." All four of them freeze and look around.
"Who-" I ditch my plan, come out from behind the couch basically hiding me from view, and clock the closest bastard right in the head. As that guy falls to the floor I immediately knock the other one out with a solid jab to the forehead. Fuckers never saw it coming.
"E-ember!?" Both Button and Nursery say in surprise.
"Yeah, it's me." I turn my attention to Nursery after I help get the grey guy off Button -thank christ he didn't get cut- and begin untying the knot holding the rope in place. "Buy the looks of things I got here just in time."
"Yes, thank you." Nursery said after I got the rope off. She got up to all fours and brushed herself off. She looks back to Button and he seems to be recovering fairly quickly, though he's still shaking.
"You two alright?"
"For the most part, yes. Button, you ok sweetie?"
"Yeah, I'm fine..."
"What is it?"
"I... it's just. Nothing." At this Nursery gave me the 'can you give us some time?' look. To which I responded with a nod and took my leave.
-What do you think that was all about?-
"What? The home invasion thing or the thing with Button?"
-The thing with Button, any idea what that might be about?-
"Nope, besides, you know it's not our place to talk about other's private issues."
-I know, just gets real bored being in here with nothing to do.-
"You saying I got an empty head?"
-No, just saying that not much happens in here.-
"But you're in my head, there's always something for you to do. Where's Emby? Fucker hardly talks."
=I'm here.=
"Cool." I fall silent as I head home to take care of a few things, specifically to check up on a few fuzzy friends I bought today.
"Ember! You're back." Golden greeted me when I got home. "What was with that little thing that made you leave like you did?"
"Nothing you need to worry about. Has anyone been in my room?"
"Uh, no. Why?"
"Good, I'll be there if anyone needs me." I walk past him, go in my room, and look for a particular box with large holes in it. Once I do I pick it up gently and carry it over to my bed, setting it down and opening it. As soon as they see the light from the ceiling... light. four one-year old, fully trained, german rottweilers pop their heads out. Looking to me for a brief second before they start looking around. Making me smile.
"Oh Fluttershy is going to love you guys."
"Umm... Ember. Do you mind telling us why you told us to come here?" Twilight the ever-so-inquisitive one asked.
"Hold on Twi, just wait like the rest. I need to get shit out." She harrumphed and sat on her haunches. I rolled my eyes and went to my room. "Diesel? Cujo?" Two dogs run up and sit before me. "Penny? Lucy?" Two more do the exact same. "Good dogs. Here." I snap my fingers and four dog treats appear in my hand. "Follow." I command before I give them the treats. And like the little good dogs they are, they stick to my sides. Diesel and Penny to my left, Lucy and Cujo to my right. God there's almost no other way to feel like a badass. A few women and a minigun would complete the picture. But four german rottweilers will do. Sure as hell scared the fuck out of the girls -minus Rainbow, I wonder why she never showed up- though, they're frozen with fear. I wonder why though, these guys are just over a year old, they don't look menacing at all, yet. Well, at least Fluttershy seemed to be more fascinated than anything. And the dogs are watching the girls intently.
"Girls, I'd like you to meet: Diesel, Penny, Lucy, and Cujo." My dogs perk up at the sound of their names. "These are German Rottweilers. Pets were I come from."
"They're... pets?" Fluttershy asked. I nodded and she took on a face of trepidation. "C-can I... pet one?" I nod.
"Go for it, but before you do, here." I snap my fingers again and another set of treats appear in my hand. "Give one to each, and they'll love you." She nods and steps closer. "Stay." I command the dogs before they try anything. They sit still as I watch Fluttershy look at the them warily. "Go ahead."
"O-ok." She grabs a single treat with her other hoof -don't ask how she did that- and offered it to Diesel. He sniffs it for a second before taking it, Flutters then flinched, but quickly realized he just took the treat. She repeated this for the rest of them. Once done with that she backed up a bit before sitting on her haunches while the dogs finished off their snacks. "N-now what?" I smirk.
"Now, they play." I clap my hands once and the dogs immediately swarm the yellow pony.
"Eep." She squeaked and froze up, wings flaring out. Fortunately the dogs pay no mind to her wings and sniff around her. They do for a few seconds before they drop their fronts in a playful manner. "Uh... uh..."
"It's alright, they just wanna play."
"Did you say 'play'!?" Pinkie jumped out from behind Flutters. Scaring the dogs. But as soon as Pinkie lowered her front they tackled her. Making a literal dog-pile. "Hehe! Their tongues tickle!"
*Shut the fuck up before you say a goddamn thing you filthy slut.*
-Woah, I wasn't gonna even say shit.-
*Thinking it is the exact same as saying when you're in my head dipshit.*
-Whatever.-
"Uuuuh... Ember?"
"Huh?" I look around and Aj got to my side.
"Ya sure yer..."
"They're dogs Aj. Just like Winona."
"Eh, right. Ya sure they're supposed to be doin'... that, with Pinkie?" I shrug.
"As long as she's ok with it. Besides, doesn't Winona lick you like that with you sometimes?"
"Ah know.. but... It just... looks so... weird."
"Really Aj? You're really gonna be like that? When you have a dog of your own? Seriously?"
"Well Ah'm sorry! At least Winona don't look like the kin of Cerberus and a timberwolf!" She shouted. All activity froze and everyone looked at us. Even my dogs paused to look. Meanwhile Aj realized what she said and put both her fucking hooves to her mouth and her eyes shrunk. I just kept staring at her like nothing happened. Eventually I just spinned on my talons, snapped my fingers, ordered my dogs to follow, and went back inside without another word with my hounds close behind me. I even went far enough to slam the hell out of the door.
"Fucking Applebitch. Who does she think she is? Fucking calling my dogs the spawn of a timberwolf and Cerberus. What the fuck-"
"Ember?" Chrysi called from upstairs. "What's going on?"
"Nothing Chrysi, just, nothing!"
"Ok... Is it about your... dogs?"
"No, well, yeah." I sat in my recliner and Chrysi came in from upstairs. Penny sniffed her before laying down beside me with the others.
"Didn't go like you expected?"
"Yes and no. I just didn't expect Applejack to call my dogs ugly."
"Really?" I nod. "Well then... That is... pretty messed up."
"Yup." |
My little Escapade | Chapter 36: It's too Early... | "Ember!? Ya in there?" It's too fucking early for this. "Ember! Ah know you're in there!" Why this? Why now? "Ember!" WHY NOW!?
"Fuck of!"
"Ember!?" A pause. "C'mon! Now ya have to come out." I feel my anger quickly rising as I teleported from my bed to outside. The sun hasn't thought coming out yet. Fucking farm pony. I look around blearily before spotting Aj a few feet behind me. "What in the sweet loving embrace of god do you want?" She jumped and spun around. A surprised, yet determined look on her face.
"Ember! Where'd ya come from?"
"Don't fucking mind that, why are you here?" She took a step back at my tone, but pushed on.
"Well, Ah came by to apologize-"
"Oh for the love of jesus it's too early for this." I slump a little and walk back into my house with my eyes closed.
"Hold on there!" I felt something thin and coarse wrap around my waist. Oh she better of no done what I think she has done. "Now Ah came here to apologize and Ah won't-"
"Did you just lasso me?" I ask in a dark tone that made her shut her trap. Since I didn't get a responce I open my eyes and look down at the rope firmly locked around my waist. "Yes... yes you just did." I chuckle. "Alright, you have five seconds before I tear this rope, hog-tie you, and leave you in the Everfree. Untie me, now." There was a short pause before she spluttered a response.
"P-pardon?"
"Five," Her eyes shrunk and her ears folded back. "four," She started dancing in place. "three," She bolted over to me and began loosening the rope. "two," She's fumbling with the knot, how fun it is to watch her panic. "one..." The knot was untied and the rope fell to the ground, just in time for Aj too. I take a look at her and she looks worse for wear, her hat's tilted an askew sorta way, there's sweat trickling down her face, and her legs are quivering. "Good girl, no go before I change my mind."
"Now... hold on there..."
"You've already pissed me off enough yesterday, I don't need any more reasons to be pissed off right now. So, please just go." I lay it down as softly as I could, buuuuut the fucking girl didn't get it. God she's stubborn. I KNOW she's like that but come. ON. I also may or may not have a short fuse so lay off.
"Ah came here to apologize, an' Ah won't leave 'till we make up." Really? She had to say it like that?
"As much as I would love to be the first human in history to fuck a talking pony, I'm gonna have to decline. Now if you will excuse me. I am going to go back to my house, back to my room, lie in my bed, and go back to the sweet, warm embrace that is sleep. No 'if's, 'and's, or 'but's about it. Ok?" I turn around and walk back into my house, doing what I just said.
"Hey! Git back her-!" At that point I kinda lost it. I hate losing sleep, and considering that I am a night person and that I absolutely HATE mornings. Hence why I made the basement my room. I get cranky when I don't get enough sleep if it wasn't apparent enough.
"I said," I grab her in my magic and pull her close enough to touch muzzle-to-beak. "I don't want to talk, I want to fucking SLEEP!" I practically scream in her face. I can feel my eyes straining, aaaand I'm getting a headache. Fuck me this is one of the worst morning I've had the misfortune to experience. The only thing that tops this was that slut I had a one-night stand with. Fucking bitch, literally.
Anyway, after I just screamed into this pony's face, the color from said face turned from a deep orange to a light amber. And she basically looks like she was in the middle of turning into a ghost. I cut my magic, letting her flop to the ground and I just go back to my room to go back to fucking bed.
"I hate mornings." I mutter as I make my way inside and flop onto my bed. At least it didn't take me long to get back to sleep. I probably woke up the others with my yelling, but I can care less.
"Didst thou has't to beest that way towards Applejack?" Luna Asked. I roll my eyes.
"Has anyone ever tried to wake you up in the middle of the day deliberately?" She clams up. "Thought so. Plus I really hate mornings."
"You do?" Asked a dumbfounded Luna. I nod.
"Yeah, never liked waking up earlier than nine or ten. But seeing as how most of the ponies around here seem to wake up at fucking seven or eight I'm gonna have to adjust." At that Luna put a hoof to her chin in thought, while I just looked at all the constellations and galaxies surrounding us. I grab a star that was close by and squish it, cause a small supernova. I look back to Luna and she has an expression that I really couldn't make heads or tales on what she was thinking.
"Thee don't has't to do that."
"I know, but here I miss half the day. And Especially since Aj had to wake me up at an ungodly hour. I have a feeling that that's going to be a reoccurring thing with me."
"You could always... come visit me." Her voice lost itself in her throat.
"Say again?" Since when did she decide to speak normally?
"You, you could always... what is the word? Ah, yes. You could always 'hang out' with me."
"Oh... Huh."
"What is it?"
"Nothing, I just, never thought you'd want to hang out. You always looked happy to talk with me here. Plus I thought you'd be occupied with other things." She looks down in an embarrassed way, and is she... blushing!? Fuck what did I do!?
"That much is true. But, it is... boring, in my chambers. I have my guards, but they are not much for conversation." Oh... she meant that she gets lonely. As in, 'I have no friends' lonely.
"Wait, what about Celestia? And isn't there usually something for you to do as Princess?" Her face takes on a melancholy expression.
"Tia is always busy with Day court." She then sternly looks to me. "And our 'subjects' have yet to recognize me as Princess of the Night. Nopony, except my loyal guards and you, listens to me. Every morning I have to go to the Royal Cafeteria to get my breakfast."
"Ouch... But you haven't-?"
"Of course I have already tried to show my authority over our subjects, but, they always push me aside." She stomps a hoof to the invisible floor. "They never listen to me, in fact, they avoid me at all costs! They still think I am that monster Nightmare Moon!" Cracks started to form in the dreamscape, emanating from her. "We apologize." She stated and cracks quickly faded away. "It annoys us that we are not treated with as much respect as our sister."
"I'm sure in time they'll warm up to you. I mean, look at me, some ponies are still scared shitless of me, but most of them accept me for who I am."
"But you have helped save Equestria from a terrible foe. We have done nothing of the sort."
"Ah, but that's where you'll be wrong." I counter.
"How so?"
"A friend told me that, at some point, you will be a great Princess. And ponies will love you."
"Oh?" She gave me an imploring look.
"Nope," I shake my head. "That's all I can say."
"Hmpf. You are no fun."
"Hey! I can be as fun as I fucking want! I was being cryptic." I pause. "And don't think you can go through my memories." At that exact moment she flinches as if something smacked her across her face.
"What was that!?"
"Magic." I answer. Which she accepted with a glare. But then it turned to a coy smirk.
"You are beginning to impress us with your magic. A spell that blocks our ability to search your mind? Clever." She pauses, then, with a questioning look. "Pray tell, where have you learned of such a spell?"
"Oh, well. To begin with, has Celestia ever told you how I have this magic?" She shakes her head. "Ok, well have you heard of the Alicorn Amulet?" When I mention the amulet her eyes widen.
"You have the Amulet!?" Her wings flare and she teleports close to me. "Why do you have that wretched item!?"
"Woah there, calm down Luna. Let me explain." She huffs angrily, but takes a few steps back. "It's not that I somehow got my hands on it. It's more like 'why is it part of me?'." She quirks up a brow at my explanation.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean that when I, 'discovered' it, and touched it, that it quite literally became my heart." She shot me a flat stair. "Go ask Celestia if you don't believe, I'm not wasting my time starting more bullshit."
"Fine! We will!" A white door appears behind Luna and she walks through it. "Stay there!" She slams it behind her. A few seconds go by and she returns with a very disgruntled looking Celestia trailing behind.
"Luna, what do you need?" She asked in an exasperated tone.
"Please tell us that the Amulet is NOT inside him! Tis can't be true!" Celestia looked at me for a second, her hair is all scraggly and not flowing like it normally does, heh. All I gave her was a 'yeah, this is happening' look with a shrug. She sighs and turns back to Luna.
"Luna, by means I cannot comprehend, nor do I wish to understand, the Alicorn Amulet is right where his heart should be." At this revelation Luna turns to me with an aghast expression.
"Told you."
"..." Luna's expression turned dark. "We must free thee of this curse."
"I don't think so Princess Luna." A new, yet familiar, voice chimes in. "If you do that, he will cease to exist."
"Who is that?" Celestia asked, now on high alert.
"Oh that's just Ruby." Said entity appears next to me. "Hey, it's been awhile."
"Yes, it has."
"Release thine grip on our Ember!" Luna shouted. Wait, what? "Or face our wrath!"
"Hold on Luna. Ruby doesn't have any kind of grip on me, as far as I know." I look back to Ruby and, it -we never really came to what gender Ruby is- and Ruby shakes it's head at me.
"I've never had this much fun with a user of the Amulet in ages. If I influenced you, you would most likely have lost your sanity some time ago." I look back to Luna.
"See. Ruby is just here for the ride."
"How do we know this... it, is not controlling you?"
"I would've known if I was being manipulated. Trust me." She looked like she was going to retort, but I cut her off. "Listen, Luna. Ruby here is just a... what exactly are you?"
"Hmm... I suppose I would be the 'spirit' of the Amulet."
"Cool, as I was saying, Ruby here is just a spirit that is more or less like you and me. And all it wants to do is have fun and experience new things." I turn to Ruby. "Right?" Ruby nods.
"Of course! As I have said, I have never had so much fun with a user of the Amulet in ages!"
"See?" Celestia and Luna then started to whisper towards each other. And for once I couldn't hear what they were saying. After what felt like five minutes they stop their whispering and turn back to me and Ruby, and Luna comes forward.
"We have decided that you and... Ruby, will not be separated." She then gets very close to Ruby. "But if you take our friend from us we will not hesitate to exterminate you. Understood?" Ruby nods with batting an eye.
"Crystal clear."
"Good." She turns to me. "Meet us out our chambers in the evening." I nod and everything is blurred until there's nothing but black.
"Morning girls."
"Good morning Ember." I hear Celestia say before I wake up.
"Well, that was one hell of a dream."
~Agreed.~
"What do you think Princess Luna told me to meet her later today meant?"
~I have no clue, perhaps to see for herself what we are?~
"Maybe, but she said she did want to hang out at some point. Could be that."
~I suppose, but after what happened in that dream, I doubt she wants to 'hang out'.~
"Don't worry too much about it. I'm she just wants to hang out or somthin'."
"Excuse me, could you please guide me to Princess Luna's room?" I ask the night guard at the front gate. He flinched when he saw me, but remembered his job.
"Of course, right this way." Heh, I love that I made an impression on these bat-ponies, or 'thestrals' as they like to call themselves. The one before me lead me through the maze of a castle. Which involved going up and down flights of stairs. Seriously, how the hell is that functional? Anyway, he eventually led me to Luna's room. As indicated by the huge crescent moon on a pair of equally huge double doors. The guard knocked on the door.
"Yes?"
"Ember is here to see you."
"Send him in." I don't like that tone. Even the guard seemed a little put off by that tone. But he let me as soon as the door opened either way. And what was on the other side of said door was a little bit of what anyone would expect from a room for a princess. The exception being the large bookcases that adorned some patches of wall. And the room itself was big. Reminds me of a high-end apartment. And of course, everything looked... nightly. Every piece of furniture had coloring similar to Luna's coat, along with light blue outlines. And holy shit her bed looks awesome. "Good Evening, Ember." I look to where her voice came from, she has a balcony? Nice. I like balconies, for obvious reasons.
"Hey Luna. So we gonna hang out like you asked?"
"Yes, in time. We just want to take care of something before we leave."
"And what might that be?" I'm not liking this.
"You just stay there. We want to see for ourselves what has become of you." She turns to me and walks inside with a lit up horn. The same blue aura around her horn covers my body, and for a split-second, I feel violated. As if she was poking around in my body, but that was impossible, even with magic. She must be scanning me with some spell like Celestia when she first found out about the amulet. At least the feeling goes away as soon as it showed up. "We must ask," she says while the spell is still active. "how long have you been like this?"
"Well, I found the amulet a few days after I first arrived here, so about a year? Yeah, I think it's been that long." She nods.
"We must apologize. The item doesn't have a very... positive history behind its use."
"Why?" I ask with sincere curiosity, Twilight didn't really give a detailed history about it.
"Last time we saw one of our subjects," she spat out subjects with venom behind it. "he tried to take our throne."
"I see, so it makes ponies go mad with power?" She nodded. "Huh, makes sense."
"What does?"
"The way you acted when I told you about the thing."
"Yes... But why haven't a thirst of magic?"
"I don't know." I shrug. "I think it has something to do with me being a human that comes from a world where there is no such thing as magic. You've seen how magic affects me when someone else uses it on me." She giggles at that.
"Yes, we know. It strikes us as odd that our magic has such effects on you." An odd and all too familiar glint formed in her eyes.
"Yeah, as much it amuses you. I currently have a 'No casting spells on me.' rule going at the moment." She pouts cutely.
"Aw..."
"And don't try that with me. Won't work." She promptly ups the ante by getting really close to my face and pouting more. It quickly became a battle of influence and will. And she was losing. Just as I was about to defeat her an idea bulb lit up. "You lose." I say as I reach up and scratch Luna behind one of her ears.
"Wha- Oh! Oh... Mmm..." She lost the pout and her eyes lost focus and closed halfway. Her form lowers a bit and I spotted one of her hind legs twitching. She then let out a pleasured moan before she completely slumped to the floor. Becoming a mass of blissful pony. Even her hind leg was pawing the air like a dog. Jesus it's adorable.
*I wonder if?* I reach over and start rubbing her belly. And what happened net, will make me laugh till tears for the rest of my life. Because her eyes bugged out of their sockets, her mane froze and fucking glitched like a corrupt video, and her horn shot out sparks. But that wasn't the hilarious part, no, what happened next was unexpected. All four of her legs spasmed and thrashed, and her eyes rolled up. Christ this must be a really sensitive spot to her. But I couldn't truly as tears were streaming down my face and blurring my vision from how hard I was laughing. I fell on my back and started rolling on the floor. It was that funny.
"Huh... Wha..?" I heard Luna splutter. "What just happened?" I then heard a gasp. "This is not funny!" That little outburst did nothing but make me laugh harder as it created this image in my head that Luna was angrily pouting at me, with her forelegs crossed over her chest and her cheeks a dark crimson. At some point my laughter eventually died down and I managed to stand back up.
"Hoo, hehehehe. Oh god that was hilarious. Hoo fuck." A few chuckles leave my throat before I fully recompose myself. A small smirk curving my lips. "Aye no Luna, I haven't laughed like that in years, fuck I needed that."
"We are happy that you took pleasure in doing that to us." She stated dryly. I just kept smirking at her until she realized something. "This was payback, wasn't it?" I nodded.
"More or less. I just wanted to have some fun for a change. And boy did I find it!" I laugh.
"Yes, well," A yawn escaped my mouth. "that little stunt left us without energy." Another yawn left her, did that much time pass with that tickle assault? Damn... "We shall retire to our bed. Good morning Ember." And I stayed up the whole night!? How the fuck did I not notice the sun coming up!? Aw fuck me...
You know something you really shouldn't do when you didn't get any sleep last night? Go on, take a guess. Did you guess? Was it flying? No? Well you're an idiot then. 'Cause I tried that and promptly fell to the ground, from about thirty feet in the air, after falling asleep while I was flying. And it. Fucking. HURT. Dammit at least nothing broke, just a few scratches. And it appears I somehow crash landed near my house. I can see it off in the distance. And I somehow managed to not hit any tree in this forest, which reminds me. I need to get the hell outa here. I cast a quick teleport spell and ended up laying in my bed. Almost instantly falling asleep, this time I wasn't in the air.
I woke up, but not on my own. I know as fact that something woke me up. I can't tell what it is. But something did. At least I got an adequate amount of sleep. And I can't shake this feeling of dread.
*Eh... it's go away.* I think to myself as I get up and stretch. Earning pops from my arms, legs, wings, and back. I decided to see what, if anything, is going on outside. In the house I mean. I make my way to the ground floor and see that everyone except Golden was in the living room. All watching a t.v. that hung just above the fireplace.
"Hey, uh... since when did we get a t.v.?" Corey, Brittany, and Chrysi jump and turn to me.
"Ember!? Where the hell have you been?" Corey asked.
"Taking care of business. Not tell me why there's a working t.v. here."
"Oh, right. Well, yesterday Princess Celestia came by. She said she discovered that she can create a connection between our world and this one so we can watch t.v. and shit like that. And we brought it with us." My eyes widen in surprise.
"Ok, how and why did she do it for us?" He shrugged.
"She said something about being a princess and doing whatever she wants." Figures.
"We got wifi then?"
"Yeah, she said it was the least she could do for you giving her and her sister the stuff you gave them."
"Huh, makes sense. Guess I owe her a thank you."
"You bet your sweet ass you do! I was all getting ready to get used to no more t.v. and internet." Brittany giggle at that. Then my attention turned to Chrysi, who was just staring at the large t.v. with a lost expression.
"Chrysi, you alright?" She snapped out of her daze and turned to me.
"Yeah... I'm fine... I just... I..." The words died in her throat as her attention switched back to the episode of Cops it was on.
"Don't worry about her, she's been like that for the past few days whenever it turns on."
"Ah, ok. So how was this place been treating you two, good I hope?" Both Corey and Brittany smiled brightly.
"Yeah," Brit answered. "the ponies here have been really nice to us,especially this mint-green one. I think her name was Lyra or something."
"Of course. Lyra is a friend of mine. Apparently she knew humans existed before anyone else here knew."
"Really?" They both ask.
"Yeah. I don't know how she knew, but she knew it. So imagine her surprise when she first saw me."
"Oh?"
"She basically screamed to the point I had tears in my eyes." Corey winces.
"Yikes. That must've hurt."
"Of course it did ya dumb fuck." He flips me off.
"Fuck you." I smirk back at him.
"Love ya too fagot." We chuckle at each other before my stomach decided to make itself known. "I'm gonna go eat." They nod to me as I head to the kitchen and prepare a good-ol' steak on the stove, after pulling one out the fridge. Once I put the right amount of seasoning and sauces on it I let it sit on the pan, flipping it every few minutes to not burn it. Just then I heard someone walk up behind me.
"Fuck that smells good..." I smirk.
"Ch, you want one?" I look behind me and see Corey nod enthusiastically, making me chuckle. "Alright, should I make one for Brittany too?"
"Yeah." I nod.
"Alright." He walks off to go get Brit while Grab two more raw steaks from the fridge and two more pans from the cupboard with my magic. I set up the other two pieces of meat and began cooking them, while keeping mine warm.
In no time I got the things done. I grab three plate and set them on the table and then go to the living room. Corey gives me a knowing look and a nod, so I head back and take my seat. I set their steaks so they sit next to each other. They come and take their respective chairs.
"I didn't know you could cook." Brit remarked.
"There's a lot you don't know about me Brit." |
My little Escapade | Chapter 37: I need some time | "Oh? Like what?"
"Hm... what haven't I told you about me... You found out I was in the army at one point right?" She nods. "You heard how I got drafted?" Again she nodded, a little hesitantly. "Right... Oh! Here's a little something that might surprise both of you. You know how I was always into cars and stuff?" I asked towards Corey, to which he nodded at.
"Yeah, you wouldn't stop talking about the fucking Ford gt40 or some shit."
"Dude, that's the nintine sixty-nine Ford gt forty mauk two you're talking about, one of the most badass-looking race cars ever made."
"Whatever dude, where the hell are you going with this?"
"Ok, you remember everyone saying they wouldn't be surprised if they saw me grow up to become a mechanic?" He nods. "Well, turned out I would go on to get a job at some robotics company. At least, the robotic wing of that company I think." Both Corey and Brit put on surprised faces.
"Woah dude, really?" I nod. "What's this place called?" I had to scratch my chin for this.
"I think it was... Oh yeah! I used to work for D.A.R.P.A." At the mention of that facility they both gawk at me.
"Are you fucking me right now!? You worked for fucking DARPA!?" I nod. "Dude. You have to tell me what you did in there."
"You know I can't tell you what we did. Well, I guess one thing I can tell you is that I worked on making robots for the military."
"Oh! Is that how you made Spark and Golden?"
"Spark, yes. Golden, no. He actually comes from a different dimension. Whenever he comes here he's turned into a robot."
"Oh, huh. So there are from different dimensions. Cool. But god dammit you worked for DARPA!" A shudder went up my spine. "Woah, dude, you alright?"
"Yeah. I'm fine. I just can't get this feeling of... dread."
"Really?" I nod. "Huh, any idea what it could be?"
"No, but I have inkling as what, or who, it could be from."
"Who?" Brit asked.
"The girls."
"Who?"
"You know; Twilight, Fluttershy, Rarity, Pinkie-"
"Oooh right, them. Their names are kinda hard to remember."
"Right? They have a weird naming system here... Hey, any of you seen Spark around?"
"Yeah, I think she was in the living room." Corey answered.
"But she isn't there." I peer out the kitchen to the living room. And Spark isn't there.
"She was with us out in the town earlier. I think she's still out n' about." He pauses, as if he thought of something. "Oh dude! How did you, like, make Spark. Last time I knew robots weren't capable of showing emotions n' shit."
"I actually don't know for certain. But I think it has something to do with all the magic here. I didn't program her with the array of emotions she has currently. She developed them on her own."
"Woah. Dude. That's creepy." I quirk up a brow.
"Why?"
"'Cuase doesn't that mean she's gonna get all 'Terminator' on us?" I chuckle. "What?"
"Dude. I already gave her free will. If she were to go 'Terminator' on us she would've done so a long time ago."
"Oh... Huh."
"Yeah, mind blown right?" He nods and I get up, grabbing all our dirty dishes and putting them in the sink. "I'm gonna check on Chrysi." They nod to me and I head to the living room. From the corner of my eye I saw them starting to make out before I leave the kitchen.
-Ch, amateurs.-
=Fuck off Embris, as if you even know how to kiss like that.=
-Of course I do you fucking retard! We're literally parts of Ember! Remember dip-shit!?- I ignored them and made my way to the living room, were Chrysi was still captivated on the couch, staring mindlessly at the t.v.
"You ok there Chrysi?" She flinches when I speak.
"Oh! Uh, hey Ember. How long have you been standing there?"
"Not long. You ok? You've been staring at that thing ever since I woke up."
"Oh, I'm fine. I've just never seen anything like this!"
"Oh."
"I mean. It's a moving picture. I just... I'm speechless. Is there more of your human technology like this?"
"More or less. Almost everything back home has a screen on it these days."
"Wooooooow, that's amazing!"
"Yeah I know." I say smugly, taking the ego boost. But then another shudder rolled through my body.
"Hey, are you ok?" Chrysi suddenly asked.
"Yeah, I'm fine. I just feel like something's happening. I don't like it, making me all paranoid n' shit." I walk over to the window facing the front yard and look out. Seeing nothing in the distance. But I just continued to stare, waiting for this feeling to go away. My dogs, which happen to be laying around in the room, picked up on my feeling and stood up to sit by me, Penny coming to nuzzle my hand. I start petting her head in hopes of getting rid of this feeling. I hate it, I hate how I feel like there's something coming my way, and I don't know what it is. At least I have an idea as what, or who, it might be. Could it be Rainbow? Nah, she doesn't have to gall to come near me at that moment. Then there's Applejack, fuck, it has to be her. Why else would I be dreading something? She obviously went to the girls to tell them how I acted towards her after she tried to apologize for calling my dogs ugly. I mean, it's not like I don't know what I did was wrong, but in my defense. It was,I found out, six in the fucking morning. That night I only got seven hours of sleep. And last time I checked, the average adult need nine to ten hours of sleep. And missing out on that last three hours makes a HUGE difference to me. If even miss out on a half hour my nine to ten hours of sleep. My whole day is ruined, and from happened, I get really irritable, if not downright angry.
"You waiting for somepony Ember?" Chrysi got next me and my dogs without me noticing.
"I guess so. I can't help but feel I'm waiting for someone."
"Oh, what for?"
"I... don't know. But if it's what I think it's for. I'm not gonna stick around." I keep staring out the window, waiting.
"Why?"
"Remember when Aj came by two days ago?" I turn to her and she nods slowly, apprehension slowly forming. "Well, I think it has something to do with her. And maybe Rainbow."
"Oh... Wait, so you're not going to talk to them?"
"I rather not. At least, not until I don't get the feeling to punch them whenever I see them." She winces.
"Then.. what are you going to do if they come?"
"I don't know, maybe head into the Everfree?"
"But that's crazy!" She gawks at me.
"You know I can handle myself in there for as long as I need to."
"I know, but..." I quirk up a brow.
"But what?" It takes her some time to respond.
"Nothing." I keep staring at her with my brow raised.
*She hiding something.* "Alright." I turn back to the window and freeze at what I saw. There, in the distance, coming right down the path to my house, are the girls. Including Rainbow. And if I'm seeing things correctly, they all have determined looks. Besides Fluttershy, she looks like she'd rather be home than here.
"Why do I have to be right?" I state dryly.
"What?" She turns to the window. "Oh."
"I'll be back... sometime." I look to my dogs. "Stay." I gave them treats before I head outside and start walking towards the forest, the last fucking thing I want to do at this time is talk to Applejack or Rainbow. And I am going to make damn sure that I see to it. At least, until I manage to keep calm around them.
"There he is! Ember!" And I made the stupid decision of leaving through the front door. Greeeeaaaate. "Ember!" I just keep walking towards the Everfree. Like Fluttershy's place, my house sits at the edge of town. So it's not much of a walk to find the one path the leads into the forest. I can hear galloping behind me. So you know what I did? I took to the air with one, hard, flap of my draconic wings. I was in the air and over the Everfree in no time until Twilight caught up to me.
"Ember!" Of course, Rainbow didn't come along.
"Yeah?" I start scouting for a hole in the tree canopy, somewhere to land.
"Do you mind telling me why Applejack was a nervous wreck when her sister brought me to her farm?"
"Didn't Aj tell you?"
"Well, yes, but-"
"Then I don't to tell you."
"But, why!?" I turn my head towards her.
"It was early in the morning, she called my dogs ugly, and it was early in the fucking morning. And I hate mornings."
"Really!? That's what this is all about!?" She yells in an exasperated tone, with of irritation and anger.
"Pretty much."
"Ugh! You never make sense!"
"Since when is anything supposed to make sense, Twilight?" I ask rhetorically. I spot a large enough hole in the trees and head for it. I glance behind me and see that Twi is staring at me with a weird expression, as if I had a second nose on my forehead before landing. I flip her the bird for fun before I walk aimlessly around the forest.
Ok so, walking in this place has given me time to calm down and get my mind straight. Despite there being the nearly constant abuse of a manticore or a timberwolf. At least I can make quick work of them. But nevermind that, right now I need to reevaluate things. I know I can forgive Aj and Rainbow if they ever decide to say sorry. Again for Aj, but I don't think Rainbow would come up to me to say say sorry on her own. No, she's too full of pride to go in her own, she's always gonna need her friends to make her do that.
Figures for the Element of Loyalty. Am I right?
Besides all that bullshit, something is watching me in this forest. What it is, it hasn't decided to attack me. Probably doesn't want to end up as a pile of meat. I'll give it that. GAH! Dammit there's too much going through my head! URGH I need to stop thinking about the girls!
"Damnit!" I cast a gauntlet over my hand and punch a tree. Taking a chunk off of it. I then hear some snickering in the background. "And you can stop spying on me you prick!" A gasp is what I get.
"How did it hear us?" Oh, so there's more than one? Great.
"I can hear you idiots! You can either fuck off or stay and have me find your dumbasses!"
"Hey! We're not donkeys!" I see two changelings jump out from a bush. Both taking defensive stances. "Who are you anyway? We've never seen anything like you!"
"Name's Ember. Human." I answer, at that they both freeze.
"Wait, you're that human the hive's been talkin' about?"
"Do you know any other human that exists in this place? And what 'hive' are you talking about?"
"Oh, right! Uhh..." One of them pensively puts a holed hoof to its chin. "You remember those changelings that came by your... home, a long time ago?"
"Yeah?"
"Well, they're part of our hive. And I guess a hive is like... all our minds are connected."
"Oh! Like bees or ants?"
"I guess so."
"Ok, but explain why you two were following me. Now."
"We were bored." One of them simply states.
"Ah. Ok, see ya then." I wave to them before I start walking off. Hopefully they would-
"Hey! Wait!" Oh of course not. Why are the populace of this planet so painfully predicable?
"What do you want?" I say with as much irritation I could pour into a simple sentence. They both cower back a little, but push on with what they want to say.
"Um, can you, come back to the hive with us?"
"Why should I?"
"We... The Queen requests you come with us."
"And if decline?" They pause, as if listening to something. Must be that 'hive mind' thing they mentioned.
"We're just asking if you could come with us. The queen has some questions she would like to ask you." I weighed my options: On one hand, I get to meet a few changelings, and their queen, and maybe learn about these things. Or option two, go back home and deal with the girls.
Since when was there a choice anyway?
"Sure, why not? I'll go." They smile me. Those fang-filled maws almost put me off since they're smiling like maniacs.
"Follow us please!" They both chime at the same time. I wonder if they're twins.
Anyway, they both lead through the forest, onto a path the eventually ended at some ominous-looking cave. With some kind of grey gunk covering part of the cave mouth. i follow them into the cave, which proved to be a challenge as it got dark once we were deep in the cave.
"You guys mind if I give myself some light? Kinda hard for me to see in here."
"Sure." I heard one of them say. "Just don't make it too bright."
"Got it." I hold my hand up and a little ball of light flickers to existence. Emitting a dull glow that allowed me to see the two changelings I was following. Along with the many that made this place their home, some fliched when the light meet their eyes, some glanced at me, and others just plain didn't care, all their eyes glowing as soon as the light shown. The glow wasn't enough to see how big the cave was, but I had a damn good idea as to how big it was. Since I noticed all the tiny little echos that rang around the cave. I hazard to guess that where I stand a small, five bedroom, house would easily fit in here. I kept my focus on the two bugs in front of me until they lead to a large, semi-lit room. Which struck me as odd since this was a cave, and that it was lit. Did they carve out this room? And how are those crystals giving off light.
"We brought the human, your majesty." I heard one of them say. I turn to where, or who rather, it was talking to. And see that I was about ten yards behind them and that there was a crude throne at the opposite side of the semi-lit room. And this room was more like a theatre it was that huge. On either side of the path that lead to the throne, sat tables upon tables of rock where changelings milled about each other, except that they were all silent even before I walked in here. And all their eyes were glued to me. Some had blank looks, some looked to be surprised, and others were just cast bored looks at me. I remember that I was supposed to be following the changelings that lead me here and walked over to them. Stopping just behind them.
"I see, thank you forty-two and fifty-seven. You are free to go." They bow and leave the room. "You all may go, I wish to speak with this creature in private." All the changelings in the massive room grumble and leave, closing the huge doors I failed to notice behind them with a resounding thud.
"So this is the human that spared my children some time ago?" She asks me. Since I'm mere yards away from her I got to get a good look at her. At least, I assume it female. It had this double-toned voice that resembled a woman's voice.
"That'd be correct." I answer. She smiles softly at me. A large set of vampire-like fangs protrude from her upper-jaw.
"I must thank you for doing so. And I assume you didn't notify the ponies of our presence?" I nod. "Again, many thanks." She takes on a thankful/relieved expression. "It is difficult to find a sufficient source of love without... running into ponies."
"I can imagine. What with the whole Chrysalis fiasco." She shoots me a critical look when I mention Chrysalis.
"How do you know that?"
"A friend of mine told me. It's more or less common knowledge that she tried to take over Canterlot."
"Oh, I see..." She trails off with a thoughtful look on her face.
"If I may ask," I try to steer the convo in a different direction. "why is it hard for you to get love? And you feed on that emotion, right?" I feign ignorance I probably fucked up by asking why it's hard for them.
"We have been reduced to trapping animals and drawing love from them, it's enough to keep us feed. But not enough to keep us healthy. And yes, we do feed on love."
"I see..." I mull over what she said. They can get love from animals? How intelligent are these fucking animals? "Well, maybe I can help with the love problem?" She shoots me a skeptical glare.
"How can you, a human, possibly help us?"
"Well, the ponies of a town I live in accepted me fairly quickly. Why not you and your changelings?"
"They accepted you because one of your kind didn't try, and fail, at capturing a city."
"Oh please," I drawl. "Look at me!" I wave a hand at me. "I look more like a monster than you to those ponies! No offence."
"Hmm... I see your point. And none taken." She agrees. "But," damnit. "how would you go about helping us?"
"Simple," I respond. "since most ponies see me as a friend. I can introduce you, or some changelings, to them as friends of my own. And then later explain to them that there are more of you on the brink of starvation. And if I know these ponies, which I mostly do. They'll get all sappy and waste no time helping you all out." I pause. "Though... there may be a few that might not like the idea." A few of them being Rainbow and Twilight. Especially Twilight.
"..." She didn't immediately respond.
"... Say, you mind if I do somethin?"
"Hmm?"
"It's just a spell that shows me your anatomy. So can I? I'm a little curious as to how your body functions."
"... I suppose. It is the least I can do since you are willing to help us. Just don't try anything funny."
"Got it." I say before I prep the spell Twi taught me. I focus my magic on a mental mantra as the spell manifested and wreathed itself over the queen. And an x-ray of the queen soon took form mentally. *Interesting. No liver, no digestive track, no kidneys, no spleen, large unknown organ, could be egg sack if what I assume is correct sitting where the digestive tract would be, yup, definitely that. And bodily functions are slower than normal human functions, could be due to the shortage of sustenance. Or it could be natural for them.* "Interesting." I absentmindedly comment.
"What was that?"
"Uh. I was just saying you changelings have an interesting biology. Do you happen to know any male counterpart to a queen?" She grins widely.
"Of course! Guards!" The doors swing open and two changelings in awesome dark armor approach us. "Go get, him." They nodded and left, closing the doors behind them. "They will return with what you need. In the meantime. Would you like to talk?"
"Sure, I'm game. Thought, I would still like to ask a few questions."
"Well, by all means, ask away." She reclines in her throne to get into a relaxed position.
"Alright, how do changelings work as a whole?"
"We operate as one unit when it comes to making home home every changeling has their job."
"Ok. Then when it comes to gathering food?"
"I have my children form teams of no less than ten whenever I have them gather more love for the hive."
"Cool. How about individually?"
"My children... are not the most social group. Why would they? Their only purpose is to serve their Queen. Me."
"Does that mean they each don't have a separate personality?"
"Oh no. My children are all unique. They just don't go making friends. They don't need to."
"And yet they work together for certain things?"
"As I have said. Their purpose to serve me."
"I see... How do you feed?"
"This is... hard to explain to a non-changeling." She stated.
"Well, I ain't gonna be leaving anytime soon."
"Very well. Let us start from the beginning. When love is shared between two ponies for example. Their love is directed at each other. Now. My children can do one of two things: Take the place of one of those ponies. Or take one or both of them back to the hive." I was about to ask how they feed but she continued, seeing my confused face. "Love has to be directed to a changeling in order for it to feed. Whether it be forcefully taken or unknowingly."
"Oh... how do you take it forcefully?"
"Ah... We... incapacitate our victim and insert them in one of our many pods."
"'Pods'?"
"A shell we use to keep ponies alive and healthy. It is filled with this viscous fluid that is full of nutrients that ponies need to not starve."
"I see. Then how do you go about extracting love from them like that?"
"We have spells that keep them asleep with memories of their loved ones repeating themselves in their dreams."
"So that's how you do it..." Mutter under my breath.
"Excuse me?"
"Oh. I've just always been curious about changelings ever since I heard about them-" The doors open and I turn to see who just entered. It was the same two armored changelings from before but now there was a much bigger changeling between them. And it looked much different from the Queen. First thing I noticed was the large scorpion-like stinger stuck out from where its tail would be. And then it had this webbing where a mane would be, looked like it belonged to some type of fish, and it had fangs that stuck out like that of a saber-toothed tiger. And its eyes were a bright red. They were just the Queens, almost dragon-like. But instead of being a bright blue, his were a solid garnet color. He looked fearsome with eyes that color. And in combination with the gnarled horn and legs full of holes made him look all the more threatening.
"What the hell is that thing!?" He asked in disgust as he looked at me. I quickly glance back at the Queen. Mouthing 'Can I?'. And she obliged, I grin widely and turn back to him.
"I am a human. And I don't take kindly to insults like that." I walk closer to him, with he being bound at the hooves he couldn't move much. Plus the two armored changelings kept him in place. And bent over to get close to his face. "So this is going to happen in one of two ways; one, you apolog-" he spat at my face. Right at my cheek just before my lips. And that pissed me off. So you know what I did? I stood back up, wipe my face of the spit with my magic, cast a gauntlet over my right hand, and deliver thee, most, satisfying punch to the jaw I have ever given. And it felt good. There was a loud *CRACK* and he fell to the floor. |
My little Escapade | Chapter 38: Taking the Week off... | "I fucking looove doing that." I say with a bit too much of enthusiasm.
"That much is plain." I turn back to the Queen. She has a somewhat surprised expression. "But I believe you had me call him here for a reason?"
"Oh! Right." I turn back to the guy and cast the same spell as with the queen. His jaw broken so I fixed it. Can't have a correct x-ray if bones are broken. That also caught me off guard. I already knew they had chitin instead of skin. But they also have a skeleton. *Maybe they molt or something.* "Say, do changelings molt? If you know what that means?" I ask as I prep the anatomy spell.
"Yes, we do." So I was right then. Fascinating!
"Huh. Odd."
"What is?" I cast the spell on the 'King' I assume and turn back to the Queen.
"You have both an exoskeleton and an endoskeleton." She raises a brow at me. "Chitin and a skeleton."
"Oh." She said. "Why is that odd to you?"
"Well, where I come from it's one or the other. No one creature has both."
"Oh..." An x-ray image of the Kings anatomy manifests in my head. It's similar to the Queen, only differences being the stinger. And looks to be the exact same as a scorpion. Same glands and all. And that there was this empty space where the intestines would be. Or rather this sack-looking thing that lead up to his mouth. Storage maybe? And then I had to take a look at his haunches, yup, definitely male.
"I have what I need." I turn back to the Queen.
"Very well. Take him back to his room." She instructs the changelings and they do so without missing a heartbeat. "Is that all?" She kindly asks.
"If this next part doesn't fail, no. If it does, yes."
"What do you mean?" I didn't answer, verbally anyway. I close my eyes and focus on the results of the spell I cast earlier. Using the detailed image as my catalyst. I felt my magic course through my being before I felt my body change. My legs got shorter, my wings became smaller and more insect-like, my tail changed as well, becoming longer and more maneuverable. I lost feeling to my hands and feet, and I was forced into a quadrupedal stance. Once the spell subsided and as the last of it lingered around my hip area I open my eyes. Nothing is immediately different, but my body felt alien. I expected that.
"It worked!" I say happily, I can feel the large fangs poking my bottom lips. Feels kinda weird to talk with a mouth full of sharp teeth. Although there are some molars towards the back. They're just sharper from canine to front teeth. "It worked!" I repeat, and wow my voice is different. It gained the double-tone with and it sounded much more gruff and deep. I sound a lot like Liam Neeson, just with that epic double-tone effect that makes it sound all the more badass. "Oh, hell yeah." I look down at myself and see my new forelegs. Holes litter the middle section while the hoof and upper-arm are left untouched. And I can a black muzzle poking out at the bottom of my eyes. All these new features! I don't even know where to start.
"What... just happened?" Oh yeah, I was talking to her before the spell took effect.
"I just used a transformation spell a friend taught me to turn myself into a changeling." I answer nonchalant.
"A transformation spell!?" She shrieked.
"Yeah. What?"
"How could you pull off such a complicated spell without any help?"
"Simple. It's all thanks to the Alicorn Amulet." Her eyes widen.
"The Alicorn Amulet!? She shrieked once again."
"Yeah. I have complete control control over it's magic if you're worried about that."
"H-how do I know?" She asked in a somewhat demanding and sceptical tone.
"I already would've done something to you and your children if I was influenced by it." She managed to calmed down enough to not sound utterly terrified.
"Oh. I see. I should no problems with that... thing?"
~I really hate how she called me a thing like that~
"Correct." *Relax Ruby. Besides Celestia and Luna. I'm the only one that knows you're more than a powerful piece of jewelry.* "You won't have to worry about me and the Amulet."
~Yes, don't remind me.~ Ruby said bitterly.
"Good."
"Anyway, how do I look?" Might as well find out if I look alright as a changeling from a changeling, right? *Don't be like that! Not much is known about you, and if you really think about it, none of your... history is really your fault. It's always been whoever used you.*
"I... What?" She asks,dumbfounded.
~I suppose you're right...~
*Now that's the spirit!* Ruby saw the irony in that statement and chuckled. "How do I look?" I repeat while striking a pose as best I could. I crossed my forelegs while I stutted my backside towards to the side. All while making a pout just for shits and giggles. Got her to laugh so I can care less.
"I must admit. You do look... rather dashing as a changeling." She said that with a tone that suggested something I don't like. "I've especially never seen a Changeling King with Yellow eyes." Oh yeah, I gotta look awesome with yellow dragon eyes.
"Oh yeah, that reminds me. How diverse are changelings? I mean like, what physical differences are there?"
"What a changeling looks like completely depends on their queen. If a Queen has large wings for example, her children will have large wings."
"I see, and if you have a daughter that will replace you in time?"
"Ah, my princess." She says soulfully. "Yes, what traits she retains will be both from the King and Queen." Really? Well that explains why Chrysalis's eyes were teal, as far as Twilight has told me, and the Chrysi's eyes were a dull grey. I just wonder how much diversity there is.
"Cool. So, moving to more important matters. Can you teach me some changeling magic? Like shapeshifting and things like that?"
"I will. Come." She motions with a hoof to get closer. Figuring I would need practice in this new body. I take slow, calculated steps with my new limbs. It... actually doesn't take much to get used to. At least, the way I did it anyway. Let me put it like this: Are very imaginative? If so you know what I mean by 'getting used to it'. I just simply created an image of a pony walking, and mimic the motions of each leg. When I get that done next cantering, and galloping. Those two speeds might get some more getting used too. And flying! I can't forget trying to fly.
Anyway. I walk up to the Queen and stop just a foot before here.
"Closer." She says. "And tilt you head down." I take a step closer and do as she says. I just wonder why-
She touched her horn to mine.
Instantly my mind is assaulted with knowledge. A shiver ran up my spine as this weird feeling of alien knowledge filled my brain. I quickly went away, leaving me with...
"Did you just do what I think you just did?" She nodded. "But... How?"
"It is just something we changelings can do. Plus this was much more easy compared to physically teaching you."
"Mm... Fair point. So now I can change looks..." Who should I try to be first? Hmm... Ah! Coery!
*FWOOSH!* My vision is filled with yellow fire for a second and fades as soon as it came. I look down at myself and see that I'm covered in fur, I'm even wearing the same clothes he was when we last met back on Earth.
"Fucking coooool..." I say.
"Excuse me?"
"Yes?"
"Could you not change while this close to me? I was nearly burnt by your flames."
"Oh! Sorry!" I back away. "Now how do I change back..?" Another flash of yellow and my perspective changes. "Wow. That easy?"
"I assume so."
"Nice..."
-Not to burst your bubble or anything, but we should probably go back home.-
*Right.* "Well, this has been a fun few... however long this has been. But I think I need to go now. I have a few things I would like to take care of. You know where my house is, right?"
"Yes, I do."
"Would it be ok if... I guess three of your children come to my house tomorrow? ... Wait, no, scratch that." I say as a new thought came to mind. "How about... a week? I just remembered that I need to get things situated back home. Is that ok?" She nods. "Cool!" I look behind. "Uh, can you have one or two of your changelings escort me out of here? Kinda don't know where to go to leave."
"Of course." She closes her eyes and the same armored changelings walk in. "Escort... I don't Believe I ever got you name."
"It's Ember. And I can say the same for you."
"Queen Mirage," She turns back to the changelings. "Escort Ember back to the entrance." They nod towards her and nod their head in a 'follow me' sorta way and leave with me close behind. And holy shit my human eyes got nothing on these new eyes. "Oh, and Ember?" I turn back to her. "Just a warning, but stay on the path. It will eventually lead outside the forest." Give her a thankful nod and continue following my escort. Anyway, I can see perfectly in the dark. In no time they lead me to the exit, as I leave they even wave at me. Which highly unusual if what Mirage has told me. Did I really make that good of an impression on them? Well, I am helping them out with their whole near starvation thing. I guess that makes sense...
Anyway. I decided to teach myself how to canter and gallop while I headed back home. It was easy to keep a steady canter pace, I just needed to speed up my normal pace. But to gallop was a challenge. It felt weird trying to gallop, I basically had to synchronize my forelegs to some kind of downward pulling motion while I had to do the same in the back but with a pushing motion everytime each end hit the ground. It was also a pain in the ass to gallop just like a horse would. I couldn't run like a dog, no, that would be weird to them. I had to separate each leg's pace so they would each hit the ground at a different time than the rest. Ugh, this is just so... Weird! At least I'm getting used to it.
And at least I didn't fall about ten times on my face trying. Naw...
Anywho... After practicing for who knows how I leave the forest and see Ponyville in the distance. Fluttershy's house a short distance away from me. I could walk over in no time...
~What are you scheming?~
"A test." I respond. "If I can alter some parts of my body to make it look like..." Flames erupt around me again. I look at my side and see a large crack going along my barrel, oozing a yellow substance... "I can feel that."
-Does it hurt?- Embris asked.
"Y-yeah." I look down at my forelegs, and they're covered in cuts and scratches. Same could be said for my hind legs, all-in-all, it looks like I got in a fight with Timberwolves or something. "I th-thought changing my looks just meant that. Not physically altering,"
-In this case, hurting.-
"Shut up." I shake my head. "Let's just go over to Fluttershy's. The pain's getting a little overbearing." I carefully walk over to her place. The trip lasting longer than it should have thanks to my self-inflicted wound. I figured I would have to develop a limp if it would help alleviate some of the pain. Although it did, it just made the trip that much longer.
*Ruby?*
~Yes?~
*Can you make a letter saying I'll be back in a week? And then teleport it to one of the tables home?*
~I believe, though, I haven't tried anything like that before.~
*Well... Might as well try right?*
~I suppose...~ I felt something leave my body while a scroll appeared in front of me, an inkwell and a feather appeared as well. The latter dipping into the former. ~What should I wright?~
*'I'll be back in a week, don't worry about me, I'll be fine'. And write it to corey please.*
~Alright.~ The feather writes out my note, when it's done the inkwell and feather poof into thin air while the scroll rolls up and teleports to some table back home. ~Done, I left on the kitchen table.~
*Thank you Ruby.*
~You're welcome.~ My mind falls silent as I trudge on, the pain on my side becoming a dull, but still very noticeable, throb. I don't know if it's still bleeding, and I didn't care enough to look back at it. I was within mere meters of Fluttershy's. And she's outside, perfect.
-How do you think she'll react?-
*If I know her well enough, she'll freak out at first, and probably hide behind Mr. Bear.*
=It's fucking weird that everyone calls him Mr. Bear. And that he's ok with it.=
-Emby, we've been over this!-
*Not now guys. I don't want to get a fucking headache. The pain is enough.*
-=Whatever.=- They both mutter. I'm close enough that I can call out to her. But I decided against it. Letting her notice me would be less of a scare for her.
*When will she turn AROUND!?* I think to myself, she's been doing whatever she's been doing this whole time with her back towards. Looks like she tending to some of the animals.
As if hearing my thought. She turns around to continue with... tending I think. She instead notices me and squeaks out a sorta loud 'eep'. And takes refuge behind the huge bear. All the animals look at her weirdly before looking at the same direction she did before flipping out. And promptly scatter upon seeing me. The hide wherever they can, I never cared enough to look where they hid. I was busy keeping up the act of a wounded changeling.
*I just hope those drama classes back in highschool paid off.* I think before falling on my side that doesn't have a large gash. And look at the bear pleadingly. As beast as I could, with having to get used to a new facial structure and all. Mr. Bear looked at me curiously as Fluttershy dared a peek from behind him. Upon seeing me clearly in my 'wounded' state. Her initial fear is replaced with concern.
"Oh my goodness!" She bolted out from behind Mr. Bear and got close to me. Taking cautious steps until she was about a foot away from me. I just gave her a defeated look as she spotted the crack in my chitin. "Oh my, you're really hurt..." I can taste the sympathy coming off her. No, I literally can. Those... instructions I guess? Mirage gave me tells me I can feed off positive emotions, not just love. And that I can just drawn it towards with my magic. I don't know how it's possible to do it. I can just do it. And right now it's tasting like mint ice cream.
*No, really? I thought I was just a little tired.*
-Nice.- I force out a groan.
"Oh! I should go get help!" She casts a concerned glance at me. "But... you're a changeling."
"And... that matters... because?" I mutter. She jumps when I talk.
"Oh... um... it's because... my friends... They... they don't like changelings."
"What?" I pick my head up slightly. "Ugh, whatever." I lay back down. "I don't even need them to help me. It can... just be... you..." I pretend to lose consciousness and fall silent.
"Mister?" She called to me. "Mister!?" I hear her rush to me and touch a hoof to my shoulder. "Mister! Please wake up!"
"Ugh... what?" I groggily respond as I open my eyes. She got very close to my face.
"Uh." She stood back up at light-speed. "Umm..." She went silent. Looking at a blade of grass that seemed interesting to her for whatever reason.
"Ugh. If you're not going to help me, then just leave, and let me lie here." Ruby! Cast a sleeping spell! I wanna see what she's gonna do with me after I 'pass out'.* I was enjoying this a bit too. But I could care less, Fluttershy had no idea, nor will she ever have any idea, that it was me. I felt the spell hit me like a truck and I fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.
"-any idea what could've happened to you!? You've been ponynapped! Or worst!" I loud, familiar voice shouted through something that muffled the voice.
*Right, Twilight. I must be in the hospital again.* I flutter my eyes open to quickly adjust to the light. And sure enough. I'm laying in an oh-so-familiar bed, in an oh-so-familiar room. I survey my body and see that my barrel is covered in a loooot of bandages. A big yellow spot on my side where the crack is. *Huh, they actually took care of me.*
"But, but-"
"But nothing Fluttershy! He's a changeling! They are nothing but trouble! Monsters!" Wow, ok. I know she has a thing against changelings. I didn't know it was this bad. I heard nothing for a few seconds, then the sound of hooves on tile greeted my ears before it faded.
"Uh... Twilight. Ah think you went a bit too hard on Fluttershy." I heard Aj say with a clearly pissed tone. "Ya need to go apologize her,"
"But-"
"Now." Oh jesus I never heard Aj like that. Twilight let out a defeated sigh and walked away. "Now let's check on this fella, from what Fluttershy said he should be out cold." I heard some mumbles of agreement as the knob on the door turned and the door opened. The four mares walk in and freeze at seeing me fully awake.
"Hello." I greet them. Keeping a straight face. "Where am I?" Applejack decided to speak up.
"Ya'll in Ponyville. What're you doin' here?"
"Can't remember. Last thing I do remember was being chased by some lion thing with wings and a tail like mine." I flex my stinger tail to accentuate my point. They all flinch when my tail rises, but relax when nothing else happens.
"Ya ran into a Manticore? What's a changeling doing in the Everfree forest?"
"Reasons."
"Oooookaay..."
"I'm sorry. I just can't tell you. So can we move on?"
"Alright... Can ya at least tell us what're ya doin' here?"
"Food." They cast critical looks at me. The color draining from their faces.
"F-food?" Aj sutters. "As in, love?"
"Yes, that." I coolly answer. "Are you going to allow me to feed?"
"What!? No!" She yells.
"Alright! Sheesh, calm down. I was just asking-"
"Ah don't care whether you were askin' 'r not! We don't want the likes of you in our town!" Aj exploded, causing me to recoil slightly.
"Hold, on Applejack." Rarity spoke up. "Let me handle this." The still fuming apple pony looked at her before stepping back, giving Rarity the center of attention.
"You said that you asking if you could... feed. Correct?" She asked as soon as took the floor. I nod. "So you weren't just... taking it from other ponies?" I shake my head.
"I may be starving a bit, but even I have ethics." That simple statement caught the four of them off guard. Even Rainbow dropped the angry glare she was giving me the whole time. Replacing it by lowering her jaw all the way to the floor. "What?"
"I... I... ah." Oh man, even Rarity is at a loss for words. This is epic! "I... I just... would never think that, a changeling, of all things" she muttered that last part. "would be capable of developing ethics and morals."
"Did you just call me a thing?" Rarity blanched, if that's even possible. "I am a changeling. And I am just as much capable of anything you are! What am I to you ponies? A monster!?" I nearly 'lost' my cool at her. I started getting off the bed I was laying before my side said otherwise. "Gah! Damnit! Stupid manticore." I mutter.
"Uh, we kinda do take ya for a monster." Rainbow said.
"What? Why?"
"Well, some changelings did try to take over Canterlot a while back."
"What?" I stare at her dumbly. "Who would be stupid enough to do that?"
"The Queen of the changelings. Chrysalis." Aj answered in a sour tone.
"Oooooooh, her," I say with venom dripping my fangs. Figuratively speaking, I've no idea if my fangs actually have venom. "I heard the rumors, I didn't think they were true. Ugh, stupid hatchling."
"Uh, come again?" Aj asked.
"Nothing. It's just... Who in the right mind would try to take over a city where two of the most powerful beings in Equestria just happen to reside in?" It was getting really difficult to not sound like a human that knows the intimate details of this planet and the ponies. I had to force myself not to say anything that would normally sound human. Well, as normal as anyone can get. "An idiot, that's who."
"So yer sayin' that, despite them bein' yer own kind, you think she's an idiot?"
"Of course! Only a moron like her with a hive on the brink of starvation would do something so stupid."
"Wait." Rainbow interjected. "You mean to tell us, that her... hive thing. Was starving to death?"
"More or less. If anything she and her hive must be dead already, they got shot to the badlands, right?" Rarity nods. "Good. Fu- Bucking idiot." I nearly slipped with cursing. Eh, as if they'll even notice. "At least her hive didn't suffer much. If they didn't survive." I look at the ponies before me, all giving me mortified faces. "What? She deserves it!"
"Uh. We understand where yer comin' from. Just to hear ya say so bluntly..."
"Whatever, it's the past." I wave a hoof dismissively. "But can we move onto a different topic?" Four nods of agreement later and Rainbow starts asking me questions. Well, more like demanding answers. With how she's up in my face n' all.
"Ok buddy, you better tell us why you're here or else!" Rainbow flew up to me, coming to a hover just above my bed with her face not too far away from mine.
"Oh, I don't know," I reply sarcastically. "probably because I was hurt badly and I didn't want to die in a forest?" What I said completely came out of left field for her. She just stared at me dumfounded as she continued to hover just above me. "If it wasn't for that. You all wouldn't here. And would still be that forsaken forest looking for food."
"But," Rainbow recovered. "how did you even end up in the Everfree Forest of all places? It's like, the worst forest in ever!"
"Don't worry about that." I say. "I was hoping we would talk about leaving."
"Why do you wanna leave? Don't you wanna stick around so I can throw you a party?" Pinkie somehow came to the side of my bed without me noticing. I look at here and she's giving me the puppy-dog eyes.
"For starters. I am clearly not welcome here. If what I heard from out that door is anything to go by." All their ears flatten and fold themselves in on their respective heads.
"Ya heard that?" I nod. "Oh..."
"So without further adue." I start getting up from my bed, trying to not cause as much pain as possible. Before I could get off the though, a white hoof pressed itself on my shoulder and forced back onto my bed.
"I'm sorry darling, but we can't let you do that." I scowl at her.
"Why not?"
"Because you're hurt."
"As if you care."
"Oh, but we do." What?
"Huh?"
"It's obvious that you're not like the changelings we... *ahem* met, in Canterlot long ago. And the fact that you didn't just steal our love from anypony, or do anything to Fluttershy, that poor dear, gives me enough reason that you're different." Huh... can't argue with that kind of logic. |
My little Escapade | Chapter 39: The Ugly Truth | "Can't argue with that kind of logic." I remark. "But what does that mean for me? Can at least leave when I'm well and better?"
"Of course ya can!" Aj did a complete one-eighty. Going from seething with rage to sunshine and rainbows in a heartbeat. "That is if'en you wanna leave by the time yer all better!"
"That's not what I meant." I explain. "I mean, will I ever get to leave this... Hospital right?" I turn to Rarity for confirmation and she nods. "Thanks. But judging from your reactions I think it would just be better if I just left as soon as I'm well." Just then a thought comes to mind. "Say, how did... whoever take care of me, go about doing it? I mean, how did they react?"
"They didn't even bat an eye at you darling!" Rarity happily answered. "Although, he was a little put off, since I don't think he's never seen a changeling before. But other that, nopony seemed to care."
"Huh... that's new." I absentmindedly mutter.
"How so?"
"Last time somepony saw me she left and came back with a mob holding pitchforks and torches."
"Oh..."
"Moving on. Remember when I said I was starving a little?" The four mares nod. "Well..?" I left the question hanging. They knew what I meant.
And they were all too happy to give what I asked for.
Especially Pinkie, who jumped on top of me giving me a hug that threatened to crush my lungs. At least the chitin did it's job protecting me. And that she didn't get close to my side where it would've hurt, a lot. It just makes me wonder how scarily accepting these ponies are. I am willing to be my wings that I can take over this place in a matter of months just by hiding as a pony and maintaining a good natured attitude. Then dethrone the princesses with some kind of revolution or something.
Anyway, with that in mind I used my newly learned... I guess I can called them 'techniques' since I just used magic to draw all the positive emotions towards me? Eh, I'll come up with a better name later. Right now I was actually getting pretty hungry, skipping out on breakfast and lunch does that to a person. And holy shit this love stuff is delicious, it may not be a physical things but god damnit it's tasty, reminds me of... cotton candy with a mix of mint chocolate. Pinkie's hug caught me by surprise, but I returned it. There was this... warmth that spread out through my entire being as I 'fed'. And pretty soon I was feeling a bit full so I stopped and released my hold on Pinkie. She hopped back with her huge, trademarked grin. But she replaces it with a gasp when she looks at me. In fact, the others are looking at me with astonished looks.
"What? Something on my face?" I reach up with a hoof and feel for any foreign objects, crossing to eyes to look for anything on my muzzle. * swear to god Pinkie if you somehow got spit on my face-*
"Omigosh! You're blue!"
"Huh?" I take my hoof off my face and look at it. And true to Pinkie's words. It was a nice shade of navy blue. And that carapace thing I didn't until now is a lighter shade of blue. *Oh yeah, I wonder what that's for?* I saw the same thing on Mirage of that other king changeling. But I never asked what the purpose of it was. "Been a while I've seen myself like this."
"Does that mean you're all better?" Pinkie asked. As soon as I nodded she let out a loud 'yay' and started cheering that I was better. Heh, it just reminded me of the scene in that old Spongebob movie when him and Patrick were chanting "We're gonna be men, we're gonna be men." Funny movie, funny movie...
"Does that mean that that gash on yer side is gone?" Aj asked, pointing a hoof to my side.
"I dunno, let's find out. And it's a crack in my chitin." I said with a smile as I used my magic to remove the bandages. It was a bit painful as the adhesive was particularly strong. But then again, it could've been fur or feathers I was removing them from. Yeah... kinda glad I decided to go with a changeling.
Once I removed the bandages I saw that the aforementioned crack was nowhere to be seen.
"It's... gone." She muttered. "Huh, well I guess that means ya can go." She said with a slightly noticeable snide smirk.
"Well, I don't I want to go juuuust yet. You four have been the nicest ponies I've ran into in years, after all."
"Does that mean you'll stay?" Rainbow asked with enthusiasm.
"I guess so." I answer.
"Aw yeah!" She threw a hoof in the air. "I get to be friends with a changeling!" I that why she was so excited? "And I get to show you all my cool stunts!" Oh, of course.
"Why am I already starting to regret this?" I ask no one in particular.
"You'll get used to her antics." Rarity giggled. "Eventually." She added.
"It's gonna take a lot of getting used to if she's going to be like that all the time. Is she?"
"Rainbow has her moments."
"Greeaat." I mutter. "Oh, that reminds me. I never got your names." She smiles brightly at this.
"I am Rarity. Proud owner of the Carousel Boutique! Where every dress is chic! Perfic! And magnific!"
"Name's Applejack partener." She tips her hat towards me.
"My name's Rainbow Dash! Fastest flier in all of Equestria!" She flaps her wings a few times to prove her point.
"My name's Pinkie Pie!" The pink mare excitedly stated. "What's your name?"
"Changelings know me by King Metamorphosis. But you can call me Metamorphosis." Pinkie puts a hoof to her chin.
"Hmm... I like Meto!"
"What?"
"Don't much about it. Pinkie gives everypony she meets a nickname." Rarity whispers to me.
"Oh..."
"You might as well get used to it dear." She then let out a snicker. "Meto does sound better than saying your full name." I give her a very unamused stare. She laughed at my expense.
"You know I can mock you on a level that noo-pony else can right?" She instantly clammed up. "Thought so." I smirk playfully. "Though, now that's really tempting."
"No! Please don't! You don't even know me! Besides, how could possibly mock me?" She adopted a smirk of her own.
"You just happen to be in the line of fashion and tend to exaggerate on certain situations and outright hate any kind of dilemma that involves clothing, always nitpicking at what you consider 'poor fashion sense' that other ponies posses. Am I right? Or is it makup?" Her jaw hit the floor with the weight of about fifty pounds. "Well?"
"You... you're completely right..." The other girls heard what I said and gawked at me. "But... how?"
"I'm a changeling, remember? I have to know this kind of stuff if I want a good disguise."
"Ah, well. That makes sense."
"Yeah, anyway. Who were the voices I heard earlier?"
"That was Twilight and Fluttershy." Aj answered. "They were... uh... well, more like Twilight yellin' at Fluttershy 'bout bringing you to the hospital."
"Oh, which one of them has a yellow coat and a light pink mane?"
"That'd be Fluttershy. Why do ya ask?"
"Oh. I need to go find her."
"Why?" The mares adopted confused looks.
"So I can thank her for helping me out? Something like that." I reply sarcastically.
"Oh, well. First we need ta go check on 'em." Aj turned to leave. "Rainbow, how 'bout ya keep Meto here company?"
"You got it Aj!" Rainbow sits on her haunches as Rarity and Aj leave. As soon as the door closes behind them Rainbow states,
"I'm bored."
"I can fix that!" I grinn.
"Uh, how?" The grin grows wider as I change my appearance and hop of the bed.
"Oh my Rainbow," I say with Rarity's voice. "your mane is so unkempt! You should really come by so I can fix it for you!" I mocked the white mare and made Dash laugh her ass off. I kept this up imitating the girls, minus Fluttershy and Twilight for obvious reasons, until the rest of the girls came back.
"Meto, what are ya doin'?" I turn to Aj, she and the girls managed to come in the room without me hearing them. Me and Rainbow's laughter probably must've drowned the door squeaking open out. And they caught me imitating Rarity. Said mare was ready to beat the living shit outa me she looked so mad. I quickly ditch my impersonation and turned to them. Rainbow joining them with a snicker or two.
"Passing the time. And these are the two mares I heard earlier?"
"Yeah, this is Twilight." Aj pointed to the purple mare. "And this is Fluttershy." She then pointed to the cowering mare hiding behind her mane.
"So you're the mare that brought me here?" I asked in a clam, curious tone. She let out a small 'eep' before nodding and trying more to hide. "Well, thanks for that." I had to lower my head so I could be at eye-level with her. I didn;t close or anything, I just tried to not look scary to her.
"Oh, um, y-you're welcome." She really didn't look like she was ok with my saying thank you. Or something like that. I really can't tell with her face mostly covered by her hair.
"No, really." I say in a light tone. "You could've just left me there. But instead you brought me here, even though it was against some better judgment," I cast a sour glare towards Twilight, she only glared back at me. "seriously, you've been the nicest mare I've met in years, Fluttershy, thank you." I pick my head back up and turn the rest, and just now I notice how tall I am compared to the mares. Even as a changeling I was still taller. By about a full head and a half, I might as well be as tall as Big Mac, maybe even taller. "And you're Twlight?" I point to said pony.
"Yes. Why do you ask?" She gave me a scrutinizing stare.
"I'm not one to butt into the lives of friends. But, what I heard was kinda screwed up."
"Yeah Twilight!" Rainbow said. "Why were you even like that towards Fluttershy?"
"Because it's a bucking changeling! He steals love from ponies like a monster!" She shouted jabbing a hoof my direction. The girls all took on shocked look while I just kept a straight face and stared at her. No one responded to her so she turned around to see me mere inches away from her face. She didn't jump back, but flinched a bit.
"I am not a thing." I calmly state. "I am a changeling." She tried to walk backwards to get away from me, but I followed, keeping close. "And I already don't like you. Calling me a monster without knowing anything about me or what I do. I can already tell you have some personal vendetta against us changelings." The girls moved away from as she kept going backwards with me following, never backing away, never blinking, never changing tones, still keeping my cool straight face. I kept my cold, cold stare at the same level as her eyes.
And I was having the time of my life.
"I can already call you and all ponies monsters. You know why?" I didn't wait for an answer. "Because, you ponies have tried your hardest to keep us away from your cities, villages, and towns. Effectively driving us to the point of extinction. I've seen countless hives empty or filled with lifeless bodies of my own kind. And those who still manage to live all weak and withering away. The little fiasco with Chrysalis was nothing more than a mother trying to feed her children. And because of you," I bring up a hoof to jab at her chest. "and your friends. Drove them away, literally launching them to the badlands to die of starvation." I backed her up to a wall, she curled up a bit but I maintained complete eye contact. "Tell me, Twilight, do you feel good about yourself for doing that? Do you sleep soundly at night knowing you aided a mother and her children of a species rotting away starve to death?" She didn't respond, she just gained this thousand-yard stare while her mouth open and closed. Feeling that my work on her was done I straighten back and turn back to the rest. "Shall we go? I would like to see this town in its entirety. Unless the ponies here are like her?" It took a while for any of them to respond,
"Uh, you ain't gotta worry 'bout that. As long as ya stick by us nopony'll bat n' eye at 'cha!"
"Good to know. So you mind showing me around this place? Might as well get used to it since I got nothing else better to do at the moment."
"Sure thing! But I gotta git back ta applebuckin'. Ah'll let the girls take ya 'round town." Then walked out without another word.
"I'm terribly sorry, but I have a few dress orders I need to complete." With the flick of her hair, she walks out the room.
"Anypony else gonna leave?" I ask after a few seconds of no one leaving. I get shaking heads and one traumatized look. "Alright, let's get going with this tour then." The girls nod in agreement, but Rainbow looks back at Twilight.
"Uh, maybe we should take Twi home first." We all look to the broken down mare. She never moved, not even her eyes. And her mouth is still opening and closing.
"Fine. But I am not going near her." Rainbow shrugs and motions for Pinkie to help her. I was about to ask what they were doing but then the two hefted Twi up and onto their backs. Twi didn't seem to even notice her sudden change of posture.
"I didn't think I broke her that badly." Rainbow just shrugged and motioned for us to go. We left the room just as the doctor keeping an eye on was on his way check up on me.
It was Doc Stable.
After his initial shock of apparently seeing me a different color, and after I explained to him a bit of changeling biology I recently discovered. I eventually signed the release forms. Then, after Rainbow and Pinkie dropped Twi at her castle-home, they showed my around the town. Sure I've already been through this, but it was weirdly refreshing. And I even saw a few things I didn't notice last time. Like the residential part of town, turns out this place is divided to a market section and residential section. Kinda like most towns and cities back home.
"And that's pretty much the whole town!" Rainbow concluded. "Whaddya think?"
"Hmm. Not as populated is most of the towns and cities I've been to. But I like that whole, 'everypony knows everypony' thing you got going on here. I don't think I've been to many towns like that."
"So you like it?" Pinkie asked in that bubbly tone of hers.
"Yeah, I kinda like it." I answer and she jumps into the air.
"Yay! I can finally show you this!"
"Uh what-?" She grabbed my right foreleg and dragged me to Sugarcube Corner like a ragdoll. I briefly saw that the others were following me, and that when we got close to the sweets shop there wasn't a single light on. Fortunately for me, she decided to stop just outside the shop so I got to take a good look. The lights were off, I couldn't see anything inside with the sun lowering towards the mountains. Unfortunately for me thought, her sudden stop made me collide with her. And since apparently physics don't apply to her Me slamming into her was like an unstoppable force meeting an immovable object, guess who was which.
"Ugh, my everything." I slowly got up and rubbed my head. "Pinkie, I already have an idea as to what this might be, but seriously? Dragging me like that?" I open my eyes and look around. "Great. I'm talking to myself." Shake my head and look at the building in front of me. The front door was wide open, in the darkness I can see outlines of ponies waiting. I could see any eyes so none of them were looking at me. *Great, a party.*
-Just go with it! What's the worst that could happen?-
*Embris you're a fucking idiot... Ugh, let's just go.* I let out a shigh and walked right in. As soon I was completely inside the door slams close behind. The room fully dark despite the windows being left open for light to bleed in. A few seconds go by before the lights turn on and ponies from ever hiding place I could imagine in the room jumped up and yelled 'Surprise!'. But they stopped halfway when they saw me. All of them stood frozen with unreadable faces. Just as it starting to get awkward Pinkie jumps to my side.
"Hey everypony! This is who I was talking about! Let's partaaaaay!" The crowd erupted into a full-blown clusterfuck of cheering and laughter. All of this, taking place in little more than a few seconds, left me a little shell-shocked. I mean, here I am, as a changeling, -a living being that had found a place in fears of most of these ponies as far as I know- and they're treating as if I was a friendly griffon or something.
Things like this make me question how accepting these ponies are, and what kind of mentality they have.
A slight prodding at my side snapped me out of my stupor.
"Huh?" I look at my right and Pinkie was looking at me, a little concern in her eyes even though she was sporting a wide smile.
"Hey, you ok? You haven't moved from there."
"Oh, sorry. I just, I've just never experienced anything like this." I wave a foreleg over the party. Of course I was lying, but I do have to keep up the act. But in truth, I was just in utter shock at what transpired. "It's a little jarring."
"Oh! Ok! Come on then!" She tried pulling with her, but I pulled my hoof from her vice grip.
"What?"
"Come on!" She said in excitement. "It's about time you found out what fun is!" She then grabbed my hoof again, this time I decided to let her drag me off to whatever she was doing, seeing as I really don't have a choice.
"Pinkie, how is it that the party lasted all night? Don't you ponies need sleep or something?" I asked as I sipped at a cup of coffee. Mrs. Cake was kind enough to provide me with it since I managed to not fall asleep last night.
"Because I'm Pinkie Pie!" She shouted from across the table we were sitting at.
"I know Pinkie, nevermind... Thanks Mrs. Cake." I hold up the cup of sweet bliss to her.
"Anytime dear." The room fell silent as I kept sipping at my coffee. Pinkie eventually got bored and left to go do... whatever it is that mare does to pass the time. I finished my cup and left after handing it to Mrs. Cake and say bye. The sun was already up and ponies were milling about. I saw a few I recognized at the party. Whenever they saw me they waved at me, and I waved back. I was contemplating what to do. I literally had nothing to do, nor anything I could do.
*Fuck, I should've thought this through.*
-Not kidding.-
"Alright, She sent you four?" I ask the four assembled changelings in front of me. All four of them nod back.
"Yes, human." The one on the far left states.
"Firstly, my name is Ember." I correct them. "Second, what has yout queen tasked you with?"
"To follow your orders and not take any ponies." The one next to the far left one answers.
"Good. And your names?"
"Number Fourteen, at your service."
"Forty Five."
"Twenty Seven."
"Number Eight, at your service." They list themselves off from left to right. Fourteen and Eight bow at me while Forty Five and Twenty Seven have hopeful looks on their faces.
"Alright, you want to feed before we move on?" They nod eagerly. "Go ahead." A few seconds of them feeding and I have four healthy changelings in front of me. They all have grey chitin with a darker grey carapace. I felt a bit hollow for some reason, but I shrugged it off. "Alright, You've seen my friends; Corey, Brittany, Spark, and Chrysanthemum." Golden wasn't here so I couldn't introduce them to him. "And they don't mind you four around." They perk up. "But, same can't be said for the rest of the ponies in town." They slump a little. "Which is why I plan to introduce you four to more of my pony friends, they should be here in a minute or two. So sit back and relax, and I'll come get you whenever they get here. That alright?" They nod happily. Each of them taking their own part of the couch as Cops air on the t.v. They were pretty quick to get over the idea of a moving picture, wonder if they got something like that in their hive? What? Oh yeah!
Well, turned out that week I spent as a changeling wouldn't be boring at all. After I left Pinkie's place I walked around town for a bit. Most of the ponies didn't seem to mind me there. Although I did get some looks, they were more out of curiosity than anything -I really love the whole 'quiet acceptance' shtick they got going here-. And some of the foals were 'brave' enough to walk up to me with a parent or two. I think they were just daring themselves to see who was the bravest. But I did ease the minds of some of the ponies by admitting that I like their little town, and that I had no plans of taking over the town or anything to that effect. That tidbit of info spread like wildfire.
And what I really enjoyed was messing with the ponies. Just for fun of course.
I distinctly remember Vinyl coming up and asking me to change to Octavia and jam my heart out during one of her gigs, it was a birthday party for some girl. And I later found out at the party that said girl was Lyra. And Octavia was invited. So imagine the surprise to everybody that, besides they thought Octavia was already being weird for a girl like her, when the actual Octavia showed up. As soon as she walked almost all the ponies immediately saw the picture. Vinyl even stopped the music. It was dead quiet, at least, it was before laughter filled the room. It was kinda awkward that me and Vinyl were the only ones laughing. That is, until I changed back to a changeling. Not long after that the ponies caught on to what was going on the whole crowed erupted in pure, unadulterated, howling laughter. Then Octavia decided to chase me and Vinyl for minutes on end until she joined in on the merriment.
And that was the highlight of my little 'vacation', so to speak. The rest of the week was spent helping out Aj since she offered me a place to sleep, and I couldn't just take up some space without helping around the farm according to her. And it was also spent walking around town, getting caught up into little hijinks with ponies that involved me changing into other ponies. I developed quite the rep before I left on Friday. And they were even a little sad I had to leave! It was awesome! I got a few good farewells and goodbyes before I walked back into the Everfree.
Now with that out of the way, I can address the six ponies waiting for me outside.
"Thank you girls for coming by." I said as I walked outside and closed the door behind me.
"Anytime partner!" Aj responded. "Why you seem more chipper than usual. What's got ya in the good mood?"
"I just had a little fun while I was away."
"Really?"
"Yeah. Anyway, I called you all here to firstly say sorry." She flinches out of surprise. "Yeah, I want to say sorry for acting the way I did. I'm sorry." Without waiting for a responce I turn to Rainbow. "And I'm sorry Rainbow."
"For what?" She asked
"For being a bit of an asshole. And I'm still waiting for your apology." Next thing that happens is her sighing and walking close to me. She stole another breath.
"I'm sorry. Alright? It was a pretty good prank."
"Thank you Rainbow. Apology accepted." She walks back to stand by the rest.
"Now, on to the real reason why I called you all here." I pause to gather my thoughts. "You see, I ran into a few newly-made friends within the past week." The girls quirk up a brow. "Let me finish. They showed me their... home, and told me that they running short on food."
"Wha-"
"NOOOW. I brought these friends over to my place in hopes that we can help them, despite their nature."
"Huh?" Rainbow asked.
"Well course we can help them!" Rarity answered.
"Ah guess we can do that." Aj said solemnly. I get murmurs of agreement for the girls beside Twilight. She's a little suspicious I think.
"Alright. Let me go get my friends so I can introduce you to them before we start." I say before I go back inside. "Guys?" The four changelings turn to me. I nod to them and they get up and follow me outside. As I expected, the girls are a little less than happy to see them.
"Ember? Why-"
"These are those friends I told you about. I met them and their Queen a while back. They showed some hospitality that compares to how you guys treated me a year ago. 'Cept you Rainbow."
"Hey!"
"Anyway, the Queen later decided to tell me their little problem, their little food problem, after I asked about it. One thing lead to another, I decided to see if I can help them out, and here I am."
"An' how do ya know we're gonna help them critters out?" Aj questioned.
"Two reasons. One, these are not the same changelings from the Canterlot invasion. And their Queen has promised me herself that she has no intention of taking over Ponyville."
"And you believe this... Queen?" Rarity asks and I nod. "I'm sorry, but how can you trust a changeling Queen?"
"I held my own against Tirek, your argument is invalid." |
My little Escapade | Chapter 40: Dreams Come True | "Oh... right." Rarity drops the argument.
"So? What do ya girls say? Yay or nay?" I ask. I just stood there with the changelings beside me, waiting. I never took track of time but it feels like two minutes have gone by before Fluttershy speaks up an answer.
"I... I guess we can help them..." She walks over to stand next to us, sitting on her haunches a few feet away from the changelings. Guess she's still a little hesitant. But hey, she's willing, that's all I need.
"If Fluttershy is willing to help these poor changelings, then so am I!" Pinkie happily shouted as she bounded over to our side.
"I guess if Pinkie is going along with it..." Dash mutters with a bit of... I guess I can call it regret? No, there has to be a better word for it. Anyway, she hovered over to stand by Pinkie and Flutters. A 'whatever' look plastered on her face.
"Well, if ya think we can help em'. I don't see why not. S' long they don't try nothin'." Aj says and joins us, all while casting the changelings a scrutinizing look. As if trying to find any kind of ulterior motive, or something to that effect.
"... I'm not entirely ok with this..." Rarity hesitantly states. "But... as long you are sure about this, Ember." The white unicorn joins us.
And then there was one...
"Well sugarcube? Are ya gonna join us 'er what?" Aj asks Twilight. This whole time she's been looking more and more sure of something. I can't tell what she's thinking, but I have a good idea as to what it could be. Or she's connecting the dots.
"Quick question." She says. "How do you know that we would agree to this?"
"Simple," I coolly answer. "You guys have a bit of an obligation to help those in need. No matter what the circumstances. And I mean that as in all ponies in general, not just you girls. Since you have whole 'Friendship is Magic' theme going on."
"Then why did you want us want to help them?" She asks in a knowing tone. At this I smirk.
"A little birdie told me you girls would. And besides as a former soldier I hate seeing the innocent suffer." She takes on an angry glare.
"Was this 'little bird' you as one of them!?" The girls gasp at this. I nod.
"So you were hear the whole time!?" Rainbow asks in disbelief.
"Yeah, pretty much."
"So you were the one behind all those pranks?" I nod again. "That's so awesome!" Rainbow cheers. "Oh man, that thing when you were spike? The look his face was priceless!"
"Well that explains how much a big help ya were around the farm." Aj Remarks.
"And that's how you knew so much about me." Rarity shoots me a playful glare.
"Yes."
"But why!?" Twi shrieked. "Why do that!? Why put me through that!?"
"It was a test Twilight. Think of it as one of Celestia's assignments." I answer.
"But that still doesn't mean you get to do that to anypony!" Oh, she means that little rant from a week ago.
"Well hear me out then: Do you know what it feels like to bare witness to the suffering others, and you can't do a damn thing about it?" She raises an eyebrow and shakes her head. "Exactly. You've always found a way to help someone out of any situation. That's how it's always been here right? There's always that one solution that fixes everything? No matter how difficult it is to find the solution?" All of them nod, even the changelings. "Where I come from, that kinda shit doesn't exist." They stay silent. "Here's an example: Let's say someone's addicted to some unhealthy substance that'll end their life short."
"You mean illegal drugs?"
"Yes, that. I didn't know whether that existed here or not. Anyway. What happens to them here if someone is discovered to have an addiction like that?"
"Well, the pony would be sent to rehab. And they always come out having kicked the addiction." Twilight answers.
"And that's find and all. But back on Earth. The person is sent to rehab, and they either get the help they need and kick it. Or they don't."
"What?" All of them ask in unison.
"Let me explain. Back there, people vary widely in an almost infinite fashion." I pause to gather my thoughts. "And when one random person develops an addiction, they are either able, when provided the help and guidance, to ditch the addiction. Or they don't, no matter what amount of help they get. It could be due some even that happened in their past, or it could be that they just. Can't, for whatever reason. That person can be given all the help in the world, and they still wouldn't get rid of it. The same applies to any other situation. They either get the help they need and better there lives. Or they don't. They just simply don't." I see all the ponies and changelings ears drop and fold towards their heads. Even Pinkies hair deflated.
"That... still didn't answer my question." Twilight said ruefully.
"I said that to you because you had no idea what happened to Chrysalis and her hive after she was blasted to the badlands. I needed to bring that to light to you, to show you that while you think there's always a way to help somebody. In reality, it's not like that. Remember Tirek?" She nods. "There's no way in HELL that anybody can 'reform' him. Not even Fluttershy, he is a lost cause as we call it. I'm pretty sure there are some more examples out there in this world. You were just blind to it. All of you." I turn to everybody. "While I really can't blame you for not knowing this kind of shit. Being surrounded by happiness and bright days all your lives, and while everything ends up all fine and dandy if anything goes. I just wanted to let you all know it's not always like that, not always."
"Are you sure?" Pinkie asks with a sniffle.
"Yeah, I know all too well. And it's because of that that I want to help these changelings. I want to take advantage of this 'always help others in need' thing you have here."
"How do you know?" Twilight asks out of pure curiosity.
"You know my friend Corey?" All of them except the changelings nod. "We were friends as kids. But something happened that tore our friendship thing apart."
"What... was it?"
"The very thing that made me into the man I am today; the war. He was supposed to be drafted into the army. But I took his place, I was afraid for him, afraid that he would never come back. So I took his place. To put the long story short I did so by putting him in jail."
"Huh?" They all ask.
"I know it sounds stupid, but hear the full story and you'll understand. I'm not going to tell you, I don't want to relive those years."
"Oh..."
"Now!" I clap my hands and rub together. "How about we move on and help these guys out huh?"
"Ok!" Pinkie shouts. "You in Twilight?" She asks. Twilight looks up at me, a small, genuine smile curving her lips.
"Yes. Let's do it." All of cheer and Twi leads the way.
"Twilight, you sure you got this? You only worked on that speech for a day." I asked her as she prepared a small stack of cards.
"Yes, I am sure. After what you told us. I'm all too happy to be doing this." She answered.
"Alright. I'm gonna go get everyone ready." I walk back inside town hall. The past day was well-spent getting things ready. Twilight teleported the lot of us to her castle to get things started. She explained that she can call a town hall meeting to explain to the towns ponies the changelings plight. While she got those cards ready she told us to get everything set us; the girls setting up the stage and curtains in front of town hall. She wanted to introduce the four changelings to the ponies after she gave her speech.
Let me restart... Kinda got a lot of things on my mind... Ok. Twilight took us to her home, told us what she has planned, told us to get things set up at town hall. The girls set shit up while I told the changelings to wait for their queue and waited with them. Mayor Mare was in on the whole thing and didn't seem to mind them. In fact, she was even sympathetic when she heard about their problem. And now Me and the girls are waiting as Twilight was about to give her speech. I saw the curtains in front of her open through a window.
"Mare and gentlecolts! Can I please have your attention!" And like that she has lost my attention. Her voice just becomes white noise to me as I tried to find a way to pass time.
"Hey, Ember?" I turn to Rarity. "How is that you turned yourself into a changeling?" Perfect.
"I just used a shapeshifting spell Twilight taught me."
"But doesn't that mean you had to... what was it?"
"A live specimen?"
"Yes, that. Didn't you have to have something like that to turn yourself into one?"
"Yeah. The Queen was nice enough to show me what a changeling king looks like. And to be honest. I kinda like the scorpion tail."
"Don't you mean the manticore tail?"
"Yes, there are arachnids that have the same kind of stinger." She gives me a blank look. "Insects."
"Oh."
"If I ever find a way to show you what they look li- of yeah. I forgot Twilight also taught me this." I hold my hand out and a little screen projects itself. The same-looking one that looks like the grid image Twi did with Fluttershy turned Flutterbat. While I could only create a very detailed lineart of a scorpion, it did give her a good idea of what one would look like. And scare here a little with its looks. I Don't even know why I decided to show her. I guess I'm just that bored.
"Ember?" I heard some disembodied voice.
"Huh?"
"Twilight is calling you out there darling." Rarity explains.
"Oh. Ok." *Weird, wasn't she supposed to call the changelings?* I gear up metaphorically and walk out the main doors. And nearly gawk at the sight of every single pony that lives here gathered around town hall. I had to quickly brush this off as Twilight was addressing me.
"Ember? Why don't you explain to everypony what I mean about 'The Test'?" Oh, really? You're trying to show them what I did to prove some kind of point? Fine, I can play this game sparkle farts.
"Oh, yes. You see everybody." I address the crowd. "There was a reason why there was a changeling in town last week." They start murmuring in confusion. "Twilight here is right, I did it is a last minute test I created." The murmuring grinds to halt. "Yeah, you heard right. I'm Meto." I smirk at their collective gasp. I let that hang in the air until one pony raises her hoof. It was Octavia. "Yeah Octavia?"
"So, it was actually you who made fun of me at that party?" I nod with a fond smile. "... I never knew you know how to have fun like that." The crowd erupts into brief cheering and laughter. I mean brief because I had to help up a hand to get them to shut up.
"Alright, back to what you were all called here for. I did that little test because I ran into and made a few new friends last week. And these friends of mine have a little problem. But before I get to that, allow me to introduce you them. Let me go get them." I walk back into town hall and call the changelings to follow me outside. They do so and the ponies gasp when they see them. "You see, these friends of mine feed off of one thing most of you are familiar with; love, and they're starving. And also because of certain circumstances," I glance at Twilight with a small scowl. "I have decided to help them any way I can. And to do that, I need all your help." I get many confused stares. "They need love in order to live. And I can't just give them enough to live by myself. So basically I'm asking for all your help if you all want to. I am asking that you give these guys some love. Literally and metaphorically." With nothing else left to say I wait as the ponies take their time to think about it. It surprisingly didn't take long for them to come to an answer. I'll skip the little details and say that they were overwhelmingly accepting and collectively agreed to help out these changelings.
"Are there any more questions?" I call out to the ponies. None of them responded. "No? Ok then! I guess you can go about your business or whatever." The crowd of ponies disperses as they do whatever they were originally doing. I really didn't expect them to start asking a fuck-ton of questions about changelings and what's gonna happen from this point. And while most of them were simple to answer -and while the questions I didn't know a thing about the changelings answered themselves-, it was just tedious to stand there and answer. It was like being that guy at a seminar whose sole purpose was to answer any question presented to him. Basically it sucked.
Anyway! After that, Twilight told me she would handle hot the news spreads and make sure that my newly made friends live comfortably. And instructed me to keep them safe, as she said, "You never know who might not like the idea of changelings living with us". Of course she would take over. At least I still get to keep them safe. I like doing that; keeping others safe. It gives me this feeling of purpose, like I really serve no other purpose but protect my friends.
Like I've said, old habits die hard.
Anyway, after all of that the changelings said Mirage was calling them back, so they left. And now I'm just laying around watching the latest episode of Regular Show.
*I really need something to do right now...*
-You can always starting making another robot body for yourself, that was what you originally planned right?- Embris suggested.
*Yeah, I guess I can always do that again. Then again, I also start industrialization for this country.*
-Yeah yeah. "But I don't want to do that because this planet doesn't need that yet." I know.- She rants.
*Fuck off... I'm gonna get started on the that android body.*
~Hold on.~ Ruby said.
*What Ruby?*
~If and when you ever you... transfer your mind into that of an... android like Spark. What of me? Will I be left behind?~
*I have plans for that, I'm not exactly going to transfer my mind to an artificial body like you said. It's gonna be more like an upgrade.*
~Wait, what do you... Oooh. I understand. Yes, that is an excellent alternative.~
*Yeah, let's get started!* I get off the couch and head to my room.
"Ey Ember!" I heard Corey call from upstairs.
"Yeah dude?" He comes down the stairs.
"Hey, umm... me and Brittany have been thinkin'... Uh, we've been wanting to get our own house, and... yeah." Ah! Perfect, I've been wondering when they would want to move out.
"Oh, yeah. By all means go ahead."
"Really!?" He says with a smile.
"Yeah dude. You really think I would keep you and Brit here against you will?" I looks away suspiciously. "... I'm not going to question it.You can go buy a house if you ask Mayor Mare at Town hall." He looks at me blankly. "... I'll take you there."
"Wait..." I snap my fingers and I teleport the both of us to the front of town hall. Corey stumbles a bit. "Ok, so that's how it feels to teleport."
"You'll get used to it. C'mon." I lead Corey into Mayor Mare's office who was conveniently stamping papers.
"Mayor?" I ask.
"Oh!" She jumped slightly. "Ember! What are you doing here? And who is your friend here?"
"This my friend Corey."
"Oh! Well, it's a pleasure to meet you!" She holds out her hoof and he walks over to shake it. "How can I help you two fine gentlecolts?"
"Well Corey here wants to buy a house for him and his fiance." When I said that her eyes visibly brighten.
"Wonderful! What kind of house are you looking for?"
"Well..." He looks off to space as he recollects what he wants.
"Oh yeah, before I leave, Whatever house he decides to get will be paid by me." I turn to Corey. "Don't worry about holding back dude. Go nuts." I fluidly spin on my heel and walk right out. "I'm probably going to regret saying that..."
-Yep-
=Definitely.=
"So now just turn these blank ones into the infamous 'Grey Goo'." I say to myself as I input a few more lines of code and a few parts into the enlarged nanobot. Yes, I created another setup where I can modify my nanobots. Man, fucking magic, makes my life a fucking heaven.
~Pray tell, what is this, 'Grey Goo'?~
"Oh it's just what some people refer to a sentient, self-replicating glob of nanobots that devours the world."
~Oh...~
"But in this context I'm using it as a little joke. You know what I really plan for this." I say and shut the hatch after fixing the new parts in place.
~I know, just to hear you talk about it so lightly...~
"Oh come on. The Grey Goo is just a scenario, we haven't even gotten close to making anything like that kind of shit yet." I look into the files in the bot and make sure the newly added parts and code are operational before unhooking it from my desktop, shrink it back down, and use my magic to carefully place the bot into a glass slide to view on a microscope. To observe the effects of course! "Now, let's see what's going on in there." I put the slide in place and look into the eyepiece.
~Why is your blood turning grey!?~
"The new nano is replicating, reprogramming, and essentially taking the place of every blood cell."
~And why is that a good thing!?*
"I figured in order to keep you around I would turn my body into an android than transfer my mind to one. And the easiest way I can think of is replace every cell in my body to a nano."
~Oh... I see. That makes sense then... But how is this going to work?~
"Simple," I say as I watch the red cells are devoured, and turned to grey little nanos. "Before the nanos destroy a cell, they scan and copy the genetic info a specific cell, and the accompanying nano since there is a nano for each living cell in my body. Once they have the genetic info the nano rapidly duplicates and devours the call and old nanos. The process should spread all throughout my body and should turn me into a full android. The nanos will still be slip up as they take different functions as they replace organs, tissue, and things like that." I explain, Ruby goes silent for a minute.
~... This is wonderful and all, but, how will you know this is going to work?~
"I just inject them into my arm and let them do their work. And if I have to, all cut my arm off."
~Oh...~
"Don't worry Ruby. I know what I'm doing." I eagerly touch the pointer of my left hand to the little pile of grey blood and it quickly 'soaks' into my skin. At first I feel nothing, but I can only watch in glee as I can feel the nanos do their job just like a programmed them to. The skin on my hand briefly tints red before the grey color comes back. The red tint travels as a wave across my arm and the little bots replace my organic cells, it cascades like a small wave as it continues its trip across my body. Splitting when it reaches my legs and wings. And in no time the feeling and red rings fade as the process is nearly complete.
"Ruby, you still there?"
~Yes, I am still here. Although, shouldn't of these... things, try to replace me?~
"... That's what I thought at first," I said. "but I soon figured I wouldn't have to worry about that. Since the bots can compensate on account of magic. And since magic goes against the very laws of physics back home they can't do anything to you. If anything, I was expecting them to start creating a second heart. But I guess that didn't happen." I says as I cast a diagnostic spell. Which tells me there is no said extra organ. "And I've said once I'll say it again. Fucking magic. At this point I'm just really glad it's decided to work with me whenever I do shit like this."
-Hold on... wait a fuckin' minute...- Embris interjects. -Does that mean you're a robot now?-
"Well, by definition I'm a cyborg now. but I guess you can say that I am a robot now."
-...-
-...-
-...- Embris.exe has stopped working apparently.
=... Can you still use magic?=
"I dunno. Lemme try..." I snap my fingers and a forty-four magnum pistol in the form of scattered parts appears on the table I used for all of this. "Yep, still can."
=Awesome.=
"I know right? Holy shit this is fucking epic!" An unrestrained smile cracks my face. "I did it. I finally did it. I turned myself into a fucking robot..."
=Just like we wanted as kids!=
"Yeah! And I get to keep my dick!" I cheer.
"Ember? Is that you yelling?" Spark calls from upstairs.
"Yeah! Just a little excited is all!"
"About what?" I smile again.
"Hold on!" I walk upstairs to find Spark in the living room. The stairs groaning a bit when I take steps on them. "Hey Spark."
"Hey Ember." Damn, she has gotten really casual. I didn't program her to be like that... This magic shit really is doing a number on her in a good way. "What were you..." She trailed off when she turned to me.
"What?"
"... Your eyes..." What?
"What?"
"Your eyes... They look, different."
"Really?" I snap my fingers and a handheld mirror appears in my hand. I then immediately move it to where I could see my face and I'm shocked at what I see. Instead of the normal circular iris, a fucking half-open robotic iris sit in their place. Even with my yellow color. "Huh, that's unexpected."
"What have you done to yourself?" Spark asks.
"I basically fulfilled my childhood dream of being a full-blown robot." I say with a nostalgic smile.
"Really?" She responds with a raised brow. "Can you prove it?"
"Yeah, hold on." I use a small knife I conjured to prick my finger. Grey 'blood' balls up and retreats before the little cut quickly closes up.
"Wow... That looks really unhealthy, but, what I saw was... your.. blood right? That was... that was thee... nanobots right? You have completely replaced your organic body with those, things. Am I correct?"
"Yeah." I simply answer.
"Wonderful! I'm glad you got to live your childhood dream."
"Thanks... where's Chrysi?"
"She's up in her room."
"You know why?"
"No."
"Oh. Has Corey been around?"
"Yes, he and Brittany came by and picked some of their things up. He told me he bought a house for themselves."
"Nice, you know what kind of house he got?"
"I think he bought a two-story."
"*Long sigh* I knew it..."
"What?"
"I told him he wouldn't have to worry about paying for since he nor Brit have a job."
"Ah, I see. Well, I hope you do have the funds..."
"I should... but even then I'm willing to bet I can ask Celestia for a grant if I need to."
"Oh, of course."
"What do you mean 'of course'?" I ask incredulously.
"You can always flex that 'political muscle' you have to get what you want."
"How the hell is that relevant to what we're talking about?"
"I am just saying if any of the ponies ever find out..."
"That I can just chalk it up to that? Clever."
"Thank you."
"I just wonder if that would even be a problem..." |
My little Escapade | Chapter 41: Going on a Trip | So turns out I was able to pay for the house myself, without any help. Yeah, apparently I keep blowing prices here out of proportion. And according to Mayor Mare the house Corey chose, which a two-story two bathroom three bedroom with an average square footage of two-thousand three-hundred with the average of cost of sixty to one-hundred dollars per square foot. Which amounts to one-hundred seventy-two thousand and five-hundred dollars roughly. That the house he chose was worth seventy-five thousand bits, I think one bit equals one dollar, that'd be really helpful to know. And she explained that that's the average cost of a house of this caliber.
Maybe I should keep in mind that these house don't have things like: electricity for things other than lighting and water, or modern appliances. Yeah, that explains things.
Overestimating things aside, I helped Corey and Brit move into their new home since they weren't as adept as I am in magic. Meaning I carried everything for them in my magic. There wasn't much to move since they already got started before they asked for my help. Just a bed and some boxes filled with miscellaneous things. Nothing much. And right after that Pinkie somehow found out and threw a housewarming party. Nothing unexpected when it comes to Pinkie Pie being herself. After the party I decided to head home and spend the rest of the day, which was nothing more than a few hours after sundown, admiring my upgraded body. At this point I should be impervious to all forms of ailment. Even having my brain destroyed since all the info stored there is basically stored all over my body. I'm like a living supercomputer- holy shit if I managed to get my hands on a quantum chip or computer... Oh I need to make one last visit home at some point...
Y'know what? I think I'm perfect the way I made myself now. I mean, I'm technically immortal, magic may make me immortal too, but... whatever. Anyway, I just found out I have all the money I want by pony standards -good enough for me-. I live on a world that I can singlehandedly help kick-start its technological era. I am best friends with some of the most powerful beings on this planet, and I think I'm just as powerful as those ponies. I have the possibility of going back to my home planet and take it over with these new powers. I have a full, adventure-filled future ahead of me with infinite possibilities, waiting for me to take it. And I am going to just that step, by, step.
But right now, I'm just gonna admire my body. I love my new eyes too... If I manage to combine magic and tech... Nah, I'll let the ponies in charge of that do it on their own.
"Ember?" I tear my eyes away from the bathroom mirror and look at the closed door.
"Yeah?" I answer.
"Oh, just seeing if you were here or not." It was Chrysi.
"Alright." I wonder what she's been up to. Not that I'm suspicious or anything. I've just always wondered what she does when she's alone. *Eh, I shouldn't pry into other people's personal lives.* I walk out the bathroom and head to the living room. Chrysi's sitting on the center couch next to Spark, Spark is scratching Chrysi behind her ear, and my dogs are sleeping in a pile in the corner. A normal setting if I've ever seen one.
"So nothing interesting happened today?" I ask.
"Nothing much besides that housewarming party. We've been here watching t.v. all day."
"Wow. Today's been a boring day. Actually... Compared to what we've gotten used to as 'boring' around here. Today is fucking dull."
"At least you've been productive today." Spark said.
"Yeah, but I was thinking there would be something I could do. I know I still have things to take care of, like the changelings, but other than that, I got nothing to do."
"Well, I guess all you can do now is sit down and watch some t.v." Spark said with a smirk.
"Whatever you sarcastic android." I begrudgingly take a seat next to her.
*Knock knock* Someone knocks at my door.
"I'll get it." I say as I get up and answer it. It's Rainbow, and she has this hesitant, yet slightly embarrassed look on her face. "Rainbow? What'cha doing here?"
"Heeyy Ember." "I was thinking... The table said that me and Pinkie need to go to the griffon kingdom... And I was wondering if you..." She's having trouble asking what I think she's going to ask. Oh how delicious this is! I've always loved seeing the high and proud who think they don't need any help be reduced to ask for it. Especially Since it's Rainbow Dash; the pegasus that always gets the job done, the pegasus that can take on a dragon, is asking a mere human to do something with her, despite whether she thinks she and Pinkie can do it, and she has a hard time asking. "I was wondering if you... wanted to come with us?" ... ...
What?
"What? Why?" I ask genuinely confused.
"Well..." She scratches a hoof to the back of her neck. "I didn't want it to be just me and Pinkie. I was thinking we could use another friend, or something..." She's lying, that's obvious. I wonder...
"Then why not ask Applejack to come with you two?"
"She's busy at the barn."
"Rarity?"
"Working on dresses."
"Fluttershy?"
"She doesn't want to go." Well, no arguing with Fluttershy I guess.
"Twilight?"
"She said she can't go because 'The map only called for you two'." As if that should matter. Since when does a fucking table map dictate who goes where?
"So I was a last resort?" I ask blankly.
"No!" She flails her forehooves at me. "It's just... are you up for it or not?" She asks with a bit of scorn.
"Well, when you put it like that. No." I close the door.
"Wait!" She shouts before the door fully closes.
"What?"
"... Please?" She adopts the puppy face. Pathetic. If it weren't for the way she said please I would've told her to fuck off.
"Hmmmm... Alright." But because she said please in the most pathetic way I've seen anyone beg. I just had to agree out of spite. "Not like I got anything better to do. What should I bring with me?"
"Twi said to bring a lot of bits. She said bits help us find out what happened or whatever." She rolls her eyes.
"Gotcha. Anything else?"
"No, I don't think so."
"Alright. Also, where do I meet you guys?"
"Meet us at Twi's place as soon as ya can." Rainbows says before she flies off.
"Fucking proud cunt." I mutter. I close the door and walk back inside. "Spark? Can you keep an eye on the dogs?"
"Sure, but what for?" She said from the living room.
"I'm gonna go on a trip to the griffon kingdom with Rainbow and Pinkie. Wanna join?" I lean into the room and ask.
"Mmm no. I'm ok with being here."
"Chrysi?"
"Nah. I'm good." She responds without taking her eyes off the t.v.
"Alright. I'm just gonna grab my bag of bits and I'll be off, I shouldn't be gone for more than a day." *If I remember the episode correctly.*
"Ok." I go to my room and grab my bag of bits that I keep in my very secret compartment and head out to go meet Rainbow and Pinkie at Twi's Castle. "See ya!" I shout to them.
"Be safe!" Chrysi said.
"No promises!" I sout back before I close the door and take off towards the castle. ...
"Hey Rainbow, hey Pinkie." I call out as I land a few yards from them.
"Hi Emby!" Pinkie chirps back and waves.
"You ready to go?" Rainbow asks.
"Yeah. Let's go." Both of them nod at me and we head off towards the train station. We get our tickets, wait for the specific train to get here, get in the small damn thing -seriously it's like Shaquille o'neal getting into a Ford Focus-, and from there we just sat in our isle.
It's been three hours. Three, fucking, hours. And the only thing I've been able to do to pass the time was stare out the damn window. Rainbow and Pinkie had their own hijinks, like Pinkie using all the bits they had to buy all the snacks from the snack cart. Good thing she got all the snacks with their bits. Buts besides that I hardly payed any attention to them. How was I able to you ask? Well, when I was younger, and when I was a pathetic loner. I learned a special ability that allowed me to ignore the outside world. I like to call it, 'Tunnel Vision'. Basically I concentrate on one thing and not let anything distract you. It's more difficult than it sounds. But that quickly wore off since there weren't any annoying people around. Well, there's Pinkie and Rainbow, but they managed to keep calm and quiet. While that probably saved my sanity, it left me bored out of my mind.
"Hey Rainbow. You know how much longer it'll be before we get to whichever train station we're going to?" She looked up thoughtfully.
"Uuuuuhh... shouldn't be a few more minutes." The train starts to slow down. "Or maybe now."
"I shouldn't ask you those kinds of questions."
"Yeah? Well buck you too." I grab my bag and prepare to get up as the train continues to slow to a stop. When it does the three of us; and I mean the three of us, it was only me, Pinkie, and Rainbow that got off the train. Didn't help that the few ponies left in the train gave us weird looks. Didn't care, I'm here because two ponies wanted me to come along for whatever that table map wants those two ponies to do here.
Anyway, we get off the trail, and right in front of us is a mountain with a trail leading up to some point up the rock.
"We have to go up that trail?"
"Yup." Rainbow answers.
"Want to skip the trip?" I ask.
"That'd be awesome."
"Alright, just hold on. Especially you Pinkie."
"Okie-!" I teleport the three of us to the highest point of the trail I could see from the bottom. "dokie-lokie!" She pauses. "Hey!"
"Hehe." I chuckle. "Gotcha!"
"*Gasp!* You actually surprised me! Nopony surprises Pinkie Pie!"
"I'm no pony." I retort. "Come on, let's go do that thing the map wants you two to do. Whatever the hell that is." I walk up the trail and they soon follow. The path was long, but we eventually got to some landmark showing that we were going in the right direction, on top of what I though was the crest of the hill we were walking up to. Looks like some kind of archway acts as some kind of entrance.
I don't know why, but the thing reminds me of something that belongs to a shitty version of Harry Potter.
"Oh good, we're almost there." Then Pinkie said something about bringing books back to Twilight or something like that, can't remember.
What I do remember though, is the look of pure disbelief when we got our first looks at the 'Proud Griffon Kingdom'. Which is more like a dilapidated farm-looking town, with houses looking better as ruins of a proud kingdom.
"This... is it?" I ask.
"So this is why the map didn't want Twilight to come along." Pinkie said rather subdued by the sight before us. Makes sense, this place was looking pretty pathetic. Heh, a griffin just fell off a tree with the branch it was laying on.
"But this is exactly why the map brought us here! We need to help these griffons!" She said trying to lighten things up.
*I thought she had a things against griffons.*
-Correction, she has a thing against one griffon.-
*Riiiight.* "Then what do we do to help them?" I ask.
"Hmm... Maybe we can ask them?" Pinkie suggested.
"Not a bad idea." I said.
"I don't know..." Rainbow said uncertainly.
"Well, we can always look for a library."
"Ugh..."
"It's either that or we ask them."
"Fine!" She shouted. "We'll go to the library!"
"Be quiet!" A random griffon shouted.
"Whatever!" Rainbow shouted back. Nothing came back from the out-of-sight griffon. "Let's go." Rainbow said before she walked off. Me and Pinkie just looked at each other before joining her. We both knew Rainbow wouldn't be... comfortable here, but damn. Never expected it to be that bad. I mean that for a pony. If that was any other human it'd be whole different story. Gotta keep in mind these ponies are a bit more... sensitive than my people. So the three just walked in silence. Until I heard her let out a short, stifled gasp.
"Rainbow? What's..." The question died in my throat when I looked at what she was.
It was Gilda, and she's standing by a large cart with a furnace, and is she selling crappy looking... bread things? The fuck are those things? They look like expired blocks of tofu.
"Gilda." Dash spat. The griffon in turn, having not looked in our direction yet. Spun her head towards us in a surprised manner, then her face hardened.
"Dash." She said.
"And Pinkie!" The party mare cheered. An awkward bit of silence filled the space between us until Rainbow broke it.
"What are you doing here?" Really Dash? You seriously just asked a griffon whether she lives in the griffon kingdom? How are you this dumb?
"Uh, maybe because I live here?" Gilda sarcastically shot back. "Besides, I'm trying to sell these scones so I can get enough bits to move of this dump." Oh, those things are scones. She's a horrible baker. And Ramsey would have her head on a stick if he was here. "Wanna try one?"
... I'm done talking to myself now.
"No." Rainbow firmly declined.
"You had me at scones!" Pinkie said. Oh god, is she really going to try one?
"Five bits." The griffon said. Pinkie then smiled sheepishly as she turned to me. Knowing what could happen if I said no, I handed her five bits.
"Thanks Emby!"
"Anytime." I turn back to Gilda, and she had this look as if I had two heads and two pairs of wings. She looked really, really confused, and she was staring at me.
"The pluck are you?" She asked.
"Human. And you're Gilda?" She raises a brow and nods. "Ah, I've heard many things about you." I hear Pinkie munch on the scone, a quick glance told me it tastes worse than it looks.
"Like what?" From the corner of my eye I can see Rainbow glaring at me. Mouthing 'shut the buck up'.
"Just things." I said. Gilda kinda glared at me for a second.
"Whatever. What are you ponies doing here anyway?" Ok, I really don't like the way she said ponies. The way she said is just like what you would expect some old racist prick to say things that don't need, or want, to be said.
"We came here because the map told us to!" Pinkie Answered. Gilda gave this confused look. I would too if I barely knew this pink mound of pure energy.
"We came by to help you guys out with bringing the griffon kingdom back to it's former glory." Rainbow said unenthusiastically.
"Help? We don't need any help! We're fine just the way we are!" A loud crash and a squawk conveniently comes from some unseen source.
"Trust me when I say that it's better for everyone if you just let them help you guys out." I said.
"And why should I listen to you?" The griffon harshly asked.
*So it's gonna be like that huh? Alright I'll play this game.* "Because if ya don't I'll tear you wings off and break your beak in half."
"Ch'yeah right!" She took a defensive stance, though she kept her wings tucked. "You don't scare me!" I teleported and crouch os I'm face-to-face with her.
"You sure about that?" She flinched and moved her head to bite me. But before she could get close, or even open her beak. I grab her beak and hold her head in place. She starts squirming to get loose from my grip. Even going as far as clawing my outstretched arm, but that had little to no affect on me. It annoyed me more than anything. And entertaining since I didn't much more than heavy scratching. I would like to say light scratching but the feeling was more borderline painful.
And the funniest bit was when she realized that her wings were gripped firmly in her magic and the wounds she made on my arm quickly sealed up. Not Deadpool quick but more near Wolverine's speed.
"Am I scary yet?" I calmly asked her. Just then she noticed my eyes, and my mechanical looking irises, -I didn't turn them red yet, I decided to hold off doing that- and her pupils shrank.
Since her beak was currently held shut by my hand she said yes by 'mhm'ing.
"Good. Now, I better get any more shit from you." I let go of beak and wings and step back. "Oh, and just so you know." I unfurl my wings. "I can fly too." I tuck my wings back, turn in some random direction, and walk away.
"You two do whatever it is you're gonna do. I'm gonna walk around for a bit." I tell them as I walk away.
"That wasn't very nice." I heard Pinkie mutter.
"Come on Pinkie. You know how Ember is! And to be honest, I kinda saw this coming." Rainbow actually predicted something? Wow, that's a first.
"I know, but that still wasn't very nice."
"Hey, uh, sorry to interrupt your little lover's spit. But who the pluck is that guy?" Gilda asked.
"That was just Ember being Ember when somepony's a flankhole to him." Nice one Dash.
"Ugh, whatever. He was being an asshole." That got me to freeze in my tracks. "Not me." Oh, you want some more? Alright you pile of bird shit.
"You really shouldn't of said that out loud." Pinkie said worriedly.
"What? Why?" I snap my fingers and I disappear in a flash of light.
"Because he heard that." Rainbow answered. I reappear right in front of Gilda.
"You wanna run that by me again?" I look down at her. I maintain a straight face with a slight frown despite the fact that I really want to laugh.
"Schreee!" She let out a shrill cry that changed tone and she leapt up to swipe one of her claws across my face.
Of course, that never happened.
I grab the offending claw and, in one smooth motion, turn around and slam her into the ground. Much like someone using a sledge hammer to drive a large spike in the ground to mark a corner of a building. Her hitting the ground cause a thin cloud of dust to jump up.
"Ember! What did you do!?" Rainbow yelled.
"I body slammed the fuck out of her."
"But why!?"
"I wasn't just gonna let her claw my face off." I turn to leave. "I'm going back to the train station. I'll be waiting for you two there." I teleport there, walk inside the little building, find a bench to sit on, and sit in it. The... Griffon, I thought it'd be a pony, spares me no second glances as I took my seat while setting my bits on my lap.
*Hey Ruby, you know how to wake someone up from a sleeping spell? And can you tell when someone's nearby?*
~Yes, and yes. Why do you ask?~
*'Cause I'm gonna need you to wake me up when Pinkie and Rainbow are back. Can you do that for me?*
~Yes, I, can!~ Ruby said enthusiastically. Ruby must really love being useful with an answer like that.
*Thanks, also wake me up is anyone gets within three feet of me. I don't trust that griffon.*
~Of course.~ I snap my fingers and fall into oblivion as the sleeping spell takes effect.
I'm jolted awake and blankly look left and right.
And that fucking griffon was trying to get to my bag of bits. The fucker froze when I looked at him.
"You son of bitch." He scrambles for a hasty retreat but I catch him in my magic. I then force him to face me. "I fucking knew you would try to steal my fucking money." |
My little Escapade | Chapter 42: Just Visiting | I think the way I said that with such clarity and an air of peace scared the daylights out of him.
"L-let me go!" He started flailing his limbs.
"No-can-do. After all, you just tried to steal my money." I nearly press his face to mine. "And I don't take kindly to that." He tried moving around some more, but I restrained him with my magic. "Now, what suitable punishment..?" I racked my brain trying to come up with a perfect punishment. "I could always beat you half to death... Nah, to simple." Then a brilliant idea comes to mind. "That's it. How about I trim your wings?" His pupils instantly shrunk to pin pricks. "Not enough to render you permanently flightless. I'm not a fucking monster." I joke. "No, just long enough to give you some time to think."
"Feathers grow back on griffons right?" He stays still. "Of course they do." I turn him around and look at his outstretched wings.
And then I began plucking the primaries.
He would've started screaming judging from the strangled grunts he began heaving out.
"Did I say trim? Oh, I meant pluck." I correct myself. While only leaving two or three primary feathers I move to the secondaries. *I wonder how these fuckers fly. These wings are way too flimsy.*
~I believe it is due to the fact that magic is a part of every living creature. Ponies just happen to be some of the strongest users.~ Ruby explains.
*I kinda knew that. It's just... weird, really weird, that they all rely on magic some way.*
-Gotta agree with you there.-
=Yeah, at least we get to use it just like them. In our own way at least.=
*Tell me about it. Who knew we'd get accidentally sent to a world full of magic?*
=I know right?=
~I don't mean to interrupt you reminiscing. But I think you should focus on the task at hand.~
*Oh, right.* I look back at the wings I was plucking, since I subconsciously turned to the side and slightly up, and see that the secondaries on both wings are all nearly plucked. *I was multitasking?*
-Apparently.-
*Nice.* I notice the writhing mass of fur and feathers that used to be a 'proud' griffon. That's when I got a really good look at the guy. He kinda looked like Gilda -a bulkier, slightly taller version of her-, except the feathers on his head were colored a light blue, and he somehow possessed a combover. Makes him look like a pill with a face... How can feathers be styled like hair? I don't mean that as a joke, how can you actually style feathers like hair? I know they might be like that naturally, but considering that the other griffons I've seen have different... feather styles I guess?
And despite the fact that griffons are just as diverse as ponies when it comes to the feathers around their head. But I think the way feathers grow on them are very similar if biology has taught me anything. Or my understanding of biology can go fuck itself in a world like this.
Fucking magic. It's my worst enemy and my best friend.
Putting all existential thoughts aside. I think this guy has had enough. I release him from my magic and he promptly scampers out the door.
Just as Pinkie bolts in.
She actually burst in as a streak of pink that turned into a poofy haired pink pony.
"Hey Pinkie," she locks eyes with me her face looking rather frantic. "what's wrong?" She jumps to my lap, grabs my shoulders with her forehooves, and shakes me like a maniac.
"RainbowDashneedsourhelpshefelldownabigchasmandIthrewtheropeand-" I managed to rais a hand up and close her muzzle.
"All I heard was Rainbow needs our help, that's all I need. Lead the way." Pinkie nods furiously and runs off at a pace I can manage, after teleporting us back to the top of the trail.
We eventually made it to this big gorge that Pinkie told me about. She leaned over the edge to look down at something looking back at me.
"She's down there! And she's trying to get the idol!"
"Idol?" I ask. I take a look over the edge and spot rainbow sitting on a narrow piece of rock. "Looks like she gave up." I stand back up and brainstorm a way to more or less save Dash. "You said you had some rope right?" She nodded.
"I did but I threw it down there by accident!"
"That won't be a problem." With a snap of my fingers a large role of rope and a harness appear. Along with some other climbing gear mostly for anchoring. I put the harness on and anchor one end of the rope to the nearest rock after it proved quite immobile. And secured the other end in my harness. "The actually problem might be getting down there with high winds." As soon as I saw Rainbow just sit there, I quickly deduced she couldn't fly back up either because she broke one or both of her wings -hopefully not the case-, or the winds keep her there. And I'm really hoping for the latter. "Alright Pinkie, I'll be right back if everything goes right." Making one last check of the gear I hop over the ledge and swing right into the cliffside, my claws planting firmly into the rock. I position myself right above Rainbow's-
A portion the ledge she's sitting on broke off.
*FUCK.* I ditch climbing down and jump while letting rope build between me and the edge. Amazingly the rope was just long enough for me to overshoot, past Rainbow. A quick and almost frantic pull and I was level with Rainbow.
"Ember!? How did you-"
"No time!" I grab her with my left arm and, with my right, pull us back to the top of the cliff. It didn't take much time since I was pretty much a little high on adrenalin.
I know what you might be thinking. Ane though my body isn't exactly organic anymore. All of its functions are still there. I'm not that stupid enough to turn myself into an unfeeling robot. Wait... fuck.
I'm not stupid.
Anyways, I look back down to see the the little ledge Rainbow sat in was no longer there.
*Holy shit.*
-The timing couldn't be any more perfect.-
*Shut up Embris.* I look back up and begin hefting me and Rainbow up the rope.
"Th-thanks." I barely heard Dash say over the howling winds.
"Anytime, Dash." Through my peripheral I saw look up at me. A noticeable, grateful smile. "I mean, what're friends for, right?" I turn to her, giving a knowing smile.
"Hehe, right." I would've ruffled her hair if my hands weren't keen on holding her in place and hauling us up.
It didn't long to reach the edge and heft her onto safe ground. I was too distracted taking the gear off to notice that Gilda was with Pinkie. It was after I remembered that I could just be rid of the stuff with magic that I noticed Gilda. The smile on my face shot to the fucking moon, replaced by my usual stoic stare.
"Ember! Gilda just got here and-"
"Don't care." I interrupted Pinkie. "Going to the train station. Meet you two there." I grab my bag, teleport to said station, startling the griffon working there, and wait.
I decided that it'd better for me to get some sleep, so after Rainbow and Pinkie got to the station, and after I bought the three of us tickets, frickin' Pinkie, we took our seats on that tiny train. And I prepared to clock out as the train lurched.
"Ember?" Or maybe not.
"Yeah?" Pinkie called me.
"You know those were not nice things to do to Gilda." She pouted at me.
"Well, considering that she tried claw my face off. I think I acted appropriately."
"But, you kinda didn't have get in her face like that." Dash offhandedly mentioned.
"She started it!"
"You still didn't have to be like that!" I glared at the blue pegasus, and she glared right back. If looks could kill there would be a singe mark on the chair she's sitting on.
"Come on guys! Don't fight." Pinkie tried to ease the tense moment.
"..." Me and Rainbow both just stare at eachother.
"I'm taking a nap." We both say at the same time. I lean back and against the wall and close my eyes. Letting sleep take me out for a short nap.
I managed to waste... oh about ten minutes sleeping. And the train isn't even close to Ponyville yet. I could always try and rest my eyes for a bit... Nah, that's already boring. Oh, and Rainbow's still asleep... Lucky bitch.
"Hey, Pinkie?" The pink pony turns to me. "Tell me, what happened after I left? Right after I got Rainbow from the gorge I mean." At that a wide smile tore across her face.
"Weeeell. After you left Rainbow and Gilda kinda 'made up'." and my confused face she continued. "They're friends again!"
"Oh. Cool." *I guess*
"Then after that. We taught Gilda the magic of friendship-"
*Kill me.*
"and then she realized that she could put the kingdom back to it's former glory! Now she's going to teach every griffon the magic of friendship!"
"Nice." I said. The conversation ends there, but Pinkie gets this pensive look about her. "What wrong?"
"Uh... Can I ask you something? And promise not to be mad about it?" I raised an eyebrow.
"Sure Pinkie, I promise." She takes a deep breath, then lets it out.
"Why did you act like that towards Gilda?" Her question, along with her tone, threw me through a loop.
"You want a short answer or a long one?" Pinkie puts a hoof to her chin, her muzzled scrunched up and thought.
"Long one, please."
"Alright. I was like that with Gilda because... well, because she reminded me of a lot of people when I was younger."
"How?"
"Just the way she spoke to me. Like if I was nothing to her. It reminded me of how people back home used to treat me the same way." Pinkie took in a sharp gasp.
"Really!?"
"Yeah, hard to believe huh?" She nodded solemnly. A bit of her usual bubbliness gone. "Gilda reminded me of those.. unsavory times. All those times I was picked on, all those kids who used to treat me like trash. All, those, fucking, people." I dimly noticed pinkie losing a bit of her color, and her hair deflates a little. "Always reminding you you're nothing but a little meaningless spec. That you're nothing to them. That your existence is nothing more than their sick versions of entertainment." I faintly heard someone calling me. "All those times they beat me any way they could. I would come home with bruises, and my parents would go to school to 'take care of it'." I sigh. "Might as well been more reason to beat me. Telling me I was worthless, and I just sat there and took it. Took it like the little bitch I was." I look Pinkie in the eye.
"That was back in elementary. By middle school, nothing changed. Well, just add a few more degenerates to pick on me. And for the most part, most of those kids left me alone, gotten bored of me a while ago. But it didn't end there, no," I pause for effect. "It just meant more new kids from other school got their shot at me." A small, wicked smile curved my lips and I leaned forward.
"But at that point, I had enough." Pinkie perked up a little. "One day. I just had enough of it. I had taken enough torment from those pricks. So you wanna know what I did to get them back?" I didn't wait for answer. "I fought back." I pause to let that sink in. "I fought back, hard. I beat the absolute FUCK out this one guy who particularly pissed me off during school. His 'buddies' tried to help out. But I was pretty catatonic at that point. I felt nothing, saw nothing but red, and completely beat them. One. By. ONE. I made them know they were messing with the wrong guy. And having a father that wouldn't let his son become fat fuck didn't help them out in the slightest. I wasn't the strongest kid around. But lemme tell ya, I got to let all that... pent up anger out."
"I made them know I was not someone to mess with anymore. I made sure every single punch I gave each and every one of them was felt. I got my revenge basically.. And you wanna know the scary part about it" Again, I didn't wait for an answer.
"I loved every single single moment." At this point Pinkie's fur color returned to its bright nature, and her hair got some of its poof back. But now shes looking like she's staring a demon.
Well, I might as well be something like that. Huh?
"But don't worry yourself Pinkie Pie." I lean back in my chair. "I was just a kid back. I hardly knew anything about defending yourself at the time and stuff like that. I've learned, I've become a better person from it." Pinkie smiles a little. "If anything, those times probably helped me turn into the man I am today. You know, besides the whole 'drafted by the military' thing." That got the chuckle. Aaaanf there's her hair.
"At least you don't to deal with those kinds of ponies huh?"
"Yeah, well to an extent." At her confused look I explain. "I still deal with people like that," I nod to Dash. "but I don't think anyone can be as nasty as a damn eighth grader." She giggled at that.
"I see your point." She looked out the window. "Oh! We're here!" She said in a sing-song tone.
"Really? Huh. Good way to past time then." I grab my bag and prepare to get up. The train slows to a stop that manages to wake up the sleeping pegasus, either that or she knows when to wake up, which I highly doubt. And we get off, Pinkie and Rainbow head to Twi's castle and I head back home.
The walk home was uneventful, besides a few waves here and there, but that was pretty much it. During the walk home I had time to take in this planet's cartoonish beauty. I never get tired of gazing at the trees and mountains. Despite everything having the aforementioned look about them. Something about it was calming.
Anyway, I make it home by sundown, get dogged piled by my rotties, fuckers think I've been gone for years, catch up with Spark and Chrysi. Apparently Twilight went back to Canterlot to catch up with some old friends she had before coming to Ponyville, also Rarity is up there for some business purposes, and the Cutie Mark Crusaders and doing some shit with Pipsqueak. How Chrysi and Spark discovered this, I do not know.
"All of that happened today?" I asked.
"Yeah, pretty much. Though, as far as I know Twilight and Rarity are still in Canterlot." Chrysi said.
"Huh, cool." I look out the living room window, and it's almost dark out. "Welp," I get up from my chair. "I think I'm gonna turn in early, had a bit of a long day."
"Alright, goodnight Ember."
"Night." I just remembered that Ruby has that sleeping sleeping spell. So going to sleep isn't gonna be a problem. Man, if only I knew that before Aj decided to wake me up super early...
So today has been a normal day in school. Went to each class, got shit done on time, had a good lunch. Today's actually been a good day.
Well. It would've been, if fucking Derek wasn't here. Or his friends for that matter.
Those fucks, they make fun of me every time they see me. At least Rodrigo stopped.
"Eeeeeyy fuckboy!" Fucking dammit.
"Fuck off Derek."
"Aw, is that how you say hi to friends?"
"You're not my fucking friend. Leave me alone." Next thing I know I'm pushed into the wall by this little prick and his buddies.
"I'm hurt, Ember. I thought we were friends."
"How about you fuck off you little cunt." I always hated the fact I was a little loud mouth. Because that little comment earned me a punch to the gut. Forcing me to double over, well, as much as I could have with two guys holding me up.
"Alright, I guess playtime's over." Him and his buddies chuckle. "So what'll it be this time?" I didn't immediately respond. Why? Well... I kinda lost it.
"Hey dipshit, you heard me?" I felt all my repressed anger rising up like bile in my throat. I calmly pick my head up, and glare death at him. "Woah, that's new."
"Fuck you!" I shove the guys holding me up against the wall and go for him. I lunge at him and start socking him in the face before we even hit the ground. "Fuck you fuck you fuck you!" I kept repeating with every single fucking hook to the face. He tried to hold up his arms to defend himself but it was futile. I hit punched right through his defense. And it wasn't until I felt his nose break is when I stopped my assault. I wasted no time looking at his bloodied, battered face. I shot back up and turned to the other two. They just stood in fear until one of them scowled and ran at me.
"You little shit!" He held his hands out as if going to choke me. I reared back and landed a direct right hook to his face.
*CRACK* He fell to the ground clutching his face in agony. I look to the last guy with murder in my eyes.
"Yeah- no." He held up his hands and walked away. I turn back to Derek and his downed friend. A little chuckle leaves my lips.
"Finally." I get close to Derek, staring him right in the eye. "Fucking finally." I stand over him and laugh a little. Then I grab my backpack and continue with my day.
My eyes shoot open and bolt up to a sitting position on my bed. I look around blearily as I get my bearings on what just happened.
"Well. That was one hell-of-a dream." I small smile adorns my face. "Been awhile since I had one that happy." |
My little Escapade | Chapter 43: What is the Meaning of Friendship? | "Been awhile since I had a dream like that." I roll my joints and pop my back a few times. "That, and waking up in a good mood."
~So you rarely wake up in a 'good mood'?~ Ruby asked.
"Yeah, as sad as that is. It's true."
~Oh... I thought you always woke up in a... what's the word... Oh! Sour, I was looking for the word sour.~
"Oh. Heh... Wait.... You fucker!" Ruby, Embris, and Emby all laugh out loud. Well, as much as anyone could being a part of someone's mind. "I'd never thought I'd hear you make a joke." I chuckle.
~I guess you are starting to rub off on me.~
"Probably, but now that you mention it. You have been pretty casual lately. I can't tell if that's a good thing or if it's something to worry about."
~I'm assuming you don't have to worry about my personality change. If anything, I rather like a little change in my life.~
"Well, considering that you're an immortal gem. I can see why any change would be welcome."
~... Shut up.~ I laugh a bit.
With looking forward to a good day. I hop out of bed, head to the kitchen and start making my all-time favorite: The breakfast special. Which is three pancakes using the family recipe. Yes my family does have it's own special recipe. With two sunny-side-up eggs, two patties of sausage provide by her highness herself. And one little square of butter right on the top of the pancakes. Oh fuck, haven't been able to make this shit in years...
"Hey... What's that smell?" I heard Chrysi groggily ask.
"Just the Ember Breakfast Special. Want some?"
"*Sniff sniff* Mmm... that smells good. Yeah, I'll have some." I turn to see the changeling clamber onto one of the chair at the dining table. A little smile curving her features as she takes in more of the smell.
"You want sausage?"
"Is it as good as it smells?"
"In my opinion, the smell does no justice."
"Then lemme have some."
"Alrighty then." Setting my plate aside, I whip up another special and hand it to the changeling. I was just sitting down when a low moan of pleasure escapes her lips. I look up and she's holding her cheeks in bliss. Which are currently puffed out with all the fluffy goodness stuffed in them. All in all, it was pretty cute the way she reacted. And you know what kind of cute I mean.
"Oh sweet mother this is good!" She mumbles.
"I take it you like my pancakes?" I ask jokingly.
"'Like them'? I fucking love them!" I let out a chuckle. "It's like biting into clouds covered in syrup!" I raise a questioning brow at her, but never asked.
Chrysi wolfed down the pancakes, which leaves a syrupy massacre with nothing left but the buttery blood of the cake warriors.
The egg legion stood nothing against her ravenous maw, their blood spilling over their meaty comrades. The sausage brigade didn't fare well either, they were easily torn apart the changeling's fangs. Once the breakfast forces were defeated, Chrysi the terrible learned by in her chair. Rubbing her swollen belly with victorious gusto. The only evidence of the vicious battle the blood of the Pancake trio caked across her muzzle.
"Mmmmm... Oh that's the good stuff..." She let out a long moan of either bliss or pleasure. She leaned back in her chair and patted her belly. "And that really hit the spot. I feel so stuffed..."
"Really? I thought you only fed off of love and shit like that?"
"Well, yes and no. I can feed on love that people put into objects or food."
"Oh. Huh. Cool." I get up, put both our dishes in the sink to be washed later, head to the living room, plunk down on the couch and watch some good old Ridiculousness. Damn that was a good show, and Chrysi soon joined me. We sat there for a few minutes before Chrysi spoke up.
"Hey, uh. Can I ask a favor from you?"
"Sure?" Her cheeks turned a light grey. That a blush?
"I was wondering, and please, feel free to say no, but um... could you... could you rub my belly?" Her ears folded backwards and the light grey on her cheeks turned to a dull white.
"... Why?"
"Well... Pinkie told me that it feels amazing when you scratched her behind her ears..."
"... I am not going to ask why Pinkie told you that, or if you asked her that. I am just going to agree and leave that behind." She squeals happily and scoots over, draping her little form across my lap. If she was human there'd be a little something poking at her back. I hesitantly put my hand on her exposed, and bloated, middle and start stroking up and down. Much like anyone would with a dog, you fucking perv.
"Mmm..." She moaned. "Pinkie wasn't lying. You're hands are amazing..." She muttered.
*As weird as this is. It's kinda calming.*
-Yeah, holy shit it's like petting Cujo.-
*Yeah... Speaking of the dogs. Where are..?* I look around and see a pile of black and brown fur. *Heh... cute.* As if they heard my thoughts, the four of them wake up, notice me, walk over to me, get up and around me, and lay back down. Cujo to my left, Diesle to my right, Penny and Lucy laying right up against my legs. Since left hand was occupied giving Chrysi belly rubs. I put my right to petting Diesel. *I bet this is a sight for sore eyes.*
And it would've stayed like that if Chrysi's stomach didn't let out a loud gurgle.
*Snrkx-ZZZzzzz...* And now she's snoring.
*Ruby?*
~Gladly.~ The spell takes over and I joined them in the land of slumber.
*Bang bang bang!* A loud thumping wakes us up. And mainly woke me up rather violently.
"Huh... wha..." I look down and Chrysi's eyes are fluttering open.
"Don't worry Chrysi, just someone knocking at the door. I'll get it." With my magic I pick the little changeling up and set her right on the spot on the couch where I was sitting. Once I set her down Cujo and Diesel were quick to snuggle up next to her.
"Mmmhmm..." She moves a little before falling still.
*Huh, heavy sleeper... Lucky.* Bang Bang BANG! "Hold your fucking tits!" I quickly walk up to the front door and open it. Twilight's there, about to start knocking again. And Pinkie's a few feet behind her, that barely restrained smile plastered on her face.
"Ember! Great to see you!" She looks a little disheveled. And it looks like she's been crying. What the fuck happened to her in Canterlot?
"Likewise Twi. What happened to you? You look like you've been crying about something."
"That doesn't matter! Just come with me to Canterlot."
"Ok..." I said. She hastily turns around and takes off with me right behind her.
"Pinkie? Wanna..?"
"I'll meet you two there!" I shrug and turn back ahead. Just then I notice Spike's on Twilight's back. "Dude, what's up with Twi?" I mouth to him.
"You'll see..." He mouths back. I raised a brow but ask nothing else.
Soon enough we reach Canterlot, sometime during the day. Wow, I think I just managed to sleep more than twelve hours... Holy fuck my sleeping schedule is fucked.
"Woah!" And Twilight manages to crash into some pony. While I safely land a few feet away.
"Geez, that looks like it hurt." Pinkie mutters from my left. I stare at her for exactly five seconds.
"I'll never understand you Pinkie." She giggled.
"That's the point! I'm nopony's ever supposed to understand me!" She sat on her haunches and threw her forelegs to the air. Not literally though. I expected that to happen too.
"Pinkie! What are you doing here?" The pony Twilight crashed into said. I turn to the two previously downed girls. Twilight's looking as annoyed as ever. And the other girl-
"Minute? What are you doing in Canterlot?"
"Oh! Hi Ember! I'm visiting some friends I have up here."
"Oh. Cool." Twilight coughed loudly to get our attention.
"Now that I have all your attention. Ember. I need you to come with me while Spike, Pinkie, and Minute set up the party."
"Wait, what's going on?" I asked.
"Don't worry about it. Just come with me." She flatly commands. I normally would've told her to fuck off but when I saw the tear streaks I decided to go along with it.
"Alright..." Twilight leads me through the city to some big building that served as a library. Once inside she spots a particular pony. And by 'particular' I mean a pony that had the exact same... I guess I can call it design, as Twilight, the only differences between the yellow-coated pony and Twilight is; Little miss yellow has a different color scheme and her hair is done up in some stupid fountain-looking thing, and she has very thick eyebrows.
"Moondancer!" Twilight whisper shouts. The yellow pony newly named Moondancer just glances in our direction and does a double take. "See?! I told you he was real!" Moondancer gawks at me.
"Hello." I wave.
"I... I... Whatever!" She scowls at Twilight.
"SSHH!" The ponies around us shush the loud mouth.
"Ugh..." Moondancer returns her attention to the book she was reading. "Just leave me alone."
*Are they sisters?*
-Judging from what you're seeing. I think so.-
"Come on Moondancer..." Twilight pleads. "We're having a party later. Why don't you come, for old times sake?" From where I was standing I could feel Twilight give her a pouty face. Moondancer looked to me and I shrugged, giving a face that said, 'You're better off going along with it'. She forced out a sigh.
"Fine. What time does it start?"
"You sure Moondancer's gonna show up Twi? With what a wonderful impression she left I don't think she will." I said.
"If I know Moondancer, which I mostly do, she wouldn't miss this party. And let's just leave it at that."
"Alright, fine. But it's still pretty fucked up you used me to get her to come."
"But how else was I supposed to get her out her house? Much less the library."
"I don't know, something that didn't involve me, that's for sure." Twi snorted in agitation.
"What is this?" We turn to see Moondancer looking around disdainfully.
"Moondancer! You finally showed up!"
"As if I have anything else better to do than study." I actually snorted at that. "What are you laughing at?"
"Nothing you should worry about." Before she could question me further I turn tail and walk off, towards Twilight's old friends. I kinda knew Minute so at least it wouldn't be so awkward for me.
"Oh! Ember!" Said tooth paste themed pony noticed me first out of the little group mingling. "See girls! I told you humans were real!" And there goes all hope for easy-going conversations...
The two other girls I just noticed walk up to me and gawk at with awe and wonder.
"Wait..." The white coated pony with pink hair said. "It doesn't look like what Lyra told us about..." Oh how fucking great she called me a thing.
"I am not a thing." I said darkly. The two ponies freeze in fear and the white one returns her attention back to me. "And I would appreciate that you do not refer to me as such." Deathly silence permeates the air around us until Minute breaks it.
"Ehehehe. Sorry about that Ember. For them I mean." She scratches a hoof behind her neck.
"It's alright Minute." I said to her without looking at her. "I'm already used to ponies calling me it when I'm not around. In person, however, gets my blood boiling."
"W-well... I-i'm sure they didn't meant it. Right girls?" She nudged the frozen girls. They snapped out of their stupor and coward a bit.
"Y-yeah, we didn't mean to..." The yellow coated girl said.
"What she said, yeah..." I kept my irritated stare before chuckling. Which brought the three of them confusion.
"Ooooh... That never gets old." The three of them just look at each other, all the more clueless as to why the human that scared the living daylight out of them changed from seething with rage to chuckling in a heartbeat. "I love messing with you ponies."
"Oh..?" Minute uncertainly said.
"Oh. OH!" Ah, the yellow one got it. "You had us all going there for a second!" She giggle like a valley girl. Then the white one ot it and joined the giggling.
"At least one of you gets it." I said. "Anyway. I think we should introduce each other. My name is Ember." I kindly motion for the two to do the same.
"I'm Twinkleshine!" The white one piped.
"And I'm Lemon Hearts!"
"A pleasure to meet you two." I glance back at Twi, she's still talking with Moondancer. "From what I know you three were Twilight's friends since, Science school was it?"
"That's right!" Minute answers. "And we still kinda are!"
"Oh really?" The three of them nod. "Oh, is it one those, 'We lost contact for a while but we're still freainds' things?"
"Yeah, pretty much." Lemon answered. "We kinda figured since Twilight went to Ponyville she'd be too busy to hang out with us."
"And you were ok with that."
"Mhm!" Twinkle answered. "We all guessed being Princess Celestia's student would take away a lot of freetime."
"Oh, huh..." Never thought of it like that before.
"What?" Minute asked.
"Nothing, it's just you three are the most thoughtful ponies I've met, besides Twi and her friends." At their confused faces I explain. "You see, where I come from. For most people anyway, when a friend just stops seeing you and goes away to do whatever it is they're doing without any sort of explanation. The person left behind tends to misinterpret that as their friend doesn't want to see them again. And they also tend to resent that friend."
"Really? That's kinda mean." Lemon said.
"Well think of it like this; You and Twilight have friends for as long as you can remember. Twilight never misses out on any of your get togethers, and she always manages to hang out with you all the time like you three already do. But one day she just up an' leaves without telling you anything. You don't why she just left, you don't know what got her to act like, and you don't know what you did to make her leave. What does that make you feel like?" The three of them marinate on that for a good two minutes before they go wide-eyed.
"Wow, I never thought of it like that..." Minute commented.
"Eh? I know right? Imagine me when I found out this place has this whole 'friendship conquers everything' mentality you guys got going on."
"But... how do you know it would've happened like that?"
"Beats me," I said. "probably because I've experienced it myself. I guess... something like that." I grin at their shocked looks.
"W-where did you come from?" Twinkle asked. I look around for a bit and lean close to them. They do the same when I motion them to.
"Don't tell anybody, but I actually come from a different planet." The rear their heads back, their eyes turn into dinner plates, and their lower jaws threaten to bury themselves into the ground. "I know, surprising right?" They all nod slowly and I straighten myself up.
"So, you're an alien?" I nod and the promptly squeal like school girls meeting Justin Bieber in person.
"... Did I miss something?"
"Oh no." Lemon said. "We just always wanted to meet a superhero, and an alien."
"Oh... wait. Superhero?"
"Well yeah!" Twinkle said exasperatedly. "Didn't single hoofly defeat Tirek?" Woah what?
"Uh, no. I actually just helped the girls defeat him." Tilted heads all around. "I more or less beat him to a pulp and let the, 'elements' took care of the rest."
"Oooooh... Ok. You still beat up the monster Tirek?"
"Hell yeah. You should've seen it; me as a living ball of fire, landing blow after blow to any part of him I could." The ponies cringe at my profanity. "Aw man it was fun to do that."
"It was?" Lemon asked.
"Well, yeah. Wouldn't you want to beat the absolute fuck out of someone that threatened your home?"
"Hmmm... I guess."
"Good enough for me." Some shouting drew our attention to Twilight and Moondancer. Apparently the latter's shouting at Twilight about not being at some party.
*Jesus, if skipping out on some party can ruin a pony's life... weak.* I think to myself. "What's with those two?"
"Oh Moondancer's just mad that Twilight missed the first she party where she planned to 'open up' to us and a few new ponies back then."
"Oh... Weak." I mutter the last part under my breath.
"What?"
"Nothing." Twi and Moondancer started hugging each other.
"Awww..." A new voice came from my right. I turn to the new voice and see that three more ponies showed up. One was an older woman, like Granny Smith; except with a blue coat and black striped hair and Rarity-styled glasses. Another pony had a very light pink coat with yellow striped hair and was wearing a pair of Harry Potter glasses, and the last one could actually pass for Moondancer's older sister. Bushy eyebrows... eyugh. She literally looked an older version of Moondancer, though her mane had a faded look to it. The three of them were watching Twi and Moondancer were making up.
-I half expected them to kiss.-
=Same.=
*Yup.*
~Agreed.~
"Well that was some experience." Twilight muttered.
"I saw." I half heartedly comment while looking out the train window. "After all. I was there to witness it all."
"Oh, har har Ember." Twilight shot back at me. "You know, that was hard for me."
"Oh I know."
"Then why do you treat it as a trivial matter?"
"Well, to be honest Twilight." I turn away from the window and look to Twi straight in the eyes. "I can honestly care less about things like that, I haven't been one for friends for years before I ended up here. I guess you can call me dense for saying this. But... I really dan't care. I'm fine with or without friends. Corey is a different story though, I've known him since I was a kid."
"How does that make a difference?" Twilight haughtily asked.
"Probably because I was a fucking twelve-year-old when me and Corey became friends? And now I'm twenty-four? Something like that Twilight. You know who the fuck I am purple." I reply with as much irritation as I could muster. Even going as far as to scowl at the purple pony a little. She flinched and wilted before my gaze.
"Oh..." Her head shot back up. "Wait, you're twenty-four?"
"Yeah. Why?" I curtly ask.
"You're four years older than me..."
"And?" She never answered my question.
"Nevermind." She shook her head. "I know what you've been through and things like that."
*Way to make sound like an emo's sob story you fucking horse.* The train is slowing down, we're almost back to Ponyville.
"But can you at least act like a good friend and be supportive?" She didn't...
-Oh she did...-
"The fuck did you just tell me?" She choked on her own breath. Her eyes shrunk and her head shot up. "Who the fuck are you to tell me what the fuck to do or not to do about anything?" I leaned forward, nearly getting face-to-face with Twilight.
"I... I..." She swallowed. "I'm the Princess of Friendship?" She wasn't sure that was the right answer. There wasn't a right answer.
"I don't give two shits about your rank as princess. You still used me to get one of your old friends to show up at some stupid party to say sorry for skipping some party that happened years ago." I sit back against my chair. "You're lucky I'm in a good mood."
"... Why?" She asked cautiously.
"If I wasn't, I wouldn't be here right now." She looked down glumly.
"... Im sorry..." She mumbled. She then sniffed and I saw a single tear drop from her big, black lashes.
"... And you're lucky I can be forgiving too." *Fucking shit, I'm getting sentimental.*
~Is that bad?~
*Not exactly. But I do have a rep to keep up around these ponies.*
~Ah, I see... But what about those times with foals?~
*So what? I have a soft spot for kids. The only way I see that being a problem is if someone uses that against me. But I do see your point... well I guess I can be a little more relaxed...*
~That's the spirit!~
*Hehe.*
~Shut up.~ |
My little Escapade | Chapter 44: Taking Things Slow | "Spark? You mind helping me out with something?" I ask the andriod.
"Sure, what is it?"
"I just need help with setting my lab up in the second story guest room."
"Alright." I wave for her to follow me and then lead her to my room.
"Just these boxes." I point to a small pile of boxes marked with 'Science' written in black sharpie. I grab two big boxes in my magic and a few smaller ones with my hands. Spark does the same. And I mean the exact same, magic n' all. I found out a while ago that she's capable of using magic like a regular unicorn.
Anyway, with Spark helping me the boxes are moved to the designated room, it took little time to have everything put up there. Once we were done I enlisted her help once again to set things up; the fume hood against the window to allow proper airflow, the steel table, the chemicals, the elements I was able to get my hands on, and other things.
"Ember?" I stop taking out sodium metal out of an air-tight box and turn to her.
"What?" She holds up a small, thick disk of metal.
"What is this? It's messing with my system?"
"That, my dear, is a neodymium magnet." She drops the thing and I catch it in my magic and bring it to me. Luckily the metals making up my being are not magnetic. Though, I do get this numbing feeling whenever I make contact with it. "Careful Spark. These break easily." I carefully set the piece of metal on the ground a ways away from the steel table.
"Sorry," Spark sighed. "but as you know magnets and androids don't mix too well."
"That's exactly why I made your body out of non-magnetic materials. Though I don't know why it's mucking up your systems. I designed your body to not be affected by strong magnetic fields..." She shrugs.
"Oh well I guess?"
"Yeah, I guess. Anyway that should be it." I look around the room and see the many devices and materials set across tables. Then I turn back to the steel table with loads of glass beakers, pipes, tubes, bunsen burners, and the like.
"If you don't mind me asking, why do you have all of this?"
"... You know the laws of physics as humans know it right?" She nodded. "Well, in this world most of those laws can fuck off according to the residents of this planet." At that she connected the dots.
"So you want to find out what still applies here and possibly discover new things? Along the lines of science?"
"Something like that, plus, it'll give something to do when things get boring around here." I jokingly remark. Spark giggled a little and I just stared.
"What?" I shake my head a little.
"Nothing, just, still getting used to you laughing."
"Oh, alright." She smiled. "What are you planning to do first with all this stuff?"
"Well, firstly, I plan to make thermite." Spark notably froze when I said that.
"... Really?"
"Yes. If I can make molten iron in this world, I can forge other metals and mold them."
"But... Why? Why would you want to do that?"
"A while back Celestia told me they just pull the fucking gold they use to make armor straight from the ground and mold it using magic."
"How-"
"She grabbed one of the guards helmets and turned it into a perfect sphere."
"Oh..."
"So!" I levitate two jars, one containing a simple pile of iron rust and the other jar containing a pile of aluminum dust. "Let's see if I can do this!" I open both jars and pour them into a bow I created out of magic and mix it thoroughly. And once again using magic to create a little fire I ignite the mixture and seal off the bowl. And almost instantaneously the mound of powder erupts to blinding light. I felt the heat coming off the reaction and pretty soon the light died down, leaving behind a soup of white-hot molten iron. "Perfect..." I mutter dumbly. *And since alloys can exist here I can create steel!*
~And why would you want to do such a thing?~ Ruby asked.
*For science of course!*
~Really?~ Ruby asked, unconvinced.
*Alright, fine. I may or may not want to create an army of androids to conquer Earth.*
~...~
~...~
~...~
*Ruby?*
~Why the ever loving fuck would you want to do that!?~ Ruby's sudden outburst actually shocked me. Though, I was still able to recover quickly to give an answer.
*To put it simply Ruby. To help make it a better place.*
~And why would you need to make a fucking army?~
*So I can get rid of those who oppose me.*
~And why would they oppose you?~
*Probably because I need to overthrow the world's governments?* I ask slashed state blandly.
~And why would you need to do that?~
*Probably because, in my opinion, the governments of my world are fucked.*
~Really?~
*Really. I just hope whenever I go through with this plan that I can create a better Earth afterwards.*
-Isn't that getting a little ahead of yourself? You still got an army to build if you want accomplish any of that.-
*I know, but there it doesn't hurt to think does it?*
-I guess not...- The conversation pretty much ended there and I spent the rest of the day performing some lab experiments.
So, a lot of experiments went as planned, except the little ingot of gold I got from Earth to mold. Turns out metals formed here posses magical properties. But I did also find out the I can give metals from Earth magical properties just by supplying the metal with magic. How you ask? Well, just by casting a 'blank' spell. What is a blank spell? Think of it like the blank bullet cases they use in movies, the ones they use to make the gun look like it's shooting -that is the blank spell-, what I do is replace the very tip of the thing -you know, the front part the actually leaves the gun- with a lead bullet so I can find out what it can do and what kind of magical properties it possesses, except with metals. And turns out I can do a number of things with the metals I got. I can put magic in sodium to deoxidize it and make it combustible on its own. With iron I can instantly make iron oxide just by adding magic and 'control' the rate of oxidization and make more thermite. And then I can also use magic to apparently create an iron-gold alloy that's apparently stronger than titanium, after I did a few strength and stress tests. That discovery was a bit of an accident since I left an ingot of iron next to one of gold. They merged on their own. I think I just 'Iron Man'ed that shit. Or was it Titanium and gold..?
Also, don't ask how I got those metals. I am well connected. Despite my year-long absence for some reason...
Anway! With the new metal created I went about duplicating it to the point that I had to move the gigantic pile to my room to avoid destroying the house. And I decided to call it 'Buttered Iron' because it has this faded yellow tinge to it, and it's extremely reflective. Looks like Mercury stained yellow. Speaking of Mercury...
Holy fuck that shit's the fucking bomb when magic is applied. It acts like magnetic putty, but responds to your fucking mind. Imagine that liquid armor Tony Stark has and that's what I have. Except I can make it look like whatever the fuck I want. Well, with whatever I have available at the time. I'll have to get my hands on a lot more since that stuff evaporates over time. I wonder if I can find any here...
"Hey Chysi? Wanna see something awesome?" I walk into the living room.
"Uh, sure. What is it?" I smile widely and take a seat next to her. "Umm... What are you doing?"
"Just hold on a sec. This is gonna blow your mind." She tilted her head to the side and raised an eyebrow, but never asked out loud. Just a second later my Snake of Mercury slithers into the room and reforms into a puddle of mirror. Chrysi, to my surprise, managed to not freak out at all. I guess she's used to seeing weirder shit...
"Ember, what is that?" She calmly points a hoof and the puddle of Mercury.
"That, Chrysanthemum, is Mercury, one of the only metals that is liquid at room temperature."
"Are you kidding me?" She immediately responded.
"About what?" I asked enthusiastically.
"About the liquid metal part." She deadpanned.
"Oh, it's true Chrysi. That puddle is literally a puddle of melted metal." She continued staring at the puddle. "Amazing isn't it?"
"How did it slither in like that?"
"Great question!" I answered. "Apparently, since it came from my world and metals have magical properties here, pouring some of my magic into gives me control over it. I can make do or look like whatever I want. With what amount of it I have at the time. I can even keep it from beading up everywhere to boot!"
"'Beading up'? What do you mean by that?" Chrysi asked.
"Mercury tends the leave behind little beads that stick to most surfaces. Which could mean a major health hazard for you or anybody else besides Spark, but since I can control this puddle I can keep it from doing just that!" I tilt my head to the side. "Though, I don't know how I'm going to keep it from evaporating..."
"Wait," Chrysi interrupted my thoughts. "That stuff evaporates? I thought it was a metal?"
"It is. But it does evaporate very slowly. Which still presents a health hazard, the vapors are toxic." She eyes notably widened. "But don't worry Chrysi," the puddle quickly turned into a dog and scampered off, right before my dogs could get close to it. "The stuff evaporates slowly, so for now as long as I keep it in a well-ventilated room it's not going to be a problem."
"Oh..." She breathed out a sigh of relief she was holding. "But why for now?"
"Well I want to make use of my new discovery. And even though I really don't have any uses yet. I want to put some air conditioning in this house. If anything Rainbow told me about last year's summer, we're going to need it."
"Air conditioning?" Chrysi confusedly asked.
"Basically a big metal box I put on top of the house to control the temperature."
"... Is that some human thing or something?" There was a weird glint in her eyes when she asked that.
"Pretty much, yeah."
"How soon can get that thing?"
"Probably tomorrow since I still got that teleportation scroll thing."
"But why can't you go now?" She whinned.
"I have things to do for once Chrysi. I am making history on this world. Unless this stuff has already been discovered..."
"I doubt that. But maybe you can ask Twilight about this? If there's anybody to ask about this kind of thing it'd be her."
"Yeah, you think she'll forgive me for being a dick to her recently?"
"That's a strong maybe."
"Better than a no." I sigh. "Anyway, gotta get back to the lab, I got a few things to do in there." I get up and, with the puddle in tow, walk back to my unofficial lab.
"Alright, good luck."
"Thanks!"
"Thank you for coming Twilight." The purple alicorn and me were sitting in my lab, everything cloaked in an invisibility spell of course.
"Um, no problem. But I have to ask, why?" I smile and snap my fingers, and in an instant everything is revealed. The beakers, the -hopefully- new metals, compounds, and mixtures alike. The little pony looks around the room in awe. Then she spots a brown bottle and walks up to it.
"What's this?" She leaned her head in to look at the contents of the bottle.
"That's Bromine." She immediately backs away. Huh, so they do have some of these elements...
"Where did you get this from!?" She asked and the verge of rage.
"From my home planet Twi. I got a lot of things since my last visit there."
"Oh." She changed her attitude at the drop of a hat. "Sorry..." She apologized.
"It's alright Twi. Your reaction was understandable. I probably should've told you about that..."
"Well, what do you want to show me?" She said changing the subject.
"Oh! Right!" I walk over to the steel table and grab a large metal jug. "I don't know if this is already known, but, lemme just show you." I set it on the floor and twist the cap off. Once I'm standing beside Twilight I focus my thoughts on the liquid metal, telling it to climb out. And it does, startling Twilight.
"What is that!?" She shrieked. The Mercury kept pouring itself out of the jug until it was empty, leaving a puddle of reflective material on the floor next to it.
"That's just Mercury, it's an element of what we humans call the 'periodic table'. Ever heard of it?"
"No!" She started back pedaling towards the door.
"Don't worry Twilight. It's harmless, I was just getting it out of the jug." She paused.
"Wait. You were doing that?"
"Yeah."
"How?" Her fear quickly turned into curiosity.
"Since metals from Earth don't have any magical properties, and since I was wanting to do a few experiments, I got my hands on some metals and see how they would react to magic. And when magic is applied to Mercury, I discovered that I could control it with my mind. I can make it look like whatever I want," the puddles forms into a snake. "and I can make do whatever I want." The snake slithers over to me and gently wraps itself around my leg. "And no. I don't know how this happened besides magic." The Mercury detaches itself from me and pours itself back into the jug.
"... You said it was called 'Mercury' right?" I nod. "What is 'Mercury'?"
"It's basically a metal that melts at room temperature."
"Fascinating." she said. "Do you mind if you would bring it out again? Please?" She asked.
"I don't mind." I said as the metal came back out and presented itself to Twilight. While she was looking at it I used my magic to turn on the fume hood. "And don't worry about touching the stuff." A quite clop of hoof meeting metal rang out as soon as those words left my lips.
"Woah." She suddenly said. "It takes some effort to push my hoof into it..."
"That's because that stuff's really dense. Like I said Twilight, Mercury is a metal." I turn to the table. "Besides, I have more to show you."
"Oh? Like what?" The walked up next to me, staring at the table with barely contained excitement. I pick up and ingot of Buttered Iron and present it to Twilight.
"I think I created a new metal alloy. That's a thing here right?" Twilight nodded owlishly.
"Yes, alloys do exist."
"Well? Care to tell me what currently exists?"
"The list is too long even for me to tell you every combination. But I know for a fact that there is no alloy between Gold and Iron, or any alloy between any metal and iron."
"Alright."
"But how? Iron is completely magic resistant." She tilted her head up to me.
"I probably pulled it off because the iron I used wasn't from here."
"You mean..."
"Yup. I discovered metals here have magical properties. And Earthly metals don't. But when I put some magic into the Earth metals they behave differently. Thus my creation of Buttered Iron, and yes, that's what I'm calling it."
"Amazing! Do you have any more iron? Just think of the things we could create with it!"
"Yes, I do have more. But I would like to keep it for now if you don't mind. There are still more things I'd like to do with it." Twilight nodded.
"I understand. Is this all you have to show me?"
"Well... unless you know what thermite is..."
"What's that?"
"I'll take that as a no." I laugh. "It's basically a mixture of iron oxide and aluminum dust. Well, more of the reaction between those two things."
"'Iron Oxide'? Iron can be oxidized?"
"Yeah, it happens over time. We humans call it rust, and it's more of an annoyance than anything."
"Oh. What kind of reaction is it?"
"Exothermic."
"Ooooh... Can you show me what it looks like?"
"Sure, if I can find some more of the ingredients..."
"Oh! Here, let me help!" A flash of her horn and a small bowl of aluminum dust appears on the table.
"Thank you... I don't think that'll work though. The metals didn't contain magic." Her ears folded.
"Oh, right..."
"But don't worry Twi. I'm pretty sure there's more around here." I rummage through jars and containers I've yet to organize. I need shelves... "Aha! Here we go!" I pick up two more jars, these two the same size os the last ones. But each of holding more of each ingredient. "I knew I had more laying around." Once again I mix the compound and metal in a magical bowl. After saving a good portion of each ingredient for later. Once I showed TWilight the reaction take place she was astonished.
"Wow, I never thought it would look like that..." She kept staring at the spot where the reaction took place.
-Was she looking directly at it?-
"Well, I'll be going then. Unless if there is anything else you would like to show me?"
*Yes.*
"No, that's it for now... Oh! Maybe one more thing! Do magnets exist here?"
"Yes, sometimes miners find deposits of magnetic metals deep underground." She explained as she looked at the wall behind me.
"Oh, then I got nothing else." *Oh god wait for it.*
"Ok! I'll be on my way then!" She promptly sun around and walked right into the wall next to the door. The way her snout fucking smushed against the wall caused me to fall on the floor laughing so hard I couldn't get enough air in my lungs to laugh properly. |
My little Escapade | Chapter 45: Comebacks | After helping Twilight back home I continued with my experiments. And let me tell ya, magic does some crazy shit.
Take this for example: What do you get when you mix bromine and aluminum? Aluminum Tribromide right? Well, that's complete bullshit when magic is involved. Turns out fucking nothing happens when magic is applied to bromine and aluminum. No reaction at all, so making a few chemicals with magic is out of the equation. And I can focus on making metal alloys. So far I got Buttered Iron, mercury and gold, iron and mercury, sodium and Iron, gold, and mercury. Metals mix well together with magic...
"You done 'experimenting' for today Ember?" Chrysi asked.
"Yeah, pretty much." I plop myself down on the couch right next to Chrysi.
"What have you found out today?" Spark asked. She's been going around town more often. While I don't mind it at all, it's just something weird getting used too.
"That it's really easy to create metallic alloys with magic."
"Oh? How so?"
"I can create one with iron and gold. It was near impossible to do that back on Earth."
"Oh. How strong is it?"
"Apparently stronger than titanium. But it's heavier though."
"Oh..."
"I know, bummer right?" Spark nodded.
"Yes, it is. Well, do you have any plans for any alloys you create?"
"Just to sell some of them I know they don't exist. They're gonna have to be any alloy with iron since iron apparently is magic resistant."
"I see. Do you have anything else planned for today?" I shake my head.
"Nah, thinkin' about taking a nap though... Yeah, a nap sounds good right about now." I get up and head to my room. "Wake me up if anything happens."
"Alright." I walk in my around and flop onto my bed. And have Ruby cast a sleep spell.
*Mmmm. I love naps.* I sit up and stretch. *Been a while since I've felt so refreshed.*
~I can literally feel that. It does feel rather good.~
*Tell me about it.* I get from my bed and head to the living room, the sun was still out, still had time to do shit. If there was any shit to do...
"Hey Chrysi, hey Spark. Miss anything?" I ask.
"Not really." Came Spark's reply.
"Nope." Chrysi answered without looking at me.
"You're addicted to watching t.v. Chrysi. That's not good."
"You're kidding." She sarcastically responded, still without looking at me.
"Fine, end up becoming a fat blob. Not my problem." I turned to walk away and I saw Chrysi glaring at me from the corner of my eye. I laugh a little.
I was feeling a little hungry so I whipped up an egg and bacon burrito. In the middle of its creation I heard Chrysi walk in.
"What are you making?"
"Egg and Bacon burrito. Want one?"
"Isn't bacon pork meat?"
"Yes. Why?"
"Is it as good as your breakfast special?" There was a glint in her eyes when she asked that.
"Kinds, yeah."
"Then I would love one please." She took a seat on around the dining table. I just smiled and made another burrito.
I grabbed the two steaming burritos and hand one to Chrysi. She takes it in her magic and I take my seat.
"Mmmmm..." She hummed when she took a bite. "I sear Ember. You're getting me addicted to meat with all the love you put into making these things."
"Ay. It's your choice whether to eat this shit or not. I ain't making do anything." She laughs.
"Whatever. I sill love this stuff anyways." She happily continued munching on it like a dog. "Mmf. So good." She said with a mouth full of food.
"Don't eat with you mouth full, you'll get food everywhere." She dismissively waved a hoof at me. I chuckled and shrugged back. We both finish our food and head back to the living room. Today's gonna be a lazy day. And Cops is on! Awesome!
It's amazing how the human mind can blank out for hours at a time. I remember watching t.v. for hours, and getting once or twice to do something, but that's all I remember. It's like my brain was defragging itself. Well, I don't think I missed anything, so no harm done. And it was midday. I still have an afternoon to kill, walking around town it is. Maybe I can buy some candy from Bon Bon. Oooh... yeah, definitely doing that.
"Goin out to get stuff!" I shout.
"Ok!" Spark and Chrysi both shout back. Grab my bag of bits and head out. Destination: Bon Bon's BonBons.
The trek through town was thankfully uneventful. As in no monsters or four-legged tyrants were trying to wreck the place. It was pretty nice, to walk around without a care in the world. Never gets old.
Anyway, the doorbell to Bon Bon's shop rang as I walk in. Having to duck for obvious reasons.
"Hello! I'll be there in a second!" I heard her shout from deeper in the shop slash apartment. And true to her word, she came out of some back door a second later. Not literally, stupid. "Ember! What a surprise! Came for a visit or something?"
"Kinda, how's Lyra?"
"She's fine."
"Cool. Anyway. I came by to see if I can buy some candy, or something. Got anything you'd suggest?"
"Oh! Ok!" She clapped her forehooves. "Well, my personal favorite are double chocolate bonbons."
*Of course it they would be.* "You mind if I try one?"
"Of course! I have a few samplers right here!" She reaches for something under the counter and pulls a little try of bon bons. I grab one after she presents them and pop it in my mouth.
"Oh wow ok. Damn that's good. Yeah, I'll a dozen of those."
"Alright!" Bon Bon puts the tray down to grab a bag, and I swipe a few more samples while her back's turned.
"Anything else?" Sse asked and she placed to newly filled bag on the counter.
"Mmm... Oh! Four Vanilla coated Eclairs please." She pulls out a large tray from somewhere and places four eclairs on it. "And six glazed donuts. One chocolate doughnut, one sprinkled, aaaannd two Caramel Turtle shells." The last two things were basically a wafer bowl covered on chocolate bits, caramel, peanuts, whipped cream, and little brownie squares. The Candy Mare all too happily collects the requested items, and sorts them into a large box, again something from grabbed from under the counter, somewhere.
"Will that'll be all?" She asked.
"Yeah, for now." I answer, she chuckles.
"That'll be ten bits then!" I fish ten golden coins from my bag and hand them to her. She swiftly rakes them to the register and tosses them in. A decidable familiar 'cha-ching' chime filling the air as she opens it. "Thanks for the business Ember. Things have been going slowly these days."
"But how? You make and sell candy. How can business suck?"
"Most of my income comes from holiday sales. Sales are usually slow in between holidays."
"Oh, I see. Eh, makes sense." I grab the box and bag. "See ya Bon Bon." She waves to me.
"Later Ember!" I open the door with my magic and walk back home with.
"I smell treats!" Chrysi popped her head into the hallway and locked eyes on the box.
"I got stuff from Bon Bon's. And not you can't get any now. I want this shit to last. Got it?" She nods and I place the stuff in the fridge. I even placed a spell that lets me know if someone opens the bag or box. And then I grab one of the turtle shells and take a bite.
*Wow, shit's good.* I turn around to head to my room and nearly kick Chrysi. SHe's looking up at me with pleading puppy eyes. "Nice try." I pick up tow bon bons and hand them to her. "Next time simply ask." She nodded again and ran off with the bon bons.
*I really wonder she likes food so much...*
~It is strange since she is of a race that feeds off of emotions.~ Ruby agreed.
-Maybe it's just for the taste?- Embris offered.
*But we all know that love and positive emotions taste way better than some food.*
~True.~
-Must be her thing?-
*Yeah, must be.*
"Twilight, you mind telling me why we're going to Canterlot? You were pretty vague in the letter you sent me."
"Twi sent ya a letter?" Aj asked and I nodded. "She told us in pony." I look at the other girls in the train car and they nod. I turn to Twi.
"Really?"
"Y-you live at the edge of town!" She feebly argued.
"So does Fluttershy." I reply without missing a beat.
"Rarity said it was urgent!" I shrug. That kinda ticked me off, but whatever.
"Whatever Sparkle." I don't know why I called her by her that, it just rolls off the tongue well. "I don't even know why you'd want me to come along."
"Don't cha get bored bein' cooped in in yer house?" Aj asked.
"Not really." I say. "I never really did much back on Earth. Besides going to work and shit like that."
"Really? That sounds boring." Dash said.
"It was." I lamented. "It was. At least I didn't have to deal with annoying people and nearly die a couple times. And lose my fucking memory at one point." The ponies look down guiltily. "But, eh. I like a little excitement every once in awhile." While that was truth. I wished some of the excitement didn't involve me in near death.
The train slows to a stop and we all get off. Canterlot has hardly changed. Since when would it change? I bet the snobs that live here would hardly want anything like that. Always wanting to live in the Equestrian version of the Gilded Ages. The meaning of gilded here being everyone keeping their wealth and power. Not that I could blame them for it. Considering human history... And speaking of the ponies the live here...
"Um, I'll be right, think I forgot something." I head back into the train car we were in, change into a changeling and then change into a pony. I decided to go with light catalina blue fur, deep green blue hair and tail reminiscent of Mayor Mare's hair. with something like a lightning strike streaking through. And finally adding wings, I like my wings. Oh, and the C-mark. Eh, I'll just make it a bag of bits with a dollar sign on it. Oh! Might as well give myself a suit via changeling magic. OoOOoh... weird. I can feel through it, ewugh that's weird.
Petting that thought aside I walk back out the train and rejoin the girls.
"Alright, let's go." I tell them and they look at me confused. "It's me, Ember." They all then let out a collective 'oh' and we make our way to whatever place Rarity wants us to go to. Maybe it's about that boutique she opened here. I got some odd looks from the ponies around here while we walked along. But nothing really concerning over.
The girls stop in front of a random clothes and walk in. So it was about the boutique. I walk inside with them and look around, two stories of dresses with girls looking at everything, but the dresses displayed are all the same. I didn't it much thought and just started walking around. I long lost track of where the girls went and I figured I'd see them around here somewhere. And nothing really interested me, luckily there was a chair and I sat on it, deciding I'd go for a nap.
"Um... Excuse me?" Was that to me? I hope not. "Sir?" Ugh, whoever it is is talking to me. I open my eyes and look at a... unique-looking unicorn. She was a little taller than the ponies around here, her horn was a little longer than usual, her hair was orange streaked with a lighter orange with it being something close to purple in the inside. And she was actually wearing some type of clothing. Kinda looks something a flashy russian would have made for an actual house. What's with them wearing saddles? Is it some sort of fashion statement.
"Yes?" I answer indifferently.
"I'm sorry to disturb your nap," she said with a tiny hint of distaste. I already don't like her. "But if you're not going to purchase or request a commision I must ask you to leave." She waved a hoof at the front door.
"Oh, I'm just waiting for my friends, they came here for some reason to help Rarity with something." Realization hit her face. "I don't even know why they would want me here..." I add keeping my voice low enough for only me to hear.
"Oh! Well, by all means, stay as long as you like." She turned away from me, and I saw a flash of... something cross her face. Jealousy? Hate? Distaste? Disgust? It could've been one of those, or maybe all four. Heh, I wonder what her reaction would've been if she saw the real me. Probably either extreme fear or maybe mild disgust. That'd be funny, seeing the look of fear on her face, even though I more or less pose no threat to her.
"Ember?" I heard Twi call out. I look to where her voice came from and see that she and the rest came out of some 'employees only' door, minus Rarity. So that's where they went. And where's Rarity?
"Yeah?" She saw where I was sitting.
"Oh! There you are! Come on, let's go." I get off the chair and join my friends.
"So what went on in there?"
"Nothin' ya need tah worry 'bout." Aj interjected. "And Ah'm tellin' ya Twi. Ah don't that Sassy Saddles character."
"Sassy who?" I ask.
"That unicron with a dress walking around the boutique." Rainbow answered. "With an orange mane." She added.
"Oooooh, her."
"You met her?" Pinkie asked.
"More like she asked me to leave." The girls gasp.
"Why would she do that?" Fluttershy asked.
"Just because I wasn't gonna buy anything, and that I was taking a nap in the store. Betcha anything she thinks it's bad for business to see people sleeping in their store."
"But that don't mean she gets tah ask ya to leave." Aj stated. I shrug back.
"Eh, I was getting bored anyway, and it was kinda weird since I was the only guy in there." I said. It really didn't bother me that this Sassy wanted me to leave if I wasn't making any business with her, assuming that she works with Rarity. "That girl works with Rarity right?" I ask Twi and she nods. "Right, thanks." So that clears things up for me.
"No problem." Twilight said. We get to the train station and there's already the train, apparently heading for Ponyville. How does that work? We've been at that damn store for who knows how long and it seems like hardly a fucking minute passed. But, we're still going back anyway, so fuck it.
The train ride home was nothing worth mentioning, it was pretty quiet. Probably because I was asleep the whole ride. Maybe, it could be something else.
Anyway, I changed back to my human form and went back home. And there was Golden, sitting next to Spark and Chrysi.
"Golden? The hell you doing here?" His head whipped around and he shoot up from the couch.
"Ember! Holy shit I need to tell you something!" He went up to me and grabbed my shoulders.
"Uh... Alright?"
"Alright, alright. You need to watch out for Starlight."
"What!?"
"Yeah, you're gonna want to keep an eye out for her!"
"But how!? I killed that fucking bitch!"
"You did?"
"Well, more like a giant rock fell on her and killed her. But she's still dead!"
"Well I don't know what the fuck happened, but she's back. I don't know what the fuck she has planned, but she's gonna do something." I facepalm.
"Uuuuugh, sonova bitch..." |
My little Escapade | Chapter 46: A Helping Hand in World Domination | "This fucking sucks." I mutter. When is she coming back?
"No clue." Golden said. "But she's stalking Twilight. You need to fucking be around her more. Starlight could be anywhere at this point."
"Alright, thanks for the warning. I'll makes sure stays dead this time."
"Uh... you're kidding right?" I turn my head to him. "Right?"
"No." I darkly answer.
"Why?" Golden asked. "Why do you want to kill her?"
"She's a fucking communist. And I happen to have a things against those types." I head to my room. He follows.
"Ok. Uh. Good luck then?" He was unsure how to processes this new info. I thought I already told him that..? Eh, must've slipped my mind
"Thanks. Oh, hey. You know any good blacksmiths around here?" Golden shook his head.
"No, but I'm willing to be there's one in Canterlot." At my questioning glance he explained. "The guard's armor?"
"Oh, right. Thanks."
"But why would you need to know something like that?"
"Basically, so I can learn how to forge metals and shit like that."
"Why?" I nod to the pile of Buttered Iron.
"I created a metal stronger than titanium." His jaw dropped.
"No fucking way..."
"Yup, ain't lying."
"But... what are you gonna do with all that stuff?"
"That's classified." I stated with a smug smile.
"Fuck you." He chuckled. "But can you at least tell me what have planned?"
"All I can say is that I'm gonna make a lot of things with that stuff." I cryptically answer.
"Alright." He looked around. "I guess I'll going back home then. I only came here to warn you of Starlight."
"Alright, and thanks again." He leaves my room and I get started on making circuits and processors. If I can create insulation that is...
"Ember!" That was Chrysi, what could she want?
"Yeah!?"
"Rainbow's calling for you!"
"Ok!" I grumble while I get up from my chair and head upstairs, the front door is left open with a very excited Rainbow standing in the doorway. "Hey Rainbow, what's up?"
"Hey Ember! Countess Coloratura is coming to town!" What?
"Countess who?" I asked. Rainbow gawked.
"You don't know who The Countess is!?" She flew up to my face.
"Do you seriously expect me to to keep up on anything? Who is this Countess anyway."
"Whatever," She waved a hoof dismissively as she backed away to a respectable distance. "anyway, she really awesome! She sings and stuff!"
"And this is important to me why?"
"Because she's awesome! And she's gonna do a concert here!"
"Oh, nice." I casually said. "Thanks for the notification." I start walking back to my room, Chrysi or Spark will take care of the door.
"Wait!" Or not. God I should stop thinking those thoughts.
"What Rainbow?" I asked exasperatedly.
"Aren't you gonna go!? Pinkie got her to show up!"
"Maybe."
"What if I told you her songs are awesome! And her shows are awesome?" She leaned close to my face.
"I'll go if you'll stop getting in my personal bubble." She immediately backed away. Knowing full well the ramifications of such unspoken-rule-breaking.
"Ehehe, right, sorry." She nervously scratched the back of her neck looking to the side.
"It's alright, when's the concert anyway?"
"Right now!" I deadpan at her.
"Really?"
"Yeah! Come on!" I took to the air just as Rainbow sped off. Barely spotting where she went, as indicated by the streak she left behind. Said streak lead to a concert stage that was clearly built earlier today in the middle of a large field with small groups of ponies around it.
I spot the girls and flew towards them, Lunar was with them, guess Fluttershy wanted him to come along.
"Hey girls. Lunar." I nod to the little guy and he meekly nods back behind Fluttershy.
"Hey Ember, glad ya could make it on time!" Aj said. The crowd hushes and the lights in the stage dim.
Holy shit that was not what I expected, I was expecting some simple sing-a-long kid show, but no. I got something like Lady fucking Gaga. That number was pretty good too, catchy. I just wonder what spell that unicorn used to autotune that singer's voice.
"Well that was certainly not what I was expecting." I comment to nobody in particular.
"What were ya expectin tah hear?" Aj asked, the girls and kid look to us in interest.
"Something else..." I respond. "... I'm going back home." I turn around and take off. I didn't to stick for any afterparty. I needed to continue developing things...
"Fucking damnit..." I mutter.
~What's wrong?~ Ruby asked.
"I just realized I need to hide an army of robots from these ponies if I ever want to go through with my plans."
~Oh, well, that is a big problem~
"No shit, got any ideas on how to fix that?" There was a long pause.
~I'm sorry. I can't think of any solution.~
-I do!- Embris yelled, mentally.
"What is it then?"
-How about we make your room bigger?- She said, I can feel her grin.
"And how are we gonna go about do that?" I ask skeptically. Like anyone would to an idiot.
-There's no way we can't, but I think I know someone who can!-
"Who would that be?"
-Who do you know is capable of doing shit like that?- I thought about it.
"Celestia and Luna?" She sighs.
-Ugh, no! Think again. I'll give you hint, none of this person's body parts match.-
"Oh, Discord? How and why would he help?"
-Think about it think about it. He is the spirit of chaos, and you're planning to change Earth for the better, how much chaos do you think you'll cause in doing that?-
"Oh! Holy shit you're right. There should be no way he'd turn helping us down."
-Thank you.- She stated smugly. I teleported to Fluttershy's, knowing that's where Discord mostly hangs out, and ask the pony where could be.
"Um... He's in the back yard, he's helping me with my animal friends." She answered from behind her hair.
"Thank you, do you mind if I talk with him for a minute?" She shook her head.
"Not at all. But, what for? If you don't mind me asking..." She started walking with me around her house towards the back.
"I just want to ask if he'll help me with something."
"You need his help?" Fluttershy asked and I nodded.
"Discord?" Said chimera turned to us.
"Ember! What do I owe for your surprise visit?"
"I just want to know if you'll help me with something." She quirked up a brow.
"What could you possibly need to request my assistance?" He asked, genuinely curious. I smile.
"I'll explain on the way to my place, if you'll come with me that is?"
"Hmm..." He scratched his chin with his eagle-like talon. "I will accept, but under one condition." He smirked.
"And what might that be?" His smirk turned into a wide smug smile.
"I get to watch." It took me a second to understand what he meant. Once I did I grinned back at him.
"I ain't got no problem with that." Fluttershy was looking at us confused.
"Um, excuse me." We both directed our attention to her. "Um... if you don't mind me asking, but, what are you talking about?"
"Nothing you need to worry your little pony mind about, my dear Fluttershy." Discord cooly answered. "I'm just helping a friend in need." He ruffle her hair a little.
"Oh... Ok..." She fixed her hair. "But... I still need you to help with me with my friends..."
"Oh, don't worry." He glanced at me. "I'll only be a few minutes. I'll be back lickity-split!"
"Oh, ok." She repeated. Not sure how to take the guy's answer. Discord nods to me and we teleport to my room.
"So, what exactly do you request of me?" He took a seat on a pink cloud he clearly created. A glass of chocolate milk appears and he drinks the glass, literally. He drank the fucking glass and threw the solid chocolate milk behind him, and it imploded.
~In the name of Faust and all things holy...~ Ruby cursed in his slash her own tongue.
"Think you can expand my room to hold a personal army and other things?" He put a paw under his goat-chin and thought about it.
"I'll do it! But you can't look." He said. I stood there, unsure of what to do. He sighed and motioned his talon to the door. Getting what he meant I groaned and left my room. He agreed to do it so I wasn't going to complain.
"Ooooh Eeeember! I'm dooooone~!" Came Discord's horribly sing-song voice. My head drooped and I went to my room, nothing was out of the ordinary.
"I know I'm going to regret asking this, but what did you actually do?" He decided his answer would be to smirk at me devilishly.
"Bookshelf." Was all he said. I did my best impression of a confused Tim Allen and look around my room. And sure enough, there was a bookshelf right next to my workdesk. Filled with random books colored like the rainbow and varying sizes and thickness.
But the kicker was the giant red book.
"Discord, I know the ponies are not as... observant, as some of us. Humans I mean, but really?" He maintained that fucking smirk.
"Oh? Why don't you try and open it then? SInce you apparently already know." I force out a sigh, roll my eyes, walk over to the bookshelf, and pull on the big red book. And nothing happens, the bookcase doesn't swivel to reveal a hidden door, no trapdoor opens beneath me, nothing. Fucking. Nothing. To say the least, it left me dumbfounded.
I shake myself free of the stupor I fell into and pull at another book; a small blue one. Still, nothing. Thinking this would take forever, I gave up.
"Alright, I'll bite, what did you do?" The godly platypus chuckles and he walked up to the case, grabbed a mid-sized green book, opened, flipped a few pages -which were blank, pushed something. And the bookcase slid to the left revealing a dark passage.
"What?" Discord hands me the still-opened book, I take it and immediately notice the big red button in the middle of the two pages. Not on one of the pages, in the fucking middle of both pages. "... I'm not going to question this. But thank you either way. This door leads to whatever you did?" Discord nods.
"It does! Why don't I show you what I have done?" I nod approvingly and he leads me into the dark, probably dank hallway.
Alright, it's not dank. Plus. And it's only dark for about five yards. Little crystals the glowed a bright white lit up the hallway, said hallway lead to an elevator, a human-sized elevator to boot!
"Well color me impressed. You made it something like Portal or some shit?" The guy beamed a smile.
"Precisely!" He pressed the down arrow and the doors opened. Aaand the inside looks like the elevator from the first Portal game. Fucking figures with this guy...
Anyway, we get in the elevator and the doors close. I was expecting the ride down to whatever this thing is to be long. But no, it was a minute at the most. Next thing I know the doors slide open when it slows to a stop. And what I saw blew my mind.
What I saw...the room was stupidly enormous. I could barely see the other side of the room it was that long, and the ceiling height puts large warehouses to shame. And width.. holy crap I can fit anything I want into this fucking place. And there were giant square lights hanging from the ceiling, my favorite!
"Wow." Was all I could say. Discord just chuckled again at my reaction. "How did you pull this off?"
"That's a secret~!" He answered in a sing-song tone.
Meanwhile, in some unknown location...
"Well, that should be that!" Duncan took his hands off his keyboard.
"Finally!" Sips said through his mic. "Took you long enough."
"It would've been done ages ago if you helped." Lewis retorted.
"You guy mind telling me what the hell you were doing in the first place?" Asked Sips.
"We were clearing out a shit-ton of dirt to make room for our sorting machine." Came Simon's response.
"Ah."
"Whelp, let's get started on-" The server they were on suffered a brief lag spike.
"What the hell was that?" Simon asked. "And why am I suffocating!?"
"What the fuck!?" Duncan yelled. "The hole's been filled!"
"What?" The three other Craftians, or Minecraft users, stated at the same time.
"I swear to god, who the hell did that? Who filled the hole back up!?"
"Wasn't me." Lewis, Sips, and Simon said once again in unision.
"Discord I can kiss you right now! This is just what I wanted!" I grab the guy and pull him in for a man-hug. One he clearly dislikes at the moment.
"Yes, thank you. Can you let go of me please?" He had this look of absolute... I don't even know what to call it. I just knew he didn't like me hugging him for whatever reason. And calls the ponies weird... Maybe it has something to do with me being bi?
"Fine." I let go and the goat-snake takes a step back. "You a homophobe or something?"
"What!? Of course not! Why would you make such accusations!?" I deadpan at him. "I just happen to appreciate personal space is all. And only when I allow it ponies can do that."
"Like Fluttershy?" I wiggle my brows at him.
"Yes." He nods. And then he sees me wiggling my brows. "Filthy weeb." I burst out laughing.
"Says you, you overgrown snake!" Said overgrown snake adopts an indignant look before it falls to a smirk.
"I will admit. That was a little funny."
"You bet your ass it was." I say in between gasps.
"Yeah, but anyway." Discord got excited again. "How much time are you going to make creating... whatever it is you're making?" I managed to calm down, and I guested.
"... Shouldn't be more than a few months." At his blank stare I elaborate. "I'm going to design and make a tank, android bodies that can withstand fifty caliber and possibly heavy artillery, and and AI system I can rely on. It's going to take me a while, Discord." He makes this 'hmmf' sound and crosses his arms.
"Very well, but I better not disappointed when we got to your world."
"Don't worry about that, knowing my own race. Things will go south for them." Then I remember something. "Oh, and more thing, Discord." He raises a thick goat eyebrow. "Try and take my world from me and I will do everything in my power to end you. Got it?" He must've remembered the little scuffle I had with Tirek, cause a shiver ran down his body.
"Duly noted." The goat-snake disappeared in a flash of light, leaving me to my devices.
"Alright, let's get started." I rub my hands together. |
My little Escapade | Chapter 47: Venting | "Aw fuck me..." I put my head in my hands.
-What's up?- Embris asked.
"I thought I could make copies of the android I already made. But for whatever reason I can't..."
~Why is that a problem?~ Asked Ruby.
"The problem is since I can't do that I'm going to have to make a couple thousand copies of androids by hand. It's going to take way longer than a few a months. *sigh* This fucking sucks."
=Well why not make an assembly line or something?= My head goes silent for a while.
"Holy shit you're right." I mutter excitedly. "But where would I put something like that? I need room for my tanks and helicopters and shit."
=Dude, look at how fucking huge this room is. I think you'll have enough room to put an assembly-line-thing and all that other shit.=
-He does have a good point you know.-
"Yeah, I know... Fine, let's do that." I resign myself and set work building a working assembly line.
Y'know. I'm the literally the luckiest human on this planet. Know why? I spent my life learning about and making robots. I can literally build a simple machine with nothing but a few bars, wires, and circuits -I still need more shit be you know what I mean. Normally I would've used magic to make all this shit for me. But Ruby warned me about some 'magical disallusion'. Basically any little thing that can go wrong with magic can spectacularly screw things up. Like say, a stray spell makes contact, or a potent one is cast nearby. So I resorted to asking Celestia for help in that area. And as usual, she was all too happy to help. She better be glad I'm not going to use my army to conquer her kingdom.
And why I wouldn't do something like that? The ponies are easy to manipulate, they live in the middle ages with some newer tech here and there. They would hardly be able put up a fight against the might of human technology.
I think I've mentioned this before. But the answer is simple; I like it here. Sure, there's too much sunshine and rainbows here, for me anyway, not considering any villains that pop up. They're nothing against some fictional, and real, evils. And everything's resolved in the end. I like that, though it's not a good thing to have too much of anything in general. These ponies have lived like that for just about a thousand years. As Celestia has told me whenever I get too... what does she call it? Existential? I think that's it.
I rarely get into that kind of mood. I hardly think about things like that anyway. I need to keep myself occupied... I wish I had a phone and a pair of headphones...
But I do! But just the phone. I wonder where I put my phone though...
Bah! I can use that summoning spell Twi showed me. She likes to test out spell every once in awhile... Here it is! Now for some headphones...
*poof* There! Now let's put some Three Days Grace and continue!
"Emby, we got a problem."
=What?=
"I built the line. But where the fuck am I gonna get the materials needed?"
=Just spawn them!=
"No! I don't wanna risk anything like Ruby said!"
=Then I don't know what the fuck to do!=
"Ugh..." My head meets table with a dull thud sound. "This is gonna take way longer than I would like... Whatever, I'll find a way." I pick my head up and head to the elevator. Might as well go see what I missed...
... Alright, turns out I didn't miss much, besides the obvious of spotting Starlight here and there around Twilight. Just some things between the girls that really aren't worth mentioning. If anything, I could've foregone the magical double and nobody would've noticed. Except for Spark or Chrysi, but they know when to leave me alone.
Anyway, through that magical double, I did find out that Luna went to Twilight about some nightmare shit. Wonder what all that's about... Eh, not my place to pry.
"Ember? You mind passing me the popcorn?" Chrysi asked.
"Sure." Oh yeah, the three of us were watching Jackass on mtv. Funny shit, man. Funny shit. And the nut shot montage started! It's been a little over a year since I've seen it.
*bang bang bang*
"Who's banging on the door?" Asked a suddenly irritated bug pony.
"Don't know. I'll go look." I get up from the couch, walk to the door as three more hard knocks come from the other side, and open. And a slightly urgent-looking Twilight. "Twilight? What're you doing out so late? You pulling an all-nighter again?" She shakes her head calmly. Heh, she may be acting cool. But something is bothering her, could it be that shit with Luna?
"No. No... I just came by to invite you to a slumber party me and the girls are having!" She beamed. Weird.
"What? Why?"
"Well, you are our friend, right?" I nod. "So why wouldn't I invite you?"
"Hm, yeah. But why so late?" I caught her, and she knows it too.
"Just, are you coming or not?"
"As much I was want to do that inside of any woman right now, I can't. But, I'll go. Lemme just let Spark and Chrysi know." Twilight nodded, not getting my joke, happily and flew off. I let the girls watching the movie know what's going on and went to Twi's castle.
"Twlight, you didn't tell me Luna would be here. What's going on?" I made it to Twi's room, I had to scour the entire castle to find where this slumber thing was being held, and found the six plus Luna were getting ready to clock out, all in their own beds in one room. What? No sleeping bags?
"You mean Twilight didn't tell you about the Tantabus?" Rainbow asked from her bed. I shake my head. She turned to Twilight with a 'Really?' look on her face.
"The Tantabus is a creature We created to force us to relive the day We nearly Concerned Equestria." Luna explained. "It seems to have gotten, bored of reliving the same dream over and over. And has escaped into the dream realm. If we don't stop it now it may escape into the waking world." Ah, well then.
"Well then. Good night!" I snap my fingers and I teleport my bed to me. I flop onto it and cast a sleep spell.
There's nothing much changed about my dreams, they still range from annoying nightmares to pleasant dreams from my childhood. But what very little I got from Luna, that should change at some point.
Well, I should at least prepare for whatever this taint-thing is.
The dream around me, which was a normal, human, city setting with me standing on some curb, shatters to oblivion and blackness takes its place.
"Eh, no point to mess around." I say to myself. The inky blackness turns white and a chair tv duo appear from nothing. I take a seat on the chair, grab the remote the just materialized on the armrest. And muck around channel surfing. Which is really more or less viewing old shows I remember like Dexter's Lab and KND. I am so glad mom and dad introduced me to the late nineties, early two-thousands kids shows. I can rewatch them over and over and I'll never get bored.
Just as Number Four punches the dentist guy in the face a tear appears to my left. And out comes this glittering blob of purple shit. It pauses once it sees me. And some tendril like thing moves like the creature is looking around.
"You're the Tantabus?" The thing swivels what must be its head and look right at me. As if not expecting me to talk. "How underwhelming." My remark made it rear its head back, in some way to portray indignance. "I expected some fucking monster." The floating Muk's head dipped down, in apparent anger, and everything went black. Next thing I know I'm laying in some grassy field.
Wasn't I just having a one-way conversation with the Tantabus?
Yes, I was. I think it just changed the scenery. In my fucking dream, which means it's fucking with my head. I get up and look around. Specifically, I'm standing in a small, high school football sized field, surrounded by a forest of sorts. Said forest is too thick to peer into. Why would a creature made to create nightmares remake a forest as mine?
A loud roar broke me from my musing and the ground shook. I swivel my whole being to where the roar came from, just then a large lion bursts in from the foliage.
*The fuck is a lion doing in a forest!?* I had no time to think about it as the beast roared and pounced me. I was just fast enough to duck to the side and make a beeline towards the forest. It was difficult navigating the thick foliage, what with the canopy making things dark here, but I made do. I kept swerving, sliding, jumping and swinging through it all. The rhythmic thumping of a quadruped behind let me know the lion gave chase.
So there I was, running like a madman through a forest with the mother of all lions chasing me. I stole a glance behind me and watched as the giant cat barreled through and knocked firmly rooted trees from its path. It had no problem chasing me while I was having a difficult time sprinting while dodging everything. And I'm starting to feel tired too. Fuck me...
But there's light at the end of the tunnel, or treeline in this situation. I can see the forest edge from here. Maybe if I make it past the lion will stop. This forest must be its territory.
New objective: Make it out the forest alive, and in one piece.
A sharp pain in my shoulder made the latter part more important.
With renewed vigor I push on, I'm mere meters away... yards... feet... inches... I use the last of my strength and leap. And tumble along the ground. I feel spent, tired, and worst of all, hurt. I can feel the protest from the back of my shoulder and I groggily get to my feet. I turn to the forest and watch as the lion walks along the edge, then turn tail and leave. A wave of relief washes over I turn around-
Where the hell am I? What's this place? It looks like home... but, in ruins... The skyscrapers are no more, buildings are either half destroyed or nothing but piles of rubble. What is this place? This isn't home. Or is it? No, it can't be...
No... no... this isn't home. This is... this is...
THIS ISN'T HOME!
A building crumbles to rubble on my right. I take a few shaky steps towards the nearest street. This place looks a lot like home, but it isn't. I know it isn't, but there's a nagging feeling telling me it is. But there's no sign of live, no animals can be seen, hell, I'd feel better just to see a fucking bug. This city is deserted, why? What happened here? It looks like the fucking apocalypse happened.
But that can't be, this place was just fine last time I was here! How can Boston be in ruins!? It looks like this place has been abandoned for years! Decades even!
"Where am I? This isn't Earth. No way in HELL is this planet Earth. Where the fuck am I?" I look around at all the disrepair. "Where the hell am I!?"
"Ember!?" I turn around and do a double take. Right there stood Princess Luna. What is she doing here..? Oh, this is all a dream.
"Luna?" I breath a sigh of relief. "Oh thank god this was all a dream." This time all the ruined buildings fade away. Leaving the both of us in a white void.
"Was the Tantabus here?" I nod.
"Yeah, that explains all the dilapidated buildings..." How could I have fallen for something so stupid? I was just talking with the thing before it changed the playing field.
Speaking of which...
"Princess Luna!" I turn to my left and watch as Twilight runs up to Luna.
"Twilight, we must make haste!" Twi nods and they nearly vanish.
"Wait!" I shout, causing them to pause. "Take me with you." Luna nods and things start going blurry.
"Prepare thyself!" I blink and we're in Ponyville. But I thought we were... Wait, there's something off. I can barely make it out, what the hell?
"Uh, Twilight, where are we?" I ask as move to stand by her side.
"We're in the dream plane, Ember." She matter-of-factly.
"... What?" What is she talking about? Does she means we're in some other world? But that doesn't make sense... Unless, oh... Oh! It's like YuGiOH! Like when the loser of a battle gets sent to the Shadow Realm! Except ponies come here when they sleep. But that also implies... Holy shit.
So souls are a thing. That means I have one too...
Ponies fill the streets and they wander around. I'm betting they're wondering what the hell is going on. I spot Lyra and Bon Bon. And they're fused together.
Some people have some crazy ass dreams.
"Everypony!" Everyone looks to Twilight while I tune her out. I have some beef with that thing.
*There it is.* It's up in the sky. I barely noticed it, but it's there. Since this the dream realm, and I can do anything I want. I will myself to stand right in front of that thing. The thing flinches and moves to get away, but I hold it in my magic.
"So, you like making nightmares." It wasn't a question, I meant more as a statement. "Well, let's see how you like it." I large bubble forms around us. Just big enough for me to work with. I turn invisible and recreate the battlefield I nearly lost my life in. And I force the thing to turn into me. Just as it begins to take in it's surroundings I let it all begin, but with amped up horror. I kinda figured my, or any person from Earth, nightmares would be far worse compared to ponies. The worst I've ever heard from any pony, whenever I talk with them about anything, was losing a fucking pen. And that's among the worst I've hear from these ponies. I'd never think they didn't have any more wicked nightmares. But from what little I gathered I made a guess.
And boy did that guess pay off.
The Tantabus posing as me was yanked to the side by one of my comrades, just as a pile of dirt is thrown up in a small explosion. I made basically made the dream a rendition of Full Metal Jacket. The part when war happens. I thought it'd be way more interesting to watch it squirm when the Vietcong attacked. And it was, the thing looked absolutely horrified as it watched its comrades shoot at the opposing army. Picking them off one by one.
"What are you waiting for? Shoot god damnit!" One of them shouts to the Tantabus. It fiddles with its assault rifle, points it forward, and fires. The result was... less than spectacular. It was still one of the funniest things I've ever seen, but I thought things would go south fast. It kinda did, but the thing was holding up for itself.
*Alright then, let's amp things up some more.* I then summon a couple hundred more Vietcong and I make them start to run low on bullets.
"Damnit!" One Soldier cries out. "We're runnin' low!"
"Call for support!"
"Phone's gone!"
"Fuck!" The Tantabus looks back and forth at them yelling. A nasty idea enters my mind I execute it. A stray bullet rips through its shoulder.
"Gah!" It yells. I didn't expect it to yell. Upon hearing this I let more and more 'stray bullets hit it. I realize I'm making it experience what I did not long ago. But I didn't care, how was that relevant? I was getting revenge. Sure, it's petty revenge, but still. It screwed with my mind. I think I've already said I have a very particular pet peeve against that. By now it's screaming in pain, the field has faded away into whiteness. I stop the lead barrage and survey the damage. It's 'bleeding' out and it lays on a non-existent floor. I will myself to be seen and appear next to it. Once the thing notices me its eye widen and it reverts to original form. But then it does something I didn't expect it to do. Its cowering away.
"Hardly gonna put a fight huh?" I asked, but I didn't expect an answer. Verbally anyway, I see the thing shrink a little. Seeing this, I put on an absolutely mad grin. I can feel my face stretching to show how much in bliss I'm in. Here, is a creature created to turn Luna's dream into nightmares, but now it cowers before.
I feel powerful, I feel I have complete control over this supposed monster. I have complete control of this thing. I can make it do whatever I want, and if it refuses I can just create another nightmare and force it to submit. Gotta change things up if Luna's experience with it serves any advice.
"Oh the things I'm going to do to you..." I cackle, only for a little bit. I can't let this thing out of my sight.
*Crack* A huge, long, black crack makes itself known. We both turn to it and more cracks spiderweb from it. A chunk of... whatever the hell makes up the wall, breaks off. Revealing a dark blue, and very confused, alicorn.
"Ember? Art thee alright?"
*Fucking damnit.* "Yeah. I'm fine. Hey. You mind coming back a bit later?" I put a cage around the Tantabus to keep it from escaping. And almost put a few dead people's faces. To snuff out any attempts from it to do so.
"..." Luna looks a little puzzled. Really can't wonder why. "Why?"
"I was just talking with this thing. Just give me a few more minutes." I turn back to the mass of star stuff, again it flinches when turn to it.
"Eeeh... Ok..." I hear her hesitantly say. One flap of a pair wings lets me know she left, I repair the hole and cracks and prepare the Tantabus for one HELL of a nightmare.
"Hahahaha! Yes! Run you little bug!" I cackle as I deliberately stomp my giant feet close to it. It took the form of a random pony and started running as soon as it saw me growing to gigantic proportions. I keep this up for a minute or two and move to actually step in the little thing. But the last second before it's crushed I fade away. As my body fades away I watch as its head swivels around, trying to look for me. Scared out of its mind. *I think I've had enough.* I think to myself as I get rid of the bubble.
To bad the Tantabus didn't turn into itself when gravity took. And also too bad it changed back into its original form and flew straight for luna as soon as it saw her. Poor girl, she looks like she's trying to keep something from happening in that bubble she's in. I wonder what it is she's straining herself over?
"Princess Luna! The Tantabus flew back into you!" I heard Twilight yell.
"It has?" As I got closer I saw she was sweating, wow, she's really straining herself. "Ember. What have you done to it?" She huffs.
"Nothing much," Came my nonchalant response. "just showed it a thing or two about human dreams."
"No matter!" She shouts. "It is over and done with! We shall end this tiring spell now!" Just as she said that, the dream version of Ponyville fades to white. I stand there for what seemed like hours.
"I wonder if I can cast a spell while I'm still asleep..." I snap my fingers, then I feel myself fading away. "Hm, looks like I can." The transition from the land of sleep to the land of wakefulness was rather quick since I found myself sitting up in my bed while everyone else was rubbing the sleep out of their eyes. And Luna is lying on the floor, slowly recovering from whatever the hell she was doing. *So I can cast cast spells in my sleep. Cool.*
~That was actually me. I sensed the other ponies waking so I decided to wake you up.~ Oh well that's more sense than using real-world magic in my sleep.
*Oh, thanks then.* "So that's it Luna?" She fully stands up and faces me.
"Yes, we have successfully contained the Tantabus. But we must ask. What have you really done to it? It was trembling when it came back to us."
"Nothing you need to worry yourself about, Luna. Just know I had fun 'playing' with it." I smile and she quirks up a brow. "FIne. I had some fun making it relive my own nightmares, and some others I created." At my explanation she blanched. Ah, she knew what I can do with dreams, good. I had so mean-ass nightmares, especially after the war.
"Ah, yes, we will retire to our chambers then." Luna hastily teleported out of the room.
"Uhm... Ember?" Fluttershy said.
"Yes, Fluttershy?"
"What were you talking about your own nightmares? You have nightmares?" She puts on a concerned expression.
"Yes Fluttershy. I still have nightmares. As impossible as that sounds." I glance at Rainbows smug face. "But they're mostly about the war nowadays." The smug smirk died and shame took over her smug attitude. She seriously thought I was weak or something just by having nightmares? Heh, superficial. "But I've managed, so you don't need to worry about my Shy."
"Oh, ok." Her demeanor brightened up a bit.
"Alright. Well, I'll just be going back home if that's all you wanted me here for." I teleport me and my bed back home before the girls, or Spike, could object. And good right back to sleep. My time with the Tantabus really tuckered me out, mentally, for some reason... |
My little Escapade | Chapter 48: Smooth Sailing | Someone knocks at my bedroom door. I groan, it's too early for this.
"Ember?" It was Chrysi. What's she doing up so early? "Ember! It's like twelve!" Oh.
*Did I really sleep in that late?*
-Guess so.-
*Ugh, fuck me...* I groggily get up from my bed and trudge to the door. I open it and a very concerned looking Chrysanthemum is staring up at me.
"Hey Chrysi, don't worry, I'm fine. Just slept in a little." I know that was pretty unusual of me, but come on, it's not like it's the first time I've slept in before.
"Alright." That concerned look didn't go away. God, why does she seem to care about me so much? It's really getting annoying.
~Maybe it is due to you not being so familiar with others caring about your well-being so much?~ Ruby offered.
*No, can't be that. These ponies have taken care of me a few times already.*
~True, but maybe this one changeling that consistently worries for you is new to you?~
*Hmm... Maybe you're right. But as if I'm going to let myself get used to that.*
"Agreed." All three of the voices in my head said at the same time. I already got started on making breakfast, which seemed to have attracted a certain bug-pony. I wouldn't put it past her if she only cared about me since I make great food or provide her with enough real food, real for her anyway. She should be more grateful, I saved her life from that manticore thing. I made a simple breakfast today; eggs with tortilla chips. An old breakfast 'trick' mom showed me a while back. Just put a little salt and boom, tastes like eggs mixed with hash browns. Actually, that sounds better... Meh. Fuck it.
"What is this stuff?" Chrysi asked as she poked at her bowl of eggs with tortilla chips.
"Eggs with torn up corn tortilla. I recommend putting some salt on it." She took my suggestion and sprinkled some salt on her bowl. While I made it fucking snow on mine. I, love salt on almost any food... Shut up. Chrysi daintily took a spoonful of the food, I prefer forks, but whatever, and took a bite. As soon as the salty, eggy goodness hit her tastebuds she gasped. And chocked a little on her food. Only for a second, since a conveniently-placed glass of milk seemed to appear out of thing air. She grabbed it and chugged its contents down her throat.
"Careful now, wouldn't want you choking to death." I cheekily said. She glared back at me.
"You could've helped me, dung-head."
"I'm not a changeling so that doesn't mean anything to me." Came my witty reply. "And I did help, where do you think that glass of milk came from?" She made an 'O' face and looked at the recently drained glass.
"Oh, uh... Thanks." I nod.
"Anytime." I resume eating at a leisure pace. I notice the changeling blush and quickly leave the kitchen. Weird, never seen her blush like that. Should it be odd in the first that she blushes through her chitin? Bah, I shouldn't even question it. Fucking planet and its skewed versions of biology and crap.
I finished off my morning meal and set the plates in the sink before heading back to my room and down to the underground warehouse. I need to name this place...
Fuck, I've been devoting more and more time to building my army. I couldn't get started on making any cavalry since I can't magic up all the necessary parts, and I highly doubt Celestia would have anything in that department. So I had to settle on just making the foot soldiers. Maybe I can make them able to fly? Nah, too much work.
And then I can probably hijak a few takes from the u.s. army if I'm lucky enough. And maybe an apache or two... Nah, too ambitious. I'll just work with what I made for myself. Which is currently half made. Yes, with the assembly line, and what Celestia has provided me, I've already gotten done with at least half of my army. Judging by the half-filled underground warehouse. But this just brings another issue, how am I going to bring all of them to Earth?
...I can probably just ask for Discord's help, again. I wonder if he can even do that, teleport an army of androids across dimensions. Am I even in a different dimension than Earth?
No, I need to stop thinking about it, just move on and ask the fucking snake-goat.
... I just realized my plan looks and sounds a lot like that movie, iRobot. The one Will Smith is a detective with a robotic arm. Awesome.
So it seems that Discord will help me in transporting the army, and he was happy to hear its near completion. A little too happy if you ask me. There really is no understanding that guy, I just go along with it. I swear to fucking god if he tries to fucking up my plans I'll make eat his own heart... Heh, eat your heart out, mister Q... I swear, he sounds like Q from the old Star Trek franchise. But a lot of these ponies have familiar voices. Shouldn't be very surprised. Just my simulated mind drawing comparisons.
And there I go going off on a stupid tangent again, where the hell are my headphones?
"Celestia, Luna great to see you." I greeted the princesses and stepped to the side to allow them entrance to my home.
"Likewise, Ember." Celestia. "Though, could you explain why you requested our presence?"
"We are curious as to what you have done with what our sister has provided thou with." Luna said, and I smiled.
"That's precisely why I asked you two to come. Allow me to show you two what I have created." I lead the diarchs to my room, opened the hidden doorway, and down the elevator. When the doors slid open both of their jaws dropped.
There, right before them, stood my fully completed army of androids. All on standby.
"Ember? What is the meaning of this?" Celestia calmly turned to me, though I could tell she was a little angry with me.
"It's my army." I coolly replied. I saw Celestia's left eye twitch. "But you don't have anything to worry about. I'm taking them back to Earth." The sun god stopped showing all emotion. But could practically feel the wave of relief that washed over her.
"If do not mind me asking, why are taking them to your homeworld." Or she could still be seething with rage. I can barely tell, she's good at keeping a poker face.
"You, Luna, and I all know that my world is not the best to live on in certain places right?" At the mention of her name Luna picked up her jaw and turned to us.
"Yes, where are you going with this?"
"Well, I plan to use my small army to, 'liberate', my world. And start a new era of everlasting peace. I've always wanted to see Earth become a better place for everyone." At that both diarchs smiled, but said smile quickly faded.
"Do thou has to use such force on thee own people? " Luna
"Oh, no. I'm not, at least, try not to, use force. I made them to spread ideas of a utopia. And bring in people who will side with me."
"How do you know po-, your own people will side with you?" I smirk at Celestia.
"Humans are a diverse species, Celestia. There are people with the same mindset as me."
"Oh, well then." Celestia straightened herself out. "I just have one more question." She peered down at me. As best as she could being near my height. "Who helped you do all of this?" She waved her hoof towards the warehouse-sized itself.
"Discord." My answer, quite understatedly, shocked them. Whether they didn't expect Discord to be that helpful or otherwise. "He just wants to watch."
"Oh, good." I half expected both of them to sigh in relief when Celestia said that, but I digress. "Is this all you have to show us?" I grin excitedly.
"Partly." I turn the my completed army. "Atteeen-TION!" I yelled at the top of lungs. The room doing a good job at carrying my voice.
The androids all straighten up from their slouched postures, stomp on the floor with their right foot, salute, and then all robotic eyes fall on me.
"Sir, reporting for duty, sir!" Every single one of them belt out. Oh, god I feel so empowered.
"Stannnd-BY!" I shout, they salute and face the wall behind us. I turn to the immortal sisters and giggle like an anime school girl at their wide-eyed expressions. "Impressed?" I asked.
"That is an understatement." Luna answered. "We are astonished, you created all of these..." She trailed off, trying to find the right word.
"Androids?" I supply and she nods. "Yes, I did. Technically."
"What do you mean?" Celestia asked. I point to the long assembly line way of the right.
"What is that?" Celestia asked.
"An assembly line, something I made to speed up the process of making all of them." They both nod and share a look at each other.
"Ember. Why did you really make this... army?" What?
"To make my world a better place. I've already told you."
"Yes, we know. But we must know the real reason as to why you created an army. We both know that is only part of it." Since when does she care about some other planet? As far as I'm concerned she can shove that horn of hers up her ass.
"Celestia, there's a rule about my types back on earth; Don't ask too many questions." I pause. "Well, that's a lighter version of the rule. But you get my point. What I am going to on my planet doesn't concern you." I tried to tell in the nicest way I could manage. I hoped it worked.
"Very well." Celestia held her head up just a little bit higher, it didn't work. "Luna, let us make our leave." Fuck, I pised her off... Bah, no matter, if she and her sister as old as the ponies have said, she'll get over it. I roll my eyes and call for Discord. It's weird that he can hear anybody that calls for him from wherever they are.
"Yeees my monkey friend?" He asked when he appeared in a flash, literally. He turned to my army and his friendly smile grew tenfold. "I see we're ready to commence!"
"Yeah, about that. How are going to take all of them to Earth?"
"You let me worry about that young lad." Discord smirked.
"Alriiiight." I give him a confused glance before I shake my head and face my army. "Antteeen-TION!" Once again they straighten up, stomp their feet, salute and report to me. "Begin recruitment procedures!" Their pre-programmed systems kick in and they adopt human-like expressions and demeanors. Shit, they're gonna need clothes...
"Not a problem." Discord snapped his talons and the androids are now wearing random sets of clothing, some looking like people from movies and games, while other look like real people. "But, pray tell. How will they be acting inconspicuous if they still look like buckets of bolts?" I glare at goat-face.
"They're fucking androids. And that won't matter. There are people that chose to look like robots when they get the nanites. Should've done that when I fucking got them." I mumble the last part. "Anyway, you gonna take us all there? I highly doubt I have the power to do so."
"But of course!" He cheered as the world went sideways.
Okay. Note to self: Do not let Discord teleport you. It is a nightmare and half an acid trip. Don't ask how I know what that's like.
Anyway, we end up in some old, run down warehouse.
"Discord? Where did you take us?" I calmly, but creepily turn to goat-head.
"Why, to a 'ghetto' as you humans call it." I shake my head and pinch the bridge of my nose.
"Whatever." I turn to my minions. "Operation Romeo is a GO!" They all salute to me and file out the main doors of this place. Me and Discord leave last, and he changed to look like a hipster, figures.
"'Romeo'?" He shoots me a 'really?' face.
"Phonetic alphabet. Romeo is the letter r."
"And why did you name this little operation the letter r?"
"Because it's the first letter for recruitment? I don't know, something like that." Sarcasm is a wonderful joke-making tool.
"Oh har har." He straight-faced a laugh. "Whatever, let's just find a place to temporarily call home." He walked out the building, me right behind, and went straight for a Motel Six, how he got us a room with two beds mystifies me. And of course, I never bothered to ask.
*Fucking figures... I wonder how my magical double back home?*
One shameless transition later...
Y'know, it's kinda weird knowing you're a magically created double of a person.
I mean, sure, it's all good after that little realization. And after freaking the fuck out when said realizations hits you like a fucking train going back in time.
Yeah, that was something I hope to never go through again.
But enough of me going off on a tangent.
"Ember? I thought you were still at your house." Roseluck, one of the first ponies that decided to freak out at original Ember's arrival, asked.
"I decided I wasn't spending enough time outside." I answer.
"Oh! Well, great then!" She beamed. "So what are you doing today? If you don't mind me asking?"
"Nothing much." I shrugged. "I just planned to walk around for a bit. Maybe get some more sweets from Bon Bon."
"Oooh! Good choice!" Roseluck clapps for front hooves. "I hear she has the best candies around!"
"She does." I said. "I bought some stuff from her the other day; best treats I've had ever."
"Good to hear! I was planning on buying a couple of her famous bon bons myself." She said.
"Cool." I look around while she rearranges some red roses. "I'm gonna keep walking around. See ya around Roseluck." I waved to her, and she waved back.
"See ya Ember!" I turn the corner and head to the residential part of town. I decided I would check up up button and his mother. I think Nursery Rhymes was her name... Yeah, Nursery Rhymes, that's it.
Anyway, I make to their home and knock on the door.
"Coming!" Nursery called from behind the door. A few seconds later I hear the clip-clop of hooves against wood and the door opens.
"Ember?" She looks up me confusedly. "Not that I mind you dropping by, but why?"
"I just wanted to see how you and button are doing. Doing well I hope?" I ask and she smiles brightly.
"We're doing just fine thanks to you! Ponies stopped harassing us all together!"
"That's good to hear." I smile myself.
"Why don't you come in? I was just making some tea. Do you want some?" We both walked inside, me closing the door behind.
"No thanks. Not a big fan of tea." *Unless it's the Arizona kind.*
"That's ok. I would show you the living room, but you already know where that is." She giggled, and I chuckle. Wow, they've already moved on? That's pretty quick, even for ponies.
"Hahaha, right..." I head to the living room and take a seat on a surprisingly plush sofa.
"Button! A friend is here!" I hear Nurse call from somewhere in the house. About a second later I hear small hooves and button runs into the living room. Whose face goes from curios to happiness.
"Ember!" He runs over and hugs my leg. "How are ya?"
"I'm fine, Button. Just wanted to check up on ya. Make sure no one's been messin with ya."
"Oh, we're doing ok! Thanks!" The little guy tightens his hug on my leg. God he's so fucking adorable.
"Heh, anytime kid." I ruffle his hair a little. Being mindful of his little hat. And suddenly an idea pops into my head. lean down and whisper to him. "Don't tell your mom, but I also came by to see for myself how go a racer you are. I heard from some ponies that you're the best they've ever seen." As soon as those words left my mouth Button fucking beamed up at me. He had the most happiest smile I've ever seen on a kid.
"Really!?" I nod. "Well, I'm not to brag, but... I am pretty good." He pulled back and blew on his hoof, then rubbed it against his chest. I guess in polishing some shiny object. Oh, he's smirking, he's being smug. Hmmm... I may have to fix that...
"Well? You mind showing me?" Button nods eagerly and leads me through the house to his room.
"Moooom! Me and Ember are going to my roooom!" He shouted.
"Ok sweetie!" She shouted back.
"Well, here we are!" Button pointed a hoof into a doorway. I peer inside and see a typical little boy room. Posters depicting racers and cars, a couple toy cars and trucks litter the room. Even his bed with stylized to look like a race car. Wait... race cars? How? Why..? Just... ugh, forget it. I'll never understand this world.
Then there's a t.v.. What the fuck. Seriously, what the hell is with these ponies and their fucking technology? Did they like find some ancient technology from a long dead race and they've only come this far in reverse engineering?
That'd actually would be kinda creepy if that was the case... Since this stuff is human-looking.
Moving on, button pointed to the little t.v. and said he'd get it started. He then grabbed two old Nintendo controllers, they look like the originals, and turned on the t.v. And a familiar-looking games console that sat under it. The screen flashed too... no fucking way...
Pony Computer Entertainment
No way, it looks exactly like the Playstation One. It even has the towers and swirling orbs! Holy fuck!
"Uh... hey. You ok?" Button waved a hoof at me. Oh right, I'm in Button's room.
"Yeah... I'm fine. Just, that reminds me of an old system from back home."
"Really?" I nod.
"Yeah, it does..." I kept staring at the dancing orbs. "Well, uh... what games do you have for it?"
"Oh! Lots!" He pulled out a drawer from the otherwise featureless box the t.v. and consol sat on top of. What he reveals astounds me; there, perfectly lined up, are two rows of c.d. cases. All depicting games that I know bare some resemblance to some old playstation games. "I've got Mareio Cart, Slam Bandicoot Racing, Rogar the Dragon, Midnight Mares the racing series, The Legend of Mare Do Well. And some other ones..." He trailed off listing more and more games. But I couldn't help but just stand there and look at basically my childhood. I get to relive all those memories... Did I go to heaven? |
My little Escapade | Chapter 49: From One to Two | "I just realized something my friend." Discord frowned.
"And what would that be?" I asked.
"How does your army know where you are? Eventually they have to come back to you, correct?"
"You're right on that. But I made precautions." I leave it at that. Discord wasn't satisfied. "I programmed them so that whenever they find a computer to use, they would look for me on Yahoo. Once they do, they then wait for any updates from me while they set out what I ordered them to do. While at the same time they send me updates. Plus I can tell them where I am and shit like that."
"I see. But, why couldn't you just put that... stuff in them?" Really dude?
"I'm not stupid Discord. Inputting that kind of software would make them easy to corrupt, and vulnerable to viruses... You know what all of this means right?" He nods.
"I have been to varying versions of this planet my friend. Some more interesting than others." He smiled wryly. I just shook my head and forwent asking questions
"Good. Now lets see if we can use the motel's free computers."
"Let's shall!"
"Enough with the Spongebob references, they're getting annoying." Discord huffs.
"Spoilsport."
"Eat my dust Button!" I yell as my character zooms by Button's.
"Oh yeah!? Well take this!" A spiked blue shell is sent my way.
"Nonononono NO!" I tried to move out of the of oncoming death, but I couldn't. It hit me, sending my character spinning in her car. And right before the finish line too. Damnit! *Wait, I can still finish before him! Go you sonavabitch, MOVE!* My character, Skelepone, a pony version of Drybones, turns the right and slowly started to accelerate. *Comeon comeon comeon go go GO!* Just as my car gets to top speed I cross the finish line, right before Button did.
"Noooooooooo!" He cried out in anguish. Dropping his controller. I pump fist in the air to celebrate my second win. "How are you that good at Mario Kart!? Nopony's been able to beat me! My special talent is playing video games!" I laugh, not smugly, but playfully, and ruffle his hair a little.
"I used to play a lot went I was younger, Button. Particularly racers like these." I pat his back. "But cheer up, little dude. You still are a pretty good racer yourself; I only managed to beat you two out of five times. If I didn't know any better I'd say you've been playing as soon as you were born!" Button looks up at me gratefully.
"Thanks." He turned to the game. "You wanna play some more?"
"Sure!" I grab my controller and Button gets his.
"Button! It's dinner time!" I heared Nurse call from downstairs.
"Aww... " He slouched a little.
"Don't be so down kid. I'll just come by next time I'm around. Alright?"
"I'll hold you to it!" He pointed his hoof at me, taking the hint I bump my fist to it before I get up and pop my back and wings a few times. "Ew, that sounded like it hurt." His ears folded back and he made a gagging face.
"It didn't, it's just a human thing. I bet you could do it if you stretch right."
"Really?"
"Maybe. You can always try, just don't hurt yourself. Alright?"
"Ok!" We both got up and went downstairs. Button went into the kitchen and I left the home after saying bye.
*I like that kid.*
"Discord, where did you get all this money?" I asked as I dumbly stared at the briefcase filled with one-hundred dollar bills.
"It was simple! I just happen to find these fine gentleman in the middle of a transaction in an alleyway."
"I am going to stop you there Discord." I interrupt. "You mean to tell me, you got this briefcase from two shady guys in an alley?" He nodded. "And you just... took it." He nodded again.
"Well, it is a bit more complicated than that. But, yes." I force out a long, frustrated sigh.
"Whatever, I'm not gonna question it. We got money, so let's just move on."
"Let's shall!"
"Stop it with the fucking Spongebob jokes!"
"Hey, uh, Fluttershy?" I knock on the front door of the little cottage. "You there?" I call out.
"I'm coming! Just one more minute please! If you don't mind." I hear some movement from within, but I elected to wait.
In no time Fluttershy meekly opens the door, but once she sees me the door opens fully.
"Ember? What are doing here? If you don't mind me asking. I thought you were doing something with Discord."
"Hey Flutters. And yes, original Ember is doing some... things with Discord." At her confused look I elaborate. "I'm magical double of Ember. Remember the last time you saw two of us?" At that realization hit her.
"Oh! Ok."
"As to why I came by, just wanted to check up on that little guy. Lunar, if I remember correctly." At the mention of the little kid Fluttershy perked up.
"Oh! He's doing just fine! I can take you to him, if you want."
"I'd like to see him." She nodded happily and beckoned me to follow her, which I did. She lead me to the backyard of the cottage, where I a little boy, or colt or whatever, was playing wtih a few animals. Looked like he was having a good time. Some of the animals noticed me, but payed me little attention. Huh, I half expected them to freak a little...
"Lunar. Somepony's here to see you." Lunar turned to us and first saw Fluttershy.
"Oh, hey Fluttershy. Who's here?" Man, his mood really has improved from when I last saw him. Must've been that concert.
And then he saw me. Yeah.
He kinda froze, but other that, on the outside at least, he seemed fine. But his eyes betrayed him. So I sat down on the grass to look less imposing. Also while giving him the friendliest, most disarming smile I could muster. It worked on some of the animals that were scared of me when I first got here. Some rabbits, squirrels, and other small animals cautiously went up to me and sat about a foot away from me. Even a few exotic-looking birds perched on my shoulders. Thank god none of them perched on my head.
"Oh my goodness. I had no idea you were good animals." Fluttershy stared in awe.
"... This is actually a first for me." I glance the small creatures gathered around me. All of them somehow giving me looks that varied from perplexed, curious, and happy. "I mean. I know how to work with dogs. But that's pretty much it." A look at the birds on my shoulders. To my left, a fucking bald eagle. Fucking awesome, and too my right, a blue... parrot looking bird. Reminds me of the blue ones from the old Disney movie Rio. Ah... memories.
"Really?" Fluttershy asked, pulling me back into reality.
"Uh, yeah." I turn to Lunar, who before hand, had the same look as Fluttershy, but when I turned to him he looked down. "Hey, Lunar?" He didn't pick his head up. "What's bothering you?" I gently asked.
"N-nothing..." He mumbled. Then I remember when Fluttershy told me he has a fear of owls.
"Oh. Nevermind. You wanna see something cool?" He still didn't pick his head up, but he decided to look up at me through his hair. Though he did this with one eye. "I got this really cool magic trick, but, hold on I gotta..." The critters around back up, giving me room to work with. I nod to them in thanks and they nod back. "Alright, here we go... Actually, Fluttershy, mind coming over here?" The yellow pegasus tilted her head, but obliged. "Ok, remember that transformation spell Twilight used to turn you the others to... breezies I think they're called."
"Um... yes."
"Well, I'm going to do just that, so please, hold still." Fluttershy apparently caught on as to what I got planed, if her knowing was any indication. I close my eyes and concentrate, it's been a while since I used magic.
Soon enough, I focus on the spell I want to use and cast it on myself and Fluttershy. And then I felt my body change. My arms and legs got shorter, I my wings shrunk, a new set of ears sprouted while my human ones disappeared. It felt really weird when my neck started started stretching, same with the tial growing out my ass. And my new hair too, fuck it's been awhile since I had actually hair.
The magic changing my body faded away and I opened my eyes. And then I look down at myself. I'm still a guy, perfect. I now have fur instead of feathers, blue fur. And from what I can see I have darker blue hair.
*So this is what it feels like when the original Ember turned himself into a changeling...* Since I'm a double I have all his memories, but actually feeling it happen to me was completely different from what my memories told me.
"Ember?" Oh, right. I'm still with Flutters and Lunar.
"Yes, Fluttershy?" I turn to her.
"I... um... you look... very handsome..." Her voice became a light whisper as she tried to hide herself behind her mane. I look down at myself once again, this time taking a good look.
*Good god I look ripped.* My front legs along looked like a mass of pure, rippling muscle. Flowing smoothly along the boones from joint to join. I must have more muscle than Big Mac.
I crane my neck to further survey myself. I was frankly a little amazed at what I saw. To me, I look like a pony version of Hercules. My entire body had an appearance of expertly crafted chiseled marble. The only indication to the contrary was when I would flex.
And best of all, I didn't look like a meathead like Bulk Biceps. That guy is grossly muscular.
"Huh, so this is what I actually look like as a pony." I mutter to no one in particular. "Anyway," I return my attention to the ponies looking at me. "This better, lunar?" At the mention of his name he returned from cloud nine and looked at me. As if seeing me for the first time.
"E-ember?" He said quietly.
"Yeah?"
"Y-you're a p-pony now?"
"Yup. Cool huh?" I smile down at Lunar. Everything seems sharper than usual. I can even see every single hair on the little guy's head. God, these ponies have eyes like a hawks. Or maybe it just pertains to pegasi. That makes sense.
"Um... Y-yeah. You're... pretty c-cool looking." Lunar mumbled. I feel my smile brighten and wave a hoof to him, telling him to come closer. He looks at me hesitantly, but slowly and surely creeps closer. When he's within range I lay down, as comfortable as I could being a little unfamiliar with this body.
"Hey, it's ok." I bring to hoof out and pet his hair. "You don't have anything to worry about. Me and Fluttershy, and a few others, are here for you. I know you've been through a lot, Lunar, some things I do want to know. But, still, I'm here for you, so is Fluttershy, and all our other friends too. I just want you to know; You have nothing to worry about anymore. You are safe here, you understand?" Lunar looked up at with one, big, teary, hopeful eye. His hair still managing to cover his other eye. And a bright smile curved his lips.
"Th-thank you." He said through quiet sobs as he wrapped his front legs around my neck. I hugged him back gently.
"Anytime kid." We stayed like that for who knows how long; him quietly sobbing into my neck while I comforted him. Fluttershy stared on, teary eyed. Every once in awhile a sniffle would come out of her. Eventually Lunar pulled away. A new expression on his face: Happiness, mixed in with a little hope. There wasn't a trace of fear or trepidation. His happy little face brightened up my day. "You wanna hang out for a bit? I can take you around town." He nodded and I turned to Fluttershy. "You wanna come along?" She shook her head.
"I'm sorry, but I have to stay with my animals for today, maybe another time?" I smirk.
"I'll hold ya to it." I look back to Lunar. "C'mon, kid. Let's start with some ice cream. I know the perfect place to go for frozen stuff..."
"How the fuck did they find us!?" Me and Discord take cover behind a barrier. Why would they come out in broad daylight!?
"I don't know! They must have eyes and ears all over the place!" Discord shouted back.
"Alright then," I scowl at nothing. "Then let's teach 'em a lesson." I grinned wildly at him, he gets what I mean and he smiles back.
"I like where this is going!" I create a shield and we both step out. As soon as we do so a lead shower rains down on us, or more specifically, the shield. Since the area was already cleared by the bystanders, we hand nothing to worry about.
"What fuck!? Shoot them!" I hear one guy shout.
"We are!" Another shouts back. I can feel my grin widening as I turn to Discord.
"Minigun?" I ask. He nods and snaps his fingers. I hold my hands out just as a fucking six-barreled minigun with a propane tank of a magazine attached to it. *Of course he made it look like Heavy's gun.* I turn my attention back to the gang shooting at us. And out the corner of my eye I see Discord with the exact same gun. His manic grinned filled with sharp, shark-like teeth.
"Let's make it Hail." I pull the trigger and the barrels start spinning.
"Let's shall!" I barely heard Discord of our collective gun fire. The people didn't have a chance. They. Went. Down. From our position I got to watch in sadistic glee as they got torn to pieces. At this time I heard something over the gunfire.
It was me laughing. I was laughing like a fucking maniac. I was having the time of my life. And pretty soon, the cars across the street were filled with holes and partially covered in blood.
And there were sirens closing in on us.
"Discord, we're gonna need new looks."
"You and I can take care of that separately. For now, we leave." We both teleport back to the motel we're staying at.
"That was fun!" Lunar cheered. "I didn't know flying could be so much fun!" I land and he hops off my back.
"Told ya!" I chuckle and look. "Well, it's getting late. I'll ya back to Fluttershy's. Hop back on." The little guy grins eagerly and gets back on my back. I take off and drop his off at Fluttershy. God, besides Pipsqueak, he's one of the very few kids I've met that I like.
"Can we do it again tomorrow?" Lunar asked just as we got to Fluttershy's house. I wonder how she's managing to take care of a kid and a bunch of animals...
"Maybe kid. If I got some free time since I plan to help out Applejack."
"Oh, ok." He mule scrunches up a bit. "Hey, uh... Do you mind if I ask a question?" I smile and shake my head.
"No, I don't mind. Ask away."
"Ok, um... Why do you call me a kid? I'm not a goat." Luna hopped off my back and asked. I dumbly stared into his inquisitive face until I understood what he meant.
"Oh! Well, that's what humans call their... kin. That the right word?" He confirms with a nod of his head. "Thanks, but yeah. Humans call their kin kids, or children."
"Oh. That makes sense..." He trailed off thoughtfully.
"Glad to clear things up." I smiled. "I'll see ya around kid." That got a giggle out of him. I then took off and headed home to get some shuteye. Gotta get up early if I want to start helping out the AJ and Big Mac more often.
"Ugh, and I thought feathers were a bitch to get used too." I scratch under my arms. "And fuck being anything other than a bird."
"I have to agree with you on that one." Discord said as he lazily flew by me.
"Fuck you Discord." I glare right at him.
"As promising as that proposition sounds. I'm afraid I will have to decline." He landed right next to me. "Besides. I don't think you would want any of this." He gestured his hands to himself.
"You'd be surprised." I smirk and face forward as he kind of makes this surprised face. But I could tell he was a little interested at the same time.
"... I didn't know you were like... that." He tried looking for a better word than gay I bet.
"I actually swing both ways." From the corner of my eye I saw him gawk at me.
"... You too?" He eventually asked.
"Yup." *Heh, no surprise he'd be bie.*
-No kidding-
=Right?=
"Well, that's a bit... refreshing." He muttered.
"I can imagine."
"What?"
"Oh come on Discord. I'm not stupid. Who would go centuries without a good fuck every once in awhile?"
"Ah, finally someone gets it!" He claps and a few people stare. "Good on ya, boy!"
"Cool." There was a long silence as we kept walking down the sidewalk towards our destination.
"By the by, you never told me where we're going. I've gotten quite curious..."
"We're going to were I used to work. I want to get a few things from there I forgot to grab last time I was here. If my shit's still there anyway..."
"Ah." This time, an awkward silence fills the air around us.
And Goat-snake decided to break it the best way he could, given the circumstances.
"So, how about them sports?" Since I was kinda enjoying the relative quietness between us his talking sort of pissed me off.
"Nothing good I heard lately. Couple baseball players got caught using steroids." I decided to make him shut up by saying negative shit. Indirectly saying I don't feel like talking. And I'm willing to bet he got the message just from my tone alone. Fucking hell he gets annoying without even trying. And not that I don't like him, I don't not like him. He's just really annoying a lot of the time.
"We should've gotten a car." He said.
"Yeah, but it's kinda hard doing shit like that when you're on the run from the law." I say casually.
"You say it as if this isn't the first time..."
"It isn't, well... it is for the whole cops thing. I had to kinda lay low from some people who were against the idea of us anthros."
"Oh. Uh... Hey!" He said suddenly. "I think we have arrived to your destination!" I look ahead and see that we have. The DARPA building just a few blocks away.
"Oh, huh, perfect timing." I pause. "I wonder if all my stuff's still there..." |
My little Escapade | Chapter 50: A Normal day in Equestria | "Twilight? What's going on?" I asked while I was trying to stay with said pony, she's surprisingly a fast runner. And coupled with the fact that I really don't have being a pony down all too well. It kinda made it hard to keep up without tripping.
"No time to explain!" Was all she said. I decided to just wait until we get to wherever the hell we're going.
Twilight eventually lead me to some open field barren of any grass or plant life. With small mounds of dirt and holes littering the area.
"Where are we?"
"We are where I get most of my gems." A frantic Rarity said. I then noticed the girls looking around in each hole with a feverish pace.
"What's going on?" I asked. And Aj basically gave me the rundown; Sweetie Belle, Applebloom, and Scootaloo were here earlier, it was something about seeing if they could get a cutie mark in gem finding, but whatever. Aj told me that they haven't been back for hours when they said they'd only be here for a half hour. And the girls think diamond dogs kidnapped them.
"Oh, really?" I felt something in me snap. How dare they take kids for whatever purpose?
"Yeah, so ya mind helpin' us? You'd be doin' us a favor."
"Oh yeah, I'll help." I simply state. I then went up to one of the dirt mounds, since Aj told me those mongrels go in and out of those things, push the pile aside, revealing a hole. "I'll be back." I say right before I jumped in. *Those dogs are fucking dead if they hurt them.*
"How many people do we have?"
"Sir! Exactly five hundred! Sir!"
"And are we gathering more?"
"Sir! We continue to recruit two to ten a day! Sir!"
"Perfect, return to your duty." Two-four-seven, or 'Agent Spaz' as he likes to call himself, saluted and marched off.
"I have got to say Ember. You are quite the organized one." Discord complemented.
"Yeah, I pride myself." I subconsciously puff my chest out. Accepting the ego stroking with grace.
"And it is fortunate this warehouse was previously unoccupied." Discord muttered.
"This is a bit fortunate." I agree. "But that doesn't matter right now. We need to get more followers."
"Why do we need followers? You make sound like we're creating a cult."
"A man has no power if he doesn't have people behind him." I answered cryptically.
*I am going to murder them when I find the girls.* I thought darkly. I've been wandering around these caves for what felt like hours. Every once in awhile I would hear a little noise here and there, but nothing worth while.
I also don't know how I was able to see in these pitch-black tunnels. I'm probably just that angry, and magic is helping me.
*Finally I'm fucking somewhere.* I enter I large cavern, it looks like an old mining cave, rails everywhere, carts full of gems sit atop them, a few pickaxes and other mining tool lay strewn about. *Bingo.* I spot a few jail-looking rooms. Bars make up the front walls. As I got closer I saw three diamond dogs; one was short, one was tall and scrawny, and the last was tall and thick. And they were holding crude spears. Without any hesitation, I advance on them.
"Hault! Pony!" The tall skinny one barked. I did so. "How pony down here!? We no let pony in!"
"I made myself an entrance." I said.
"Leave pony! We no want you here!" Stringbean said.
"As soon as I get those little girls, I'll be on my way."
"No! We need small ponies! We no let them go!" He said.
"Ember!? Is that you!?" I heard Applebloom shout. I look behind the dogs and stare into the cells. The C.M.C. look worse for wear. I even spy a few bruises among the three of them, Scootaloo has one on one of her eyes. Holy fuck I'm ripping their heads and take nice big shits down their necks.
"Quiet pony!" Scrawny hit Applebloom with the bottom of the spear. Right in her left eye. At that point I snapped. I transformed back to human form and rushed the skinny one. I was thinking on a primal level as I formed a large blade around my hand, and sent it right through Scrawny's chest. He instantly went down and I then went for dog-hulk. He didn't stand a chance against my speed as I nearly sliced off his head. His body stood stock still for a few seconds as his head dangled off his neck by a few strands of tendons and muscles, then he fell and met the ground with a meaty thud.
Short shit was petrified until I locked eyes on him. He tried digging into the ground, but I grabbed his tail yanked him out of the divot he made. With a small yelp of surprise from him I slammed his body to the ground a few times. Getting a few more pained yelps and half-howls. The second he stopped making noise I dropped the body and moved to the cages. And pried the bars open. The girls cheered as I grabbed them and teleported all four of us back to the surface.
The girls were pacing around, looking down different holes that were piles of dirt. They all noticed us at once and rushed up to us. Rarity, Applejack, and Rainbow all pulled Sweetie Belle, Applebloom, and Scootaloo respectively into their embrace while the rest were hugging them as well. Scootaloo and Applebloom were sporting a swollen eye each. Luckily they weren't covered in dog blood. I hope they didn't see what I did down there... Nah, they didn't, it was too dark. Plus they'd be horrified by now if they did.
*If either of them are missing an eye next time I see them they'll be a massacre under these grounds.*
"Ember? Are you alright?" Twilight noticed I was standing off to the side and walked up to me. "Y-your hand, it's... it's."
"Don't worry about me Twilight. I'm fine." She kept staring at the blood splotches that are undoubtedly covering parts of my chest and face. "I need to wash this shit off before it dries up. Let me know what happens after this." Without waiting for a responce I teleport home and take a long, long shower.
"Anything new Spaz?"
"Sir! We're at one thousand and counting! Sir!"
"Excellent, return to duty."
"Sir yes sir!"
"When will the fun staaaaart?" Discord whined.
"Ask that one more time and you'll wish you never had a mouth. We will start soon, we just need more people. Now help with these plans... We're gonna have to start making signs and plaques to tell people we exist and what we're planning."
"But..?"
"Doesn't matter if we come off as threatening. People will know what we're doing soon enough."
"Where are they?" I asked as soon as I entered the waiting area. There were few ponies there. Parents waiting for the kids and shit like that. I spot Twilight just she spots me and we meet halfway to each other.
"They're in the recovery ward. And before you ask. They're fine. The worst thing was Scootaloo and Applebloom getting those black eyes." I clench my fists without realizing it. Twilight stops me in the middle of a hall and puts a hoof on one of my balled hands.
"Ember, they are fine. The fillies didn't sustain any major injuries. They. Are. Fine." She said to me. I realized I was fuming over nothing and took a few breaths, then reopened my hands.
"Thank you." I manage a smile. "I needed that."
"Don't mention it." Twilight smiled back. We shared a moment before we continued our trek to the little girls. The recovery ward was basically made up of beds lining the walls with those curtains you pull for privacy.
"Ember!?" The C.M.C. spot me before I do. I turn to where their voice came from and immediately I felt more calm than before. The three of them were sporting many bandaids and gauze. Applebloom and Scootaloo wearing more around their heads covering their black eyes. Their looks told me a world of hurt, but their bright smiles told me otherwise.
"Hey girls. Feeling better?" I asked as I walked up to them.
"Yeah! We're feeling great!" Scootaloo answered.
"Ah jus' wonder when tha doc's gonna let us go." Applebloom pouted.
"He said we're gonna be out today!" Sweetie Belle assured the earth pony. For some reason she noticeably had more bandaids than the other two...
"Well, I'm glad you're all feeling better. I guess it's a little redundant to give you three these then." I snap my fingers and three cards appear in my hand.
"What's 'redundant'?" Scoot had a little bit of trouble pronouncing the word. I would've given her the definition if Sweetie didn't beat me to it.
"It means it's not important anymore." She said with a scholarly tone.
"Yeah, what she said." I mutter. "But I made these for you. They're get well cards." I hand them each their respective cards. A yellow, dark pink and red one for Applebloom, a white, pink and purple one for Sweetie, and an orange, purple, and light blue one for Scoot. What was in those those cards are for their eyes only. And judging from their expressions, they appreciated the sentiments.
"Awwww." They said together. "Thank you!"
"Anytime girls. I'll see ya around ok?" They once again smile brightly and nod.
"You got it!" They kept the saying things in unison thing going as I left with Twilight.
"Ember?"
"Hmm?"
"That was really nice of you to do." I look over at Twilight, and she's been holding back tears.
"What can I say? I got a soft spot for kids." She giggles a bit and we part ways. Since it was still mid afternoon I decided to head over to Applejack's to kill some time.
"Alright! We're one million strong!" I cheer!
"Yippie..." Discord said unenthusiastically. "After about, what? Two years? Yes, this is very exciting."
"Whatever Discord, you just killed the mood." I grumble. "But still. Ever since I found this site holy shit recruiting people has gotten easy."
"Pray tell, what is this site again?"
"It's called 'FimFiction', for the hundredth time. Do you even pay attention to shit I say?"
"Hmm?" He never took his eyes off his laptop. I probably never should've gotten him one...
"Never mind. Now, we push for phase two..." I go to my Yahoo account and send a message to all my androids telling them instead of gathering more people, they're now going to start spreading ideas, rumors, and thoughts of revolution. It's only a matter of time now...
The C.M.C. have only been out of the hospital for two days and they look like nothing nothing happened to them. Wow, they either recover quickly or magic as at play here... Meh, might as well be magic, since it's basically a part of their biology. Something I learned from Twilight since I started 'hanging out' with her more. And holy crap Starlight is absolute shit at hiding. I just wonder why none of the ponies have noticed her spying on Twilight, especially Fluttershy. They must really not give a single shit. Or they really haven't noticed Starlight and she's just good at hiding from her own race. But seriously, if you saw someone suspiciously staring at one of the rulers of your country. Wouldn't you do something about it?
But I seriously can't tell Twilight about it, it'd cause her to eventually panic. And when I told Celestia she went on this shpiel about 'letting things happen'. Is she some type of oracle that can predict the future of something? That's all I can chalk it up too. Plus it makes sense; she controls a star for fuck's sake. Who knows what kind of power she holds.
Oh, there's Starlight again... And is she using binoculars? Why? Why would anyone need that when they're twenty feet away!?
"H-holy crap Discord..." plap, plap, plap "I... needed this."
Plap, plap, plap Shhhhlcik
"Ooooh~ Gods. If I wasn't in such bliss, I'd tell you to shut up and rut me more."
SLAM. My pelvis met his ass with gusto.
"OOaahha! Buck!"
"Heh. Heheh..."
"Ugh... my head..." I sit up and grab my forehead. It was pounding for whatever reason. I force my eyes to open, much to their protest, and find that I sitting in the middle of a tundra. "Where the hell..?" I spot what looks like a city in the distance. Without much thought coupled with the fact I was getting cold fast. I got up and headed towards the city. ...
*What is this place? And why is it so empty?* I think to myself as I walk down a street. It was eerily quiet, not that I could complain since this place was somehow warm all around. The buildings were made of some shiny material, but it all looked kinda crude. *Maybe I can find somebody from up there...* I fly up the tallest building, which vaguely looks like the Eiffel Tower. And land on the nearest balcony to survey the area.
... ... ...
And there's nothing. Not a single soul in sight. But there is a black dot off in the distance. Maybe somebody that can help? Meh, like I got any other choices. I take off and head to the black dot. ...
It's a war zone down there. Ponies against ponies. Well, some are wearing these awesome helmets with green glowing eyes. And the others are from the royal guards. What's going on?
Ah, there's Celestia and Luna. Maybe I can ask them what's going on...
"Hault! Creature!" Before I could even get close enough, Luna teleports to right in front of my face, forcing me to almost painfully flare my wings to stop as soon as I could without ramming into her. And she's holding a wicked scythe in her magic, cool. "We sense no dark magic within thee. State thy name and business!" Wait, she doesn't know me? What the hell..?
"My name's Ember. And I was hoping you or Celestia could tell me what's going on."
"Who do thee know our sister's name?" The scythe edges a little closer to my neck.
"Luna, it's me, Ember. We're friends. Remember?"
"We do not remember such things!" The scythe got that much closer to my neck. "Why do thee lie to us!?"
"I'm not lying! I'm telling the truth!"
"Luna?" I heard Celestia call. Luna removed the scythe that threatened to slice my neck and turned to her sister. "Who is this?" Celestia was wearing armor and so is Luna, they both look like complete badasses. And while Luna has a scythe. Celestia has an awesome... I don't wanna call it a spear, it kinda looks like one, but it's more of a staff with a blade on its tip.
"This creature tells his name to be Ember. And he claims us to be 'friends'." Luna explained. Every once in awhile she would shoot a scrutinizing glance at me.
"Hmm..." I'm willing to bet she's either weighing options or deciding what to do with me. In either case, it might not do well for me. "Prove it."
"What?" Me and Luna asked, flabbergasted.
"If you truly are our friend, then prove it to us by aiding in our efforts against King Sombra." Sombra? Who..? Oh yeah, that cloudy fucker that Twilight told me about. Huh... So they're fighting a war with him? I thought he died already...
"Alright, just tell me what to do and what not to do."
"Good. Firstly, do not kill my little ponies, especially those with the glowing helmets."
"Why?"
"Those are the brainwashed citizens of the Crystal Empire. I suspect those helmets they wear keeps them that way."
"Alright, I'll do you one better then; I'll try and remove those helmets as I fight them. Sounds fair?" She nodded. "Alright, anything else?"
"Do not face Sombra, he is far too powerful for any single being to fight against." I nod.
"Got it!" I smirk and turn to head into the fray.
"Wait!" But Celestia stopped.
"What is it?" I asked when I face her again.
"Our subjects need to know you are with us, hold still." Both Celestia and Luna point their horns at me. Which began to glow as a tingling sensation flared up in my wings. I look behind me and see my right wing and a sun on it, and my left has a moon. I face the diarchs one last time and nod right before I fly into war.
"Yes... yes... more people actually supporting our cause! The world is changing as we speak!" I cackle.
"Yes, how many do we have now?" Discord with mock interest. His attention solely on a loose feather in his arm.
"Only about four point three million." I answer.
"Really? And how much time has this all taken?" He plucks the loose feather. Letting it float to the floor.
"I think it's taken about five years?" Discord looked off to the side, as if staring at some unseen audience, and mouths 'wow' while shaking his head.
"So, when are you declaring war on every major country?" He asked.
"I don't need to do that. At least, not yet..." I answer. "And before you ask. The only reason I would declare war is if someone starts shit with me. Which no one has yet." *I actually hope it doesn't come to that...*
-Why? So you don't lose your precious androids?-
*What!? No! I need to keep my peaceful image!
=Even though no one has really seen you yet?=
*Yes!* The voices in my head groan. Idiots.
-We can hear your thoughts fuck face.-
*Screw off Embris.* |
My little Escapade | Chapter 51: A Normal day in Equestria (Part 2) | "Well, this is new..." I look around the dense forest around me. Last I remember, I was Fighting those brainwashed ponies. Then I suddenly blacked out. And now I'm in a forest? "Why did I wake up in the the middle of the Everfree? Why did I even black out in the first place?" I take to the air and look for anything that looks like ponyville, or any town for that matter. I thought the forest was relatively small. Since last I saw it, like I could the edges from the center of it all. Now it just seems to go on forever. "Hmm... maybe that taller tree over there." I mutter to myself. I kinda hate that habit of talking myself. Gets annoying from time to time.
Anyways, why would I be going to a tree that's noticeably taller than the rest? Simple: it could be a sign of ponies. Cause that's how things work here. Yeah...
Once I get closer enough I begin to look for a clear opening in the treetops. I soon spot one and fly down. Luckily it was close enough that I saw a few ponies walking around some kind of forest village when I started looking. Through the thick foliage I saw that they're all wearing green stuff in certain patterns, looks tribal, and they're carrying spears around.. Wait, why? What happened here? I was just helping fight in war in snow! Why are all these ponies in the middle of the Everfree? Is this even the Everfree? Is that Fluttershy?! What the fuck!?
"Changeling!" One of them saw me, this could be a bad thing...
"Fuck this." Foregoing any kind of fighting. I walk right out into the open just as five ponies come up to me and point their spears at me. I hold my hands up non defensively.
"I don't want to fight. I'm just lost." The ponies cast skeptical glances and jab their spears at me.
"Shut up, changeling!" One of them, a unicorn stallion with blue fur, yells. I was about to shout back that I'm not a changeling, but someone else shouted.
"Hault!" A very distinct voice calls out.The ponies holding their spears look behind as Zecora seemed to appear out of nowhere. "Stay back, I will test to see if this... creature has no fault." She casts her scrutinizing gaze from the ponies to me. "Tell me, who, or what, would you be?" I just noticed her mane is a lot larger than when I last saw it.
"My name's Ember. And I'm a human." I put my hands down and try to appear as nonthreatening as possible. "And like I said. I'm just lost. I don't know where I am."
"Hmmm." She reached behind her and somehow grabbed a bottle of some... whatever that is from somewhere. "Stay still, this will prove if you harbor any ill will." She applies this weird stuff all over my body. Once she's done with that, nothing happens. The ponies around us nod in contempt and returned to whatever they were doing.
"I see. Come, I may be able to assist you some." The stuff easily comes off. Much to my relief. Zecora leads me to some house built out of dead tree parts.
"Actually. I was hoping you could tell me why you're all here."
"You haven't heard?" Her head turned to me with a very confused expression.
"Heard what exactly?" I asked.
"This is not right. You know not of our plight."
"What?"
"The changelings. They invaded Canterlot and defeated the princess of day and night. We were forced to retaliate and fight. With little success, as you can see. We have only been able to hold them off and flee."
"Ah. Ok. Alright then. I'll help."
"What?"
"I said I'll help."
"... Very good then." She was about to say something else but some pony interrupted her.
"Zecora! We captured two more changelings!" Fluttershy shouted.
"Oh?" Fluttershy nodded and lead both of us to Twilight and Spike being held at spearpoint by a few ponies, even Pinkie. Ugh... Look now, ask questions later.
"Twilight? Spike? What're you doing here?"
"Ember!?" They both shout suddenly.
"You know these two?" Zecora asked, I nodded. Without another word she walks up to them and applies more of that weird gooey shit. As soon as she's done they both start to glow.
"I see... you two are not meant to be."
"What?" Twilight asked.
"Yeah, what?" I asked along with her.
"Allow me to explain, you see..." I quickly tuned her out as she went into full lecture mode. They even started walking off with me in tow.
I got bored and started aimlessly looking around, and spot three colored dots way down some trial I never noticed until now. One was white, another light blue, and the last one orange. As the dots got bigger I realized those dots were Rarity, Rainbow, and Applejack.
"Zecora! Ponyville's been attacked by changelings!" Aj shouts. Zecora calmly walks up to them and says some stuff out of earshot.
"What's going on?" Spike asked.
"I have no idea Spike."
"No god damned clue. But could you tell me what's going on?" Before either of them could answer AJ's engulfed in a bout of green flame. Revealing a tall, lanky changeling with glossy green hair. Huh, so that's what Chrysalis looks like. Rarity and Rainbow were actually changelings too. Coincidence much?
I felt myself spring into action. I teleport in between Zecora and the bug queen, catching said queen by surprise, and jam my hand into her neck. Which was encased in the same magically created blade from the diamond dog incident.
"Gcchh... blurgh... hckkk." Nothing but green blood oozed out the wound and her mouth as she grabbed my arms and tried to pull herself free. We both stared at each other. Her pained, furious eyes met my emotionless gaze. And pretty soon her eyes rolled up and she went limp. I dropped the body and seize the other two changelings in my magic grasp. And effortlessly rip their heads right off their shoulders. Neck and all.
I'm then thrown back into reality when I heard Twilight calling my name. I turn to see why was calling me to find her staring up at something, along with everybody else. I look up and my jaw drops.
The sky was shaded black. An entire army of changelings were hovering over us.
"Go! Go and restore history before it is too late!" Zecora yells to Twi and Spike. They both nod and turn on their heels to run off. But hesitate, looking at me.
"Don't worry about me. Just go do whatever you need to do to make things right." Twilight and Spike nod sadly and run off. "Let's do this!" I shout as I jump to charge the changeling swarm.
"Ember?" The receptionist called my name. I get up and addressed me. "Dr. Arati will see you now." I nodded in thanks and made my way to the director's office. I find the door with her mane and title on it, 'Dr. Arati Prabhakar, Director, Advanced Research Projects Agency. 'And open. Boy is she in for a surprise.
"Ember?" She asked, I nodded. "Please, sit down." I nod with a smile and take one of the chairs in in front of her desk.
"How's it going Arati? Still handling shit well?" She flinched at my profanity. "Oh, come on Arati, don't recognize an old friend?" She gave me a confused look. "I'm that guy named Ember who went missing for a year." At that, recognition took her.
"Ember!? Oh my god! I haven't seen you in ages!" We get up and shake hands. "I couldn't recognize you with your new looks."
"As expected." I chuckled.
"So, why have you come back? And why did you even leave?"
"Eh, let's just say I took a 'vacation', if you know what I mean." Arati nods.
"I see..."
"And as for why I'm back. I just came by to see if I can get my stuff. If it's still here anyway."
"Of course!" She got up. "We left your old the way you left it. We figured at point you'd come back. Though, we didn't think it'd take you this long." I shrug and leave her office.
"I've been real busy lately."
"Oh? With what? If you don't mind me asking." I look around and see all the people around us.
"It'd be better if I told you when we get to my lab." She nodded in understanding. We then walked in silence as we got to my old lab. Arati pulls out some keys from her pocket and unlocks the double-doors. The lights flicker on and I take in the old sight. It wasn't a big room; just about as big a regular high school classroom. But it was enough for me. Hah! Even old Max's still on his rack!
"Ah, memories." I stay like that for a minute before I shake myself out of Cloud Nine. I close the doors with using my magic and cast a sound proof barrier around the room.
"Alright. So, I've been on an alien planet this whole time, except for the last four years." Aarti stared at me disapprovingly.
"Is this some kind of joke? Because it isn't funny." Her stare turned into an unamused frown. I just shrug and magically bring one of Max's arms closer to inspect it, all nonchalant and crap. From the corner of my eye I saw Arati go wide-eyed.
"This look like a joke?" I ask while looking at the admitting old circuitry of the robotic arm.
"Uh... A-ah..."
"Alright, now that I have your full attention, what I am going to tell you is to never leave this room. This is extremely confidential for me. Alright?" Arati regained her composure and nodded. "Alright, so here's it all started..."
"Again with this shit..." I grumble. "At least I didn't black out like last time... And I have an idea where I am." There was a castle off in the distance surrounded by a huge moat. But what doesn't make sense is that the castle looks like that old ruined castle I saw awhile back, while I was flying around the Everfree. I think Twilight said something about the castle... Something with sisters or some shit. God, my memory sucks.
Anyway, since I didn't have any other option I went towards the castle. But stopped just short of the entrance. The ponies won't know who I am, if my last two encounters tell me anything. So maybe I should look for Twilight and Spi-
And there they are, with two guards in dark armor, helmets included, holding spears. Wow, how much luck do I have?
Well, at least I can just join them from this point.
"Twilight! Spike!" I ran out to them, making it look like I was out of breath. "Finally I found you guys, whew..." The guards stood between me and them, their spears pointed me.
"Hault! Creature!" I wonder how many times I'm going to hear that phrase, and that voice sounds familiar. "State your business!"
"I'm with them. I kinda got lost here trying to look for them." The two guards look at each other and then look back to me.
"Come with us." I nod and join Twilight and Spike.
The two guards leads us into the castle, and I was digging the gothic architecture.
"Nightmare Moon?" I heard Twilight whisper. I looked to where Twilight was staring and my jaw almost dropped again.
*She is way more badass than what the books and Twilight have said.* At the other end of the now throne room, was Nightmare Moon, in all her nightly glory: Shining blue armor, piercing blue cat-like eyes, her seemingly glossy midnight fur, and her blobby starry hair. To say she was beautifully terrifying would be an understatement.
And the next thing I notice was that Rarity was standing off the side in more of that dark armor, but she was wearing a little less and her hair was done up in a bun.
"Who are you three?" Nightmare asked when we stopped short of her throne.
"My name is Twilight Sparkle, and these are my friends; Spike and Ember."
"Mhm," She barely paid any attention to Twilight, her slitted eyes were locked on me. I don't know how to feel about that... "and what are you?" Did she just lick her lips?
"I'm a human." I simply answer.
"A hueman? How interesting..." Then she more or less stalked around me. "Delicious..." She whispered.
I would like to say that I was handling the situation like a pro. That can only be said for the outside. On the inside I was sweating bullets, I've never felt this uncomfortable.
"Thanks..." I didn't know whether to take what she said as a compliment, or a threat to my health.
"Yes, you are a fine specimen." Nightmare stated. I looked behind me and silently asked Twilight for help.
"Uhm... So, we traveled through time..." That suddenly got Nightmare's attention.
"Oh? Time travel? How is it that I do not know of this spell?"
"I don't know," Twilight said. "But we can show you."
"Oooh~. Please do." Nightmare said. "But I issue this one warning;" Spike is suddenly picked up in a dark blue aura and floated over to Nightmare. "Betray my trust and your friend here will suffer the consequences." Since Twilight didn't do anything but glare and agree, I didn't take action; Twilight didn't act out against a threat against Spike, she either had no other choice, or she has something planned. And I'm really hoping for the latter.
"Good girl," Ooh, that stung. "Now teach me this spell!" Spike wasn't handed back to Twilight. Poor guy, he's only staring in fear.
"I... I can't..." Nightmare glared.
"And why not?" Spike's eyes widened.
"Because I can only use it on the table map." The table map? Why is that thing relevant?
"'Table map'? What is this table map?" Nightmare queried.
"It shows a map of Equestria, and I can only use the time traveling spell on it. But some timberwolves-"
"Ha!" Nightmare interrupted with a laugh. "Timberwolves? This must be a joke! Clearly your are more than capable enough to drive away timberwolves!"
"Well... The spell takes a lot of energy to cast..."
"Ah, I see." Nightmare huffed. "Then you shall lead me to this 'table', and I will take care of the timberwolves." She nodded, so did Twilight, and Spike was gently put back down next to Twilight. The instant he could move he hugged Twilight's legs. "Let us get a move on." Nightmare got up from her throne and waved a hoof to us in a manner that meant 'move'.
So we left the castle with two guards flanking us, one on each side of us. I kept looking back and forth. Looking for any opening I could use to take these two. I don't know if memory would serve me well, but they should still be shit at fighting like last time.
We stayed on some path for some time before we turned a corner and three Timberwolves jumped onto the path ahead of us. Before either of them could pounce a beam of light blue magic shot out at one of them, and it instantly exploded. The other two yelped in fright and turned tail to bolt off. But Nightmare made quick work of them. Quickly killing them with ease.
Just as the last one was obliterated, the forest opens up to a small clearing revealing a crude, I think crystal table. It looks like it's made out of crystal.
"This is the table?" Nightmare asked, Twilight nodded. "Well? Show us this spell you speak of!" Twilight nodded again walked up to the table. She then pulled out a scroll and closed her eyes.
There was sudden wind as a large pot materialized out of nowhere with weird symbols and cogs spinning around it. I dare a look behind me and Nightmare has this vicious grin.
"Yes... Yes!" She shouted. At that point Twilight and Spike flew up into the pot. "What!?"
"I'm sorry Nightmare Moon! But this isn't how Equestria is supposed to be!" Twilight said right before she and Spike disappeared into the pot. Why wasn't I sucked in with them?
"No! Guards! Stop them!" Nobody flew un into the pot as it faded into nothingness. Nightmare looked to either side of her to find that her guards are splayed on the ground. "Why you little whelp!" I teleport to stand right in front of her, the tip of her horn at my eye level.
"Little huh?" I teleport away before she could do anything involving her horn and stabbing. I then form a blade around me hand and teleport again, catching Nightmare by surprise as I shoved the blade into her neck.
"Hrrk!" She pulled away from me and glared at me. I know she would've said something, but the blood pouring from her mouth kept her from doing so.
I saw that she still standing. So I once again teleported. This time to appear above her, and she stupidly looked behind and either side. I love using the element of surprise.
"Hhhhakkk!" A deflating, wet wheeze came out of the night pony as I let my full weight slam into her. Also while driving the blade into her neck over and over. Eventually to the point where her head fell off and rolled off to the side. I saw her eyes focus on me, despite her missing body, and glare. I smirked back stabbed her body multiple times, mocking her. But, sadly, Nightmare's eye lost focus and glazed over. I felt a sense of pride at managing to kill five people in separate timelines. I mean, who else can say that they've killed people in different places of time? Except Dr. Who.
"Ugh..." Oh, and the guards are waking up. Perfect.
"Wha... what happened?" One of them asked as they both got up, I grabbed Nightmares head by the horn and faced them a meter or two away.
"I... don't know. I just remember being hit in the head..." Again with that familiar voice, who is that?
"Uh..." The one to the right noticed me first.
"What?" The left one asked. Righty just pointed me. "Sergeant Iron Hoof, what are you..." Lefty turned and dropped... I'm gonna go with her, jaw and went wide-eyed under the helmet.
"Hi there!" I said happily, and might I also add innocently. The ponies weren't paying me any attention, I think, their eyes were locked Nightmares severed head. "What? It was either me or her." I stated.
"You... you killed her." Lefty rasped.
"You killed Nightmare Moon..." Righty breathed.
"Uh..." Was all I could say as the ponies ran at me, jumped at me, and started hugging me.
"Finally! She's gone! The nightmare is bucking gone!" Lefty cheered. Righty just started sobbing into my right peck.
"Uh..." The ponies look up at me. Pause, and back away sheepishly. "I'm guessing you hated her?" They both nodded with gusto.
"Buck yeah we hated her! After she sent Princess Celestia to the moon she made us all do whatever she wanted! Ugh, the things she made us do..." Righty shivered.
"Well, she's gone now... But... I wonder how Celestia will react when she gets back, if she ever does..." Rightly scoffed.
"The unicorns have been planing a way to bring Princess Celestia back for years! Now we can finally do it!" I nodded, sort of understanding what she said.
"Alright then, why don't you go tell them?" Righty nodded and flew off to the castle. Leaving me with Lefty, or Iron Hoof in actuality. "Some night huh?" I asked rhetorically.
"I'll say! You freed us! You bucking freed us! Oh my Celestia!" Lefty bowed to me. "I can speak for all of Equestria and say that we're all in debt to you!"
"Heh, good to know. I may need that to keep Celestia from killing me..." *Twilight, please hurry up...*
"Why would Princess Celestia do that? You saved us all!" Lefty said as he picked himself up.
"You do know that Nightmare was Celestia's sister possessed by evil demons right?"
"Oh..." His happy attitude crashed and burned. "Wow, ok, yeah. You're gonna need all the help you can get..."
"Yup... Fuck me..." |
My little Escapade | Chapter 52: A Normal day in Equestria (Part 3) | "And that's pretty much it." I finish my tale to Arati.
"... Wow..." She eventually said. "You did all of that in a year?"
"More or less." I look up in thought. "Might've been a little shorter than that, but yeah."
"Jesus..." Arat muttered. "You mean to tell me, that you killed a giant centaur, created metals that shouldn't be physically possible, you scared the hell out of some nightmare thing, you created a fully functioning android with complete independent intelligence, became friends with those who rule the country, all in one year?" I nodded.
"There's more to it, but yeah." I nodded nonchalant.
"... You do realize this makes you something short of a demi-god, right?"
"I kinda figured that a while back. But that was after I got used to the place. I'm honestly surprised I didn't go insane from how little sense Equestria makes."
"That is a bit of a miracle. "
"Well... it might be magic that keeps me sane. I mean, come on, who can go through what I went through and not have a few problems afterwards? I had a chunk of wood going right through my chest at one point for fuck's sake." I scowl at nothing.
"Speaking of..." Arati almost trailed off. "What do these... 'ponies' look like?" She was using the term loosely. Right, never showed her what the ponies looked like.
"I'll show ya." I cast the transformation spell I used when I was with Lunar. Once again turning myself into a cartoonish pegasus.
And the first thing I noticed. I was about as high as her waist.
*I hate being small.*
~You will get used to it.~ Ruby said. Arati looked a little perplexed.
"Hey, you actually look a little familliar..." Arati said when she recovered from blatant shock.
"Oh yeah, ever heard of the kids show 'My Little Pony'?" She nodded. "The country I'm currently living in as based off that show."
"Really?" She asked, completely baffled.
"Yeah. Big mind fuck huh?"
"Yes, it is... Can you turn into anything else from there? This is that magic stuff right?"
"Yeah, and yes, there's these bug-things called changelings. And Gryphons." I turn myself into a king changeling. "This is a king changeling. Regulars are about the same size as those ponies." I'm at eye level with Dr. Arati, if not, a little shorter. "They are wildly different from hive to hive. And yes, they run on that 'hive mind' like ants and bees."
"Wow... this is... this is a lot to take in..." Arati put a hand to her forehead. I turn myself back to human form.
"I know, it's a bit jarring at first, but you just start to accept it almost right off the bat."
"Why is that? Why so quick?"
"I honestly think it has to do with magic and how it's a part of every being's biology there. But realistically, I think it has to do with different realities."
"What makes you think so?"
"Think about it, I end up on some planet that has fucking magic and shit, and there's nothing like that here. And considering the fact that we haven't found any alien life within our god damned galaxy... wait..." Luna told me that magic exists in different forms. And for us it's technology, but, that doesn't make sense. Magic, the way I've seen it, hardly makes any sense what-so-ever, and it'd be a lost cause to even think about trying to understand its innerworkings. And our understanding of how things work goes down to the atomic level, for the most part. No... no, none of this adds up.
"Ember?" Arati snapped her fingers in front of my face. "You in there?" I shake my head and refocus on the world around me.
"Yeah, yeah, I'm here. I just... thought of something."
"I could tell, seemed pretty important." She commented.
"Yeah, anyway. You wanna get lunch? I'm pretty hungry."
"Likewise. Taco Bell?"
"Definitely." I kill the noise cancelling spell and leave the room.
"Gah." A soldering iron managed to poke the back of my left hand as we left my lab.
"You alriiiiightt?" Damnit, she saw my grey blood. Well, might as well make the best of it.
"Oh yeah, I might've also given myself a few... 'upgrades' if you know what I mean." I smirked.
"And of course," Arati chuckled. "It would be you to do such a thing."
"Who else but me! You know it's a childhood dream I've always had!" I laugh, she laughed along with me.
"Same old Ember." I heard her mutter.
"Heard that!" The lab doors close behind us.
"As if it was an insult." She waved me off.
*Fuckin' bitch.* I inwardly laugh. *I do feel old now that I think about. Fuck...*
*Oh thank god the timeline changed.* The scene changes from a destroyed Canterlot to and barren wasteland. "But fucking damnit this is ridiculous..." I just stand there for about a minute. "What? No change? The fuck are you doing Sparkle?" I take to the air, despite the strong wind, and look for said pony and dragon.
It didn't take long, unsurprisingly. Since purple and green stuck out in the blackened landscape like an American tourist in Asia. Just as I was about to descend I saw that fucking commie Starlight with them.
"Oh. Perfect." Devious thoughts filled my head as I flew down to met them.
"You!" Starlight pointed one of her hooves at me.
"And you." I lazily pointed back her.
"If it weren't for you and your baucking friends none of this would've happened!" Tears started to well up around her eyes.
"ALright, lemme stop you there bitch." She would've opened her mouth but I closed it with magic. "First off, you brainwash a small town, making everyone there think equality is everything.
Second, You then try to do the same to us when we 'visited' and after your spectacular failure and what I thought was your death you fuck with time and reduce this planet to, this." I indicate the dead land around us. "I am right. Right?" I turn to Twilight briefly. She nodded.
"In laypony's terms yes." I them smirk at Starlight.
"So, as far as I'm concerned. By laws of man and pony. You are a traitor for going against equestrian laws. A murderer for ending the lives of pony before they were even born, and an all-around tyrant for going as far as ending life as you know it just for petty vengeance." I kept Starlight from trying anything by encasing her in my magical grip, and after my little speech I cut her horn off. Leaving just a little stump behind.
"I know you're not a fan of me doing my thing. But right now I really don't care." I say to Twilight and Spike over Starlight's screams. "Just do whatever you need to do to set things right."
"A-alright. But I... I need to cast the spell... and i-it will bring her with us."
"Then I'll just go with her to 'keep her in line'." I put aforementioned pony under my arm. Having used magic to bind her hooves together. And also keeping her mouth shut.
With that done Twilight pulled out some scroll from somewhere and cast some spell. And that giant pot formed and pulled us all into it.
"Discord, there's a time difference between here and Equestria right?" I asked.
"Yes."
"Alright, would you happen to know how much time has passed over there?"
"The very least, a couple of days. Maybe a week or two."
"Wow, really?" He nodded. "God damn... It's been so long here..." A particular entered my train of thought. "Spaz!" He runs into my office I had them build.
"Sir!"
"How far are we with the plan?"
"Eighty-seven percent Sir!"
"Alright, can you handle things from here on out?"
"You have my word I can handle the operation from here on out Sir!"
"Good, Discord, can you make it so that we can communicate between worlds?"
"I am The Spirit of Chaos. I can create more than a simple means of communication which you speak of."
"Great. Can you do it then?"
"But of course! Anything for a dear friend!" He snapped his fingers and two books form out of thin air. One for me, and for Spaz.
"Just because I took your schlong doesn't mean we're that close." He smirked at me deviously. "Alright, fine. Just don't push it. You got it? I'm friends with Fluttershy too." He clammed up. Ha, fucker. Talk about Fluttershy and he'll shut the fuck up. "Hehe, you know I joke Discord."
"I know, but despite me knowing you for as long as we have, you still continue to surprise me."
"Good. Now let's go home." He grinned madly when I said that.
"Then let's shall!"
"I swear to fuking God!" Before I could grab his neck he snapped his fingers once again and we disappear with a flash.
So with everything sorted out. Meaning the four of us had to back in time, a first for me -going through the pot anyway-, but last for all, and apparently let a younger Rainbow do that sonic boom. Which, to my astonishment, set everything in motion. The story I mean, the monsters, the Nightmare, the Tirek, the Changelings in Canterlot. Everything. Which is awesome but ridiculous at the same time. Like, if a pony like Starlight could rewrite history and send everything spiraling into hell, why not keep a spell like that under wraps? Or destroy any trace of it what-so-ever? Celestia should have that kind of foresight as a ruler of a fucking kingdom.
But hey, everything got resolved, and I currently have previously said pony hog-tied and gagged in my room. So I'm not complaining. I just wonder when the real Ember's coming back. Sure as hell feels it's been years. Hell, it might as well be for me since I traveled through time and all that stuff.
*POP* Ah there they are!
"Ah, good to be home!" I said.
"Yes, good. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a certain pegasus I need to visit." Discord reverted to original form and teleported away in a puff of pink cloud.
"Ahem."
"Hey, other me. Things go well here?"
"I guess you could say that."
"Alright, let's just do this then." The other me nodded and I snapped my fingers. Ember number two disappears as his memories become my own. "Holy crap. I missed a lot here."
-No kidding...-
=Yeah...= The voices in my head said. Ruby chose to stay quiet.
"Now... You." I turn my attention to Starlight. Who's staring wide-eyed at me. "Oh yeah, that was my magically created double." I laugh. "Awesome huh?" She just glared back at me. "But you know. Whatever my double experiences goes right to me whenever I cancel the spell." Her lower jaw dropped an inch or two. "So yeah. I remember every single detail that happened. And really? Going as far as destroying the world."
"But they took away my utopia!" She blurted.
"Utopia? What you were doing was more like a Dictatorship."
"A-"
"Shut up. You know I'm right. You had control over every one of those ponies living with you before we came. Betcha anything no one could step up to you because of that 'rule by fear' you had going on. Either that, or you're brainwashed them." I deadpan the last part.
"I didn't-" I close her mouth.
"I don't care about what you did to those ponies, besides subtly forcing them into a communist mentality." I pause for a moment. "But... I guess that doesn't matter anymore. They're free to do what they now. Nobody, except for Twilight, knows your whereabouts. And for she will know I just let you go." I built up my story for Twilight. "But what I actually have planned. I'm gonna enjoy every, last, moment of it." Starlight tried talking through her closed muzzle. But only succeeded in quietly screaming indecipherable mumbles. I couldn't help but laugh a little when she tried ripping off the rope binding her legs.
Then I remembered I might as well make this short since anything and everything could ruin this... I'm going to call it session. I lock the door to my room and cast a soundproof spell on my room. Next, Starlight shrunk to the size of a large mouse. Not a rat, mouse. Rats are fucking huge on their own. The pink unicorn began panting as she shrank, since I took my magic grip off her. And she stared up in a bit of horror mixed in with a dash of terror. I pick her up and hold her really close to my face.
"I'm going to enjoy this." I say right before I toss the tinie pony into my mouth and swallow her. Hair on my tongue, or on any part of my mouth, makes me gag. So I figured to get the swallowing part done as soon as possible.
Oh yeah, I should've said I'm into a little thing called vore.
Anyway. Once I knew she was in my stomach I cast a growth spell on her. Kinda difficult since she was small and inside my body. But I still got it done either way. I let her grow a until I felt absolutely full. And she kinda distended my belly. I mean, you could tell I had a big lunch.
*Oh~She's squirming. Way better than what I imagined.* I had congratulate myself for looking the door since I pretty much spent the rest of the day beating off. And even then my meal was still kicking in my belly. Either she's resilient or my stomach hasn't kicked in yet. Hopefully it's the former, her squirms and kicks actually feel really nice. *I'm touching myself tonight.* I smile stupidly. But then a very disturbing thought came to mind. *I just ate a pony...* Said thought echos around my mind. *I just fucking put a shrunken pony into my mouth and swallowed her whole.* Before my thoughts could take on darker themes, memories of vore art invaded the forefront of my mind. People, particularly women, gulping and swallowing other humans, whether the 'prey' be terrorised or not. Whether they were those Furry versions, alien, or originally human.
To any normal person, this kind of art wouldn't be considered art. But a person as perverted as me, which is really nothing new according to tumblr and other media, it was completely normal to fantasize about being swallowed or swallowing. It's perfectly normal to have fantasies, whether it be gettin' jiggy with an alien, having sex with your favorite movie character, or the more outlandish variants like running into a horny tentacle monster that just wants a good time. But when you get to experience the one thing you thought you would never be able to. To feel a little pony sliding down you throat, squirming the whole way down to my stomach. And then feeling full to the brim as said pony grows to fill you up. To still feel her squirm and kick in a place you never felt before.
It was orgasmic.
I very nearly climaxed right on the spot. The sudden wave of pure bliss almost caused me to fall to my knees. But I barely held on. I needed, well, more like wanted, to get to bed. It was getting a little late. And what better way to enjoy a late meal than laying in bed?
So with that resolve I strode to my bed. It felt more comfy than usual as I laid down and pat my stomach a few times. I felt a kick under my hand.
*Hmm... Shouldn't she have been screaming? Could she even get air down there?* Just as that thought passed I heard... something from my belly. It was faint, but when I focused I made out shrill screaming and panicked breathing. God, I can still vividly imagine the terrified look she must've had. Too bad she never thought to use her horn to make herself an exit.
Ha, ponies are sometimes dull.
Anyway, since I clearly wasn't going anywhere anytime soon I decided that I'd spend the rest of the evening beating off. But before I could start on that a thought occurred to me.
*I've seen ponies do things I've only seen in cartoons... Maybe I can do it too?* Now, that thought only came to me because I've watch tons of animations of same-size vore. Meaning the prey is as large as the pred. And I spent... I think a spent about a year and maybe three months here. Who's to say I can't do some shit Pinkie does?
So with that in mind I kill the growth spell and the shrink spell and my meal started growing to her normal size. I was planning to stop when anything started hurting, but I quickly realized nothing hurt. Even as the pony reach her normal size. I looked down and saw that a very distinct shape made itself prominent in my belly. Anyone could tell a pony was lying on their back. Hell, at first glance it looked like Starlight was sleeping under a feathery blanket. Except that the feathers had a some space in between them. Revealing grey skin instead of cloth.
*Hmm... not as pronounced as I-* A loud, guttural burp interrupted my thinking. And... I guess I can call it outline, of the pony became more pronounced. Through my flesh I saw her horn, her face, her legs, and her rump. Basically her whole body.
It was at that point she started squirming some more. And for some, probably fucked up, reason I was hit with a wave of sexual euphoria. My stomach is really sensitive, I found out. Who knew?
So yeah, putting it simply I spent the rest of the evening, and part of the night, jerking off. At least I got some good sleep after all that.
Waking up from probably the best sleep I've had in years. I moved the sit up and start my morning ritual of popping joints when a weight slightly impeded me. I look down and see that my belly was still pretty full. A pony-sized shape still prominent.
"Wha..?"
~She's still alive.~ Ruby suddenly said.
"Really?"
~Yes. And you just woke her up.~
"Yeah, I can feel that." I watched as Starlight squirmed in there again, sending sparks of pleasure up my spine. "But it's weird, my body should've already taken care of... her..." I realized that the wiggling and squirming is noticeably weaker than last night. "Ahh. Slow metabolism." I mutter. "Wait... I've always had great metabolism..." I ponder this for a minute and notice the mound on my belly. It's shrinking. "Wha..?" I really had to think back to when I first turned myself into an android. Siad thinking turned into a brainstorm as I tried to find reason behind my bodily functions.
*Every part of me is simulated; I can go who knows how long without eating, whenever I do eat the food is quickly processed and ejected. Except for this time. Which should've been impossible since I ate her when she was about the size of my fist. Unless...* Then it finally clicked. Enough for me to make a conclusion anyway. *My meal was a living being, who I thoroughly enjoyed eating, then grew her to normal size. Add the cartoonish nature and my biology... Fuck. Only thing I can make from this is a combination of altered physics and my body compensating... Even that sounds stupid.*
-But it's not like you got any better ideas.-
*True... I guess I'll just stick with that then.* I yawn and get up from my bed. My belly already back to its normal proportions. *At least it's good to know I can quickly get rid of my distended stomach.*
~What? You plan on doing that... again?~
*Maybe.* I grin. *Under the right circumstances. And if I can find a non-fatal way to do it.* |
My little Escapade | Chapter 53: Gettin' Some R&R (Not Really... Maybe) | ~Why 'non-fatal'?~
*Probably because I would like to try again without killing anyone. Well, anyone I like.*
~...~ There was a disturbingly pregnant pause before Ruby spoke again. ~You are a disturbing being. Ember. And coming from a spirit as old as me. That is saying something.~
*Oh really?* I scoff. *Check your privileges. I could've been one of those people into scat, or a mechaphilliac, or-*
~Alright, I get your point.~ Interrupted Ruby with disgust clear in the gem's voice.
*Alright.* I hear some loud knocking on my front door. Without another thought I head over to and open the door. Finding no one, but instead a little box with a note attached to it. I picked it up and read the note.
"Hope you liked the surprise!" Was all it said. Shrugging, I open the plain box. Revealing a little blue flower. It reminded me of a rose despite it not looking like one.
*Who the fuck would give me a flower?*
-A secret admirer maybe?- Embris suggested.
*Maybe...* I turn back around and head to kitchen, closing the door behind me. *But if I have a secret admirer, then they were probably watching me pick this thing up.*
~That could very well be true.~ Stated Ruby.
*But since that possibly, I think, is close to zero. I think we can safely assume it's either from Pinkie as a harmless gift. Or some kind of prank from Rainbow.*
~Why do you think it to be a prank?~ Inquired the gem.
*Eh, just a hunch. Knowing those two it could be something, or it could be from one of the others... I'm gonna ask Chrysi and see if she knows anything about this flower.*
~Good idea.~ Ruby agreed. I then head over to the living room and find the changeling princess reclining in the couch.
"Hey Chrysi." I call to her.
"Yeah?" She doesn't turn to me, but acknowledges me. Her eyes are firmly glued to the tv watching C.S.I. Miami.
"You know what this is?" I hold up the blue flower and she looks at it. Then she jumps off the couch.
"Drop that!" She yells, I do so. "That thing's Poison Joke! Who the buck gave that to you!?"
"Don't know, but it could either be Pinkie or Dash. And why did you tell me to drop it?"
"Don't you know!?" She came up to me, but while also keeping distance between us. "Those things play really mean jokes on anybody who touches them!" Then realization hit me like a freight train.
"Oh, fuck me." I bring my hand to my face. "Please tell me there's a way to cure this shit before it even happens?"
"Not as far as I know..." Chrysi started pacing. "This is bad, really bad..." She started muttering to herself.
"Hey, calm down." I walk over and place a comforting hand to her shoulder. Only for her to flinch away. "Uh... I'll go see if the others know something about this."
"Wai-" Was all I heard from her right before I teleported to Twi's place.
"... and now I'm here." I finished my little tale to Twilight. Who, to my relief, was in the table map room. And not in some room of the castle I have no way of exactly knowing how to get there.
"Hmm... You're right. This does have Pinkie or Rainbow written all over this." She looked up to me and smiled. "But there is a cure. Just go down to the spa and ask for the 'Special Bubble Bath' and the spa twins will have you cured in no time." I nod to her, smiling back.
"Thanks Twi. I'll be on my way then." I turn to leave, but then realized something: I don't know where that place is. "... Mind telling me where the spa is?"
"Just look for Rarity's boutique and head left from it."
"Thanks again." I teleport to the dress store and head down the packed dirt path -what do you call these paths? Roads or something? Gotta find out later- to the left as per Twilight's instructions. And find the spa building just a little up ahead.
And I can already feel something within me change.
With a sped up pace, I walk into the spa and look for the spa ponies. I heard from Rarity they're twins. And the room I entered is a reception room. Chairs line the wall to my left while a desk occupies the right. And straight ahead one would see a couple chairs and other spa related things.
"Hello! Ve vill be there in vone second!" A... german? Accented voice came from the spa area. Next thing I see are two ponies come from some room off to the side. One with pink fur and blue hair, and the other with reversed colors. And both of them have brilliant blue eyes. And they're wearing some white band that I assume holds their hair back. What are they called? "Hello and welcome to- Oh! You must be Ember, correct?" The pink furred asked.
"Yes, that would be me." I answered. I would've added, 'unless there are other humans here,' but Corey and Britt live here, so yeah. Can't do that.
"Wunderbar!" Pinky exclaimed in german.
"How may we be of service today?" Bluey asked, apparently eager to please. I can feel my wings shrinking. Fucking shit. If Rainbow is behind this she is paying. You don't. Fuck with. My wings.
"I was told by a friend that you have a special bath that can cure any affliction by Poison Joke. I kinda got one as a prank and touched it." At the mention of the offending flower the twins flinched.
"Oh dear. Come, ve vill get the bath ready for you." I nodded and followed the pair through the building. I felt myself getting weak for some reason. I look down at myself and saw that my arms and legs were getting thinner.
*What the fuck...* My hurried speed walking turned to a mediocre trudge as time went on. The spa twins noticed this and came to my side to help me stay up. I wasn't feeling any sort of fatigue, but I just felt so weak by the time we made it to a large tub against a wall. *How big is this place?* I looked behind me and we were only about thirteen meters away from the entrance. *... Wow...*
-No kidding.- Embris decided it was the appropriate time to add her statement.
The spa twins helped me up into the tub and began filling it with water.
"I vill get the special mix. Viat here with him sister." Pinky said right before she ran off to get that mix.
"So, you two are twins?" I broke the ice between me and Bluey the best way I knew how. It made her giggle so whatever.
"Yes, ve are twins." She tittered.
"Cool. What are your names? Didn't really get them when at the lobby."
"Oh, I am Lotus. And my sister is Aloe." Huh, how appropriate for spa ponies.
"Cool. And I've been wondering. You two speak german?" I asked. I could tell english wasn't their first language. But with the whole different worlds thing I really couldn't be completely sure about different languages. And the fact that I briefly talked about this with Twilight makes it all the more confusing.
"I think you mean Germane, but yes."
"So ware es einfacher fur Sie, wenn wir Ihre Sprache sprechen (So it would be easier if we speak your language)?" Lotus reacted the way I thought she would: open mouth and bugged out eyes.
"Y-you speak Germane?" I nodded. "Oh my goodness! It has been so long since I have spoke in my native tongue! Aloe will love this!"
"I am glad to hear that." Just then the other twin walks into the room. Holding a green bottle in her mouth.
"Aloe! Ember here speaks Germane!" Aloe almost dropped the bottle at the declaration form her sister.
"Really? You must pulling one of my legs sister!" She said disbelievingly.
"Why would your sister lie to you about something like that?" I innocently asked in German. This time Aloe dropped the bottle, which thankfully didn't spill, and had a similar face to Lotus when she reacted to me knowing their language.
"O-oh my... What a big surprise this is." Aloe stuttered.
"Yes, it is, but could you start the bath you talking about, please?"
"Oh! Of course. How could I have forgotten?" Aloe said in english. She picked up the bottle and poured some of the fluid into the bath as it was filling up. I took this time to look at myself: Toothpick body, from what I feel, small-ass wings. So basically I got turned into a ninety-pound weakling. Rainbow is so getting it if she's behind this.
But soon after the tub was full I literally saw my whole body beef up. The enriching bath returning me to my beef cake self. Surprisingly it wasn't any more dramatic than me inflating like a balloon. Whatever, I didn't even think it'd be more dramatic. And to think about it... It was just a prank, and Rainbow does mean well. Though, she shows that in the worst ways sometimes.
You know what? Fuck it. I'm not letting Rainbow have her satisfaction of a successful prank. If she's even involved. But most likely she is.
But right now. I want to enjoy this bath. It's been awhile since I've been in a pool. Maybe these ponies have those here? Wait, I've pinkie with floaties, they got pools here.
"Could you tell us where you learned to speak our language? I am very curious." Aloe asked.
"I suppose. But before I do. It was made known to every pony that I am not from this place, so to speak right?" They nodded. "Alright, well. It's not much of a story, but when I was younger, like twelve or something, I was very fascinated about foreign languages. I always wondered how people within the same continent can develop different tongues and things like that. And, at the time, I decided that I would become a multi-lingual translator. Basically a person anyone could hire to translate for you when you don't know the language of a client or partner. And that lead me to learn a couple languages like German -that's what it's called where come from, along with French, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, and some other ones." The spa sisters were very intrigued to learn I spoke many languages.
"Sister. Maybe he could help us?" Lotus said. Oh? This just got interesting.
"Help you with what?" I kindly asked. The girls look at each other and nod.
"We have been having... difficulties, with purchasing a building to expand our business."
"Oh? And what problem might that be?"
"Well... the seller is a little... 'traditional', to say the least. She apparently can't understand our accents and pretty much keeps up away from herself." This sounds like a case of prejudice. Maybe rasim, but I'm leaning towards the former.
"Does she have something against you two?" I asked as I sat up in the tub a little.
"We don't think so..." Louts said.
"But I think a little foul play is involved. So we would like you to 'translate' for us."
"So, will you help us?" Both of them asked at the same time. Huddling up with each other and giving me pleading puppy dog eyes. I thought about it for a minute.
*Ain't got shit to do at the moment. Eh, why not?* "Sure, I would love to help out." I answered.
"Really!? Oh thank you!" Pinky and Bluey jump into the tub and hug me. Getting themselves wet in the process.
"Ahem, yes, well. I think we're done with the bath thing." I cough. Thank god I no one can see me blush under these feathers. "So, when do you need me?" I asked when we got out of the tub. "nd how much do I owe you for the bath?"
"Come by tomorrow. And you don't need to pay us. This was a Poison Joke emergency."
"It happens that offten?"
"More than you think." Aloe grumbled. "But we don't charge good friends of ours." Lotus said.
"Oh. Good to know." I smile. They smile back. They hand, or hoof -god I gotta get used to pony inflections... nah-, me towel and I get out off the tub to dry myself off. Through my peripheral I saw the ponies blush and look away. I quirk up a brow and look at myself. Aaaaand the water matting my feathers is magnifying my physic. Well, at least my junk isn't out in the open for everybody. But now the twins are staring, eh, more ego stroking I guess. Or is it appreciation.
"Well, it's been fun talking to you two. I'll see ya tomorrow!" I wave as I head the front door.
"Bye! Ember! Ve shall be here waiting!" The twins wave back.
*Sigh* "Well, what to do now?" I ask no one in particular.
"Hey Ember!" Derpy waves to me in while she flies by in her mailwoman uniform. A large bag of mail hanging off her side.
"Hey Derpy. How's Dinky?"
"She's doing fine! Thanks!" Without the pegasus looking where she's going, she smacks right into a pole. At least she was fast enough to recover mid-air. "Ehehee bye!" Her cheeks turned red and she zipped off.
"I wonder why she get's embarrassed every time time that happens..."
~It could be due to that no one should be capable of doing that on a regular basis? Without doing it on purpose?~
*But you've seen her eyes! She can't help it!*
~I know your point. But don't you think she would develop some way to avoid things like that?~
*Doubt it. It's part of her personality if I don't know any better.* I shrugged and walked off in some random direction, something will come up to give me something to do.
"Ay Ember!" Hopefully Vinyl is that something.
"Hey Vinyl. What's up."
"Dude, it's a been forever since we met up!" The dj trotted up beside me.
"Yes, it has. I've been a little... busy lately."
"Oh yeah? With what? It felt like you dropped off the face of Equis!"
"Eh, you could say that." I smirk.
"Wut?" Came her confused question.
"Don't worry about it."
"What?" She asked again.
"So how's your little thing with Octavia going?" I asked out of nowhere.
"Oh, we're doin' fine. Though, Octy's been a little stressed lately. She's gotta perform in a concert in front of the princesses."
"Oh, wow. Yeah, that's gotta be a little nerve wracking." I agree with her.
"Yeah, I just hope everything goes well for her. Last time she messed something up in one of her concerts she locked herself in her room for four days straight."
"Oh wow." That actually surprised me. I mean, don't get me wrong. I kinda figured a pony like Octavia, from what little I gathered about over the year, would be passionate about her career. But for something within that career to affect her that badly, she must take her job to heart. Just like how killing 'the bad guys' was beaten into my head all those years ago. Ah, memories.
"Yeah, I just hope if anything does go bad she doesn't do that again."
"Gotta agree with that Vinyl."
"Yeah..." The mood was quickly declining so I made an attempt to brighten things up.
"So you got anything else to so today?" I asked.
"Nah. I mostly do nothing during the day." She responded.
"Ah. I wish I had that kind of life when I was a teen."
"What'er you talking about? I'm about to be twenty!" She peered up at me with a little bit of incredulity.
"And I'm twenty nine." As far as these ponies are concerned. In actuality I'm thirty three since I spent just about the last five or six years on Earth.
God, I feel old now that I think about it. Well, at least I made myself immortal, I think. At least I'm confident I'll live past a hundred years with ease.
And speaking of years... God damn it, Pinkie probably knows I'm older than what I'm telling Vinyl... Should I just go with telling her my actual age? She, along with my other friends excluding the girls, know I'm an alien.
"Hmph." Vinyl pouted.
"Thought so." Sure it was only a nine year difference, not really... Ugh, fuck it. "But actually, I'm thirty three."
"What? But I thought-"
"Hold on, you know I'm not from here right?" It was kind of rude to interrupt her like that, but I needed to get my point across.
"Uuuuh, yeah." She raised a brow at me.
"Well, I went back to my... planet. And did some business there that took about five years to start. But," I elaborated when she gave me this bewildered look. "apparently, time flows differently between here and where I come from. Like, a day here could be a week there. So with that a thing. Me spending five years there equals a couple months here. Weird, right?"
"Yeah, it sound like all the time stuff Derpy talks about."
"What?"
"You never heard?" I shake my head. "Oh, well, Derpy's told us that she's gone on these adventures with this brown stallion. I think his name was Time... something. But she said to just call him 'The Doctor'." No fucking way...
"Oh, I see... How long ago was this?"
"Mmmm... About two weeks ago? Yeah, something like that." Vinyl nodded to herself in confirmation.
"Interesting..." Dr. Who? Here? In Ponyville as a pony? No... it can't be true. "Did she ever tell what this stallion is up too on these 'adventures'?"
"I don't think so... Derpy said he's really vague sometimes... Why do you ask?" So Doc Who is running around here. This could get interesting.
"Oh, alright." I smile. "And I was just curious. So what do you feel like doing today?" Please, whatever deity is watching, let me and Vinyl have the same thought. I really want to have fun today.
"Screw with ponies by having another me around?" She put on a mischievous smirk.
"Screw with ponies by having another you around." I smirk back. Oh, today is going to be a good day. |
My little Escapade | Chapter 54: *Insert Clever, Witty Title Here* | So me and Vinyl spent the majority of the day screwing with unknowing ponies by me, as a changeling, pretending to be Vinyl. We started off with simple things like making it look she teleported from one side of a build to another, or doing the same within market stalls where she would hide in them and I would pop out from behind a tree or another stall. But when we worked our way up to blatantly walking around right next to each other and talk in perfect sync. The real kicker was when ponies would stop us and ask who was the real Vinyl, and we would respond with 'What are you talking about?' Then the pony would say something along the lines of. 'There's two of you.' And we would say. 'Dude, there's only one of me.' And then we would go off on a tangent were we would start braggin how Vinyl was the best dj in Equestria and crap like that. And during all of that the pony would have done either of the following: A. Let out a small roar of annoyance, y'know, that 'Aarrgh!' thing. Two. Look at both us very confused before shaking their head and and walk off in some direction, probably to the psychologist, if there is one around here. Or roman numeral three, and this pertains to a certain pink pony, they would run off screaming something about a magic mirror pool and that she's not crazy.
So yeah, I had fun.
But it was getting late and Vinyl had some gig to go to. That was when I thought I'd go to it.
"Awesome!" Vinyl cheered. "Alright, the gig's at Cider Town; down this road to the right, and tell the guy at the door Vinyl sent ya. He'll know to let you in."
"Alright. When does it start?"
"In about four hours." She said.
"Ok. I'll see you the-" Something hit me. If this is a rave... "... Do you know what glow sticks are?"
"Glow wha..?" She cocked her head to the side.
"I'll take that as a no. So! Meet me at my house, you know where my place is right?" She nodded. "Good! Meet me there as soon as you can. I got some things I'd like to show ya."
"Alright..." The dj said unsurely.
"Don't worry. It'll be awesome." Without waiting for a responce I teleport to my house, grab the scroll that lets me go to Earth. Teleport to there, went to the nearest Party City, and bought as many glow sticks of varying sizes and shapes, and took them home with me, along with some neon and glow in the dark non-toxic paint and washable markers. And a flew black lights with a couple extension cords.
*Knock knock knock* That must be Vinyl.
"Come in!" I yell from the living room. I had to close the blinds and get the large crystal I keep stored away to display all the little party favors. I hear the front door open and hooves on wood. "In hear!" The hoof falls stop for a second while I fiddle with an extension cord.
"Ember? What's all this stuff?" I heard Vinyl ask from behind. I stood and face her, a gleeful smile plastered on my face.
"Before I answer that, what kind of music do you play at your gigs?"
"Mostly Electronica. And sometimes this 'Wubstep' stuff I get requests for. " Yes! This is too perfect!
"Perfect. Then allow me to show you, This." I flick off the main lights and turn on the black lights. And nearly instantaneously the room is bathed in bright pinks, blues, green, yellows and oranges. I then use my magic to grab a couple glow sticks about the size of necklaces, crack them, and throw them about the room. I looked to Vinyl and she had this face that... oh my god she was so blown away. Her shades even slipped down her snout a little. Revealing those ruby red eyes.
"I... ah... uh... wha..." Was all she could sputter, she was just that awestruck. She was thrown back into reality was I asked,
"Pretty neat huh?" She whipped her head at me and her jaw dropped just a little more when she looked at me. Finally noticing the patterns I painted over myself. "Oh, and don't worry about this stuff," I wave a hand to myself. "It washes off easily."
"Holy... buck." She slowly swiveled to look around the room. "... Celestia's TITS this is so, awesome!" She bounded around the room much like Pinkie. "Where did you get this stuff!?"
"Back where I come from." I cooly answered.
"And you want me to use this stuff?"
"Yep. Well, more like if you want to use it. I-" My sentiment was cut off when Vinyl tackled me to the ground by surprise. Her horn dangerously close to my facial area.
"I... I d-don't what to s-say. Thank you." She choked out in between sobs.
"Anytime Vinyl. But geez, emotional much?" I joked.
"Whatever!" The unicorn batted a hoof on my chest while wiping a tear off her muzzle. She froze and stared blankly at my chest. Then her cheeks started tinting red.
"Uh Vinyl. You alright?" I wave my hand in front of her face. The tinge on her cheeks spread throughout her face and ended on the tips of her ears. "Vinyl?" I snapped my fingers right next to one of ears. It flicked away, but that brought her back from the twilight zone.
"Eeehehe. Sorry." She stiffly stood up and backed away, allowing me to get up.
"It's alright, so you wanna get all this stuff to you gig?" I asked and she nodded eagerly. She walked like her legs were trying to turn into peices of wood. I would have shrugged it off as nothing out of the ordinary, but then I just so happen to notice a little wet spot right where she was standing. And there was a fucking trial leading to where she was currently standing, picking up a pile of glow sticks. There were even little sparkles of liquid dripping down her legs from the angle I was looking from.
*That's hot.* I thought.
-I know right? To bad she's not a human.-
=Ugh, tell me about it.=
~I don't think you should worry about having sex with a different species-~
*Alright let's get a move on!* I mentally shout.
-But we--
*You know the fucking point!*
So, without any other, 'complications', Vinyl and me quickly and secretly got the rave supplies to the bar slash multi-purpose hall her gig is taking place. The hall itself was pretty big all things considered: It was probably just as big as town hall, but had a lower ceiling. But there still was an elevated section where Vinyl will be. Her setup was already there, and Vinyl, or Dj-Pon3 as she told to call her for the rest of the night.
"So, Berry," I said to the barkeep. "You ready for a night like noneother?" I wiggled my brows at the pony working the bar.
"Well, if what ya told me about this little favors," She pointed at me and squinted her eyes. "I've already got cleaning stuff ready to go." Her eyes squinted even further, if that's even possible. "You better hope to Celestia nopony makes a huge mess with that stuff." She jabbed a hoof at me.
"No promises, from what I hear, nothing clean survives Dj-Pon3's parties." Berry and I share a laugh.
"Aaaah ~ I'll see ya later Berry." I said in between laughs.
"Alright Ember. See ya." Berry goes back to wiping the same glass she's been cleaning the whole time. Right before I leave I spot Vinyl and wave she waves back.
"Tonight is gonna be a good night." I mutter.
"Wow, ponies already showing up." I whisper to myself. I decided to go to the rave as a pony, the same one I used as a disguise when I took that 'vacation'. Of course some ponies knew right away it was me. While it took some time for other to recall my antics from months ago. And there were some of the ponies that had no damn clue who I was, but they'll find out soon enough.
Now, now is the time to party like it's nineteen ninety-nine.
*Ugh... my head...* I groan and open my eyes. *MY EYES!* They immediately close to shield themselves from the the sun apparently three feet away. Once I get my bearings I slowly reopen my eyes. Letting them adjust to the light coming from the window I was conveniently laying a couple feet away from. *What? Where am I?* Something you don't want to ask yourself when you don't remember passing out. But... *Oh yeah, the rave.* Memories of that party flicker through my mind's eye. *Yeah, one hell of a party.* I smile. Then I noticed I turned back into my human form at some point during the the rave. There was an absolute tidal wave's worth of paint all over me. Pinks, blues, and mostly oranges.
~Oooogh. Why do I hurt?~ Ruby asked.
*No idea, but that was an awesome rave.*
~That is what you call a rave?~
*Yeah.*
~Remind to never let you go to one again.~
*Pff, fat chance buddy.* I chuckle. Ruby just groans.
-Fuck...- The feminine part of me groans.
=That was epic!= I felt a throbbing sensation in my head.
*Dude, don't yell. Getting a headache.* I put my head in my hands.
=Oh, sorry.=
*It's alright.* At this point in time I decided to look around the hall Vinyl's gig was held in. It looked like a god damned tornado ran through here. Neon paint lined nearly every square inch on every wall, even the floor and ceiling, there were some ponies lying around, passed out as well. There were glow sticks giving off a faint glow still. I looked over to the bar... it didn't fare well, it was an absolute mess. Glasses lay strewn about the counter and floor. Empty bottles of the alcoholic kind lay on their sides on the shelves, and Berry Punch was sleeping on the counter, holding a half-full bottle to her chest like a teddy bear. She rolled over and fell behind the counter. Causing a whole racket I had to cover my ears for. I swear I heard breaking glass, but the bar pony leapt up from behind the counter. Without any indications of broken glass cuts on her.
"Ember? What are- bluuugh, what're you doing here?" Oh god she's about to vomit.
"Hey Berry, I guess I passed out last night. That was some party huh?" She shook her head and looked at me with more clarity. I guess her vision stopped swirling around.
"Are you kidding me!? That was the best bucking rave I've ever been apart off!" She threw her hooves up and promptly fell backwards, maybe she's still a little drunk. And that can probably be said for all the ponies lying around too. I laugh at the silliness of it all, but them my skull reminded me it would not like to explode.
"Argh, I'll see ya later Berry."
"I'lmmfmmgh..." I think she passed out again. A quick check and yeah, she fell back to sleep. How cute, all the bottles and glasses around her.
It seems that ponies always look cute even when they're in the middle of something like drinking their ambitions away. Ha! I bet Fluttershy would still look adorable even if she went on a rampage through town.
I threw those thoughts aside. *I'm getting soft, I need to go blow something up.* I then thought. *Where can I get some C4? Oh! Maybe ponies know what dynamite is!*
-But where, or who, do we got to for that kinda stuff?- Embris asked.
*Don't know, maybe a blacksmith? They got blacksmiths here right?* Why the fuck did a blacksmith come to mind?
~Yes, remember Princess Celestia said there is one in Canterlot?~
*Oh yeah! Maybe there's one here then!*
"So this is the place..." I stare at the open building in front of me. Looked more like a wooden garage than a workplace. "Huh. How come I never saw this place?"
-Probably 'cause you never cared enough to look.- Embris stated casually.
*Yeah, that could be it.* I shrug.
The building had an open front, not doors leading to some work room. It was an open area with a forge, anvil, and other tools for metalworking, the pony working here banging away on the anvil, flattening some piece of metal. This was so stupid, why the fuck would there be explosives in a blacksmith?
"Let's get this over with." I sigh to myself and walk up to the pony. He noticed me walking towards him and did a double-take. Before a nice and friendly smile graced his features.
"Ah! So the human graces my shop. What can I do for you?" The pony put the hammer he was using on the anvil and gave me a friendly face. His dark brown fur was covered in splotches of sut, so was his unkempt green mane.
"Hey, I was just wondering if you have anything that's used to make explosives?" His head tilted to the side in confusion. I fucking knew it... Gah! I'm so stupid sometimes!
"I'm afraid I don't," Great... "but," Oh? "You can find that kinda stuff next door." The pony pointed a hoof to my right, I looked and saw that there was a building with a sign depicting a pile of gunpowder with a lit flame over it.
"... Thank you." I mumbled. I was about to walk off but a thought hit me.
*How awesome would it be to have a sword and a warhammer hanging above my fireplace...* I smiled and faced the pony.
"Would you happen to take commissions for custom weapons?" The pony leered up at me confusedly.
"I don't know what a commission is, but I can take a request or two. 'S long as I get some bits for it."
"Perfect! Can you craft a sword and war hammer about as long as my legs? I'll have some designs by tomorrow if you'll do it." The brown earth pony nodded happily.
"Sure! Just bring those designs and I'll get it done lickity-split!"
"And then you'll charge for you work?" I asked sarcastically.
"Yes!" We both broke down in a little laughing fit.
"Name's Smith, by the way." The newly named pony held out hoof, I took it and shook firmly. "Wow, nice grip ya got there."
"Thanks." I glint from the corner of my eye caused me to look up. It was an opening in the roof of the building, the sun shining off the left.
Wait... what was I supposed to do today?
Oh yeah.
FUCK!
"Uh, gotta go. Something important just came up." Before Smith could respond I teleported to the spa. Just as the spa twins were leaving the front door. Came just in time I suppose.
"Oh! Hello Ember! Ve vere just about to go look for you." Aloe said.
"He, perfect timing then." I smile. "So, shall we go?"
"Yes!" Both sisters said, we then made our way to the train station, bought tickets to Manehattan, using my own money to buy my own ticket, there's now way I'm debting myself to anyone. And waited for the train to show up.
"So what's it like in Manehattan?" These stupid god damned puns...
"Oh it is simply wunderbar!" Lotus exclaimed. "The lights! The ponies! The fashion!" She went on as her and Aloe leaned against each other, dreamy looks on their faces. They stayed like that for the remainder of the time it took for the train to get to the station, which felt like a couple minutes.
Soon, the frilly pink and other bright colored train ground to halt in front of us. The conductor, or whoever calls for tickets and crap, calls out for those heading to Manehattan. I quickly turn into a pony and give my ticket, along with the twins, to the guy and he lets us in.
We find an aisle booth chair... seat, thing. You know what I mean, and took them. Me sitting alone while the twins sit across from me.
"I must say, look rather...handsome as a pony." Aloe eyed me up and down. I check myself out, same blue fur, same dark blue hair. But no butt-mark. Hmm...
"Yeah, I get that sometimes." I grinned a flexed a little. I may be human in mind, but who says I can't have fun teasing ponies?
The twins blushed. Ha! Ponies: Zero. Me: Three. Four if I count Vinyl.
A deep chuckle escaped my lips, weird. I don't remember having that deep of a voice last time I turned into a pony. Meh, could've been the way I laughed. And it made the twins blush more. More points for me.
I felt the train start slowing down, I looked out the window and nearly gawked at what I saw. Manehattan was a near exact replica of New York. It just had an old rustic style to it. They better have Time Square here if it's gonna be a lookalike.
Whelp, New York, ya officially got a sister city.
Holy crap, everything is exactly like how the city was back in the early nineteen hundreds or something like that. Just splash shiny, glowing billboards, old fashioned street lights, and brick roads and I felt like I was going back in time. Oh, and size everything down to fit ponies that came up to your hips too. Everything felt so... small. That still jars me wherever I go.
And seeing that almost every pony had some piece of clothing on. I almost felt naked.
Almost.
But other than that, it was quite a city to walk around in. And while I would've loved to enjoy the sights, I had business to take care off. I was still translating after all.
As soon as we got off the train, I changed back to human form and readjusted the pack of bits slung over my back I neglected to mention. I figured I needed some money for transit.
"Now, where is this place?" I asked the twins.
"This way." Again with the simultaneous talking as they lead me down a random street.
*Whelp, let's what today has in plan for little old me.* I cracked a smile. *I hate feeling old. This is how Louis C.K. feels like?* |
My little Escapade | Chapter 55: When Push Comes to Shove | Again with that one pony!
God damnit, this one pony with peach fur, brown hair and eyes won't stop following me! And they think I haven't seen them!
Ugh, anyway. With that one pony, an earth pony, following me ever since I changed back to human form, the twins lead me through this bustling city and right towards a two-story brick building. The red bricked building looked as if it was just built, like many others beside it. It was really unremarkable when I looked at it. Looks more like an apartment now that I think about it.
"Vell, here ve are!" Lotus said. Waving a hoof towards the building with a flourish.
"Then where's that pony we're waiting for?"
"Ve do not know." Aloe said. "She was supposed to be here already with that letter I sent her."
"Then maybe ve should wait sister." Lotus tried to alleviate her sister a bit. Meanwhile I just keep looking around. My head swiveling almost one hundred and eighty degrees to the left or right. Still looking out for peachy.
"Viat! There she is!" I heard Lotus call out. I turned my attention to the two ponies I was on a 'business trip' with and looked at who they were looking at.
FUCKING PEACHY!
"Um... hello there." The pony, a girl, said weakly when she was within hearing range.
"Greetings," I thought not to say the exact same thing, it always weirded me out when stuff like happened, then it gets awkward. "you're the pony selling this building?"
Well, it's already awkward for this pony.
"Y-yes," She stuttered. "I-i've been trying to sell this place for a w-while now." I smiled nicely and sat down indian style; legs crossed.
"Oh, come on. I don't look that scary, do I?" I said. Might as well play along with whatever charade this pony is putting on. "After all, I'm just helping out a few friends." The pony looked at me with a cocked eyebrow. "I speak Germane."
"Ah... I see... Then please, I know they understand Equish, and that they speak it too. But their accents make it hard for me to understand." She said.
*That's it? Wow.* "Alright, let's get started then..."
The ordeal went more smoothly than I expected. I guess after I cleared up the whole 'Not understanding accent' thing. The twins got the place and went right inside to check out the place. Something about needing to inspect it for damages. While they were in there the pony and me were left outside.
"So why were you following me?" I asked out of the blue. Keeping my glazed locked onto the future spa.
"Wh-wha!? How did you-"
"I always keep watch of my surroundings." I awesomely answer. I then looked to her expectantly.
"O-oh! Well, I was.. Uh... I was following you because... I wanted to ask you something." ...
... Really? That's it. That's why she was following me this whole time, driving me to the point of near insanity? And that was all she wanted. I simple fucking question!?
"Uuuh... you ok?" A peach hoof waved across my face, bringing me back to reality.
"Yes, I am perfectly fine." I felt my lower right eyelid twitch. "What would you like to ask me?" I force a smile.
"Ok... where did you come from? And how are you still human?" She asked.
"Alright, one: That was two questions." I laughed. "Two: I think you already know just by the way I sound that I'm american. And three, I ended up here because of some failed teleportation thing back on... You're a human too?" I asked while narrowing my eyes at the pony.
"Yes!" She leapt up to my waist. "And you have to help me!" I pried her off of me and stared skeptically.
"If you really are from my planet. Then what specifically am I?" Only Twilight and the girls know this, if she does, then she's from my world.
"You're an anthro, an owl one." Wow, ok. That was quick.
"Ok. What do you need my help with?"
"Can you take me back home?" She pleaded.
"Sure." I said, remembering that scroll I still posses.
"Please! I'll do- what?" She did what I exactly expected her to do. Downright hilarious.
"I said I'll help." I reiterate. "What? You thought I wouldn't?"
"Uuuhm... Yeah..." She hung her head a little.
"Bah! Don't worry about it!" I reached down and scratched right in between her ears.
"Gah!" She flinched away. "What was that?" She reach up and placed a hoof right where my hand was.
"Ponies are sensitive there. They say it feels wonderful." Came my response.
"Oh... don't do that, it feels weird." She grumbled while her cheeks tinted a light shade of pink.
"Alright." I laugh a little. "So, just to recap. I am taking you back to Earth, correct?" The pony nodded eagerly. "Ok, what's your name?"
"Amy."
"Cool, I'm Ember by the way. You want to head home now or..?"
"Yes!" She jumped a little. "... But I have to pick up some things from my apartment."
"Alright, you know where Ponyville is right?" She nodded. "Just head there when you're done getting your stuff. Hopefully when we go you turn back into a human."
"I hope so too. This... pony body... eeeyugh..." Amy looked down at herself, seemingly disgusted at her own body.
"Is it that bad for you?"
"No, it just feels so alien, but normal at the same time."
"Ah, I know the feeling." She peered up at me curiously. "I've turned into a pony a few times."
"Oh, at least you get to turn back into a human whenever you want."
"Yeah, aren't I the lucky one." I roll my eyes. "You know what? I think I got an idea."
"... What might that be?" Amy hesitantly asked.
"If I can turn you back into a human... Hmm... I don't want to force you to do anything... so how about you reconsider leaving this place if I can get you your human body back?" Amy's eyes grew wide and her mouth gapped open.
It also took her a while to process my deal.
"... You'd do that for me?" She whispered.
"Yeah. Why not? And besides, there are few things I need to talk to you about in private."
"O-oh... Like what?"
"How long have you been here?"
"About a year, why?"
"'Cause there's a lot I need to tell you." I cryptically answer.
"Ok..."
"Ok! Let us go! We need to go out and do some shopping!" Aloe said when she and Lotus joined us.
"But that vill tomorrow. Right, now, ve need to plan the layout."
"Right sister! Come on Ember. Let's return to Ponyville!"
"Alright." I turn around, only my head facing Amy. "Just remember to ask around, and you'll find me in no time. See ya!" I waved with my wing and walked after the twins.
"Hey Ember." Chrysi greeted when I sat next to her. As soon as my ass met the couch, my dogs were on me. Each of the taking their positions around me.
*It's times like these I feel truly relaxed.* I reminisce. "What's goin' on on Cops today?"
"Some stallion with white skin and blue pants was fighting against a few cops before getting tazed."
"So nothing new?"
"Nope."
"Alright." I laid back in my couch and close my rest, planning to rest my eyes for a bit. Hmhm, something I haven't done since high school. Besides daydreaming, resting my eyes was a good way I found to waste time. And I had nothing better to do. I practically fell asleep right on the spot.
Good god, I was a lazy bastard. Well, I still am, a little bit.
"Hey, Ember. Someone's knocking on the door." I'm ripped from the land of ass and titties when Chrysi nudged me on my shoulder.
"Can't you get it for once?" I grumble while keeping my eyes closed.
"Ugh, fine." Chrysi huffed and got off the couch. I then heard her and some other familiar voice converse, but I didn't care enough to try and listen. I was trying to get back to titty land.
"Ember!" Ugh... fucking shit. "There's somepony here to see you." I heard her state from the other side of the living room. "She said her name's Amy." At that my eye nearly bug out my head. And I swear I heard glass breaking.
"Alright, I'll be there." I groan and get up from the couch. With my dogs following me I head to the front door. "Hey Amy." I saw that she had a large bag draped over her back. "Come in. You can put your stuff on the couch or something. Then we'll head off." Amy nodded warily and I lead her to the living room, all while the dogs swarmed her. It was actually kinda funny. Once that was done, and when I got the dogs to leave Amy alone, we left and headed straight for Twi's castle.
"Where are we going?" The human-turned-pony asked.
"To Twilight's castle." My answer apparently made her gulp audibly. "Why?"
"N-nothing... It's just, why her?"
"Well, she's better than me at magic. And I'm a hundred percent sure she'll turn you back into a human."
"But... I saw you change yourself into a pony."
"That's because I know how to cast spells on myself. Same can't be said for casting some spells on others. The transformation spell being on of them"
"Oh. Ok." Just then a devious idea hit me.
"Have you ever teleported before?"
"What? No." She peered up at me suspiciously. "Why?" I smiled evilly and snapped my fingers.
*POP*
Before Amy could move a muscle I teleported the two of us to the main room of the castle; the room with the table-map. And it just so happened that Twilight was reading some book when we arrived.
"Hey Twilight." She jumped slightly. She's so jumpy.
"Ember! Don't do that!" Ok... so she didn't hear us teleport in. Wow, tunnel vision must affect her ears too.
"Do what?" I feign ignorance.
"That... nevermind. What are you doing here anyway?"
"Perfect of you to ask." That sounded way better in my head. "'Cause, you see, this is Amy, and she's a human."
"... Really Ember? Again with the pranks?" She deadpanned.
"Twilight," I said, using her name for affect. "Since when have I played any pranks on that involve a pony you don't know?" A little too specific, but this is Twilight I'm arguing with.
"... Good point. So she is a human?" I nodded and she got a little giddy. "Then why is she a pony?"
"No idea, she said she turned into one when she got here." Twilight gave a perplexed look at Amy. Who shrugged in response. "Anyway, we're basically here because we made a deal that, if we can turn her back into a human, she would reconsider going back to Earth."
"Oh? Well this should be simple then. Just hold still please, both of you."
"So the transformation spell doesn't do the gender swap thing?" I asked, Twilight shook her head.
"No. The spell identifies genders and leaves... That aspect of the body alone." She answered. At least she left out the 'finer details' as I've come to call her ramblings.
"Good, so can you please?"
"Of course!" Twilight beamed. She got up from her chair and faced us. Amy was starting to get a little worried for some reason. But a reassuring nod got her to calm down somewhat. But when Twi covered us in her magic, Amy really started freaking out. And by that I mean she started panting and her eyes darted all over the place. I just keep looking right at Twilight giving her my best 'I don't give a fuck' face. From the corner of my eye I saw Amy's eye land on me, somehow, just from that, she regained her composure, although just a little bit. I can still spot a few shivers here and there across her body.
Soon, a blinding flash filled my vision and I immediately look to my right. Waiting for the dots to go away. As soon as my vision was clear my jaw dropped.
Amy's a gorgeous dog anthro, rottweiler to be exact.
Stippers would kill for a body like hers.
Gay men would go straight to be with her.
Straight women would go gay for a night of fun with her.
And she completely naked.
She was a nice d-cup. Same could be said for her tits.
What? I'm an ass man. I rate asses by breast size; it's my thing. But going back to the topic at hand, Amy was naked.
"AAAH!" She screamed. She covered her private parts the best way anyone would. One arm draping over her breasts and her other hand covering her lions.
"I think we might need to get her clothes." I tore my gaze from Amy and looked to Twilight. Who was blushing furiously.
"A-ahem. It appears so." She coughed, somehow familiar with female human anatomy. Did she go to Brit or something? "I can take you to my friend Rarity. Don't worry, she's a professional." Twilight tried to comfort Amy.
"Yeah, just don't mention anything about human clothing and you'll probably be fine." I snicker when Twilight glared at me.
"What did you mean by that?" Amy asked.
"Nothing he meant nothing bu that... uh... I don't think I ever got your name..."
"Oh. It's Amy."
"Amy... Huh... And I thought Ember's name was weird." Again with Twilight whispering to herself when we can hear her. I fucking knew Amy heard that too. If her glare directed at purple smart said anything.
"I could say the same thing about 'Twilight'." Me and Amy said at the same time. "What?" We did it again. "Sonofabitch." We both groaned.
"But seriously Twilight. I thought we went over this last time." The blush that formed on the pony's cheeks threatened to take over her face.
"I know, it's just... What do your names mean?"
"There is no meaning!" I snap. "As far as I'm concerned, our names just define who the fuck we are! And to us Your name is just a synonym for midnight for god sakes!" I was glaring daggers at Twilight, who was shrinking back in fear. I sigh and felt myself slouch a little.
*I get mad the dumbest things...*
-Yeah, you kinda do.-
*Not helping.* I growl. The womanly voice in my head laughs.
"Ugh... let me know when you're done getting some clothes. I'm going home." I rake a hand over my face as I teleport home. "I really need to cool off... Maybe now is a good time to my hands of some explosives... Nah... I need, something else. Something that these ponies don't have, well, for a human anyway."
"I'm headin' out! Be back later!" Ember yelled from somewhere in the house. That guy is so weird sometimes. One moment he could be all nice and happy, and an instant later he's mad about something. Is that how humans behave? I'd like to think so. Oh, who am I kidding, humans have to be like that. Unless, they're not and he's crazy...
Nah... He's pretty alright to me.
"Go fuck yourselves!"
CLACK
TIC-TIC-TIC-TIC-TIC
OH! Finally that idiot's tazed!
Concern, why is Ember leaving? He seemed to be pretty upset at something.
Worry, he has that parchment that lets him travel between this world and Earth.
Relief, he said he'll be back. He will be back.
Wonder, why is he going back to Earth though? He can just check up on his army with that book Discord created.
Suspicion, what is he doing?
Hope, he better not get in trouble like last time. I don't think taking Discord with him was a good idea. |
My little Escapade | Chapter 56: A Deferent Perspective | "I don't know, Ember is a little..." D'oh, what's the word?
"Odd?" The white unicorn, Rarity, said.
"Cryptic?" Said Twilight.
"Cold?" Ah! That's it!
"Yeah, that one. Though... he is kinda funny." Both ponies look at me, they're making me feel uncomfortable. "What?" I can feel my cheeks heating up. Gah! Look away you stupid ponies!
"Nothing." Both ponies said. It's still pretty freaky that they sometimes say stuff at the same like the Grady Twins in The Shining.
Shiver
That was some creepy stuff.
"So, what kind of dresses would you like me to make for you?" Rarity asked as she removed the measuring tape from my hip.
"Actually, I'd like a couple pair of jeans and a few shirts. And a couple of bras." ... ...
... They don't know what any of those are, do they?
"What are jeans?" Twilight asked.
"And what is a bra?" There was a glint in Rarity's eyes when she asked that. Oh~ no. Was this what Ember warned me about?
Ugh... today's going to be a long day...
Somewhere, deep in the Everfree Forest. A queen of a changeling hive sat upon her throne. Plotting what to do since her daughter left to be with that human. How she came across this piece of information before she sent her guards after her, no one knows.
But some thing does.
"My Queen." A high ranking changeling spoke up.
"Yes, Glare?" The Queen allowed the changeling to speak further.
"If I may suggest," The changeling, Glare, continued. "why not just bare another next in line? We still have the King at our disposal."
"That is always an option." The queen nodded. "But, maybe I can convince her to come back."
"'Convincer her'?" Glare questioned. "Why not just take her back if you want her to be next in line then?"
"It's that human."
"What?"
"The human, Ember. When he arrived her of his own accord, he didn't mention anything about Mural. That means she either asked him to come here for whatever reason. Or he really did just come on a whim. I'm inclined to believe the latter."
"What makes you think so, your Highness?"
"Ember was so... fascinated with our kind." The queen answered. "I never would have thought any sapient being would be interested to learn about our kind. It felt refreshing. And it gives me hope. Hope that maybe, we won't have to keep to the shadows anymore. He said he would help us integrate ourselves into pony society." Glare winced, not being as hopeful as his queen.
"If I may speak freely," The queen nodded. "I... I really don't know about this your highness. What if this is all a ploy? The ponies could be plotting something with that human." Glare suggested.
"Glare. You fail to remember I am much more capable of tasting the emotions of others. I felt his resolve to help us any way he could. I couldn't quite put my hoof on it, but I sensed, sympathy maybe? I don't know, but I somehow know he knows our plight. Or, at least, he knows what it feels like." The queens furrowed her brow in frustration.
"My queen, you mean to say you couldn't sense what emotions the human had flowing through him?" Glare asked (blatant exposition is blatant).
"... Yes and no, my child. When I spoke with him. His emotions were... all over the place. I couldn't hone in on one single emotion. They seemed to flicker wildly."
"This be true my queen?"
"Yes my child. But, something else struck me as odd."
"What would that be my queen?"
"I sensed all these feelings swirling around within him. But, he maintained an air of serenity. As if the whirlwind of emotions wasn't there, it looked to be unhealthy. I don't know whether to think it be natural for humans, or if it pertains to just him. It worries me."
"Why? Your highness, and also, you can just ask him yourself, if you so choose to."
"I would rather not run the risk of... flaring any and all unsavory emotions." The queen replied. *I have heard what he has done when provoked, even slightly.* She mentally added with a hidden shiver. *Fortunately none of my children have been harmed when that wretched demon reared his ugly face.*
"Very well, your highness." Glare nodded. "What shall we do in the meantime?"
"Continue with your duties. And send a few messengers to the Princess of Friendship. I would like to know how things are coming along."
"As you wish my queen." The changeling bowed and trotted off. Leaving the queen of the hive alone with her thoughts.
*I hope my trust hasn't been misplaced, Ember. You're my only chance at salvation with the ponies.*
With supplies of nourishment at an all-time low. It was no wonder the queen would take any chance she would get to keep her children alive and healthy.
Well, not any chance. She wouldn't stoop as low as waging all-out war with the ponies just for love. Changelings have morals.
But it seems some do at this point. Mirage was glad she was one of the remaining hives to still possess morals and sanity, to her knowledge.
It has been ages since she received word from another hive. Ever since that travesty that idiotic Chrysalis committed, many changeling hives went into hiding. They needed to fade from history if they ever wanted to live like how they all did before that event. They were all happy, content even. Despite making themselves hidden before hoof. But, that failed invasion changed everylings lives.
Ever since that event. The ponies have become afraid of their race. They went as far as developing new ways to detect and detain changelings. It made the lives of every hive miserable with the drops of love intake. Soon, whole hives were disappearing. It was by miracle Mirage took refuge within the Everfree with a large reserve of love and make do with the wildlife.
Mirage felt it was a gift from Mother when that human showed up.
Finally, she thought. An unbiased being who was willing to help them. A chance at survival, longevity, prosperity.
Queen Mirage believed in the human in hopes that he alone can help her. With what she knows, Ember is the only of three humans that reside in Equestria, maybe as far as the whole world. She knew she could save herself and her children, along with other hives as an afterthought, from slow, agonizing extinction. She knew the human either knew what it's like, or at least sympathizes with them. To her it doesn't matter, she knew this was an opportunity she couldn't let slip through her hooves.
And it's not like she saw the human as nothing more than a chance at survival. She saw him as a friend as well. The way he was... interested, by her kind made her think Ember has never heard of changelings.
But that's preposterous. Changelings have been known even before the invasion. How could not know what we are? Or, at least heard of us.
But... his very being is alien to her. Never, in all of her years, has she ever seen a being remotely similar to the human. Sure, there were the minotaurs and diamond dogs. But even then there are vast differences.
How did his race evolve to look so differently from each other? There was more variety between them than the ponies. And they have four races!
Of course, it was all in theory. No one really knows more about humans than a certain purple alicorn. And there are only three known to exist.
That brought up another question to the queen: Where did these humans come from? They could be from the Great Desert of Saddle Arabia. Much of that area is largely unexplored. And their body type would suggest they live in blistering heat... She thinks.
Their body type... It is hard to discern what kind of environment they live in.
Hands seemed to let them swing from tree to tree, the jungle maybe? But, there are the ones that look like dogs. And Ember has wings for Mother's sake.
No matter, Mirage thought. I can always ask Ember himself about his species. Who knows, humans might be more simple than once initially thought.
But even then, the queen thought, she was certain there was more to the humans. For all she knew, they could be from another world!
Again, what a preposterous thought. Right?
"Alright, now where can a guy go for a one-night stand?" I ask no one in particular. There's a bar down the street. "The bar it is." I grinn. "I need this." I put on my best winning face and head to the bar.
~I know the ponies will think something's wrong with you after this.~
*Yeah, I guess it'll be weird for them; seeing me smile for once.* I grin. But my grin morphs to a frown. *You three better make it ruin this crap for me.*
-No promises!- Embris tittered.
*Screw off.* I grumble. But hey, a fuck is still a fuck. Even if I got voices in my head.
Yeah, I'm not schizophrenic, no. Not at all. Nope.
So he was actually warning me about mentioning clothes...
Why didn't I listen to him!?
I mean, sure, he is a little... Harsh. But,I'm he means well. And judging from Twilight's reaction, it was just a joke.
Sigh
I just hope he keeps his end of the deal. I still want to head home after all this crap.
And he did say he has stuff to tell me about home. Maybe he just wants me to stay here? Yeah, it could be that. Unless...
Ew! No! There's no way any sane person would even think doing... that with a pony!
But... he's probably been here longer than me. Maybe he... no. Just... ew.
"Amy darling. Are you alright?" Rarity asked me.
"Huh? Oh, yeah. I'm fine. Just think about... a lot of things." Yeah, like getting back home. Oh god, mom and dad must've done everything they could to find me...
No! I can't have those thoughts again! I can't break down! I moved past this!
Alright, compose yourself Amy. We've been over this. You're still alive, and you will get to see your parents again. Everything will be fine. Everything will be fine.
"Amy, are you alright?" I felt a hoof on my leg. I look down and see that the ponies are looking up at me, worried.
"Yeah, I'm fine. I... I'm just glad I'm gonna see my family again."
"Oh! How wonderful! Well, let's not keep you waiting then! I'll get right on started with your clothes!" Rarity and Twilight smiled brightly while Rarity went through some doorway. And some old machine sound came from where she left. She's already making clothes? Wow. Ponies and magic...
Speaking of magic...
How is Ember able to use magic? I couldn't do shit! I didn't even get wings or a horn! How is Ember using magic!?
He better tell me what the fuck's going on...
What the hell is going on back home? Could it be about that war I was hearing about with North Korea? Maybe... there was a lot of talk about it before I ended up here.
Then there's how I ended up here... I never really gave it thought before now...
But, all I can remember is walking down a sidewalk, then everything went white, then nothing. There weren't any cars nearby, so getting hit by one was out of the question.
Maybe... NO!
I did not die! There wasn't a single thing that could've killed me! I was walking along the sidewalk and bam! Now I'm here! I didn't die!
I. Am Not. DEAD!
"Amy!"
"Wh-wha..?"
"Are you sure you're alright?" It was Twilight, her and Rarity were both charing worried stares.
"Uh... Yeah, just... Just thinking about some things." There were tears streaming down my cheeks.
Since when was I crying?
I quickly wiped them away.
"It's just... It's been a year for me since I've last seen my family. And now... I'm going back to see them. It's... it's a lot to take in." They both nodded in understanding.
"We understand, being away from you family that long must be terrible." Rarity sympathized.
"Yeah, but how is Ember going to take you back?" I shrug at Twilight's question.
"I don't know, he never told me how he's going to do that." Twilight brought a hoof to her chin, pursing her lips with it.
"Hmm..." Meanwhile, Rarity went back to the room she was previously in, and came back out with a small stack of clothes.
"Here you go darling. A fresh set of clothes from Rarity's boutique!" She said with a flourish of her mane. I gratefully took them and immediately went off to one of the dressing rooms.
"Hey Mirror. What do you think of that human?" Camouflage asked me.
"Honestly? I think he's a gift from Mother." Camo, along with Swift Strike, Vault and Looker, chuckled.
"Tell me about it. Finally we get a chance at being with those stubborn ponies!" Said Vault.
"Hey, come on. You know that's all that stupid chrysalis's fault ponies fear us!"
"I know, but how long ago was that?" None of us had time to answer. "Three damn years! You'd think ponies would at least forget a little bit about us at some point."
"Maybe they're smarter than we think, sometimes." Looker joked. "I mean, that one pony, Twilight Sparkle, was the only one to reveal that stupid queen's plans."
"Yeah... speaking of plans, we're here." Vault announced. The gaggle of changelings looked ahead to the town of Ponyville. Abuzz with ponies milling about like always.
"I can feel the love from here." Vault drooled.
"And it'll all come to us soon enough." Camo lightly punched Vault's shoulder. Since the changeling was wasn't expecting the light nick, he fell over with a loud 'oof'. "And you need to stop drooling over it. You might turn into Chrysalis." A few laughs emanated from the others.
"Whatever." Camo grumbled as Vault helped him up. "I just want to be full for once, not scavenge for scraps and steel pony's love."
"I know Came. We all know. Come, let's head to Princess Twilight's castle."
It didn't take long for the changelings to arrive at Twilight's Castle of Friendship. Since the it would take a blind idiot to miss the giant structure. And they did get a few odd looks from the ponies, but nothing like glares or worried looks. But, soon enough, after they knocked on the front door, Twilight answered it. It disheartened the group a little when they the alicorn's eye widen and face blanch for a split-second.
"Princess Twilight." They all bowed respectively. "We come asking for an update on the proceedings." Camouflage stated.
"Uhm... Right. Please, come in." The alicorn moved to the side, allowing the changelings entry. "And please, just call me Twilight. I'm still used to the whole Princess thing." The changelings nodded and entered the castle. "This way please." The princess of Friendship then lead the group to a small room, small for the castle anyway, with a large rectangular table with enough chairs for a family of ten. Twilight sat at one end, the changelings directly across from her.
"Before we proceed," Twilight started. "let me just say that it will take some time before you and the rest of your kind will be recognized as citizens of Equestria. I hope you understand." Twilight smiled apologetically.
"We understand, Twilight." Mirror spoke. "We know the circumstances are little... against us. With past events between us and the ponies." She looked down, ashamed of her race, but more specifically a hive she refuses to name. "And, to be honest, we don't care how long it will take."
"How so?" Twilight asked.
"It's because of that human." Vault elaborated. "When he came along and decided to help us. We were overjoyed. We finally have a chance at living a truly happy life. To us, Ember is a gift from Mother for true salvation. I hope you understand, Twilight. We truly wish to live amongst ponies without prejudice. We don't want to live a life in the shadows, always scared of the fact you ponies hate us for a hive did to your princesses."
"But don't get us wrong," Camo interjected. "We understand you ponies don't... like us too well. But please, we know that you know what Chrysalis has done was only out of desperation. Now matter how stupid it was." He scowled at the last part. "But, don't let that event cloud your judgement of us as a race. It was an isolated event. We can't stress enough how alone that late queen was when she decided to do that." The purple alicorn raised a hoof to silence the changeling.
"I understand." She said. "And I'm making it my duty to everything I can to you and your.. Hive, seen as friends instead of monsters." The gaggle nodded thankfully. "Now, let's get started. I had Princess Celestia send a few copies of citizenship documents. But I was told there are a few things we need to make clear before I can mark you all as Equestrian citizens. There will be spells involved but nothing intrusive or dangerous..." |
My little Escapade | Chapter 57: Getting Shit Done | Relief, Ember is back.
Curiosity, he seems... happier than when he left. What did he do while on Earth?
Wonder, if something got him in a better mood... What the hell happened?
Resolute, I will get to the bottom of this... If he really is in a better mood.
"Hey Chrysi, hey Spark." I said when I got to living room. I plop myself down onto the couch. I can still feel the smile plastered on my face.
"'Sup Ember." Chrysi said. She may be watching too much t.v...
"Hello Ember, how was your time on Earth?" Spark asked.
"It was just fine Spark. Managed to get a good fuck." Spark reared her head back in surprise. "What?"
"That was... the last thing I expected to hear as an answer."
"Oh, well, too bad I guess." I shrug. *I'm too happy to care at the moment anyway.*
"Well... you do seem to be more... content."
"Yeah..." I nodded. "I really needed that."
"Jesus Christ Stacy..."
"What's up Honey Bunch?"
"Work today was murder..."
"Why?"
"There was this one guy who went to town on my ass. Fuck I'm so sore..."
"..."
"... WHAT!?"
I just remembered there was something I needed to get today, and who I needed to give that thing I got to. And I still got to talk to Amy and get her home. If she still wants to that is.
*Meh, might as well do that now.* I get up from my couch. "I'll be back."
"Alright." Spark said.
"See ya later." Chrysi responded. I roll my eyes and call for my dogs to follow me. It's been awhile since they had a nice walk. A shrill whistle and two pats of the lap later. Me and my dogs were heading to Rarity's.
Some of the ponies are still wary of my dogs. Who wouldn't be? If you saw an alien with pets as big as yourself, wouldn't you be a little intimidated?
Anyway, a few actually came up to me and asked about them. And after being told that they're pets, a lot of them started getting all lovey-dovey with my pooches.
And my dogs were loving the fuck out of the ponies. A lot of belly rubs and play fights were had at the time. I was thankful to whatever deity watching that my dogs knew how to play fight without hurting the ponies. Some of the kids even rode them around like people on horses.
If only they understood the hilarity behind it. I wonder what people would call a pony from here riding a horse from Earth... Horse-ception maybe?
Anyway, I called my dogs to me, bid the ponies a good day, continue on my way to Rarity's.
Too bad some of the ponies were a little intrigued to see my dogs follow me like the good little pups they are. They won't get much more than a blank stare from them...
I wonder... Since the animals here have higher intellect than the ones on Earth. And magic has gone as far as give me a new pair of wings when I lost my previous pair... Could my dogs very well become as intelligent as me?
Hmm... I actually have to look into this... Later. Now, I have to go pick up a few designs from Rarity.
I enter the boutique.
"Welcome to- Oh! Hello Ember!" Rarity greeted from around the doorway leading to the kitchen.
"Hey Rarity."
"You're here for the designs, I presume?" She asked as she walked up to me. Her brow raised with a smile.
"You presumed correctly." I nod with my own grin. "So you have them done?"
"Of course I do! Allow me to go fetch them." Rarity nodded and walked back to the room she came from. And came back with a piece of parchment, most likely a scroll since there is no other form of paper. And it also explains why it's rolled up like one.
"Here you are darling. I hope it's what you had in mind." She levitates the scroll over to me and I grab it. When I unroll it my eyebrows shoot up.
It's just what I had in mind.
The sword, jesus christ it's as tall as my hip, the tip splits perfectly for tripping enemies. The hilt and guard are nicely simple with pointed ends and curvy spires along the length. The blade itself was beautiful. The swirls and twists running along the blade gave an elegant look to the weapon.
The other weapon, the war hammer, was nice and simple. No doubt a little troubling for the unicorn. It's head looks to be about as big as my head, except maybe longer. The shaft had nothing remarkable on it. Except it ended in a sharp spike.
"Holy crap Rarity... It's just what I imagined... Thank you." I gawk.
"I'm just happy to be of assistance darling." Rarity smiled brightly.
"... You sure you don't want me to pay you or something? This is way too good to be free." I said. It's true though, I know she does this kind of thing when brainstorming dress designs. But she could very well become an artist if she wanted to.
"You flatter me Ember." She said with a blush. "But I still insist you take it free of charge." She waved a hoof dismissively.
"Alright, thanks again Rarity."
"Anytime Ember. Tata!" We waved to each other as I walked out the dress store.
"See ya." I look back to the scroll. "Now to get this to the blacksmith." I mutter.
"Hey Smith."
"Ember! How're ya doin'?"
"Just fine." As I turned the corner of his shop with my dogs his eyes went wide.
"Those you're pets or somethin'?" I nod.
"Yes."
"Neat. I've been hearin' about them. They nice like the ponies say?"
"Yep, they loved the attention they were getting."
"That's good to hear. So. You got the designs?"
"Yup, here ya go." I hand the pony the designs. He unfurls the scroll and looks it over.
"Hmm... Yeah, I can work with this. I'll have them done in about a week and a couple days." He said.
"Cool, so how do I pay you?"
"You pay half of it up front, and the other half when I have it done."
"Alright, how much then?"
"Uuuuh... Ten bits. I usually don't get these kinds of requests."
"Alright." I snap my fingers and ten bits appear in my hand. I hand him the bits and we part ways.
*Now, Amy.*
I figured they'd be at Rarity's at some point... Did I miss them or something?
"Hey, you girls here!?" I call out. Keeping mind that those girls might be doing... girl shit.
"Wah!" I heard Rarity shout. "Oho! Uhm. Yes! We are still here Ember. Please, come in." With a snicker and open the door and duck inside. I look to my left and spot the girls.
Amy is looking fine in her new clothes.
She has on a nice red v-neck t-shirt and blue pants that hug her form in all the right places. And it looks like she's wearing a bra... Damit.
"Can you stop staring?" Oh, right, I'm still there with them.
"Sorry. You just look really nice in those clothes." At my compliment she looked away bashfully.
"... Thanks." Huh, I think she's into me. Yup, Twi and Rarity's faces confirm that.
"Alright then... You ready to go?" I said, getting to the topic we had before.
"Yes! Let's go! I don't want to wait anymore!" She jumped up excitedly.
"Alright, let's walk to my house then. I'll explain everything on the way." She nodded with a reserved grin and walked with me out the store.
"Wow... The war really did happen already?" She asked.
"Yeah, and I was a part of it." She gave me a confused look.
"What?" I just stared at Amy, letting her piece it together. "Oh! Oh..." Thankfully it didn't take her long. "Jeez... I didn't think... I didn't know. I'm sorry." I wave it off.
"Bah, don't worry about it. I'm past all that crap. I had... time to recuperate. Speaking of, how long have you been here again?"
"About a year. Why?"
"It's 'cause it's been five years on Earth since you've been gone." When I told her this, she nearly fainted. She probably would've if I didn't catch her.
"P-please tell me you're joking... You're joking right? Hahaha! Really funny." She said exasperatedly. Poor girl, she must have fami-
Oh god. She does Family back on Earth.
"No, I'm not joking. Let's take you home. Where do you live?" I asked with a sudden bout of resolve.
"Texas... El Paso..." By this time we've arrived at my house. I immediately walk in, grab the scroll, walk back outside where I left Amy, and put my hand on her shoulder.
"Let's go home." I say right before I poor magic into the thing. The spell taking effect over us instantly.
Shock, Ember just left to go to Earth again.
Worry, there was a woman with him. How did she get here? Is that what women look like?
Neutral, how ever she got here. She must have wanted to return home. From what I have seen it confirms this. I hope nothing terrible happens.
Exasperation, I worry too much about my creator...
"Hey Spark, you know what Ember's up to?" Chrysanthemum addressed me.
"Nothing for sure. But I highly suspect that woman he was with wanted to return to her home planet."
"How could you guess something like that?" The changeling tilted her head up at me.
"I am an artificially intelligent android with processes much faster than the average human. And pony, in this situation. I can make thousands of calculated guesses within seconds. A large percent of them guessed Ember is taking that woman back to Earth because she wanted to go back."
"... That's oddly specific..." Chrysanthemum said with a dry tone.
"Yes, yes it is." I answer. "But consider this, my systems currently operate with magically generated electricity. Don't you think a little magic is involved when calculating?" She looks up thoughtfully. She took exactly two minutes to think before looking back at me.
"I have no idea about what you just said." She responded.
Exasperation, if only she could understand... But it is understandable in this case. I am the only one of my kind to exist on this planet. Of course only Ember could only understand my inner workings.
"Whelp, here we are Amy, home sweet home." I said with a smile. Amy just barely recovers from her latest teleport and looks around.
"W-we're here... I'm. I'm finally home..." Amy turned to face me, the beginnings of tears welling up under her eyes. "Thank you!" She leaped for me and grabbed me. Hugging the crap outa me. "Thank you." She whispered.
"Don't mention it Amy. How about we get you back to your family?" I asked.
"Yes!" She exploded. Cause a few people to turn our way.
*Wait, no. FUCK. Did anyone see us teleport here!? Fuck me!* I look around, and it seems like no one did. But, how? Me and Amy appeared right in the middle of a fucking park. How could they not see a guy and some girl appear out of nowhere with a bright flash?
Whatever, as long as nothing happens in that area, we're good.
"Alright then. Where's the nearest police station then? You're gonna have to show me around."
"No problem!" She cheered right before she grabbed my arm and practically dragged me off in some direction.
"Hold the fuck on." I regain my footing and wrench my arm from Amy's death grip. "Better. I don't like getting dragged anywhere." Amy looked down in shame.
"Sorry..."
"Don't worry about it. Let's get going." She nodded and started leading me through this unfamiliar city.
She eventually came to a stop in front of a large beige building. 'El Paso Police Headquarters' in nice grey lettering sat on a short piece of wall. The building itself looks like what I imagine a headquarters in the desert to look like.
"So... what happens now?" Amy asked me. Anxiety dripping from her words.
"We go in and let the law handle it from here on out." Came my answer.
"Really?"
"Yeah, there really isn't much too it. But don't mention much about me, not even my name, just say you meet me after whatever story you make up for your disappearance."
"Ok... Wait. I can't say what really happened?" I shrug.
"You could, but who, besides your family, will believe you?" At that realization dawned on her.
"Oh..." She went silent and we both fell into this awkward silence.
"Well, goodbye." I decided to say. I wave and turn to walk away.
"Wait!" I turn back around just in time for Amy to run up and hugged me. "Thank you..." She whispered. She let go of me when I felt it getting wet where her face was. She was crying... God damnit.
"Anytime. Amy. I guess I'll see ya around sometime."
"What? How?" She eyed me quizzically.
"Oh, you'll know." I wink before teleporting home.
Well, that was a trip. If only I knew she had family on Earth at first.
... Whatever. Amy got to go home. I get to feel like a hero. Everybody wins. |
My little Escapade | Chapter 58: Picking up the Pace | "Ember, if you don't mind me asking, what were you doing with that woman?" Spark asked as soon as I sat my ass on the couch.
"That was Amy. And I just took her back to Earth, apparently she's been for a year after ending up here through some weird magic crap."
"Oh, I see. She wanted to return to Earth?"
"Yeah, she had family to get back too."
"Ah, alright then." We fall silent and continue watching t.v.
Y'know. This is just like when I was a teen; sitting in front of a t.v. all day. Except replace the thing with a computer. And watching t.v. with playing games like Robocraft and Team Fortress Two. Of course I would get out ever once in awhile so people, and ponies, know I'm not dead or anything.
What? I like variety. Except for those with top-down perspectives. Just... no.
Anyway. I managed to spend a whole fucking week of doing nothing. I had all that time I wanted to get back into my old life, before I had to make one; doing nothing but spend hours on my desktop. And holy crap I missed a lot on the games I used to play. Like, for Robocraft, the developers decided to replace the economy system with loot crates...
I swear to god, if they go down the Advanced Warfare route... I'm done. But, there was an update. It said it fixed the loot crate system, so I do get better stuff with higher tier crates.
Anyway, I think it's safe to say I really got back into playing the hell out of that game. I don't know why. It's been years since I played that game. And yet here I am, like the fifteen year old loser I used to be; in my room, on my desktop, sniping the enemy team.
I've been playing for so long I saw that I somehow put fifty hours into the game. Bringing the total to a whopping five hundred twenty three.
Jesus fucking christ, I used to play the hell out of this game when I was younger.
Eh... Well, I got all the time in the world to play now. And boy, ever since I got back the groove of things, I became one of the top players. After that, I got an absolute shit ton of platoon invites. Heh, I might as well start a channel like Gromek or something.
"The battle for Ophiuchus Valley has begun." The announcer stated. I just loaded in and I can already tell we're in for a bad time.
Gromek999teleported in
"Fuck me." I mutter. "Alright, stay close, Gromek's here." I tell my team mates over the teamspeak. Gromek's a youtuber if that hasn't made itself privy yet.
"Are you kidding me?" One of my teammates, Sparky, asked. "I wonder which of his robots he's using."
"It's the Tesla!" Another said right I saw his robot explode.
Gromek999 destroyed Lease958
"Fuck." I sigh. "Sparky, on him now."
"On it." She replied. She went off to the left of the map. More open ground there. While I kept to the shadows, as much as I could while piloting an old Carbon Wraith.
I remember when carbon smg's where the shit. Ah... memories.
Anyway. I use the ghost module a few times since this thing is easily a rail's trophy target. God I should of went with my rail sniper.
Gromek999 destroyed SparkyFTW
"Oh god damit!" She yelled. "Welp, you're on your own."
"I know, fuck me." There was only one other player on my team, they weren't on the Curse Teamspeak, and the enemy team only lost two. Just great. Maybe I can make this work...
Stick with me, snipe others if you can. I type in the team chat. I saw my teammate nod their weapons and climb the mountain with the tower. They will go on the support, while I go offensive. Hopefully no one spots them.
I rush the enemy home base and start claiming it. I get to the first bar before one of the enemy team goes for me.
"Fuck me..." It was Gromek. Of all people. "Whatever." I shrug it off and fire my smg's at him. Unfortunately, with his robot being the one that can go stupidly fast, I only manage to hit him zero times. But, luckily enough for me. My Wraith is overclocked at ten, meaning I can hover high enough to be safely away from those damn teslas.
Duey_gamez Destroyed Gromek999 I saw his little robot explode. I look to where the rail shot came from.
"All the way from the mountain! Lucky shot!" Spark voiced my thoughts.
"Yeah, now we got the rest of the enemy team to worry about." I sigh. I my robot just started regenerating itself. I go invisible and book it from the base. About four of the enemy team were there. With Duey sniping them and my robot fully regenerated. We were able to take
'em out.
"Four left you got this!" Lease said.
"Don't jinx it!" Sparky shouted back.
"Sorry!" I ignore their argument and head to home base. They have three bars out of four, it keeps going down with Duey shooting them from afar.
I get there and let loose a torrent of smg fire on them. With them nearly destroyed due to Duey, it was a little difficult to finish them off. But, it was done.
"Victory." The announcer... announced.
"Yeah! More loot!" Sparky cheers.
"Yeah..." I mutter.
"Oh, come on Lazy." Lease "You know this new forge system is just as good as the old economy."
"Chya. I beg to differ." I scoff. "The only thing I like about this new system are the robots in the factory; how everything is pretty much free if you a little bit of every item."
"True."
"I still don't like the loot system."
"Aw come on!" I chuckle.
"Anyway. I gotta go. See ya guys later."
"See ya." Sparky and Lease say before I shut the game and Curse down while taking off the headset I 'aquired' a while back. I get up from my chair. Stretch a bit, and head upstairs. I find Chrysi and Spark in the living room. Chrysi holding a plate of freshly cooked eggs and breakfast.
"Hey Girls." I said.
"Hey Ember." The respond in unison.
"Anything new?"
"Not really." Chrysi answered.
"Cool." Just then my belly reminded me of its need for sustenance. "I'm gonna go out for a bit."
"Alright." Chrysi said.
"Bye Ember." Spark said. We waved to each other halfheartedly, as if we were family, -I think, that's how it felt like- and left. I was about to start walking towards Sugarcube Corner when three changelings in black armor came up to me as soon as I closed the front door to my house.
"The Queen requests your presence." The middle one said.
"Alright." I nod nonchalantly. They nod back and lead me through the forest to their hive. They took me to the throne room where Mirage was sitting up in her chair. And calm and... friendly smile on her features.
"Ember. So good to see you again."
"Likewise." I kindly reply. "So, why did you call me?" I asked.
"Oh, I just wanted to get to know you a little more." Woah what? Since when... Wh... What?
"Hello? Ember? Are you ok?" I must've been lost in the recesses of my mind for a bit. I didn't see or notice Mirage walk up to me. She was waving a holed hoof in from of my face.
"Uh, yeah." I shake my head.
"Are you sure? You looked... quite lost." Ch... no kidding. But still, why?
"Well, I guess you could say that."
"What do you mean?" Mirage asked while raising brow at me.
"It's just... To be honest, it's been years since anyone ever wanted something like that from me." Fuck me, there has to be a better way to word that.
"Oh, well then." Mirage made an about face. Though, I still a smile curving those lips of hers. "Shall we begin?" She sat back on her throne. Then she nodded to a few other changelings in the room. They left and quickly came back with large, by their standards, chair. They set it down behind me and nod. I nod back appreciatively and sit in.
"Let's shall." *Fucking Discord.*
"Really? You can do that?" I ask in disbelief.
"Yes, hard to believe isn't it?"
"And it only pertains to Queens?"
"No. Kings have the ability to."
"Oh, huh... That's.. Actually really useful." I remark. "I really didn't changelings bud an exact copy of themselves." Mirage nodded in understanding. A little mirthful smile playing on her face.
"Yes, but don't go making many versions of yourself. It requires a lot, and I cannot stress this enough, a, lot of energy, concentration, and magic." She stressed. "Even if I were to create one fully nourished, It would be... taxing, to say the least."
"I understand." I nodded.
"Good." She smiled. "Now my question, and please feel free to not answer, it may be a little... sensitive for you," I nodded, allowing her to continue. And preparing for whatever she might ask. "I want to know. Why are so willing to help us? You could have easily told the ponies of our location and be done with us." Oh... whale then...
"... That's... very simple, actually." I slowly gave an answer. "I just know what it feels like be in your situation, in a sense; everyone hating you for just being yourself. Doing everything they can to wipe you from existance. Crap like that. In fact. I think a lot of people from my world can sympathize with you."
"Really?" I nodded.
"Yeah. But maybe not to my extent. Not many, at least."
"How so?"
"There was this group of people who really... disliked, us anthros. And wanted us to basically fall of the face of the Earth, if you know what I mean."
"I do." She said.
"Good." I nod. "Anyway. Because of these people. I basically lost everything I had at one point. I became homeless. I had to scrounge dumpsters for food. And I had to do some... things to get by." So I had to fuck a few people to get by, so what? I wanted to fucking survive.
"Oh my." Mirage put a hoof to her mouth.
"Yeah. Oh, and there's your answer." I grin.
"It seems so." Mirage smiled back. "And I also apologize." She looked down shamefully.
"Uuuh... What for?"
"I may have been a little... trepidatious with what questions to ask. I didn't to bring up any... unsavory memories." She winced for a half-a-second. "I do hope you understand. I didn't want any... trouble between us." ... She didn't say the real reason behind her hesitation, I just know it. Why would she-
Oh, that's right, she's literally the mother of all the changelings in this hive. Of course she would want to be care-
Wait. Is she calling me short tempered or something!?
No... If she thinks that I am some angry psychopath with a short fuse. I need to keep my cool.
"I understand." I said after I took a calming breath. "I know I don't have the best..." I struggled to find an appropriate word.
"Patience?" Mirage offered with a nice winning, sort of strained, smile.
"Sure let's go with that." I chuckle. "But I do understand. You have your children to protect."
"Thank you." Mirage looked relieved.
"Anytime." I get up from the chair I was provided and stretched. "But I think I should get going. I don't know how long I've been here talking with you."
"About five hours." Mirage said casually.
"Really? Huh... felt longer than that." I shrug it off; time flies by when you don't keep track of it. "Anyhow, I should get going. I'll see you around, Mirage."
"I hope so Ember." She replied with a wave. I waved back and made my way out the hive and out the Everfree.
"My Queen." Glare said once the human left the hive.
"Yes, Glare?" Queen Mirage turned to her child.
"May I speak freely once again?"
"Or course Glare. You know you don't have to ask." The Queen nodded.
"I know," Glare smirked. "I just like to bother you every once in awhile." The two changelings share a laugh. "And about that human," Glare's smirk turned smug. "I told you so."
Well today started off on an interesting note. Got to learn a lot about changelings. Pretty cool.
But I seriously never thought the king or queen can make a literal fucking copy of themselves by budding. That's might be useful or me if anything goes to shit in the foreseeable future.
Anyway, since I still have a whole day to waste, might as well go those groceries I was initially planning to get. ...
Of course nothing goes my way. I didn't even invoke Murphy's law. Does some deity really hate me that much, if any exist? Well, it may be due to ponies still wanting me dead.
Who, you might ask, would be these ponies? Well, they're none other than those two idiots that tried to kill me a year ago. And why would they wait a year to try and kill me?
Because they actually planned this shit out. But they ultimately fucked up.
Let me explain, they made their first mistake trying to use Button Mash and his mom as bait...
The little 'pager' that I always keep on me vibrated. Button Mash and Nursery are in trouble again.
Sigh
*Who's fucking with them this time?*
I teleport my stuff home and then teleport to Nurse's house. ...
*Are you fucking kidding me?* It's those same pricks that tried to kill me with that crappy assassination attempt. And they're not even being quiet about it, I can hear Button and Nurse's muffled screaming from out here. Stupid...
Anyway, I barge in the home and find the two ponies in the middle of being tied up by the same ponies I met a while ago.
So, without further adue, I promptly beat the both of them into a heap of bruised, battered pony flesh before they could even say quidditch. With them no longer a threat, I untied Button and Nurse.
"Thank you, Ember." Nurse said once I got the gag off her. Button was a little too shaken up to even speak. It took him being held by Nursery to not break down. Upon seeing this, I was furious. To think, someone would even go to these lengths-
No. Of course there has to be people like that in this world. But wouldn't they haven't gotten to Corey if they wanted to really get to m-
Oh god. Oh, god. Corey and Brit.
"Be right back." I said before I teleported to Corey's place. ...
"If you want to see your friends again. Come to us willingly." A note on the front door said.
"No..." I clench my fists.
"No..." I fall to my knees.
"No!" They are going to pay.
They are going to regret the day they decided to fuck with Ember Lockhart. |
My little Escapade | Chapter 59: Recognition | I'm not going to put this lightly. I am going to murder everyone that is involved with this little stunt. I am going to hunt them down, one by one. I am going to find them. I am going to tear their eyes out. I am going to cut them to the bone. I am going break every, single bone in the body. I am going to tear the wings off painfully slowly if they are pegasus. I am going to snap their horn off if they are a unicorn. And I am especially going to keep them alive and conscious for every, single, grueling moment they will experience within the next couple of hours, or however long it takes me to find them all. And there is no way in hell I am going to tell anyone about this. Of course also rescue Corey and Brit, as an afterthought.
Shit just got personal.
It was a normal day in Ammu Nation. Customers came by, some bough guns, some bought ammo. Some took a few practice runs back in the shooting range. And some came by to say hi to Dave. The man always loved a few friendly people. He was always helpful when someone asked about a certain gun, and he would use his vast knowledge of firearms to educate people on what type of gun if just right for them. Too bad they never bought the 'big boys', as he liked to call the barely-legal man-toys.
One was a simple flame thrower. Enough could be said about this sort of weapon, although not new to weapons market. It was not highly sought after, yet. For reasons of which outweigh the pros of owning such a weapon.
The second was a M134 Minigun, "The Fort", Dave likes to call it. With an average fire rate of two to six thousand revolutions per second, it's no wonder he calls it that. As much as the gun store owner wanted to make it look exactly the Heavy's from Team Fortress Two. Having the ammo barrel attached to the gun rather than on the user's back was too detrimental to the user. So he had to stick with a back-mounted ammo case.
The third, and final Man-Toy. Was a simple Cheytac M200 .408 bolt-action sniper rifle. Specifically the variant with the fifty caliber barrel with an attachable silencer. That much else is needed to be known about this rifle when a customer asks about it. In his eyes anyway.
And it was also on this beautiful day when a man with a duffel bag strapped across his back came into the humble gun shop. The look of determination and death in his eyes almost made Dave freeze. But before fear could take the man, he remembered this man was just like any other customer.
Oh, how wrong he was.
The gray feathered, bat-winged Anthro made his over to Dave. He didn't think he'd be that tall.
"What're the strongest toys you got here?" The man asked with a straight face. His yellow eyes boring into Dave.
"U-uh," Dave stuttered. "We-we got these..." He then listed off the three Man-Toys. THe man nodded approvingly. A dark smile stretching and curving his lips.
"I think I'll take all three. With enough ammo to last a few months." The man said. Which left Dave speechless. For half a second.
"Three Man Toys comin' up!" Dave cheered. *Finally,* He thought *Someone who wants the Big Guns!* Dave reached up and, grabbed the guns, individually or course, and set them down on the counter. He then went to the back and, with the help of a dolly. Brought a few ammo boxes, two boxes for each gun. And two specially designed fuel tanks for the flame thrower. He then added the items on the cash register. Wow, he'd never thought he'd seen the price go beyond six digits. "Uh... that'll bee..." Dave read off the overall price to the man. The man just smiled. A reaction dave was not expecting what so ever.
"Alright, lemme just..." The man took off the duffel bag and gently set it on the counter. It groaning under the apparent weight Dave wouldn't think it had.
*What was in there?* Dave thought.
Dave got his answer when the Anthro unzipped the bag. There, right in front of the both of them. Was a duffel bag filled to the brim with glittering gold coins. Dave's mind practically all but froze at the sight, but it quickly kicked back into gear.
This wasn't the first time someone tried to pay Dave with fake money, or fake gold as the current situation stands.
"Nice try buddy, but I'm gonna need some real money if you're gonna leave with this stuff." Dave crossed his arms. A triumphant smirk on his face. The man's smile never faltered.
"You got one of those testing kits?" He asked. Dave arched a brow.
"Yeah, what for?"
"How about you test this stuff?" The man asked. Dave, never letting that eyebrow go any lower, went to the back and grabbed a metal testing kit. Making sure to keep the emergency lock-down button on him. Once he had all he need Dave got back to the front desk, the man hadn't moved a single inch the hole time. It was starting to creep Dave out.
After the kit was set on the desk, and the thing set up. Dave reached in and pulled out a single, probably fake, gold coin, it had a weird picture of a horse on one side, and another of a symbol he'd never seen before. It definitely weighed like it was made out of gold. He shook that thought from his head and scrapped the coin against the rough side of the bar. Earning a few curved pieces of yellow metal. Instead of flaking paint, revealing lead underneath.
Unwavered, Dave then poured a drop of special liquid onto the scraped metal. It then turned a very specific color.
Dave's eye widened. It was legit gold! Gold coins!
"H-holy shit..." Dave whispered. "They're real..."
"Yep," The man, no, godsend, said. "So how much ya think will cover the cost?" The guy can't be serious. He can't be! He just asking how many coins will pay than just giving him a few coins and calling it payment!
"Uh... Twenty?" Dave said after very carefully thinking about it. If this guy is just giving away gold he must be a big deal. It would be best not to ask for 'too many'.
"Alright." The man said as he poured out exactly nineteen coins, the one dave scraped joining its friends. Dave thought they literally floating out the bag. But he brushed it off as his imagination going wild. Because... Gold fucking coins!
"Here ya go!" The man said with a slightly smug smile. He then grabbed the guns and flamethrower. The minigun and flamethrower in one god damned hand, and the sniper in another. And then he looked at the dolly with the ammunition on it. And looked as if he was internally debating something. Before shrugging and the boxes of lead and copper-bullet filled case floated over to sit next to the guy. Dave couldn't help but gawk at what he had seen. A few hundred pounds worth of ammunition just fucking floated over to the man.
"Later!" The yellow-eyed Anthro said before disappearing with a white flash of light. Dave noticed, right before the man disappeared, that his eyes looked... weird. He couldn't put his finger on it. But he thought they looked like those camera eye things. But, one thought came to the forefront of Dave's mind.
*Who the fuck was that guy?*
"Alright, now for a proper coat to conceal this when I go full pony." I mutter to myself.
Sunny Fashions was having a not-so great day. With customer after customer demanding they receive some summer clothing. But due to there being shortage from yesterday's sales, nopony's going to get any anytime soon.
But fortunately for Sunny, today was a slow day. Or that his usuals finally got it through their thick, snobbish heads that they would be notified when he gets a fresh shipment of summer clothing. It was calming for the unicorn Stallion, finally, he can relax knowing that he won't be bothered by any more annoying foals.
That is, until he heard to the bell hanging above the front door.
*Uuuuugh...* He internally groaned. *I thought they done bothering-* His train of thought fell off its rails when he saw the pony, or creature -he's only heard of this... thing-, walk into his store. It was in his store.
The creature, the human, was inside his bucking store. A hero, a creature who helped the Elements of Harmony defeat the demon Tirek. Was in, his, store.
"Hello?" A... an appendage with five smaller things made a snapping noise in front of his face. Bringing the pony's head from the clouds.
"E-excuse me sir." Sunny said, trying to regain his composure. "I... wasn't expecting you to grace my place of business with your presence." Sunny bowed slightly. He picked his head back up and saw a very confused... Human. He remembers what his friends called the being before him, he thinks.
"Uhm... Thanks?" The, human, said uncertainly. Sunny quickly realized what was going on.
*Ah, he is as humble Fancy Pants made him out to be.* Sunny mentally remarked. *Marvelous!*
"I do beg your pardon, but aren't you the... human, that aided the Element Bearers defeat the demon Tirek?" Sunny asked with practiced ease.
"... Yes..." The human answered. A quirked eyebrow, well, some kind of feather that resembled an eyebrow as Sunny saw it, never leaving its heightened spot.
"Then it is an honor to have in my place of business." Sunny nodded his head. "What can I do for you today?" Sunny asked. Years of asking that same question making his tone perfectly friendly and light.
"Well, I would like a duster, if that exists here that is."
"P-pardon?"
"A duster. Do you have any?" The human asked.
"Yes, yes we do." Sunny cleared his suddenly dry throat. "Though, I might have to one tailored for somepony of your... impressive stature." The human smiled.
"Oh that won't be a problem." He said. Before Sunny could question the cryptic being, a bright flash of white temporarily blinded him. Once the stars faded from his vision what he saw before him made his lower jaw nearly hit the floor.
Right there, right in front of him, a strangely tall changeling stood where the human once was.
"I'm sorry if this startled you." The dark blue changeling said. "I just cast a transformation spell. Hold on..." The changelings was briefly engulfed in yellow flames and grayscale unicorn replaced the changeling. "There, much better." The pony said, the previously double-toned voice also replaced by a more normal sounding one. "Oh, and sorry about that too." The pony said. "And this is still me. The human, spell and all that junk." Sunny shook his head.
"I... apologize. I did not know you were a... powerful mage." The pony snickered.
"No one else knows either. Which reminds me..." The grey pony pulled out a bag -a bag Sunny never noticed until now- from behind him. And proceed to take a large pile of bits in his magic. He then presented them to Sunny. "This'll be enough for you keep all this secret?" Sunny looked from the bits to the human turned changeling then pony many times. "And I mean everything that happens between us today."
"O-of course!" Sunny said. He took the bits in his magic and stuffed them in the many pockets of his business suits. "My lips are sealed!" The stallion across from Sunny smiled.
"Good." He nodded. "So... about that duster?"
"Grey, see anything yet?" 'Brown' asked her partner.
"No, you?" 'Grey' responded. Both of these ponies were standing right outside the 'Naughty Filly'; a strip club that acted as the mercenary's base of operations.
"Nothing yet," 'Brown' said back. Since they were on the lookout for a certain human. Other than the two they have tied up and out cold in the boss's, well, former boss's room. "Shouldn't he be here at some point? He knows where we run business."
"Yeah..." Grey said, just then Brown saw a figure down the right side street of the street they were scouting. "Wait, somepony's commin'."
"Gottcha, be ready." Grey said. They both adopted guard-like stances as the figure got closer. Once the figure was close enough both hit-ponies saw it was just a unicorn stallion wearing some cloak-looking garment. The pony itself had grey fur and a jet black mane and tail. But what set both ponies off was that the stallion walking towards them had bright yellow eyes that clashed with his coat and mane color. The stallion came to a stop in front of them. But he didn't turn to face them.
"Excuse you, sir, you should move along." Grey said after a few tense moments of nothing happening. The stallion just continued to stand there, seemingly refusing to face either pony. "Sir? Are you deaf or somethi-" Peu
Grey never got finished his question, as a quiet spitting sound came from the stallion. Brown turned to her partner just as he fell to the floor. A small hole gushing blood on the middle of his forehead. She whipped her head around in time to see a small, black object float up to her face when- Peu
Brown fell like a sack of potatoes. A similar hole right in between her eyes. The stallion looked on with an amused smile.
*Now that is the definition of awesome.*
~Killing ponies with a futuristic weapon? Seems more like overkill to me.~ Ruby snarked.
*Whatever, you know why I'm doing this.* I reply while tucking the silence pistol back under my duster. I then flawlessly enter the building. The... business, taking place comes to an assgrinding hault, literally for the entertainers, and all attention is directed at me. Ponies as far as the eye can see. Every single one of their eyes fall on me.
After what felt like an eternity one pony decided I should leave. He got a bullet to the head before he could even get up. And after that the ponies were stunned silent. I made a look around while holding my silenced pistol billowed smoke out the barrel. I nodded triumphantly and made my way to the back area. The bouncer that guarded the door I entered last time I was here, along with every other pony, gave a wide berth after my ever-so-graceful display of power. Just as the door closes behind me, ponies fill the fucking hall ahead of me. Most of them having confused faces. I took this opportunity to gun down as many as I could before I began to run low on ammo for the pistol. By that time I made a surprising amount of clearance through the long hall.
God damn I love magic.
"Get him!" One of the remaining ponies shouted. The rest of them shook themselves from the stupor and rushed me. Since they decided to try and overwhelm me with numbers. I teleported to the other side of the hall. I then pull out my old shotgun, and shoot, after I out a sound-canceling bubble around it.
The remaining ponies were dealt with swiftly. It as too fucking easy.
Way too easy. Oooooh... they planned this... fuck me...
Thwip
FUCK ME!
"Ugh..."
"Corey?"
"Huh? What? Brittany?"
"Yeah it's me. Where are we? Why can't I see!?"
"Quiet!" A curt voice cut in. Both Anthros snapped their jaws shut. But that didn't stop them from thinking a mile a minute.
Where are we?
How did we end up here?
Who is that guy talking?
And why were they blindfolded?
"Good. You two know how to listen." The voice continued. "Now, I'm sure you're wondering a lot of things right now." The voice snickered. A guy voice, Corey decided. "I would normally tell you what's going on. But under these circumstances I frankly don't give a buck." And whoever's talking is clearly a pony he deduced. "All that you need to know is either your 'friend' comes willingly and you get to leave or he never shows up and we 'dispose' of you'." The way the pony said those very words sent chills down Corey's and his girlfriend's spines. The tone, Corey felt, implied he and Brittany would die if his 'friend' didn't show up.
But who did the pony talk about? It couldn't be one of his new pony friends. He hasn't known them long enough. But that could only mean...
Ember? What would this pony want with Ember?
Ember was known to at least finish fights when him and Corey were in high school, the dog Anthro though.
*Maybe this pony started something with him?* He thought. *But why would this pony want to mess with the guy? Ember can fucking kill anyone is he felt like.*
A particularly cold shiver washed over his body.
*Ugh... to think I he nearly killed me that easily...* It was true to Corey. The man nearly died at the hands of a very pissed off Ember.
*If this pony thinks Ember will come here peacefully...* Pew
*Oh fuck! That must be him!*
BOOM
"Is that a fucking shotgun!?"
FWOOSH |
My little Escapade | Chapter 60: When the Shit hits the fan | ~Ember, are you sure this is all necessary?~ Ruby asks just as I shove my pistol inside a pony's left eye and pulled the trigger.
*I think a more appropriate question would be; "Why isn't all of this necessary?"* Came my witty retort.
Spurt
Aaaaand some blood splattered on me. Nice.
~You are truly insane.~ Ruby stated. ~You are truely insane to an extent I have only seen in a few ponies in my long life.~
"That mean you haven't had anyone use you often?" I asked.
~... Silence.~ I snickered.
"Thought so." Another bullet to a pony's head and a buck to a door later, and after a fucking gauntlet of ponies doing their best to stop and, or kill me, I make to what I think is where these fuckers would keep Corey and Brit.
And how right I was.
But there was this large crowd that pretty much stood between me and my friends.
"Fuck me..." I empty my pistol into two ponies, there were only two bullets left, and then I thought 'fuck it' and pulled out the flame thrower. A nasty smile nearly split my face in half when I magically pulled the trigger.
FWOOSH
What happened next... It would've given me nightmares. If I haven't seen shit like before.
But fortunately for me. I'm one sick, twisted son of a bitch. Like some weird masochist. Not that I get off on that shit, that's disgusting.
No, I just kind of enjoy seeing others in pain. IN situations like these.
For example, if a guy walking in front of me down a sidewalk falls and busts his ass. I will laugh my ass off. Also, I really wanted to show those ponies my mix tape. It was fucking fire.
I regret nothing.
Anyway, I set the whole place, and a few ponies, on fire, I hear someone yell. I then grab Corey and Brit and teleport the tree of us outside the building.
"Not so fast you little bug." If this one this idiot of a pony would kindly fuck off.
"The fuck you want?" I turn to the pony who just spoke. Only to get a knife to the chest. I stand there, my body and my brain taking a few seconds to process what just happened.
"Hrrk!" I stumble a bit and blood pours from my mouth. But not for long.
"You cause all of ]this!?" I spin my head and finally lay eyes on the offending pony. He was a large, a little shorter than Big Mac, fucker. His coat color of brown and grey hair made him look like the head honcho of this place. He probably is. "A little insect like you single hoofedly killed everypony?" He turned to regard me with a look of absolute disgust. I saw the anger in his eyes, it nearly made me giggle. "Who in tartarus are you?" I just smirked, despite the pain flaring in my chest every time I breath, despite the blood pouring from my mouth like a waterfall, despite all of that.
I smirked, I smiled, and I fucking grinned at the pony's enraged face. Because I thought of how hilarious it'll be when I show him who I really am.
I know I'm still a changeling, but they don't know that. Or at least, I can make them believe that.
Oh! Yeah! Let's make this guy think I'm a changeling! Well, let's remove the knife first... TH-there we go.
Fwoosh
The guy's eye's widened when I showed him my 'true' form.
"Like what you see?" I asked with a grin. "Or maybe you'd like to see a familiar face?" These guys wanted me to come here. It'd be stupid of me not to assume they would know what I look like. "Better?" I asked when I changed to look like my human self. The pony just stood there, too dumbfounded to answer.
"Y-you...you... changeling..." But he did have enough brain function splutter those words out.
"Yeah, kinda hard to believe huh?" I grin. He just kept spluttering half words and mumbles.
"Anyway, I gotta go." I grab my pistol, reload it before the guy could recover, and put a bullet in his head. Effectively killing the last pony involved in this situation, I think. "I got some friends to save." I then mutter as the body falls limply to the ground. I grab Corey and Brit, and teleport the three of us to my home before the building was consumed in flames.
"Oh my Celestia." A pony whispered to himself once he left the burning building. "That human was a bucking changeling the whole time?" He kept running away from the building. He knew he had to get away. The guard are probably already all over that place.
*Maybe they'll find the changeling before I do?* He thought, but quickly shook his head. *No no. I need to find that bug myself!* A look of determination made itself home on the stallion's face. *I will avenge my friends. That thing will will pay for killing everypony.* He scowled at nothing in particular. *I'm gonna need some help though... Maybe... Rrrgh... buck it, the guard it is.*
"You two alright?" I asked as soon as I teleported the three of us home.
"Y-yeah," Corey answered. "Just, can't stop shaking..."
"Y-yeah." Brit said.
"Don't worry about it, you're fine now." I managed to quickly untie the rope binding them and remove the blindfolds.
"Alright. Thanks..." Corey said. "What was all that about anyway?"
"Apparently those ponies have something against me."
"Why?"
"No idea, but it might be because I killed the leader of that group. I think it was one of the pony's grandfather or something..."
"Whoa, what, really..? Are you kidding? You're kidding right?" I stare blankly at Corey. "What the fuck have you been doing?"
"Recently? Not much. But back then, this prick Prince Blueblood hired some ponies to kill me. Skip a few deaths and now I'm probably the prime suspect of arson."
"Uuuh, do I want to know what for?" Corey uncertainly asked.
"I now own a flamethrower, that's all you need to know. Just don't say that if a few guard come to you asking questions about me." I said.
"Alright. But jesus fucking christ dude. I thought I was a damn trouble-maker." Corey said with a smirk.
"When you live here for as long as I have, and when you've done things that I have done, shit can hit the fan really quickly." I reply without any facial expression. He and Brit tried laughed it off. But at one look at my expressionless face and they knew what I really meant.
"Oh, wow. You've really done some shit huh?" I shrug and offer a bored expression.
"Meh, more like what shit's happened to me in the past."
"Like what?" Brit asked.
"Corey, stay inside when spring comes along."
"... Why?"
"Mares in heat will do anything to get their hooves on a guy." It took both of them a solid minute to connect the dots, but the gears turning in their heads cranked up the speed just enough to process my hidden meaning.
"Oh..." Brit said slowly.
"Oh." Corey said, realization almost hitting him.
"Oh! Oh!" They both said as it dawned on them at the same time.
"Oh god! Really!? That happens here?" I nod.
"Yeah, and let me tell ya, the mares get really fucking frisky."
"Really? Wait, does that mean..?" Brit asked.
"Oh, god no. Six of them just chased me until log lodged itself inside my abdomen." Both Corey and Brittany stared blankly at me.
"Alright, dude, I know a bunch of crazy shit happens. But there's no way in hell that really happened." Corey said blankly.
"And I don't make this shit up. They chased me to the point that I flew to the fucking forest, fell out of the god damned sky, and literally crashed into a fucking branch in such a way that it penetrated my back and came out my fucking stomach." I didn't see them pale under their fur. But their faces told me everything. "Yes, things have gotten to be that fucked up for me."
"... But how the hell are you still alive then!?" Brit asked. "I know we're anthros and all, but, just how?" I thought about it for a second. I was to either chose to tell them that I literally turned myself into an extremely organized mass of nanobots, or tell them it was because of magic that I survived an otherwise one-hundred percent fatal 'flesh wound'.
"... Magic." Guess what I choose!
"... Really? Magic? Magic saved your life?" Brit said as she crossed her arms, under her breasts. Oblivious slut...
"Yes, magic saved my fucking life. And in fact, it just saved both your lives." She and Corey threw me questioning looks. "How do you think we ended up in my house so quickly?"
"Weren't we in some building in close by?" Brit asked. The traces of a smug grin forming on her lips.
"We were at that fucking castle on that mountain in the distance." I point out the nearest window. "And I set the building we were in on fire. That's why you see smoke over there, not here." I elaborated before Brit could question me more.
"... Alright, you made your point, magic is awesome." Brit said with a decidedly cute pout.
"Good. Now I'm gonna need you two to go out of town for a while."
"Oh, ok... Wait. What, why?"
"Corey, a hit man, or fucking pony, organization just kidnapped you to force me to surrender to them. I think you two need a vacation."
"Ok, good point." He relented.
"Yeah, I kinda agree with you." Said Brit. "But... where are going to go?"
"Don't worry, I got a few ideas. But first..." I snap my fingers and my magical double appears next to me. "There! He'll be taking care of things from now on." As soon as the spell took effect my two friend's jaws dropped. "Oh yeah, and there's also this." I reverted to my changeling form. "Transformation spell." I said. I then transformed back into my human form using the spell.
"Minds blown yet?" My double asked. He was a changeling too, how..? "Magic..." He said towards me.
"Right... let's try that again." He nodded and promptly disappeared when I snapped my fingers. It'd be pretty pointless to have my magical double rely on good vibes to live, wouldn't it?
I cast the spell again and the double reappears.
"Much better." He said. "Let's get this shit going now." The other me then guided a very mind-blown couple out the front door.
"Now, let's deal with some possible police accusations." I smile bitterly to myself. "Or maybe even a pony I didn't kill back at the building." I thought about. Since this world is pretty much a live cartoon show...
"Fuck me, vengeful pony it'll be..."
~Oh, please!~ Ruby groaned. ~You killed every, single pony that got in your way!~
"Doesn't mean I didn't kill everybody ruby. There has to be a few survivors that still want me dead. And come on, this place is as predictable as my digestive tract. There's bound to be a shit storm at some point."
~... That was an awful joke, and you know it.~ Ruby deadpanned.
"Yeah, I know." I snickered. "I've always like shitty jokes." I laugh out.
-Ok, seriously Ember, stop it with the shit jokes. They really stink.- Embris laughed. I heard Ruby groan when Emby interjected.
=Poop jokes, not as good as fart jokes, but still funny.=
~Not it is not!~ Ruby shouted. ~It's foalish!~
-We're not ponies, we don't give a fuck.-
~Ugh!~ I bet if ruby had a body, he'd throw his arms up in frustration. Me and my counterparts just laugh.
"You know that is very disturbing to watch, right?" Spark asked from fuckin' nowhere.
"Then don't watch me talk to myself." I reply without missing a beat.
"Fair enough." She shrugged. "What are you going to do now?"
"Well, for now, wait. See if any guards come to me to ask questions about some building that was set on fire. Something like that."
"I see... How do you know they won't find you a prime suspect?" She ventured. I smirked back at her.
"I made a few precautions..."
"What can you tell me detective Print?"
"Well, Lieutenant Strong Hoof, I honestly have no idea what could have caused this fire..."
"Pardon?" The guard asked disbelievingly.
"Yes, you heard me right." The detective said with a heavy sigh. "There isn't any trace of any kind of spell that could've caused the fire. There isn't any evidence that could lead to the cause of the fire." Both ponies let out a frustrated grunt. "But... there was something, peculiar..."
"... Well?" The guard asked said expectantly.
"The bodies we found... it was determined they perished before the fire."
"Explain."
"A number of them had small... holes around their bodies, most of them were concentrated around the cranial and chest area. It was almost as if whoever did this had... we really have no clue as to what weapon it could be. It also seemed whoever, or whatever, did this removed any kind of evidence."
"Clever bastards." The guard said off to the side.
"Indeed," The detective agreed. "Another note, we noticed that quite of few of these little wounds were clustered on a few ponies."
"What does that mean?"
"It could either suggest more than one ponies were involved in this massacre. Or there is some unheard of magic at play here... It would explain the lack of any magical signatures..." The detective mumbled.
"I see... And what about any witnesses?"
"We only have one that came forward. We suspect there to be many, since this building used to be a night club."
"Ah, and where is the witness?" The detective stallion pointed to a colt standing with a small group of guards.
"We've had him detained since he admitted his involvement in this crime."
"I see... thank you Detective Hoof Print." Hoof nodded as Strong cantered over to the small colt, the guards around him nodding his way and parting, allowing him to talk with the colt.
"What's your name?" Strong asked.
"Swift Strike." The newly named colt replied.
"Are you willing to tell us what exactly happened here? You will receive benefits if you do so."
"More than willing." Swift responded.
"Good colt." Strong smiled. "Now then, can you tell me who, or what, caused this fire?"
"Yes, sir." Swift nodded. "It was the human, Ember." At this sudden new development. Ever guard within hearing range froze.
"... Run that by me again?" However, Strong Hoof was more confused than anything.
"It's true!" Swift exclaimed. "I saw him burn this place, and a few ponies, to the ground!"
"How are you so sure?" Strong asked. He found it extremely difficult to believe this colt.
"He had grey feathers and weird lookin' eyes. And he had this weird box looking thing that spewed the fires." The colt said. Much Strong's, and many of the guards, disappointment and dread. "But that wasn't all..." Swift then said.
"What is it?" Strong nearly hesitantly asked.
"Apparently, he's a changeling." At this point every guards jaws dropped to the floor.
"Now that is just donkey dung..." Strong said dryly.
"But it's true!" Swift said in an almost desperate tone. "Put a truth spell on me if you need too! You need to believe me!" Swift fell to his hind knees, his front hooves grasping the front of Strong's chest armor. Strong grunted in annoyance and shoved the colt away from him.
"Enough of the theatrics. We'll see if you really are telling the truth." Strong said. "Guards, on me, we're escorting the colt to interrogation." The stallion eyed the colt critically. "You better hope to Celestia you're telling the truth. Or we'll throw you in the dungeons for wasting resources and slander." Swift gulped, then nodded as he was taken into custody and taken to Canterlot Castle. |
My little Escapade | Chapter 61: You Perform Damage Control | *Well... nothing's happened yet...*
~Don't think like that so soon Ember.~ Ruby said.
*It's already been a full day. Something would've happened by now...* I thought while watching some World's Dumbest on Trutv. Chrisy to my right, Spark on my right, and my dogs sleeping off in the corner of the living room. It almost had family vibe to it. As if the three of us were a family.
I couldn't argue with that. These two felt like family to me. It makes me feel... content. Like there isn't anything I have to worry about.
Of course, I have that building I set on fire to worry about, but this moment kinda lets me forget about it.
Knock knock knock
But, then again, this world seems to know what I'm thinking all the time.
"I'll get it." I said with a groan as I got up. I went over to the front door and opened it to see a large number of guards right outside.
"Ember?" A guard that looked to be the leader of this group got my attention.
"Yes?"
"Can you come with us? We would like to ask you a few questions." He asked. I instantly knew what he meant, but I needed to play dumb, and also to play cool.
"... May I ask why?" The guard seemed surprised at my question, but answered me otherwise.
"You have been accused of burning down the 'Naughty Filly'. A social night club." He said. "And you have been accused of being a changeling in disguise." At that I widen my eyes faux surprise. They apparently either wanted or didn't expect me to react like that. I saw many mixed faces amongst the crowd.
"And you want to come with you to either prove or disprove these accusations?" I assumed calmly.
"... Yes." The guard said unsurely.
"Alright, lead the way." I said while nodding, I then motioned with a hand for him to lead me to... wherever the hell we're going to do this crap. But all I got were shocked ponies. They apparently couldn't believe I was so willing.
"A-alright. But... before we continue. We have to... we have to place these restraints on you." Another guard handed -hoofed, a pair of handcuffs. I nodded and presented my wrists. He went about putting them on me very shakily. Once that was over with the group of guards started escorting to wherever they go to carry this kinda stuff out.
"Any update on the arson case?" Strong Hoof asked one of his subordinates. Who saluted before answering.
"Sir, we received word we have Ember the Human in custody." The guard's reply surprised the Lieutenant, almost pleasantly.
"That easily?" He questioned. The lower ranked guard nodded.
"I was told he was put under custody willingly."
*I knew it was too good to be true.* Strong Thought with a smirk. "Take me to him. Let's get this over with." The guard he spoke to saluted once more and began escorting his superior to the human. *Looks like Air Strike owes me ten bits.* Strong smirked, though, it faltered ever so slightly. *I hope... Faust, let me be right...*
The guards lead me all the way to Canterlot. All the fucking way there. We took the train there, and I got a lot of looks, varying from shock to surprised, to anger from here to there. Even the nobles were being more snobbish around me than usual. No idea why though. Has word about my being a changeling spread that quickly? Could be the case.
"Wow, word spread quickly." I heard one guard whisper to another. Confirming my suspicions. "Hopefully we can clear his name."
"I hope so too." I said suddenly, for them anyway. They looked back to me and I smirked. The two guards smiled nervously.
*I just wonder what Celestia and Luna thinks about all of this...*
Lieutenant Strong Hoof stood right outside the interrogation room the accused human was sitting in. He peered in through a large one-way mirror. Though, it gave him and the other guards chills that the human was looking right at them through the mirror as if he knew they were there. Strong shook his head, there is no way the human could know that, right?
"He is acting astonishingly calm about all of this..." One guard remarked.
"It could mean that he really is innocent." Another added, defending the widely respected human.
"Yes, it could." Strong said steadily. "We won't know for sure until Captain Shining Armor arrives." The guards around Strong turned to him, confusion plastered on their armored faces.
"Why is the Captain coming?" One of them dared to ask.
"He's the only one with any real experience with changelings. He also apparently knows a spell that can force a changeling to lose its disguise. When he arrives we'll know for sure whether the accusations made by the colt are true."
"But... I thought the truth or lie spell was all we needed?" Strong shook his head.
"It's not that simple. It's very easy to bypass that spell when you know what to look for."
"And you think the colt knew how to do that?" Strong let out a sigh.
"Foals these days... They're growing more and more rebellious." That was all he needed to say, for every stallion knew this was true. Although, not entirely, yes, there were some colts and fillies that really are well-behaved. He just felt that there has been an increase of rebellious teens that don't favor the royal guard very well.
Strong once again shook himself from those thoughts. He hadn't the time, nor does he want to, think about today's youth. He has a human's good name to restore.
Ah! And here comes the Captain! What perfect timing!
*Well, this is interesting* I thought after the guards took me to a room the looked scarily like an interrogation room. I am seriously starting to thing this world was based off of ours. Maybe even the other way around.
No... no... It can't be the other way around. Earth's too dark and grim compared to this place. On the surface anyway.
And I've been staring straight at the one way mirror. And that I've probably been creeping out whoever's on the other side.
*Eh...* I shrug mentally. The door then suddenly opens, and Shining Armor walks in and sits across the table from me.
"Shining? The hell you doing here?" I asked, a little surprised that he of all ponies are here.
"I've heard you've been accused of being a changeling." He stated. "I am here to prove whether or not that's true." He said blankly.
"Cool, so how're you gonna do this? Some kind of spell?" I asked casually.
"Yes... something like that." Shining nodded. "If you aren't a changeling, then this won't hurt."
"Alright then, let's get this over with." Shining's eyes widen, as if not expecting my response. But he then nodded and and his horn lit a deep purple and I felt a rush of magic flow throughout my body. "Oh~ Fuck that felt weird." A shiver ran down my spine.
"Yeah, forgot to mention that." Shining said with a relieved sigh. "I really thought you were changeling, sorry about that." I wave it off.
"Nah. Don't worry about it." I smile. "Seeing you here. I kinda understand why. The whole 'sticking me in a room' thing."
"What?" I looked at him with a raised eyebrow. "... Ooooooh... right... the wedding..." Shining scratched a hoof at the back of his neck.
"Yeah. That. I figured you with the most 'experience' with changelings, would want to prevent anything like that little fiasco happening again."
~Wow, great story you just made up.~ Ruby commented.
*Thank you. It is sort of true though.*
"Yeah. That's kinda the case... Sorry again." Shining said.
"Dude, don't worry about it." I laugh. "I get where you're coming from. Oh and there's something I wanted to tell you."
"What?"
"You know there are more hives than Chrysalis's, right?"
"Uuuuh... Yes... where are you going with this?"
"Oh, nowhere." I lean back in my chair. "I just wanted to let you know that Twilight's helping another changeling hive."
"What!? Where is she!? How did they take her!?" He put his forelegs on the table.
"Relax. She's fine." I hold my hands in a placating way. "Just listen. This particular hive has been suffering pretty badly after the wedding, they weren't part of the invasion by the way. And in fact, I decided to get Twilight to help them when I heard, from the queen herself, what they have been through. And let me tell you, it was pretty rough for them before I showed up."
"How are you so sure they haven't just put you under their influence."
"Whatever you just did earlier proves my point, I think. Whatever you did, it would have broken any kind of link the queen may have had on me, right?"
"Yes, I designed it to cancel out all kinds of changeling magic." He said.
"See? That does prove my point; right now, I still wanted to help them out. You have no idea what you and Cadence have done to them."
"What do you mean?"
"Dude, Shining. Cut the shit, you I know that you have gone out of yours and your wife's way to prevent any changeling from walking on Equestrian soil. I know you've bumped up security on border towns and cities, I know you had ponies create spells to detect changelings and force them to revert to their true form. You have to understand, they live off of love and positive emotions. And you made it that much harder for them to fucking live." I pinched my pointer and thumb as close as I could to emphasize my point. "How the hell do you think you can just wipe out an entire race when only a small portion of them were responsible for ruining you fucking wedding?"
"I... u-uh..." He stuttered.
"Lemme answer that for you; you never thought about that. Nor did you ever think that maybe, just maybe. Not every changeling is evil. Now, don't get me wrong, I know what you've been through even before your wedding. Being under someone's spell can fuck anyone up. But, come on dude. After years of amped up security, you never had a thought like that?"
"Well... n-not really... no..." The stallion in front of wilted at my words. He also looked down in shame. He even took himself off the table, it affected him that badly.
"I thought so, but don't feel like a piece of shit, you already are." He glared at me, and I ignored it. "But you can still do something right." Shining looked up at me. "Twilight is doing her best to help this one hive out. And I want those guys to eventually be part of society. It would be a huge fucking help if you, you know, helped them out yourself." Good god I said 'help' too many times.
Shining thought about it for some time. At least, it looked like it. If him looking at the table with a determined look suggested that. After about... a good few minutes, he looked back up, his face hardened on that determination it seems.
"I'll... I'll do what I can. I don't know about Cadence..." He said. Bringing a smile to my face.
"Better than nothing." I said. "But if Cadence doesn't like the idea. Let me talk to her."
"Uh... Ok. Why?"
"I'll just give her the same speech I did to Twilight, she didn't like the idea at first."
"Oh... What did you say to her to convince her? It's kinda hard to do something like that."
"Eh..." I shrug. "I just put up a good argument." I snicker. "She'd tell you different story though."
"Why?"
"... You better ask her yourself when you have the time." I replied.
"Ok..."
"Anyway," I got off my seat stretching my back. "I think we should clear my name or some shit."
"Oh! Right. The whole accusation stuff. Let's go." Shining nodded and left the room with me in tow. "He isn't a changeling. We should let the ponies know, they're probably waiting outside by now." This made me pause.
"Whoa, ponies actually care about this shit?"
"You'd be surprised." Shining said with a tired sigh. "The ponies here can't get enough of this kind of stuff. There's probably a news article about already being printed."
"Wow, ok... Good thing you came then huh?"
"Yes, though, I still think the truth will be warped in some way."
"Oh, you have no idea..."
"What?"
"Nothing. Let's go."
"New development on Ember accusations." Read the top of a newspaper. "The human with his true identity called into question, has been proven buy none other than Captain Shining Armor to be an actual human. And not a changeling in disguise. We at Canterlot Press have attempted to get a few words from the human and Captain Armor. Neither had any comments about the case. But Ember the human did have one comment to make:"
"This is not a threat, but merely a warning; You don't fuck with humans." When asked what this meant, he explained. "We humans have our own form of tolerance, it'd be best in everyone's interests to not see what happens when we are pushed passed our limits." Reporter Gatherer has asked the human for further clarification, but unfortunately he teleported to an unknown destination.
And while his statements are vague. We have yet to determine the true meaning of his words.
"Celestia damn it." A colt reading a newspaper banged a hoof on the table was sitting at. Earning a few looks from other Canterlottians. "How did that bug hypnotize the Captain of the guard?" He shook his head. "I'm going to need more help. Good thing my dad has lots of friends that can help me out."
~Today was certainly eventful.~ Ruby said, a notable bit of sarcasm in the gem's voice.
"Yeah," I lean back in my office chair. "got accused of being a fucking changeling. Got Shining to join in on the whole 'helping Mirages hive' thing. Not to mention I burned down a building a few days ago."
-True.-
=Got that right.= The voices in my head said in agreement.
~Alright, playing the sarcasm game against three of the same people is completely unfair.~
"Since when does that matter? Your thousands of years old. I thought you'd be better at sarcasm."
~You may seriously stop with those comments. They are agitating.~
"Well, you act like you've only been around for a couple decades. I just think someone with your kind of life would develop a persona like Celestia. At least, when it comes to dealing with people like me."
~Didn't I ever tell you I fall into a dormant state when I am not worn!?~ Ruby snapped.
"No, you never did." I respond. "That would've been useful info."
~Yes? Well, it may have slipped my mind... Don't you say it.~
"What?"
~Don't you go telling me off about the phrases I use!~
"They are a little odd when they come from you. But, it makes sense now that you said you basically only are awake when someone's wearing you. Or in this case, when you're inside someone."
~... You are disgusting.~
"Deal with it." |
My little Escapade | Chapter 62: And Hope for the Best | Ruby groaned. I and the voices in my head laughed.
"I can't get over strange it is to witness you talk to yourself."
"Spark, respect my private space and get the fuck out of my room."
"Well, I would, if I had my own room."
"You and I both know that you do. It's the second guest room upstairs." I hear a chuckle.
"Damn, I was hoping you would forget." I turn to my robotic friend with an annoyed expression..
"I made myself a more organic-looking version of you. I think my memory is in the very least up to fucking par with Sherlock Holmes. Don't patronize me."
"Oh well. I'll leave you to... what are you doing?" I feel her come over and look over my shoulder.
"Pretty much anything that'll keep me occupied."
"So... building some kind of robot or something?"
"Yeah, something like that." Spark stays silent as I look at the various parts and random bits and pieces. "But I'm thinking there's a way to make my body better."
"What?"
"I mean. Yeah, I'm stronger, my brain processes things many times faster than Steven Hawking, and I can practically regrow any part of my body. But... I did reconfigure your body so you can actually use it." I look to my creation with a knowing smile.
"You... you can't be serious..." I nodded.
"Oh, I am. I just need to find a way to essentially 'plug' myself to a computer."
"You're... you- ugh..."
"What?"
"It fucking sucks being in that thing!" She snapped... why didn't she tell me this as soon as I brought this idea up?
"You couldn't have told me from the get-go? And besides, you didn't have access to the internet at the time." At that her mouth closed at mach one speeds. "And I will."
"You do realize, if you succeed in doing so, you will basically become omniscient?"
"Omni-what?"
"You'll be all-knowing and crap."
"Oh. Well yeah, that's kinda my goal at this point." I shrug. "But, since I'm basically made up of microscopic versions of you. Pulling it off is going to be a little difficult."
"Yes, but taking that into consideration, do you really think it's worth it at this point?"
"Well, like I said, this is out of boredom. If was determined to find a way. I already would've found one by now."
"Fair enough... " She said. "But why not... connect me? I already posses an access port." I look up in thought.
"True..." I nodded. "Yeah... yeah, let's do that instead. I can even make it wireless!"
"That would be nice." She said. "It would be annoyingly restricting to have wires coming off of me."
"Implying I couldn't store terabytes of information? You wound Me Spark."
"Ember, the world's public database is immeasurably large. How would you pack all of that information into one human-sized piece of memory space?"
"Pffff." I do my best impression of a horse from Earth. "As if anyone can do that. I'm a robot engineer, not a miracle worker."
"I see... Well, how do you plan to make a wireless outlet? I assume though some form of antenna?"
"You assumed correctly. I can easily get hands on some high-powered modem, so you'd get at least thirteen hundred feet of range... Maybe if I can build a satellite... Nah... too ambitious."
"Yes, I agree with that... Don't you ever think that you... I don't know... some up with the craziest things when... I don't even know how to put it into words."
"Thank you." I smile. "It's thinking like this that lead me to create Max."
"Max? Who's Max?"
"I didn't tell about Max?" Spark shook her head. "Oh, must've slipped my mind. Hm..." I shrug. "Meh, anyway, Max was my first creation. Well, first attempted creation."
"What?"
"I got started on making Max. But I never really... completed the guy." I said.
"... Maybe you can... Finish what you started?" She slowly suggested.
"I always could..." I think about it for a second. "Yeah... Yeah. Why not? I'll be right back." I summon the scroll and charge up the spell. "Oh, and don't think I didn't see what you did there." I smiled knowingly. "You see Max as a brother, don't you?"
I'm willing to bet my wings that's exactly what she thought when I told her that.
"No, I do not." I bet she would be blushing if she could. "I would just like to get to know him." I stare at her blankly.
"... You do realize when I do finish Max, like I made you, he will know little to nothing besides the basic functions I gave you?" Spark went quite. Fuck, I couldn't tell what face she was making.
"... Shut up." I knew it. I fucking knew it.
"For an android, you're a terrible liar." I laughed, then teleported right before Spark could throw anything at me.
"Sorry colt. Can't help ya out."
"Why the buck not!?" The colt slammed his hooves onto the counter.
"Goin' after that human's a lost cause. After what happened at the Naughty Filly everypony's been steerin' clear of the guy."
"Why? That bug could be doing Celestia knows wha-"
"Listen colt!" The older pony cut the colt off. "Ember isn't a Celestia damned changeling. Get the buck over it. So what if he killed your friends? You're lucky just to be alive after what he did to that place."
"But... But!"
"Enough, I don't want to hear you donkey dung. I have work to do." The stallion huffed and returned to the kitchen. The colt snorted in anger and angrily left the establishment. While heavily ignoring the stares he was receiving.
*If nopony will help me. I'll do it myself then.* With the colts mind set. He stomped off to gather what he will need to bring the bug to justice.
But before he could be anything about it. He had to prepare.
"Alright, let's get started." I put Max and a slue of other things next to and around my desk, since he was still in his stand when I last left my old lab.
"Where do you last leave off?"
"I think I was building his body. I don't know." I point at Max's missing left arm. "Yeah, I think it was that."
"You're an asswhole."
"No, I'm sarcastic. There's a difference."
"Oh, whatever." Spark spun around and started storming off. "Call me when you're done." She said right before the door slammed behind her.
"You got it!" I yell back. "Now, was this his arm? Or the leg?"
"Alright Max, are you ready to get a body?" I ask my new computer.
"Yes sir." It responded.
"Alright let's get this started. And stop calling me sir." I hook up the computer to the completed andriod body. I wonder if the same thing will happen with the transfer like Spark. God, please don't let that happen. I really don't want to buy another fucking computer.
"Alright, fathe-"
"Don't." I look back to the computer, a little smirk on my face.
"I am only-"
"Don't, start." I laugh. "Not yet. There are people better than me to annoy."
"Ah, I see. Thank you, father." I laugh a little. Why not? I did create him after all.
"Alright..." I plug in the last cord and give Max the go ahead. And unlike what happened with Spark. Max makes a clean, non-smoking tower transition.
"Everything functioning Max?" I ask as soon as his eyes blink to life in his new body.
"... Yes. All systems working and one hundred percent capacity." He rolls of few of his mechanical joints for emphasis.
"Excellent!" I clap. "Let's go show everybody how annoying you can be!" Max smiles.
Just like fucking Spark.
"Yes, let us start." The two of us walk up the stairs and begin what I can say, with one hundred and twenty percent conviction, would be the most entertaining day of my life.
[hf]
"Please, Ember, Max, stop... I can't take any more of it." Chrysi gripped while covering her ears.
"What? We have just been having fun with ourselves." Max replied.
"Besides, you should be glad. I bet you haven't seen me smile this much, ever." I said.
"We know Ember." Spark said. "And I'm happy that you're having fun. But please, for the love of god. Stop." Spark said from her face-down position on the floor. "Ugh, to think I was looking forward to meeting you Max."
"Pardon? Ember has only made me in his image." Max said in an indignant tone.
"That's the problem!" She yelled.
"You wound my newly found pride Spark. To think we were unofficial brother and sister." He ignored Spark's outburst like a fucking champ.
Wait... I'm feeling something. I feel... it feel like liquid pride is filling my chest. In fact, I can feel something streaming down my face.
I think this is pride I'm feeling. Yeah, everytime I look at Max, I feel immense pride.
Huh, so this is what having a kid feels like.
"C'mere!" I pull Max into a big man-hug. He's a little caught off-guard at first, but I feel him wrap his arms around me. I look to Spark, who has a sad, jealous look on her face. I smile and wave a hand in invitation.
Her face performs a complete emotional one-eighty. Her frown warps into a smile, and she practically leaps into the hug. If it probably weren't for Max, I'd be in the floor.
I then see Chrysi, she's staring longingly. I roll my eyes and motion for her to join. She smiled and eagerly joined to the group hug.
I swear to god, this is the first time in years I've shed tears of joy. I think... Yeah, probably.
"Ember? Are you crying?" I heard Max ask.
*You little fucker...*
"Yes, you bastard." A laugh from the new android confirmed my thoughts. "And they're tears of joy."
"Is it because we feel like a family?" Chrysi asked.
"Yes, yes it is." I pull away from the group hug. The rest disperse. "And with the new addition." I nod towards Max. He smiles back. "I haven't felt like this since... Since..." Memories of Mom and Dad flash through my mind.
"Ember? Are you alright?" Spark waved a hand in front of my face.
"Huh?" I blink a few times. Apparently I was out in space.
Huh... I rarely ever do that.
"Oh, yeah, I'm fine. Just remembered some, good times." I smile. "C'mon Max. Lets introduce ya to the rest of the town."
"Oh! Let's! I have been curious about these 'ponies'." He looked to Chrysi. "You're the changeling, Chrysanthemum, correct?" The nug-pony nodded. "Interesting..." He paused. Probably storing info for later analysis.
Fuck me. I made him inquisitive. God damnit...
"Let's go." Max said as he turned to me. A bright little fucking smile on his face
*I did not make it so he could smile. How the ever-loving hell is he smiling!?*
-It's magic Ember. It's that fucking magic and it's physics-warping abilities.-
"Alright, I got everything I need." A colt muttered to himself. "There's no way in tartarus that bucking bug will get me now." With a confident smile, the colt left his home.
"Sweetie!" That is, he would have, if his mother didn't stop him. "Where are you going?" The colt faced his mother. Her sweet, aged face almost making him stay home and care for her.
He mentally shook himself. He knew his mother could take care of herself, she's just as capable as himself!
And besides, it's not like that bug ever has a chance at him. He'll kill it lickitey-split!
"I'm going out to see my friends mom. I'll be back in a few hours." The colt responded with an innocent smile. His mother beamed at him.
"Alright sweetie, just be sure to be back for dinner. You know how your father can get when you're late." The colt rolled his eyes.
"I know mom. I'll be back before then." The colt said as he left his home. Possibly for the last time.
"Learned a lot today Max?" I ask my robotic friend.
"Yes! So much!" He cheered. "Though, the ponies themselves are pretty fascinating. Only three subraces?"
"Well, technically there are four; alicorns. THey have both wings and a horn. But they're pretty rare. You remember Twilight?"
"Ooooooooh." He said. "I didn't her wings." I snicker.
"Yeah, her wings are sort of hard to stop at first glance."
"Oh... But, still! Only three subraces? That's few compared to humans."
"Eh." I shrug. "For us, it's more aesthetic than anything. We still are regular humans, just with different looks..." And then it hits me; shouldn't he already know this? I installed that wireless receiver. "But, shouldn't you already know about this?"
"I do." He said. "But I still like asking questions I know the answer to." I smile.
"Alright. Just don't tell others that. Might annoy them."
"Like how I am bothering you?"
"Exactly." I nod. "But save it for tomorrow. Right now, I would like to get some sleep."
"But, it's only eleven."
"I may be just like you on the inside. But I still have human needs." He shrugs and follows me.
"Whatever you say, father." I huff out a tired laugh.
"Ha, ha. Let's go home before I get an aneurysm."
"But, aren't you-" I cut Max off by teleporting home. "Immune to human ailments?"
"Some, not all. I think." I ponder it for about half a second. "Whatever. I'm going to bed."
The colt is almost at his destination. All he has to do is sneak off the train and look for the house at the edge of the town that bug lives in.
*Aaand just blend in, please work please work please work...* The colt perfectly blended into the crowd as the ponies departed the train after it came to a stop. Somehow, he avoided the gaze of the conductor.
*Alright, all I need to do now is find that bug's home. Shouldn't be so hard...* It was late evening. The moon was peeking over the horizon, and the sun was dipping over the distant mountains.
~Hey, Ember I heard something come from upstairs.~
"Ugh... what?" I groggily respond. As much as I could being woken up in the wee hours in the morning.
~Someone's in the house. I hear a bump.~ That little piece of info acted like an instant Five-hour Energy straight to the jugular.
"Fuck me." Someone's going to die this morning.
Without a care in the world, I get off my bed, trudge up the stairs, and throw the door open. Ruby said the noise came from the living room, so I went there and found a peculiar sight.
There was a pony, my dogs had him in a corner, and where growling pretty viciously at him. And he looked like he was about to shit himself.
"Uuuuuuhm..."
-I don't think any of us were expecting this.-
*Ditto*
~Agreed.~ |
My little Escapade | Chapter 63: Gettin' Some Action | "Well then. Who might you be? And why the hell are you in my home?" I asked the pony.
"You!" He pointed a hoof at me. "You killed all my friends!"
*Ah, I did leave pony alive then, let's start an act.* "Uuuuh. Dude. I didn't kill anyone." I stare at him confusedly. He glares back at me.
"Don't play tricks on me! Bug! Call your demons off so I can avenge my friends!" Penny snaps at his outstretched hoof. Luckily for him, he reeled back just time to avoid being bit.
"Not gonna happen." I responded. "For a few reasons; One, I don't who you are. Two, I haven't killed any of your supposed friends... Wait..." I feigned realization. "This is from the allegations, isn't it? You're the pony who made those accusations?" The last question was an actual assumption. In case you missed that.
"Yes! I am! What's it to you!?" He shouted. Earning more threatening growls from my dogs.
His admission also kinda gave me an idea.
"What's it to me?! You've made my life fucking hell!" I snap falsely. "Paparazzi trying to get a fucking picture of me for any fucking reason. Ponies avoiding me 'cause they think I'm a changeling! You have no fucking idea how much hell you've put me through!" I angrily pointed a finger at him. He recoils, regret etched on his face. But it only last a brief few seconds. Since his glare returns with vigor.
"Don't you lie to me!" He shouted back. "I know you're nothing more than a bucking bug! A bucking murderer! Life stealer!"
"Alright, listen kid." I said a little bit tiredly. "It's fucking three in the morning or some shit. And you're obviously some little boy lost in his own world." I hold back a chuckle. "And while that's nice for you and all. You still made my life harder than what it already was; being a human n' all. And I feel bad for your mother-"
"What are you saying about my mom!?" The pony snapped. There were red lines starting to form on his eyes.
"I'm not saying anything. I'm just saying I feel bad for her. To have a son so deluded in his own little world." I snap my fingers and his muzzle is wrapped in duct tape. "And that's to keep you from saying anything more idiotic." A few surprised muffled words came from the pony. Surprise that quickly dissolved into anger. "I'm taking you to you mother. I'm sure she proud of her son right now." His eyes grew to the size of saucers when I said that.
"Y-you're serious?" He whimpered through his closed muzzle.
"Yes! Someone needs to teach you a lesson! If you're going to travel how knows how long to exact whatever fucking revenge for someone killing your friends... You're actually a fucking idiot." I hold up my hand and put lift the pony into the air. I then whistle, getting my dog's attention. "Follow." They instantly flank my side like the loyal companions they are. Even though they growl ever so subtly at the pony. I take him down to town hall, find the nearest police pony, tell him what happened, hand the other pony over to the officer for whatever they do after a criminal's turned in.
Of course, I made sure to keep my act up and told the officer to let the pony's mother know what he's been doing. He better hope he ends up in jail.
"Ember, what happened?" A very groggy, maybe angry, Chrysi asked.
"Someone broke into the house. What time is it?"
"Oh... Uh, it's four. Why?"
"Goin' back to bed." I said. "If anyone asks, I'm sleeping. Don't let anyone disturb me. K?"
"Alright..." She said. Probably very confused as to why I was acting the way I did. I didn't have the capacity to care. It was early in the morning. And I think it's already known that I don't like mornings all too well.
"Alright..." Jeez... Ember really doesn't like mornings...
Meh, too bad for him. Mornings are great in my opinion.
"Morning Spark."
"Good morning Chrysanthemum."
"Morning Max."
"Good morning Chrys." Max calling me that made me freeze in place.
"... What?"
"What?" He asked. "The nickname? I thought it would be alright with you."
"Oh... It is. I just never heard a nickname like that before." Max smiles. It's a little unsettling... How did Ember make them able to do that? Shouldn't metal, I don't know, not bend like rubber?
"Well get used to it then." He said, still smiling. "Because that's what I'm going to call you from now on."
"Alright." I shrug, it really doesn't bother. Ember did give me a long name. Speaking of...
No! Don't think about that. Just because he named you after a flower doesn't mean he likes us, a lot.
... But...
No! No buts! If he really did like you that way, then he would've told us or done something by now! Besides! Remember when he told you he can't like anyone, or anypony as he said it, that way because of some biological thing stuck in his head?
A sigh leaves my lips. Of course, I do understand. From what he told me. Humans are the only species that talk on their world. I just wish he wasn't... well, not him specifically. I just wish his... brain or whatever, didn't work that way.
... But... If doesn't like ponies of changelings like that, as we are, anyway. Maybe he'll like a more... human version of me?
Oh~ Mother... Why didn't think of this before!? I'll surprise him so much with this!
Now... how human do I have to be..? Hmm... Oh! I can go to one of Ember's friends!
Wait... Aren't they on vacation or something? Hmm... Maybe I can ask Spark for help...
Ah, that was a great fucking nap. Could it even be called a nap?
Eh... I'll call it a nap.
Grumble
... I didn't have breakfast. Fuck me, might as well have lunch now!
"Hey guys, what did I miss?" I ask as soon as I much leave my room.
"Oh, nothing much." I heard Chrysi answer from the living room. "Well, nothing at all really."
"Alright, gonna make myself some lunch."
"Ooh~ can I have some of whatever you're making?" She asked as I heard her get up from the sofa. I didn't notice it at first, having gotten used to hear two pairs of hooves click-clack against wood. But, this time, I only heard one pair. I thought Spark was messing with me. Maybe even Max, I did put a voice changer in his voice box.
"Max, or Spark, if you're fucking with me-" I turn around just as I hear either Max or Spark round the corner. The words died in my throat when I laid eyes upon who entered the kitchen.
"What the fuu..." And a few mental processes crashed and burned as well. All the food and dish items held in my magic clattered and splattered to the floor. I was that taken at what I was looking at.
"What were you going to make?" It... she... Chrysi? Asked. As if nothing is out of the ordinary.
"... Wha... Chrysi..?" I blubbered.
"Yes, that's the name you gave me. What?"
"You... you... "
"Oh! Like the new look?" She turned to the side and stuck a pose. Showing her... shapely, curvy, voluptuous, body.
Her... She looked almost exactly like a woman. I can't... her face. I...
Alright let's take a step back here. Chrysi apparently changed her body to look as human as possible;
She kept her head mostly the same, her muzzle, eyes, and horn are smaller than usual. Not weirdly so, but just enough to make her look like an anthro. A human bug anthro at least, and not some eldritch abomination.
Her new chest pillows looked like they were double-d's. Followed by a flat stomach, child-bearing hips, and pleasingly thick thighs that lead to glossy, but holey, legs and clawed feet. Same can be said for arms and hands.
All-in-all. She looked like a fucking succubus portrayed in movies. Except her skin was black chitin, she still possessed transparent wings, and she still has holes on her arms and legs. She was down-right sexy as all hell.
"... Ch-chrysi?" I say once I manage to find my voice. "What... Why... What!?" I spluttered. I shake my head to make sure I'm not hallucinating. Ok, Chrysi really does look like an anthro. Ok, I'm going crazy.
Ok. Ok. Fucking... ok. Alright. I'm ok now.
"Are you alright Ember?" Chrysi asked. She walked up to me and put a clawed hand on my shoulder. I stared at her hand blankly before I answered.
"Yeah, I'm fine." I said. "Just... why? Why did you... make yourself look more human?" Her cheeks tinged a little grey when I asked that.
"Well... I've been thinking about this for a long time. A-and... At first I wasn't sure. But..." She fidgeted in place a little. "I... I like you. More than just friends." Her blush expanded to cover her cheeks entirely. It took me a few seconds, since I was still kinda numb from her new looks. But my artificial brain eventually processed what the human-bug confessed.
To say it was a shock to the system was the understatement of the century.
"Ok... let me get this straight," I said. "you changed your body, and confess your love for me? All in the space of less than three minutes?" She nodded shyly. "Alright, I just have one question left. Why the sudden confession? Why make it so sudden?"
"..." She looked around, clearly embarrassed.
"... I... don't know..." She finally answered. "I guess I just wanted to be sure."
"Alright, you're sure you really feel this way... about me..." Thoughts started flying through my head miles a second.
I thought about how long Chrysi might've been thinking about this.
I thought about any sings Chrysi might've given me.
I thought about how oblivious I was to them if she did send me something.
I especially thought about her changing her body to look as human as possible. There's no doubt in my mind she decided to do that to make herself more attractive to me. And I do remember telling her about my kind, as human beings, naturally not finding her pony body attractive. Mostly because of some ancient reproduction mentality that's ingrained in every human brain.
It basically goes like this: If it's not human in shape, if there's no tits, no child-baring hips, you don't fuck it, because it will not get pregnant.
Or some shit like that. Can't exactly remember the specifics.
So, when that came to mind. It became clear how much Chrysi was in love with me.
I also reflected on our relationship. And I came to a realization, after some more thought, that... I liked her as well.
I mean, think about it. Chrysi was my first real friend in this world, not including Ruby since the gem didn't speak for a while after I met, and saved, Chrysi. We are kind of both in the same boat as far as how we are seen by the majority. I.e. Ponies and changelings. And humans vs. Anthros.
But that's besides the point. I know that, deep down inside, I actually had feelings for the bug-pony.
"Eeeeeeemmmmmber. Helloooo~ Are you in there?" Chysi was waving a hand in front of my face when I came back into reality.
"Uh... yeah." I said. "Uh, let's go somewhere more private." She nodded and the both of us walked down to my room. I quickly cast a soundproof spell around my room. "Alright, I'll be honest, until now I never really gave what's happened between us any thought. Because I am dense like that." I added the last part when her face fell. "And that's why I spaced out earlier."
"Oh, Ok..." She said glumly.
"You see... The reason I spaced out was... Well, my mind was running miles a minute at that point." I went on. "Basically, I kind of thought about us in that little span of time." She looked at me skeptically.
"Really? You only took five minutes."
"Trust me, that was all the time I needed to be sure of myself that I... also have feelings for you too." ...
How come whenever I say shit like this it never sounds right to me. Honestly, I sound like I'm blubbering words out.
"Oh... Ok... I understand..." Chrsyi said. She nodded sadly and turned to leave my room. I raised an eyebrow while she took one step away from me, then paused.
I waited no more than three seconds when Chrysi realized I said the exact opposite of what she was expecting. She spun on her heel. There were tears that, I assumed were from dejection. There was a wide grin on her face, so I guess now they're tears of joy.
"Really!?" She brought her hands in closed fists up to her chest, in that way every girl does when they're super excited.
And she did a few little hops. Hehe, jiggly boobles. Oh, she has nipps, didn't notice that. Thought she'd have them blank since with all the chitin and stuff. But, no, they're bouncing up and down and side to side like the Double-D-cup tits they are.
"You're serious!?" I nodded and she jumped onto me, effectively giving me a full body hug. Her glossy smooth breasts pressed up to my chest. "Thank you..." She choked. My shoulder felt wet also. "I... you have no idea how happy you've made me." I roll my eyes and hug her back. Her glossy black chitin, which was usually cold to the touch, emanated warmth.
"Oh, I have a few ideas." I smile. She pulls herself from the hug slightly just enough to make eye contact.
"What?" The holes on her arms shrunk a lot since she hugged. Huh, I must be feeding her that well.
"Well, this wouldn't be the first time I'd be dating someone." I admit honestly.
"Oh. I see..." Her ears, which I just notice were still equine, and sticking out on top her head, folded back. And her head dropped a little. "I'm not your first..." I roll my eyes in an exasperated way.
"Chrysi, I'm a thirty three year old man who survived the third largest world war in the twenty first century on my planet. You really think I wouldn't get 'action' at any point?"
"Well... when you put it like that... no." She meekly answered.
"But, there is something that I can definitely say separates you from the others I've dated." I brought her head back up by her chin. Man, this is gonna be mushy.
"What is that?" She asked. A glint of something in her reptilian eyes.
"You're the first person who really, truly wanted to be with me." I said, and she was a little confused about that. "Most of the time, guys and girls would just go out with me to get back at someone else or fucking petty shit like that. Apparently people thought I was a good person to cheat on someone else with." Chrysi beamed at the clarification. "Plus," I add. "You're also the first bug-po-human I'm dating." That earned me a slight swat on the cheek.
"You jerk!" She laughed. I mimic her smile.
"Hey, it's true." I said. She was about to say something else. But I decided that, if the both of us are going to be an item, we might as well started acting like it. So I brought my lips to hers into a passionate kiss.
"Mm!" She yelped through a muffled voice. "Mmm..." She relaxed a second later and returned the kiss. She even tilted her head a bit to bring the kiss a little deeper.
This also gave the both of us an opportunity to explore each other's mouths. And by god did we get into it. Pretty soon we were pressing our bodies closer to each other as our battle of lips intensified. It was at this point our hands traced along our bodies, and I also found at the human changeling has a long tongue, and that she's a better french kisser than me.
I wonder how quick she could tie a cherry stem into a knot...
Anyway, with me losing the face battle. I grabbed her by the ass and gently pinned her up against the basement wall. Of course, I was mindful enough to let her transparent wings adjust.
I saw the wings twitch a little, and a devious idea formed in my head. I slowly brought my hands up from her curvy ass, tracing them up her back, this elicited a couple appreciative moans from the bug-human. And I soon reached the little nubs that mark the joint were her wings meet her back. A little squeeze made Chrysi squeak cutely in surprise, also confirming my theory.
I began gently squeezing and massaging the little bumps, essentially giving her the changeling equivalent of a wing massage. Something only partners did to each other. It was an act of trust and commitment back on Earth. It meant if someone let you do this to their wings. You had their complete trust; their wings were quite literally in your hands. Anything you do to them can please your partner and strengthened your relationship, or completely destroy it.
And since wings are appendages some people hold on the same level as genitals, it was a huge step in any relationship. I wonder if it's the same from pegasi and anyone with wings here...
"Mmmmm..." Chrysi moaned as I kept rubbing the bases of her wings. Her legs wrapped themselves around my waist. The only thing keeping her from falling was the pressure I maintained, keeping her pinned against the wall. I quickly switched from the wing massage to simply holding onto her ass.
"MMuagh..." She brought her head back from the kiss, a string of saliva hanging from our lips. "More..." She panted. "Please, more..." She begged.
"Ask," I said, and then gently laid her onto my bed. "and you shall receive." I crawled on top of her, and locked lips with her again. This time I broke away, and started kissing my way down her chest and lower belly. I paused a little at her bust, and latched onto one of her nipples. While I kneaded and pinched the other.
"Ah!" She yelped. "Oh~ so this is what it feels like..." She commented.
~She's a little chatty.~
*Shut up Ruby. Don't make this awkward for me.* |
My little Escapade | Chapter 64: Having Something to Smile About | "Hey, Corey?"
"Yeah?"
"How long do you think Ember's been living here?"
"I think... about two years, why?"
"Nothing, it's just... how is he able to use magic like this? Creating a fucking double of himself? How is he able to do that? He's only been here for only two years."
"He's been around using magic for a lot longer than you think." The magical double interjected.
"What?" Brittany asked.
"Time flows differently here." The double said. "At this point, Ember is technically thirty three years old."
"What? But we've only been here a couple months. And Ember's been here for almost two years." Corey said.
"Time runs slower here." The Ember Copy chuckled. "He's been busy on earth for the past five years there."
"Really? How's that possible?" Brittany asked. Ember number two shrugged.
"No clue. I just know time works differently here." Ember the second turned around, looking around the exotic-looking buildings. "Hey, there's a restaurant over there. I wonder if they have shawarma here..."
"Mmmm."
"MM-mmm." I try to find a comfortable position.
"Mmmmhmm..." Kinda hard considering my dick's firmly lodged inside Chrysi. How am I even still hard?
"Mmm... Ember?"
"Yeah?"
"Can you, eh... Take yourself out of me?"
"Getting uncomfortable?"
"Yes."
"Alright." I withdraw from Chrysi. The action making both of us gasp when I literally popped from her love tunnel. Chrysi quickly rolled around so she was facing me. "Better?"
"Maybe." She giggled. "Hold me closer?" She batted her eyes cutely at me.
"You know you don't have to ask right?" I chuckle as I pull her closer to me. She made a squeaking sound and wrapped her arms around me.
"Yeah, I know..." She snuggled and nestled against me.
God... even as a human-bug, she's cute.
But, speaking of...
"Chrysi? Can I ask you a question?"
"Hmm? Sure."
"Is this change to your body permanent?" There was a long silence, and then Chrysi brought her head up.
"Yes, why?"
"Nothing. Just asking."
*Wow, she's really committed.* I knew this was something a changeling could perform, since Mirage pretty much gave me all knowledge there is to know about them. But to know that Chrysi willingly did this permanent change to her body just for me...
God dammit, I'm getting all mushy again.
"Is it because I'm a changeling. Or that I was pony-shaped?" She asked.
"The pony-thing. I just wanted to know. It wouldn't've turned me off either way. If you wanted to know."
"It's ok. I had a feeling you wouldn't mind." Chrysi said.
"That supposed to be a joke?" I ask with a smile. "'Cause y'know I can do this." I snap my fingers and I turn into a changeling. The spell caught Chrysi by surprise, so I took advantage of it and nudged her onto her back. I then plopped myself on top of her, and I put my head right in between her breasts.
"Yes, I remember." Chrysi laid her hands on top of my head. Huh, that feels, really good...
"Oh~ you like that?" She giggled. I just nodded.
And then she began scratching behind my ears.
I will not delve into what exactly happened after that, but I will say that being scratched behind the ear as a changeling, it's the most wonderful sensation I have ever experienced. Right below sex to be specific. It felt like lightly masterbating my head. That's the best I can describe it.
Anyway, Chrysi was scratching my ears, then she stopped, then I felt soft, squishy mounds press into the sides of my head. I was quick to deduce Chrysi was doing something close to smothering me with her breasts.
*You little tease.* I narrowed my eyes at her playfully. She just blushed while looking back at me with an innocent smile. I quickly developed an idea. If she's gonna do this to me, well...
Let the battle begin, to put it simply.
I stick out my newly long tongue and lap at one of Chrysi's nipples. This elicited a sharp gasp from her.
"Ch-cheater." She panted.
"No, not theathing." I said. "Rethaliathion."
"Oh~ since you want to play like that." She said, and a second later I felt something lightly caress my balls.
"Now thah's theating." I said. "Fine, leth's play naughy." I smirk though my tongue and bring one of my hind legs to press against Chrysi's lower lips. I was rewarded with a lust-filled cry.
"You, ah~ cheater!" She gasped out.
"Theths you." I punctuate my point with another lick. "Wanna go another round?"
"I wouldn't mind."
"Alright!" I reposition myself. I was just about to ram right into her for the nth time.
But then I heard knocking.
"Oh for fuck's sake." I groan. "Be right back." I reluctantly get off my bed, change back to my human form, and open the door once I get to it.
It was Spark, the hell does she want?
"Hey Ember. Sorry to interrupt, but there's a mare at the door, she wants to speak with you." I sigh.
"Alright, be right there." She nodded and walked off. I made my way to the front door and find a pony patiently waiting there.
She was a nice looking pony. She had a hazel coat, bright green eyes, and a bright yellow mane and tail with streaks of white and grey in them.
And she had this motherly feel about her. Her face and eyes showed years of... experience. They showed a pony in her mid forties that has gone through years of raising a child.
And they also showed the tiniest sliver of regret, I saw, for a fraction of a second, that she would have rather swallowed.
Or that might be my brain over imagining things. Could be that, yeah, I don't have mind reading powers.
"Hello, who might you be?" I asked the pony.
"Good afternoon. I'm Golden Dawn." She answered with a brilliant smile. "Um. You are Ember, the human. Right?" I nodded. "Ah, good. I wanted to thank you personally."
Wat?
"Excuse me? For what?" I asked, a little flabbergasted.
"For bringing son back home without any problems."
Whaaa..? Oh!
"Oh! You mean that pony that broke into my house?" She nodded, a hint of embarrassment on her features. "Eh, don't mention it."
"No! Really! Thank you! When the guard brought him home and told me what happened I thought you would've pressed charges! So, when they told me you weren't... I... Don't know what to say..." She looked down a bit, I saw little glistenings of tears in the corners of her eyes.
"Oh, uh..." I got the idea there's a story behind this, or something like that. "You're welcome, then." I said. She looked up. An unreadable expression on her features. "Would you like to come inside for a bit? Maybe talk too?" Sunny nodded gratefully and walked inside when I stepped aside to allow her entry.
*I wonder what her story is...*
"Wow, tough stuff." I comment. "But, thank you for telling me this." Sunny waved a hoof dismissively.
"Oh, nonsense, I must be wasting your time!" She laughed. I shook my head.
"No, really, thank you... It kinda makes me feel glad I didn't do anything to your son."
"Oh? What do you mean?" Sunny asked.
"Well, don't get me wrong, but. Eh... how do I say this... um... your financial situation... It wouldn't've felt right if I did do anything."
"Oh..." She said. "I see... Well, er... Thank you, for, thinking about that, then. It... It means a lot to me."
"Oh, nonsense." I wave it off. "I must be wasting your time." I let a stupid grin on my face as I said that.
"Oh, I didn't take you for a joker!" She laughed.
"I rarely do." I said. "Anyways," A yawn interrupts me. "It's getting late."
"Really?" She asked out of surprise. "Oh dear!" She gasped when she looked out the nearest window. "I should be going! Thank you for having me here! Bye!" She stood up from her chair and galloped off. At least she had enough mind to close the door instead of just leaving it slammed open.
"Well, it was nice talking to her." I said. "Maybe she'll come by another time." I cleaned up the table since the abrupt departure made the cups spill over.
"Finally she's gone." Chrysi said. "I've been waiting in your room for hours! And I thought mares talked a lot." She sauntered her way over to where I was quickly washing the glasses. "I'm still horny." She laid arms across my chest from behind, and quickly drew back. I look behind myself and see Chrysi swaying her generous ass as she took exaggerated strides to my bedroom.
*Changeling slut, who taught her that?* With that little piece of incentive, I sprint towards my bedroom and almost knock the door off its hinges. *Thank christ I gave myself an assload of stamina with this new body.*
"Knock knock!" I yelled. "Here comes my cock!" I slam the door behind me and leap down the stairs. A drop-dead gorgeous changeling-human my prime objective.
"Ok, we're leaving now!"
"How was I supposed to know guys can't kiss a woman in public!?"
"No time for that, we're getting the hell out of here!"
"Ember! What about our stuff!?"
"No damn time for that! Leave it!"
"But what about Britt's clo-"
"Leave the fucking shit behind! You want to end up in jail or whatever the fuck they do to lawbreakers!?"
"Ok, yeah, running. Britt, I'll get you new clothes from Rarity when we get back home."
"You better! I got those things for-"
"Shut up and move!"
"Ember? Ya'll doin' alright?" Aj asked.
"Huh? Whaddya mean?" I asked while I kick another tree. The apples fall and land perfectly in the laid out tubs.
"Well, ya'll been smilin' a lot now. 'S honestly kinda weird." I quirk up a brow.
"What? Me smiling? Weird?" She gulped and I just shrugged, and kicked another tree. "Well, I guess I just found something to smile about recently, since you see it like that."
"Now hold on there! That ain't what Ah meant!" She said indignantly. "I mean... Ah hardly know anithn' 'bout ya. Now, don't get me wrong, but ya hardly smile whenever me or the girls see ya around." I looked up in thought.
"Huh, you're right. You don't know much about me. Besides the fact that I survived the worst war of my generation, and that I've had a 'hard life' before ending up here. Yeah, that's not much to go off on isn't it?"
"... That a trick question?"
"No, it's true, you hardly know anything about me. Besides that story. But, I would like to keep it that way."
"What? Why?" I kick another tree and pause.
For a split-second, I thought about telling her nevermind. That I should tell her my life's story.
But that I realized it was something else that wanted me to say that. I don't know what it was, probably magic, I don't know. Definitely magic. There was just no way in hell I'm telling anyone my life's story.
"There are just some things you don't need to know." I answered, a bit cryptically I might add.
"Now what do ya mean by that?" Applejack asked with a little scowl.
"Let's just say the war's only half the story." I said. I walk up to another tree and kick, a little harder than what I was planning, it caused a little crack to form in the trunk. "I'll be right back." I teleport home and grab my phone and headphones. I slip the 'phones and play some music.
"What're those things?" Applejack as soon as I teleported back to the farm.
"A phone and a pair of headphones." I answered simply.
"Oh, they like those things that pony Vinyl wears all the time?"
"Yep."
"Why did ya get them?"
"Helps to clear my mind." I replied. I slipped both sides on them on and continued kicking trees. "Tap me on the leg when we're done." I said. I didn't hear Aj say anything, since I couldn't hear anything through the music playing. But I continued working either way.
*Celestia darn it Applejack!* The farm pony thought to herself. *Why is it so hard to talk ta Ember!? Ya couldn't even go three dang sentences without peevin' him off!* Applejack snorted in frustration. *At least Ah didn't peeve him off like last time... jeez, n' Ah thought Twilight didn't like mornins'.* The orange mare let her train of thought rub while she bucked a few more apple trees. Every once in awhile, she would risk a glance at the human. An every time she looked, Ember looked as if nothing happened. Like their conversation never happened. But Applejack knew better. She may not know much about Ember, but she is a good judge of character. Whether it be human or pon, she found. To Applejack, Ember was a more talkative version of Big Mac; Strong, but hardly silent. And definitely more starter than he lets on.
*Darn it...* She bucked another tree. *Now he's got me all thinkin' 'bout what he's hidin'. Maybe it has something to do with that war he was in? Naw... Maybe...* She shook her head. *Nah, ain't worth thinkin' 'bout anyways. Like he's gonna tell anypony.*
*... Though, as much as I don't like the idea, maybe I can tell Chrysi.*
~I fail to understand why you are reluctant to tell anyone your life.~
*I just don't feel like it, alright? There are some things I don't want to fucking tell anyone.*
~... I see... I understand.~ |
My little Escapade | Chapter 65: Conspiracies | I was sitting in my living room, watching World's Dumbest, with Chrysi snuggled up next to me, when the front door opened.
"Ember!? Where are you!? The real one!" I heard Corey shout.
*Oh, they're back.*
"Be right there!" I shouted back. I got up from the couch, Chrysi decided to stay latched to me even as we walked towards where I heard Corey.
He, along with Britt and the other me, where standing in the doorway. They looked disheveled, tired, and angry. I looked towards my double and he shook his head.
Without any verbal cues, I canceled the spell that allows him to, like, exist, and his memories became mine.
"Ooooh. That sucks. I thought Saddle Arabia would've been a nice vacation spot." I said once my brain processed the new information.
"Yeah, and apparently they got the same rules like on Earth. Except that guys are oppressed."
"Yeah. You'd think there wouldn't be stuff like that here." The couple nodded.
"Yeah... Uh, who's this anyway?" Corey asked while pointed a finger at Chrysi.
"Dude, it's Chrysi. The changeling." I said.
"Oooooooh." Both Corey and Britt said.
"So... why does she look like that now? And why is she holding onto you like that?" Britt asked. I looked to Chrysi, and she nodded, answering my unasked question.
"Well. Me are Chrysi are in a relationship." I answered.
"Woah, really? Nice!" Corey held up his hand and high-fived me.
"Thanks." I said. I took a quick glance at my girlfriend, and saw that she had a nice, cute little blush. Good, she took that as a compliment.
"Uuuh..." Britt said. "Am I the only one getting uncomfortable from the fact that she's naked?" She then asked.
"Oh! Let me fix that." Chrysi said. Grey fire erupted around her, then quickly died off revealing the bug-anthro wearing a simple outfit; a deep purple shirt and a pair of jeans. She didn't bother to put on some shoes. Really, how would shoes go on digitigrade feet?
Anyway, with the elephant in the room dealt with. Corey and Brittany decided to head home after a few words between the four of us about going out on a double date. Of course Britt had to suggest that, and then Chrysi thought it was a great idea.... Women...
"So you're not afraid of going out in public without a disguise?" I asked.
"No, not really. If anypony asks, we can just say I'm from your world." She replied.
"Wow, alright then." I said. "I date it is later tonight then."
"Ready Chrysi?" I asked.
"Mmhm!" She said from upstairs. I heard her walk down and into the living room where I was waiting. She was wearing a very nice, simple red dress.It hugged her curves in all the right ways too. B, e, a... utiful. "Let's go!" I chuckle and get off the couch while straightening out my suit.
I hold out my arm chivalrously, and she holds onto it. With that, we make our way to our preset destination. ...
We got to the restaurant; The Prancing Filly. One pony told Britt this would be a great place to got out on a date in Ponyville.
The only I could think about was that this place better have more than just hay-based food.
"Shouldn't they already be here?" I asked.
"Yes. They're already inside." Came her response.
"... How do you know?"
"I can sense them in there." I nodded.
"Alright." We walked into the establishment, not getting many looks, and the maitre d' greeted us. Huh, it's laid out a lot like a Golden Corral I used to got to. There was an empty queue line away from the main dining area.
"Welcome to The Prancing Filly.Table for two?" He asked in a french accent.
*I wonder if that accent's real...*
"No, we're here with Corey and Brittany." Chrysi.
"Ah, right this way then." He said. He lead us through the main dining area, and towards the back of the place. It possessed a more private atmosphere, I guess it's perfect for this double date. There were other tables with ponies, but they were keeping conversation volumes to a murmur. Something I prayed for back on Earth.
"Here we are, a waiter will be with you shortly." The head-waiter pony said.
"Thank you." Chrysi said, I nodded gratefully while we took our seats.
"Nice place." I added.
"I told you, you would like it." Britt said. A little smirk playing on her lips.
"Same can't be said for the food. Haven't tried any of it yet." I smirked back. "But I swear to god, if the only thing they serve here are hay-based food..."
"Oh, they don't. Well, at least, not a lot. They have a gryphon chef here." I raised both brows in surprise.
"Really?" Both Corey and Britt nodded. "Alright, I like this place even more now." I said. Just then a waitress comes to our table, she was a light pink unicorn with teal hair that was tied up into a bun. A professional, but friendly, expression on her face while she carries four menus by her side in a yellow aura.
"Hi! I'll be your waitress for the evening." She said in a cheery tone. "What will you four have to drink?"
I took a quick glance at the available drinks, and nearly instantly spotted the hard Apple Cider.
"I'll have some of your hard Apple Cider." I was the first to order a drink.
"I'll have some of that too." Corey said. The waitress pulled out a quill and a, I shit you not, notepad. And started scribbling onto it.
"... And I will have a glass of Prench wine." Britt said. Chrysi ordered the same thing. It was kind of weird we the guys and girls got the exact same drinks. But, eh, I digress.
"Great! I will be right back with your drinks." The waitress said before walking off.
"Did anyone else notice the chairs and tables are just our height?" Corey asked when the pony waitress was out of earshot. And as we picked up the menus and started browsing.
"Yeah, kinda odd. Don't you think?" I asked Chrysi. I saw that they cooked fresh Fish and Calamarey, directly imported from the Marditerranean Sea (horse puns, am I right?). I also thought that, since gryphons are a part of Greek Mythology on Earth, Greek food must be the same thing here.
"They must have some larger customers here." She shrugged. The rest of us nodded in mutual agreement.
"Here we go!" The waitress said when she came back, a tray with glass cups and mugs of cider and wine in her telekinetic hold. "Cider for the stallions," Said beverages floated towards our parts of the table. "and the finest Prench Wine for the mares!" The last two glasses float over to the girls. "Are you four ready to order?" I nodded. And saw in my peripheral that the others weren't ready.
"Yes, well, I am at least. I'll have the Fish and Clalmarey." I said. The same pad and quill appeared and the quill scribbled onto the pad.
"... Aaaand there. Anything else sir?" She asked, I shook my head.
"No, thank you." She nodded happily.
"Uuuuuh... Oh! I'll have the Grilled Meat please." Corey asked.
"And the... Taramarelata for me please." Britt said. And Chrysi ordered... I think 'Coltmades' is the correct pronunciation, with a side of olives. Weird. But, meh. She's a changeling. They can pretty much eat any kind of organic matter.
"So, what have you two been up to? You know, before the 'vacation'." I asked.
"Not much, actually." Britt answered. "Before we were kidnapped, we would just spend most of the day working."
"Really?" They nodded. "Huh, well then. My life's been wild compared to you two."
"Besides you saving us?" Corey asked, and I nodded. "Well? You gonna tell us?" I nodded again.
"Yeah, you heard of the changelings working with Twilight right?" All three of them nodded. Though, Chrysi had an expression a mix between fear and... something like a knowing look.
"Well, a while back I got to meet their queen." Britt and Corey reared their heads back in surprised. While Chrysi adopts a worried look.
"Really? How were you able to meet a changeling queen?"
"It wasn't all that difficult." I said. "I ran into a few of her kids when I was in the Everfree." I saw Chrysi starting to look around nervously when I said that. "After that. They came by my house looking for another changeling. Apparently one of their own ran off and they were looking for them."
... Chrysi is going to have a lot questions for me when we get home.
"That's interesting and all, but how did you meet the queen?" An impatient woman dog anthro asked.
"I'm getting there. So, after them coming by my house. I met them again back in the Everfree when I was doing some stuff with Zecora, the zebra you've seen every once in awhile, and they actually took me too their queen. They said something about their Queen having some kind of interest in me when I asked why."
"So, they took me to their queen. And get this; she legitimately just wanted to get to know me since she has only heard about our kind from her mother."
"What!?" They, along with Chrysi, shouted. I glared at them while they realized what they just did.
"Ehehe... Sorry. What?" Britt said.
"Yeah, I'm not kidding. Their queen really told me there are stories her mother told her about us. Us. Now, she didn't tell me much. But she did tell me that humans were around on this fucking planet at one point." I paused to look at their shocked faces. "What the fuck. Right?"
"No shit dude. That explains a lot."
"It does! Doesn't it?" A little too much enthusiasm went into that. "But," I continued after I took a calming breath. "that also begs to question; how the hell were humans here at any point?"
"Dude, I got no idea. But... fuuuuuuck." Corey said. "We were on this fucking planet at some point... But, what happened to us then? If that queen's right. What happened to the humans here?"
"I don't know, actually." I shrugged. "She didn't tell me that. She didn't even believe her mother when she told her stories about humans. Until she met me, that is." I said. "Now... I'm pretty sure us being here kind of proves that."
"'Kinda'?"
"Yeah, think about it; we came from a different planet. If humans were here, and there are stories of our kind being around centuries ago..." It was at that point I came to a startling realization. Well, more of a wild thought, but still. The ponies here have technology reminiscent to human tech. Creatures from ancient, different cultural myths exist here. Magic exists here. And as far as I'm concerned, Equestria is run by a diarchy, an actual governmental system we have used in the past.
~Ember, I have been around for a long time. And I know for a fact that what you are thinking cannot be possible.~ Ruby stated.
*Oh yeah? And how would you know? You've barely been conscious through your whole existence.* I retorted.
"... Yeah, anyway, it makes you think, huh?" I said.
~But that still does not mean that an entire race can just disappear like that! The princesses can't even begin to fathom a feat as great as that!~
*They can move the sun and the fucking moon. And Celestia has done both for a thousand years. What's keeping her and Luna from ruling the whole world for any matter?* I mentally retorted.
"Yes, yes it does..." Britt trailed off.
~They have not done such a thing like that because they do not wish to do so! They already have their own country to manage!~
*You still didn't answer my question! What the fuck is keeping those two horse cunts from ruling the goddamn world!?*
"Huh, how did we... live here, in the first place?" Corey asked. "And the ponies have some similar tech as us. So how..?" His words fell on deaf ears.
~I did answer your stupid question! They have their hooves full running this goddess-forsaken country!~
*They can hire ponies to help them rule the fucking country! What's stopping them from conquering the entire planet!? What's stopping them from coming to my world and turn every human into a pony!?*
~Because they posses fucking morals!~ Ruby bellowed. ~They view world domination as a nearly evil act! Don't you remember when they defeated that tyrant Sombra!?~
*Fuck off Ruby. I know what you're doing. You're making me feel evil.*
~No donkey dung Sherclop Pones! You're campaigning to rule your world yourself!~
*But I'm not doing for personal gain shit-head! I'n not evening trying to rule my world! I want to make my world a better place!*
~Oh stop hiding behind that ridiculous and stupid excuse! You know you really want your world in your hands! You want to own it, and you know it!~
*No I don't you retard! Have you ever paid attention when I was actually planning all that shit out!? I'm running shit behind the scenes!* I didn't immediately hear a response from Ruby. But eventually, the gem responded.
~... What?~ Ruby asked.
*If you ever paid attention to any of my planning, which you clearly didn't, you would've seen that I want to not be known to the general public when it comes to changing the world for the better. I know this sounds cliche to you, but this is something I really am working towards anonymously. I don't care about the notoriety I would get if I did go public. I already have a pile of fucking gold back home. That's all anyone could ever want in terms of wealth. I just want the place I grew up to become a better place... Gah, even that sounds cliche.* Ruby went silent.
"Ember! Hey! Dude, you alright?"
"Whahuh? Oh, yeah. I'm fine. Just thinking."
"Oh, you have a lot to think about huh?"
"Yeah," I glance at Chrysi with a knowing smirk. "I kinda do." Chrysi glared at me a little, but otherwise stayed silent on the unspoken subject.
The four of us continued talking about miscellaneous things; how are days have been, other things we've been up to. Things like that, it was actually very nice to catch up with them.
~... Ember?~ Ruby said when we were leaving The Prancing Filly.
*What?* I asked a little curtly.
~I want to apologize...~
*Oh yeah? For what?* I asked sarcastically.
~For assuming you wanted to rule the world you come from.~ Ruby meekly answered.
*Oh! Well apology accepted then!*
~R-really?~
*Of course not you idiot.* My tone went from casual to condescending. *After what you said to me, I'm still pissed.*
~Oh, I see...~ Ruby said, then fell silent again.
Pfff. To think this spirit's been around for centuries. Ruby sure as hell doesn't seem to have the experience of a century-old talking gem.
Because, when does a person in their position accuse their -basically their host- that they're some power-hungry tyrant?
"Ember?" I look down to my left, Chrysi called me.
"Yeah?"
"Uh... how long have you known this? About that Queen in the Everfree?" She queried warily. As if she was expecting a 'bad' answer, or something.
"Chrysi..." I sighed. "You just pretty much confirmed Mirage is your mom." I deadpanned.
"What!?" She shrieked, jumping away from me in shock. "What made you think that!?" I let a sigh drift past my lips.
"Chrysi, you've been acting all skittish ever since I mentioned Queen Mirage. And, come on, a while after I got my own house a few changelings came by and asked if I've seen one of their own around. At that point it was obvious Mirage's your mother." I said. "Unless I'm wrong?" I asked, and she let out a heavy sigh.
"No... you're right. She is my mom..." Her figure slumped a little. "Just... please don't take me back to her!" She then pleaded.
"Don't worry about that." I hold out my hand in a placating way. "I'm not one to impose on your happiness. If you want to be with me, so be it." Chrysi beamed at that. "But," The smile died. "you can at least go and talk to your mom. She seemed like a good person every time I spoke with her."
"But you don't know her like I do!" She blurted. "She didn't keep you in a prison cell of a room most your life!"
"Granted, I don't know her personally." I nodded. "But, have you ever thought about why she did that in the first place?"
"Uh... No..?" She half answered, half questioned.
"Ok. Then think about it through your mother's perspective. And let me guess; you tried leaving before, haven't you?" She didn't answer, verbally at least. "Look, I won't talk about it if you don't want to. But, give it some thought. Especially the part about the ponies." I held out my arm as a chival gesture. "I'll ask you what you think when we get home. So until then, really think about the things you mother did for you from her perspective. And actually give it some thought. Can you do that? For me at least?" She stayed quiet for a bit, eventually latching onto my arm again before she answered.
"Alright..." She grumbled. "But no promises."
"Oh, I know." I smirked playfully. "Believe me, I know." |
My little Escapade | Chapter 66: Family Matters | I was having a wonderful dream of being part of an orgy with multiple copies of Chrysi when the real one decided to wake me up.
Well, not really, I was dreaming about teen angst for whatever reason.
"Ember?" I got a nudge to my side. "You awake yet?" Her response was a mildly irritated grumble.
"Mmrrgh... I am now." I mumbled. "What is it?" I asked without opening my eyes.
"Well... I... I thought about what you said yesterday... And... I... I'll talk to my mom." A ghost of a smile made its home on my face when she said that. "But, you have to be there with me!" She demanded.
"I can do that." I cracked my eyes open and sat up in our bed. A very nude Chrysi with bed hair and a cutely determined look staring back at me. "Thought you'd want me there as emotional support." She pouted at that. "But I don't think it'll come to that point." She raised an eyebrow at that, still pouting.
"Why?" She then asked.
"If I know anything about parents, which I did posses while growing up, a mother can be very forgiving of her child." She 'hmph'd at that.
"Oh, how would you know?"
"Uuuuh probably because I just said I had parents myself when I was growing up too? And that I was a rebellious teen also? I don't know, something like that." I said sarcastically.
"I knew that!" She thumped me on my chest.
"Really? So you like messing with me like that?" I asked wryly.
"N-no! That's not right!" She stuttered.
"Then what are you doing? You're sending me pretty mixed messages here." I said. At this point she was blushing furiously. It's a wonder how her cheeks didn't pop from all the blood pooling in them.
Aw fuck... I just HAD to give myself that image... Eh... Not bad compared to other things I've actually seen... yeah...
Anyway, Chrysi decided to get over talking to her mother, basically reconciling at this point, as soon as possible. So as soon as we were ready we headed off to Mirage's home in the Everfree.
"Ugh... I don't remember the forest being like this!" Chrysi swatted at the vines and low-lying branches obstructing her path. But don't think I haven't been a gentleman to my girl this whole time. I was preoccupied dealing with any creatures that decided to come our way.
The fact that she is complaining about the foliage is a testament to the shit I was putting up with in the forest.
... Someone should really burn this place to ashes, so many... dark memories, I would like to not remember anytime soon... Nah... Too many repercussions if I do that.
"Can it Chrysi." I said. "Be happy that you haven't seen a timberwolf or a manticore."
"Yeah, when you're taking care of that, I can complain about whatever I want."
... I seriously think me and Chrysi were literally made for each other.
"Hey, Chrysi?" I asked.
"Yeah?"
"I nearly forgot to ask; did you really not have a name when we first met? Or..?" I heard her sigh from behind.
"No, I did have a name before then... I just, I didn't want to remember what my... mom did to me. Or, did for me, since, you know..." I nodded despite Chrysi being a little too distracted to notice.
"Right. So... what was your name before I gave you a new one?" Chrysi didn't immediately respond.
"... It was Mimic. My real name was Mimic." She eventually answered.
"Really? Huh... nice name." I remarked.
"What?"
"I said that's nice name. For a changeling, anyway. A name like that really wouldn't work with a human... or pony now that I think about it."
"Oh, uhm... Thanks, I guess..."
"I meant it as a compliment... Also, do you think you would want to change your name back to Mimic?" I asked out of the blue.
"I don't know, why?" She said after some thought.
"Well, I just think... since we're together, that we could start being, real, with each other; like, we don't keep anything from each other. Know what I mean? Plus Mimic's a really cute name."
"Yeah, I know..." There was a long, uncomfortable silence, I think she ignored that last part altogether. "I think... I think that sounds fair... I mean, you have a point; we are together now. But, I just have one question."
"And what might that be?" I asked.
"Why the tartarus do this in the middle of this goddess-forsaken forest?" She asked in a very irritated tone. I shrug casually without looking back.
"Mostly for privacy. I had a sneaking suspicion that Spark or Max were somehow eavesdropping us before."
"What? Why would you think that?"
"I based both of their A.I. off my own mind. And I was pretty curious when I was a couple years younger."
"Ooooooh... Buck..." Since when does she know what A.I. stands for? Much less what it means!? Oh... she probably learned that from Spark or Max.
"Eh, I wouldn't worry too much about it." I wave off. "The best they can do with info like that is make it public. It's not that bad right?"
"I guess so... Still, that would be kind of messed up."
"Yeah, a little." I said. "But... I trust they wouldn't do something like that."
"Max, Ember'll have our mechanical asses! Get back here!"
"No! Fuck off!'
"Heh, yeah, I hope so." Chrysi said.
"Yeah... Oh! We're here." I said as soon as I saw the cave entrance.
"Oh... Jooooy..." She wheezed and her entire form visibly wilted as she looked at the big, gaping cave mouth.
"Hey, come one. I'm here for you." I said I as I wrapped her in a comforting embrace. She sighed and relaxed a little, eventually we broke away from each other while Chrysi was staring at the cave with pure determination.
"Let's do this." She declared right before marching into the cave, me following close behind.
It didn't take us long for us to see changelings milling about. Though, why there weren't any at the entrance was a wonder to me. But, anyway, we were getting a lot of odd looks from the changelings. Well, more like Chrysi, or Mimic, maybe, if all goes well between her and her mother.
No words were shared between the two of us as we made to the throne room. Despite changelings who saw us stopped whatever they were doing to stare at Chrysi. They must know who she is; they have too. It just must be her new look that's causing them to stare like that. But other than the stares, they pretty much left us alone. No doubt they told Mirage of our presence already.
"Here... we are." Chrysi said when we got to the doors leading to the throne room. She stood for a couple moments, as if debating within herself whether or not this was a bad or a good idea.
Considering the circumstances, that is probably exactly what she's thinking about. Her standing there for what felt like ages proves that.
"You alright?" I asked while placing a hand on her shoulder. She looked back at me, a grateful curving her luscious lips.
"Y-yeah." She stuttered. "L-let's go." She turned back around and opened the doors with her magic. With me no less than three feet behind her, we walked towards the back of the large chamber. I saw Mirage sitting upon her throne. Her face having a mix of relief, joy, and pain. But not the physical kind.
"H-hi mom." Chrysi mumbled when we got close enough. Mirage didn't say anything, she just kept looking down at us. And I honestly couldn't tell if she was pissed out of her mind, or something else.
At some point, Mirage got up from her throne, walked down the stairs and up to Chrysi, and stood a few feet away from her daughter, not saying a word. There were tears in her eyes, and her face went from that mix of emotions, to pure happiness.
"My child, Mimic, you have finally come home." She said right before rearing up and wrapping her forelegs around Chrysi's stomach. "I missed you." She nuzzled into her side and Chrysi hugged back.
"... I... m-missed you t-too, mom." Chrysi, or rather, Mimic now, sobbed. "It's g-good to b-be back home too." She said.
Sensing the atmosphere, I politely made my way out the room as quietly as possible. Kinda difficult to pull off when the big fucking doors squeak like bats fucking in an echoey cave.
"Our princess has returned?" A random changeling asked.
"Yes, but you might want to give them some time." The changeling nodded understandingly and walked off, probably to spread word. The rest of the changelings within earshot just nodded and returned to their business some sporting smiles, and others shook their heads. As if they had an idea their princess would come back.
I guess they were right...
*Hmmm... What to do... What to do...* I ponder to myself. *Got nothing else planned for today, and I can't just leave Chrysi... But... she could go back here, and leave me...* I shake my head. *Meh... I'll just wait here.* And so, I decided to wait right in front the throne room doors while Mirage and Chrysi talk.
"... mber! Hey! Ember! Wake up!"
"Huh?" My eyes open blearily.
"Ember. Have you been standing here this whole time?" Chrysi and Mirage were standing a foot or two away. Chrysi was still human-like. That's good, I think.
"What?" I look around not quite remembering where I was, or what i was doing.
"I think he has dear. How cute." She said with an amused smile.
"Oh, uh, I fell asleep?"
"Uh, yeah!" Chrysi said. "You fell asleep standing straight up too!"
"Oh, that's new." I said. My mind was still a little hazy at that moment. It took her telling me that I fell asleep standing up for me to realize I did that. "Been awhile since I fell asleep like that." I start the process of popping every possible joint in my body. There were a lot of pops and cracks since I pretty much fell asleep standing the fuck up.
"That does not sound... natural." Mirage said. "Is that normal? Are you alright?"
"Yes, for humans it is. I'm fine." I answered. The process of popping my joints ends at my wings, that felt particularly good. "So, what's up between the two of you? You all good or..?" I asked. The mother-daughter duo look at each other. Chrysi motions for her mother to tell me something. Mirage responded with a scowl and hard look to her and then a glance to me.
"We patched things up and forgave each other." Chrysi grumbled after a sigh floated past her lips.
"Oh, that's good to hear." I said. "So I get to call you Mimic now?" I asked with the best winning smile I could muster.
"Mmmrgh, yes. Ember, you can call me that now." The changeling princess said with an embarrassed look on her face.
"Aww..." Mirage cooed. "You are just the adorable little nymph when you're embarrassed!" She chuckled.
"Moooooooom..." Chrysi, or rather, Mimic now, groaned. "Not in front of hiiiim!"
"Lighten up Mimic." I chuckled and wrapped an arm around the human changeling. "We're still dating." I realized something at that moment, something i should've realized from the get go. I dared to look at Mirage. "If your mother's ok with it, that is?" The older changeling's face fell neutral.
"I will be honest, I did not expect for my daughter to fall in love with a being such as yourself. Given that I did not know your kind did exist." She gestured to me. "And for her to make such a... change to her body." She spared a glance at Mimic. "But... I had the wonderful opportunity of speaking with you to a such an extent. I have talked to you about sensitive matters, and you have been nothing but respectful, honest -besides you lying blatantly about my daughter's whereabouts- and ultimately friendly around me and my children.
And while I may not know much about your personal life, you have treated us with nothing but kindness and compassion. And it is because I can sense no malicious intent on within you, builds confidence within myself towards you that you truly are in love with my daughter. And that you will take care of her like the little princess she is." A cute little blush made its way to Mimic's cheeks when Mirage said that. "And for this, I not only approve of your relationship, you may also have my blessing." Wait wha-
No fucking way.
Did she just..?
Did a queen, a queen, just tell me that it's ok to marry her daughter, a princess -a god damn princess-, if I ever chose to?
... Don't I feel special?
"... Really?" I asked in a whisper. "Did you just..?" Mirage tittered.
She tittered.
She, fucking, half giggled.
She kept herself from laughing out loud.
I've never seen her do that. It's always been an amused smile, smirk, or a snicker. I have never seen her supress a giggle. Or any kind of laughter for that matter.
I mean, I know her well enough, she isn't being snarky or sarcastic -or whatever the hell the proper word is. She genuinely gave me her blessing. To see her so amused at my reaction to that fucking declaration...
God damn... Didn't think I'd ever see this side of her; I guess you can call it casual. I always thought we'd share an acquaintance relationship, and it wouldn't go on from that.
But now she considers me family at this point. I could eventually become changeling royalty if me and Mimic don't break up.
Sure, it's not like pony royalty, but I can care less about the different species thing. I'll take what I'm given.
... And I'm getting ahead of myself. Fuck.
"Yes, I suppose I have." Mirage said. "But I do have one condition I must request of you."
"Oh?" I raised one of my eyebrows.
"Please," She said in a pleading tone. "please keep my daughter safe. I don't know what I would do if anything were to ever happen to her. We know the world isn't very kind to us changelings." Mirage said as she put a hoof on Mimic's leg. That classic, worried mother look creasing her features. I couldn't but feel for the parent, I pretty did the same thing to my parents; dropping off the face of the planet.
With that running around my mind, and with the utmost confidence and sincerity, I said:
"Queen Mirage, you have my word as a veteran, human, and Princess Mimic's fiance. I will do everything within my power to protect her with everything I possess. Including my life." As I declared, I subconsciously stood completely straight up. My right arm bent vertically forty-five degrees performing the common United States military salute. And, in the corner of my eye, I saw Mimic blush slightly.
And I saluted indoors... Fuck me. Well, I guess this is a special occasion. If I was british.
"Thank you, Ember. I trust you will stay by your word." Mirage grinned brilliantly.
"Ugh, mooo~ooom!" Mimic moaned. "I'm not a weak little nymph!"
"I know sweetie." Mirage giggled. "But you're my little nymph." She cooed teasingly. Mimic blushed a little more at that.
"Not in front of Ember!" Mimic whined. "We talked about this!"
"Really? I do not remember such a conversation." Mimic grunted in annoyance and stomped off.
"Aah..." Mirage sighed. "Now that is the Mimic I know."
"She acts like a little kid a lot, doesn't she?" I asked.
"Mimic is not a goat by any means. But, she still has some maturing to do for a princess her age."
"... How old is she exactly? She never really told me that."
"That is something you do not ask a woman." Mirage scolded playfully. "However, I will make this one exemption, just for you; my daughter is twenty seven years old."
"Wow, really?" Mirage nodded. "... She really has some growing up to do then." |
My little Escapade | Chapter 67: Possibilities | "Yes, yes she does." Mirage said. "Maybe that is something you can help her with that as well?"
"I wouldn't mind in the slightest actually." I laughed a little. "I've always wondered what it would be like to have a brother or sister."
"Wait, you never had siblings growing up?" A bewildered bug-queen asked.
"Yup." I nodded. "Always been myself, mom, and dad." I said.
"... Interesting." Mirage stated, to herself than me or anyone else. "As far as I know, it is rare for any parents to bare just one child."
"Eh, that's kinda true. At least in some human cultures." I said with a shrug.
"... I couldn't help but notice, from what you have just said, humans share some cultural ideals as ponies and changelings..."
"Yeah it is pretty weird." I nodded agreeingly. "But, if what you said a while back really is true. Then it's more like ancient humans had some influence on some cultural ideals here.
"Indeed." Mirage nodded. She went to talk some more; but a random changeling ran up to her. An almost frantic look etched onto its face.
"My Queen! Changelings of the Jade hive are attacking!" Jade hive?
"Jade hive!?" Mirage gasped. "How!? They were banished to the badlands!"
"We don't know! What should we do!?"
"Defend with everything we have. Escort Mimic to the safe room. I will be there shortly." The changeling nodded and ran off while Mirage turned to me, but remembered something and shouted. "And make it your duty to keep any and all of the Jade hive from entering!"
I had an inkling as to who the queen of the 'Jade hive' was. And I pretty much knew what Mirage was gonna ask me before we even made eye contact.
"Want me to help?" I asked.
"If you would be so kind too." Mirage smiled.
"Alright, just keep your changelings defending. And I'll go on the offensive." The queen of... whatever the hell this hive calls itself, raised an eyebrow.
"A little ambitious, aren't we?"
"Meh," I should shrugged, all nonchalant n' crap. "I think I can at least scare them off." I said while I start walking towards the entrance.
*And it might just give me the perfect reason to burn at least some of the forest down.*
We had just one, simple, task to do; invade the Ash hive and take all there love. They had no chance against our sheer numbers. All we had to do was break the damn barrier!
But, that, thing appeared.
It had some black box thing in its hands. And it somehow threw fire like an adult dragon.
I nearly lost all my children to that thing's flames.
... I will massacre that thing for what it's done.
"So that was Chrysalis?"
"Yes, but what confuses me is; why is she here?"
"No clue."
"This is very concerning... If she is here... Oh dear."
Heh, that rhymed.
"Another invasion or something?"
"Yes, that wretched idiot could be planning something like that."
"Alright, you got any trackers?"
"... Yes, I do. Why do you ask?"
"'Cause I want to hunt that bug down."
"What!?"
"If what the both of us are thinking might be remotely true. Then that means she's planning to invade and or take over the country we live in. I don't know about you, but I very much like the state it's in right now. So, can you have one of your trackers help me trahack her down?" Ah, good old word play.
"I... ah.... Yes. On the condition that my changeling will be returned home safely."
"I can do that. So, who's coming with me?"
How did that thing find us!? How-
No matter! We will kill that thing with everything we have!
It was pretty easy for Shade to find where Chrysalis was hanging out. Shade was the tracker Mirage assigned to me.
Anyway, Shade said it was a bit too easy that he found Chrysalis's hideout. He said something about her expecting us to come here.
Anyway, after sending Shade back to Mirage via magical double, I hopped right into the small hole in the ground. ...
"Stay back you vile creature!" Chrysalis shouted me while shooting another bolt of magic at me. At this point the bolts were weak enough to not even leave a scorch mark on my body.
Either that, or my body is somehow gained resistance, or something, probably the former.
"I said stay back!" She had hissed. "I will not let you kill me or my nymphs!"
"I think it's a little too late for you kids." I drone without any emotion. "Unless there are some hiding in the shadows." I saw Chrysalis flinch just as five changelings with turquoise eyes leap out at me from different angles.
How I guessed that, you may ask? Well, it couldn't possibly be because there was a spirit occupying a certain gem telling me whenever there were any changelings nearby that I didn't see.
No, it definitely wasn't because of that. The changeling drones were just that easy to deal with.
The changelings were easy to deal with after a quick teleportation and a few magically ringed necks.
"Y-you monster!" Chrysalis stammered. "How can you do this!? Are kind will never thrive!"
"I'm already working on that." I said. "The hive you were planning to invade? Kinda got started working them into pony society."
"What!?" She gawked.
"Yeah, you could've ruined all the work me and a few friends put into that. Just so you know." I hoist my flamethrower up and point it directly at her.
"W-wait!" She pleaded. "M-maybe... we can... Strike a deal? So to say?" I scoff.
"And what? You back-stab me after Whatever agreement we come to? Don't think so." I said while I pulled the trigger.
Fwoosh!
Her screams of fiery agony filled the small cave. I tried to keep a blank look, just like the soldier I used to be. But, the facade faltered. I slowly found myself smiling by the time Chrysalis's bloodcurdling screams died out. Her body nothing left but a little pile of charred bones and ashes. How her body burned so quickly, I have no idea. She was probably really dry.
Then a really fucked up idea came to mind.
I saw the bug's skull lying there, eye sockets, horn, ear holes and all.
*Might as well bring back some evidence.* I pick up the skull with my magic and brought it over to myself. Huh, the lower jaw stayed attached. Did it melt or... No, it swings, then how..?
Nevermind, magic. Magic. Magic.
Anyway, with Chrysalis's skull in my hands, and my flamethrower back home. I teleport back to Mirage's hive.
"You, you really... You really just killed off an entire hive?" Mimic asked while looking at the skull in my hand. "All, by, yourself?" She punctuated with a skeptical look.
"Yes," Mirage said. "I find it difficult to believe you accomplished such a feat by your lonesome."
"That's not even the main thing!" Mimic snapped. "He killed off an entire hive by him-fucking-self!" She swung her arms at me like one of those wacky inflatable arm-waving tube man, things. As if shouting out what I did to the heavens like a pharaoh begging for god to bring his first born son back to him wasn't enough.
"Yeeees... The fact that you... did what you did, disturbs me." Mirage told me.
"It does?" I asked out of confusion, they nodded. "Oh, then it's a good thing I'm with you then."
"I... suppose." Mirage hesitantly answered. "But, why are you taking this as you are? Are you not mortified at what you did?"
"Eh..." Came my brilliant reply. "A little, but then I remember I basically did it for you and the country we make ourselves home in. And it's not like it's the first time I had to kill. Remember the war I told you about?"
"Yeah, but we didn't think that was real!" Mimic yelled. "You really have no problem killing other living beings!?" I think about for a second, then shrug.
"As long as it's for the right reasons. Or if pros outweigh cons."
Is it me, or am I radiating intelligence?
"Alright, I give up." Mimic sighed. "I just wanna go home and forget this ever happened."
"I agree. It has been a long day." Mirage said while slowly walking away. I just nodded agreeingly.
"So we gonna go back to my place or are you staying here?" I asked Mimic when Mirage was out of earshot.
"Yeah..."
"You want me to teleport us home? You look pretty tired." I offered.
"Please."
"Ok." I snapped my fingers, and in no time we were home getting ready for bed since it was pretty late. I saw Mimic was looking pretty stressed. Whether it was because of me committing partial genocide, or her talk with Mirage. Either way, I thought it'd be nice to offer a little massage before bed.
"Are you any good at it?" She asked.
"I think so. It's been a few years since I gave anyone a massage."
"... Alright," she said after some thought. "just, be gentle. Ok?" I smiled and got up to me knees in bed, while she rolled onto her belly.
"You got it." *Damn, thought she go belly-up.*
-Oh well, no boob action tonight.-
*Shut up, you don't know what might happen.* I mentally grumbled while I start to gently rub along Mimic's shoulders. Which elicited a few happy groans. The tense muscles underneath the tough, but somehow malleable, chitin relaxing under my ministrations.
"Ooooh~ Where did you learn this?" She sleepily asked.
"I mostly taught myself, and a little bit comes from videos I've seen."
"Really? Ah~ What for? I don't mean to sound mean or anything, but you don't look like a masseur."
"I pretty much learned just enough to help out my parents when they had arthritis. An old friend told me massaging the joints helped ease the overall pain."
"Oh... I'm sorry."
"Eh, don't worry about it. I like talking about happy memories."
"Oh, ok..." Mimic trailed off as I was getting down to her lower back, being mindful of her wings. I rubbed and pressed against the increasingly relaxing muscles until I heard a soft snore from the changeling. I smiled and laid down next as best as I could without waking her up. And she must've been a heavy sleeper since I practically wrapped her in the best tender embrace I could manage.
I was proven wrong when she turned over and wrapped me in her arms.
"Mmm I love you Ember..." She mumbled. So she talks and moves around a lot in her sleep... How come she didn't do that the first time we slept together? Eh, whatever, I need some sleep too.
"I love you too, Mimic." I replied with a little smooch on her nose. She giggled at the sensation before I fell asleep.
I look around the white, barren expanse of my dreamscape.
"Huh, here again?"
"Ember?" That sounded like Mimic. The hell..?
"Mimic?" Why is she part of my dream?
"What the tartarus are you doing in my dream?" Ok, maybe not.
"Me!? The hell you doing in my dream? I see you enough during the day." I sarcastically retorted.
"Becau- wait." Mimic paused. "You would never say that in my dreams."
"Same goes for you too. The hell's going on?"
"'Tis a rare sight to see two share thine dreams." A random voice seemingly from the sky said. Both of us look up and see that Luna's here.
Huh, so it isn't all an elaborate dream.
"Who's that?" Mimic asked.
"Princess Luna." I answered.
"Greeti-" Luna never got to finish her salutation since Mimic darted towards me to hide behind me. I turn my head and watch as she quivers while she death-grips me from behind.
"W-why is she here?" She fearfully asked.
"Relax Mimic, she's just visiting." I turn to Luna. "Right?" Luna saw the look on my face and nodded hastily.
"Indeed." She said. "We were merely interested to see who were sharing a single dream." She took a glance at Mimic. Then regarded me with a reserved expression. "Is she a changeling?" I nodded. "We see, sister has told us about thy... 'mission' as she called it. We commend thee for making such a noble effort." I nodded again, and Luna put her attention to Mimic. "Do not fret. We are great friends with Ember the human. We look forward to meeting again in a more... formal setting."
"O-ok." Mimic said meekly. Luna smiled and started fading.
"Until then," The night pony shot me a knowing look. "best wishes."
"Thank you." I said right before she faded away completely.
"Th-that was one of the princesses?" Mimic asked.
"Yeah, weren't you paying attention?" Mimic let go of me and glared at me when I turned around.
"No! I was busy being scared out of my mind!"
"But we're technically in both our minds at the moment. So..." That little comment earned me a punch to the shoulder. It was worth it.
"It's not funny!" Definitely is. "I thought she was here to do Mother knows what!"
"Mimic, come on. You really think Luna would come to our dream and do... whatever you think she would do to you?"
"Yes!"
"Then it would've been over my dead body." I said. "She'd have to go through me before she lay a single ha- hoof on you." As I spoke, I stepped close to Mimic and put her hands in mine, to show how serious and sincere I was. It made her blush and look away bashfully with a little smile playing on her lips.
Bonus points.
"Damn you Ember. You always know what to say." She sighed. "You make it hard to stay mad at you." I chuckled a little at that.
"When you got my kind of experience, you know a thing or two about saying the right thing." I said with a decent amount of humor.
"Says the guy who said he wanted to fuck my throat-pussy."
"That sounded sexy in my mind, at the time."
"But it still stunk."
"I know... So, what do you feeling doing since we're sharing the same dream?" I asked changing the subject.
"I don't know, you have any ideas?" She asked.
"Hmmm... ever heard of a vore fetish?" |
My little Escapade | Chapter 68: Just a Question | "Ew. Just... ew. Ember, that's gross. No." Mimic shook her head and crossed her arms.
"Alright, what do you feel like doing then?" I asked.
"Well, you know a lot about me already. And, I don't... I'd like to get to know you more."
"Oh... Alright" I shrug. "I can do that." A couch appears and the two of us take a seat on it. "What would you like to know?"
"I don't know... Everything, I guess?" Mimic said. "I mean, with anything you're comfortable with." I nodded understandingly.
"Ok, let's start with general things then. I was born into a semi-wealthy family." I started. "I didn't have many friends growing up, and the friends I did have eventually drifted away, my dad was an electrician slash builder, my mom was a teacher. I had an extended family from both my mom and dad, I was a boring person when I was a teen. And at that time we would take vacations yearly during the summer. When I was about to turn nineteen I was drafted to fight in a war that became known as World War Three. After that, me and my parents were left barely getting by since they got arthritis pretty bad. Skip a few years of nothing interesting happening and I'm basically kidnapped to become a guinea pig to an experiment that pretty much turned me into the man you see now. Not long after that, a whole new diverse sub-race of humans is created since those, 'augmentations' were pretty much successful. Now, because the human race as whole is the way it is, a large group of anti-anthros formed and started attacking us since they saw us as 'unnatural' and 'demons' and other religious bullshit like that. Now, at this point it's been a couple years and nothing really major happened between us anthros and regular people. And my parents passed away due to some health complications. Right after that, it all went to shit for me.
A few people of this anthro-hating group decided to cause some serious trouble and put me long with a few others on the street -how they managed to do that, I will never know. So I was homeless for some time after that. Skip a few weeks, and things die down once the police and other authorities started cracking down on this group. I was able to get a home, a well-paying job making and working with robots much like Spark and Max, and basically a normal life. As normal as your could get being an anthro.
Now this is when some interesting shit happens. During this whole time, when this hate group were attacking anthros. We developed gangs were you got dogs versus cats and stupid crap like that. That, mixed with the hate group, lead to this kind of mini-civil war within anthros. Which was really just few scuffles here and there plus a few actual shootouts. Meanwhile people like me were just trying to live normal goddamn lives.
And finally, while all this was going on, I was kidnapped again by some whack job scientist that did some stupid experiment with some teleportation crap. The whole thing failed and I've been living here ever since." I finish my summarization of all, almost all, the important events in my life.
"Wow..." Mimic said in awe. "That was the short version?" She asked.
"Yep." I answered.
"Woah..." She said. "You've lead a way more amazing life than me..." She then muttered glumly.
"Hey, you're changeling royalty. I think that's much more cool than living through the shit I went through." I said. "And besides," I put my hand on hers. "You still have your mother. I don't even have any family left, cherish that, spend as much time with her as you can. 'Cause you will miss her when she's gone. I know that as a fact Mimic."
"I know Ember, you don't think my talk with her made me think about that?"
"You want the honest answer or..?" She nodded. "I didn't think you did."
"And why the tartarus not?" She asked while crossing her arms.
"Me and Mirage kinda agreed to each other that you're pretty immature for a twenty-seven year old."
"How do you know how old I am?" Mimic asked sharply.
"Your mom told me." I said.
"Really? Oh. Alright." She said contently, yet her voice had some irritation behind it.
"Gonna talk to your mom again?" She nodded. "Got it. Sooo..."
"Wanna fuck?"
"Yes."
So after a wonderful night of lewd and sexy dreams, and after cleaning the sheets as soon as we woke up, the two of us spent the whole day doing classic romantic stuff together; walking in the park, hanging out by the lake, the typical crap.
And that's pretty much what's been going on for a couple months too. I think it was going onto a year since nothing really big or bad happened. Just me and Mimic spending more and more time together.
Huh, so this is what it's like being in a real relationship... Nice.
Anyway, Mimic and me basically spent every living moment at each other. Us and Corey and Britt would go out on double dates more often. Mimic and me would go out and walk in the forest for hours on end. We even went skinny dipping a few times in the public lake everyone else uses, almost got caught a few times. As odd as that sounds -the ponies actually have a dress code for swimming.
We also got to know each other a lot more on our dates. Like on this one in particular, I found out Mimic absolutely adores chocolate. She drooled over the chocolate pots Bon Bon had. And yes, I mean had. That little bug-girl made me buy every single one of those diabetes-inducing confectioneries.
And how she managed that? She promised me a bj. Yeah.
I really like the kind of blowjob she performs. She does this thing with her snake tongue that just, ogh, mmf.
So anyway, it was about two months after our one year anniversary that I started having thoughts about getting engaged. Now, at the time, I thought it was a little early since we haven't spent at least two years together. But then I thought 'fuck it' because I remembered I know friends that got married after dating someone for eleven months. And I thought me and Mimic knew enough about each other; I know what she generally likes, what she doesn't like, and she knows my likes and dislikes as well. Plus I asked Corey and he told me it's normal to get engaged after one to two years. So I secretly went out and got an engagement ring after I spent a few days getting an accurate measurement. The problem was, who makes rings that small in pony land?
"Wow, this is really a step up from our usual dates. How did you take us, and the carriage, to Canterlot anyways?" Mimic asked.
"Teleportation." I answered while getting the box ready. I took a quick glance down at it and saw the three blue diamonds on the top of the case.
*Of course Rarity had to do that.* I snicker.
"What?" Mimic turned to me. In a mild panic a hid the box behind me with a little levitation spell.
"Nothing, just saw something funny." I said with a disarming smile.
"Ok... How are going to get in this place? Looks pretty fancy."
"Don't worry about that, I'm friends with the owner." Fancy Pants has to be the best wealthy friend anyone could have. Mimic and me walk up to the restaurant, The Humble Abode -yes, that's it's name, and enter the establishment. The pony working at the little podium greeted us as soon as she noticed us.
"Welcome to the Humble Abide. Table for two?" She asked.
"We have a reservation here actually." I said.
"Ah, under what name please?" She asked with a professionally neutral expression.
"Lockhart." She looked in the little book she had on the little podium.
"Ah, Ember Lockhart?" She looked back up at us. I nodded and she stepped from the podium and grabbed two menus with her magic.
"This way please." She said, then turned around and lead us the more spacious part of the dining area.
"secluded again? What's the occasion this time?" Mikic asked after the waitress was out of earshot.
"Eh, no reason." I said. " Just wanted to have a more quiet setting." I said while levitating the little black box under the table. Our waiter for the evening came by and we ordered our drinks; Prench wine for Mimic, and good old cider for me. Her and I keep talking some more about some little things like how her mom's doing. How my army's doing. How Mimic's friends are doing.
Simple things.
And pretty soon the waiter came back with our drinks and took our orders. Mimic ordered the Extravagant Salad, which was basically a salad that murdered with sliced carrots, croutons, dressing, cheese, and olives.
And I ordered the same thing. Because that's the only pony food I can eat.
And it's not like my can't process anything hay based now: I probably can. I just refuse to eat hay.
Surprisingly enough, the waiter comes back with our food in little time. Thought it'd take longer to make two salads and then murder them with the mentioned ingredients.
Anyway, the two of us quiet down a bit and start eating. It felt like ages until I got the moment of opportunity I was waiting for. Mimic excused herself to the bathroom. I seized the opportunity by the throat and brought the box out, and I started to hype myself up, to have confidence.
Uuuhg... I've started death in the face numerous times, I fought Tirek, killed off an entire hive of changelings, killed some ponies too, and dealt with Discord back on Earth. I shouldn't be afraid about asking Mimic this one, simple, question.
*It isn't that simple.* I thought *If she says yes, you'll live the rest of your life with Mimic. If she says no... Who knows what will happen?*
*But, why would she say no? We've been living with each other since day one! She wouldn't just reject me after all this time.*
*Who says she has to?*
"Hello? Equestria to Ember. You in there?" I was so deep within the recesses of my mind I failed to notice Mimic came back from the restroom and started waving one of her hands in front of my face. I immediately shook my head and answered Mimic.
"Y-yeah. I'm in here." I stuttered.
"Are you ok? You usually don't do that unless you were really thinking about something." She said.
Ah, she knows me too well.
"Well, I was thinking about something." I said with a soft smile.
I am ready for this.
"Oh yeah? What were you thinking about then?" A very sly bug princess asked.
"I was just thinking about when I should ask you to marry me."
I was not ready for this.
"What?"
"I was just thinking abo-"
"I got that part, just... What?"
"Oh." I let out a weak chuckle, grab the box, get off the chair I was sitting in, and get down on one knee. "Well, I guess I messed this up a little, but." I present the box to her, almost openning it.
Mimic quickly pieced it together and held a hand up to her mouth in shock, there were tears welling in her eyes, and the cutest squeak I've ever heard escaped her lips.
"Will you marry me?" I opened the box and present the ring housed within; A simple, yellow-gold ring decorated with nice spirals.
At this point, ponies around us noticed what was going on and either went back to what they were eating, or looked on with their own smiles.
And I couldn't help but feel that time slowed down as soon as those words left my mouth. It felt icy cold when I looked at the unreadable expression on Mimic's face. I couldn't tell what she was about to say or what she was thinking. I started having thoughts about her saying no, how she would probably run out the restaurant and leave me here, as a rejected pile of trash.
"Oh, my," She finally said, it's make or break, yes or no. This was it.
"Mmmmmother! Yes! Yes, a thousand times yes!"
I let out the breath I didn't know I was holding and stood up. Mimic threw herself into my arms, and some of the ponies started clapping and 'awww'ing. I just felt fucking relief cascade about my body like a warm summer breeze. She then pulled away and held her hand out to me in a very snobbish way. I smiled and slipped the ring on her index finger.
-Huh, all that negative thought for nothing.-
*I swear to god, ruin this moment and I will kill you.* |
My little Escapade | Chapter 69: Just an Answer | Holy fucking shit. I felt like I just took a huge shit. You know what I mean. I just felt a plethora of emotions flow through my very being. One of them being relief.
"You made me the happiest changeling on the planet." Mimic cried into my shoulder after I slipped the ring on.
"And you've made me the happiest man on this planet." I said. Many of the ponies around us started clapping. Mimic cried tears of joy into my chest for a few minutes before she looked up at me.
"Uh... can we go home?" She asked.
"Sure, why?" I asked.
"I... I want your children."
What?
"Wat?"
"Sorry, uhm... Let me rephrase that. Eeehm... I want... to have children... with you." Mimic slowly stated. At that point my brain 404'd the hell out my head.
Images of a hive created by me slowly came to mind when I started thinking again.
*My mom would sooo have my ass if she was still here.* I thought.
-No kidding.-
"You want to do that right now or..?"
"I was thinking we could do it at home, but if you want to do it here..."
"Let's just... uugh... Let's go." I grumbled. Mimic laughed while I paid for the food and teleported us home. "You go ahead and get ready in our room, I'll be with you in a second." I said.
"Oh, taking it lightly are we? Maybe we shouldn't-"
"Mimic, you want kids or not?" I asked. She saw my face and nodded happily. "Alright, I'll be with you in a second." She nodded again and disappeared into my room. I went up to her old room and start up an old system I got just for this occasion.
Just to make it clear. I bought a machine back on Earth that basically allows me to relatively control what my kids will look like.
I say relatively because this thing basically makes it possible for me and Mimic to have children without complications. Since the both of us aren't the same species.
A really cool thing with this is I can control if my kids will be quadruped or biped since I managed to get Mimic's DNA and mixed it with mine.
Of course, I'm making them biped, and have wings, and be part bug physically speaking, but still; little things. I can't exactly set their behavior like some RPG game or anything.
So anyway, I activate to bot that I had programmed using the machine a while back, shrink it, put it back in my meat rod, and head off to have some sweet, tender lovin'.
I really hope it worked. Mimic being a changeling, and not being remotely human, makes things like this a little... worrisome, to say the least.
"So... did it, take?" I asked.
"I... I don't know..." Mimic said while looking at her belly. "Usually I would've known by now."
"Yeah, it's already been days. God this suspension is killing me..."
"Well... It could be because you're human." Mimic thought aloud. "I remember you told me human women don't really know they're pregnant until a few days after."
"And it's already been, like what, a week?" I said. She nodded and I sighed while I laid back in my bed. "I really don't like this." I mumbled.
"Hey, come on." Mimic said while sitting next to me. "We're completely different species. And if it didn't work this time, we can always try again."
"I know... It's just..." A sigh drifted past my lips. "It was supposed to take quickly." I said.
"What?" I sit back up.
"You know little robots run around in my blood right?" She nodded. "They're supposed to help with this kind of thing."
"Why?" She asked.
"To help about when two anthros who are not based off the same animal have children." I said. "Because of that back on Earth, we had it made so that the kid any two parents have would either be one anthro, or the other." I explained.
"Oh... well, maybe it's because I'm not an anthro that it's taking so long." Mimic suggested.
"Yeah, maybe." I said. "At least, if it does take. I hope our kids don't turn out to be some eldritch abomination." Mimic got a laugh out of that.
"I hope so too, honey. I hope so too..."
"'Honey'? What, are we fifty already?" I asked jokingly.
"It feels like it with how much we're waiting." Mimic said, a little downcast.
"Hey, come on." I said while putting my little bug-queen in a loving embrace. "We just gotta do what you said. Alright?"
"I know, I think your mood is getting to me." Mimic said, and barely saw it, but she was hiding a smirk. At least, doing her best to hide one.
"Oh, whatever," I shove her lightly. "bitch." I smiled. Mimic made a mock gasp and an indignant face. It last only about two seconds before both of us busted out laughing.
"Ember!"
"What?!"
"It took!" Mimic shouted, my breath got caught in my throat and I jumped from my chair.
"Really!?"
"Yes! We're gonna be parents!" She shouted. We cheered incoherently while I picked her up and spun her around. Spark and Max came in the living room almost frantically.
"What'sgoingonIheardyelling!?" Max shouted.
"We're gonna be parents!" Mimic answered. "Our own hive!"
"Oh." Max said uninterested. "Fuckin' hell." He grumbled under his breath.
"Congratulations!" Spark said in a weak attempt to drown Max out. It didn't work, for me anyway, but we still got the sentiment. "I didn't think you'd do it so soon though."
"We decided we wanted kids as soon as possible after we got married." Mimic said.
"Ah, good for you two then." Spark said. "When are you due?"
"I... honestly don't know." Mimic answered. "I mean, since it took this long for it to take... yeah."
"I see. I wish you good luck then."
"Thank you." Mimic said gratefully, but a split-second later she gasped.
"What?! You alright!?" I asked frantically.
"I have to tell my mom!" She screeched. She then grabbed my hand and proceeded to bolt out the door dragging me along into the Everfree. We didn't run into any predators because they wouldn't have any time to bother us. That's a plus.
Anyway, once we got to Mirage's hive the changelings at the entrance pretty much just stepped the fuck out of the way. I guess they saw the look in her eyes.
Damn bitch could make a hydra piss itself.
"Mimic!" Mirage said when she noticed us. Kinda hard to not do since Mimic burst the throne room doors open. "How have you been? Are you alright?" She asked when she noticed Mimic's expression. Mimic let go of hand, letting me drop gracefully onto the very forgiving stone ground.
I'm more surprised than pissed off that Mimic didn't tear my hand off while she was dragging me.
"It's happening!" Mimic panted in a raspy voice. Mirage didn't understand at first; tilting her head to the side. But she got what Mimic meant a couple seconds later and teleported right up to her daughter.
"Really? Oh Mother! We must arrange your first baby shower!" Mirage actually squealed when she said that. With a nod from Mimic and not another word, they bolt off to get started on the shower... My... my first child baby shower...
My first of many... Hoooh fuck, it finally hit me.
I just took the first step in practically starting a changeling hive with Mimic. At the very most I will probably have hundreds of kids if everything goes smoothly...
H-hehe... HA-
Ember_Lockhart.exe Has stopped working...
"...ey! ...mber! ...in there!?" A distant-sounding voice snapped me from a total mental meltdown.
"Buh?" I shake my head and look at the source of the voice. It was a changeling, one I recognize, actually.
"Shade?"
"Yes."
"Oh... How long-"
"About a few minutes." He said.
"Oh, huh, not long..." I remarked. "Anyway, any reason you brought me back to reality?" He nodded.
"Yes. I, along with a few others, are supposed to 'hang out' with you while our queen and princess have the latter's shower. It is part of our customs."
"Ah, I see." I said.
*Why didn't Mirage tell me that before?*
"Well, how else is going to join us on our 'Guys night out' as I'm going to call it?" Shade smiled.
"How convenient of you to call it that." The changeling said as four more changelings joined him. Or rather, us.
"Hey Cloak, Swift, Camo, Bob." I said to the newcomers.
"Hello."
"Greetings."
"Hey."
"Hai!" The changelings greeted back.
"You ready to go?" Shade asked.
"Hmm... I don't know. Lemme check my schedule." I while moving my hand behind my back. I teleport blank piece of paper onto my hand and bring it out. "Uhmm... Let's see..." I falsely scan the paper. "Yep!" I said after a second of looking at nothing. I crumple up the paper and toss it away.
"Yaaaaiy!" Bob cheered.
"So where does the father-to-bee want to go?" Camo asked. I thought about it for a second before a dastardly plan formed in my head.
"Canterlot." I said, and then cast a transformation spell, turning me into Metamorphosis. "Let's raise some hell." With a little bit of changeling magic I made myself look like a normal pony. My friends instantly got my plan and changed into ponies. The six of us, especially Bob, shared devilish grins as I teleported us to Equestria's capital.
I am having the time of my fucking life.
The six of us managed to send all of Canterlot into mass hysteria. Just by our antics alone we slowly drove ponies to near insanity. Just twist your head at an unnatural-looking angle and the nobles will freak the hell out.
It was especially fun for me since my shoulders and knees are double-jointed. I apparently made some of the nobles think I was some deformed diamond dog. I also found out a lot of them are quite afraid of them. Especially the mares that wore a lot of jewelry.
I wonder why...
Anyway, with the six of us causing havoc all of the city it didn't take for the guard to get on our asses. But I don't think it helped them much that we kept changing what we looked like every time we got away from them. Neither the fact that we always managed to get away from them.
And by the time there were guards patrolling every block, we turned it into a contest to see who could last the longest running from the guard in a single disguise.
Bob won, somehow. Fucker can run.
I would've called for another go. But the guard were actually making it difficult to do anything at that point, at least, to run away. Damn pegasi almost got us a few times.
"Hault! Trouble makers!" A pegasus guard shouted from above.
"Never!" Camo shouted back as a white mare.
"I think you should take us home now, we nearly got caught back there." Shade whispered to me.
"Working on it, kinda hard to pull of when we're all running." I said. "We need to find a straightaway." Shade nodded and looked around while I kept the spell on standby.
"Right!" He shouted. Without looking we took a hard right into a long alleyway. I began casting the spell as soon as we turned and made sure all six of us would be teleported before I let it take affect.
"Did you like what your friends got you honey?" The queen of the Ash hive asked her princess.
"Are you kidding me!?" Mimic said with mock exasperation. " I loved what they got me!" She pulled a small piece of clothing from the many satchels a very loyal changeling was carrying. "Especially this cute little onesie!" She gushed. "So thoughtful!" She squea'd.
"I am glad you enjoyed it sweetie." Mirage smiled. "We should-" A white flash of light interrupted the queen and made both her and the princess stop in their tracks. Once the spots faded away, they turned to the source of the flash.
It was a king changeling, lying limp on top of a pile of Queen Mirage's changelings. Mirage then turned to her daughter, sharing a look confusion.
"Ugh..." Of course, just from the dark navy blue chitin, they knew it was Ember. But what puzzled them was: why did he, and his friends from their hive, just appear the way they did?
"Did we make it?" One of changelings in pile asked.
"I think so..." Ember replied. He looked up and saw Queen Mirage and Princess Mimic staring at them weirdly. "Yeah, we did."
"Good..." Another grumbled. "Also, could you all get off of me?"
"Mommy!" Bob shouted. The pile of changeling exploded, leaving a lone, grinning changeling. "Hai mommy!" He rushed to his mother and gave her one of his trade-marked bone-crushers.
Mirage took the manticore hug all the same. And she thanked the great Mother above that she gave changelings both an exoskeleton and an endoskeleton. And thick chitin that is the only thing keeping her... mentally challenged child from popping her as a pony would with a pimple.
"Hello my sweet." She said. "Did you have fun?"
"Yeah!" Bob said. "We had fun playing with da ponies on da big mountain!"
"Did you now?" She asked while shooting a dangerous glance at Ember. "Well, I am glad you had fun dear." Bod giggled and ran off to tell his other friends about all the fun he had with the big human-turned-changeling.
"What did you do?" Mimic asked as soon as Bob left.
"Eh, not much." Ember coolly responded. Still in his changeling form.
"I know what your definition of 'fun' is. What. Did. You. Do?" She asked in a challenging tone.
"We basically caused a bunch of chaos in Canterlot." Camo answered.
"Did you..?" Mirage worriedly questioned.
"We all had disguises, don't worry." Ember said. "As far as the ponies know. A group of ponies managed to do what we did all over Canterlot." He smiled. "And had fun while doing it." He added.
"Ugh... I don't need too nor do I want to know what you all did. Let's just go home." Mimic sighed. Ember shrugged, bid farewell to his changeling friends, and teleported him and Princess Mimic to their home. |
My little Escapade | Chapter 70: Family | "Hnnnngh!"
"Hang on! We're almost there!"
"Not... Fast... Enough! Uuuuuuugh Mother why does this hurt so much!?"
"Just hang on! I know you can do it!" I said. She wasn't looking too well.
I would have used a stronger numbing spell, but Ruby warned that kind of magic might hurt the baby. Even teleporting would be risky.
So the next best thing I could do? Pick her up and make a dead sprint like a bat outta hell to the hospital as soon as her water broke.
I just don't think all the shaking from me running helped much.
"Ok misses Lockhart, push!" Nurse Redheart said. Mimic did so with all her might, her strength being shared with the hand she was using to crush mine.
"Come on Mimic. I know you can do it." I ebbed on.
"You better hope to Great Mother Above that I-" She froze, like her brain just blue-screened.
"Ah, the painkiller finally took effect." Nurse Redheart said. "I was wondering when the epidural would kick in." Just as Redheart said that Mimic relaxed back into the bed.
"Ooooooh~" She sighed.
"Misses Lockheart? We need you to push some more." Redheart said.
"Oh, right." She replied before taking a deep breath and started pushing. Soon enough she began panting again when she kept pushing.
"That's it! It's crowning! Keep pushing!" Redheart yelled.
"Aaaahaa!" Mimic screamed, guess the painkiller was starting to wear off. There was a comical slurping sound and then a loud 'POP'.
Yes, that seriously happened. I cannot make that kind of bullshit up. A baby literally popped out my girl's vagina.
"Congratulations! It's a colt!" Redheart cheered. But to me the world pretty much went black for me as soon as I heard my baby wailing. There wasn't Redheart, there wasn't a hospital room. It was just me, Mimic, and my son.
My son.
My first, son. My first of many, but still.
I am here, I have just witnessed the birth of my first child. ...
Is it weird that I feel intense accomplishment?
Anyway, I managed to gain some sense of reality when my son was wrapped in some cloth and floated towards me, I heard some muffled words as I took him into my arms.
He was so small. I mean, he was about the same size as any normal human baby, but still, he was just so small... I could hold his head in my hand and lay his tiny body across my arm if I wanted too.
"Oh Ember, he's beautiful." Mimic wheezed. "Can I hold him?" I turned to her and nodded feverishly.
"Of course, he's your son too." I said while I carefully handed my little hybrid to my wife. He calmed down a great deal when Mimic took hold of him. He opened his eyes for the first time and I was amazed at what I saw.
His pupils were slitted, he had two layers to his irises; the inner one being yellow, the outer being a light grey. And the whites of his eyes were the only normal thing about them.
And then I looked at his body.
It was normal, for a humanoid changeling. His chitin was dark blue with an ashy white tint to it. It sort of looked like he rolled around in flour or something like that.
He also had holes in his arms and legs; easily fixable. But my eyes gravitated towards his ba-
Oh my god...
he has the most adorable pair of gossamer wings I've ever seen! ...
Since when did I fully turn gay?
"Ember? Honey?"
"Huh?" I tear my eyes from my pride and joy.
"What do you want to name him?" Mimic asked. I realized my son has gone this whole time without getting a name and immediately started thinking about a good one. I spent a couple minutes thinking about it before I came to a good name.
"Does Mark sound good to you?" I asked.
"I think that's a wonderful name." She turned to our newly named son. "My little Mark." She nuzzled Mark, making him giggle. I couldn't help but laugh along with him.
He turned those big eyes towards me when he heard my laughter. He had this awed look on his face. Like he hasn't seen anything like me before.
I know we're the first humans he's ever seen, and Redheart and the other ponies being the first he's ever seen too. But it's still funny.
"Goodwill? Could you get me a blank certificate?" I heard Red ask.
"Yes ma'am." he other pony replied before walking off.
"Excuse me," Redheart continued. "Would you allow me to check your foal?" I went to nod, but Mimic's motherly instincts took over.
"And why would you do that?" She asked hotly.
"Sweety, she just wants to make sure there's nothing wrong with Mark." In turn to Redheart. "Right?" She nodded nervously.
"Yes," She said in a wavering voice. "I just need to perform a few harmless tests." At the word 'tests', Mimic held Mark closer to her chest.
"It's ok Mimic. She's doing for his well-being. I'll go with her and make sure everything's good if you want."
"Yes!" She said suddenly. "I mean. Yes." She repeated in a softer tone. "Alright." She handed Mark to me, I held my arms out and smiled a little when he started at them. He started to squirm when he was in my arms. But I managed to calm him down with a few shushes and 'it's ok'. It helped a little when I held my hand in front of his tiny face. Mark stared at it quizzically and grabbed one of my fingers, and then started sucking on it.
God fucking damn it, he's cute.
Anyway, Mimic felt more at ease when I did that. And had a smile on when Redheart lead me out the room, though, I saw some lingering worry behind it.
"Thank you," Red said when the door closed. "for making that easier for me. Usually mares tend to guard their foals like that."
"It was nothing." I responded. "Same thing with women where I come from."
"So you've had experience with these situations?"
"No," I shook my head. "it's more stories from my parents and friends that painted the image, so to speak."
"Ah." She nodded understandingly.
"And besides," I continued. "I'm more glad at the fact this wasn't a miscarriage." Redheart stumbled a little when I said that.
"E-excuse me, but, did you just say 'miscarriage'?" She asked, and I nodded.
"It's sort of a common thing for women of my species." I said sagely. "I know it sounds screwed up. But, yeah..."
"O... Oh my. I would never think..." I nodded.
"Yeah, and that's not even the half of it."
"What could be worse than a miscarriage?" She asked.
"For humans, a lot of things." I answered. "From birth defects, to genetic screw ups, to birth complications." I listed off.
"Oh my Celestia." Redheart gasped. "That sounds horrible!"
"It is. But, it's not as bad as it sounds, kind of."
"What do you mean?"
"Well, if a woman gives birth to a child. And there's something wrong with them physically or mentally mainly. There are programs and stuff out there that can help raise and take care of the kid."
"Oh. That sounds like a department Princess Celestia herself founded."
"That sounds like something she would do."
"Yes..." The conversation kinda died at this point. It was getting a little awkward by the time we got to a pair of doors.
"Here we are." Redheart said while opening one of the doors. I walk in after her and immediately noticed all the other babies. I remember that they have this area in hospitals on Earth. The name of it just eludes me.
Redheart takes me towards the back of the sectioned room. Where there another normal looking door.
The room behind it, however, was not.
The walls were covered in paintings of small animals playing with ponies. The ceiling was painted to look like the morning sky. And the floor was covered in carpeting. Something my talons found quite comfortable.
"If you will set him on the table please." Redheart said. "I will be right back with Doctor Tender Care." I nodded and she left the room. I looked at the table situated in the middle of the room and saw that is was padded. It almost looked like a little bed.
I walk over to the table and gingerly set Mark down on it. I couldn't help but notice the padding was very soft. Like, laying on a cloud soft. Kinda put me at ease with setting Mark on the table. And why I would worry about something like that? No clue. He did squirm a little when I laid him down. But I kept him distracted by tickling him.
He's really ticklish.
It was really fun to play with him like that. Like, it felt really awesome just to be there making my son happy. I never thought I'd be like that with any kid. Any previous interactions I had with children was just me not saying 'fuck' all the time. But, I guess having your own child sort of changes you in that aspect.
Oh fuck me to tears, I just realized Mimic might want to stop cursing.
"He is so cute." Mimic said.
"I know babe." I said. "Also kinda cool he's already learned to walk."
"We changelings are fast learners." She said, a little smugly I might add.
"Well let's just hope he has my human intelligence." That confused her a little.
"Isn't that the same thing?" She asked, and I shook my head.
"There's a difference between how fast someone could learn something and their level of understanding."
"What?"
"Hear me out, if Mark really is a fast learner, good for him. But it'd be useless if he doesn't understand what he learns. He could know that two plus two equals four. But if he doesn't know how or can't explain why two plus two equals four, he really won't learn anything."
"Ooooh... I guess that makes sense."
"Yeah. So-"
"Ff... Faaa... Faaaahst."
Oh my god. Did Mark just-
"Ffffaaaaasssth." Holy fucking shit. He did.
He just said his first word. My one-year-old son just said his first word. We've been teaching him how to walk and he manages to parrot a word.
Mimic's giving the same look from when Mark walked five feet without falling. I'm not imagining things then.
"He just-"
"I know!" I interrupted. I rushed up to her and Mark. "What did think we can get him to say now?"
"Don't know!" She said joyfully. "Marky." She said, gaining Marks attention. "Can you say mommy?" She asked. Though, it was completely unnecessary to ask.
"Mo-mmie." She repeated with annunciation.
"Mmm..." Mark tried. "Mah..." He struggled with the foreign sounds. Foreign for him anyway. "Mahmmie." He finished.
"Good enough!" Mimic said while hugging the kid. Of course, he didn't understand what the word really meant, he only got his brain a year. The fact that he said it semi-correctly so soon was a huge achievement in of itself. "Now try daddy. Dah-die."
"Dah... Daah..."
*Come on Mark.* I thought. *You can do it.*
"Daaahddie." He finally said.
"That's it!" Mimic cried. Further cuddling Mark, who giggled at the affection. I couldn't help but just watch. And feel a weird sense of pride that my son is doing things a baby his age wouldn't normally do.
*Why didn't I have kids sooner?* I asked myself.
-Probably because parents before have said having kids turns into hell when they grow up?- Embris suggested.
*Eh... fair enough.* |
My little Escapade | Chapter 71: Unfinished Business | "So how many foals do you and Mimic have?" Twilight asked.
"A hundred twenty seven." I said. Twilight's eyes nearly shot out their sockets at my answer.
"Ar-are you kidding me?" She stuttered. I shook my head. "Wow... I don't... I don't want to believe you." I glared at her. "I mean, I just find it hard to believe you."
"Even after Mimic came out and said that she's really a changeling?" She nodded nervously and I shrugged my shoulders. "Eh, believe me, don't believe me. I don't care."
"But that's it; you do care! Or else you wouldn't be telling me these things!" Twilight shouted.
"Who called who to come to their crystal tree house so they could ask questions?" I asked, which shut Twi up. "Thought so. But still, Twilight, your friends already accepted the fact I married a changeling, even Shining and Cadence were happy for us after the fact, and that I have kids with her. Why can't you?"
"I... I don't know." She sigh. "But, if I had to guess... It could be that she's a changeling." I looked at her for a short second. And then get up to leave. "Wait!" I stop, but I don't turn to face her. "I know I've worked with Queen Mirage. And that Queen Mimic is her daughter, and your wife. But-"
"Listen Twi," I cut her off. "I know a particular queen ruined your brothers wedding and basically brainwashed him. I understand that. But at the same time, it's been seven fucking years. I have told at least three times now that I have gone out if my god damned way to finish off what your brother and sister-in-law started. I even brought you proof for christ sake." I said while turning to face her.
"I know..." Twilight said. She looked like she wanted say 'but'.
"Look, if you just can't get over what happened twenty seven years ago, then this is the last time I even walk in this castle." I turned back around and kept walking. I grab one of my youngest sons and hoist him up to my shoulders.
"C'mon Nick. Let's go." I told him while picking him up.
"Okay daddie." He said. "What were you and aunty Twilight talking about?"
"Nothing you should worry about son." I replied. "And I think you should stop calling Twilight 'Aunty'. I think it makes her a little uncomfortable." I said. I bother to look behind as I left since I knew Twilight heard everything I said.
"Okay daddie. But why would she be uncumfertable?" He asked
"I'll explain it to you when you're older. Alright?" I said while looking up at him with a smile. He could only frown down at me.
Damn kid's smart for an eight-year-old.
"Okay daddie." He said.
"Hey, cheer up. How about I get you some ice cream?" As soon as those words left my lips he perked up.
"Yeah! Ice cream ice cream!"
"Alright. Let's go get some ice cream. We'll even get a few tubs for everybody."
"Yaaaaay! Ice cream!" He cheered.
I chuckled a little. When we left the castle, possibly for the last time...
Meh... Better off not being friends with someone who has a grudge against an entire species I basically married into.
And she's the princess of fucking friendship. How can you get more hypocritical than that?
Anyway. Nick decided that, even though I was getting him and his brothers and sisters ice cream, he would pester me about the crap me and Twilight were talking about.
"Daddie," He said, still frowning. All cute; you know. "What were you and twilight talking talking about?" I sighed.
"Alright, Nick, I'll tell you. You know Twilight has a brother and a sister-in-law right?" I asked, and he nodded. "Well, their wedding was ruined when a changeling kidnapped her sister-in-law and brainwashed her brother."
"Oh..." He said plainly. "Is that why she doesn't like us?" He asked.
*I swear to god they learn too fast.*
"I wouldn't call it that. I'd say it's more that she's uncomfortable around you guys." I said. "And sometimes me since I can do this." I transform to my changeling self. He gasped of out of joy and smiled.
"Daddie looks like grandma!" He said while hugging my neck. "You never do it unless you're telling stories!" I laughed a little.
"Hehe. Maybe I don't change often enough." I said.
"No!" He yelled, right into my ear. "You don't change enough daddie."
"I know Nick." I said while putting a foreleg around him. "I'll try and change more often."
"Yaaaaaaay!" He cheered. Thankfully before pulling away. "Can I ride you home daddie?"
"After we get some ice cream for everybody. Unless you already forgot about that?"
"No I didn't!" He grabbed my foreleg. " C'mon! I want ice cream."
"Alright, alright. Let's go." Nick kept holding onto my leg as he continued to do his best to drag me across town to Sugarcube corner. Ponies and changelings milling about would wave, and I would wave back.
It kinda felt a little odd; ever since changelings from Mirage's hive were granted citizenship by Celestia herself. Word somehow got out to other hives that basically there was an alien creature that helped save a hive from slowly starving to death. And because of that I got an absolute fuck-ton of changeling messengers asking for my help. I even had a few queens visit me themselves. Some of them were that desperate.
And luckily for all of them. They had me and the princesses to rely for help on.
And help them we did.
Good god, nearly as soon as all four of the princesses started backing me up. The general public pretty much went 'ok' and put their two cents in by coming up to me and offer jobs any changeling could perform. And not surprisingly enough most of them were for brothels and other 'Gentleman Clubs'. But, it was a win-for everyone; ponies got to act out their weirdest fantasies, and changelings got their now limitless supply of sustenance.
But, I guess in the end, that little odd feeling can go fuck itself. As egotistical as it sounds; I quite literally saved an entire species from extinction. And sort of became the unofficial ambassador of the changeling race. If it weren't for me, they would be dead, pretty much.
Anyway, Nick and me made it to Sugarcube Corner and immediately Pinkie greeted us before the door closed behind.
"Welcome to- Oh! Hi Emby! Hi Nicky!" She said in that hyperactive voice of hers.
"Hi aunty Pinky!" Nick said while rushing up to hug the pink party pony.
"Mmm! It's always good to see you! How's everypony doing at home?" She asked.
"We're doing fine!" He answered. "Can we get some ice cream?" He then asked.
"Ooooh! So that's what you're here for. What's the occasion this time?" She asked while shooting me a knowing smirk.
"Apparently Twilight doesn't like us!" He said, making Pinkie's smirk disappear.
"Oh... Uh, why would she not like you? You're super amazing!"
"I think you know why Pinkie." I answered.
"Really? I thought she was over that!" I scoffed.
"You'd think since she help me out with giving changelings citizenship." I said. "But I guess she did it more out of guilt than anything else."
"Guilt? Why- Ooooooooh... Right. But still! That was a long time ago!"
"I know right? Guess it's just hard for her to let go of the past."
"Like when Starlight came back and did all that timey wimey stuff?" I felt my eye twitch when she said that.
"Yes Pinkie. Though, I still don't know how the hell she came back. Considering what I really did."
"Yeah! It's like she came from a different dimension or something! She was so nice after Twilight introduced her!" I stared at her blankly.
"How do you come up with this of stuff?" I asked, but I shook my head. "Never mind... You're you." She giggled at that.
"I know! I would go off on a long talk and then you would interrupt me and then buy some of Aunty Pinkie's homemade ice cream and-" I shive my swiss hoof in her mouth. She tried to talk around my hoof. And only succeeded in creating rivers of saliva where the holes were. At that point I just deadpanned at her.
"You're gross sometimes Pinkie."
"Sthorry!" She said. I pull my hoof away, change it to a hand and back to a hoof in quick succession; the fire pretty much cleans off anything. "Sorry!" She repeated more clearly. "So what would you guys like? The usual?" I nodded. "Okie-dokie-lokie! Be right back!" Pinkie zoomed towards the back of the bakery.
"Daddie, how does Aunty Pinkie get all that ice cream?" Nick suddenly asked.
"Nick." I said. "You are better not asking any questions about what Pinkie is capable of."
"Why?"
"She can pull a canon from her hair."
"Really?" I nodded.
"Yes son. Pinkie is an enigma."
"What does that mean?"
"That's enough Nick." I said as Pinkie came back with a large quantity of tubs of ice cream; how she manages to carry that much weight, even for an earth pony, is beyond me.
"Here you go!" She said as he plopped the tubs over the counter. "That'll beeeee..." She looked up in thought. "Three hundred fifty bits!" She cheered. I nodded and conjured the needed amount of golden coins in neat stacks on the counter. Another anomaly since this wood and glass counter is supporting that much gold. And even more was added to the damn pile when Pinkie raked to mound of golden coins into the register.
Good thing I stopped caring about the laws of physics a few years back.
"Okie dokie! That's it right?" Pinkie asked.
"Yeah, for now anyway. Might come back to get some of your famous cupcakes." I said.
"Really!? Ok see you later maybe then!" She said as we left the establishment with the tubs hovering close behind.
"Daddie, can you tell me a story since you look like grandma?" Nick asked when we were some distance away.
"I don't know..." I said. "I don't think there's any story I can tell..." I looked up in mock thought. Then faked recollection. "Oh. There's this one where the entire town got tired of Dash's pranking and pranked her back." I suggested, to which he nodded to. "Alright, but it's a bit short compared to the others."
"It started when Dash thought it'd be funny to scare Fluttershy as a prank..." I began.
"So Dash's been annoying everyone in town?" I asked.
"That is the shortened version, but, yes." Rarity answered.
"And because of this, you five want me, and everyone else, to play a good prank on her to teach her a lesson?"
"That's right." Aj answered. "We're sick n' tired of Rainbow playin' 'pranks' on everypony." She said with air quotes.
"Yeah! They're not even funny anymore!" Pinkie said. "She even made Fluttershy cry!" My head snapped towards the pink pony when she said that.
"Really?" I asked. And she nodded. "Alright, count me in. What're we gonna do for this prank?"
"Well. Pinkie told us that Rainbow plans to replace the CMC's cookies with these fake cookies that stain your mouth with rainbow colors. Twilight explained.
"So I'm gonna get the everypony to act like zombies when they eat the cookies!" Pinkie finished. "Especially you!" She pointed at me.
"Why especially me?" I asked.
"We think you would be the perfect candidate to, scare Rainbow straight , darling." Rarity said. I raised a brow at her wording.
"We want ya ta make Dash cry." Aj clarified.
"Oh, alright." I said. "When does it start?"
"Jus' wait about fifteen minutes after we come by to sell ya them fake cookies. After that go outside and don't talk back if Dash finds ya. If she doesn't find ya then come to the barn." Aj explained. "Oh! And if she does find ya, only say cookies all creepy like when she tapps yer shoulder or somethin'." She added.
"Got it see you guys later then." I said. The girls left and I spent a few minutes decided how I should look.
"Let's see..." I looked myself in the bathroom. "Feathers out of place," I twist a few to make them point out at odd angles. "Ragged appearance... I'm better off doing this as a changeling." I transform into my king changeling form and change to my human form. It was much easier to 'zombify' myself that way. So I made random feathers stick out, I made myself look a bit ragged, a little emaciated as well, and as the final touches I made my eyes look a little faded and added a few scratches on my beak. I even added a few little nicks in the edges of my wings. Juuust to make the look all more convincing.
Eventually the CMC, Aj, Rarity and Rainbow came by and sold me some cookies. I curiously popped one in my mouth. It was kind of bland in my opinion. And it was also weird that there was this awful spicy taste to it. Like Rainbow made these with green bell pepper; nothing tastes good with green bell peper, not even pizza.
Disappointments aside, one cookie was enough to stain my mouth, and lips, and pretty much the area around my lips.
I ate the thing like any normal human being.
Anyway, I wait about fifteen minutes before letting Mimic know, reimplementing the zombie look, and began my trek through town at a trudging pace.
I think it was five minutes that I spent walking around until I heard Rainbow call out to me.
"Ember! Thank Celestia I found you! I think there's something really bad going in..." I hear her land behind me. "... Ember?" I stop in my tracks. "...Are you ok?" I heard rainbow walk up to me from behind and tap a hoof on the back of my thigh. I put on this starving look and turn around.
"Cooooookieeeees!" I semi-shouted in a gruff tone. Rainbow shrieked and flew off towards Aj's farm. I suppressed a smirk and thought about chasing after. But I thought against it. For I had a better plan; I teleported to what assumed was the barn Rainbow and others hid in, which was confirmed by the towns ponies surrounding it. I then cast an invisibility spell and teleported inside the barn. More towards the ceiling to stay out of sight. I saw a zombified Applejack kick a wheel...thing, away. Allowing the rest in. I smiled a bit and dropped to the ground facing Rainbow.
I nearly busted out laughing when I heard Rainbow scream.
I slowly stood straight up and moaned at her. I walked towards her with the 'afflicted' ponies behind me and she backed up, pushing the large pile of cookies as close to the adjacent wall. My lips twisted into a hungry smile and groggily reached out towards the cookies. Ignoring Rainbow's protest and mortified face all the while. I was just waiting to see single tear run down her face.
The moment finally came when I grabbed a box next to her head. Seeing that tear just roll down her cheek filled me with such accomplishment that I fell to the ground laughing my ass off. Finally seeing that bitch get what was coming to her was just too hilarious to not to laugh at.
"And that's how the everybody in town got their revenge for Rainbow annoying them to the point of near insanity." I finished. Nick just looked at me, kind of impressed.
"You were right. That was a short story." He said. "But it was kinda funny."
"Yeah..."
"But.. you made Rainbow cry?" I nodded. "How did you do that? I thought she was unscarable."
"You can thank Pinkie for that." I answered. "She got the whole town to make Rainbow think we turned into cookie-crazed zombies. They just wanted to be the guy that made Rainbow cry. I honestly think she wouldn't have if I wasn't there."
"Really?"
"Yeah, she's one tough cookie." That little crack made Nick laugh a little. I chuckled along and Nick stopped in his tracks. I noticed this when he was a few feet behind me. I looked at him weirdly when I noticed the thousand yard stare he was maintaining.
"Nick? What's wrong?" He point straight ahead as soon as I asked. I turned towards what he was pointing at, and I beheld a peculiar sight.
There was a changeling queen, one I didn't recognize, standing in my front yard. Her chitin was dark orange, her hair was a lighter shade, and she had beetle-like wings. She sensed my presence and turned to me, her eyes were orange colored as well.
"Greetings, young King Ember." She said while bowing slightly. So she has some respect towards me. "I am Queen Cicada of the Amber hive. I come with grave news." I bow back to her, but for some reason she kept her head down.
"I don't believe I meet anyone from your hive. Why come to me now? Surely you have heard of the Sapphire hive and our efforts." Cicada picked her head up.
"I have..." She said. "But I believed your 'efforts' to be false." She sheepishly admitted. "But hearing what your children have told me..."
"Alright, what is this news you have?"
"I... If what I heard is correct... You, eliminated the Tyrant Chrysalis?" She asked, to which I nodded. "And all of her children fell to you?" I nodded again.
"As far as I know, yes. Why do you ask?" Her face went from apprehensive to grim. That nearly sent a shiver down my spine. I already am drawing conclusions at that point.
"I... Chrysalis... has a daughter. She lives as well." |
My little Escapade | Chapter 72: With Titles come Power | *Fuck my tits through a straw.*
*How the hell did she get away? When did that bitch even have a daughter become a queen?*
*Fuck it, she will die tonight.*
Those thoughts flitted through my brain in fractions of a second. To say my reaction was mixed would be an understatement. Same couldn't be said on the outside though, I actually managed to remain serene.
"Do you know where she is?" I calmly asked. And while I didn't show it. Nick and Cicada perfectly knew just what I was feeling. And it's not like I'm unjustified; this daughter could be planning something at this very moment.
"... Yes... I do." Cicada hesitantly answered. "And before you do anything... rash. She would like to speak to you."
"Oh? Really? What she like to talk about?"
"I would like to speak on friendly terms, actually." A new voice demanded. I found my head snapping to wear to voice came from. Apparently this little princess was hiding in the forest. I sent mental messages to my kids standing guard in front of my house to escort Nick inside. They did so efficiently when Chrysalis's daughter began to approach. She was a spitting image of her mother. And to be honest, in the deepest pit of my mind, I hoped just physically.
"Speak then." I ordered. "You have sixty seconds to convince me not to turn you into a pile of smoldering ashes. Starting now." I began counting down.
*Sixty.*
"I have known ever since I was A nymph you killed my mother."
*Forty-nine, forty-eight.*
"At first. I thought you were a monster for doing what you have done. But I have heard... stories from other hives about mother's... 'reputation'."
*Forty-seven, forty-six.*
"From I have heard... my mother was really the monster. And... If I may be honest, if it were not for you, I highly doubt my kind would have survived."
*Forty-four.*
"And... I would like to apologize for my mother's actions. I... I know there is nothing I could say or do to make you forgive my mother, or me... So... Do with me as you please." She looked down and winced, as if expecting the worst to come. I stopped counting and considered the options presented to me; I can either reject her apology and kill her right on the spot. Or I could take a risk and accept the apology. Of course, there were many more things that came to mind for me to consider. And a short-spoken agreement between Mimic and myself helped to make my decision. I walked up to Chrysalis's daughter and put a hoof on her withers. She flinched a little, but looked up at me after a few seconds of nothing happening. A glint of hope in her eyes.
"You've no need to apologize for your mother. You have proven to me you are nothing like her." I said. "In fact, I should be the one apologizing for taking your mother away from you. How old are you?"
"Fifteen if I was a pony." She answered. "And my name is Onyx." But god fucking damn it she's young...
"Onyx... A unique name. Come, both of you, we have much to talk about." I said with a nod towards my house. "And welcome to the Azurite Hive." I said both verbally and mentally. The cue being well received among my kin and Mimic.
... I swear to fucking god, being a changeling changes things within me more than what I'm comfortable with.
No matter... Did it again. Uuuuuugh that's gonna be annoying for the rest of the day.
Anyway, with everyone ready I lead Amber and Onyx into my humble abode. It was completely empty except for Max and Spark.
"Hey Spark, what's up Max?" I said towards the living room.
"Hello."
"Nothing much. New queens?" He asked while coming out to the room.
"More like one queen and a princess." I answered.
"I am a queen, actually." Onyx corrected.
"Two queens." I said.
"Alright." He said, ending the short conversation.
I moved on and lead the queens towards my room. No doubt confusing the both of them. When I turned around their faces confirmed my assumption.
"This... Is your hive?" Onyx asked.
"I am starting to believe the rumors I heard were indeed false." Amber remarked bitterly. I just smiled and pulled a random book on the only bookshelf in my room with my magic. Revealing the old hallway.
"You've heard that I'm not a real changeling, correct?" I asked. They nodded. "Well, if what you both heard was fake. I wouldn't be able to do this." I said before l turn back to my human form. I decided to make it a bit dramatic and kneel when I transformed. I stood straight up and ruffled my wings a bit to complete the image. The little show left both queens gaping. Good, they know that wasn't changeling magic.
"I stand corrected, please lead the way." Cicada said, Onyx quickly agreed with what Cicada said. I smirked and beckoned them to follow me down the hall without looking back. Soon enough I heard two sets of hooves close behind me.
"Eem... Where exactly are we going? I understand this obviously leads to your real hive, but..."
"This seems a little too convoluted to hide an entire hive." Onyx finished.
"You'd be surprised how much some ponies... dislike what I've been doing. Being an unofficial ambassador for changelings and official for humans and all." I said with a long pause. "So this is the best thing I did to at least lessen the assassination attempts. Don't know how other queens avoid it all together though..."
"Anyway." I said just as we got to the elevator. "This might jostle you a bit, unless you've been on an elevator before?" Cicada nodded, but Onyx shook her head. "Alright, don't be alarmed then." I push the down button and the doors slide open. With a slight flourish I allow the queens to go first before I walk in with them and push the negative one button. The doors close and the elevator began its slow descent. I noticed Onyx didn't have any sort of reaction, she probably decided not to show it.
Anyway. The elevator slowly came to a stop and the doors opened. Revealing a thriving, but small community of my children. Facing the other end of this huge room, the left and right walls were covered in numerous hexagonal chambers. Though, there were more than enough rooms for each and every one of my children.
Meh, that'll be fixed soon enough.
"This... is your hive?" Cicada asked, and I nodded. "I mean no offense, but this seems rather small."
"Eh, we just started building all of this a few years back." I said. "And my... Essence kinda made the birthing process a little slow." I admitted. But surprisingly, my kids grow up a little faster than the average human."
"That makes a lot of sense." Onyx said.
I lead the queens through the 'Grand Hall' as I like to call it now. And any of my kids that were close enough to hear us walk by started looking at me. Most at the new queens, with their emotionless stares. It was supposed to make them feel at least a little uncomfortable. But it only works on a few. It looked it was affecting Onyx though. If the subtle twitch of her left eye I saw when I glanced back was any indication.
"Must your children stare?" Oh yeah, it got to her.
"They're always curious when they see new queens." I simply answered.
"I understand that," Cicada said. "But why have an escort in your own home?"
"Practice. Sometimes I take some of my kids out on business trips."
"For protection?"
"More like social image."
"I see... Why don't they have any form of weapons?"
"They do, it's just not like anything you've seen before."
"Oh? How so?"
"Lex?" I said to one of my kids walking with us. "Present your weapon please." I ordered kindly. He did so and held the pistol in front of the new queens in his magic. I took a quick glance and saw them staring at the foreign object. An amused smile curved my lips.
"It's basically a hand cannon." I said. I felt both Cicada and Onyx whip their heads in my direction, probably gawking at me. "Yes, you heard me right. A handheld cannon."
"Not possible." Cicada stated. "I cannot believe such a weapon exists."
"Even though there is a prime example right in front of you?" I asked. I looked over my shoulder just in time to see her nod her head. "Alright then. Lex?"
"Yes sir!" Shouted my son. Our little group stopped walking and a steel plate with a target appeared off to the side. Lex brought the gun back to himself, aimed, and fired. The sound from the little thing stunning both queens. While me and my kids were completely unaffected. Cicada and Onyx held their fore hooves up to their ears in pain, but they recovered in good time.
"That was rather loud..." Commented Onyx. "Could you have warned us?" I shrugged.
"I could've." I said. "But look at that." I said while pointing to the steel plate. The queens look towards it and saw the black dent in the center. "And it's pure metal. Steel to be exact." I said. I let that sink in for a minute for the queens. No doubt they were having a hard time processing something the size of a hand having that much power. "Believe me now?" I asked, and they both nodded. "Good, let's move on. Mimic really wants to talk to you both." They recomposed themselves and nodded again. I then lead them to the very back of the huge room. Elevated thrones, one for me and one for Mimic -who was nursing a newborn, stood proudly presenting their dark blue and grey coloring.
As much as I'd like to think Cicada and Onyx were gaping at the thrones, they were more focused on the rottweilers sitting off to the sides.
"Ember honey!" Mimic said. "These are the queens?" I nodded. "Excellent, could you, and only you, come here please?" I arched a brow at her sudden request, but did as she asked.
"What's up?" I asked when I was at her side.
"Cheerilee wants to talk one of us about something going on with Marble. From what she just told me it's not good."
I felt my eye twitch when she said that.
"Please watch yourself. I don't want a repeat like with Alex."
"You got it. I'll take of things right now." I said in a reserved tone. I teleported to the schoolhouse. Where Cheerilee was standing with Marble and some other filly. Marble instantly sensed my presence and scampered over to me.
"Daddy!" She cheered while glomping onto my arm. I brought her up and saw she was tearing up.
*Ok, let's see what exactly happened.* I thought.
-Remember what Mimic--
*I know Embris, just shut up right now.* I said mentally while walking over to Cheerilee and the filly. God the filly had this hateful look that pissed me off on so many levels, wanted to smack it off her face.
"Good evening Ember." Cheerilee greeted when I was close enough.
"Evening." I said a little too flatly. "So what's the situation this time?" I asked.
"I think you're better off asking Diamond Glint right here." She answered, nodding towards the pouting filly.
"I didn't do anything." Glint spat. "I just called her a useless bug because she is one!" I felt Marble's grip on my arm tighten when the little spoiled bitch said that.
"Who are her parents?" I asked while ignoring the little cunt.
"Filthy and Spoiled Rich." Cheerilee answered with a knowing smirk.
"Thank you, I'll be taking Glint home if you don't mind."
"Please do. I got a lot of work to grade."
"Great. I'll see you around." We nodded to each other and I grabbed Diamond bitch with my magic.
"Hey! Let me go!" She demanded while she struggled. I just ignored her and cradled Marble.
"Is that all she did to you sweetie? Did she just call you a mean name?" I asked while speaking softly.
"N-no..." Marble sniffed. "She... she hit me too." She said.
"No I-!" I closed Glint cunt's mouth.
"Where did she hit you?"
"Right here." Marble pointed at her left cheek. I took a closer look and saw that was indeed a small crack right where her tiny hand was pointing. Jesus fucking christ, Glint really hit her hard.
"Oh, I see... does it still hurt?"
"A little when I talk."
"Alright, let daddy take a picture I'll fix it right up. Ok?" Marble nodded and I summoned my phone and snapped a quick pic. I then cast a little healing spell and the crack disappeared. "There, feel better?"
"A little, can you kiss it?" She asked. I smiled and kissed the healed booboo.
"You feel better now?" I asked with a smile.
"Yeah, thanks daddy!" She reached up and wrapped her arms around my neck.
"You're welcome sweetie." I turned back to Glint, and glare with as much malice as I could at any child. She could care less of course.
*Just you wait you spoiled brat.* I thought. This wasn't the first time I had to deal with stuff like this. I just didn't think it would end up being this bad.
Seriously, what kind of kid punches another that hard?
A fucking serial killer in training, I tell ya.
Anyway, we make to Filthy Rich's mansion, easily getting past the retarded gate that surrounded the property, and knocked on the front door. The door opened and a servant pony dressed in a black suit and tie greeted us.
"Welcome to the Rich Manner, how may I be of assistance?" He asked in a professional tone.
"Good evening, I would like to speak to Filthy Rich, it's about his daughter." I said.
"Very well sir. He will arrive shortly." The servant bowed before leaving.
"Thank you." I said, the three of us stood in silence until Filthy appeared.
"Hello..?" He said while looking at my legs. His eyes slowly drifted up to meet mine. "L-lord Ember!?" He quickly threw himself into a bowing position. "T-to what do I owe this welcome visit?"
"Your daughter assaulted my child. Mr. Rich." His demeanor changed before I finished my statement.
"Ar- bu- are you accusing my daughter assaulted your... child?" He blubbered while pausing at the end.
I knew what little fucking pause meant. Damn bigot.
"I wouldn't be here if it didn't happen." I answered. "Also. Here is you daughter." I floated Glint over to Filthy, who promptly rushed over and held Filthy in a death grip. Then the little ray of sunshine went on a two minute-long rant making shit up like who I mistreated her on our way to his house.
Psh. Like I'd hit someone else's kid.
Anyway, after Glint's stupid little rant. Filthy said something along the lines of, 'If this is true, you're in serious shit'. And he went on to blab about how he had connections and how he would use those to his advantage if we ever go to court.
And he said he would my children taken away from me.
There were a lot of things I could have responded with. But I kept my rebuttal to four sentences;
"I helped the former bearers of the Elements of Harmony defeat the literal biggest threat to this world. I am personal friends with all four princesses due to reasons far beyond your comprehension. And I am both ambassador of the human race and King of the Azurite changeling hive. Any form of threat you make can and will be interpreted as causation towards war declaration on your country."
"..."
The little statement left him a little flabbergasted, to say the least.
"I... eeehm..."
"Choose your next words carefully, Mr. Rich." I said testily. "What you might say will lead to Equestria's fall." He visibly gulped when I said. He also started sweating bullets at that point, it was kinda funny.
"I... I..." Heh, even Glint was staring wide-eyed at her father. "Ap-p-pologies L-lord E-ember. M-my daughter w-will not h-harm any of y-you children ag-gain." I smile innocently and nodded.
"Glad we came to an understanding, thank you for your time." I said, I was about to leave with Marble but I realized something.
*If Glint's like her sister...* I turned my attention to the little demoness.
"One more thing before I leave; don't even think about getting other ponies to pick on, bully, or mess with any of my children. I'll know if you started it." I said casually. "Trust me. I will know." I said before I spun around and left.
"Daddy," Marble said within my arms. "why did you say those things?" ... I'm guessing she wasn't paying attention much.
"Because he threatened to take you and everyone else away from me sweetie." I answered. "No one is taking my family away from me."
"Why?"
"Because he thinks the stuff that happened with you and Glint didn't happen."
"But it did happen!"
"And I believe you. Filthy just doesn't believe us."
"He's a big dutie-head then." Marble grumbled while pouting.
"I know Marble. That's why I told him that stuff. If I didn't, he probably would've tried to take you away from me."
"Oh, ok!" She said while wrapping her tiny little arms around my neck. |
My little Escapade | Chapter 73: With Power comes Morals | With the little issue taken care of. I took Marble on a piggy back ride back home. She loved it as per usual. I love having fun with my kids...
Anyway we got home and Spark gave me a letter after I put Marble down.
"A letter? From who?" I asked.
"Celestia." Spark answered. I took a second at the parchment and saw Celestia's cutie mark as the seal.
"Oh, thanks," I said while taking the scroll. "wonder what she wants this time..." I muttered.
-She probably wants you to go to some stupid meeting.- Embris guessed.
"Wouldn't put it past her." I said. "Been the only way I see her and Luna nowadays." I open the letter.
Dear Lord Ember,
Fucking called it. She only addresses me like that when she needs me for something.
We request your presence for we are holding the meeting of the Equestrian races. Thank you.
~With hugs and kisses, Princess Celestia.
I force a sigh past my lips; she always wants me to go to those meetings.
~It makes no sense considering you are an immigrant from another world.~ Ruby said.
"I know right?"
=Maybe it's something with you 'starting' this meet 'n greet thing?= The embodiment of my rage suggested.
"She's already diverting attention from herself by doing that. I don't even know why she wouldn't want that kind of attention."
-Maybe she doesn't like that much attention? From other species at least?-
"She's a fucking princess. And so is Luna, they're supposed to get that much attention. Why would they not want admiration?"
~Probably because she and Luna and benevolent rulers?~ Ruby asked rhetorically.
"That still doesn't make sense to me. I know she cares for every single in one of her subjects. She just cares too much about them. People like me or Kim Jong Un could play her like a fiddle like Terry did with the Joker. If ponies lived on Earth anyway."
-Nice.-
"Thank you. I try." I said while I incinerated the letter with magic fire.
~You really like doing that, don't you?~ Ruby asked.
"What gave you that idea?"
~You burn every single letter you get from Celestia. It's hard to not notice when I can only see through your eyes.~
"Oh, really? I wouldn't have thought so." I said casually. I kindly asked Spark to let Mimic know I'm going on another business trip and teleport to the front of Canterlot Castle. The guards at the gate, completely unfazed by my sudden appearance, nod towards and allow me entrance. I nod back and head towards the conference room.
"So you two like our agreements?" Mimic asked the two queens before her.
"Yes." Cicada answered with a happy nod.
"Yes..." Onyx answered. "But... are you sure King Ember is going to be ok with both of you acting as my mother and father?"
"I'm fairly sure." Mimic responded. But then look to her left, and then her right, as if expecting someone to pop up, then she motioned for Onyx to come closer. Which the young queen obliged to. "He kinda has a soft spot for these kinds of things." She whispered.
"He... oh, wow... He does really care."
"Yes." Mimic nodded. "He was very close to his parents. I know he couldn't live with himself if he left you without a mother. Especially after how you carried yourself around him."
"I... I don't know what to say... Besides, thank you." Onyx said while bowing.
"Think nothing of it. Now, how about we get started as mother and daughter?" Onyx nodded vigorously. "Great! Oh, and Cicada," Mimic turned to the mentioned queen. "my children will accompany you and help you get situated in the closest city to your hive."
"Thank you." Cicada said before bowing and leaving. Five Azurites joined the departing queen.
"So..." Onyx started after a bit of silence. "What should we do, as mother and daughter?"
"Well, that depends," Mimic said. "Where would you want to begin? We could start like, if you were three, for example."
"But... that would mean... Wouldn't there be a lot of... I don't know, catching up to do?"
"Yes," She answered with a simple nod. "but, it all comes down to what you want to do. You're my daughter, there's no need to hesitate about anything." Mimic said. "Now, what would you like to do?" Onyx though this over, it took her at the very least four minutes to finally come to a decision.
"Can we... braid each other's manes?" She timidly asked. She then herself blushing when Mimic giggled.
"Of course!" The dark-tinted queen answered.
"How much longer is it going to take for Gregor to get here?" I asked.
"Patience, my friends. I am sure Gregor will arrive shortly." Celestia responded. I sighed in exasperation while I looked about the occupants of the room.
The little get together had gained a lot of members after the first meeting; there was Zan from Zebrica, Soterios from the minotaur provinces, Digger of the diamond dog packs, Fair Heart of the changeling hives, Chief Brave Hoof of the Buffalo tribes, King Aspen of the Deer kingdom, Prince Rutherford from Yakyakistan, Gregor of the gryphon kingdom. And finally, Ocean Breeze of the sea ponies.
The seapony thing kinda threw me off. Since they technically are a sub-race of ponies, like pegasi. But eh, I don't really care.
OH. And then there's princess Ember. The Dragonlord. ...
No comment, but anyway...
Fucking Greg was late, as usual.
He's pretty much like that one guy everyone in the office hates. And that's pretty much destroying the already weak image the gryphons have.
And that's not just from a single biased opinion. Naw, it isn't.
It's from every single person's biased opinion.
The gryphons are fucked beyond redemption at this point. I mean, there's still some nice ones out there like this one gryphon I know named Gabby; Nice girl. But still, as a species they're screwed.
I also thought it was kinda weird that a gryphon had an italian name. But, then again, this planet isn't Earth either.
That's kinda easy to forget when there are about nine different sapient species that remind me of people on cultures back Earth, with the possibility of more joining in the future. Definitely more since the Sea Ponies were quite the wild card.
Anyway, it was a good five more minutes of waiting before the sound of a door opening got everyone's attention.
We took a collective glance and saw the light blue bastard strutting his way towards us. The whole room was silent, minus the lone sound of claws on marble. Every single person watched as the little shitstain strutted his ass towards his seat. He even managed to sit down like an asshole.
"Now that everypony is in attendance, we may begin." Celestia started. "Princess Ember," She said. "you requested a 'more stable' supply of gems, may I ask why?"
"Ever since we established contact with you ponies, more and more dragons have been gathering, looking for guidance, apparently." The dragoness elaborated. "Kinda doesn't help that we also got started making a country and stuff."
"I see. We will make adjustments accordingly then." Celestia nodded.
*Where does she get all that shit from?*
~Possibly from the diamond dogs. And judging from Digger's reaction, they're not going to be too happy about it.~
*They have all the land they need within the equestrian borders to mine all the gems they could want, with the proper tools to boot. I don't see why they'd be mad about selling a little bit more gems. It's not like the dragons are going to need the supply for long either. They're just starting a nation to call their own.*
"Well, that is all the business I had, would anypony else like to-" Celestia began, but was interrupted by Greg.
"I need more gold." He stated as if what he said was a matter of fact. All while looking at the royal sisters.
The room stayed quiet for a good two minutes before Luna answered.
"We are sorry Gregor. But all of us have already donated ten percent of all our spare funds. Why do you need more?" Luna queried.
"What we do with our wealth does not concern anyone." Stated the bird-lion hybrid.
"I believe it does when you wealth comes from our pockets." Soterios said with a snort. A statement everyone minus Celestia, Luna, and Princess Ember agreed with.
"I am not permitted to disclose sensitive information." Greg droned out. To which all of us face palmed; the gryphons are really annoying.
"How about you tell us where our bits are going and maybe we'll consider giving you more?" I offered.
"The bits need to be guaranteed." Greg said.
"The bits will be guaranteed, but we must know what is the source of your greed." Zan said. Greg sighed, but otherwise kept his beak shut.
"I guess that means a no then." Aspen said with a nod. He was about to speak more, but Greg kept him from doing so.
"If you do not supply the Gryphon Kingdom, we will be forced to make you." He said with no trace of emotion.
"That a threat for war?" I asked with a raised brow.
"Depends, do we have a deal?" Greg asked with interest.
I, of course, was having none of his manipulative bullshit.
"Alright, how about this;" I started. "either you don't make any war threats and we continue to work on a solution. Or all of us declare war on your stupid little kingdom and turn your species into slaves?" I said with a smile.
That offer somehow offended Greg, since he pulled out a crossbow from under his wing and aimed it at me. He took a quick second and pulled the trigger. I saw the bolt fly through the air towards me while Soterios and Princess Ember got work apprehending Greg.
Meanwhile I actually let the bolt hit me; I wanted to see where he was aiming. Kinda dumb, I know.
It also took a lot of concentrating to keep from moving out of the way. Something I should maybe work on. Although, it probably took a lot of that concentration since the bolt actually impaled itself right in the middle of my forehead.
I also felt really drunk at that moment. Like, borderline blackout drunk. I didn't even know what was going on anymore. I was vaguely aware that there was a commotion, at least. But other than that, I was pretty much stumbling about. I think.
I then felt a pulling sensation on the middle of my forehead, and suddenly world came back into focus. And Celestia was screaming in my face.
"Huh?"
"Ember! Are you alright!? Speak to me!" She demanded.
"I'm fine I'm fine! The hell's going on!?" I yelled back. Which prompted a sigh of relief from the pony... currently on top of me.
"Oh, nothing much." She said without getting off of me. "Soterios and Princess Ember are currently holding down Gregor." She said. "Since he just assaulted you, I suggest you handle the situation."
"Alright..."
There was a pregnant silence while we stared at each other, I kept staring at her, my face showing more and more of my irritation as time passed. And all she did was look down at me, that stupidly innocent smile plastered on my face. I grunted and teleported from her under her. I heard her snicker a bit while I walked over to Soterios and Princess Ember. I looked down at the struggling ambassador. He soon laid eyes on me, freezing as he did so.
"How are you still alive!? I saw the bolt pierce your head!" He screeched, I managed to only chuckle a little bit.
"You got balls, I like that." I said. "But," I got close to his face. "I'm not gonna be taken down so easily." I said while backing away just in time to avoid a little nip.
I then got nice little idea. I looked back at Celestia, who was still holding the crossbow bolt. We locked eyes and she instantly knew what I was planning. With a small, almost unnoticeable smirk, she handed me the bolt. I graciously took it and immediately shoved it right into his left claw.
What followed was thee most blood curdling, pain filled screeched I've ever heard. Princess Ember and Soterios actually had to cover their ears, and I'm guessing along with everyone else.
I could care less, of course. I had a message to send to the king. |
My little Escapade | Chapter 74: Diplomatic Relations | He was still screaming, even after I left the bolt embedded in his claw, little bitch.
"Listen," I started. "You are going to go back to your king, tell him that we rejected his proposition, and send some other gryphon to the next meeting. Got it?" I asked. "Would you kindly do that for me?" I got no response. He was still screaming his ass of. "Do it or I'll pluck your wings."
That shut him up, pretty quickly too.
He nodded and bolted off when I got off him. He still had the arrow in his hand, meh...
"Ember?" I turned to Celestia. "You do realize you may have started a war with them. Correct?" She asked, I thought about my answer for a bit. And decided to shrug.
"It's been getting boring around here anyway." I said casually.
"Wait," The Dragon Lord said. "are you implying you want to start a war?"
"No. It's literally been dull for while now. For me anyway." I said.
"What do you mean?" I turned round and saw that it was Soterios who spoke.
"My kids have already began taking care of themselves. I hardly need to do anything any more as a father. I'm still an important figure in their lives. But, they grow up too damn fast."
"Then it is a good thing you will always have nymphs, correct?" Fair Heart asked.
"Yyyes and no," I answered. "Yes, I'll always have kids that I can take care of. But what about the ones that're all grown up? It's hard to balance time between my kids." I said with a sigh. My entire posture sagged a bit. I then felt something on my waist. It was Fair Heart's hoof.
"May we speak in private?" I nodded and we left the conference room. "You know, you could always enter the hive mind. It's much easier to interact with all your kin within."
"I know... But, I can't handle that." I admitted. "I'd lose my mind if I spent a second listening to all those voice at once. The human brain wasn't built take that amount of information. Especially with how fast some of 'em are."
"I see... Have you ever tried..?"
"Yes, I tried that, and let me tell ya, being a changeling myself only gave me a few a seconds before it went crazy." I shuddered. "I was glad I... disconnected, when I did."
"Oh... I see... Would you want help?" She asked.
"What?"
"I believe I can help you with this... predicament. If you are willing."
"Anything to keep my family as close as possible."
"Splendid! Shall we then?"
"You go one ahead of me. I'm gonna be while." Fair Heart nodded and disappeared in a flash of light. I left Canterlot Castle, having decided to take to scenic route back to Ponyville. I was planning to walk for a bit, I thought walking through the forest would clear my mind a bit.
But, almost like everything else in my life since coming here, shit hit the fan way too quickly. Something hit me in the back of my head, pretty hard actually. Nothing that would knock me out, but enough to disorient me. And, just my fucking luck, I felt something wrap around my entire being. I tried to struggle my way out of... whatever the hell was trapping me. I received another bonk to the head. Whoever did that actually managed to knock me out...
Those fuckers are dead as soon as I wake up.
Ugh, my head is killing me. What happened? Where that fuck am I?
Ok... wait... Things are coming back to me... Ooooh.... Right yeah.
Ok, now I'm pissed beyond humanly possible.
... And I've had my eyes close this whole, it'd be a good idea if-
"Look, thing looks like it's waking up." Oh great, one of captours sound like a fag.
"Whaddya think tha boss wanted with this thayng? Don't we have 'nough?" And the other sounds more like a Bostonian. And that other one sounds more like... I think a slave driver, I think I know that's what's going on with how they're talking... Good lord I've watched too many movies.
"Don't know, don't care. Imma go let the boss know. You keep watch on that thing." I heard one of them walking away. I slowly opened my eyes, and saw that I was in some kind of decent-sized tent. That had stripes, orange and yellow stripes.
Oh my fucking god, yep, ponies are dying today. Or tonight, whatever the fucking time is.
"You guys are fucking idiots." I said.
"Woah! Holy tartarus! Ya can talk!?" Stupid asked.
"Yeah numbnuts. I can talk, where the hell am I anyway?" I looked at the pony talking. Turns out it was a girl with brown fur
"Oh! Uh, you're at Silly Sting's Circus." He answered.
"Really? You guys kidnap me so I can be part of a fucking act?"
"Uh... yeah... Pretty much. We kinda need ta do that stuff if we wanna keep making them bits." Really? This shit exists here? There is such thing as animal torture on this planet?
"..."
"Uh... Ya alright there?"
"..."
"Hey! Ya in that tiny head of yours?" I saw the pony waving her hoof in front of my face. "What's wrong with ya? Parasprite got your tongue?"
"... So you, and your friends, take animals from their homes, and use them for entertainment?" I asked.
"Uh... well... yeah..." I can see the dread on this idiot's face. Good.
"Huh, didn't know that kinda stuff was legal." I said, feigning ignorance.
"It... it actually kinda isn't..." The girl said while scratching the back of her neck.
"Oh, really? Then why are you doing something you know is wrong?" The female looked down dejectedly.
"I don't know about everypony else here. But, I kinda didn't have a choice..."
"What?"
"Uh..." She hesitated, about what? I don't know. "My family weren't really that 'well off' when I was growin' up. So I didn't have that many bits when my parents... died."
Oh, god.
"What about work? There had to be something better than this."
"Where I came from, nopony wanted to hire a freakin' earth pony."
"Canterlot?"
"That obvious?" I nodded.
"Yeah, I had the unfortunate opportunity of meet a few of them. Some of 'em are good-hearted. But... fuck the rest."
"'Know whatcha mean..." The ponies head dipped a bit.
"Say... I just thought of this." I said. "How 'bout we make a deal?"
"Oh yeah, what can somethin' like you got for me?"
"Well, I am friends with Princess Twilight."
"Really? How am I 'sposed to know it you lyin' or not?"
"You really never heard of me?" She shook her head. "Name's Ember. And I'm a human if you were wondering."
"Oh..." Fucking hell, she's slow. "Oh." Op, she's getting there. "Oh! Buck me!" She slapped a hoof to her face in realization. Bingo! "How didn't I notice that!?" She rushed behind and undid the ropes binding me. Normally, I would've ripped them myself. But, I guess plans change every once in awhile.
"There!" She declared as the rope slid off me. I got up and stretched. "But, about that deal you were talkin' about..."
"Right, well. I was thinking, if you got me out of here... wherever the hell we are, I could talk to Twilight and see what she can do about your situation." The pony gaped at my offer.
Hehe, she looks like a fish.
Anyway, it took her a couple second to recover.
"Really?" I nodded. "That... that'd be awesome..."
"Well, if you get me out of here..." I said leadingly while holding my hand out. She looked at it for moment, unsure about something, but she eventually shook it. "Great; we got a deal. Now, where the hell are we?"
"Just outside Fillydelphia." She answered. Now it was my jaw's turn to hit the floor. I even know that's fucking far from Canterlot.
"That's a bit much, don't you think?" I asked.
"What? Ya mean the distance?" I nodded. "Not really, the animals in the forest 'round here are kinda boring to be honest." I shook my head.
"Whatever, let's just get the hell out of here." The pony nodded and left the tent. I wasn't far behind.
I then saw the cages. Cages holding animals. Why the he- ...
That's... That's a human... There is a fucking human amongst the cages. A regular human, non-anthro.
"Ay! You alright there?" The pony asked me. I ignored her and walked up to the cage. The person was curled up, on the ground, their back facing me.
"Why the fuck is one of my kind doing here?" I asked.
"What?" I heard her behind me.
"You have one of my own kind, locked up." She looked to me, then the person, then back to me. "Both of us are humans. And you have this one locked up."
"Oh..." Great, she's like a pony girl version of Patrick. "Oh! Buck me... I'm not responsible for this!" I raised my brow at her. "Honest, he was hear before I started workin' here." I sighed.
"Alright, I'll believe you. Just unlock the door." She nodded, walked up the cage door, pull out a ring of keys from somewhere, and unlocked the door, letting it swing open. The poor guy heard the door squeaking open and lazily picked up his head to look at us. His sunken-in eyes widened when he saw me.
"¿Que... Que eres? ¿Eres un ángel?" Him speaking Spanish kinda caught me off guard, but... it does bring a little light to this situation...
"Soy un humano." I answered. "¿Sabes lo que es un anthro?"
"No..." He answered.
"No importa, ahora mismo, vamos a salir de aquí." I saw his eyes visibly brighten when I said that.
"¿De Verdad? ¿Estamos dejando este infierno?" I nodded.
"Dios Mio!" He cheered while jumping up. It only lasted for a second before he almost fell; the guy looked severely malnourished.
Luckily, I was able to catch him before he hit the ground.
"Tómalo con calma. Vamos, salgamos de aquí." I said. He nodded with an almost dreamy expression. His eyes then closed. I got a little worried and felt for a pulse. Ok, good, he has one, albeit a weak one, but it's still there.
"Uh... what was all that?"
"He speaks a different language." Was all I said before I gestured her to continue leading me. We walked in silence for a bit, I saw a few ponies running about. Hm, likely they're looking for us.
"Swift! There you are! We need to look for that animal!" A dark-colored pony, with a voice I vaguely recognized. And apparently he didn't see either of us walking behind her. "Hey... What're you doing with out catch? Why is carrying the bald ape!?" Oh, now he did.
And now, I'm pissed.
"We're not animals, you fucking idiot." I said with the most disgusted look I could muster. The guy's jaw hung low when I spoke.
"You can talk!?" He shouted after a few attempts at speech.
"Of course I can. Retard. Now get out of our way. We're leaving." That made him upset for some reason.
"There's no way you're leaving! Especially with that ape-" I rolled my eyes, I've already have enough shit today.
"Fine." I said, which confused both ponies. I used my magic to grab the guy, and forcefully shove him to the side. I snickered when he landed against a few boxes, and laughed when the boxes topple over him. I heard someone else laughing, must've been Swift.
"Alright, let's go." I said when I managed to calm down. Swift nodded, still giggling, and went back to leading me. There were more tents, larger than the one I woke up in. With ponies walking and out of them. There were also a few boxes, cages with other animals I have never seen, and... I think that's a huge fucking carriage. Looks more like a train with wagon wheels. Good lord, that thing's massive.
"Swift Hoof! Where do you think you're going with MY pets!?" I witness Swift freeze in place from the voice behind us. I turned around and, lo and behold. There was a guy, a bit bit bigger than Big Mac, scowling at us, or Swift. Kinda hard to tell with how squinted his eyes are.
"Fuck off, we're leaving." I said, which caused the guy's eyebrows to shoot up. It didn't last long though, and sure enough, he was shouting again.
"You ain't leavin'! You're apart of my show now! I own you!" I actually growled in anger when he said that.
*So he thinks he owns us huh? We'll see about that.* I carefully set the guy in my arms down on the ground. I then teleported right up to the pony, surprising him.
"So you think you own me? You really don't have any idea who you're talking to huh?"
"Listen here you mutated ape! I won't-" He completely ignored me... Ugh, great... Well, he just made it easy for me to sock him in the face. Heh, weak little bitch, a little love tap and he's out cold. I thought Earth Ponies knew how to take a hit.
Hmm... maybe I should let Celestia know about this place... Should I? Sure, it'd be a little heartbreaking to see her 'little ponies' act like this. But, fuck it, why should I care? I don't rule the land of ponies.
Yeah, definitely letting her know. This guy will be enough for now. I think...
"Hey Swift?"
"Yeah?"
"This guy the boss you were talking about earlier?" I asked while picking him up with my magic. She nodded. "Alright then. Let's go." I also picked up my fellow human as carefully as I could and finally left that damn circus. I then teleported the four of us to Canterlot when we were a good distance away.
"Woah!" Swift swayed a bit.
"Relax, I just teleported us to Canterlot."
"What? Why?"
"Because I need to hand this guy over to the guard. I'm pretty sure whatever he's been doing is kinda illegal."
"Uh... It, kinda is..."
"Really? Why am I not surprised." Swift gave me a weird look. "Same law applies where I come from."
"Oooooh... Ok."
"Yeah, at least we got that in common."
"Yeah! That's pretty cool actually!"
"Why?"
"Well, animal cruelty is, like, a big crime where you come from, right?" I nodded. "N' you guys are supposed to be... omni... omni-vores, right?" I nodded again. "Well, that's pretty cool to be honest. You all eat meat n' stuff, but, you guys still respect animals. I met some griffins that pretty much beat their animals before eating them, they said it 'tenderizes' the meat. Eyyyugh..." Swift trailed off with a disgusted look on her face. I, meanwhile, couldn't help but stare at Swift. She kinda just blew my first impression of her out of the water.
"Swift Hoof." She looked at me. "I like you." |
My little Escapade | Chapter 75: Taking a Break | "W-what?"
"You're smarter than you make yourself look, I like that." Swift looked away. I saw a bit of a blush on her cheeks.
"Th-thanks." She said bashfully.
"Don't mention it, c'mon. The sooner we get out of here, the better." I saw her nod while I lead her into the castle.
So after I gave Celestia the rundown of the past day's events. Meaning I was gone for an entire day, go figure. I left with Swift after I dropped off the unconscious prick.
I teleported myself and Swift to Twilight's castle, left Swift there with my magical double. And teleported back home. I immediately went down to the hive, and before I could take a single step out the elevator, I was almost tackled to the ground when Mimic rushed me. Not that it was unwelcome though. A single day from my wife and I was missing her too.
"You're ok!" She cried. "I was starting to worry." I smiled and wrapped her in my arms.
"Hey, c'mon on. As if anything could keep me from you." I said while stroking her hair.
"I know..." She sniffed. "But with how much trouble seems to follow you around..."
"It's alright sweetie. I'm here, that's all that matters now." I said. "So how's Onyx doing?" Mimic pulled away just enough to look up at me.
"She's been adjusting quite well. First thing we did while you were gone was braid our hair."
"Really? Huh, I was wondering what was different about you." I kissed her on the cheek. "I gotta say, you look cute with your hair braided." She blushed at that.
"You think so?"
"I know so. Absolutely adorable." I kissed her some more, trailing down her neck a bit. My hands started snaking around her body. Trailing her plump form. She let out a sultry giggle.
"Embeeer... Not in front of our kids." She weakly protested.
"Mmm... Fine." I said after placing a kiss right above her cleavage. "Let's go up to our room then." I picked her up bridal style, eliciting a surprised squeak, and teleported us to our room. I closed both doors with my magic. And then enchanted them to stay looked and cast a soundproof spell over our room. I then laid Mimic down on the bed and crawled on top of her and continued kissing down her body, removing her clothes at the same time.
"So, what'll it be?" I asked in between pecks. "You want your changeling king? Or good ol' human Ember?" I was beginning to tread dangerously close to her flower.
"A-ah~" She rasped. "I want... Oh!" I reached up and tweaked a nipple. "I want my king!" I chuckled.
"As you wish, my queen." I said while changing to my changeling form. With the transformation complete, I laid bodily on top of her, my head nestled between her fleshy pillows. I held back a snicker when she squeaked, my erect cock was already poking against her nether lips.
"I love those cute noises you make." I said playfully. She looked me with a mirthful smile.
"I can say the same for you, when we swapped genders." We both laughed.
"Touche." I said.
"A-anyway, uh... Could we do anal this time? I want to see my belly bulge."
"Anything for my queen." I replied while standing up a bit. I repositioned my meat rod, extending it with a flash of fire at the same time, and aimed it right in front of her puckered entrance. "Are you ready?" She nodded. I grinned and wordlessly eased myself in. Earning a few soft moans from Mimic.
It felt like hours had gone by until I hilted inside. I looked down and saw a prominent bulge right below Mimic's belly button. I felt each pulse of her heart around my dick -it was amazing. And a little wiggle and- oooh fuck yes.
I don't know why, but I'm a big fan of anal. Before, I've seen this accomplished with a dildo. But now... Holy fuck, it's hot.
"... So deep..." Oh, I've been thrusting weakly without realizing it.
"You alright honey?" Mimic barely had enough mental power to nod weakly. "You want me to start?" I said while emphasizing with a little hump.
"Ah~" She squeaked. "Yes! Please!" A devilish grin curved my lips.
"As you wish, my queen." I withdrew slowly, hearing Mimic gasp when my medial ring popped out. I kept pulling out until the flared tip of my cock was left inside. Good lord, I already feel close to bursting. Twenty years and this hasn't gotten old...
I don't think I've ever said this, but I fucking love changelings. Especially my little changeling.
Anyway, with me barely inside her, I slowly eased back in. Relishing in the feeling of the pulsing flesh around my member. I maintained my slow thrusting for a bit, then I picked up the pace. I looked down again and saw my prick bulging against Mimic's belly.
Sweet christ, I'll never get tired of that.
At some point. My thrusting mixed in with Mimic's panting and moaning reduced the both of us to animals fulfilling our primal desires. I was a changeling king breeding by queen, for nothing but pure pleasure. I snuck a few glances and sneered playfully at Mimic's face; it was one of pure bliss. I honestly felt proud of myself being able to bring Mimic to this state of mind even though it's been just about two decades. I almost couldn't believe it; twenty years and the bed hasn't gone stale.
I feel like God gave me a coupon.
Anyway, I kept a steady pace, while I suckled and bit her nipples. Mimic likes it when I do that.
And then she applied a little bit of her magic to my nuts.
You know when in some pornos, when the woman jiggles the guy's nuts? Yeah, turns out that shit actually does add to the ecstasy. And since magic pretty much feels like soft tingling to exposed skin. I pretty much passed out on top of Mimic. I'm pretty sure she came a few times before I did. I really couldn't recall since my memory gets a little fuzzy when she magic's my balls.
Ahh... I love my wife... My little queen... Mmm...
My eyes slowly open when something scratches behind one of my ears, my vision's a little blurred. Mmm... The scratching though...
"Good evening, honey." I hear Mimic greet. My vision clears a bit and I sigh happily when I stare lovingly at her, my head in between her breasts.
"Evening Sweetie." I said, nuzzling deeper into my improvised pillows. So soft...
"Ember sweetie?"
Oh good lord, she wants to do it again.
"Yes, Honey?"
"Can we uh... can we... y'know. Switch genders, again?" She asked.
"Hmm... I don't know... Last time we did that, you kinda lost your mind." I winced a little. "And my ass hurt for the next three days."
"Oh... right..." Her ears folded back. "But... I really want to... I promise I won't go overboard this time."
"That didn't sound very convincing."
"... Please?"
"Hmm... I don't know..."
"Oh, come on! I promise I'll make it good for you this time." That got a laugh out of me; she's always fun to tease.
"Mmmmm...."
"... Ugh... Please?" Oh no, you're not pulling that look on me again! ...
Rrrgh, damn it. Fine... you win this time.
"Alright, let's do it." I said. "But you better keep your promise." She squealed like a schoolgirl meeting one of the Jonas brothers while I cast a transformation spell.
Let me tell ya; it's always a trip to change into the opposite gender. I can feel everything change within me. Heh, I remember when I first did, I nearly lost my mind when my dick shrunk into me.
But then I watched as my jewels turned into lady bits, and as tits grew on my chest.
It was quite exhilarating as new sensations assaulted my male-orientated mind. That 'phase' as I call it, never fails to send me into a stupor. I always end up on some kind of high during my little transformation.
But that still doesn't compare to Mimic, or 'King Metamorphosis' as he likes to call himself, uses his newly acquired equipment.
I'm not going to go into too much detail. But feeling horny as a girl feels like a reverse hard-on. Which in itself is a fucking trip for a guy. It then goes up to fucking Jedi levels when 'Metamorphosis' ravishes me.
And it would've been that way again. But some asshole decided to shit all over our private time. Well, if that constant knocking at the door is anything to go by.
"Fucking damnit." Mimic said. "Want me to go babe?"
"Nah, I'll go. Just keep that thing up for me while I'm gone." He snorted.
"No promises." Mimic chuckled. I laughed as I got off the bed. I couldn't help but pause and look down when I felt my tits jiggle.
Awwgh, being turned into the opposite gender, then having a cock inside you for a change. It's absolutely mind numbing. I wish I could do it everything fucking day. But nooooo~ Mimic wants to keep it fresh by not switching genders so often.
Don't get me wrong, I get what she means, I just hate it that she's right.
Anyway, a little of magic and I'm walking opening the door with the comforter of my bed over me. And who else could be knocking on the door, other than Max. I wonder what made him interrupt our sexytime.
"What's it?" I asked.
"Uh..." The cheeky fucker was staring at my half-assed covered breasts for a second.
I'd call him out for perving, but I'd do the same thing.
"... Your 'minions' need you back on Earth. It was something about violent protests."
Oh, ok then... Haven't heard from those guys in a while.
"Did they cement some position in the American government?" He nodded. "Which position?"
"President."
"Mm. Nice." I was about to grab the scroll and deal with whatever issues going on, but then a thought struck me... I've been wanting to take the wife and kids on a vacation, this is the perfect opportunity...
*Ruby, can you handle mass inter-dimensional transportation?* I asked the rock in my chest. I didn't get an answer right away.
~... Yes. But it would leave you feeling drained for some time since we share my magic.~
*Good enough for me.*
"Max, can you go get Spark? I'll be right back." He nodded and I went back into Mimic's slash my room.
"Mimic?" He looked up at me. "You said you've always wanted to go to Earth, right?"
"Yeah yeah, now c'mere so I can fuck you." He said. I rolled my eyes at Mimic.
"Ok, but seriously, listen for a minute," I said. "There's some shit I gotta deal with on Earth. I don't know what, but it's something I gotta do. I was thinking I could just go and do whatever I need to do and come back. But why not show everyone where this human comes from right?"
"Hmmm..." Mimic thought about it for a second. "I'll think about it after I put this in you." He pointed at his penis, then at me.
"Alright, fine." I laughed. "Now, where were we?" I asked as I tossed aside the blanket and climbed atop my husband. A smoldering look in my eyes as I felt Mimic's erection against my belly.
"Just where we started." Mimic said right before he grabbed my ass, lifted me up over his meat rod. And skewered me with his shaft. The sensation of being absolutely, just, filled made my eyes roll up as far as they could go in the back of my head.
"Alright, is everyone ready?" I asked.
"Yeah!" All my children, Mimic and Onyx included, screamed back. It kinda hurt from the echos running around the giant-ass room, but eh, I ain't no pussy.
"Alright then, off to Earth we go!" I bellowed as Ruby prepped the spell on the scroll. I took care of holding everyone in my magical grasp, and felt the effects of magic leaving my body as the spell was cast. It felt like... The only thing I could equate it to doing a full-body workout for ten hours straight. I found myself stumbling for a second after the spell stopped.
Which means we're all on Earth.
"Whew, alright. Is everyone accounted for?" I asked Mimic.
"Mmm... hmm." She nodded. "Everybody's here. You ok?"
"Yeah, just fine." I answered. "The spell just took a lot out of me." Which doesn't make sense when you think about it. Since magic isn't a part of my body, why would spending a large amount of it on one little thing just be the same as running a marathon and a hundred push-ups, all at the same time? It doesn't make any damn sense...
Anyway, a quick look and we're in the abandoned warehouse I took my robotic minions too last time I was here. And wouldn't ya know it, one of them is standing at a random doorway. He must've been waiting for me, for who knows how long, which is weird.
"Ember, finally. We need you to come with us right away." He said a second after we appeared.
"Before we do, I need some of you to take care of my wife and kids."
"Already in progress. Come with me." I nodded and turned to my wife. "Remember honey, you can trust them." She nodded, we shared a kiss, and I walked away. The minion, Cameron, as he named himself, briefed me. I basically need to reveal myself and give a speech as the first Anthro President of the United States...
... Fuck.
I'm the king of a hive of a hundred plus changelings, all my children, I've spoken to ponies that move the sun and moon in their world. I can handle giving a simple fucking speech to a few million random people.
I just need to know what fucking party I'm a part of in order to pull a speech out of my ass.
The people at the inauguration fuckin lost it when 'my people' revealed it was me. Apparently they didn't know whether or not I was an anthro.
Most of the people there cheered, a minority of them screamed in outrage.
It's not like I cared or anything; at this point I'm basically the face of a group since 'my people' will be doing everything for me.
And the agenda, for me, as president would be: Actually taxing the rich -somehow, when that's successful, reduce taxes in general for the common people - i.e. middle to lower-class working people. And my personal favorite, cutting budgets from the military.
Finally school systems like the Gadsden District in New Mexico can afford to upgrade their fucking computers. And that's even IF they don't spend another five million dollars building a fucking gymnasium.
Seriously, whoever decided to build a brand new gym for a shitty high school on top of loose sand was a good idea was a fucking idiot.
Anyway, there were some other things I said in my speech that I would do. Like slowly make healthcare free or something like that. Some people lost their minds about that, but 'my people' know how to make that happen without raising taxes or anything like that, apparently.
They're probably gonna want to 'borrow' my money. But I wouldn't care, since my 'money' in Equestria basically equates to, most likely, a couple billion dollars, maybe just under a trillion if I'm generous.
I'm probably to wealthiest man on Planet Earth. It's not like I care, actually, but it's worth it to note.
Anyway. After my speech, I immediately conjured my magic double and had him act as president while I went back to My wife and kids. Who somehow checked themselves into a nice hotel as close as they could be to the White House. Must've gotten cards and i.d.s from my people.
I wonder how it all went down. Since, basically, a little over one hundred people pretty much moved into a hotel. Temporarily of course, but still. How the fuck did they pull it off?
... Oh... Mimie probably used her new position and first lady to get the people working there to give her the rooms she needed. And mostly like one of 'my people' provided evidence. How would that work if she's only been the First Lady for less than a few hours actually...
... Fuck it, it's magic. Ain't gotta question shit.
And needless to say, there's not gonna be a single thing for my wife and kids to worry about while they're here. My servants have everything covered. |
The Muffins Family | pre | Dazzy pulled out two hoof-held pickaxes from her saddlebag, she passed one to the lavender filly.
"What is this for," Amy asked. Her eyes still locked on the glowing crystals.
"We're gonna mine them! And then we'll make them into pretty necklaces," Dazzy explained. She trotted over a sharp crystal that protruded from the ground. She raised the pickaxe over her head and then brought it down with all her might, the crystal shattered into shards. Some sliced at Dazzy's skin, the cuts weren't serious, and Dazzy didn't even flinch.
"I-I-I'm scared," Amy admitted with a pout.
"It's fine," Dazzy said, picking up the shards of crystal with her mouth.
Amy stepped over to a crystal that too came from the ground, the tip was dulled over and rounded. Amy swung at it from the side, leaving a small dent in it. She swung again, hitting in the same spot, cracks spread from the hit but it did not break. At this point Amy was panting, her arms sore.
Amy attempted to left her pickaxe again but it slipped through her sweaty hooves. Dazzy walked over, "let me help you." Dazzy struck the crystal with her pickaxe and it exploded and rained crystal down on the foals. Amy winced as a few crystals sliced at her fur, Amy stood to her hooves and picked Dazzy up. Dazzy had gotten more cuts, so it was harder to stand.
"You alright?" Amy said.
"Yea-Yeah," Dazzy said. She let her saddlebag fall from her back, she flipped a pack open and pulled out a canteen. She gave it a shake to test if it was full, Dazzy smiled as she heard water slosh around in there.
Dazzy pulled the cap off and took a swig from it, she then passed it to Amy, who took a swig as well. Amy rooted around in the bag for band-aids. She placed them on the more...serious cuts on her hooves and arms before putting it back in.
"Come on let's head deeper," Dazzy said, tying her saddlebag around her back.
Dazzy lead Amy to a tight crawl space, Dazzy only took her flashlight and left everything else behind. The crawl space was dusty and dirty, and suffocating. But to Amy's surprise the crawl space wasn't that long, only a about ten inches.
Amy stood to her hooves, she looked around the ground was covered in various crystals, the small patches of ground were brown and hard. There was a thin path cutting through all of it, Amy hesitated before following behind Dazzy.
"Where are we going," Amy asked.
"I have a very special crystal that I want to find for you," Dazzy said. "It's in the shape of heart, it's hot pink, and tales say that if you look in it then it shows the one you love the most!"
"Oooooo," Amy cooed, picturing this crystal. They carefully maneuvered around the crystals and rocks. Dazzy pulled out a long piece of rope at the end was a four sharp knives that stuck out in different directions. She took aim and threw it, it gripped into the rock above and she climbed on it.
Dazzy ushered Amy up the rope, who looked unsure.
"Come on Amy!" Dazzy begged. Amy stood on her hind legs using the rope for stability. Amy pulled her up on the rope, she then used her hind hooves to sit on the rope and used her front hooves to push herself up again. Her hooves came in contact with the rock and she pulled herself up.
Dazzy took Amy's hooves and helped to pull her up. Then the two continued on, stopping briefly to collect rocks and discarded gems. It was fun. They laughed and chat, until they reached a fork in the path.
"Where do we go?" Amy asked.
Dazzy pointed the beam of light to the right, "there." And they trotted down that path finding a large crystal, it was many feet off the ground. It was a heart alright, but a crude one at best. It looks like a heart that a foal would draw with a crayon.
Dazzy squealed in delight and ran forward, it felt surreal to Amy. Like at any moment she would wake up from this amazing dream. Dazzy was already in front the crystal, however it was too high up to just simply grab.
"Come here Amethyst," Dazzy stated. Amy trotted over and allowed Dazzy to climb on her back. Even then they were just below it. Dazzy used her hoof to find something to grab and hold on to, when she found it she pulled herself up.
"I'll catch you," Amy promised backing up to see what was happening. Dazzy moved one hoof over to the crystal embedded in the rock. She pulled it, feeling it come lose a bit. She tugged at it harder before her hoof slipped. She moved that hoff back to the ledge that she was holding on to. Her shoulders ached and her throat was dry. Dazzy pushed all thoughts away expecting getting the crystal for her friend.
In truth Amy Gem was Dazzy's first and only friend. She didn't exactly get along with other ponies but for some reason Amy was different. Like they fit together like two puzzle pieces. And now that they were offical friends, she wanted to do anything to stay friends with her. Almost if Amy was a God that Dazzy bowed down to. In turn, Amy was kind and generous.
But Dazzy just wasn't strong enough. Dazzy's hooves slipped and she fell to the ground. Amy rushed forward, she was able to catch Dazzy in time which softened her fall.
Then Dazzy began to cry, it wasn't because she was in pain...
"What's wrong Dazzy," Amy asked. It wasn't a question. "Uh...it's okay. We don't need that silly crystal."
"I wanted *sniff* to get it *sniff* for youuu," Dazzy said still sobbing pathetically.
"I don't a crystal, as long as I have you." Amy said, hugging Dazzy. Just then a flash illuminated the dim cave. It took awhile for Amy's brain to process what had happened.
Amy looked at her flank, then let out a loud squeal, causing bats to flutter away in fright. On her flank was a hot pink crystal in the shape of a heart, just like the one they had tried to mine.
"AMYTHEST YOU GOT YOUR CUTIE MARK," Dazzy squealed.
"I KNOW! THIS IS AMAZING!"
"YOU GOTTA SHOW YOUR SISTERS!"
"I GOTTA SHOW MY SISTERS," Amy sprung up and ran out the cave.
"Hey! Wait up," Dazzy shouted. ~*~
Amy was still ecstatic as she entered her home that evening. She found her Mother in kitchen, cooking soup.
"Hey mama-."
"You! You and your sisters are in VERY deep trouble."
"Wha? But mama, I-"
"Go to your room! NOW!" Amy's Mom pointed in the direction of their bedroom. Amy hung her head and trotted out the kitchen. She pushed past the door to their bedroom, inside was her two sisters Sweetie and Clyde. And also a another filly... |
The Muffins Family | Unlocked | Amy was dumbfounded, millions of questions raced through her mind, along with smart remarks. But all she could say was, "uh..."
Sweetie lept forward and hugged Amy, "you got your cutie mark! Hooray!"
Amy pushed her sister off, "forget my cutie mark. Who is SHE?"
The filly had grey fur, and her midnight blue mane had begun to cover one of her eyes. She stared at the floor, her mane covering her face.
"Well-" Sweetie began.
"I'LL TELL IT!" Clyde shouted, "okay, okay. So me and Sweetie were playing by the river, telling stories. When Sweetie said, 'what happened if there was a storm.' I thought that was silly, but I said. 'We can hide in the cellar.' Then she was like: 'I don't think the Pie's have one.' And I was like, 'sure they do, they probably hide it under some rocks or something.' And then she was like: 'I don't think so.' And I was like-"
"Okay. I think she gets it," Sweetie scoffed. "Anyway. We decided to go to the Pie's house and a secret mission. We left no stone unturned, literally, until we found a pile of rocks. We pushed it aside to reveal a cellar. "See I told you, they hide it under some rocks," I stated. We opened it and descended the stairs. "Mama?" Some voice said, "Stop it Clyde. Your not funny." "I didn't say that," Clyde promised.
Amy furrowed her brow, "so you mean. That filly over there lived in a cellar? Seems pretty messed up."
"Yeah. We were terrified! And then the Pie's came, and scolded us. But Miss Cloudy looked like a foal getting caught doing something bad," Clyde said, she fell back laughing.
"We asked her why that foal was down there, she said: "girls don't worry. She's a bad pony...she wants to hurt you guys and me. We have to keep her down there, for your own protection."
"NO! YOU'RE EVIL," the filly suddenly yelled. She covered her face with her hooves.
"Aww poor Minkie," Sweetie cooed, giving 'Minkie' a warm hug.
"So. That's why we're in trouble?" Amy asked.
"Yeah, than that bitch, told Mama that we locked a foal from the village down there, but she caught us 'before it was too late.'" Clyde sneered.
"But that's a lie! Mama can't just-"
"Adults are so trusting! What if a foal told them that somepony was gonna kill them, then they wouldn't listen. And they'd be dead," Sweetie frowned.
"But at least you got your cutie mark," Minkie said quietly. They had a hard time hearing her.
"How did you get your cutie mark," Clyde asked incredulously.
"Me and Dazzy went mining by one of the caves."
"That's it," Sweetie said.
Amy gave a slight nod, "what are we gonna do with Minkie? Well...you know what I mean."
"We stole some food to give her," Clyde pulled an old potato sack from under the bed. The contents of the bag began to roll out.
"B-But that's a lot of food!" Amy screamed.
"Yeah but she could have been in there for years! She needs all the food she can get," Clyde said.
"Can ponies survive years without food," Amy asked.
"Maybe..." Sweetie trailed off, pondering it for a moment. "Anyway, Minkie Pie want something to eat?"
Minkie nodded, a smile stretching across face. "Can I have those brown circles!?"
"You mean the hash browns," Clyde asked.
Minkie nodded vigorously.
"We ran out...we have one-" Clyde eyes fell on Sweetie, who was trying to stuff the last hash brown into her mouth and keep it hidden at the same time.
They all rolled their eyes at Sweetie, Minkie still wearing the sly smile.
"Jasper, Amethyst, Garnet!" Crystal Sapphire, their mother, shouted. "Come here." The fillies slowly trotted toward their parent. Their father, Rough Stone, was also there, looking equally cross.
"Yes Mother," Clyde asked.
"Cloudy Quartz told us that you locked her daughter in a cellar for many years now. That is sick, and you'll likely go to Hell for that act!" Crystal explained.
"You're lucky that God is forgiving, otherwise he'd smite you down."
"Papa listen. We-," Sweetie was cut off by a hard smack to the face.
"Don't take back to your father, you should be very ashamed." Crystal stated. Rough Stone picked up a stick that was lying on a shelf. It was long and thin, made of wood and covered with leather so it would last longer. The stallion used this device to punish his daughters because it caused pain, but not permanent damage. Rough Stone raised the stick...
It was midnight and Crystal Gem and Cloudy Quartz were sipping wine and chatting. They needed to relax over what has happened over the few months.
Cloudy rubbed her temple, "my own daughters serial killers. How long would it have been before they came after me? How long would it have been before I noticed?" Her voice soft and solemn.
Crystal put a hoof on her cousin's shoulder. "We could not have known. Nopony could have known."
"B-But...when ponies disappeared, there was no investigation. Nopony looked into it, maybe if they did...so many ponies would be alive."
Crystal sighed, "they're with God now. God felt it was their time."
"But not to serial killers! God wouldn't have wanted them to be tortured and made into pastries, and oh Celestia we all ate pony meat!" Cloudy felt sick, but she swallowed the vomit attempting to come up.
"Just drink. It will help you forgot about what happened...for a moment at least." And they did, drinking so much that they finished the bottle.
Cloudy was a lightweight so by now she was unaware of her actions. However Crystal hadn't drunk most of the bottle, so she was still coherent.
"I beat my children...*sigh* I feel terrible," Crystal said, swirling her last cup of wine.
"*hic* have you seen that stallion at daaaaaaaa church. He *hic* cute." Cloudy slurred randomly.
"Cloudy!" Crystal laughed, "I don't know what to do with my children. Stone and I are thinking about sending them to the nuns."
"I think you should, ahhh...lock them outside. And treat them like their locked in a cellar," Cloudy said.
"Hmm. How are we supposed to feed them?"
"Give dem a slice of bread...dat's wat I gave Minkie Pie," Cloudy said without thinking. Crystal was puzzled, what I gave Minkie?
"What?" Crystal stated.
Cloudy began to laugh.
"You locked Minkie Pie in that cellar."
"*hic* maybe," Cloudy smiled.
Crystal stood up quickly, thinking about her children, she felt sorry for them. She felt sorry for Minkie Pie. As fresh tears rolled down her cheeks, Crystal let the wine glasses shattered against the floor and exited.
"Where ya going," Cloudy asked following behind Crystal.
Minkie had seen what happened to her 'friends.' They had been beaten by their parents, this enraged her. She had been hiding behind the couch, clutching a knife desperately. She heard the door swing open followed by drunken chatter. Minkie bite down on the knife handle and inched her way toward two dark figures. She waited until they reached their bedroom, assuming that they were the Mother and Father.
Once they entered the room, Minkie slammed the door shut behind herself. Minkie raised the knife over her head, eyes locked on the cowering figures.
Clyde awoke to bloodcurdling screams, Clyde groaned and slipped out of bed. Clyde saw blood running out the door to her parent's room. Scared Clyde slowly pushed the door open, she saw Minkie Pie standing over her parents and Cloudy, a knife between her teeth and that unmistakable red staining her fur.
Clyde screamed. Amy and Sweetie rushing to her aid, until to scream themselves. Minkie was shocked, "what?"
"WHY DID YOU KILL THEM!?!"
"They hurt you...I-I-"
"YOU DON'T JUST KILL WHOEVER HURTS YOU! THAT'S NOT THE WAY!!"
Minkie began to sob, collapsing in the pool of red.
"We have to burry them..." Amy frowned. "Then...turn ourselves in."
"WHAT!?" Clyde said, "WHY US!? WE DIDN'T KILL HER!"
Sweetie said, "yeah! Why us?"
"Guys, we could have prevented this." Amy whined.
"How," Clyde asked.
"Maybe if we were more observant then we'd seen Minkie Pie leave."
Clyde sneered, "bullshi-" Suddenly, there was a blinding flash, allowing them to see every detail in the room for a second. Yep, their parents weren't coming back. They all looked at Minkie's flank, there was a black lock branded on her grey flank.
Despite Minkie getting her cutie mark, Minkie didn't perk up. Amy trotted over to her Mother and grabbed a limb. She pulled on it, dragging it across the carpet. Clyde cursed and went to help her sister. Instead of helped, Sweetie went to clean the blood. In an hour the whole room was clean, they left the bodies outside.
Clyde, Amy, and Sweetie stood over the shallow graves of their parents and cousin. They were crying heavily. Minkie watched from inside the house, the fillies even put on their best black dress. Minkie wondered why they cared so much, she had killed the one's who hurt them. They should be happy! Minkie looked at the bloodstained knife on the floor, then to her 'friends.' They cared for her. Was she really gonna do this? |
Doctor Q’s Portal Emporium (and Massage Parlour) | pre | Rainbow's mind lingered on the thought as she started on her second croissant, wondering when her 'services' would be chosen again. If she'd make it back home before then, or if she'd be caught out in the open once more. Forced to find some semi-private corner to hide in while she was used.
It took her much longer to finish her second pastry than the first.
As she started on her strudel, Rainbow jerked slightly as she felt some stroke along her labia. For a moment she thought it was a tongue, and she braced for what was about to happen. Somewhere in the back of her mind, she noticed she wasn't making a mad dash for the bathroom.
As the object made another pass, however, she realized it was too cold and rough to be a tongue. Still slightly wet, it pressed against her folds gently, and as she felt it wipe away the sticky residue of her earlier customer, she realized it was a cloth.
She was being cleaned.
Rainbow relaxed back into her seat, taking a bite out of the strudel as the cloth continued to clean her lower lips. Whoever it was was both gentle and thorough, she quickly found herself sighing happily under their careful ministrations. She felt like royalty being taken care of by a servant, and that was something Rainbow Dash could wholeheartedly get behind.
The cloth pressed a little deeper into her folds, and she hummed happily, taking her time and enjoying both the treatment and her remaining breakfast, uncaring that she was basically being pleasured in full view of all the other customers. It wasn't really enough stimulation to get her anywhere, but that didn't stop the occasional tingle from feeling good, as her unknown cleaner brushed gently over her clit as it bulged out at them. She was so caught up in it, she didn't notice a pink ball of energy bounding up to her table.
"Heya, Dashie!" Pinkie almost shouted, snapping Rainbow out of her reverie. "You sure are enjoying that strudel, even if you aren't all here."
Rainbow raised an eyebrow, suppressing a shudder. "What are you talking about?"
"I dunno, it just seems like a part of you is somewhere else. It'd be like if I left home without my party cannon - I'm not really all there," Pinkie explained quickly, before seemingly dismissing the thought entirely with a shrug. "How's the fudge?"
Pointedly ignoring how spot-on Pinkie's intuition was, Rainbow cleared her throat awkwardly, turning her attention to the plate she'd hardly even noticed. She set her strudel aside and reached for the chocolate treats, popping one into her mouth without giving it a second thought.
"Ah!" Rainbow gasped out suddenly, as whoever was cleaning her spread her pussy lips open to reach deeper inside.
"Wow, that good huh?" Pinkie asked with a giggle.
Quickly nodding her head, Rainbow snapped her mouth shut and quickly finished chewing. "Uh, y-yeah, they're good. Um, maybe a bit bitter?" She asked, hastily throwing another in her mouth, if only to distract herself from what was happening between her legs. It was starting to feel less like cleaning and more like someone was just playing with her. Surely she was clean enough?
"Luna said they wouldn't be super sweet. Something about sugar being harder to get back then. I'm just glad I live now, where I have all the sugar I can eat. Well, all the sugar I can find, anyway. I don't know why, but there might be some hidden sugar out there. Could you imagine? Hiding sugar, from me? I'll find it, though. This here sniffer's better than a bloodhound when it comes to sweet stuff," Pinkie rambled, mostly to herself, tapping her nose for emphasis. "If there's any secret sugar out there, it won't be secret for long."
"Mmmmmm," Rainbow quickly cut off her moan, covering it by humming appreciatively. Whoever was doing the 'cleaning' was only managing to get her just as wet as she'd been at the start. "Th-that's um, yeah. G-good fudge," she said, pushing the plate towards her friend. "B-but I think I'm done, so-"
Pinkie grabbed the plate in her teeth, flicking her head back and launching the fudge into the air. The plate was stashed in her mane, and she tilted her head up and opened her jaw to catch the little chocolate squares as they fell. She licked her lips happily. "Okie dokie lokie. Thanks for taste testing for me, I'll try making them a bit sweeter next time. Oh, and you should go find whatever piece you're missing. It must be weird being in two different places at once."
"Uh, sure."
Before she left, Pinkie's eyes grew wide for a moment. "Oh my gosh, I just got the best idea. It's gonna take some time to set up though. Check back in a few chapters."
Rainbow blinked, and when her eyes opened, the pink mare was gone. "What?"
The only answer she received was a stray hoof grazing her clit that sent a shock of tingling pleasure racing up her spine. "Ooooooo-kay, time to go," she muttered to herself, already feeling the orgasm she'd previously been denied building back up, and the last thing she wanted to do was cum in front of a bunch of random ponies.
Tossing the last of her strudel into her mouth, Rainbow stood on shaky legs and hurried out of the shop before anyone could notice her uneven gait. With a flap of her wings she took to the air, making it only a few dozen feet away before her wings faltered as she felt a hoof deliberately press against her sensitive nub, her sharp, squealing gasp ripped away by the wind as she flew.
Whoever it was had fully given up any pretense of cleaning, and seemed to be intent to make her cum, his hoof grinding in quick circles against her clit.
"Oh, fuck!" Rainbow moaned out, dropping a few feet as her wings went rigid before she managed to catch herself. A few uneasy flaps managed to get her to the closest cloud before she outright fell from the sky, and the pegasus flopped onto her back, chest heaving. She'd already been close from her first customer, and with how this new pony was treating her it took hardly any time to build her back up to the edge.
"Come on," Rainbow gasped, her hooves reaching down to play with her stiff nipples under her belly, anything to help her cum. "Just... a bit more... ahhh-"
Then it stopped all at once, and Rainbow's pussy throbbed, clamping down on nothing, begging for that last little bit of stimulation she needed. "No, no!" She cried, desperately rubbing her teats, but it wasn't enough, and she felt herself falling away from the edge.
Just as she thought it was over, she felt something else brush against her clit, this time warm and soft, and her heart swelled with hope...
Then crashed down to reality as the stranger kissed her clit and pulled away once more, leaving Rainbow Dash once more to her fate.
"Fuck!"
Her scream rang out through the sky, probably turning a few curious heads from the ground far below, but she couldn't care less. Her hooves came up to cover her eyes as she caught her breath. In the darkness she focused on the pulsing need radiating from her pussy, no doubt dripping an endless stream of her arousal down whatever surface she was displayed on.
"If I ever find you, you're going to regret this," Rainbow muttered under her breath, her hind leg twitching as her clit winked out. "And I will find you if you don't get back here and make me cum."
Her threats fell on deaf ears, or no ears at all, and she was forced to accept that her 'cleaner' had left her unsatisfied once again.
"Celestia damn it," she sighed, moving her hooves to look down her body. "Are you kidding me? You do all that work, just to stop before the best part? Why the hell-"
Her question was answered right as she asked it by the sensation of the flared head of a cock pressing against her outer lips. Apparently, her cleaner had been cut short by a customer.
Rainbow groaned happily, relaxing herself to make his entry as easy as possible - she was plenty wet already. To her delight, her newest client slid into her snatch without difficulty, his cock large enough to fill her nicely.
"Finally," she mumbled, closing her eyes and laying back. Even if he didn't have much stamina, she was plenty close already. He only had to last long enough to push her over the edge, and with the previous assault on her clit, that would hardly be a challenge.
The stallion pulled himself all the way out, then thrust all the way back in, and Rainbow couldn't help but moan, uncaring if any passing pegasi heard her. Or saw her, for that matter. Just as long as she finally got to cum, she'd deal with everything else after, with her head clear.
Another thrust brought her attention back to the matter at hoof, and Rainbow grinned as she clenched hard around her customer's cock, feeling him throb in response. She gripped him as tight as she could as he pulled out, enjoying the extra friction as his flared head rubbed along her inner walls, then relaxed as he pushed in as deep as he could. She felt him hilt himself inside her, his balls slapping gently against her clit. Another few thrusts like that and she'd finally-
Rainbow's train of thought was derailed as she grunted, the stallion suddenly giving a couple short, shallow thrusts as his cock throbbed, his flared head bulging, and-
Her eyes grew wide as she felt the tell-tale warmth of someone blowing their load inside her.
Her eye twitched.
"Are you fucking kidding me!? I had to get the quickshot now?" Rainbow yelled glaring up at the sky as though the heavens themselves were the two-pump-chump that had just failed to make her cum. Again. She hardly even noticed as he pulled out, a tiny dribble of his pathetically small load dripping down her lips.
"Fuck it," she grunted, reaching down to disable the portal. Clearly none of her clients were up to the task, and she wasn't about to wait around just to be disappointed over and over. It was time she took matters into her own hooves. Literally.
"Rainbow Dash, is that you?"
Before she'd even realized it, Rainbow had rolled onto her stomach, pressing her tail down tightly to conceal herself as Flitter popped up over the edge of the cloud, a displeased frown written plainly across her face.
"There you are. I've been looking for you," she said, crossing her hooves over her chest. "You don't have time to be out napping."
Rainbow raised a single eyebrow at the clearly irate mare. "What crawled up your butt? My shift doesn't start for another hour, and if I'm not on the clock I can do whatever I want."
"Like being on the clock ever stopped you before," Flitter muttered, before physically shaking the thought. "You seriously forgot?"
"Forgot... what?" Rainbow asked skeptically, running back through her mind to try and remember whatever it was Flitter was talking about.
"It's inspection day," she deadpanned, her brow furrowing further.
Rainbow's blood ran cold enough to almost entirely extinguish the burning in her loins. "Oh fuck."
"Yeah." |
Doctor Q’s Portal Emporium (and Massage Parlour) | Chapter Three; On the Edge, Part II | Chapter Three: On the Edge, Part 2
Contains: Surfer bros, SPH (Small Penis Humiliation), edging/orgasm denial, discreet sex in public, exhibitionism
"Did you-"
"Yes, I had Thunderlane and Wind Slash inventory the clouds."
"What about the-"
"I cleaned out the locker room already."
"There were a lot of-"
"Cloud Chaser handled the weather records and schedules, everything should be filled in."
Rainbow scowled over at the mare flying alongside her. "Then why the hay do I have to be in early? They're not supposed to be here for another couple hours, right?"
"Because you're supposed to be the team lead, which means things need your signature on them, not mine," Flitter grumbled with a roll of her eyes. "Trust me, I didn't want to spend an hour looking for your lazy flank when there's enough to get done as it is."
"Hey! Who are you calling lazy?" Rainbow asked indignantly.
"Literally the laziest pegasus I know," Flitter answered shortly. "Look, as usual, I did your damn job for you, so you can sit at your desk and sign the shit you were supposed to sign last week while I continue preparing for inspection."
Rainbow felt her teeth grinding together as they landed out front of the Ponyville Weather Department building. "I would have time to do the dumb paperwork if the rest of you did your jobs! How many times have I had to clean up after Thunderlane or Blossomforth messing up the weather schedule?"
"Not as many times as I've had to fill in the shift schedules when you 'forget'," Flitter shot back, though she knew she didn't have as much ground to stand on. Paperwork and organization were never Dash's strong point, but there was a reason she was Team Lead. Even if that appointment left Flitter acting as a de facto secretary at times.
"Schedules are boring," Rainbow said with a shrug. "It's way more fun dealing with the Everfree storms."
Flitter sighed as she opened the front door and guided them both inside. "Yeah well the Weather Bureau doesn't care about how fast you can clear a thunderstorm. They only care about how much money we spend and how nice the place looks when they visit."
"Typical. I'd like to see them manage this place for a week without us," Rainbow said, her tone growing sour as she spied her desk - and the mountainous stack of papers atop it.
Flitter chuckled. "Without you, maybe a week. I give them two days without me."
"You saying you do more than me?"
"I'm saying someone had to keep this place running while you were out racing a tornado to get your rocks off, and it sure as shit wasnt Thunderlane."
Rainbow glared at the side of Flitter's head. "It was one time!"
"Twice, actually," Flitter corrected. Before Rainbow could respond she grabbed a pen from a nearby desk and flicked it at her. "Now get signing. I have more cleaning to do."
Just barely catching the pen with her wing, Rainbow blew a raspberry at the other mare as she walked away. "I have more cleaning to do," she echoed mockingly. Flitter either didn't hear her or didn't care to respond, disappearing around a corner, and Rainbow sighed as she stepped up to her desk.
There was a slight metallic clank as she sat down, and she remembered her current availability. She hadn't had any customers while she was flying, thankfully, and the sudden rush of panic from Flitter showing up had flushed her system of the desperation she'd been left with. Only some of the arousal had faded though, and she shifted in her seat as she debated turning the portal off. On one hoof, she'd more than satisfied her two hour requirement, and the rest of the time could be taken care of after inspection. On the other, the chance for a small distraction from her looming paperwork - and the possibility of finally getting off - were incentives all on their own, nevermind the money from any more clients.
Rainbow chewed her lip, glancing around. The office space was empty - most of the squad was either out dealing with the actual weather or preparing for inspection with Flitter. She had at least two more hours before the pencil pushers showed up, probably three given their habit of spending as much time as possible not doing their jobs. The afternoon shift would arrive in an hour, but they'd probably be put to work by Flitter just as soon as they stepped in the door.
Which meant she was alone.
There was no reason to take it off until it was time for inspection.
Rainbow grabbed the first paper, skimmed it, and signed her name at the bottom. She shifted in her seat again, feeling the portal device hugging tight to her skin. Her heart beat just a little bit harder as she pulled another form.
"I can't believe I'm doing this," she muttered under her breath. It wasn't supposed to be like this. She never thought she'd be caught dead wearing it at work. But, then, she'd never considered getting railed in public, either, and that notion had gone out the window that very morning.
Besides, it was kind of hot.
Already she was getting horny again. She'd been kept on the edge almost all day - even if the next client was a hair trigger like the last, she still had a good chance of finally cumming. She just needed a customer already!
As if a god had heard her prayer, she felt something on her nethers. A slight breeze, which in the stagnant air of the shop meant she was being moved. Carried. Hopefully to a private room..
She felt her clit bulge out.
"Come on," Rainbow whispered, signing her name again. Slightly sloppier this time. "Show me what you've got."
The breeze stopped. Wherever they were taking her, they'd arrived. She jerked as something rough and cold touched her lips, and realized with a disappointed sigh that it was the same cloth as before. She was being cleaned again.
The disappointment faded quickly. Sure, it wasn't the dicking she'd been hoping for, but maybe this time they'd finish the job. Just as quickly as it started, though, it stopped, having only mopped up the worst of her leaking fluids and the remaining jizz of her previous user.
Before she could voice a complaint, though, the warm, spongy flesh of a cockhead pressed against her opening. Something was strange, though. It was-
Rainbow's eyes grew wide. "No. No way. You're kidding me!"
Whatever god answered her prayer had played some kind of cruel joke on her..
The stallion hilted himself in her, and she groaned. "Fuck!"
She sighed as he started thrusting rhythmically. Sure, it felt nice, but that was it. He wasn't working with much, after all...
"Fucking twig-dicked asshole," Rainbow growled out as what felt like a marker was repeatedly slammed into her pussy. After the fucking she'd received that morning there was basically no resistance, and even less sensation. He wasn't long enough to reach anywhere particularly sensitive, nor was he thick enough to provide a satisfying stretch. Even when she clenched down on him as hard as she could, it didn't help.
Grumbling obscenities to herself, Rainbow's focus returned to her work. His meager package couldn't hold her attention for more than a moment or two.
"Whatever. Not like you'll last long anyway," she said with a sigh, another document emblazoned with her name. "Hurry up and finish so I can get a real stallion."
Her shrimpy customer didn't seem to acknowledge her request, his pace showing no sense of urgency. Rainbow cast her eyes over to the clock, hooves working on autopilot through the pile of paper. The longer he took to pop the less chance she had of getting another customer before the pencil pushers showed up.
"Come on, tic-tac, I don't have all day." Her hoof tapped on the ground impatiently as she watched the second hand. "With a dick like that I have to be the best pussy you've ever had. So be a good loser and cum already."
Still he kept thrusting away, his puny package only barely providing enough stimulation to keep Dash's arousal from fading, but nowhere near enough to get her off. Her throbbing, needy nub went ignored as usual, only occasionally brushing against his similarly-sized sack.
"Of course," Rainbow sighed, accepting her fate and settling into her work. "The guy with the glorified clit has more stamina than half the stallions in Ponyville."
She paused mid-signature, looking at the pen in her hoof. Holding it up, squinting at it, measuring its length between her two hooves, she nodded. "Someone's fucking with me, right? There's no way that's a dick, you've just shoved a pen in there to screw with me."
If she was being honest, the pen was a little bit longer than the pint-sized prick fucking her, and slightly thinner - though not by much. But, no; she knew that warmth could only come from a living stallion, and she could just about make out the feeling of his medial ring passing through her lips on every stroke. It almost felt good if she focused on that and the flared head that would press against her inner walls when she clenched down on it.
Gradually Rainbow fell into his rhythm, squeezing down as he hilted himself and enjoying the slight scraping as he pulled himself out. Even her signing fell into step, the lines and curves of her signature matching his strokes. She hardly noticed the minutes ticking by, the occasional hum of pleasure vibrating up her throat into the empty office. Somewhere in the distance she could occasionally hear the muffled sound of Flitter yelling at some poor weather pony that wasn't doing their job right, but that gradually faded into mere background noise.
The stack of papers became two, one shrinking and one growing as she worked through the pile. All the while her compact client continued to plunder what little he could reach of her depths. Though even Rainbow had to admit his stamina was impressive. She was even starting to get into it, subconsciously rolling her hips as though to grind against him. To her surprise, the orgasm she'd been denied had started to build up once again, every small tap against her clit adding to her pleasure just a little bit at a time. Her signatures grew less and less legible the closer she got, and she'd stopped working entirely by time the first proper moan escaped her muzzle.
"Okay, Twinkie," she panted, her wings sticking out stiffly behind her. "Make me cum and I'll let you shoot your load inside me."
Not that she had a say in the matter, but it was nice to pretend.
Her hopes for release faded quickly as she felt his pace speed up. His thrusts, no more filling or pleasurable than before, came faster, and harder, and Rainbow whined desperately as she realized he wasn't going to last long enough. "No, don't you dare!" She shouted, throwing her hooves down under the table to play roughly with her teats. Her perky nipples were flicked, pinched, and pulled in a last-ditch effort to reach the edge before the miniature stallion did. "Don't you fucking dare," she groaned, her head rolling back and eyes closing as she tried to focus on the pleasure. Tried to ignore the way his fun-sized flare grew just a little bit larger inside her. "You worthless, pindicked asshole! Don't you dare finish yet."
It still wasn't enough. Her clit throbbed and burned with need, and instinctually her wing reached around to rub it, only for her feathers to meet bare, cold metal. She could feel him throbbing, pulsing against her walls, the medial ring bulging out just enough for her to actually feel something, but by then it was too late, as he slammed himself home one, last time. "No, no!" Rainbow cried, actual tears forming in her eyes as another orgasm was cruelly ripped away from her grasp. Her head fell forward as a truly pathetic amount of watery jizz drippled weakly from his tip, forehead resting on her desk. Her jaw hung open in a silent scream and for a moment, Rainbow felt her breath catch in her lungs as the ghost of a word formed on her lips.
"P... Please," she whispered, the plea almost inaudible even in the quiet office. "Please." Again, louder this time. "Please just... just let-... just make me cum already. Please. I can't take it anymore, I-"
He pulled out, and for a moment, for the barest, slimmest moment, Rainbow hoped that he would somehow hear her and finish the job.
Nothing more came, and her drooling slit was left denied. She could feel her heartbeat thrumming in her engorged lips, clitorus winking desperately, begging for attention. But she was ignored.
Rainbow slammed her hooves into the table. "Dammit! You sorry, pathetic excuse for a stallion! I hope you know how fucking lucky you are that your worthless excuse for a dick even got to touch a mare like me! Hell, with a clit like that I'm surprised you can even get it up at all! I bet the only time you even get to smell pussy is when you pay for it. Did your first girlfriend laugh at you when she saw what you were working with? Huh? Did she!?" Rainbow's aggravated shout echoed around the office before fading back into a silence broken only by her panting as she caught her breath.
She snorted a dry, callous chuckle, shaking her head. "Who am I kidding, with a tiny thing like that between your legs you probably don't have balls big enough to ask a mare out. Hope you enjoy being single forever, loser."
Rainbow sighed, picking herself up and, metaphorically, dusting herself off. "There'll be another one soon," she said to herself. Her eyes wandered over to the clock - the next shift was due to arrive any minute now, and she had an hour before the inspection team from Cloudsdale arrived. "Soon," she repeated, a sliver of worry creeping into her voice.
If only to keep her mind off the burning heat between her legs, Rainbow Dash turned her focus back onto the papers before her. A deep frustration lingering in the back of her mind manifested as particularly aggressive strokes of her pen, and the finished sheets being callously flicked aside.
It wasn't long before she heard the front door open, and she looked up, only to realize she couldn't actually see the door from her desk around the great mound of work. She leaned around it, almost tipping out of her chair as her eyes fell on a light gray coated pegasus. "'Sup, Cloudy?"
Cloudy Skies jumped slightly at the voice, glancing around until her eyes fell on the tuft on Rainbow mane sticking out around a pile of parchment. "Rainbow Dash," she greeted fondly. "I see you're getting ready for inspection."
"Living the dream," Rainbow responded. "You might wanna lay low, though. If Flitter finds you-"
"I'll make her do her job," Flitter cut it, appearing from seemingly nowhere and wrapped a hoof around Cloudy's neck. She shot a glare at Rainbow. "Hurry up, we still have to file all that away before they show up." Her attention turned as fast as her demeanor, a sickeningly sweet smile plastered onto her lips. "Cloudy~" she sang, "Don't pay attention to our resident slacker. How would you like to go through the rain seeds to get rid of the expired ones?"
"Ah, um, i-isn't that normally Nimbus's job?"
Flitter was already dragging her down the hall. "Nimbus isn't here yet, and you are, and it needs to be done. So..." She trailed off expectantly, gripping the other mare a little tighter to her side.
Sighing, Cloudy hung her head. "So I'll do it."
"Great! While you do that, I'll..." her voice trailed off as they disappeared out of sight, and Rainbow chuckled to herself, returning to her own assignment. Which was, thankfully, almost done, as the outgoing stack was now significantly larger than the incoming.
In only a few short minutes, she finished the at-first imposing task, and allowed herself a moment to breathe, relaxing back into her chair and checking the time again, chewing her lip slightly as she realized she was very quickly running out of time without another customer.
The door opened again, this time a pair of hoofsteps perking her ears.
"Yeah man, I know what you're saying. Totally bogus," a male voice said, and Rainbow rolled her eyes as she recognized it as belonging to Sandy Shores, easily the most irritating pegasus on her team.
"Right? I'm telling you, having a Princess in town is more of a headache than it's worth," another voice, this time one Swift Nimbus, responded.
"Absolutely, man. And that dumb shiny tree just showed up out of nowhere, it's so tall it's messing with the clouds."
"I've almost crashed into it twice!"
"Oh hey, speaking of things popping up around town..." Sandy trailed off a moment, and when he spoke again his voice was hushed. "Did you check out that shop I told you about? Y'know, the, uh... portal place?"
Rainbow's eyes widened slightly, and she shifted in her seat.
"Oh, dude, yes!" Nimbus exclaimed, and she could hear the grin in his voice. "Dude you were not kidding, were you? In fact..." again, when his voice returned, it was quieter than it had been. "I stopped there this morning before work."
"Dude no way!"
"What? It's inspection day! I've been stressed about this all week. I needed to relax."
"Nah, man, it's not that," Sandy chuckled. "I was there this morning too! Same reason. Can't believe I didn't see you."
"Bro seriously?"
"No lie, man."
Rainbow felt her heart rate increasing. Both of them were in the shop that very morning. Had they seen her there, on display? Had they recognized her?
Had they...
"Who'd you choose?" Nimbus asked in an excited whisper. "Did you go for Cloud Chaser again?"
Sandy hummed thoughtfully. "I was gonna. Hell, I went there for her, but... another mare caught my eye. Something about her spoke to me, man. Like I heard a voice, calling out to me, begging me to show her a good time."
"Haha, knock it off, dude."
"What? It's true! I looked at her and I could tell she was desperate for it. She winked at me, and I knew. Chose her on the spot and took her to the booth to rock her world."
Nimbus groaned. "Enough with the mystery schtick, dude, just tell me who you picked."
"Don't know her name," Sandy said, carefree as a lazy tide. "Just her number. Twenty-one."
Rainbow's breath caught in her throat so hard she thought she was choking. Only barely stopping herself from coughing and announcing her presence. She'd known - somewhere, in the darkest, furthest reaches of her mind - that it was possible for someone she knew personally to find her there. Hell, it was probably likely given Ponyville's relatively small size. But she'd never considered that not only would they use her, but that she'd find out they had used her.
Her thoughts swirled in her head at the revelation, some mix of horror at having to face the stallion after finding out, and a strange curiosity.
She'd had three customers that morning, after all.
"Bro wait, wait," Nimbus said, his voice growing in excitement. "You chose number twenty-one? Like the light-blue pussy? Super wet and needy, kinda looked like a certain Team Lead that's always napping? That twenty-one?"
"Dude don't tell me-"
"That's who I picked too!" Nimbus squealed excitedly.
Rainbow felt like she was going to pass out. What were the odds? And they'd even recognized her! Oh, Celestia, her life was over. She'd have to move to a different town - a different country, maybe! She'd have to change her name and dye her mane and-
"Hah, I wish it was Rainbow Dash," Nimbus said with a sigh. "No way she'd be caught dead doing that stuff though."
"Yeah, no kidding," Sandy agreed. "Still, I'd love to pump my load inside her."
"Dude, gross!" Nimbus said, even as his words carried his laughter. "She wouldn't let someone like you anywhere near her, anyway."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"I'm just saying, mare like that has her pick of stallions. You and me? We aren't even on her radar. Thunderlane barely managed to bed her, and that was during heat week. You think you can compare to Thunderlane?"
Sandy audibly sighed. "Man, you don't gotta be that honest."
"It's what friends are for," Nimbus said comfortingly. "Hey, at least we're in the same boat, you know?"
Sandy's chuckle broke the suddenly somber mood. "And apparently in the same pussy."
"Dude!"
"Ow, hey!"
Rainbow didn't even realize she was smirking to herself as the pair of stallions laughed together. Just moments ago she was worried she'd been found out, but now she was riding high on their inadvertent praise. Not only did they not think it was her, they wished it was her. They wished they were deserving of her. She'd done them the favor of gracing them with her body, and they didn't even know it! It was almost too much.
"Still, even if it wasn't her, Twenty-One felt good," Sandy said wistfully, obviously recalling his time in the shop. "Way better than Cloud Chaser."
"Oh yeah?" Nimbus asked. "I didn't get a chance to try Cloud yet, but man Twenty-One was great. Did you- oh, dude, wait, if we were both there this morning, and we both chose the same girl..."
"Yeah?"
"Which one of us got the other's sloppy seconds?"
There was a long, pregnant pause between the pair, and Rainbow slapped a hoof over her mouth before she could start laughing.
"Let's never find out?"
"Agreed," Sandy said, very professionally.
Rainbow almost pouted - she really wanted to know which one was the quick shot and which was the pin dick (She had ruled out either of them being the proper stallion that was her first customer).
"Okay, but, real talk," Nimbus started conspiratorially. "Did you make her cum?"
"No!" Rainbow mentally cried.
"Dude, you kidding?" Sandy laughed. "By time I was done I had her gushing around my dick. Bitch couldn't get enough of me! You?"
"Bro don't even. You know I made her see stars."
"Right on, dude."
Rolling her eyes so hard she thought they might fall right out of her head, Rainbow wondered if it was worth giving herself away to burst their bubbles.
"But man, Twenty-One sure is a squirter, huh dude?" Nimbus asked. "She must have creamed herself on my dick four or five times before I finally finished. Was basically sitting in a puddle at the end. I feel sorry for the janitor."
"Oh bro you aren't kidding," Sandy agreed boastfully. "She was clenching on me like mad on the first thrust! I thought the poor girl was gonna cum just from that, and it didn't take much more."
Just as she was about to clear her throat - loudly - Rainbow was stopped by the sound of flapping wings coming down the hall. "Hey, you two!" Flitter yelled, skidding to a halt. "How kind of you to finally show up, get to work! We have a code red."
"Yo, what's up, Flit's? What's the commotion?" Sandy asked in his usual, care-free way that made Flitter's blood boil.
"It's inspection day, you dolt!" She yelled. "And Thunderlane just reported that he saw them on the edge of Ponyville - ahead of schedule! Rainbow Dash!" She yelled, wheeling around to face the pile of work.
Rainbow leaned out, a shit-eating grin on her face as both stallion's realized she'd been there the whole time. "Yeah, what's up?"
"Are you done yet?"
"Signed, initialed, and stamped," Rainbow confirmed with a nod, standing from her chair and stretching out her back. "How's the rest of the place?"
"Perfect, no thanks to you," Flitter growled. "We've got ten minutes or less before they knock on that door. These two idiots can handle filing it away, I need you outside at least pretending to be the boss when they walk up so we can delay them."
Sauntering out into the room, Rainbow waved a hoof. "Sure, sure, I'll be there in a sec." She turned, shooting a venomously sweet smile at the stallions. "Just a heads up, boys, if you're going to make up stories, make them believable. It's obvious just from listening to that horse shit that neither of you even got close to finishing the job."
The pair of braggarts sputtered wordlessly at her, and Rainbow felt her chest swell with pride. Her heart beat faster at the realization of what she was saying - what she was admitting, whether they realized it or not - but at this point, it was just her frustration spilling over. She needed these two losers to know how bad they sucked at fucking.
"If I were you," she continued, "I'd go back to that shop, find Twenty-One again, and make it up to her. And this time, put your mouths to work doing something other than bragging or fantasizing about your boss. Wouldn't want to get written up now, would we?"
With that, Rainbow walked past them, flipping up her tail to brush under each of their chins in turn as she followed Flitter out the front door. Stepping out into the sunlight, she glanced over her shoulder to see Nimbus and Sandy standing still as statues just as the door closed.
"What was that about?"
"Oh, nothing," Rainbow said innocently. "Just giving my team members some advice."
Maybe, if they listened, she'd actually get to cum the next time they-
Rainbow froze mid-step. She'd been enjoying messing with the stallions so much she'd glossed over what Flitter had said, and it all came rushing back to her. Along with the knowledge that she hadn't so much as turned the portal off, never mind taken it off.
"Uh, Flitter, I gotta-"
"They're here!" Flitter yelled, frantically straightening her mane as a half-dozen pegasi began descending from the sky towards them. "Okay, you-"
"Flitter can you handle them for a sec I need to run to the bathroom and-"
"Hold it!" Flitter hissed angrily. "They're going to want to talk to you, not me."
Rainbow's tail flicked anxiously. "No you don't understand, I-"
"Hello ladies!" Came a greeting as the first suit-and-tie clad pegasus touched down in front of them. He was quickly joined by the rest, the group stepping up to shake hooves. "Rainbow Dash, I presume?"
"Uh, yeah, that's me," Rainbow answered, shakily accepting his hoof on her own.
"Excellent. I'm Quill Strife, here on behalf of the Cloudsdale Weather Bureau to perform this inspection. As Team Lead for Ponyville, why don't you show us around the facility?"
Swallowing thickly, Rainbow nodded. "You got it."
"Clouds are all accounted for?" Quil asked, pulling a pair of glasses from his suit pocket and balancing them on the end of his muzzle. He squinted at a stack of parchment held in his wing.
"Yep," Rainbow answered quickly. "Inventoried and organized according to protocol." Her hind legs shifted. She'd wound up leading the group around the weather office - which left several of the suits behind her. She could feel their eyes on the back of her head, and made sure to take extra special care in keeping her tail pressed down against her backside. Thankfully, the portal device was a near-perfect match for her coat, but the last thing she needed was one of them spotting it.
"Seems to be in order," Quill said, setting the papers back down. "For this month. Bring me last month's."
Rainbow brightened up. "O-oh, those are in the other room, um, I-I'll go get them, and-"
"No, you stay here," Flitter cut in. "Please. I'll get them."
She scampered out of the room without waiting for a response, and Rainbow had to bite her tongue to keep from cursing. All she needed was a single moment alone, without any eyes on her, to reach back and turn off the portal. As it was, there was no way for her to disable it without someone noticing her sticking her wing under her tail.
She just hoped she could find a moment before the worst-case scenario happened.
"Rainbow Dash?"
"Huh?"
Quill frowned at her. "I said Flitter seems to be a very capable team member."
"O-oh, yeah, she's good."
"Are you alright? You've seemed distracted since we got here, and you're looking a little flushed" Quill said, and Rainbow was surprised to hear what sounded like genuine concern in his voice.
She forced a fake smile at him. "No, I'm just... feeling a little under the weather today, is all."
"Sorry to hear that. Well, we'll make this as quick as we can so you can get some rest."
"Last month's cloud inventory!" Flitter decried as she ran back into the room, another stack of papers held in her wing. Quill Strife accepted them with a polite nod and smile, quickly flipping through them.
"Everything seems to be in order," he said. "Shall we move on? I believe the rain seeds are stored next door, right?"
Rainbow nodded. "Yeah, next room over."
"Please," Quill said, making a chivalrous 'after you' gesture. "Lead the way."
Begrudgingly, Rainbow led the way.
She tried to ignore her situation. Focus on the problem in front of her rather than the problem behind her. But she was constantly aware of all the various sets of eyes on her. Constantly aware of what could happen at any moment.
Constantly aware of how fucking horny she was.
All day she'd been kept on edge and denied. And now, with so many ponies around watching her, all she could think about was the possibility of a hard, fat cock ramming her in front of all of them. The shame of it, even imagined, burned her cheeks a permanent scarlet hue. She tried to tell herself that she didn't want it to happen, that she was worried. Tried to convince herself the arousal she could feel dripping from her snatch wasn't from the mental image of getting railed in front of everyone. It was just the lingering effects of her unsatisfying clients. That was all.
Rainbow caught her tail trying to flag and forced it back down.
"Here's where the rain, hail, and snow seeds are kept," Rainbow said as she led them into a darker room. The air was notably cooler inside, and the walls were lined with shelves covered in small wooden boxes. From the corner of her eye she spotted Cloudy Sky hiding in a dark back corner, several boxes of expired seeds held in her wings and a panicked look on her face.
Thinking fast, Rainbow pushed forward into the room to the shelf on the back wall, glancing at the tags on the boxes to orient herself. "These are, uh, where we keep the oldest that are about to expire," she said, wincing as she saw a few that already were out of date.
Quill Strife stepped up to the shelf, squinting to read the tags in the dim light. His group of pencil pushers followed him in, and Flitter held the door open with her hind hoof for Cloudy to slip out.
"Some of them have already gone off," Quill said, scribbling a note on a clipboard in his wing. "But not more than a week. I can presume those will be gone by the end of the month?"
"Second Friday of every month is when we clean out," Rainbow answered.
Quill raised an eyebrow at her. "That was last week."
"The team member assigned was out sick last week," Flitter filled in while Rainbow tripped over her tongue. "And we didn't have the extra staff to do it and the weather, so it was delayed to this Friday."
"Ah, I see. There does seem to be an illness going around," Quill said, shooting a glance over at Rainbow. "Take care of yourselves."
Chuckling awkwardly, Rainbow Dash just nodded, and Quill returned to his inspection, checking takes and opening a few boxes to verify their accuracy. A few more marks and notes were added, and then they were off to the next room.
Thankfully, Flitter was good at her job, and Rainbow made a mental note to thank her. Every area was cleaned and organized - even the locker room looked spotless as the day the building was first erected, and Quill made several notes about the accuracy of their document keeping.
All through it, Rainbow did her best to keep up a calm front even as her tension grew. There was never an opportunity for her to sneak away or discreetly feel around for the portal's off switch, and by time they were half way done she'd basically given up escaping the situation. All she could hope for was the end of the inspection would come before her next client.
And, for a moment, she thought she might make it.
"Well, Rainbow Dash," Quill started as they circled around from the back of the building towards the front door, having come from the small cloud storage area. "I must say, you run a fine weather office here."
"Heh, you know it," Rainbow said, puffing out her chest. "Finest around."
Quill made a note on his clipboard. "Yes, quite."
"She means 'thank you'," Flitter said, discreetly shoving her elbow into Rainbow's ribs. "We're just a small town, so the team is very close. We work well together."
"Yeah, right," Rainbow grumbled, massaging her side with a hoof. "We're a real close team..." she trailed off, thinking of two members in particular that she'd inadvertently gotten especially 'close' with that morning. Hell, their loads were probably still inside her.
She really hoped that the sterilizing spell worked. The last thing she needed was to have to tell Sandy Shores of all ponies that he'd knocked her up. Or others, for that matter. Maybe she should ask Twilight to double check...
"Ah, but I believe our time together has just about come to an end," Quill said abruptly, nodding to one of his companions that was motioning to his watch.
Rainbow had to bite her tongue before the word 'finally' could leave her lips. Just a few more seconds, and she'd-
"Ah!" Rainbow yelped as a tongue, wide and warm, licked along her labia, starting from the top and running down to flick over her clit.
"Rainbow Dash?" Quil asked, frowning. "Are you alright?"
Why now? Why not just a few moments later when she would be able to run and hide somewhere? "I-I'm fine," she said shakily, as her customer went back for another lick, this time stopping to curl his tongue around her sensitive nub. "S-s-stubbed my h-hoof." her voice quaked with a shudder of pleasure racing up her spine. It took every last ounce of control she had not to moan.
"Right. Well, as I was saying, my time is about up. I'll need to write up my report in full, so you can expect a copy in a few days by mail."
"Sounds good!" Rainbow gasped, feeling the stallion's tongue dip into her honey pot. Pressing against the spongy walls that reflexively flexed and rippled around it.
"Before I go, though." He looked to Flitter. "Would you gather the team for me in the main office? I'd like to talk with them for a moment."
Rainbow's eyes shot open wide. No! Now isn't the time for a stupid speech! Get out of here! "C-could I go and-"
"I know you're feeling unwell, so I'll make it quick," Quill assured her with a gentle smile. "But please, accompany me inside for a moment so we can address your team together."
Choking back a whimper, Rainbow nodded, allowing herself to be led back inside. She could feel her eager pussy drooling into her customer's mouth, and felt him lapping up her juices happily. In other circumstances, she would have loved the treatment, the attention, the pleasure. But right now she wanted nothing more than for it to stop.
She got her wish, as the tongue was removed from her snatch, and Rainbow realized that no, she didn't want it to stop at all. Her cunt burned for more, clenching down on the emptiness inside her. Begging to be filled, even as she took an indicated spot next to Quill Strife. In front of her was her entire weather squad, behind and around her was the group of higher-ups from Cloudsdale. All of them were looking at her. And she knew. She knew what was coming next. Because no one would pay just to lick her slit a few times.
"Hello, everyone," Quill started. "I've met some of you during my inspection, but for those I haven't seen yet or in case you've forgotten, my name is Quill Strife. I had Flitter gather you all so that myself and your Team Lead can say a few words regarding the inspection today."
Oh, why did he have to bring attention to her? She was already shaking, slightly. Nervous, excited, all at once. There was nothing she could do, now. Not in front of so many ponies. Not now that he'd started his speech. Any minute now, she'd-
Rainbow's eyes bugged out as a fat cockhead pressed against her folds. Quite unlike her last customer, he was big. Not quite the largest she'd taken - that honor still went to Thunderlane - but large enough that she'd have trouble taking him without a warmup.
Luckily for him, she'd been warmed up all day, and with only a slight amount of resistance, that thick, bulbous head popped inside. Rainbow sucked in a breath through her nose. Lips pinched tightly closed for fear of letting out a sound and giving away what was happening. Inch by agonizingly pleasurable inch was pushed into her tunnel, aided by her copious lubrication.
"First of all, amazing job, honestly," Quill said. "Ponyville has always been a shining star at the Weather Bureau for your excellent schedule accuracy and expert budget management - thanks in no small part to your team's efforts."
Rainbow's wings flared out as her customer unexpectedly pulled back an inch before thrusting in deeper, his medial ring bumping against her entrance. She could feel the eyes on her, the weird looks. She straightened herself out and puffed out her chest, striking a pose as though to bask in Quill's praise. It was a common enough sight that most didn't pay it any mind, but she didn't know that. She could only hope they brushed it off and didn't think too hard about why she spread her hind legs a little wider apart.
"On my inspection today I saw why this office runs so smoothly. You are organized, clean, and efficient in all aspects of the job. I am happy to tell you that you are one of the finest running weather departments I've had the honour of visiting."
He was still talking. How was he still talking? Rainbow didn't know. Could barely keep herself standing upright as that thick, bulging ring of flesh battered at her lips. Every thrust made her legs quake, made her bite her tongue to keep quiet. But the pleasure kept building, kept wearing down her defenses, both physical and mental. Little gasps flared her nostrils. A few of her team were looking at her instead of Quill. She scanned the crowd, wondering which of them had noticed. Which of them knew what was happening. Cloudy was oblivious. Thunderlane was smirking at her, but he was always smirking at her ever since she'd used him to get through heat week. Light Streak had his eyebrow raised at her - he'd realized something, but a sharp glare from her made him turn his attention away.
No one else seemed to pay attention.
Then, the physical barrier fell, and she was stretched wide around her client's engorged ring. She could feel his heartbeat pulsing, pressing against her walls that clenched and flexed in time with her own. The tiniest whine slipped through her sealed lips, and Rainbow braced herself. Surely they had heard. Surely they knew. They must!
"I'm sure, if you all keep working together, you'll continue to set extraordinary standards for the entire Weather Bureau. Teamwork is the foundation of what we do."
But no, he was still talking. Hadn't missed a beat. Rainbow choked on her own breath as the entirety of the stallion's length was buried inside her, his balls coming to rest against her.
He held there, and for a moment, nothing happened.
"I'd like to take a moment to give a special 'thank you' to your wonderful Team Lead, Rainbow Dash!" Quill said, and Rainbow's pupils shrunk to pinpricks as every last pony in that room turned to her.
Right as her customer pulled out, and began fucking her in earnest. She just had to smile. She tried to stand tall and accept the praise, but all she managed was a small whimper and a nod.
"Would you like to say a few words?"
Oh, Celestia, he was asking her to speak. This had to have been a cruel joke. If she opened her mouth there would be nothing to stop the whorish moans fighting to escape her. But they all were looking at her expectantly, and the cock was still pounding her mercilessly, setting her nerves of fire and covering her mind with a fog that made everything seem a little less bad. A little more erotic. Here she was, standing in front of almost two dozen ponies, getting fucked like a bitch in heat.
A twisted kind of pride bubbled up in her. They were watching her, looking at her. Maybe they already knew. Maybe they knew what was happening. They were getting off on it themselves, weren't they? Jealous it wasn't them making her legs shake, forcing the air from her lungs with every stroke.
"Ah!" Rainbow gasped the moment she opened her mouth, and there was no stopping it. "Th-thaaaaaaaa~nk you f-for your h-hard work," she said, her voice pitching wildly up and down in time with the thrusts that threatened to send her front half to the floor. Little gasps and moans punctuated every word.
Their gazes shifted to confusion, maybe concern, but Rainbow hardly took the time to notice. Who cared if they knew? It just made it hotter. Just made her come closer to the point of no return. To her release. She wanted it. She wanted so badly to cum. And if being here, being watched, would make that happen, then she'd put on a show for every last one of them.
"W-w-we're the b-best team a-arooouuuuuund. Lets- oh Celestia!" She cried, eyes rolling back for a moment as she felt his flared head reach deeper than before, his tip kissing the entrance to her womb.
"Rainbow Dash?" Quill asked concernedly. "Are you-"
"Fine!" Rainbow shouted, forcing her eyes to focus back on the crowd. "I'm close," she panted, before shaking her head. "C-close to finishing. F-finishing this speech!" she corrected hastily. "Just l-let me... ooooooh fuck."
She wasn't the only one close. The flared head inside her was flaring wider, battering her cervix as he switched from full strokes to shallow, rabid strokes. Her eyes locked with Sandy Shore, then to Nimbus, and she smirked. This is what a mare looks like when she cums, she thought. "Good work, everyone!"
Quill cleared his throat. Loudly. "Right, well, it seems you really aren't well, so let's wrap this up. Could we get a round of applause for all of your hard work, and of course for your Team Lead, Rainbow Dash!"
Quill Strife led the applause, which slowly spread through the room, most ponies visibly confused about what was happening even as they started clapping.
Rainbow lost the mental battle, her front half dropping to the floor and her tail flagging, flashing the portal device at the suit standing behind her. She didn't care. She heard their applause, felt the eyes on her. Her body quaked as an orgasm that had been building all day teetered oin the edge of bursting.
The last push she needed was looking up and seeing the knowing look on Cloud Chaser's face. The only one there who seemed knew exactly what was happening.
To the sound of applause, Rainbow Dash finally, finally came, her mouth opened in a wordless cry of pleasure that came out as a strangled squeal. Her pussy spasmed, clenching down on her customer as a stream of marecum squirted against his balls.
That was enough to push him over the edge, and his bulbous head expanded further, locking him in place as a torrent of hot jizz blasted against her cervix. It was all too much, and a second, stronger orgasm ripped through Rainbow's mind and body, blanking out her thoughts and making her vision fade to white as she screamed her pleasure for her audience.
The last thing Rainbow heard before she passed out was the applause of her team. |
Hentai Horse in Magical Pony Land | pre | I had no desire to experience childhood, er foalhood again.
Although if I did have to grow up again my dick would probably be more manageable... no. Never mind!
Shaking my head, I made my way home. I'd probably get my androids to get me off, wouldn't want to pop a boner in front of Moonie after all!
... Though that alone could lead to some amusement... and I could check "Cockslap a Goddess" off my bucket list... hmm...
[Exasperation] |
Hentai Horse in Magical Pony Land | 4: A Party and... | <<<Twilight Sparkle>>>
"So..." Twilight figured if she couldn't get away from the blasted party she might as well try and learn something from the locals, "I'm curious about Steel."
Though Twilight asked Applejack who had decided to keep the purple pony company it was actually the town drunkard (or so Applejack said) Berry Punch that answered.
"He's an oddball. Stallion with a heart of gold but he is bizarre." Berry said between drinks of punch, "Showed up six months back. Homeless and without a bit to his name, actually started working at SAA about... two months after he showed up. Eventually bought that decrepit cottage not too far from Shy's place, fixed it up pretty good too."
That... was informative but not exactly what Twilight was hoping to hear. She gathered that Steel was something of a town eccentric and a hard worker. She was hoping for something more... in-depth. There was just something off about the stallion, and not just how his confidence if like Rainbow Dash's only turned down to nine instead of fifteen.
"I also heard from my sister Berry Drink that he's got a willy that could be used as a bludgeon." Berry Punch added crassly, "The thought of letting that thing rut terrified her, but she managed to appease the beast with other tricks." She added with a dirty snicker.
"Well that makes sense as Steel must be from Saddle Arabia originally or his parents were. Horses easily out-mass Ponies depending on their respective breed and everything about them have to be proportional. And Steel looks like he's a Shire breed, possibly a pureblood one, and they're supposedly the largest of all Horses and famed for their physical strength."
Applejack looked interested but Twilight ignored that.
"While that's... informative. That's not exactly what I was curious about." Twilight said finally.
"Oh! You mean like... how he acts and stuff?" Twilight nodded, "You're better off asking Derpy, Time Turner, or Big Mac. They all know him better."
"Derpy?" Twilight asked.
"A right sweet mare. You can't miss her." Berry Punch said before she stumbled off.
"Well... excuse me Applejack." Twilight said with a smile, "I've got some questions that need answers!"
"Yeah, have fun! And if you wanna know more about Steel just ask around." Applejack said slightly red in the face as she got some more punch.
Twilight just tilted her head and decided to... mingle.
"Steel? Well he's a nice enough stallion. Amazing with foals and doesn't take himself or really life in general too seriously." A earth pony in a suit with a coiffed mane said, "Though he is kinda standoffish, not rude mind you. He just... really doesn't like it when somepony just invades his personal space. And let's not forget just how damn Alpha Mare he acts when provoked."
"Alpha Mare?" Twilight asked, "Can you... expand on that Mr. Rich?"
"Well... like Rainbow Dash only without the ego." Mr. Rich said, "A hooligan mare tried to force him into her herd and got bucked through two buildings for her trouble. I heard she had to spend a week or two in the hospital."
"Oh my! Did he get in trouble?" Twilight asked.
"Oh yes. Fined and spent about... half a month in jail I believe." Mr. Rich said, "But he never once acted repentant or chastised. He just accepted his punishment, paid his fines, and just moved on like it was just another day."
Twilight just pondered over that.
"He's probably the most unfortunate stallion in town." Aloe (or was it Vera?) said, "I don't think I've seen a stallion as pent up or frustrated as him since my sister and I moved here. You'd think he'd have a massive herd already but well... I've heard his stallionhood could double as a weapon."
"That's... unfortunate..." Twilight really regretted talking to Aloe now.
"But that's just what I've heard of course! I've given him a massage and let me tell you kneading wet cement would be easier. I know stallions that would sell their cutie marks to get that sort of body but my word the knots and how tense his muscles are!"
Twilight nodded, at least that bit was a little bit more comfortable and interesting honestly.
"He's certainly not shy by any means." Mayor Mare said with dry amusement, "And the poor dear never realizes it when he does something clearly embarrassing. I think he has some sort of mental problem? I mean... ponies aren't normally as blunt as he is. Polite to a fault however, he just... tells it as it is. I suppose."
"Interesting..." Twilight thought as she listened to Mayor Mare go on about some of his oblivious antics.
"Steel? He's cool, not as cool as me though!" Rainbow Dash boasted, "But if I had a choice between fighting him or a Griffon I'd choose the Griffon. At least if they kill you they'd mean too."
"What do you mean exactly? He's killed accidentally?!" Twilight asked with wide eyes, what sort of stallion is this Steel!?
"What? No!" Rainbow said, shaking her head, "What I mean is that sometimes he forgets his own strength, though he's got a lot better about it. I mean he bucked a mare through two buildings, and just ask AJ about Old Appleton. Actually you should ask Granny about that... AJ still gets mad whenever Appleton is mentioned."
Twilight sat as she nursed another cup of punch thinking about the strange stallion Steel, the party was already winding down as the celebration approached so most wanted to freshen up for the next part.
"Okay let me see here." Twilight took another sip as she thought, "Everypony has painted a very interesting picture of Steel. He's kind and unfailingly polite, yet he's very blunt and can be very caustic when irritated. Possibly might be suffering from some form of mental impairment that doesn't overall prevent him from living, just makes him socially awkward. And let's not forget his... well not aversion but general dislike of having his personal space invaded, though he doesn't have a problem with engaging with ponies he's familiar as I've seen with Ms.Doo and Big Mac. And how can I forget his utter lack of shame, probably related to his mental impairment."
All together it painted a rather interesting picture of a stallion trying, and with some limited success, living with possible multiple impairments and a lot of pent up frustration. Genuinely helpful and not afraid to "throw down" as Rainbow Dash put it when she shared a story about Steel going savage on a rabid Manticore that rampaged just outside of Ponyville.
"Thinking about Steely? Yeah he's a pretty puzzling pony isn't he?" Pinkie chirped, "Though don't let all the stories or anything get to you! Steely is actually a perfectly pleasant pony even if his peener is always frustrated!~"
And with that the pink bundle of energy and questionable sanity pronked away.
"... What in Tartarus is that mare even on??" |
Hentai Horse in Magical Pony Land | 4: (1st POV version) A Party and... | I was at a party that I had no desire to attend. And I couldn't even leave, because it was being held in the same building I was staying at.
"So...," With every attempt to do something useful thwarted, I figured I could try to learn something about one of the locals, "I'm curious about Steel."
Applejack had decided to keep me company for some reason, and was who I had asked; but another pony rudely inserted herself into the conversation to answer.
"He's an oddball. That stallion may have a heart of gold, but he sure is bizarre," The mare said between drinks of punch. "Showed up about six months back, homeless and without a bit to his name. He actually started working for Applejack here about... oh, two months after that. Eventually bought that dump of a cottage not far from Shy's place. Fixed it up pretty good too."
Thankfully, Applejack gave us some introductions while I pondered that informative, but unsatisfying bit of information. "Twilight, this here is Berry Punch. She's the local bartender, and some of us think she might sample her own drinks a bit more than is proper."
Berry Punch threw back her head and laughed at that. "How do you think I got my job!"
"Berry," Applejack continued, "This here is Twilight Sparkle. She's here to supervise the celebration."
"Nice to meet ya. Say, I heard from my sister that he's got a willy that could knock you out! It's like a club!" Berry said with a wink and a nudge. A literal wink as she actually nudged me with her elbow. I did not know that was an actual thing, and not just a saying.
"So, she's his marefriend?" I wasn't really sure how to handle this conversation, but Applejack seemed happy to listen in.
"Hah! No, Berry Drink's an escort. Steel hired her a while back, but even she wouldn't let that monster of a member inside of her. Of course, she managed to appease the beast with other tricks. My sister's a talented mare, after all," she added with a snicker.
"Okay, I know I wanted more information, but this is way too much! I mean, I would expect a professional to be able to estimate a pony's endowment from a distance, and if it weren't for his cutie mark, I would have guessed Steel was a Saddle Arabian, and given his stature and genetic probability it's likely that at least three fourths of his ancestry is from the Shire breed, which are known for their exceptional size, I mean, "hung like a horse" specifically refers to them, and those comments sound as if he is disproportionately endowed even beyond that!'
Applejack looked far too interested in the direction this conversation was going.
"While that's... informative," I said, trying to find a way to redirect Berry. "But that's not exactly what I was curious about."
"Oh! You mean like... how he acts all weird and stuff?" she asked, "In that case, you're better off asking Derpy. Or maybe Time Turner or Big Mac. They all know him a lot better."
"Derpy?" I asked.
"She's a very sweet mare. You can't miss her." Berry Punch said before she stumbled off.
'A sweet mare. Wonderful description to find someone with. Well, on that exceptionally useful note, I had best get back on track.'
"Well... excuse me Applejack," I said with a smile which was only slightly forced, "I've got some research to get to."
"Alright then, you have fun! And don't worry too much about asking about Steel, he's a popular topic of conversatin' around here." Applejack said, slightly red in the face as she got some more punch.
An earth pony with a rather nice suit and well tended mane was busy pontificating in front of the history section. 'I swear this pony would fit right in if he were dropped in the Rose Quarter.
"You know that Steel stallion? Nice enough boy. Amazing with foals and doesn't take himself too seriously. Or life in general really." he muttered that last part for some reason, "Though he is somewhat standoffish. Not rude mind you, he just... really likes his personal space. And we mustn't forget just how Alpha Mare he gets when provoked."
"Alpha Mare?" I asked, "Can you... expand on that Mr. Rich?" I was getting drawn into this conversation in spite of myself.
"A local mare tried to force him into her herd. She got bucked hard enough to fly through two buildings for her trouble. I heard she had to spend more than a week in the hospital."
"Oh my! Did he get in trouble?" I asked.
"Oh yes. Fines and jail time... he was in jail until little miss hooligan recovered.," Mr. Rich said. "But he never once apologized.. He just accepted his punishment, paid his fines, and moved on like it was just another day."
That was... not normal. I had a lot to ponder as I continued my search for research material.
It was proving impossible to avoid conversation even in the most isolated reading nook.
"He's probably the most unfortunate stallion in town." Aloe (or was it Vera?) said, "I don't think I've seen a stallion as pent up since my sister and I moved here. You'd think he'd have a massive herd already but well... I've heard his stallionhood is as big around as his own hoof! He could use that thing as a weapon."
"That's... unfortunate..." I was really regretting getting drawn into the twins' gossip. Not only was this a really awkward conversation for me, I REALLY had to find a way to avert Nightmare Moon's return!
"But that's just rumor and gossip of course! I've given him a massage and let me tell you: kneading rocks would be easier. I know stallions that would sell their cutie marks to get that sort of body, but my word! I don't know how he can move with those knots and how tense he is!"
At least things had moved towards territory that was a little bit more comfortable. I can study even if this is kind of interesting.
"He's certainly not shy by any means," Mayor Mare said with dry amusement. I don't even know why I asked about him. I just wanted a reference on millennial mythology! "And the poor dear never realizes it when he does something socially awkward. I think he has some sort of mental problem? I mean... ponies aren't normally as blunt as he is. Polite to a fault usually, he just... tells it as it is. I suppose."
"Interesting..." I listened with one ear as I browsed the shelf and Mayor Mare described some frankly astonishing stories about Steel's time in Ponyville. "Though it did sound like that foolish colt brought it on himself for provoking a grown stallion like Steel..."
"Steel? He's cool, not as cool as me of course!" Rainbow Dash boasted as she rooted around the refrigerator, "But if I had a choice between fighting him or a griffon I'd choose the griffon. At least if they kill you they'd mean too."
"Wait, what!? He's killed?!" I asked. Just what sort of stallion was Steel!?
"What? No!" Rainbow said, shaking her head, "No, no no. What I mean is that sometimes he just forgets his own strength, though he's got a lot better about it. I mean he bucked a mare through a building, and just ask AJ about Old Appleton. Actually you should ask Granny about that... AJ still gets mad whenever Appleton gets brought up."
"This stallion just gets more curious... but I can't let myself be distracted! I need to find a way to defeat Nightmare Moon!"
I sat nursing yet another cup of punch. Thoughts about that strange stallion kept distracting me from my primary tasks.
'Alright Twilight, you know what to do when an unrelated problem interferes with a more important duty. You need to work out what is bothering you to attain peace of mind and re-focus.'
The party was already winding down, as most ponies were heading home to freshen up for the next part of the celebration.
'Okay let me see here. Everypony has painted a very interesting, and often contradictory, picture of Steel. He's kind and unfailingly polite, yet very blunt, and can quickly become caustic when irritated. There are suspicions that he is suffering from some form of mental impairment which does not impair his daily activities, possibly something on the spectrum of social communication disorders. This could explain his... well, not quite aversion but general dislike of having his personal space invaded. That he displayed no adverse reaction engaging with ponies with whom he's familiar also supports this. And how can I forget his utter lack of shame, probably related to his mental impairment. I need to research this in the future. If we have a future...'
All together it painted a rather interesting picture of a stallion trying, and with some limited success, living with a possible significant impairment and a lot of excess frustration. But now that I had a course of action planned out, I could put it to the back of my mind and focus on what's important!.
"Thinking about Steely? Yeah he's a pretty puzzling pony isn't he?" Pinkie chirped, "Though don't let all the stories or anything get to you! Steely is really a perfectly pleasant pony even if his peener is always frustrated!~"
And with that the pink bundle of energy and questionable sanity pronked away.
"... What has that mare been putting in her punch? And why is everypony so fixated on Steel Calvary's penis?!" |
Hentai Horse in Magical Pony Land | 4.2: a Dance with a Nightmare in the Pale Moonlight! | <<<Princess Luna Noctis>>>
The moment when Tia had banished her, no that's not right.
The moment when she had banished Them, she understood and accepted the punishment while her personal Nightmare raged and swore vengeance.
She was such a fool, why did she ever doubt her sister? She is the Night, like her Nightmare is so fond of proclaiming, she defended her Ponies when they're at their most vulnerable. It was only natural for ponies to prefer Celestia, she should've simply been content with her precious Thestrals.
But no she had to get jealous, and her jealousy fed her Nightmare until Luna was spurred and subjugated by her own Darkness. And if things didn't go the way they did Luna knew without a doubt that Tia would tease her relentlessly for allowing her Nightmare to overpower her will.
Tia herself didn't show her Nightmare as frequently, only during the conquest of Equestria did the relentless light of Sol Invictus shine through.
"Damn you Nightmare!!"
"Don't you mean Damn me my weaker half? After all... I am you and you are me!" The Nightmare mocked after she banished Tia to the sun, "Now... I must prepare myself to greet my subjects!"
Luna just grumbled but didn't bother to retort, mostly because as much as it burned her teats the Nightmare was correct. So instead she just watched as the Nightmare teleported to a quaint-looking hamlet called Ponyville.
Luna ignored Nightmare's speech and instead looked at all the scared ponies, oh how she wished she could do something. However the Nightmare had been thorough in ensuring Luna couldn't upsur Nightmare's control.
Eventually her gaze landed on possibly the largest Horse she had ever seen before. From the musculature alone Luna identified him as a Shire breed, though she couldn't even begin to estimate how much he weighed or anything else.
"Oh? What's this? Is my weaker half enjoying some eye candy?"
Luna just ignored the Nightmare, only to start laughing when the stallion in question started to aggressively flirt with the Nightmare.
"Arrogant colt! Know your place!!" Nightmare spat before blasting him with a bolt of raw mana.
Luna snorted, one thing the Nightmare lacked that Luna had in spades was unparalleled control of her magic. That mana bolt offended Luna's pride as a spellcaster, but Luna even knowing that the Nightmare did these little things on purpose to irritate her she simply couldn't help it.
"Is this foreplay for you? Cause if so I can deal." Luna would've passed out from laughing if she could've, "It's not my thing but if you like it rough I can provide!~"
"Oh stars! That tongue waggle!"
Though Luna made a reminder to ask the stallion about what sort of enchantment he used to make his tongue over two hooves long! And not because she wanted to use that herself for when she eventually regained control of her own body.
The Nightmare just growled and bared her serrated fangs, which only got more lewd catcalls from the stallion (who had to have balls bigger than the sun itself!), before she used transposition to reappear in the Everfree castle where she started to weave her magic on the entire forest.
"I'd certainly like to get to know that stallion."
That just made the Nightmare growl even louder.
"I feel both complemented and defiled..."
The stallion and a group of mares, his herd perhaps, had arrived and the stallion has resumed his bizarre barrage of innuendo and sexual harassment. If Luna had been in control she's reasonable sure she'd be deeply offended.
The the stallion charged the Nightmare and engaged in a bizarre form of erotic wrestling, even going so far as actually cockslapping her! Maybe even worse by glazing the entire right side of her head!
"Your resistance makes me harder!!~" Luna's lungs would've collapsed with how hard she laughed.
And despite what others would think... it was very much like getting hit by a Buffalo warclub! That thing was surprisingly solid and... smelled fairly interesting. Though that might've been because she's been on a thousand year long dry spell of course.
Of course the Nightmare lost her shit, which is ironic as most would consider that Nightmare would also represent her lust, and proceeded to make the erotic wrestling into something much more real when she shattered the stallions jaw and tried her best to reduce him to paste.
"Were Shires always this strong?" Luna mused as the Nightmare was bucked across the room.
"FUCKING FIRE THE GODDAMN FRIENDSHIP LASER!!"
The fact that the stallion could still somehow talk even with a broken and dislocated jaw stopped the Nightmare from struggling. Only to resume as the both of them were hit by the "Friendship Laser" as he called it!
And as Luna felt the metaphorical chains binding her break and Nightmares hold over her body weaken she couldn't help but shed tears of relief!
Finally! She was finally free!
And her Nightmare was returned to her subconscious, where it will stay until her power was needed. |
Hentai Horse in Magical Pony Land | 4.2: 1st POV version) a Dance with a Nightmare in the Pale Moonlight! | The stars hath fully aligned at last.
Mine... no our. Our imprisonment was at its weakest. And had I a say, we wouldst remain imprisoned for yet another millennia. From the moment my dear sister banished us, I hath understood. And in the fullness of time, I hath come to accept such as my due.
I am such a fool. As I always have been. My foolhardy doubt and jealousy of mine own sister hast drivin me from my greatest purpose in life, to defend my subjects as they are in their most vulnerable moments. A task which not only hath I abandoned in my hubris and rage, but my Nightmare, the darkness that is myself, was set to do them harm.
I did struggle, of course. But centuries hath weakened me beyond all use. Not to consider that the chains with which I was bound where of mine own making. The Nightmare did nowise notice mine efforts even as we broke through Harmony's seal and catapulted to Equestria.
'Damn you Nightmare!'
'HAHAHA! Damning yourself? My weaker half, don't tell me you've forgotten? I am you! You are me!' The Nightmare's insane mirth continued as we appeared before my sister. Ere the light from our appearance hath faded, we wrapped Tia in the fragments of our own prison. Afore she could blink, my poor sister was locked in our stead.
I did not reply to mine other. How could I? Had I not the same thoughts afore? Much as it vexeth me, the Nightmare was correct. I could only watch as we carried out our plans.
"Now... I must prepare myself to greet my subjects!"
I paid no heed to our diatribe. Mine attention was taken entirely with the afeared visages of my once subjects. Though I knew the futility, I struggled once more then. I failed as I knew I would. The Nightmare had been clever in my minding. Mine own power continued to restrain me.
My gaze was drawn to a particular pony. He was certes the most puissant example of equinity I had ever laid eyes on. With a stature to match our own and grand musculature, this stallion certainly outweighed us by a fair margin. Most intriguingly, of all the ponies here, he showed no signs of fear.
'Oh? What's this? Is my weaker half enjoying some eye candy?'
I paid no heed to my darker half, for in our distraction the stallion had ascended the stairway and was in the midst of rubbing flanks with us most flirtatiously. "Say, how about we go back through that curtain? I'll bet I can rut the evil right out of you."
I burst into laughter in our head. I had a great appreciation for this approach, be it banter afore combat or foreplay. In times long gone, in the best of times, it was both.
"Arrogant colt! Know your place!!" We spat before blasting him with a bolt of raw mana.
I would snort if I only could. The Nightmare is more than capable of using our exceptional skills in spellcasting and control. I could never decide if the Nightmare simply enjoyed the intimidation of using our bottomless well of mana, or if she enjoyed my frustration from using brute force. In either case, such crudities hath long become her base nature.
"Is this foreplay for you? Cause if so I can deal." My laughter sparked anew. This marvelous pony happily bantered even after being blasted over the balustrade! "It's not my thing but if you like it rough I can provide!~"
'Oh my stars! That tongue waggle!' I simply must discover what sort of enchantment he used to make his tongue do that!.
Unfortunately, our only reply was a growl as we bared our serrated fangs, which only earned more catcalls of ever greater lewdness. By the maker, he must have balls of chromed tungsten! The Nightmare had had enough though, and removed us to our castle.
'I would certainly enjoy becoming known to that stallion.'
Howls of frustration accompanied our magic as it wove throughout the forest..
'That was a good one! I must remember it.
'I feel defiled just hearing this filth.'
The stallion and his herd had arrived, and the stallion had resumed his banter. While I wouldst have enjoyed the experience, mine other most certes did not. We howled in rage as we charged into battle, forsaking even the most basic of subtleties. Twould be a lie to deny that this brought me a form of satisfaction for its own sake.
The stallion met our charge with his own, countering our greater strength with his greater mass. He was no great warrior, but with Nightmare enraged beyond reason he was able to maintain control of the battle. Quite wisely, he kept the encounter as close as possible. He also took every opportunity to molest our person. One must expect one's tail to be pulled during close combat, but I have never had my tail hole licked in the process.
Throughout it all, this unnamed pony kept up a constant string of comments. In retrospect, I shouldst have foreseen the culmination of the first act of our conflict.
"Your resistance makes me harder!" He shouted as he reared up, and with a strange twist he dropped from his sheath. It was like being hit by a buffalo warclub. A slightly wet warclub.
"Thou didn'st." I reached up and touched the sticky dampness on mine visage. "Thou did."
The Nightmare erupted in a fit of rage. We spun and, with a far more traditional act of combat, shattered the stallion's jaw.
Despite the Nightmare being incoherent in our head, I was enjoying everything about this combat. Would that there were such viril stallions in every conflict... had I ever battled such a worthy opponent? I would not have credited him with such honor, but his return blow flung us across the room.
"FUCKING FIRE THE GODDAMN FRIENDSHIP LASER!!"
That the stallion could still somehow talk with a broken and dislocated jaw paused our combat, only for us to struggle in earnest as Nightmare saw the true danger... "Friendship Laser" indeed!
There is no comparing the feeling of Harmony's power washing over and through oneself. I was filled with peace, hope, fear, and so much more as both us and our gallant opponent were enveloped in light. My own power was unraveled, and the chains that had bound me for ages beyond counting fell away.
Finally! I was finally free!
And my Nightmare was returned to the depths of my mind, where it would stay until my darkness was needed once again. |
Hentai Horse in Magical Pony Land | 5: Aftermath | <<<Twilight Sparkle>>>
From everything Twilight had gathered about Steel everypony seemed to think he's a perfectly friendly if frustrated eccentric. Though when Steel whispered to her that he'd distract Nightmare Moon she was expecting anything... but that.
Eccentric? The stallion is bloody insane!! And she's pretty sure even the crassest of mares all liquored up would never be that hideously bold and shameless!
He bucking COCKSLAPPED Nightmare Bucking Moon for Celestia's sake!!
"STEEL!" Regardless of his very questionable mental health he still risked his life to buy them time.
That snapped the others out of their dumbfounded daze and they all galloped to the downed giant. He was laying spread eagle and everything was in plain view. Fluttershy gasped, Rarity made an appreciative hum, and Applejack just looked dumbfounded.
"Holy horseapples..." Dash cursed, "That's not a dick... that's a damn battering ram..."
Twilight... really didn't want to know what Pinkie was thinking. Instead she focused on Steel, his eyes were open but blinking out of sync and looked dazed. And amazingly enough his jaw looked like it had healed as well, possibly due to the overflowing harmonic energies?
It was a common enough phenomena, but she had never heard of it happening so quickly or smoothly.
"Steel? Can you hear me?" Twilight asked as she stabilized his head.
He blinked owlishly before he... tried to look at Twilight. His eyes focusing two inches above her head to the right by three inches.
"I HAVE TASTED THE RAINBOW AND IT TASTED LIKE BRAZZLEBERRY!"
"Oh! I've had those! I still like snozberries better though." Pinkie replied.
"Oh my." Twilight snapped up and looked to see Princess Celestia with a alicorn filly sort of hiding behind her
"Princess Celestia!?" There was a quick rush to bow from all the mares to the Solar Monarch, bar a still dazed Steel.
Though honestly Twilight personally doubted he'd bow even if he could, he struck her as the "buck tradition" sort of stallion. Honestly she felt sorry for any mare (or stallion if he swung that way) that herded with him.
"Please Twilight don't bow." Celestia said with a motherly smile though she kept an eye on the still prone Steel, "You and your friends have done me a service and reunited me with my sister. If anything I should be bowing to you for what you and your friends did."
Before Twilight could start protesting there was a moan and Steel rolled over.
"Fuck me running... why did I think holding Moonie for a Rainbow Laser facial was a good idea?" Twilight looked like she was ready to either strangle the stallion or faint, "And why does everything taste like brazzleberries? The fuck are brazzleberries anyway??"
"They're fruits native to the Dreamlands and are exotic treats." A filly-sized Luna answered, "Don't Dreamwalkers still import exotic foods Tia?"
"No, after your,,," Tia just looked pained before continuing, "The Dreamlands became too dangerous for Dreamwalkers. And over the centuries the teaching eventually was forgotten. There hasn't been a Dreamwalker for three hundred years now."
Luna looked horrified for some reason but Twilight figured she'd be upset if she were in her place. To know your domain has become so dangerous would upset anypony.
Steel just grunted again before he managed to push himself up stretching, which filled the air with various bones popping like a firecracker. He twisted his neck side-to-side getting another loud crack followed by a relieved sigh.
"So... sup Sunbutt?" Steel drawled.
Twilight's eye twitched and her ears started flicking erratically while her new friends slowly backed away.
<<<Steel>>>
[FrIeNdShIp!]
"That... isn't good I think..."
"Sunbutt?" Celestia snorted, "Haven't heard that one since my sister and I were foals."
Luna was just giggling, though despite her amusement I could clearly see she was looking at me with interest that wasn't connected to what I called Celestia. Glancing over I saw Rarity (the minx) looking amused, Rainbow (the damn cocktease) laughing, and Applejack (cowpony pinup mare) was covering her face with her hat, and Fluttershy (smole adorable potential sexkitten) just looked... like she honestly didn't know what to do.
"Well they are very eyecatching and if anypony says you need to loose weight they're either gay or dead." I said with a cheeky grin, "I certainly wouldn't mind motorboating dem cheeks!~" Oh that got a blush! Ha!
And that made Fluttershy faint and Rarity roll her eyes.
"Steel darling, please restrain your crudeness. For Fluttershy if nopony else." She said with a quirked brow.
"Only because you make clothes that make me look sexy." Steel retorted with a cheeky grin.
"As interesting as this is perhaps we should go somewhere else to talk?" Celestia suggested raising a brow in amusement, "And if you restrain your crass behavior Mr. Steel I just might allow you to kiss my flank." She added with a smirk.
Twilight looked like she was about to have a stroke at Celestia's words while Luna just rolled her eyes. The others looked shocked as well. I, however, must've looked very interested in her offer. Seriously if she got me to bust a nut in a way that doesn't involve a tail, magic, hoof, wing, or oral I'll eat her goddamn ass out!
My balls throbbing angrily at the tease and it was only bullheaded stubbornness that stopped my boner from returning from the dead!
"So, how are we getting out of here?" I asked, "I really don't want to go through the forest again. And if that Steve hits on me again I might get a little violent."
Celestia just rolled her eyes before there was a bright flash.
I shook my head and looked around, "Library huh? Fair enough. Wonder if Pinkie has any more punch left. I'm thirsty as hell."
"You're not the only one.../You're not the only one..." I'm pretty sure Celestia and Luna muttered that as they watched me.
"Here you go Steely!~" You know, I'm not even going to question it.
Taking the glass I gave her a quick nuzzle before I slugged it down like it was a shot of liquor.
"You know partner that've been more impressive if that was some of Berry's Brew." Applejack said dryly.
"I know. Don't care. Spent thirty minutes fighting a hyper-aggressive virgin." Oh that got a snort from Celestia and a cackle from Luna.
The others either sputtered (Twilight and Rarity) or guffaws (Rainbow, Pinkie, and Applejack). Fluttershy was still out cold and laying on the couch. I looked over and Luna was laughing so hard tears were in her eyes! Was it really that funny?
"Sister. You know technically that makes you a virgin as well." Celestia said dryly.
"I know." Luna wiped her eyes, "But by no fault of my own. You just kept grabbing the ones I was interested in. However living vicariously through Wet dreams kept me satisfied and stopped me from hating my insatiable sister."
"I wasn't that bad." Celestia said with a huff, "You're problem is that everypony you were interested thought you were too out of their league."
"Like you were any better!?" Luna retorted hotly.
"Well, I am more approachable." Celestia replied tilting her head, "After all you are "The Night" not to mention a Warrior Goddess in your own right."
"... Sunny Harlot!"
"Petite Shortstack!"
"Glutton!"
"Voyeur!"
"Molestia!"
"That was only one time! You swore you would never bring that up again!?" A flustered Celestia exclaimed, "You, Eternal Virgin!!"
I... just took a seat beside the girls and watched this fascinating back and forth between sisters. I could clearly see no matter how deeply their remarks cut they still loved each other deeply, though that Molestia comment made me curious about how deeply their love was.
"Peanut Butter bits?" Pinkie offered.
"Sure." I said taking a hoofful of what clearly were Reese Pieces and popping them in my mouth.
"So... how's that Welcome party coming, Pinks?" I asked curiously.
"You're a pain in the flank." She replied bluntly, "Nopony has ever given me such a hard time. But you're alright for an extra-dimensional alien."
I just looked at her before shaking it off.
"Just... don't question it."
[Agreement]
"Oh! You're back! Feeling okay there?"
[Affirmative]
[Curious]
[Query]
"Well we got hit and possibly fried by a Rainbow Laser of Friendship. Pure Harmonic energy."
[Contemplation]
"Well you have fun bud. Just tell me if I'm about to start shitting out rainbows or something."
[Snort]
[Amusement]
Eventually everypony left to make arrangements for some transportation back to Canterlot (Celestia), their respective homes (Rainbow, Pinkie, Applejack, and Fluttershy) though not before Rainbow told me how "Metal" I was for getting into a hooffight with Nightmare Moon, and a Inn (Twilight and Spike) leaving me and a very smole Luna alone.
"I want to thank you Steel." Luna said with a faint smile, "I'm not sure if the Elements would've worked without you distracting my Nightmare."
"No problem. And err... sorry for the whole cockslapping thing. To be honest it seemed like a good idea." She must never know about the bucket list, "And what do you mean by "My Nightmare" exactly?"
Luna just snorted in amusement.
"Steel, in the past I've been called a Dream goddess. And I pretty much admitted to living vicariously through sex dreams. Trust me a cockslap is positively tame in comparison to some of the dreams I've experienced." She said wiggling her brows, "And well... maybe I'll tell you some day. Perhaps over a drink."
"Are you asking me out Princess?" I said with mock-awe, "I'll have you know if you plan on getting me drunk before you take advantage of me you really don't have to work that hard. I'm pretty easy honestly."
"O-Oh?" Luna asked, flustered by my words.
"Yeah. You have no idea how bucking frustrating it is to be surrounded by mares and none are willing to bang!" I growled in frustration, "Seriously. Six months. The most I get are either hoofjobs, blowjobs, magicjobs, wingjobs, and there was that one time a mare hoofed my prostate. But everypony sees my hardon, they nope the buck out of the thought of me sticking it in!"
"Ooohhh that does sound unpleasant." Luna said, "And I do understand to a degree." She added with a thoughtful look on her face.
I just smiled at finally having somepony that actually understood my frustration.
And from their conversation just flowed from topic to topic, mostly me updating her on modern-day Equestraia. Needless to say, some topics left her very irritated and upset.
"On one hoof Nightmare Night mocks my Nightmare savagely, but on the other... it sounds fun." Luna said, "I find myself at a loss at how to feel."
"I think you should just accept it." I answered, "Nightmare night's been a thing for centuries. Trying to change it would be an exercise in futility. Besides who says you can't have fun with it? I myself already have a costume designed! Rares has been helping me with it."
"Oh? Actually how do you know Generosity?" Luna asked curiously.
"Can you at least use their names?" I asked, "But she's asked me to model for her as she's never worked on anypony my size before. And I indulge her when she feels like playing dress up. She also pointed me to Sweet Apple Acres when I first came to town. We're pretty good friends, and I'm lucky to have such a generous not to mention an attractive friend."
"Oh? So is she in a herd with you? Proves she's not as foolish as everypony else in this town at least." Luna said dryly.
"No, we just hang out. I think it's the emotional connection she craves more than physical intimacy. Personally though I think she's testing me. She's sort of picky." I answered, "And I should hope not. Granted I haven't told her about my unique magic but I'd hope she would dismiss it instantly."
"Unique magic?" Luna asked with some interest.
"Yeah. But... a stallion needs to keep a few secrets." I said with a smirk, "Though given how cute you are I imagine you're breathtaking when you're back to normal. So you can wait until then to pry my secrets out of me." I added giving her a nuzzle.
Luna's coat turned red and I was amused. So experienced yet not, god I'm going to enjoy making her blush as much as I can!
"Y-You!!" Luna just punched me in the shoulder making me laugh. |
Hentai Horse in Magical Pony Land | 5: (1st POV version) Aftermath | From my earlier hypothesis, I had suspected that any "distraction" that Steel could provide would be unusual. So when he convinced me to allow him to draw Nightmare Moon's attention, I expected more of that weird flirting, perhaps an argument...
What I bore witness to was one part comedy act, two parts wanton violence, and nine hundred ninety seven parts pure sexual assault. Steel Calvary took the crazy that all Ponyville ponies seemed to share, mixed in a metric ton of perversion, and came up with pure insanity!
I felt sorry for that mare. I felt sorry for NIGHTMARE MOON because of the things he did to her!
I'm not proud of how long it took me to unlock the Elements of Harmony. It took almost a half hour before I figured out that the key was the newborn friendships that I shared with the girls who stuck by us.
But Steel's distraction, for all its vulgarity, worked impeccably. In all that time, Nightmare Moon never even glanced our way.
"STEEL!" I'm not sure who called out. It may even have been me. That shout galvanized us to rush to ensure he was all right. Despite everything we had just witnessed, this pony had put his life on the line challenging a goddess just to buy us time.
He had fallen with his back to us, seemingly knocked senseless. His mouth was open, his tongue hung out, and... he was erect. I have no idea why or even how he was presenting after having several bones broken, being tossed several yards, and finally being purified by the Elements of Harmony.
The reactions to this were as varied as the ponies that witnessed it. Fluttershy gasped. Rarity gave an appreciative hum. Applejack just raised an eyebrow.
"Holy horseapples," Dash cursed. "That's not a dick... that's a battering ram."
I really didn't want to know what Pinkie was thinking with that expression, instead I focused on Steel. His eyes were open but unfocused and, amazingly enough, his jaw looked like it had healed completely
A body healing itself when saturated with magic was not unheard of, but when it happens it's rarely quick, and almost never clean. This was almost perfectly... harmonious... oh.
"Steel, can you hear me?" I asked as I stabilized his head. His eyes were blinking out of sync, and he was having trouble focusing. But he seemed to be regaining his senses.
"I HAVE TASTED THE RAINBOW! IT TASTES LIKE BRAZZLEBERRY!"
Scratch that. At least he was capable of vocalization. I can only hope rational thought will follow.
"Oh! I've had those! I still like snozberries better though," Pinkie replied. You know, I've come to appreciate that mare over the past few hours. But sometimes I'm not sure if she is being serious or not.
"Oh my~" The familiar voice of my mentor pulled my attention away from Steel. Everything that had happened, all the stress and confusion of the last day... it all hit me at once. I ran up to her and, forgetting all propriety, embraced my Princess.
"Princess Celestia!?" The other girls were quick to bow to the Princess, and I only now noticed the smaller alicorn behind her..
"Please, my little ponies, don't bow," Princess Celestia said with her motherly smile. "You and your friends have done Equestria a great service, as well as reuniting me with my long absent sister. If anything, I should be the one bowing to you."
[FrIeNdShIp!]
'That... was not one of my more brilliant ideas.' My senses were right fucked, all the inputs were hopelessly scrambled, and honestly... it was a little frightening. I could tell ponies were talking but all I could make out was a droning, and... ahh, okay I could see again. 'Oh... that's a nice view to wake up to....' All the girls but Twilight were bowing to a horse of a pony. And just happened to be facing away from me while my head was on the ground.
Her name was right on the tip of my tongue, I just can't seem to recall it. Possibly my memories were scrambled as well. And [CPU] is still... glitched, so I'll just have to do a manual defrag and a quick reboot when I have some time. That should get everything back in working order!
Ah well, Big White over there is telling them to get up. All good things and all that. As I tried to get up myself, my vision went sideways.
Mental note. Face Tanking a Friendship Rainbow is a bad idea and never do that again.
"Fuck me running... why did I think holding Moonie for a rainbow facial was a good idea?" I think I caught Twilight off guard. She started choking and looked ready to strangle me. "And why does everything taste like brazzleberries? The fuck are brazzleberries anyway?"
"They art fruits native to the Dreamlands, and quite sought after as exotic treats." A filly-sized ...Luna? I think her name was Luna, answered. "Dreamwalkers hath imported such riches since time immemorial."
"Not quite." Tia? No, Celestia. That's right. Anyway, she just looked pained before continuing, "The Dreamlands have become unstable in recent centuries. It is now too dangerous for Dreamwalkers to venture too deep. And over the course of time, even the teachings have been forgotten. There hasn't been a Dreamwalker for three hundred years."
Luna looked horrified for some reason, which I suppose kind of made sense. Isn't that her home turf or something? Hearing that your backyard is now deadly to the neighborhood kids would suck.
I groaned as I managed to get to my feet. And just noticed that I had been on full display. Oh well, with [CPU] still in lala land I couldn't just pack it away, and I can't be arsed to reel it in manually. So, I guess the royals will get a show. A few quick stretches filled the air with the sound of popping joints. I've always enjoyed the look girls get when I do that.
"So... sup Sunnybuns?" I drawled.
Twilight's eye twitched and her ears started flicking erratically while her new friends slowly backed away.
"Sunnybuns?" Celestia snorted, "Haven't heard that one since I first got my cutie mark."
My nickname for her sister had Luna giggling, though I think I caught her sneaking interested glances. Glancing over I saw Rarity (the minx) looking amused, Rainbow (the damn cocktease) was laughing, Applejack (cowgirl pinup) was covering her face with her hat, and Fluttershy (smole adorable sexkitten) just looked... like she honestly didn't know what to do.
"Well, that is the roundest rump I've ever had the pleasure of seeing, and anyone who doesn't admit it's hot is either gay or dead.." I said with a cheeky grin, "I certainly wouldn't mind getting between dem cheeks!~" Oh that got a blush! Ha!
And that made Fluttershy faint.
"Steel darling, please restrain your crudeness. For Fluttershy if nopony else." Rarity said with a quirked brow.
"Only because you make clothes that make me look sexy." I retorted with a cheeky grin.
"As interesting as this is, we should perhaps make our way back to Ponyville." Celestia suggested, "And if you can restrain your behavior for a few hours Mr. Steel, I just might allow you to kiss my flank." She added with a smirk.
Twilight looked like she was about to have a stroke hearing that, while Luna just rolled her eyes. The others looked shocked as well. I, however, was very interested in her offer. Seriously, if she got me to bust a nut naturally, I'll eat her goddamn ass out!
It was only bullheaded stubbornness that stopped my boner from returning from the dead!
"So, how are we getting out of here?" I asked, "I really don't want to go through the forest again. If that Steve guy hits on me again I might get a little violent."
Celestia just rolled her eyes before the world vanished in a bright flash.
I shook my head and looked around, "Library huh? Fair enough. Wonder if Pinkie has any more punch left. I'm thirsty as hell."
"You're not the only one..." Not sure I heard that right, but I know it came from more than one pony...
"Here you go Steely!~" You know, I'm not even going to question it.
Taking the glass I gave her a quick nuzzle before I slugged it down like it was a shot of liquor.
"You know partner, I don't think Berry got to that batch." Applejack said dryly.
"I know. Don't care. Need some fluids, I just spent over an hour fighting a hyper-aggressive virgin." Oh that got a snort from both Celestia and Luna.
The others all had their own reactions, either joining the sisters in laughter like Rainbow, or sputtering in indignation like Twilight. Which was funny all on its own. I'm kinda curious about how Fluttershy would take all this, but she was still out cold. I might have broken Luna though, she was cracking up so hard she was crying! Not sure it was that funny. Maybe she's punch drunk??
"Sister. You know he's calling you a virgin as well," Celestia said dryly.
"I know," Luna said as she wiped her eyes, "Tis no matter. Even 'ere the Nightmare took me, I was a off put from the frequent fantasies I witnessed. Thy annoying habit of poaching mine conquests helped not. "
"It wasn't that bad," Celestia said with a huff. "And I can hardly be blamed for being more approachable.."
"Mayhaps a bit too approachable!" Luna retorted hotly. "Do you still let stallions sniff after thine tail daily?."
"Well," Celestia replied tilting her head, "Better to have a few too many ponies trying to get under my tail than live as a frigid Warrior Goddess."
"You... Sunny Harlot!"
"Tiny twig legs!"
"Glutton!"
"Voyeur!"
"Molestia!"
"That was only the one time! You swore you would never bring that up again!?" A flustered Celestia exclaimed, "You Eternal Virgin!!"
I... just took a seat beside the girls and watched this fascinating back and forth. No matter how weird or nasty the insults got, they were both smiling with tears in their eyes. I think that this might just be some sibling bonding slash healing that they really needed. I could clearly see that they still loved each other deeply. Though that Molestia comment made me very curious.
"Peanut Butter bits?" Pinkie offered.
"Sure." I said taking a scoop of what looked like Reese Pieces and popping some in my mouth. Tasted like them too.
"So... how's that welcome party coming, Pinks?" I asked curiously.
"You're a pain in the flank," She replied with a smile, "Nopony has ever given me such a hard time. But you're alright for an extra-dimensional alien."
I just looked at her before shaking it off.
"Just... don't question it."
[Agreement]
"Oh! You're back! Feeling okay there?"
[Affirmative]
[Curious]
[Query]
"Well we got hit and possibly fried by the Rainbow Laser of Friendship. Pure Harmonic energy."
[Contemplation]
"Well you have fun bud. Just tell me if I'm about to start shitting out rainbows or something."
[Amusement]
Eventually the party had to end. Celestia went to make arrangements for her and Luna to return to Canterlot, and the girls said their goodbyes and headed home. Rainbow had something interesting to say though.
"You know, I may sometimes think of you as a perverted weirdo," She said with the most honest and direct expression I'd ever seen on a pony, "But you were really awesome today. And you going toe to toe with Nightmare Moon was downright metal." I really don't know how to take that. Not that Rainbow gave me a chance to reply. She just took off as soon as she was done.
I took off as well, leaving the library to Twilight and Spike, since a very smol Luna decided to accompany me.
"I wish to thank you Steel," Luna said with a faint smile, "I am unsure if the Elements would've worked without your distraction of my Nightmare."
"No problem. And err... sorry for the whole cockslapping thing. To be honest it seemed like a good idea." She must never know about the bucket list. "And what do you mean by "My Nightmare" exactly?"
Luna just snorted in amusement.
"Ser Steel, in times past I have been known as a goddess of dreams. And this is not untrue. I have waded through every passion and perversion ever dreamed. A cockslap is positively plebian. Though, I must admit, thy actions are not without appeal. Thine own dreams must be truly special. We should compare imaginings sometime," she said with an eyebrow wiggle. "Perhaps over a drink?"
"Are you asking me out Princess?" I said with mock-awe, "I'll have you know that if you plan to get me drunk, then take advantage of me... you really don't have to work that hard. I'm pretty easy."
"Oh really? For one so loose, you seem to be walking home alone." Luna returned, cutting right to the source of my frustration.
"Yeah. You have no idea how bucking frustrating it is to be surrounded by mares but none of them want to bang!" I growled in frustration, "Seriously. Six months. I can get an occasional hoofjob, and some other playing around. But when it comes to actual sex? A mare will take one look at my hardon and nope the buck out of there!"
"Ooohhh that doth sound unpleasant." Luna said, "To be surrounded by such prime mareflesh and unable to partake. Tis a true hardship.." She added with a thoughtful nod.
It felt good to finally have somepony that actually understood my frustration.
As we wandered around the town, our conversation flowed from topic to topic, with a lot of it being me updating her on modern-day Equestria. Some topics left her very irritated and upset.
"I think you should just accept it." I was saying, "Nightmare Night's been a thing for centuries. Trying to change it would be an exercise in futility. Besides who says you can't have fun with it? I myself already have a costume designed! Rares has been helping me with it."
"Oh? Actually how do you know Generosity?" Luna asked curiously.
"Can you at least use her name?" I asked, "She's a close friend of mind."
"No, you mistake me." Luna looked a bit surprised. "To be recognized by Harmony is the highest honor a pony can attain. Though I hope to one day become friends, until she calls me as such, tis only proper I refer to the Lady Rarity by her highest title, as Generosity."
I considered that for a few moments, having never really considered that before nodding. I should've figured it would've been something like that. Talk about an old fashioned mare...
"You're right. Sorry for jumping to conclusions." I said before deciding to change the subject slightly, "But she's asked me to model for her since she's never worked on anypony my size before, and I can indulge her when she feels like playing dress up. She also pointed me to Sweet Apple Acres when I first came to town and needed work. We're pretty close, and I'm lucky to have such a generous, not to mention attractive, friend."
"Oh? So she is courting you? Further proof that Generosity has an eye for quality." Luna said approvingly.
"No, we just hang out. I think a close friend is more important to her than physical intimacy. Personally though, I sometimes think she's testing me. She's sort of picky." I answered, "And she deserves to be. She's one of the best ponies around. I do wonder what she would think of my unique magic."
"Unique magic?" Luna asked with some interest.
"Yeah. But... a stallion needs to keep a few secrets." I said with a smirk, "Though you're super cute right now, and if Moony and Tia are any guide to the future, you'll be breathtaking before long. I've got to have a few secrets that you can pry out of me once that happens!" I added, giving her a nuzzle.
Luna's coat turned red and I was amused. So experienced, yet in some things not. God I'm going to enjoy making her blush as much as I can!
"Y-You!!" Luna just punched me in the shoulder making me laugh. |
Hentai Horse in Magical Pony Land | (Sidestory) Steel's First Song! | <<<Steel Cavalry>>>
The day after Moonie was defeated... well things didn't return to normal, who am I kidding? The "Mane Six" had become overnight celebrities/savoirs and even I wasn't exempt from that even though I largely provided distractions.
Though I think somepony (Rainbow sneezed before returning to her bragging/working) had been bragging. I wonder who that could be?
I snorted in amusement before I trotted through the marketplace looking for something to have for supper. God it sucks living in a primarily vegetarian culture, it really did. I think I'd have to go to the Griffon nation if I wanted a thick medium-rare steak or a heart attack on a bun (aka hamburger).
Oh well... at least I can sneak in some meat. Mostly just fish but well... everypony thinks I dragged the dead manticore back to the Everfree.
Nah, I carved that bitch up!
[MuSiC]
Oh dear... this is going to be a thing isn't it?
<<<Third Person Pony Perceptive>>>
When the Music of Harmony took hold it was very obvious, they would freeze (no matter what they were doing) and the bigger the magic the more ponies were drawn in and connected to it. Though the MoH has always been unusually strong in Ponyville so seeing the entire town burst into song and dance wasn't that strange in all honesty.
It all started when the local giant (and official madcolt) Steel froze midtrot, his ears flicking to a beat only he could hear.
A beat that everypony began to hear when Vinyl rolled up in her "wubmobile".
Then Steel's head started to bob to the beat, and Vinyl grinned widely.
The beat increased and Steel started to resume his trot, through now he was swaggering to the beat of the music!
"Oh yeah!" Vinyl exclaimed.
Here we're running on empty down this road
We're hanging on and we can't let go
We're leaving the world we know behind
Leaving the real life out of mind
Steel's usually deep (though some mares described it as chocolate ear rutting) voice smoothed out and soon the entire square was joining in on a dance sequence. Vinyl was having the time of her life as she kept the music going, wanting nothing more than to see this to the end!
"I live for this!" Vinyl's grin took on an almost maniacal tone to it, the mare seriously loved her music.
And where we're going
We will find harmony
Tonight we're in a Fictional reality
So let's get started
Our time has just begun
Here we'll discover
We're not the only ones
"What in the world?"
"Shush! It's Steel's first song!"
"Wait. Seriously?"
"Yeppers!~"
Oh, don't let it go
Don't let this moment pass you by
Stop, just let it flow
We're here to stay we're gonna rock the world tonight
"While this isn't exactly my type of music, it certainly is catchy. And I'm rather offended that Steel never tried to sing before! His voice is lovely!"
"O-Oh my..."
"Tarnations... wonder if he can sing mah kinda music?"
Now welcome to the place we call a common ground
This is the place where hope is found
Give yourself a chance to let things go
And let your true techni-colors show
"Wonder if I could get the big guy to work a gig with me sometime? We'd make some awesome music together! Tartarus! I bet even Tavi would love the lug!" Vinyl thought.
The entire marketplace had turned into a pseudo-mosh pit with Steel standing up on a makeshift stage singing like he was born for the music scene!
Now it's our time
We're going to watch the stars align
Hold on tight
We're gonna rock the world tonight
So let's forget about them
Let's only think about us
Now if you take just a step
Oh you'll start running for once If this is all we've got
Then we can make it the best
Let's take the good times
And forget all the rest
The chorus repeated a few more times before the music and the magic started to fade. And soon enough everypony went back to whatever they were doing like nothing happened.
Steel stood on the makeshift stage blinking owlishly.
"The buck was that!?" He blurted out.
Vinyl burst out laughing and the Bearers of Harmony honestly weren't that far from following suit. |
Hentai Horse in Magical Pony Land | 6: Day in the Life of a Giant | <<<Steel Cavalry>>>
[Regret]
"I told you bud. I'm not upset at you, I'm still not upset. A little irritated maybe but not upset. Honestly it was fun and at least the Friendship Bukkake was useful. I mean the mana-core is fully repaired and operating above peak efficiency!"
[Agreement]
[Excitement]
[Data]
"Yeah that's awesome bud. Now if only I had a way to utilize my mana-core externally that wouldn't involve having a spike growing from my brain and through my skull."
[Exasperation]
[Data]
"I know okay! I'm just not okay with something attached to my brain that's exposed okay?"
I heard my CPU grumble before it did whatever it does when it wasn't paying attention to me, probably playing with all the Harmonics data and trying to uncover the best way to utilize it along with my newly repaired mana-core.
Currently I was doing the promised roofing for Ruby Heart, I was also wearing a mass-negator harness so my hefty ass just doesn't fall through the roof. Of course it also doubled as a pseudo toolbelt so that's cool, granted I could easily drive nails (and possibly railroad spikes honestly) with my hoof but look a little professional never hurts you know?
I paused in my work and looked up at the clear sunny sky, say what you will about Dash but she's a serious mare when it comes to weather management. The forecast said the skies would be clear for the next couple days as well barring any freak weather blowing in from the Everfree. And I just wanna say the Equestrian weather control thing (never mind the Day/Night cycle) still freaks me out a little.
"Mr. Steel! Care to come down for a drink!?" Ruby Heart called, turns out I did know her... I just didn't remember seeing as I was pretty work-focused at the time.
I looked down to see the single mother with a tray balanced on her back with a pitcher of lemonade and two glasses. Checking my internal temp I decided now wouldn't be a bad time for a break.
"Sure Miss Heart! Just go set that down and I'll be down in a jiffy!" I replied before turning to make sure the shingles were properly secured.
"Okay!" I heard Miss. Heart reply.
After a few minutes of inspecting, and removing a nail that bent and replacing it with a straight one, I went to the edge and hopped down. My mass-negator ensured I just landed with a thud instead of a crater. Stretching out I yawned, man the weather is just perfect for a nap!
Pity I had a couple more jobs in line after this. Though maybe after I got to the library to check if any of the furnichure or bookshelves need repair maybe I can sneak in a quick nap before I head over to Rares to do some modeling for her... side business.
"Think you know a pony then *BAM* she takes you to a side room and you see BDSM for days and pink fuzzy shackles."
Though I couldn't help but feel like Rares was testing me for something. I mean she deliberately got me aroused and practically dared me, pity for her I have more control then that. I'm really not sure what prize that's at the end of this game but I'm not going to lose... no matter how much time I want to at times.
Dismissing the thought I trotted over to Ruby Heart who was already pouring some lemonade, and... she flashed me on purpose. God... I wonder how thirsty this mare is? I mean, I get it but honestly. Most mares see my dick and will do anything but let me mount so god... fuck it. Just drink the lemonade and ignore the goddamn cocktease of a single mother.
"Thanks Miss Heart." I said with a smile as I took the glass.
"Well it's the least I could do." She said with a smile.
"How's Button doing?" I asked curiously.
He's a nice colt, honestly reminds me of me when I was younger. I was pretty focused on video games and then later anime. So I understood how the kid thinks for the most part, actually I was pretty oblivious at that age too now that I think about it. God, I could've lost my virginity in high school if I just paid a bit more attention and wasn't such a goddamn introvert!
"Oh he's about as usual." Ruby Heart said with clear fond exasperation, "More interesting in Ogres and Obilates then fillys. Oh and he's really eager for the next gaming session and been asking about. Maybe you can set him up with the Crusaders? They're sweet fillies and I'm sure they'd all get along!"
I just chuckled at the rather... ham-hoofed (I suppose) attempt at matching (or herding) as I took a drink, hmm a bit on the sweet side for lemonade but not bad.
"I'll try Miss Heart." I said, "I can't promise anything though. If anything I think Sweetie and Button do look cute however."
Honestly I wish I had some pictures of when Button was helping the girls, mostly Sweetie, build their characters. He didn't try to impose the "correct" way or anything, just walked them through the process, helped them keep their characters balanced, and let them test out to find a style that suited them.
Though I'll be completely honest I never expected Scootaloo to be a Cleric, Applebloom to me a Nuker Black magic, or Sweetie to be a Rogue Assassin.
I was the DM of course, and I was fairly generous without being a pushover. Though Button had to curb Scootaloo's boisterousness on occasion, telling her "Never Taunt the Dungeon Master'' as DMs can be very spiteful if they feel offended before then explaining one nightmare of a session that included Snips and Snails.
Now Snips and Snails, they're not really stupid or even ignormate. They're actually fairly intelligent and surprisingly observant. It's just that they're... gullible as hell and not the swiftest on the uptake, and they have no filters between their mouths and brains. And during a lucky streak they were having I decided to punish them for their arrogance.
And I might've let a bit of human morbidity and spitefulness show seeing as I broke their characters down and turned them into gibbering mad husks.
Needless to say they didn't let themselves get big headed again when I'm DMing!
Chuckling at all the fond memories of playing with Button I shook my head and finished my drink, "Well Miss Heart I'm almost finished. Honestly it was such a small job I think I shouldn't accept my pay."
"Nonsense. You're a working stallion." Ruby Heart said dismissing my words, "If anything you work too hard even though everypony knows you can take it. You really do need to take a "You" day at least on the weekends. You work harder than the local Guards."
"Heh, well thanks Miss Heart but I like to keep busy. Keeps my mind from going to strange places." For the most part it was all true, I just didn't mention that it helped me vent my frustrations in a constructive manner.
Ruby Heart just sighed, "Celestia, are all Horses as stubborn as you?" It was rhetorical so I didn't say anything, "Well have some more lemonade and I'll get your payment."
"Thank you ma'am." I said politely as I poured myself some more of the oddly sweet lemonade, probably she added a bit too much sugar?
[Amusement]
<<<Ruby Heart>>>
Ruby just waved as the local giant trotted off to his next job, and when he finally disappeared from her sight she just sat on her flanks and crossed her legs with a huff.
"That Love Honey didn't even make him twitch!" Love Honey being a potent aphrodisiac that is the strongest that is commercially available, "Honestly I know his barn door doesn't swing that way, I've caught him watching my plot often enough. Is he just that oblivious??"
Honestly she was glad her son was at the arcade, the thought of her beloved colt seeing her conduct herself in such a whorseish manner! Sun and Stars imagine just how the nags would gossip if they found out!
Ruby Heart blushed brightly before she decided to go in and relax. Momma is a little frustrated.
<<<Steel Cavalry>>>
"Seriously what is so amusing!?"
[Denial]
[Smug]
[Amusement]
Grumbling I made my way to the Treebary, still shocked that Twilight was allowed to live there but then again it honestly suited her. Sure she's kind of a stickler but damn if she could unwind and let her mane down I bet she could bucking own the Sexy Librarian look! It's just a pity she probably never would.
Fanon makes Twilight out to be a bundle of neurosis, borderline out of control OCD, and a smidgen autistic like Albert Einstein was. And I can confirm the OCD thing at the very least, as she sent me a notarized parchment listing everything single thing she needs me to check. Sorted according to priority. Oh and an estimated total she would be paying me using a stipend she gets from being Sunbutt's prized student and teacher's pet.
If that isn't OCD I'll eat a goddamn saddle! Granted I probably could but well... you know.
Shaking my head I knocked on the door, which was opened by Spike.
"Oh!" Spike turned and yelled "TWILIGHT! THE MAD STALLION IS HERE!!!"
"Well... he's not wrong..." God if this was an anime I would've had such a massive sweatdrop right now.
I was saved by a very... unhinged Twilight and damnit I knew this wasn't going to be straight forward.
"And I was looking forward to that nap..."
[Amusement]
"Fuck off you smug shit!"
[*Cackles*]
"This is all Twilight's fault somehow. I just know it."
"Come on we have a lot of work to do! Come on hurryhurryhurry!" The increasingly volatile Twilight said.
I cracked my neck before I entered, having to duck my head under the door frame.
Why do I feel like I'm stepping into a Mad Scientist's lair?
Oh wait- this is Twilight Sparkle... goddamnit...
"Dear Celestia! You look exhausted darling!" Rarity exclaimed, "I didn't think that was possible."
"I had Twilight. In full OCD mode. Micromanaging. Everything." I said flatly, "So... can we just chill? I really don't feel up to modeling after that... job."
Rarity, God (Celestia, Luna, Buddha whatever) Bless her generous heart! She nodded and I headed straight to a couch I specially reinforced to take my weight after I caused the original to collapse. She of course would've simply dismissed it but I got her! Asking why I should accept her generosity if she can't accept mine?
Oh she blushed so brightly after that!
Anyway I just eased down on the couch, not so much as physically exhausted but mentally. I tried not to let my frustration at Twilight get the better of me, I really did. I think I made it almost a quarter through the list before I snapped at her.
I told her that she hired me to do the job and that I've done this sort of thing all the time. And I'm not sure if it was my tone of voice or what but she calmed right down and actually shifted around awkwardly before she slinked off to her room.
I didn't see her for the rest of my time there and I finished a lot sooner than expected. Granted Spike was annoyed but understanding, telling me that he would bring my fee to me tomorrow as he wasn't allowed to handle large sums of money.
I just nodded, patted the little guy on the back, before I left.
I was pulled from my thoughts by Rarity with a large gallon of ice cream and two spoons.
"Well darling after I've had a particularly stressful time I always enjoy a little comfort food." She said with a pleasant smile.
"Rares you are a Saint and too good for this world." I said making her giggle.
She sat down beside me and for the next hour we just chilled and talked.
It had been a long day, but damn was it good to be home!
Trotting in I decided to see if any breakthroughs have been made in my mana-core project, sure I could've easily gotten the data via wireless update but it's the little things, the little inefficiencies, that remind me that I'm not just a soulless logical machine.
Trotting in I greeted myself, "So any breakthroughs?"
"Nope. Sorry, but if we want to start using magic like a unicorn we'll have to allow one to grow." Myself said, "But we already knew that didn't we?"
"Yes... yes we did." I sighed, "But a guy can hope you know?"
"Well we know the old saying. You can wish in one hand and shit in the other. Guess which will fill up faster?" Myself said cheekily.
"True." I said, "Well I'm going to get some sleep. Try not to work all night okay?"
Myself just rolled my eyes before turning back to his work.
"God I'm an asshole sometimes."
[Snark]
"Oh shut up!"
Grumbling to myself I headed to my bedroom to get some much desired sleep. I didn't dare hope for tomorrow lest I jinx things. |
Hentai Horse in Magical Pony Land | (Sidestory) Dreams | <<<Princess Luna Noctis>>>
Most think of dreams as just nonsensical and random thoughts produced by a sleeping mind, and they're not wrong in all honesty. But to a skill Dreamwalker or any Dream magic practitioner dreams can reveal many things about the dreamer.
And Luna is no minor practitioner. The Dreams are her Domain as Nightmare are her Others Domain.
However Luna hadn't recovered fully from having so much of her power dispelled, so the most she could do is to walk the Dreams but couldn't interact with them as is her wont normally. And there was one Dreamer particular that interested her greatly.
Steel Cavalry; the Mad Stallion, the Nutter, and the Giant.
Those of course being the more polite nicknames the giant had gained.
And while their time together shed a lot of light upon Steel, Luna wanted. No needed to understand more! This is the stallion that saved her from being a passenger in her own body, saved her from watching as all the Dreams she had shepherded for years be snuffed out by an Eternal Night.
And as she walked through these dreams, illogical ones that nopony (except Twilight as she seemed the Mad Researcher type) could ever imagine. She saw things that could only exist in fantasy books. Terrible weapons even the Nightmare would frown upon.
And a mind that never truly slept. One that never stopped. One that calculated, studied, desiccated, every single scrap of information it could get.
It was a mind consisting of numbers and exoteric symbols. Inequine in the extreme and Luna tried to perceive it but couldn't due to her lack of power, and she doubted she could even if she was at full power.
The mind was alien to her sensibilities, so logical it probably bewildered Discord before he fell to power-induced madness.
The other mind thankfully was much easier to understand, however it seemed to be caught between equine and some sort of primate. Both had similarities but were exact opposites. It both fascinated and frustrated Luna.
Any further exploration of Steel's mind was ended when the Other spoke. Not in words but in concepts, each 'word' so thick with information Luna could barely understand.
[Intruder]
[Caution]
[Amusement]
[Get Out]
Luna's eyes snapped open and she squealed in surprise when she was physically flung from her bed and across the room. Smashing into the far wall she hit the floor with a dull thud and groaned.
It had been centuries since she was so violently ejected from a Dream. It was a rather nostalgic if unwelcome feeling. Her head throbbed reminding her of the time she stupidly tried to headbut a Dragon into submission, something she swore to never do again despite the fact it worked.
Having a month-long migraine taught her to never do that again.
"Princess Luna!" One of Tia's Day guards called through the door, "I heard some noise! Are you well?"
"Yes, I'm fine. Just distraught over the state of the Dreamlands." Best is that technically Luna wasn't really lying either, "Just resume whatever you were doing."
"As you wish Princess." The guard replied before falling silent.
Luna groaned as she got up, silently demanding her body to return to its former full-grown glory (maybe a little taller?), before she went over to a desk to ponder what she had learned.
"Steel as an alien mind existing alongside him. Is he aware of it?" Luna wondered, "More importantly... is Steel actually a Horse? Is he the result of an imperfect reincarnation? It certainly wouldn't be the first I've seen..."
Luna knew one thing. She would not let this revelation come out, she wouldn't even tell her sister. She may have been a thousand years out of date but Luna knew her subjects and was well aware of the xenophobia that exists in their society.
If it came out that Steel wasn't a "proper equine" then herd mentality would take over and he'd be shunned at best and treated as a leper at worst.
"Nothing is ever simple." Luna muttered with a sigh before she pulled a rope to summon a maid.
Tea.
She needed some nice soothing tea to help her think.
Hopefully Tia had her favorite brew in stock. |
Hentai Horse in Magical Pony Land | 7: Steel Master of Tickets | Chapter 7: Steel Master of Tickets
<<<Steel Cavalry>>>
"You did what??"
[Reluctance]
[Explanation]
[Justification]
Okay, I can't really blame him. After all Luna and I had only just met and well... [CPU] has never encountered somepony that could access our shared mindscape. So I understand why he reacted as he did, doesn't mean I approve of it though. I'm going to have to apologize the next time I see her, or perhaps even tonight if she visits again.
"First of all you're going to apologize to her. While I find the thought unnerving as well you still shouldn't have booted her so violently. If she wasn't an alicorn she might've been severely injured."
[Grumble]
[Sigh]
[Agreement]
I nodded as I headed out and towards town, Pinkie had somehow delivered a request for some repair work while I was asleep. Apparently their ovens were having difficulty and the Cakes wanted to know if they could be repaired or if they would have to replace them entirely. Personally I hoped I could fix them, as I knew it had to be hard raising two foals and dealing with Pinkie.
"Well to change the subject. I've been reviewing some history and I've realized I've been approaching the problem in a decidedly human manner."
[Curious]
[Query]
"I had been trying to figure out how to use magic like a unicorn and neglected how Earth ponies use magic. While not as flashy they do use magic to tend the land and so on. They also use it in their crafts, Earth pony artificers were extremely respected even before the Unification. And there was nothing more terrifying than an Earth pony on the warpath."
Seriously, pre-Unification Earth ponies were a force to be reckoned with. There were accounts of Earth ponies weaponizing the very land and nature itself; Geomancers, Druids, Ritualists, and so on. There were even Mad Scientists types as well.
I'd been focusing on using magic like a unicorn. I was missing the obvious. And to be fair I had been being decidedly Earth ponyish what with my mass reduction harness and so on, so why don't I double down on it? I'll shift my research into increasing my connectivity to my mana-core allowing magic to circulate throughout my entire body and not just collect within the core itself.
[Interest]
[Curious]
[Excitement]
"Heh, thought you'd like that." After all [CPU] was all about learning and experimenting, so he's pretty easy to please honestly.
Forking my mind so I could exchange data via binary with [CPU] I looked up at Sugarcube Corner, the aesthetics of the building still surprised me. I also kept in mind to offer to repair the very obvious bite marks on the side of the building. They were simply too big to be from foals so... probably Pinkie.
Or maybe Berry Punch when she's particularly sloshed. It could be either realistically.
Shaking my head I entered and without missing a beat caught a speeding Pinkie before setting her down. She pouted at me for interrupting her tackle but I easily ignored it, it certainly wouldn't have been the first time. Though the first time they both, somehow I still can't figure out how it happened, in a very compromising position.
Mr and Mrs Cake teased us for weeks afterwards.
"So what's the problem?" I asked trying, and failing, to sound professional.
But then again I'd love to see somepony keep up a professional facade while Pinkie Pie's looking up at me with those pretty blue eyes. I swear if they started to water I was going to snatch the mare up and start petting her floof damnit!
"Well turns out all that all the ovens needed was to have their Heat crystal swapped out with a fresh one." Pinkie said, "Though if you don't mind could you check for any damaged supports in the walls? Two Earth ponies got into a fight a couple days ago and did some damage."
I... really wanted to say who the hell would get into a fight in a bakery but I stopped myself. Even after spending six months acclimatizing to pony culture I still find some behaviour confusing. I mean seriously they all acted so human at times (the good and bad aspects of humankind) it just wound up making my head hurt.
Though [CPU] loved those deeply introspective and theological thoughts.
The bastard...
[Smug]
Shut up...
"Sure no problem Pinks." I said with a smile, "Though I hope you gave those two idiots a good thumping."
"Yeppers! I showed those two that this little pony isn't just a pretty face!~" Pinkie said proudly.
I just snorted, those two obviously must've been new then. I mean their ignorance can easily be forgiven but yeah. This pretty face grew up on a rock farm and bucked boulders for fun! To just deem her a pretty face is the thoughts of a shallow and possibly terminally ignorant fool. I for one am glad that Pinkie showed them the errors of their ways.
[Snark]
Shut up! I can be melodramatic if I damn well want! [😛]
Did... that's the first time [CPU] emoted at me.
Huh... well I should get to work but first...
"Say Pinks? You know what everyponies talking about?" I asked, "I think I heard talk of tickets?"
"Oh! Twi got some tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala!" Pinkie explained, "Everypony is super excited cause she has one other ticket for an extra!"
"Hmm, well it's none of my business." I said, "Well I should get to work."
"Okay Doki Loki!" Pinkie said, "And it will!~"
"Wait. What?" I looked back and... Pinkie was gone.
Oh course...
[Query]
"Don't. You know what happens wherever you try to logic her! I had to have my entire neck and head resurfaced after the emergency venting boiled off everything above my shoulders!"
[Sheepish]
[Apology]
[Reluctance]
"I know and I certainly don't hold it against you. But let's... try to figure out how to make our cooling systems stupidly robust before trying that again okay?"
[Agreement]
[Speculation]
I just chuckled faintly before I got to work.
The job didn't take that long honestly, most of the damage was cosmetic, but it never hurts to check. Especially if Pinkie is throwing idiots around as the mare couldn't control her strength nearly as well as myself.
The Cakes were grateful and gave me my fee as well as a basket with a fresh dozen assorted small cakes. I thank them before leaving with my pay and bounty of baked treats.
Though I was stopped in the middle of the street by a very harried looking Twilight.
"Hide me! Please!!" She begged.
I blinked owlishly but nodded, "Sure I guess... we'll go to my place and you can explain why you look so stressed."
Twilight just nodded and we made our way out of town.
I closed my door and turned to Twilight, sitting my basket of baked goods on a side table.
"Okay, now why are you so stressed?" I asked tilting my head momentarily entertaining the thought of teasing her but decided not to.
Twilight proceeded to hit me with liberal amounts of verbal diarrhea. But the gist of it was the girls (sans Pinkie oddly enough) were getting pushy and wanted to be Twilight's extra. I listened as she vented with a patient ear as I led her into my sitting room and sat her down.
"Okay you can hide here for awhile. Pinkie will have the girls gather at the library and we'll both go and I'll keep things calm." Twilight looked puzzled for a moment, "Don't bother trying to logic Pinkie. I try not to think too hard about what she does. Now you sit here and I'll get you something to drink, I hope you don't mind Rosebud tea."
"Oh! That would be wonderful, thank you." Twilight said as she slowly relaxed.
<<<Twilight Sparkle>>>
Twilight didn't have a good opinion of Steel, sure he's polite and helpful but he was so terribly rude to the Princesses! The fact that the Princesses actually enjoyed his personality just boggled her mind (and she might've had a tinsy nervous breakdown in private) but saying that Steel also showed Twilight something she never actually thought or ever considered.
The Princesses were ponies too. For all their power they were still fundamentally mortal in mind if nowhere else.
Seeing the two sisters snipe at each other with amusement and laughter in their eyes awed Twilight, and it reminded her of her own playful spats with her overprotective sister! She fondly recalled their arguments that would have her foalsitter and Gleaming's marefriend Cadence rolling on the floor laughing histarically.
Granted after Cadence recovered she would give both sisters a tongue lashing. Twilight for her vulgar language and at Gleaming for teaching Twilight such vulgar language.
"... Candy must never know I learned most of that from Princess Celestia's personal guard..."
Who, after her recent realizations, probably learned them from Princess Celestia. And isn't that a mindbuck? The motherly, gentle, and kind Princess Celestia. But when she let's her mane down she's crass, crude, vulgar, and extremely trollish.
"Wait. No, her trolling is well known." Shaking her head Twilight looked around, "I wonder if Steel has ever invited anypony in before?" She wouldn't deny... the thought of being the first in Steel's home made her feel giddy for some reason.
Honestly Twilight really wanted to explore and look around, and eventually her curiosity got the better of her as she set off to look around. After all her sister had always said, usually after doing something stupid and getting in trouble with their parents, that it's easier to beg for forgiveness then to ask for permission.
<<<Steel Cavalry>>>
"Having fun Twilight?" I asked dryly.
The mare looked up surprised looking like she got caught with her hoof in the cookie jar. I leaned in and saw she was reading some schematics for some prosthetics, really just some busy work really not sure if the hospital would go for it or not, and I sat her tea on the table.
"Don't worry." I said cutting her off, "Honestly I expected it really. So thoughts?"
"Are you an artificer? These are incredible!" Twilight exclaimed, "Do you have any idea how much these could help the disabled!?"
"Yeah. Though I didn't think they'd be accepted given how slow ponies are to accept new things." Twilight looked at me like I was stupid.
"The traditionalists would kick up a snit but honestly they can bitch and moan all they want." Twilight said, "Princess Celestia demands the best care for the disabled and crippled, and if the traditionalists want to have these removed they can take it up with her!"
I... admittedly never really considered that. Yeah, I derped that pretty hard honestly.
"Huh, perhaps you could arrange something then." I tilted my head, "... Why are you looking at me like that?"
Why does she smell aroused?
She didn't answer but she did throw herself at me and kissed me!
I suppose she finds brains sexy or something!
"Okay. Twilight explained the situation to me and I'm kinda disappointed." I said sternly, "Other than PInkie you all pestered Twilight until she had to hide in my house to pull herself together!"
And nothing else happened... Twilight and I didn't wind up making out or anything! And I didn't find out she tasted like lavender or that she had such a filthy vocabulary (seriously I actually took notes)!
[Deadpan]
No, I'm not in denial! And shoosh! I'm being responsible and reasonable!
The mares all looked rather ashamed, though Rainbow looked like she was about to challenge me before I gave her a harder glare which caused her to back down.
"Now then. Rares." I said looking at the abashed fashionista, "Can you explain to me what this Gala is all about?"
"Yes darling." I did not just smell arousal again, "The Grand Galloping Gala, or GGG for short, is the largest social event of the years. The creme de la creme of society come together to socialize. As such tickets are exceptionally rare to get a hold of and well... I believe we all lost our heads. I'm so sorry Twilight darling, I just got so excited..." She said her ears folded back.
The others voiced their own apologies before they all did a group hug with me watching with a small smile.
"Now. I have a solution for all of this." I said, "Twilight? Can't you just ask Celestia to send some tickets for your friends?"
... While I won't say the resulting facehoof was sexually gratifying, but goddamn that felt so good...
<<<3rd Pony Perceptive>>>
"But... I don't wanna deal with snooty nobles!!"
Everypony in town look towards the library where the cry came from before they all shrugged collectively and resumed whatever they were doing. |
Hentai Horse in Magical Pony Land | 8: A Royal Visit | <<<Steel Cavalry>>>
"Really Rares. You don't have to do this." I said, "I don't even want to go damnit!"
"And yet Princess Celestia asked you to escort her sister." Rarity retorted as she measured me for a suit, "And while I'm sure you have no problems denying her would you really force Princess Luna to go stag?"
I just grumbled but otherwise remained silent.
Rarity poked my flank with a needle and tutted me. Honestly now she was just making me feel like a big foal right now.
"Don't be like that darling." She said with a smile, "Besides... think of it like this. You may get a chance to impress everypony with your singing talents~" She added teasingly.
I just gaped as I'd completely forgotten about that and before I could really do anything Rarity resumed her measuring forcing me to remain still. I could still talk though!
"Oh no. No, no, no! Absolutely not! I am not going to sing!" I said vehemently.
"Oh?" I wasn't liking how coy she was sounding, "What if Twilight or Princess Luna requested it hmm? I don't know what happened between you and Twilight when she was hiding but things are different. And well you and Luna seemed to be friendly~ starting a herd are we? I do say you shoot for the stars!~"
Rarity just giggled which honestly just made it worse.
"I am not starting a herd! What happened between me and Twi is between us!!" I retorted.
"So... something did happen then? Well nopony likes a stallion that kisses and tells." Rarity replied, tittering in amusement.
I just stood there slack jawed. She... she baited me! And I took the bait completely! Goddamnit!!
[:V]
"You're enjoying this way too much."
"Come back in a few days darling and I'll have your suit ready for you!~" Rarity called as I trotted as fast as I could away from town.
I think she got off on just how uncomfortable this entire situation was for me. And I'm pretty sure if our positions were switched I'd be exactly the same. But that's neither here nor there.
Home! I think I'll just bog my processing speed enough so I can enjoy a nice read. I think I got the latest edition of Playcolt magazine. Not only are the pictures pleasing but the articles can be legitimately interesting!
Though I usually get them late when they do get there. It's always alongside a small batch of muffins.
Hmm, who ever could be reading my magazines?
Trotting up to my door I frowned slightly when I smelled... what is that? A combination of... nightshade and can't actually place the second. How curious... but then again other than stopping at Roselucks to pick up some flowers to go along with whatever I make for dinner I never really went out of my way to smell all types of flowers.
I checked and Myself was still in the lower levels doing some experimenting, though he blocked some data from me for some reason.
"That's not suspicious at all."
Entering my home and closing the door shut I went about putting things away.
My ear flicked when I heard a snicker.
I just rolled my eyes as I took my saddle bags off.
"So, what brings The Night to my humble home?" I asked, "And would she appreciate something to drink? I've got tea, some soda, and I think I have some cider somewhere."
"Hmm, I think I'll try some of this soda." A giggle, "So... you're gonna ignore the fact that you've got a princess sprawled out on your couch?"
"Yes." I said, "Mostly because she's technically a little filly. And if I oogle her I'll have FPS (Foal Protective Services) storming my home screaming "FPS! OPEN UP!!" and arresting me" I quipped.
Luna snorted having been brushing up on local history, and just so happened to read about that particular incident that spawned a meme that was still popular to this day.
I just hummed as I went to the kitchen to get her drink and came back.
"So what can I do for you Lu?" I asked as I hoofed her a Pepperjack cola.
<<<Princess Luna Noctis>>>
Luna didn't immediately answer, instead focused on sampling her drink and pondered over the circumstances that led to her impromptu visit.
"Perhaps he would understand." She mused, "Clearly this presence in his mind is a Nightmare of sorts. Curious as Nightmares tend to manifest in the magically powerful or gifted."
She wondered if Steel ever had to deal with the whispers of his own Nightmare like she and Tia did? Of course ever since the infamous "cockslap" Luna's Nightmare had been very... sullen if anything. What made it even more amusing is the Nightmare despised Steel and his massive stallionhood with a burning passion but the Nightmare couldn't hide a smidgen of curiosity as well.
"Perhaps if I knew you wouldn't attempt to trample him to death I may let you have some fun as well Nightmare."
The Nightmare just growled and Luna wasn't going to lie. It kind made her giddy.
Or that could just be a thousand years of frustration and repressed aggression talking.
"I went Dreamwalking last night." Luna decided to just get it out there, "I'm not strong enough to resume my previous duties. So last night I decided to have a walkabout."
"Oh? See anything interesting?" Steel asked curiously, "No details though. Though I can imagine how Pinkie's dreams would go." He added dryly.
Luna giggled at that, and she made a mental note just to see what that pink pony's subconscious is like. It promised to be a riot given how she normally acts!
"Very interesting. And rather worrying. However due to my duties I'm much more open minded then most." Luna said, "And I think I'll just stop dancing around it, because I think we'd both appreciate it, but are you aware that there's a forigen entity in your mind? I couldn't comprehend it but it's the single most inequine consciousness I have seen in a very long time. Made of Ones and Zeroes and other bizarre symbols..."
Steel froze midstep, quite literally in fact. It was rather eerie in Luna's opinion but it only furthered her suspicion that Steel wasn't a simple Horse. Could he actually be a Nightmare construct? A mask that a hopelessly alien mind hides behind?
She owed Steel enough to give him the benefit of a doubt. She's been wrong plenty of times in her life after all.
"Ah." Luna relaxed when he started moving again, "He owes you an apology by the way. I hope you don't take offense, it's just that our mindscape is his entire world. And seeing it so suddenly intruded upon made him overreact. I hope you didn't hurt yourself."
"Only my pride." Luna retorted with a faint giggle, "You're not a normal stallion are you Steel?"
"... No." Steel said simply, "I trust this doesn't change things?"
"No, as I said I'm probably the most open minded pony in Equestria." She said dryly, "Hmm... how about a story for a story? You tell me about your guest and I'll tell you about my Nightmare."
Steel tilted his head and for a few moments Luna thought he was lost in thought before she realized he was possibly talking to his passenger. The thought surprised her actually, while not all Nightmares were belligerent (Daybreaker is perfectly polite if arrogant, it's only when she's provoked did she get mean) they typically rarely ever got along with their "Hosts" for the lack of a better term.
So the idea that Steel and his Nightmare had such a good relationship spoke of promising things!
"Well after talking it over at length." Luna blinked as it had hardly been a full minute, "I agree. Though before we begin he just wants you to know that he apologizes and if you ever visit again he won't interfere. Though don't expect him to be chatty, he's still unnerved by the whole thing."
"Understandable and I accept." Luna said with a smile, "So shall you begin or shall I? Though perhaps get some more of this soda. Tis a wonderful drink! I'll have to make my own private stock... I mean I like tea fine but I can't drink it all the bucking time Tia..."
Steel just snorted before he went to the kitchen to get more of the delightful drinks. |
Hentai Horse in Magical Pony Land | 9: Feelings and Letters | <<<Twilight Sparkle>>>
Dear Princess Celestia,
I'm sure you didn't expect a letter from me so soon but currently I'm at a loss, oh also all my friends are enjoying their tickets and are excited. Though Steel seemed to be distraught, as he doesn't want to deal with "snooty nobles" as he says.
He's not wrong, but this isn't the purpose of this letter.
But... recently I may have acted rashly and possibly ruined a friendship through my actions and I don't know what to do. I keep finding myself thinking about the incident and have trouble focusing on anything! And after trying to figure out who could help me the best I realized you're probably best suited to giving me some advice.
So please if you can spare the time can you give me some advice?
Sincerely your Student,
Twilight Sparkle
Twilight nodded as she looked over her letter before rolling it up and using a spell to send it off, normally she'd have Spike use his flame but he was out exploring town.
"Or probably trying to get Rarity to notice him"
Poor Spike, it was obvious even to a socially awkward mare such as herself that Rarity was a fillyfooler. Or at least Twilight thought given the rather suggestive comments Rarity made when she was fixing her mane.
Of course she could be completely wrong as well, it wouldn't be the first time honestly.
"Okay, now I just try to get some work done."
Twilight pulled out a checklist and started to go over it to see what she needed to do. Sadly however her mind kept drifting back to that kiss...
"Celestia damnit!!"
Groaning in frustration, especially when her marehood started to tingle, Twilight made her way back to her room to take care of matters. Perhaps after she took care of herself she could get some work done?
"Stupid smart sexy stallions..."
But before she could close her door she realized she didn't mention Steel's prosthetics!
"Damnit!"
<<<Princess Celestia Solar>>>
"Bucking damnit Lulu! Did you really have to leave without a word?"
Of course Celestia knew where her sister had gone, she would've had to be blind and oblivious not to notice just how fond Luna was of her savior and the Humiliator of Nightmare Moon. And Celestia, despite her own feelings on the matter, hoped something would come of it.
Luna deserves some happiness. Especially with having to deal with her surly Nightmare for a thousand years (she was lucky as Daybreaker was content to ignore her for the most part). It also said great things about Luna's willpower if she could deal with all that aggression and hate for so long without her mind slipping.
Taking a sip of coffee (with a splash of whiskey) Celestia wished for something to distract her, even during her breaks she could still hear the whining of some Nobles ringing in her ears. And while the whiners were the minority they were especially determined to have their complaints be heard.
Though now their complaints were about her turning the Monarchy into a Diarchy with the return of her sister. Many of them thought Luna was still Nightmare Moon and simply waiting for their guard to relax before striking a decisive blow.
*snort*
"Fools the lot of them. They're more concerned over how this will change their perceived 'Power' over the citizens."
Sometimes Celestia really wondered what she had been on when she thought having nobility was such a good idea. Though in the beginning it really was a good idea, it's just time has a way of degrading everything.
The Blood family used to be the shining example of what nobles strived to be! Chilverious, brave, courteous, and humble! Stalwart protectors of the realm and explorers that knew no equal! Now look at them.
If Blackblood could see his current descendant Blueblood Celestia had no doubt it would end in violence. Not that Blueblood is a bad stallion of course, he just let his station inflate his ego a little he's actually quite pleasant.
Though in public it's the exact opposite. But then again with all the golddiggers he had to deal with on a regular basis? Anypony would be a raging plothole!
*poof*
Blinking she caught the letter with her magic before it could fall, Celestia hadn't been expecting a letter from Twilight so soon. Curious at what could've led to this she unrolled the letter and read through it, ending with a faint amused grin.
"Adorable."
True be told Celestia worried over Twilight's introverted nature would stunt her emotional development, though reading about what is clearly a budding crush put many of her fears at ease. Though now she was curious as to what Steel (granted Celestia maybe been biased but who else would've gotten a reaction from Twilight?) did to make her kiss him so suddenly?
While she was virtually a second mother to Twilight, Celestia knew very little about what she found attractive in mate. Though given her students cerebral nature it probably involved knowledge in some manner. But still... it must have been something especially surprising to have Twilight act so spontaneous like that.
Taking another sip of her coffee Celestia pondered how to advise her student, and cursed the fact that Cadence was still dealing with the Griffons as she'd be better suited to this problem. Actually Twilight probably realized that herself.
"Well... perhaps suggest she talk to Steel about it? He's a rational stallion, if you disregard her antics, I'm sure if the two talked they could work things out."
Matters of the Heart were very much outside of Celestia's experience despite her various relationships in the past. Which actually made Cadence's surprise ascendancy a blessing in Celestia's opinion, though she wasn't sure if the Alicorn of Love possessed Celestia or Luna's agelessness. Though she figured that she'd find out in a few decades.
Humming in thought Celestia summoned some parchment and a quill before she started to write a response.
Dear Twilight,
While I was surprised by your rather sudden letter I welcomed the distraction. And upon reading of your dilemma I'm sorry but matters of the heart are outside of my considerable experience. I believe you know that this is something better suited for Cadence however I will try to give you advice.
Said advice is short and simple but... perhaps if you simply talk to this pony in question. I'm sure you both will come to a reasonable conclusion.
Also I'm glad your friends are excited and I'm looking forward to the Gala (for the first time in quite a while mind you) and Steel's reaction echo's my own feelings sometimes.
Regardless I hope you and this pony can come to a beneficial arrangement.
Warmest regards,
Celestia
Humming Celestia rolled the letter up and sat it aside, she'd send it after the Day court was over. |
Hentai Horse in Magical Pony Land | 10: Lewd Rewards | <<<Princess Luna Noctis>>>
"Hmm, that is... quite a tale. It sounds unbelievable..." Luna said sipping her seventh Pepperjack with a thoughtful look, "But I know you're not lying. Still... to think an otherworldly golem would cockslap my darker half."
Seeing Steel giving her a dumbfounded look she snorted in amusement.
"While the Bearer of Honesty can easily see through any lie, it doesn't mean that is the only way to see through deceptions." Luna said, "Due to my special talent and my connection to the Dreamlands I see more than most ponies. Ponies only see the physical, I see more. I see magic, emotion, and the soul of whoever I look at. It's how I knew you were trustworthy and needed somepony other then Gener- er Rarity to confined in"
"I... thank you Princess." Luna smiled faintly and giggled.
"Though why have you never told Rarity?" She asked curiously.
"Honestly? She never really asked." Luna gave him a flat look, "Seriously. She did so much for me I would've told her whatever she asked. Personally I think she enjoys the mystery though."
Luna considered that for a few moments before nodding, she had known quite a few in her life that was like that. Starswirl the Bearded and Clover the Clever being chief amongst them.
"Whilst our discussion has been very informative, I had originally come on another purpose, though Tia told me that my form would make that awkward." Luna said with a sigh, "Not that I don't understand. Even a thousand years ago rutting a filly my size was frowned on." Stone nearly choked on his drink.
Luna watched with some worry as Steel cleared his airways with some coughs.
"N-No need Luna. Your thanks is enough..." Steel said awkward.
She snorted, "Such a humble soul. However I need to reward you. You did a service not only to Equestria but for myself and Tia. And I don't think we'll ever be able to repay this debt. And as I understand your relationship woes I propose a solution. Granted it's not the best one but I certainly never complained about it."
"And that solution is..." Steel asked.
Luna smirked, "Why... the Dreamlands of course. And now that I know your strange Nightmare won't punt me out of your Dream again..." She just trailed off suggestively.
"But... wouldn't that just increase how long you're stuck like this?" Steel asked.
"If the Waking world most certainly." Luna said, "But in the Dream... my word is law. Barring some of the natives of the Dreamlands but they stay in the deepest depths and rarely venture out of their realm."
"Okay. Well it's still a long time before night so..." Luna cut him off with a giggle.
"Sweet silly Steel." She said with some fondness, "Who says my power only works when the moon is in the sky? A dream, is a dream, is a dream. Time doesn't matter to a dream."
"What-" Steel was cut off when he just fell asleep, like somepony had just flipped a switch.
Which she assumed means that his strange Nightmare decided to cut out the middle pony. Giggling faintly Luna closed her eyes as well and entered the Dreamlands, her physical body leaning against Steel.
Luna once again found herself in the misty realm just outside of Steel's dream, and already she could feel the alien gaze of Steel's Nightmare upon her.
[Warning]
"I understand." Luna said in response, though she couldn't fully understand, she understood a warning when she heard one, "No harm will come to Steel while I'm here."
The "CPU" didn't respond but Luna knew that it was still observing her, no doubt weighing her words and gauging her honesty. She couldn't deny that she felt somewhat intimidated under its gaze, this Nightmare was unlike her own Nightmare or Daybreaker.
They were arrogant, proud, spiteful (Nightmare Moon), and apathetic (Daybreaker) but this Nightmare wasn't any of those. It felt cold and monotone to her senses with only light splashes of warmth and color. It genuinely cared for and was terrifyingly protective of Steel.
Honestly Luna couldn't even imagine having a relationship like that with her Nightmare, and she wouldn't deny she felt slightly jealous because of it.
"Don't you even think about it, Nightmare."
[Data]
Luna was pulled away from her chastising her Nightmare when it spoke again.
"Thank you. I won't betray your or Steel's trust." Luna said as she entered.
[Gratitude]
<<<Steel Cavalry>>>
"-do you mean? And I'm already asleep." Steel sighed, "Did he really have to use [Forced Sleep] on me?"
Shaking his head he looked around, despite the familiarity of being in his house he knew something was different. For one he didn't have an admittedly amusing arrow pointing him towards his basement, and honestly the very human sounds of Bloodhound Gang's "Bad Touch" just made Steel snicker ever so faintly.
"What have you got planned, Lulu...?" Steel muttered as he got up and trotted to the basement, bobbing his head to the song.
Humming along he opened the door and headed downstairs, and if he wasn't aware he was dreaming before he was now. As what was suppose to be a plan basement with a secret entrance to his underground workshops was a... very well equipped sex dungeon.
With a Luna bound to a spread bar, fully exposed, and looking at him with some amusement.
"You have knowledge of so many strange songs." She said with a faint giggle, "Though I confess this I find rather amusing."
"Hmm, well when we wake up remind me to let you see my tablet." Steel said as he trotted over and started to rub her cutie mark making Luna shiver.
Steel didn't respond and just continued to trot around Luna like a circling shark. After he completed a full circle he stopped and decided to inspect her marehood. Luna started squirming when he started to tease her.
"STAR ABOVE!" Luna exclaimed when an unnaturally long and thick tongue forced its way into her marehood.
And other than a devious snicker Steel focused on sampling the Princess of the Night.
If Luna thought Steel would be rash to just get her rut in, she would've been very wrong. Largely because this is a dream and dream logic is a bitch, so Steel had as much control as he wanted.
"Stop teasing me~" Luna moaned as Steel now services her teats after tongue-rutting her into a surprisingly intense orgasm.
Luna's right teat just got a particularly strong suck, and by the time Steel was done they both glistened with saliva and were painfully sensitive.
"Now let me see here..." Steel muttered.
Luna felt the dream shifting and she looked up to see what happened only for herself to gape.
Where was once a mare-breaker, for the lack of a better word, a second one was right alongside it. Both of them black as pitch and leaking already, and both shafts look angry.
"Heh... who knew I'd ever be drawing inspiration from Kodachi 3?'
"Stars..." Luna mumbled in surprise, rarely seeing anypony using dream logic to such a degree, even those that were skilled in Dream magic much to her disappointment.
Most just make themselves bigger or change locations. So this was rather... exciting!
It was more out of instinct then any actual pain that caused Luna to shriek when Steel mounted and brutally shoved his way simultaneously invading her plothole and marehood and hilting in one smooth motion.
If this had been the Waking world such a thing would be extremely unpleasant, if Steel's unique magic wasn't taken into account of course.
A mirror appeared allowing Luna to look at herself and her eyes widened at seeing her entire waist bulge from the size of the stallionhoods within her. Though she didn't get too much time to watch as Steel started to move.
And did he move! Like a stallion stuck in the deepest rut. The motions were violent, like Luna had stopped existing in Steel's mind and there was simply an alicorn-shaped sextoy to use and abuse. And the thought seemed to excite Luna as she grasped Steel's members.
Which of course made Steel rut her harder. The strength of his thrust had already surpassed what Earth ponies were naturally capable of. One of his cockheads battering her womb like a siege weapon while the other rearranged her insides.
Luna's eyes, despite her experience, were rolled up and she was breathlessly moaning. She shrieked in delight when Steel reached down and grasped her mane with his teeth and pulled her head up.
"Moan for me!" He demanded.
And Luna obliged easily.
When the end finally came (after who knows how long) it flooded!
Steel put his full strength into his final thrust, invading Luna's most sacred and private depths, before a veritable flood of cum surged forward. Luna's eyes nearly bulged both when the hot fluid entered her and the sight of her trim belly swelling with unknown amounts of seed.
Enough to impregnate hundreds of mares no doubt!
Though Luna, at least in a small part of her mind not whited out from sheer pleasure, found it amusing that Steel neighed like the non-magical ancestors of Equinekind.
Seconds turned to minutes and Luna wasn't sure if it would ever stop, her belly now resembling that of a mare heavy with foals, when Steel surprisingly pulled out.
While he was still cumming. Coating her entire plot, belly, back, and wings with mud-thick musky seed.
Finally when Steel came back to himself, his second cock disappearing, he just chuckled at the bound and bukkaked Luna.
"Oh god... I knew I needed that but damn..." He said with a dopey grin on his face.
"Indeed. Though... I confess I really want to experience that in the Waking world." Luna said with an equally pleased grin, "I always wondered what it was about being used that mares enjoy, I think I understand now."
The two just laughed and the dream started to waiver as they returned to the Waking world.
"Steel." Luna still sounded amused but now it was tinged with some annoyance.
"What is- oh. Umm... oops?" Steel squeaked out.
Luna, Steel, the entire couch, and a portion of his ceiling were liberally coated in a mud-thick white shower. His spent member withdrawing into its furry sheath. And the entire room (possibly the entire cottage really) smelt to high heaven of sex.
"Um... let me show you where the bathroom is and I'll clean everything up..." He said sheepishly.
Luna just rolled her eyes in amusement. |
Hentai Horse in Magical Pony Land | 11: Gossip and Rainbow Spy | <<<Rainbow Dash>>>
Rainbow Dash liked to think she is a friendly mare and she is, granted she's a little rough around the edges but still. And she isn't as uptight as some of the mares back in Cloudsdale or in Canterlot, at least she didn't think she was.
That being said... she wasn't all that fond of Steel Cavalry. Between him spouting nonsensical terms that are supposed to mean something and the fact that he frequently exposes him had Rainbow place the stallion firmly in the rut-hungry pervert category. She didn't buy the excuses of eccentricity or mental problems.
So the fact that for their first "mare's day" centered around gossip about Steel Bucking Cavalry just irritated her. Yes, she was well aware of just how helpful he was around town. Yes she was aware that he chased off a Diamond Dog pack that had laid down roots just outside of town a few weeks back. Yes he dealt with a rabid manticore before it could get into town.
Rainbow was very aware of all the good Steel has done. But that still doesn't excuse him for being a remorseless pervert and freak in Rainbow's eyes. Sure he might've bought them all time to charge the Elements to blast Nightmare Moon but... who the actual buck actually cockslaps somepony!?
Sure Twilight probably wanted to just know more about Steel but Rainbow didn't see the point. It's pretty apart, he's just trying to get into every mare's beds!
"Can we stop talking about Cavalry already?" She grumped, "We get it. He's amazing!"
Rainbow was well aware of the looks she was getting from Rarity and Shy, but she refused to back down. She was tired of talking about that stupid rut-hungry pervert already!
"Now I'm well aware that Steel has his issues but you seem rather irritated darling." Rarity said, raising a brow, "What did he do exactly to earn your ire?"
"Really!? You don't know?" Rainbow snorted, "Of course... he's probably Little Miss Rarity's pet or something..."
When the entire room fell silent Rainbow realized what she actually said. Looking at Rarity she was going to try and apologize but a single glower stopped her cold. She could only imagine Shy's expression.
"I may have a reputation." Rarity said frostily, "But it's between consenting ponies. And it doesn't extend outside of private! And not only is Steel simply too willful to submit and be anypony's "pet" I am his best friend and closest confidant he has besides Ditzy, Big Mac, and Time Turner!"
"Umm... I don't mean to interrupt but can I ask what Rainbow means?" Twilight asked after a few moments of tense silence.
Rarity looked like she chewed on something sour before she spoke, possibly to keep Rainbow from going on about Steel.
"Some of the more... narrow minded ponies in our fair town." The unspoken 'like her' was clear to everypony, "Have it in their heads that Steel is perfectly aware of what he's doing and have labeled him a horrible pervert that wants to rut anything. However, I know this isn't the truth!"
"Oh yeah?" The ever-stubborn Rainbow retorted, "And what's this "truth" you're talking about hmm?"
"Have you ever considered." Rarity almost purred, "That Steel has trouble reading body language? Or that he has an overactive sex drive? I'm well aware that there are mare's clearly interested in him and have been giving him obvious signs. He just misses the signs completely, and he's actually confessed that he's simply gone "buck it" and has decided to virtually go celibate?"
That silenced everypony as they rolled that around in their heads.
Eventually Rainbow broke the silence, "I don't buy it." She insisted stubbornly.
"I dunno... it makes sense now that I think about it sugarcube." Applejack said thoughtfully.
"That's so sad. I need to throw him a party! But he's so hard to work with!" Pinkie exclaimed in her usual manner.
"Poor Steel..." Fluttershy mumbled.
Twilight just looked thoughtful as she considered the new information.
Rainbow just grumbled, "Whatever. So... everypony excited for the Gala?" She asked, deciding to change the subject.
"Yes! I've actually started designing everypony's dresses and Steel's suit!" Rarity graciously accepted the rather clumsy topic change, "Of course I would like everypony's opinion to make the dresses more suited to your personal tastes."
"What about Steel?" Fluttershy asked meekly.
Rarity just smiled, "Well Steel as insisted, repeated and loudly, that he doesn't care. So I decided on something simple. Outside of wearing vests and saddlebags to carry things around Steel has very simple tastes. Though that being said he's already said he's going to have an impressive Nightmare Night costume."
"I wonder if it'll be impressive like his prosthetics?" Twilight mumbled in thought.
"Pro-what it's now Twi?" Applejack asked.
"Oh! Um... well when I hid at his house I looked around." Twilight admitted with a faint blush, "And well I found a lot of blueprints for things like prosthetic legs and other things! He could revolutionize the medical field and help a lot of disabled and crippled ponies! And I'm pretty sure I even saw prosthetics for Minatours and Griffins as well!" She added excitedly.
"Huh, never pegged as the Tinkery type." Applejack commented thoughtfully, "Though I can respect that."
"Rainbow. I think you should actually give Steel a chance, if you don't mind that is..." Fluttershy mumbled shyly.
Rainbow just sighed and nodded to her timid friend while Twilight went on about potential medical improvements and other egghead stuff.
"Give him a chance huh?"
Honestly Shy was too good for this world, always giving everypony the benefit of a doubt. But Rainbow couldn't really deny Shy anything, after all she rarely asked for anything to begin with! And it was only fair seeing as Shy was one of Rainbow's only friends when they were in Flight school who didn't tease her or call her Rainbow Crash due to her initial clumsiness.
"I guess it wouldn't hurt. I mean if anything I'll just validate myself! Though I think I'll just watch him for a while first."
Rainbow had followed Steel around for most of the day when he finally did come into town. And despite everything she had heard about the stallion he... really didn't do a lot that would garner him a reputation as a pervert.
And like Rarity said he completely missed painfully obvious come ons from clearly interested mares giving her suggestion that he doesn't get body language a lot of credit. And while he clearly had him moments, watching a mare walk away too long being the main one, he never did anything openly perverse.
And when things did get to him, which didn't happen as much as she initially thought, he'd immediately apologize and excuse himself.
"Ponyfeathers... I hate being wrong..."
Sighing to herself Rainbow decided she owed Rarity an apology, and she is mare enough to admit it.
Though for a few minutes she hesitated as today was one of Rarity's "me" days and Rainbow had no desire to run into Little Miss Rarity when she was in full form. Even if Rainbow did think she made for a very attractive mare.
She wasn't gay though... only during particularly bad Heats and only with Shy that is. |
Hentai Horse in Magical Pony Land | 12: Pets | <<<Fluttershy>>>
Fluttershy watched as Steel did slowly rebuilt her chicken coop (the old one finally giving into old age and collapsing), using his hoof to beat in nails instead of his hammer, and couldn't help but be equally excited and terrified by the giant stallion's presence.
She was momentarily concerned when Miss Wolf, along with the rest of her animal friends now that she thought about it, said that Steel "Wasn't Right" whatever that meant.
"I wonder what they mean?"
She didn't think they meant anything bad, though they could also mean how Fluttershy was watching his plot and his sizable testicles. Oh she wished she was brave like Rainbow! Or like Rarity!
Fluttershy had no doubt they wouldn't be afraid to ask for a good rutting from this giant!
"T-Thank you a-a-again Steel." Fluttershy stammered.
"It's no problem." Steel said as he worked, "It was either this or have to deal with Ms. Heart's heavy-hooved flirting." He added dryly with a chuckle.
Fluttershy squirmed wanting to get angry but couldn't, if anything she was glad that she wasn't the only pony to see Steel as an attractive stallion! Though the thought of the single mother aggressively flirting with Steel just irritated her, why couldn't she be like that?
Why couldn't she just get right in front of him, lift her tail, and tell him to rut her until he was satisfied or she couldn't take anymore and then just continue?
Fluttershy shook her head to dislodge her perverse fantasies, she really didn't want to start dripping on the off chance that Steel would notice. And Fluttershy honestly didn't know what she'd do if Steel did notice, probably make an excuse and hide away in her room and clop maddly.
As usual.
"Hey Shy you're good with animals. Perhaps you can help me find a pet." That startled Fluttershy making him chuckle, "Don't let my size fool you. I'm a sucker for cute animals, unfortunately they don't seem to like me for some reason."
Fluttershy nodded as she considered, any lewd thoughts now pushed out of her head as she now found herself in familiar territory. Finding Steel a pet wouldn't be easy as most seemed to think he "Wasn't Right" and either shied or ran away from him.
Even Angel Bunny didn't harass him like he usually does to everypony else.
"Perhaps it's related to what happened with the rabid manticore?" It was certainly possible.
Ponies, despite their magical abilities, are still considered a "Prey" species in the animal kingdom. And probably knowing that somepony that is considered "Prey" was able to put down a rabid apex predator just unnerved them?
"Maybe a baby would be best? They'd adjust to Steel faster. But well they're a big responsibility..." Not that she didn't think Steel couldn't deal with the responsibility.
She had no doubt that Steel would be an excellent father or father-figure, when she went into town she'd talk to Derpy about anything really. And she wasn't surprised to learn that precious little Dinky called the giant stallion Unca Steel. If anything Fluttershy, and really anypony that overheard, thought it was adorable!
"Why hello little fella... what happened to you?!"
Fluttershy looked and cooed.
Steel was on his flanks fussing over a poor Saber kitten she found a couple weeks back. The kitten was white as snow with a bright green eye the other closed because she lost it somehow. And to make her even more sympathetic her right forepaw was horribly infected and Fluttershy (as much as it tore at her) had to amputate it.
The kitten batted at Steel's nose and to Shy she sounded like while she enjoyed the attention she was a little overwhelmed.
"S-Steel you're overwhelming her." Shy said in a surprisingly stern manner, "Figures I'd find my bravery when an animal is involved."
Steel blinked before nodding though he didn't release the kitten.
"Sorry. I've always adored cute animals." Steel explained, "And well... this little trooper here looks like she needs all the affection she can get. What happened to her?"
"I-I don't know exactly. I just found her outside the Everfree forest about a month ago." Fluttershy said, "I was mostly focused on getting her better. And when I did I started to wonder how she even got here. A Saber cat's natural environment is tropical so finding her so far inland is a shock."
Steel just hummed in thought before sitting the kitten on his head, Fluttershy giggled when the kitten looked around meowing about having never been that high before.
"Can you tell me about her diet?" Steel asked.
Fluttershy nodded, "Well Saber cats are meat eaters so fish would be a go to. But I can suggest some brands of dry pet food that she may like. Oh and make sure you give her a lot of attention, she's still recovering so she might be lethargic. Maybe get something to tuck her in so you can carry her around while you're working?"
"Those are wonderful ideas Shy." Steel said with a smile, "How about this. You help me get everything Snowball here will need and you don't need to worry about me building the chicken coop."
"B-But..." Fluttershy stammered until Steel shushed her.
"It'll just be between us. I can afford to work without pay." Steel said before booping her nose, "Besides you're Rarity's best friend. And I'm my own boss so... there." He added with a chuckle.
"T-Thank you..." Fluttershy said, "Um... I-I'll go make you a list of what you'll need!"
Before Steel could respond Fluttershy quickly escaped back into her house. First to get her breathing under control, next to squee over the fact Steel adopted Snowball, shudder in a mini-orgasm from the boop, and then finally to make the list she promised.
"I wonder what Rarity would say?"
She'd probably tease her a little but be legitimately happy for her. Rarity's a generous and kind pony after all.
Then she might feel threatened and decide to remind Fluttershy just how much she cared. Which would involve a collar and leash, maybe some straps. Possibly a ball gag?
Fluttershy shuddered again as another mini-orgasm ripped through her.
"At this rate I might as well leave my windows open all the time..."
<<<Steel Cavalry>>>
I've always been a sucker for puppies and kittens, I remember all the pets I ever had in my life when I was human.
Coco, Cody, Bear Dog, Peanut, Snowball, Teddy, Bella, and Peanut (the Second). But yeah I remember them all, and how I would cry whenever one of them died or had to be given away.
So when I saw this little cutie I dub Snowball (the Second) I knew that I had to take care of her. Already ideas for giving her a prosthetic eye and leg started to fill my head, which lead to prosthetics for other types of animals, though wings will give me the biggest trouble I think. But I can think about that later.
Right now I have a kitten to smother with affection!
Though I also have to get back to work too... hmm I think I'm going to make some "golems" to help me work.
But until then I guess I should do it myself.
Sitting Snowball down and gently stroking her, I kissed her forehead and went back to work. And never had I ever been more jealous of Fluttershy for being able to understand animals. Though I did keep an eye out when Angel Bunny hopped over no doubt to interrogate or warn Snowball.
If the little devil rabbit did anything well... it's been years since I had rabbit stew... |
Hentai Horse in Magical Pony Land | 13: Meetings and Pre-Gala Jitters | <<<Twilight Sparkle>>>
"Okay, breathe. Remember all those exercises"
And the breathing exercises that Princess Celestia and Cadence had taught her over the years to help her with her anxiety attacks as well as magical control helped, for a minute or two before her nerves returned. And with it her frantic planning and checking, rechecking and triple checking of any and everything.
"Okay I need to find somepony to manage the library while Spike and I are in Canterlot." It was the height of illogical, which Twilight was well aware of, but OCD wasn't a particularly logical disorder.
However before Twilight could again have Spike go over everything, and further stress the baby dragon and herself out, the door opened and a familiar giant came in with an odd pouch-like sling around his neck. Which derailed her OCD and made Spike give a sigh of relief.
"Hey Twi." Steel said, "Figured I'd introduce you to someone. And probably let Spike here take a break?"
Spike gave Twilight a pleading looked which made her nod distractedly.
"Yes!" Spike cheered before he scampered out of the library.
"... That drake's crush is so painfully obvious it hurts." Steel commented dryly.
Twilight just nodded as her mind puzzled out Steel's comment and introduce "someone" as well as complaining about not getting any advice from Princess Celestia. Though she understood, the Princess is a busy mare after all, and didn't feel neglected by the fact she hadn't responded. She might've actually forgotten after a particularly stressful day.
"It's fine." Twilight said with a faint blush, "Don't think about the kiss. Don't think about the kiss. Don't think about- argh!"
She really wanted to dislike Steel but Twilight knew it was her own fault, it wasn't his fault that she found intelligence attractive. Or that when her emotions are frazzled like they were That Day she was more impulsive than she ever allowed. Or the fact that he stole her first kiss or the fact that she fantasized about him or...
"Okay there filly! Get ahold of yourself!" Twilight took a second to collect herself, "Who do you want to introduce?" She asked finally.
"My new pet. Snowball say hello!" Steel said with a grin.
Then the cutest kitten wearing a little eyepatch popped its head out of the pouch and mewed before it started to look around curiously. Twilight giggled and trotted closer to scritch the kitten as she dawwed over the adorable kitten.
"So cute!" Twilight said with a smile.
"Yeah? Fluttershy found her a few weeks back outside of the Everfree in rough shape." Steel said, "She was in rough shape but Fluttershy did all she could. I'm actually designing a kitten-sized prosthetic for her. Actually do you have any books on Sabercats? I'd like to know what to expect when she gets bigger."
"Saber... cat....?" Twilight took a closer look at Snowball and could see the beginnings of a Saber cat's most iconic feature, "Steel... you do realize that Saber cats aren't native to Equestria right? And are as dangerous as a Manticore despite lacking venom right?"
Steel just shrugged, "I'm a sucker for cute things and she looked like she needed somepony to take care of her."
Twilight just shook her head in bewilderment as she went to find the necessary books. While the sucker for cute things was new she didn't know why she was surprised by him being kind to an animal clearly in need. But a part of her dreaded when Snowball started growing, as the largest Sabercat on record was around two hundred and fifty pounds. And it was speculated that they could get bigger if the hunting was exceptionally good.
Then something Steel said finally registered.
"Kitten-sized?" Twilight paused and looked at him curiously.
"Yeah. Her right paw was infected or something real bad. And Fluttershy had to amputate." Steel said pulling the kitten out of her pouch revealing she was indeed down one limb, "She's a little trooper though. Whenever I'm working outside I would see her trying to chase some butterflies. She knows she can't catch them but still doesn't stop her from trying."
Twilight was in full control of herself so instead of kissing him full on the lips she instead kissed his cheek with a smile.
"What was that for?" Steel asked, clearly not minding at all but genuinely curious.
"For being a kind pony. I don't think anypony else would go out of his way to help a Sabercat kitten, they are known ponykillers after all." Twilight explained, "Well other than Fluttershy of course."
"Of course." Steel echoed with a chuckle, "She's certainly one of a kind our shy pegasus." He added with some fondness.
Twilight nodded in agreement, "Yes she is. So did you have anything else in mind when you visited? Or did you just want to introduce Snowball?"
"Um... oh! Yeah." Steel scratched the back of his head, "Just... wanting to help you out. I haven't known you long but I can tell you're the type to overthink things and overlook things."
"Oh?" Twilight just raised a brow, "You're not wrong."
"Yeah. I'm thinking about talking to the others too. Well maybe not Rainbow Dash." Steel said, "I don't think she likes me."
Twilight grimaced at that as she recalled hearing Rainbow's ignorant and very unflattering opinion of the stallion before her. Having spoken to him at length she could easily disagree with everything everypony believes about him. He didn't have some sort of disorder like autism or aspergers, because if he did then so did she.
Maybe some sort of psychological tic of some sort given his sometimes erratic body language? But that could easily be attributed to his eccentricity so it might be nothing.
He is clearly very intelligent if all those schematics in his house were an indicator, though Twilight wasn't sure if he was a savant or not.
Perverse? Maybe, but not nearly as bad as Rainbow believed. After the kiss Steel's body naturally reacted. And instead of trying to push things further, like a raging rut-hungry stallion would, he freaked and apologized profusely before explaining that his libedio was more active then normal.
The fact that he could control it (eight times out of ten) and when he did have an 'incident' he quickly excused himself told Twilight that Steel was surprisingly reserved.
"I'm sure she'll get over it if she actually sat down and talked to you." Twilight said, "Though given how stubborn she is? I have no idea when that'll actually happen. But before we get off topic why do you bring this up?"
"Okay. You've been Celestia's student for a long time right?" Twilight nodded, "So you're probably over the moon excited to spend time with her right?" She nodded once more, "Okay. But seeing as she's hosting the Gala wouldn't she have to greet everypony and socialize with everpony? I'm not entirely sure she could make one-on-one time with you during the gala."
Twilight blinked and opened her mouth to retort but... Steel had a very good point. Actually she sometimes forgot that Princess Celestia had more duties than being her teacher.
"... Well horseapples..." Steel just snickered.
"But perhaps you could send a letter regarding the prosthetics." Steel said, "And after talking about that you and her could just talk hmm?"
"That... is a wonderful idea!" Twilight said, giving him another kiss on the cheek, "I'll go write a letter right away!"
And with that she galloped off to her room.
Steel just laughed before he went to search for the books he requested.
<<<Applejack Apple>>>
"Whatcha doing here partner?" Applejack asked, "Pretty sure there's nothing broken."
"Just introducing my new pet Snowball." *mew* "And I thought it'd be nice if I helped everypony with some pre-gala jitters or something."
"Well that's mighty kind of you partner. And yer Snowball is right adorable." *pleased purr* "But I'm not all that jittery honestly. Though I'm wondering what sorta vittles fancy folk might find pleasing."
Steel just gave Applejack a deadpan expression, which made Applejack narrow her eyes in return. Silently daring him to say something.
He dared.
"Jackie, your family makes the best apple-related foods I've ever eaten and I'm sure the nobles would agree if they ate your food as well." Steel said, "And I'm going to say this as a friend. But... you're going to bring food to sell... to a gala that's already got catering. I'm sorry to say but that logic is very questionable. However I do have an idea that just came to me!"
"Oh yeah... and what's that idea partner?" Applejack asked, through her eyes threatened a good wrassle if what Steel suggested wasn't good.
"Okay. Well all the nobles are going to follow Celestia's lead right?" Applejack nodded, "Well how about you use that? Bring something that appeals to Celestia like... an Apple cake or something along with anything else you bring food-wise."
"And the nobles will follow suit and try everything else..." Applejack finished, "That's pretty smart for a big lug! I'm sure granny knows a recipe or three for an apple cake! Thanks sugarcube!"
Applejack gave him a quick kiss before she trotted off quickly, knowing without having to look that Steel was watching her flank.
And just to tease the big lug she put some strut in her trot and gave the big lug another peak.
"Landsakes look at me now. Teasing stallions like I'm back in school."
<<<Pinkimena Diane Pie>>>
"Pinks. This is a Noble party." Steel said as Snowball popped her head out of her pouch and mewed while waving at the perky pink pony.
"I know!" Pinkie said with a giggle, "But if I can't liven things up then I demand a dance as well as you sing Lulu a song!~"
"Wait. What?"
"You heard me! It's a date!~" Pinkie chirped before giving Steel a big ole kiss on the lips before bouncing off.
"Goddamn..." *mew* "I don't understand that mare either Snowball."
Pinkie just giggled as she bounced away.
<<<Rarity Belle>>>
"Ah! Hello darling! And who is that cutie?" Rarity asked only to start cooing when a small kitten poked its head out of a pouch.
"This is Snowball. I adopted her yesterday." Steel said with a smile, "Just thought I'd stop by and see how you're doing. Everypony else is pretty jittery about the gala after all."
"Oh, I'm fine darling. Perhaps a little stressed but nothing a soothing cup of tea won't fix." Rarity answered, "Actually perhaps you can try on your suit for me? I want to see if I got everything right."
"Sure. But you know this wasn't necessary don't you?" Steel asked.
Rarity just shushed him and motioned him to go to the changing room. Steel grunted and took out Snowball and sat her on the floor. Rarity aww'd and started fussing over the kitten even more.
"You be a good girl for Rarity okay?" He said to the kitten, "She's my best friend so don't give her any trouble."
Trotted off to get changed, Rarity focused on Snowball.
"Well Steel did a commendable job but how about I make you a proper eyepatch hmm?" Rarity asked getting a mew in return.
Giggling she took the kitten and went into her workstation where she grabbed some faux-leather, a needle and some thread, and got to work.
A few minutes later Rarity finished the eyepatch and now proceeded to pamper the kitten and play with her.
"Err... Rares?" Steel called from the changing room, "While it does look good isn't it a little... much?"
"Posh! Darling I just want everypony to see you at your best!" Rarity said, "Plus I want to see you strut your stuff you stupid sexy stallion you."
"If you're sure..." Steel said as he finally stepped out.
"Oh... mommy likes~"
She wasn't entirely sure why she thought a white suit would work for Steel but it did, in fact it worked very well. Giving him a visual "No Bucks Given" air that Rarity found rather appealing.
"... If I had a single glove it'd be perfect..." Steel muttered.
"I must say Steel you look..." Was it getting hot in here? "... Very handsome..."
"Thank you. And I'm honestly impressed." Steel said, "But... are the pants necessary? Also did you weave some sort of magic into it?"
"They complete the ensemble Steel." Rarity answered, "And yes actually. I forget the technical name for the enchantment but I call it Modesty charm myself. Don't want to make the noble stallions feel like foals with your... gifts now do you?"
Steel blinked owlishly, clearly not expecting that comment, making Rarity giggle.
"Now give me a little trot. I want to see if I got everything right." And nothing more.
Steel did as Rarity asked, but didn't look like he believed her for a second. In fact even Snowball looked like she didn't believe her words either! |
Hentai Horse in Magical Pony Land | 14: The Power of Friendship | <<<Steel Cavalry>>>
"I have a very faint idea how this is going to go..." I muttered to myself as Mayor Mare gave Jackie a medal or something for saving the town.
I'm not at all familiar with the "Stations of Canon" as I've stated before, I mostly stuck to fanfiction, but I do however know some of the "Points of Canon" like... Pinkie having a big freak out and going crazy over something, an overly aggressive catbird making Shy cry, an invasion of some sort, Discord escaping, Twicorn, and something about vines. However I'm not relying on any foreknowledge I might have, or at least I'm trying not to, because my very presence might derail the "story" for the lack of a better word.
And if I recall correctly, which I might not honestly, I think this is one of those important bits. Though the sequence of events honestly escapes me. Granted I could easily refresh my memory but what's the point?
This is my life, it's not an episodic chronicle or anything of the sort. So relying on something that might "possibly" be true but with everything but the important bits trimmed out, besides... I never could get into the show honestly.
Eventually everypony started to leave and I approached Jackie with a smile.
"Congrats." I said I approached the Apple mare.
"Thanks sugarcube." Jackie said with a smile, "Though I'm surprised I didn't see you doing anything Mister Hero." She retorted with a giggle.
"Honestly? I was taking a nap with Snowball." I answered honestly, getting a laugh from Jackie.
"Just don't be copying Rainbow too much sugarcube!~" She teased getting a snort from me.
"Yeah, no worries about that. I'm not that lazy." I said, "Anyways I just wanted to congratulate you. And if you need anything don't be afraid to come by and ask okay."
"Okay sugarcube." Jackie said.
I just gave her a quick nuzzle before I trotted off.
Humming I lazily flicked through "Daring Doo and the Temple of the Minotaur" absentmindedly wondering if this would be a good shared interest to bond over with Rainbow Dash. Well if she was reading the series anyway, I'm not sure if it is fanon or not that she's obsessed with the series.
Snowball was resting on my head lazily following along, such a sweet little girl!
We were pulled out of our reading when somepony knocked on our door. Frowning faintly at the interruption I pulled Snowball off my head and sat her down on her little bed, she gave an unamused hiss before she curled up.
I just snorted at the decidedly catty reaction before I got up and trotted over to the door, opening it to see Twilight on the other side.
"Whatcha need Twi?" I asked.
Twilight blushed, possibly from my shortening her name or because she recalled our first kiss.
"Um, well Applejack is working herself ragged so I'm hoping if I along with the rest of her friends can talk some sense into her and accept our help." Twilight explained.
"Sounds like a good plan." I said, "Let me get Snowball and I'll head on over. You can get Fluttershy and the rest of the girls."
Twilight smiled gratefully and gave me a nuzzle, "Thank you."
I just chuckled and returned the nuzzle, I still didn't like all this tactile stuff but I was getting used to it.
Twilight backed away and then popped away leaving me blinking.
"Huh, so that's what teleportation looks like." I mumbled as I went back inside to get Snowball, my head already developing various methods (some efficient, some not-so efficient) of teleporting.
"Jackie stop being a stubborn plothole and accept our help." I said finally getting tired of Jackie's mulishness, "You're exhausted. I have no doubt Bloom could put you on your flank. Now shut up and let your friends help you or so help me I'll tie you up myself and carry you up to your room!"
Jackie was wide eyed and beet red at my threat.
Pinkie was giggling a bit too excitedly.
Rainbow Dash was laughing as well, but I could also see a faint blush as well.
Rarity looked at me impressed, and I now know she had a thing for dominance.
Fluttershy... well now I KNOW she's a sub.
Twilight well... she looked surprised and looked like she wanted to kiss me again.
"That's your ultimatum Jackie." I said, "Either accept our help or I carry out my threat and you'll have to explain what actually happened to Granny Smith as well as your brother and sister. Hoofball's in your court Applebutt."
My piece said I simply sat down and waited for everything to process. I knew it wouldn't take long, Jackie wasn't "simple" by any means.
"... Okay sugarcube..." Jackie said with a sigh.
This of course led to a big group hug, with me awkwardly joining at the insistence of Pinkie.
After a long day the girls and I managed to get half of the massive orchard finished, and in a usual showing of Apple family hospitality we were invited to a nice apple-themed supper.
I chuckled faintly when Granny Smith chided Jackie for being so prideful to not ask for help, especially when she knew she needed it. Which followed a "Well... you came by it honestly..." which suggested that either one (or both) of Jackie's parents were very similar in that regard.
Rainbow and Pinkie were having some sort of eating contest, all in all I wasn't too surprised given Rainbow's competitive streak. Pinkie probably just wanted to have some fun.
Fluttershy was eating quietly while asking Snowball if I was taking good care of her.
Rarity was simply enjoying herself and eating like a proper lady.
And Twillight was just coasting on the friendship vibes (or something) then looked at me. I just smirked and winked at her which made her blush and focus on her food.
Adorable.
Applebloom found the entire byplay amusing and just giggled. |
Hentai Horse in Magical Pony Land | (Sidestory) Angery CatBirb | <<<Rainbow Dash>>>
Rainbow loved her job, next to racing and stunt flying weather management was her next greatest passion. Knowing that you're responsible for the wonderful weather everypony is enjoying is a very gratifying feeling.
If things with the Wonderbolts didn't work out (not even Rainbow is arrogant enough to think her place is a sure thing) she believed she would be content with weather management.
Currently she was working on the weather schedule for the next week, the big wigs in Cloudsdale arranged for a nice week with light showers spaced out through the week. And it was Rainbow's job to figure out how to best implement it. As well as take into account any freak weather that blew in from the Everfree forest.
"Bucksakes... why couldn't Ponyville be further away from the Everfree?"
Rainbow hated dealing with that thrice damned forest, mostly the freak weather it occasionally blows in. Not only does the Everfree absolutely love bucking over Rainbow's efforts but the weather itself is a pain in the flank to get under control, a month or two ago the entire crew had to deal with a freak twister the damnable forest spat out.
"Thank Celestia nopony got severely injured during that clusterbuck..."
Not to say that there weren't any, just not severe enough for a medical leave. Half of the team was put on light duty until they've fully recovered.
"Thank Celestia Derpy doesn't mind helping out."
Sitting down her quill Rainbow massaged her temples, she might love her job but damn did she hate paperwork.
"I would do anything to get out of this..." Well... except play nice with Steel.
Sure, he wasn't as bad as the rumors made him out to be but she still didn't like him. At least the girls weren't gossiping about him all the time!
"Oi! Rainbow Dyke you in!?" Rainbow blinked as she got up and went to the door to answer it, "It's been a long time!"
Rainbow looked at the brown and white griffon with a wide grin before giving her a hug, which was returned awkwardly.
"Gilda! How've you been you overgrown buzzard!" Rainbow asked happily, "It's been way too long!"
"Yeah, yeah get off me ya sappy pony." Gilda said gruffly pushing Rainbow off her, "So what've you been doing? I thought you were doing stunt flying or something?"
"I wish. But seriously I'm the Weather manager for Ponyville, at least until I can get into the Wonderbolts." Rainbow said, "It's kinda lame but I can't say I don't like the job."
"Lame." Gilda said, rolling her eyes, "You're too cool for such a lame job. Why not leave it to some other dweeb and focus on your training."
"Still got living expenses." Rainbow said, "Anyway I can't wait to introduce you to my friends!"
"Great..."
Rainbow wasn't blind to her second best friends (first of course being Fluttershy)... abrasive personality. Another failing of Gilda's is she didn't know how to take a joke, if it was anypony else she'd laugh (even more if it was a meanspirited joke) but when she's the butt of the joke she gets all angry and resentful.
And seeing Gilda storm off in a huff right in the middle of Pinkie's surprise party, Rainbow prayed to Celestia she didn't go off on anypony like (Celestia forbid!) Flutters! Or Steel even!
Especially Steel... given that Griffins have hollow bones and unlike ponies Griffins don't get to enjoy having magic-enhanced durability.
"Just... let her cool off Pinkie." Rainbow said, trying to reassure her bubbly friend, "How about I go and talk to her okay?"
Pinkie sniffed but nodded, not saying anything. Giving the pink mare a hug (it's not gay unless your teats touch) Rainbow took off to follow Gilda in hopes to prevent her from scaring (Flutters) or triggering (Steel) anypony.
"Oh yeah? Why should I apologize to the little priss? Whatcha gonna do about it mud pony!?"
It was like watching two air carriages colliding in mid-air, you know you should look away but you can. Rainbow knew she should do something, anything to prevent her oldest friend from being turned into paste or pillow stuffing but she couldn't bring herself to move.
All she could do was think, "She just had to go there..."
Unlike Rainbow who knew how to take a joke the same couldn't be said about everypony else, especially when species (or Tribalism) is brought up. The fact that she threw "mud pony" in the face of a stallion that had killed (and according to rumor butchered and eaten) a manticore Rainbow was legitimately terrified that Gilda be reduced to chunky salsa and feathers!
"Mud pony huh? Okay." Steel said cracking his neck, "Listen you overgrown Catbird you look like trouble. The last one to be trouble was a manitcore. And he was delicious so fucking check yourself before I decide what barbeque griffon fucking tastes like!" He added with a snarl that honestly made Glida's (and Rainbow's) hackles rise.
"Fucking freak pony!" Gilda spat back, "How's the rest of town feel about having a damn cannibal living among them!?"
Steel just laughed at that, and given how deep his voice was naturally it was a booming and intimidating sound. Rainbow also noticed how the entire square had emptied out only until herself, Flutters, Gilda, and Steel remained.
"First of all Catbird-" Gilda snarled, "-I'm a Horse not a Pony. Second Horses are omnivores as are Ponies. Third, it's not cannibalism unless it's members of the same species." Steel explained not at all phased by Gilda's snarl, "What? Gonna hit me? I'll give you a free shot Catbird... but a word of advice. You better make sure I don't get up because if I do well..."
"Oh Celestia... is she gonna..."
"You ain't no dweeb like the rest of these ponies." Gilda said eyeing him, "So... how about we go somewhere private and ruffle my feathers hmm?"
Rainbow nearly groaned, as the exact same thing happened when she and Gilda first met.
"I wouldn't mount you with a stolen dick." Rainbow nearly laughed at that, "You come here to reconnect with a friend, Rainbow I assume, and when she introduces you to her new friends you're belligerent, dismissive, and hostile. Though I can easily assume that part of that is Pinkie's fault. And after making the kindest gentlest mare in all of Equestria in my opinion cry... you want me to ruffle your feathers?"
Gilda's beak just dropped open at the rather savage shut down.
"What I think you need to do is pull your head outta your ass and learn to take a fucking joke! Now get outta here!" Steel finished before he turned to focus on Flutters.
"... Come on Gilda..." Rainbow said suddenly beside Glida, "Let's go talk in private."
Gilda nodded in a daze before she and Rainbow took off. |
Hentai Horse in Magical Pony Land | 15: Soothing the Butterfly | <<<Steel Cavalry>>>
I snorted as I watched Rainbow take the belligerent catbird away, either to chew her out or soothe her ruffled feathers. I honestly didn't give a good goddamn. But if Rainbow tries to calm her down and play nice well I... bleh! I've got more important things to deal with, like calming down a potentially traumatized timid pony.
Turning to Fluttershy, who had calmed down slightly but still sniffled. And I couldn't help but hug the timid little mare.
[Data]
Yes CPU, I'm well aware that her heart rate spiked. I've got access to the same senses you do...
[Annoyance]
"It's okay. The catbird is gone." I said as I hugged her, "Want me to take you home?"
Fluttershy shook her head and... she is inhaling. Does she have a smelling fetish or something? Do I smell good to ponies and never realized? Just... gonna shelve these thoughts for later.
"Want me to take you to Jackie, Rares, Pinks, or Twi's place?" I asked again absentmindedly stroking her mane.
What kind of shampoo does she use? I know I smell jasmine I think (among other things), damn I think supermodels back on Earth would kill for hair like this!
And she shook her head again.
[Amusement]
"... Want me to take you to my place?" I asked, getting a nod.
I sighed faintly and with a faint grunt I put the timid mare up on my back making her squeak and cling to me. Shaking my head I trotted off home.
[Query]
"Maybe, maybe not. But I am going to make her some tea and get her to calm down. Whatever happens afterwards happens."
[Excitement]
I just closed my eyes and tried not to groan. Wonder if anyone else in my position has to deal with a [CPU] that is excited about gathering data regarding "the act of copulation" and mating?
Sitting Fluttershy down in my living room I gave her a smile, "Would you like some tea?"
"Y-Yes please..." She said quietly, still sniffling and shaking a little.
"Okay. Just relax and I'll be back." I said before I gave her a quick nuzzle and trotted off to the kitchen.
<<<Fluttershy>>>
"Ohmyohmyohmy!"
She was in Steel's house! Not outside watching from a bush but actually inside! In his living room while he makes her some tea!
"Get ahold of yourself Shy! You really don't need to make him think you're a bigger freak then you already are!" Fluttershy took a deep breath and slowly exhaled a couple more times.
When she had finally calmed down enough she looked around, and while Fluttershy wasn't an interior decorator or anything she did think Steel desperately needed some advice on decorating. Honestly he repaired the cottage to brand new but it... didn't have much personality to it.
It reminded Fluttershy of a temporary apartment. Did Steel plan on eventually leaving Ponyville!?
"No, no! He can't leave!? Not until I- he-!?" Fluttershy was pulled from her frantic thoughts by Steel walking back in with a tea tray balanced on his head, "Wow, I've never seen anypony with a sense of balance that good..."
"I'm out of Rosebud tea so I hope you don't mind Gray Mare." He said with a smile as he sat the tray down.
"I-I don't mind..." Fluttershy said, "T-Thank you..."
Steel just smiled before he took a filled two cups and took his, "So, we haven't talked much. What do you do in your free time?"
Fluttershy blinked at that before she stopped and actually thought about it. And came to a rather distressing realization that outside of her spa days with Rarity and taking care of her animals she really didn't have anything... oh!
"W-Well... I enjoy reading." Fluttershy said, blowing softly on her tea, "I-I'm really fond of the S-Saga of Souls that Rarity introduced me too."
"Oh? Is it any good?" He asked curiously, but Fluttershy couldn't help but notice an odd quirk of his very kissable lips.
"Y-Yeah. It's considered a Supernatural fantasy but so much more!" Fluttershy said growing excited, "I-It's got mystery, suspense, and even h-horror even if I don't like that stuff. I can't wait until the next book comes out! The author's creating such an interesting world!"
"Heh, I'm glad you enjoy it Shy." Fluttershy squeaked and flushed read, "Er, sorry. I hope you don't mind me calling you Shy."
"I-It's okay. Dashie calls me Flutters so i-it's fine." Fluttershy said.
<<<Steel Cavalry>>>
"Okay fuck it. There is no way to say it that isn't awkward..." I thought much to my [CPU]s amusement, "Shy there's no way to ask this and not sound cheesy but... are you attracted to me?"
Fluttershy squeaked and looked ready fainted, I frowned faintly at that.
"Shy. I asked if you were attracted to me." I repeated sternly modulating my voice to stop it from sounding hopelessly intimidating to the timid mare.
Fluttershy shivered and I am pretty sure it wasn't because I was intimidating.
[Amusement]
[Data]
[Suggestion: Lay One On Her Like You Mean It!]
Fluttershy just blushed and started to mumble. Steel just sat his and Fluttershy's tea on the tray and reached over to lift up her chin making her look at him.
"Slow down. Take a deep breath and relax." I said soothingly, "Focus on your breathing. And when you feel comfortable I want you to repeat yourself okay?"
Fluttershy nodded and focused on her breathing, I however was more interested in her submissive kink. I'd spent long enough around Rarity to piece together that Rarity is Fluttershy's dom, so I wasn't entirely surprised. And honestly the whole dominatrix thing fits Rarity to a tee in all honesty, it also explains why she has so much bondage gear in her back room.
Boy the fits that would've been pitched if viewers got a peak at Little Miss Rarity's private room. Honestly it's a rather amusing thought.
"Are you calm?" Fluttershy nodded, "Now what were you mumbling?"
"Yes I'm attracted to you... but you wouldn't want a dirty freaky mare like me..." She whimpered with tears in her eyes.
I just pulled her into a hug, "How about I be the judge of that Shy?"
Honestly the little "yay" that escaped the mare made me hug her all the tighter.
It's funny the things you notice when you're about to finally get your pipes clean (Dream sex doesn't count, Lulu said it herself). Case in point I couldn't help but notice just how... bare my bedroom walls were, I really should decorate or something.
Maybe I could make some posters and paintings? Yeah that might work...
"Ready Shy?" I asked as I positioned myself, my cockhead poking at her winking and leaking marehood.
"Um... could you..." Fluttershy trailed off into mumbles, which I could still understand easily.
"Huh, well I guess it's always the quiet ones..." I thought as I repositioned with my cockhead pressing against her virgin plothole, "Kinda awkward though... but if it's what she wants."
[Excitement]
[Activating Hentai Physics]
[Calculating]
[Insemination chance: 00.0%]
[Virility: 250%]
[Scanning... Scan Complete!]
[Subject "Shy" erogenous zones mapped, neurological layout mapped, "Hotspots" located and designated]
[Mating Protocols activated]
As all the data flowed in and altered my perception I leaned down and kissed her neck making her whimper as I started. She was certainly surprised when the pain she was expecting never happened as my oversized member opened her plothole up and invaded her backdoor.
Eventually I was completely hilted before I started to "gently" (for me anyway, Shy probably though I was rutting like a madstallion) started to rut her. Fluttershy moaned and squeaked each time I resheathed myself, but never once voiced anything. No "Go faster" "Slow down" or even "Stop please" but that made sense as Fluttershy was a very submissive mare.
She gave all her trust over to her dom, knowing that he or she won't hurt her. And I won't hurt her, though it might explain how Angel Bunny gets away with so much shit. The mare just didn't have it in her to put her hoof down, allowing Angel to run wild.
"Well... Angel does take care of her so I guess I'll cut him some slack. Still don't like the little shit though."
"OH!~" And I felt a spray of mare juices hit me.
I just leaned down to her ear and nibbled on it for a few moments (one of her erogenous zones) before whispering, "The fun has just begun!~"
And with that I started to rut with purpose and the room was filled with the sounds of flesh slapping flesh, so much so I had to reach out with my rarely used [Technopathy] to activate a Sound Dampening Field generator, sure I didn't have any neighbors or anything but it never hurts to be safe right?
"Oh... oh... my..." Fluttershy gasped as she rode my stallionhood.
I was massaging her teats while she traced the very obvious bulge from my cock invading her most private and sacred spot. Though I started to suspect she had something of a breeding fetish as she got a lot more active when I started fucking her marehood.
The way she rubbed her belly... I won't deny I found the idea arousing myself.
[Restore Insemination ability? Y/N]
"Goddamnit! You know the answer to that! I'm not ready to be a father yet damnit!.' I thought as the prompt... whimpered and disappeared.
Fucking [CPU] what did that Rainbow Laser do to you??
I was distracted from my thoughts by Fluttershy slamming down and falling forward orgasming violently as she did so. Which in turn made me cum as well which in turn set off a chain reaction of orgasms.
Ahegao achieved!
I looked at the sleeping mare beside me in thought, I wondered if her attraction was due to my teasing her or if it was due to something else?
Shaking my head I reached out with my [Technopathy] and had a servitor go and ready a bath, Fluttershy was in desperate need of one. And I just might have to buy myself a new mattress and sheets because there is no way am I getting the smell of semen out of it all.
[Contentment]
[Puff]
... Is my [CPU] having the digital equivalent of a cigarette!? |
Hentai Horse in Magical Pony Land | 16 Fluttershy's New (Kinda-Sorta) Groove | <<<Rarity>>>
She wasn't sure if anypony would've even noticed the slight change in Fluttershy, but Rarity certainly noticed. And while she did approve of her friends new found confidence (though she's still so painfully shy) she was rather curious as to who it came to be.
Honestly she was worried that Rainbow's barbaric Griffon friend traumatized the timid mare all because she had a chip on her shoulder!
Though from what she heard Steel verbally tore her apart!
"I wouldn't mount you with a stolen dick" while Rarity didn't appreciate the... crude way he put it she did appreciate Steel putting that uppity ruffian in her place!
It also said a lot about his own self control and standards! As if a handsome stallion like Steel would lower himself to mount a vulgar and surly Griffon, exotic appearance be damned!
Pulling herself from her musing Rarity took another sip of tea as she looked at Fluttershy, who was drinking some tea herself. They were currently at a small little cafe they both enjoy having some filly time with her dearest friend (and sub).
"Fluttershy darling we've been friends for quite some time now-"
Fluttershy nodded as she sipped her tea.
"-and I like to think I know you very well. So allow me to be blunt but... did you have a tryst with my best friend?"
Fluttershy then spittaked, spewing the tea all over the table. And while Rarity was bemoaning their ruined brunch she knew it was her own fault. She really should've waited until Fluttershy had finished with her tea.
"Rather obvious in hindsight and... as uncouth as it is it was rather amusing..." Rarity thought as she used her telekinesis to clean up what she could.
"*cough* R-Rarity!?" Fluttershy didn't exactly yell but... it was a surprisingly harsh whisper.
"I'm sorry darling! I should've waited to ask." Rarity apologized, "But it's a valid question. I know you've had feelings for that big lug for a while."
Fluttershy didn't say anything for a few moments, which Rarity allowed seeing as the timid mare was no doubt scrambling. Eventually the ruined brunch was cleaned and replaced and Fluttershy looked like she had finally gathered her wits.
"Y-Yes..." Fluttershy whispered submissively.
"Wonderful!" Rarity said with a smile, "I hope your first was special!" She added sincerely.
Fluttershy just blushed even brighter and nodded before she motioned Rarity to lean in so she could whisper to her. Rarity quirked a brow but did so, wondering what details Fluttershy was going to share that she didn't want to get around?
*whisper whisper whisper*
"Oh... oh my goodness..." In that moment Rarity resembled Big Mac with how red she got.
<<<Steel Cavalry>>>
"Oh god I should've stayed in bed..."
I know I shouldn't be thinking it but goddamn it, now I know Ruby Heart is manufacturing these requests.
[Suggestion]
"... Yeah. Might as well."
Anyway I finish up my job, replacing the heat crystal in her oven because she's "so clumsy" and is afraid she'd break it. Normally heat crystals are pretty cheap but the more powerful forms of crystal are fragile, a fair enough trade off in my opinion and Ruby Heart does have a very nice stove that requires more of an investment to bake and cook with it.
Actually shouldn't the Corner have ovens like these? Oh, no. The Cakes have two foals (three if you count Pinkie) to think of. And while I'd never been a father I knew children were a large time and money investment. Realistically they couldn't afford the expense of having a high end oven.
"Hmm, well I could use the opportunity to find out how to build one and make one for the Cakes. And I can easily afford the expense of buying the more expensive Heat crystals."
[Speculation]
[Excitement!]
Heh, so easily pleased.
Anyway after finishing changing the crystal I went to find Ruby Heart, who was waiting in the living room with some refreshments and a smile.
"So I changed the crystal out." I said, "Though I have a feeling you could've done it yourself. Now I'm not upset or anything but I'd like to know why you went through with this? And please be honest."
Ruby looked surprised, I have no idea why I mean... do I really seem that oblivious? I guess now that I think about it... I might've given everypony that impression.
I watched as Ruby ran a gambit of expressions and I can only imagine how she's feeling before she squeezed her eyes shut and gave a dry sob. I could tell there was a lot of pent up emotion there and I trotted over and sat beside her to give her a shoulder to lean on if she needed one.
Which apparently she does as she leaned on me and gave me a nuzzle, I just waited for her to gather her thoughts.
"I, I just wanted you around!" She confessed, "You make me feel like a mare. Everypony just sees a single mother trying to raise a colt but... I'm still a mare with needs! And you're the only stallion that looks at me and doesn't see a single mother but an attractive mare. I don't want any relationship, Button's father soured me on relationships as it is, I just... want somepony to make me feel desired..."
I just listened and put my foreleg around the smaller mare to give her a hug as I pondered over her confession. I'm well aware of how open pony's are sexually speaking, and I've read up on this Herd Culture. So while ponies are sexually promiscuous, for the lack of a better term, it's generally frowned on to hit it and quit it even more so during Estrus, the only time mares are able to have foals.
So on one hoof I could totally sleep with this hot milf but I'll be expected to at least maintain some type of relationship, be it platonic (rut buddies if you wanna be crude about it) or something more. But on the other hoof I could let her down gently right now and stick a pin in this, but I could possibly get a reputation as a heartbreaker and she might continue trying to seduce me.
"Realistically I only have one choice. But... I know what I am. And no matter what I do I know I'll possibly spoil her for any other stallion and... I'm not sure if I can live with knowing she'd still be pining for me."
[Chastisement]
[Exasperation]
"... I'm overthinking things again ain't I?"
[DUH!]
"... I'm not sure I appreciate the sarcasm and sass!"
[You're Not my Dad!]
"Oh sweet fuck! I have an angsty teenager in my head!"
The entire exchange happened at the speed of thought so I hadn't left Ruby hanging. I simply hugged her and decided to buck it; in for a penny in for a pound!
"I can do that." Ruby looked at me with wide hopeful eyes, "Though I just want you to understand we'll be friends with benefits."
"That's fine!" Ruby said quickly, "That's all I want, all I ever really wanted."
I just sighed and nuzzled her, "Okay, but if Button somehow figures it out you're explaining it." |
Hentai Horse in Magical Pony Land | 17: Canterlot Cometh! | <<<Steel Cavalry>>>
"Today's the day..." I thought as I relaxed.
Looking at the sky pegasus nestled into my side and napping I just rubbed her mane. Today was the day, the gala wouldn't take place until later this evening so we all had a few hours to kill before we had to get ready.
[CPU] had 'locked down' my arousal so I don't get an awkward boner in the middle of the gala, no matter how amusing it'd be honest. But we talked it out and came to an agreement that I really didn't need nobles thinking I'm nothing more than a crass commoner despite the fact I honestly don't give a good goddamn over their opinions. But like I said to [CPU] why invite unneeded trouble?
I mean... I live in Ponyville! Just going by the past couple of weeks I'll be drawn into trouble whether I like it or not.
Though... I do hope I mitigated at least some of the chaos the girls will cause. Maybe. Eh, I'll give it a 50/50... no 40/60 shot. I'm confident but not that confidant.
Hell for all I know I'm just making the chaos even worse... but I've got more important things to think on.
Such as what song I'm going to sing to Luna so Pinkie doesn't get me. I don't think I made a Pinkie Promise but... it just seems like a bad idea to ignore her advice.
Hmm... now, what would Luna appreciate? She's already been listening to my vast collection of music in my dreams. Hmm, perhaps something to do with the night sky?
Oh... I have an idea.
"All that's missing is a white glove." I muttered as I straightened my suit.
It was lazy of me but I opted to stay in the hotel room Sunbutt was providing for us whereas Twilight decided to show the girls around. Twilight offered to show me around but I declined, both because I had no wish to deal with nobles but mainly because I didn't want to get Rainbow riled over one thing or another.
But now? It's showtime.
I've got a song I think Lulu will appreciate and... well here's hoping things don't go too wrong.
... Goddamnit, I just jinxed it didn't I? |
Hentai Horse in Magical Pony Land | 18 Epilouge: Sweet Dreams are made of These (rewrite) | <<<Steel Cavalry>>>
"I wind up in the craziest places..."
Not that I minded at all! Hell no!
I mean who wouldn't want to wake up in a bed with two princesses and six celebrities? Granted I am confused about What I did convince Rainbow to give me an honest chance. Still not going to complain regardless.
The gala progressed a lot as it did in canon despite my attempts to limit the chaos, thankfully Pinkie didn't try to ruin Octavia's night (actually she thanked me later and gave me a kiss!) and Rarity avoided Blueblood so that's something.
Everypony really appreciated my song, however, none more than Luna.
After the gala things... definitely didn't go according to canon.
Mainly Celestia invited me and the girls into her private chambers where... we all proceeded to drink.
You'd think Twilight and Fluttershy would've been super lightweights and AJ and Rainbow would've been experienced drinkers right? Nah, between Shy and Twi they drunk everyone under the table with the exception of myself, Luna, and Celestia.
Of course I... might've had an advantage of course.
And well you know how alcohol is known as a 'social lubricant' (or am I thinking of something else?) well... let's just say a lot of things were said and through the magic of booze things like embarrassment or tsundereism was thrown to the wayside.
I looked over and saw Celly (as she insisted I call her) limp over to the balcony to do the sunrise as well as lower the moon as Luna was... TKO at the moment. Dream sensations and Real Life sensations are two very different beasts and I think Luna forgot that, and probably the fact that I could easily go on for hours without pause.
Honestly, I probably shouldn't have indulged her when she told me to "Give me all you got!" but well... a part of me wanted to do so anyway so... meh.
After doing her custom Celly limped back over, and instead of climbing back in bed as I expected she took a seat (very tenderly mind you) and watched the pony pile with a motherly smile.
"You're a very special stallion Steel." She said quietly so as to not wake the others, "I never thought I'd seen Luna actually open up to somepony outside of the Dream realm. And Twilight well... I've worried for her for years."
"I understand Celly." I said with a faint smile as I looked at the two mentioned mares, "I don't know where things will go from here but... I know it'll be an adventure!"
Celly nodded with a giggle. ... ...... .........
"Celly... why are some of your, Luna's, Rainbow's, and Shy's feathers plastered on the ceiling and is that... that looks like wallpaper paste!"
Celly just giggled dirtily and I muttered under my breath. |
Hentai Horse in Magical Pony Land | (Friendship) A Giant and a Fashionista | <<<Rarity Belle>>>
Rarity wasn't always a generous and kind pony, the less said about her early years when she lived in the city the better in her honest opinion. And while living in what many would consider a backwater was sometimes challenging for the mare (as most didn't wear any clothes outside of special moments or for certain types of employment) Rarity truly relished just how... simply life could be.
So when a giant of a Horse came in looking for work Rarity just had to help the poor soul.
She and Steel got along surprisingly well actually. While he clearly had no talent with a needle and thread he made up for it by doing physical labor, cleaning the shop, collecting massive orders of fabrics, and even manning the front while Rarity worked in the back of some of her projects (though those tended to be very hit or miss so Steel didn't do it frequently).
This also led to them forming a friendship rife with dirty humor, teasing (mostly from Rarity), and the occasional insightful comment from Steel.
"Darling, have you ever considered modeling?" Rarity asked curiously as she did some needlework.
"Can't say I have." Steel admitted, "Don't think it'd work out though. I'm not exactly sociable."
Rarity just paused in her work and gave him a questioning deadpan.
"Just because I say hello and be polite doesn't make me a social butterfly Rares." Steel said dryly, "I can make polite conversation. But I really don't think I would deal with paparazzi all that well."
Rarity had to agree with that, in the few weeks he had worked for her Steel showed that while he can be perfectly polite (and surprisingly good with foals) he wasn't exactly what you would call... socially adept. When somepony managed to get under his coat Steel could get positively vicious and caustic with his "word-shivs" as he once called them.
Once about a week after hiring Steel Rarity was dealing with a snooty Canterlotian unicorn mare claiming that Rarity cheated her with a subpar product. And Steel really tried to play peacekeeper and calm everypony down.
Then of course the mare just had to get all chauvinistic and tribalistic.
Steel verbally lashed out and tore that mare apart, though never once raising his voice (but then again it was so deep he probably didn't need too) and remained perfectly polite the entire time. Rarity honestly had no idea what happened, the fact that her giant somewhat brutish friend was not only ripping a mare apart verbally but he was surprisingly eloquent and assertive as well!
She couldn't deny that she got a little excited at Steel "asserting" himself for the lack of a better word.
"Hmm, perhaps I should evaluate him..."
Ultimately however Rarity did refund the mare and lost what could've been a regular, but she did however gain something of interest.
Of course she made Steel pay for it by having him do busywork and run errands that didn't involve his job. Foalsitting included but thank the stars Sweetie took a liking to the big lug, though it was bumpy in the beginning of course.
"Huh, I... well never expected this when you asked me to stay after work." Steel said, blinking owlishly at some of her more... specialized stock.
Rarity decided to take a chance and expose him to her more risque work to gauge his reaction. Would he disdain and judge her from her tastes and work? She hoped not as he is a very interesting stallion. And in this day and age where mares and stallions are treated equally their society is still very much mare-dominated and stallions are the submissive, though nowhere near as bad as the early days from before the Princesses united the tribes.
"Well darling I decided it wasn't right to hide a part of my business venture." Rarity said, "Though I hope this doesn't make you think less of me, I'm well aware of what some of the more prudish ponies in town think."
"It's surprising and not necessarily my thing but you like what you like." Steel said, "It's certainly not my place to judge, I personally never saw the appeal but I'm not going to kinkshame anypony if they prefer the BDSM or Bondage lifestyle."
"Well that's a relief." And indeed it was, "And you might not see the appeal because I don't think nothing short of enchanted shackles would hold you down. Besides you strike me more as a dom."
"Oh? Well... you're probably right honestly." Steel said with a chuckle, "And I bet you're quite the dom yourself hmm? Lil' Miss Rarity?" He quipped with a smirk.
Both making her blush at the fact that he knew her "title" and at that smirk.
She could easily imagine him leading a mare around by a leash or even spanking somepony with a paddle, though given his size he probably wouldn't even need a hoof to "discipline" somepony.
"So... while I would love to see you model some of my suits here." Rarity said gesturing to a gimp suit, "I don't think you'd be all that comfortable. Besides I've got nothing in your size. So how about you model some clothes for me? Of course you'd be compensated."
"Sure Rares." Steel said, "Though to be fair you only had to ask."
Rarity just smiled at Steel and they returned to the front of the store.
Rarity loved visiting the spa, even more so with her friend Fluttershy. Some of her animal friends had gotten sick so she couldn't go to the spa that day, which upset her as these spa days were the highlight of the week (even more so after a stressful commission).
Though when Steel offered to go with her, mostly because he was genuinely curious and having never gone before, Rarity was thrilled. Not only would she get to have her beloved spa day but she's also get a chance to see how Steel reacted to stimulation.
After all Aloe (or perhaps it was Vera) told her they lost track of all the times a stallion (usually passerbys) would get an erection and expect a "happy ending" at the end. Most of the stallions reacted poorly when they didn't get a "happy ending" but Rarity was hoping Steel would be a bigger stallion.
She was well aware of his... *ahem* problems, the poor stallion seemed to suffer from an especially active sexdrive and had a bad habit of getting aroused at the most inconvenient of times. He'd already been fined a dozen times, however he was a seemingly tireless worker (Rarity was pretty sure he had become the official Mr. Fixit of the town) and always managed to pay his fines within a day or two.
So they approached the spa, Rarity looking pleased as punch whereas Steel looked thoughtful.
"Do you think their massage tables can support my weight?" Steel asked, "I mean if not you can still enjoy it. I'll just have... whatever else they provide."
"That is a good question. I mean Horses generally weigh a lot more then ponies, and Steel is a particularly massive stallion." Rarity thought, "Well hopefully they can. It'd be a shame for you to not get the full treatment."
Besides she really wanted to see how he'd react to no "happy endings".
"Well I think there's only one way to be sure." Steel said with a chuckle as they entered the spa.
*snore*
Rarity as well as Aloe and Vera couldn't help but giggle at Steel.
"My word! I've massaged Dragons that don't give me as much trouble!" And Aloe did look troubled, clearly sweating obviously working harder then she ever had before "Why is this poor stallion so... tense!? This isn't healthy!"
"Well he keeps himself busy both at my shop as well as around town." Rarity paused, "Though I think a lot of it is well... sexual frustration. I've heard that mare find his stallionhood too intimidating to rut. Obviously what they do isn't really enough." She decided not to share her thoughts regarding an overactive sexdrive.
"Poor stallion." Vera said, "Come on Aloe let's swap so you can get some rest."
Aloe took the break gracefully allowing her twin to take over while she went to take over for Vera.
"I'm sorry if this isn't up to our usual standards Ms. Belle." Aloe apologized, "Hopefully this won't sour your thoughts towards us."
"Perish the thought!" Rarity said, "If anything this is my fault. Perhaps we should've gone to the sauna before the massage..."
Aloe just nodded at the reasoning. After a few moments Rarity recalled something she heard about how you could get a story from massaging somepony or something to that effect.
"Can you tell anything about Steel?" Rarity asked curiously.
"From the massage? Well I couldn't tell you his life story if that's what you're wondering." Rarity snorted at that having never even considered it, "But I can tell you is that he's a very hard working stallion, and strong. And from all the knots in his muscles I believe he has impressive self-control."
Rarity just hummed thoughtfully and the rest of the massage session passed quietly barring the occasional snore from Steel.
"I'm so sorry for falling asleep. But that was so relaxing..." Steel said sheepishly as he rubbed the back of his head.
Rarity just giggled, "It's fine darling. Honestly I did that my first time as well."
The two were now relaxing in the sauna, both with towels wrapped around their waists to keep their intimates from showing (though it took some quick stitch work to make Steel a towel). Though to Rarity Steel looked ready to fall back asleep.
"So, not to be rude or anything." Steel said, "I'm just wondering why you didn't mind me coming along?"
"Why wouldn't I?" Rarity asked, "I like to think we've become good friends."
"True." Steel said, "Sorry, I shouldn't have asked that."
Rarity just smiled and the rest of the spa trip passed in companionable silence. Rarity was happy seeing Steel finally relaxing, and also equally impressed when Vera (or was it Aloe) made a suggestive tease and Steel did react predictably but he never once acted like a pissy stallion.
If anything he responded with some irritated bemusement.
"Again! Goddamnit!" Rarity just listened to Steel vent as another prospect one-night stand just crumbled.
Sometimes it's difficult being Steel's best friend, but it's something Rarity learned to deal with. Of all his friends Steel held her in the highest regard for everything she's done to help him. So listening to and letting him vent was just something that she felt she owed the giant.
And it's not like he got all violent and needlessly aggressive in his frustration, other then the initial outburst Steel was pretty calm. Though how much of that is a learned behaviour or natural
"I swear I keep trying only to trip over my own damn oversized dick!" Oh he was in a rare mood, "How many goddamn times do I have to explain it!? MY DICK WORKS OF BUCKING PORN LOGIC!!!"
Rarity just passed him a glass of hard cider which Steel took and slugged down.
"Feel better?" Rarity asked.
"Yes... and I'm sorry. You didn't need to hear that." Steel said with a groan, "I just... it just makes me so mad sometimes."
"Ponies don't handle things outside of their comfort zones well." Rarity said kindly, "And well... you are very outside most ponies comfort zones."
Steel opened his mouth before closing it, though Rarity imagined what he was going to say and was impressed that he caught himself.
"Now I have some ice cream and I think you need some comfort food." Rarity said, "Now sit down and relax okay? Don't think about irritating mares and just focus on relaxing."
"You're right Rares." Steel said with a sigh, "Like always."
"As is right!" Rarity said in a faux-snooty tone, "Now sit."
Steel just laughed and took a seat while Rarity got some of the much desired ice cream.
She knew it would go straight to her flanks but she thought it was worth it if it took Steel's mind off of his love-life woes. Even for a short while. |
Hentai Horse in Magical Pony Land | (Friendship) A Giant and A Farmer | <<<Applejack Apple>>>
Applejack first met Steel when she was working the stall in the marketplace, it was a slow day and she would've rather been applebucking with Big Mac. Sadly somepony had to watch the stall and it was her turn, however today not many had been shopping leaving Applejack enough peace to feel comfortable enough to read a saddle ripper that her Aunt Orange got her hooked on when she lived in the big city.
"Excuse me." She'd deny to her dying day that she actually shrieked in surprise, "I'd like to buy some apples."
Applejack quickly pulled herself together and put her book away quickly, but other than getting a slight chuckle from Steel he didn't comment on her smut.
"Sorry partner. Caught me by surprise." Applejack said as she looked at Steel, "Hayseed... you're huge..." Much bigger than Big Mac.
Taller too actually.
"Heh, and you're a cute cowmare." He replied with a smile.
"Yer smooth talking ain't gonna get you a discount now." She said with narrow eyes, though the faint blush ruined it.
Not many ponies gave her a genuine compliment like that, well they did but they were usually smooth talkers. And Applejack had learned how to see through such tricks during her time in the big city. The fact that Steel was being completely genuine took the Apple mare by surprise.
"More of an observation." Steel said, "Now how much for a dozen apples?"
"Ah sure." Applejack said as she got his order together, "That'll be 36 bits."
"Three bits per apple?" Steel tilted his head as he paid for his purchase, "Considering the quality I would've thought they would be five bits or more."
"Well... we could. But if we charge out the nose then nopony would want any." Applejack explained.
"Fair enough." Steel said after some thought, "Actually are you hiring?"
"You looking for work?" Now it was Applejack's turn to tilt her head, "Ain't you working for Rarity and around town? You sure you want to add farm work onto that?"
"Well I'm aiming to buy that cottage outside of town." Steel answered, "When I get the prosperity I'll ease off."
Applejack was aware of what he was talking about, local legend is that the place was haunted but she personally thought the story was a load of horseapples. Though she was wise enough to know that she didn't know everything, so who knew? Maybe the place really is haunted.
"Well if yer sure there sugarcube." Applejack said, "Though I thought ya should know. Local legend says that place is haunted."
"It's fine. I ain't scared of no ghosts." Applejack blinked, why did that sound like he was quoting something?
"Well, if yer sure." Applejack said, "Stop by Sweet Apples in the morning and we can get you started."
Steel nodded, "Well see you then!" He said before trotting off humming.
Applejack watched him leave, or more accurately his flanks.
"Ma would be tannin' mah flank fer sounding a chauvinist but... damn those flanks are amazing!"
"What." Applejack looked at a sheepish Big Mac and Steel, "Did you do?"
"C-Come on Jackie... it was just an accident..." Steel said with a sheepish chuckle, "I think it's safe to say neither one of us expected that rock to go flying like that!"
"Eeyup."
Applejack's hackles rose, "You. Broke. Old Appleton!"
"I didn't mean to" Steel exclaimed, and at least he wasn't denying it.
"Ma and Pa got married under that tree! I was hoping..." Applejack just trailed off before she glared at Steel, "Yer gonna make this right!"
"Of course! Anything!" Steel said, "I know it'll never make up for the tree but I'll do anything."
"... Two weeks of overtime at half pay." Applejack eventually said.
Big Mac just raised a brow at that and immediately saw this for what it is. And Big Mac was rather happy to see his sister taking an interest in somepony, hell even he found himself liking the big lug himself.
"Absolutely." Steel said without a moment's hesitation, "I'll show up earlier than usual. What time do you get to work exactly?"
Applejack tried not to show how impressed she was.
"Crack of dawn." She answered, "I'll be expecting you then."
The unspoken 'or else' was plainly heard by Steel, who just nodded his head.
"Of course." Steel said, "And I'll say it again, I am sorry. Especially now that I know how important the tree is to you."
Applejack just nodded and decided to get back to tending the now very dead tree.
"Tarnations... I think Ma and Pa would be over the moon if they met this fella. Shucks, Granny and Ma would've already been planning a wedding..."
With a sniff that nopony could hear Applejack got to work.
"I don't get it..." Applejack tilted her head as she listened to Applebloom who should've been tending to her lessons!
"Here, I'll help." Steel's deep voice stopped her from coming over to chastic her sister, "Though I'm not going to do all the work for you. It might not seem like it now but your education is important."
"But... I hate math!" Applebloom fused getting a rolling chuckle from the stallion.
"Honestly I'm not to fond of math myself." Steel confessed, "However mathematics will help you in your life. Whether it's tending to the family business or building those ramps and other things with your friends."
Applebloom just grumbled and Applejack soon heard her writing with Steel quietly helping her and showing her where she messed up and guiding her on how to not make the same mistake again. Applejack just smiled before she snuck off so as to not disturb them.
"Good with younguns' how has nopony not snatched him up?"
"I think I know why noponies snatched him up..."
It was entirely by accident too. Applejack was doing some after-applebucking stretches, Big Mac knows she does this in the barn so she doesn't expose herself to all and sundry. And it wasn't until Steel came in with a wagon full of apples and he got himself an eyeful did she realize that Steel was never informed of her habit.
And well... Steel reacted like any stallion attracted to mares would.
"Tarnations..."
Though Applejack was unlike most other mares as she wasn't put off by his size, if anything she liked it when stallions were a bit bigger than her. And seeing he was bigger in a whole different way well... if Applejack's willpower wasn't as strong as it was she would've winked at him, and definitely not with her eye.
Steel of course beat a hasty retreat shortly after he got an eyeful, and Applejack let him think she didn't notice. And she did in fact finish her stretches.
Then she had a whole different issue to take care of.
She didn't leave the barn for another thirty minutes. |
Hentai Horse in Magical Pony Land | (Omake) ANGERY SEX!!!! | Twilight: Alright girls! Everypony get ready and let's show her the Power of Friend... ship...?
Fluttershy: O-Oh my...
Rarity: Such savage barabrity! So... so... hot...
Rainbow Dash: Lucky bitch...
Applejack: I can't rightly tell... are they fightin' or ruttin'??
Pinkie: ANGERY SEX!!!!!!!! |
Hentai Horse in Magical Pony Land | (Omake) (Extended) Testing by Reignofgeekaos of QQ | Twilight: So people keep going on and on about how you could knock out a Buffalo with that thing. So we're going to test it!
Steel: Huh? Test what?!
Twilight: If you can really drive rivets through a steel plate with your giant deck! Among other things! For magical science!
Steel: "When you say 'knock out' do you mean by hitting them with it, or by hitting them with it?" (added by FourthPear of QQ)
Twilight: "Why not both! We're going to test everything and everything! Lady Celestia said you made a dragon look small and Spike is scared of you after seeing it! So we're going to see just how powerful you're war dong really is! And then...
Steel starting to think Twilight is drunk "Are you drunk?"
Twilight looks offended "What! No! I don't drink! I just had some of the glowing purple stuff Pinkie brought. Anyways, I digress and after exhaustive testing you can shove it in and take my virginity!
Steel blinks then blinks again "...I'm okay with that." (extended by Reignofgeekaos of QQ) |
Hentai Horse in Magical Pony Land | (Omake) Would You Rather by Bronze Inkwell | Rainbow: "So Steel, I have a question."
Steel: "Yeah, what is it?"
Rainbow: "Would you rather have only one pony to buck for the rest of your life, or buck as many ponies as you want but you can only buck them once."
Steel: That's a tough one. I suppose the answer could honestly go either way as long as there is more to the relationship or ships then just sex. Call me old fashion but I happen to like some romance.
Rainbow: Celestia! You're so damn mushy!
Rainbow *thinking*: I'm going to rut your brains out you big lug!!! |
Hentai Horse in Magical Pony Land | (Omake) Extended The Stash by Reignofgeekaos of QQ | And next time a duet with the girls where they end up doing Bohemian Rhapsody.
Steel: "...The buck did this pornstatch come from? What the actual buck?"
Celestia "...Oh my...it's been so long since I went on a mustache ride."
Twilight embarrassed like only a child can be after finding out their parents have the sex "...Mom!.."
Celestia: Mom!?
Twilight: Well... you're like my second mother anyway so...
Steel: Oh! Kinky!~
Twilight/Celestia: STEEL! |
Hentai Horse in Magical Pony Land | (Omake) Firing Mah Dicsar!!! by Its Raining of QQ | If Steel become a alicorn in the future, his tool might grew big (and magical) enough for him to use as a horn to use magic.
"Oh my...!" Fluttershy pretend to cover her eyes, blushing red like lava.
"Darn! He's shooting laser beams from his dick!" Applejack says, her mouth agape. "Hey Twilight, can unicorns do that too?"
"They can't!" Shouts Twilight outraged at the impossible deed.
"Now Steel's just like a Ponyzord!" Says an very excited Pinkie. |
Hentai Horse in Magical Pony Land | (Omake) Bad Alicorn by Reignofgeekaos of QQ | Post ascension, Steel, Rarity, Celestia and Twilight are at the grand reveal of a new toy line that's been sold exclusively at the first two's new store
Steel not exactly bothered by what's going on but he's not exactly sure it's a good idea either "Are you sure this is a good idea Rares? Except for a couple of people the size was an issue before."
Rarity tuts from where she's putting the finishing touches on the display "Yes darling, we've gone over this. According to lady Celestia as a result of your Ascension, your alpha male-ness is going to drive any stallions away. So any remaining mares are going to need a way to get used to things. Isn't that right Lady Celestia?"
Celestia whose 'helping' snorts a bit "Yep there going to need to get used to taking that light pole you call a cock.
Twilight who has just a filthy mouth as the others but gets embarrassed when they talk about sex in public. Especially Tia and Rarity because they act so posh "Mom! Rarity!"
And that's how the Bad Alicorn line of dildos was born. |
Phases of the Moon | pre | Softly, barely audible, the awakened pony said, "I can explain..."
Feather Down found herself in an all too familiar situation; awakened by somepony who was not amused by her actions. Granted, this was the first time that it was the ruler of the realm awaiting an explanation, instead of her roommate or her boss. However, she had learned long ago that there was only one way to successfully handle this kind of encounter.
"I'm sorry, Princess Celestia, but I had just wanted to see how comfortable your bed was. Once I got in it though, well, it lulled me right to sleep." A slight twitch in one of the alicorn's eyes was the only sign she got, but it was enough. Once again, telling the truth, no matter how wacky and improbable it sounded, had been the way to go.
"So, why lie down here then, and not on the bed?" Celestia asked, gesturing to the side room.
"Oh, please," Feather Down said derisively. "That thing is barely worth putting in an inn, let alone a royal bedroom. Even for you the height is wrong, plus the sheets are too coarse, the pillow is made from an inferior grade of down, and it's plain to see that you don't favor it because it doesn't have any valleys in it from where somepony would sleep on it regularly."
She stood up and gently walked off of the cushion. "Now, take this marvelous thing. While not your typical bed, it's strategically situated near a fireplace, so being down on the floor won't leave you cold in the fall and winter. Also, the stuffing is sturdy enough to support you comfortably, and it's obvious from the impressions in it you sleep here more often than not. I bet you don't even worry about it lacking a pillow, do you?"
Feather Down's recitation was answered by laughter from the princess. "It isn't often I am pleasantly surprised like this. Thank you." Celestia stepped back onto the cushion and knelt down where she had been working previously. "While you are here, would you mind taking a moment to chat with me?" Celestia motioned at an open corner of the cushion. "While I've heard about you from Luna, I would like a chance to get to know my sister's friends personally."
"Of course, your highness!" Feather Down quickly made herself comfortable. "What would you like to know?"
"Well, first off, how are things going? I'm surprised to see you away from the others."
"Oh, that's because Luna and Pine Needle are working together on something to do with that earth pony magic he keeps talking about. Not much for the rest of us to do, but that's okay. Luna doesn't have any other chances to get to do something like this with him, and the rest of us had other things we wanted to look at. Dewdrop and Haystack went off to explore the gardens, although not together," she said with disappointment in her voice.
"Oh? Is there a reason why they would?" ask Celestia.
"Oh my goodness, yes!" Feather Down exclaimed. "It seemed like they had been in each other's faces forever. Always bickering and giving each other the cold shoulder, I was amazed that they even willingly entered a room if the other was already there. And then, they shared a moment, and it was beautiful! Dewdrop even kissed him on the cheek! And while they aren't nipping at each other anymore, there still seems to be some sort of distance between them.
"Take the chariot ride over here, for example. I keep on offering to ride with Pine Needle so the two of them can be together, but Haystack insists on flying over instead. Doesn't want to burden the guards any, he says. Heck, I even stayed behind when they went off to explore the gardens, to give them some time alone, but it's like they didn't even notice!" The pink earth pony sighed deeply.
"Maybe they aren't interested in each other?" Celestia asked.
Feather Down shook her head. "I thought about that, but I'm certain they are. I mean, Dewdrop makes sure that Haystack is included in our get-togethers in Ponyville all the time now, something she almost never did before. And seeing Haystack grin used to be as rare as finding a five leaf clover, but he does that all the time around Dewdrop now. He even made a joke once! Not that it was any good," she added, "but the fact that he even tried was amazing in and of itself."
"Well, maybe they just need some time?" the princess suggested. "I know it always seems to happen so quickly in the stories, but from what I've seen over the years, true love rarely happens at first sight."
"Oh, you're most likely right," Feather Down said with a sigh, "but they're my friends! I just want to help them out, somehow... oh, listen to me! Here I am, going on about this, wasting your time. I'm sorry!"
Celestia smiled. "No need to be. I did ask, after all. How about you? Are you enjoying your visits here? I know they aren't the best way for you and Luna to keep in touch, but I can't see any other solution that works without making things difficult for the others."
"Oh, I fully understand," Feather Down said. "She mentioned all the studies she has to catch up on. Heh, I had trouble when I missed half an hour of school, I can't imagine how much she missed over the last thousand years!"
"How does a pony miss just half an hour of school?" Celestia asked, her voice filled with curiosity.
Feather Down shook her head sadly. "School is hard when your special talent is sleeping, let me tell you. It's almost impossible to not take a nap when the teacher is describing multiplication tables. If Dewdrop hadn't helped me with my homework, I might not have graduated." She tilted her head questioningly at Celestia. "So, what do you have Luna studying for, anyway? Is she going to retake her old positions, whatever they were?"
Celestia sighed. "Actually, that's one of the hardest problems I face right now. Everything has changed so much, whatever tasks she took care of that haven't become obsolete are now run by other ponies. To give them back to her would mean that they would be out of a job through no fault of their own. I'm trying to find new things for her to do, but most of what I come up with might be better suited for somepony of a lesser station." The princess cocked her head. "What do you think? Would Luna be satisfied with doing things like that, or would she take offense?"
Feather Down stared in amazement at Celestia. "You, you're asking me, of all ponies, about something like this?"
The alicorn somberly nodded her head. "You see a side of Luna that I don't get to. Anything you can tell me that would help give me a more complete picture would be greatly appreciated."
Swallowing nervously, Feather Down thought about the question. "I don't think I can give an exact answer, but in my opinion I think she would be happy to do what she could to help you out. When she was disguised as Moonbeam, she was always willing to do whatever she could for us. Assisting Dewdrop at the inn, getting help for Haystack's harvest... I think that, as long as what you find for her to do are things that need to be done, and aren't just busy work, she'll be happy to do them."
Celestia smiled. "Those are my thoughts too. It is good to hear them from somepony else, though." The princess stood up, and floated over a couple of pieces of parchment to her. Looking them over, she tucked them under a wing and motioned for Feather Down to follow her. "Let's go find my sister and your friends then, I have something I want to ask all of you about."
The two mares stepped out of the bedroom. The guard gaped as a pony he didn't remember seeing go into the princess's chambers came out with the alicorn. "So, to the gardens, then?" Celestia asked, pointedly ignoring the stammered apologies of the guard. Feather Down nodded, barely containing the laughter that was bubbling up inside of her.
Luna struggled with the small shovel in her hooves. Although the digging implement had been built so that ponies without magic could use it in a pinch, she was beginning to think that the creators hadn't tested their design before sending the plans off to wherever the shovel had been built. She looked over at Pine Needle, who was helping her with a shovel of his own. He seemed to be having better luck, although it looked to her that he wasn't making any significant progress either.
"I still don't understand why we're doing this the hard way," she said as she stabbed the head of the shovel into the ground once more. "I could have the hole dug and the sapling planted in less than a minute if I used my magic."
"Think back to the Running of the Leaves in Ponyville," Pine Needle said. "Why do you think we have all the ponies run the course, instead of simply having the pegasus ponies create a giant windstorm to blow all the leaves down?"
Luna thought about the situation for a moment. "Well, my first guess is that the amount of wind needed to blow down that many leaves might also damage the buildings nearby. However, given what we've been doing for the last couple of hours I'd have to say that it has something to do with earth pony magic. But I'm still not completely sure as to why, except that the act of doing it with earth pony magic is somehow important?"
Pine Needle nodded. "It is. How can I describe this?" He tilted his head in thought for a moment. "Okay, it's like... no, no. Ah! It is like a a coat of paint put on a house. While the house will still stand with or without it, the paint helps to protect the house from the elements. In a similar manner, that's how the earth pony magic used in the Running of the Leaves helps the tress. It gives them more strength to survive the harsh conditions of winter."
"That makes sense. It feels kind of backwards to me though. Magic is something I've always used to make things easier, but in this case it's making things harder instead." She removed another spade full of soil from the hole. "What do you think, is this deep enough?"
Pine Needle looked back and forth between the sapling and the hole they had dug. "I think so. Go ahead and put the tree in."
As Luna carefully lifted the sapling with her hooves and placed the plant into the hole, Haystack and Dewdrop came walking up. "Hello!" said Dewdrop. "I see you two are finally finishing up?"
"Indeed! Now all we have to worry about is if the gardeners will take offense to us doing some unannounced additions to the area." Pine Needle looked at Luna. "I am assuming that you have permission to do this?"
Luna chuckled. "Of course, silly!" She grabbed the shovel and started to scrape dirt back into the hole to fill it up again. "Did you two have fun exploring?"
"I sure did!" said Dewdrop. "I found this one clearing with a bunch of plants trimmed to look like various animals, what are they called? Topiaries?"
Haystack nodded. "That would be the word. I found a really interesting fountain, it was shaped like a dragon, and the water sprayed out of its mouth in a way that made it look like it was breathing fire into the sky."
"Well, I'm glad the two of you had fun," Luna said as she started to tamp down the loose soil around the sapling. "I just need to finish filling in this hole, and then I'll be done. After that, we can wash our hooves real quick, and then we can look for something else to do." She turned to Pine Needle. "Well, what do you think? Did I do an adequate job?"
"I'm sure you did, but let me double check." Pine Needle closed his eyes briefly, only to open them up again right away. "Princess Celestia is coming," he said.
Dewdrop blinked. "Are you sure?" she asked.
The earth pony nodded. "The only other pony I know who has such a bright essence is Luna. And since she is here already..."
Luna nodded as she quickly cleaned her hooves with a spell. "Simple reasoning would certainly point that way, wouldn't it?"
Sure enough, a few seconds later Princess Celestia came into view, followed by Feather Down. "How were the windows?" Pine Needle asked when the two had come to a stop next to them.
"Windows?" Celestia asked Feather Down. "You should have told me, we could have passed by some on the way here."
"You didn't," Dewdrop said, an annoyed look on her face. Seeing Feather Down give an embarrassed chuckle while looking at the ground, the unicorn moaned. "Are you trying to get us banned from the castle for good?"
"What?" Haystack asked, looking back and forth between the two roommates. "What did she do?"
Celestia chuckled. "Oh, Feather Down came by my room and after I woke her up we had a nice little chat, that's all."
Haystack stared slack jawed at Feather Down as Dewdrop hung her head to the ground in dismay.
"Now, now, no need to be upset. I was hoping to get a chance to talk to each of you sometime soon, so it worked out for the best." She smiled at the group. "But that isn't what I'm here for. I have something I'd like for you to consider for your next visit." Celestia lifted her wing slightly, and the pieces of paper she had retrieved from her room floated out to lay on the ground in front of the ponies.
"My school for gifted young unicorns is hosting a charity function next week. It's a fancy dinner, followed by the chance to mingle with the hosts and the other guests afterwards." She looked at Luna. "I was thinking your friends might enjoy the chance to attend an upper class event like this. And I'm certain that once the word gets out that both princesses will be present that the dinner will sell out quickly."
Luna studied the leaflet and then looked at her friends. "Well, what do you say? Do you guys want to go?"
Dewdrop nodded. "I think it would be a fun experience. Besides," she said with a chuckle, "this may be the only time I'll get to be inside such a prestigious school."
"You bet I want to go!" Feather Down said. "The chance to be served a fancy meal, instead of being the one who has to pass out the food? And who hasn't wanted to be at a high society event like this?"
Pine Needle and Haystack looked at each other nervously. "Well," Haystack said, scraping at the grass with a hoof, "you know I'm not all that great when it comes to being sociable." Seeing the mares start to frown, he hastily added, "I'm not saying I won't go. I'm just warning you that I won't be the best pony to be around is all. Remember the 'Welcome to Ponyville' party for Luna? All I really did was talk to a couple other farmer ponies and keep away from Pinkie Pie."
"Well, you won't have to worry about her this time," Feather Down said. "And you'll have us to hang around with. We can keep each other company and make fun of all the silly outfits if nothing else, right?"
"I suppose so..." Haystack conceded.
"Great! And how about you, Pine Needle?"
"Um, well, sure, I'll go," he replied, unable to look any of the others in the eye.
"You don't sound like you want to go," Dewdrop said after an uncomfortable moment of silence. "Why not, hun?"
Pine Needle sighed. "An earth pony farmer, at an upper class event for a unicorn school? I'm going to stick out like an unkempt mane."
"It won't be as bad as you're making it out to be," said Dewdrop. "As long as you don't eat your food like a colt, the dinner shouldn't be a problem at all. And just stick next to us for the rest of it, we'll make sure that you aren't forced to talk about stuff like the latest styles in hoofwear, or who's running for mayor in Manehattan."
Pine Needle sighed, "Very well." He lifted his head to give the others a small smile. "It would be rude of me to refuse to do this when you all let me monopolize Luna's time today."
"Excellent!" Princess Celestia said. "Make sure when you come next week to bring your dress wear with you. And now, I had better go inform the organizers that my sister will be there, as well as four extra guests." She smiled at the group before turning to walk back towards the castle.
Luna had listened to the preceding conversation silently, watching her friend's various reactions as well as her sister's. As Celestia walked away Luna turned to her friends and said, "Wait here one moment, please," and trotted after her sister.
Catching up to the white alicorn, she asked in a quiet voice, "This dinner has been in the works for months. Why invite me and my friends at the last minute? I would think that the tickets had been sold out long ago."
Celestia nodded. "They have. But I think this dinner will be a great learning experience, and adding five more ponies to the guest list won't be a problem at all."
Luna looked questioningly up at her older sister. "But eating in public was one of the first things you made sure I got reacquainted with, because of all the formal dinners with foreign dignitaries. Do you think I still need more work on it?"
"Oh, I'm sorry," Celestia chuckled. "This isn't for you, but for your friends." She stopped and looked Luna in the yes, her face suddenly very serious. "They mostly know you as an earth pony, who wandered into town one day with very little to her name. I want to make sure that they understand just exactly what being the close friends of royalty means."
Seeing Luna about to protest, she raised a hoof. "I'm not trying to drive them away from you. Trust me. In fact, that's why I chose this upcoming dinner. Since it's for charity, the majority of the attending ponies will be there because they believe in helping a good cause; you won't find a more accommodating crowd for your friends to get their first taste of high society with.
"And with winter coming up, there will be lots more of these events happening. You'll need to be present at some of them, if you want to be able to regain the full trust of everypony." Celestia smiled sadly at Luna, who looked very frustrated. "I know, these events are quite often tedious and boring. And it seems like there's always another one to attend. But that's just the way society has evolved. It may be dull, but at least it keeps the nobles away from the ponies who actually get the work done."
Luna slowly nodded her head. "I understand."
Celestia grinned at her younger sister. "Good. Oh, and when Pine Needle has taught you everything that he can, I'll be happy to show you what I learned about earth pony magic over the years." Seeing Luna's shocked expression, she chuckled. "There's a lot of free time to fill over a millennium, after all." With that, Celestia turned and headed back inside the castle.
Luna watched her sister leave. While she understood Celestia's intentions, she wasn't certain that she approved of her methods. Was such a roundabout approach to the situation needed? Frowning, she turned around and headed back to her waiting friends. |
Phases of the Moon | New -- Chapter 4 | With a set of old saddlebags draped across his back, Haystack slowly glided towards an open clearing in Ponyville. He circled around, scanning the area below to make sure that no other ponies were in his path. Satisfied that his approach would be clear he flew down and- once he was low enough- transitioned from his glide to a quick trot. After a few hasty steps he slowed his pace to a brisk walk which carried him the final few steps to the front door of the library.
His knock produced a cry of "Coming!" from inside, and after a few seconds, Spike the dragon opened the door. "Hey, Haystack. I'm sorry, but Twilight's not in right now. Is there anything I can help you with?"
"Actually, there is," the pegasus replied. "I was hoping to be able to check out a book, I need one on the topic of etiquette."
Spike motioned for Haystack to follow him inside. "Etiquette? You mean, like, manners 'n stuff?"
"Indeed." Haystack replied as he entered the building. "There is a dinner in Canterlot that me and my friends have been invited to, and I would like to avoid making a foal of myself if at all possible."
Spike stopped and scanned the shelves for a moment. "I didn't get to go to many parties or events like that when I lived there. Twilight pretty much kept to herself and did a lot of studying in her room, which meant I usually had to be there helping her find books and other stuff." Walking over to a section of the shelves, he asked over his shoulder, "So, what's the event? Some sort of dance?"
"No, it's a charity dinner that's being held at a school run by Princess Celestia, if I recall correctly."
"Oh, I know which one you're talking about! Twilight and I got to go to that once, what with her being Celestia's student and all. That's great that you managed to get tickets, they usually sell out pretty quickly from what I remember." Spike reached up, examined a book, and then put it back in its place. "No, that one won't do, let's see... ah! Here we go!" He turned and held the tome up for Haystack's approval.
"Etiquette for Everypony: The Manual of Manners for Mares and Stallions," Haystack read the title of the book aloud. "Thank you very much, Spike, that should fit the bill perfectly. Is there any paperwork that I need to fill out?" he asked as he opened one of his saddlebags and deposited the book inside.
"I'll just need a signature, hold on one second while I fill out the form." Spike walked over to a desk in a corner of the room. He pulled out a paper, grabbed a quill, and started to fill in the blanks. "There is a one week check out period for books," he explained as he wrote. "If you need to keep it longer, just stop by and see if any other ponies have asked for it. If not, we'll let you keep it another week. You still live out at your farm?" Seeing Haystack nod, he quickly jotted down a note and then held the quill up for him. "Then just sign here on the bottom line, that means you understand how long you can keep the book, and that should the book be damaged while you have it, you'll pay to repair or replace it."
Grabbing the quill in his teeth, Haystack signed his name, and waited for Spike to retake the writing instrument before replying, "Thank you, Spike. A week will be perfect for me. The dinner itself is five days away, I'll return it the day after we get back." He turned, and started walking towards the door when he paused.
"Oh, by the way, you said this dinner we're going to usually sells out fast?" the pegasus asked, keeping his head turned away from the dragon to hide the troubled look on his face.
"Almost always, yeah. Why?" Spike asked as he placed the form into a basket before leaving the desk.
"Oh, no reason. I guess we were lucky to get in, huh?" Haystack opened the door and stepped outside. "Thanks again Spike, and I'll see you in about a week," he called back as he took off. Circling as he gained elevation, he waved at the dragon below, and then headed back towards his farm.
A few minutes later he was home, headed towards the barn where he had left Pine Needle earlier that morning. His earth pony friend was inside, busy sweeping the floor. "Good news," Haystack said once he was sure that he had Pine Needle's attention. "Spike was able to find me a book. Once we're done here, we can go grab some lunch while we take a look at it."
"That sounds good," Pine Needle replied after he leaned his broom against a wall. "I've swept most of this area, but the other rooms still need to be done."
"Good work. Let me go put my saddlebags inside the house, and then I'll help get the cleaning done." After matching deeds to words, the two stallions spent the rest of the morning sweeping the floors of the barn and performing other small jobs that were found as they worked.
As they headed back to the house for lunch, Pine Needle turned towards his pegasus friend. "What is wrong? You have been very quiet since coming back from the library," he asked.
Haystack blinked in surprise. "Have I? Oh." He stopped, and his face scrunched up in thought. Pine Needle stopped and turned around a few steps later, a look of wonder on his face. Haystack sighed as he shook his head. "I don't know if something is wrong or not. I'm not even certain if what I'm concerned about is legitimate, and I don't want to be spreading false gossip if it isn't."
"Well, now you have gone and made me even more curious!" Pine Needle said with a chuckle. "But I shall respect your privacy," he added as he approached the door to the house and held it open for Haystack. "Just, please, if there is something I can do to help you with it, let me know."
"I will, thank you." Haystack stepped inside, and headed towards the kitchen. "For right now though, let's just concentrate on lunch and that book."
The tolling of bells alerted Luna to the fact that it was noon. Sighing, she used a piece of fabric to mark her place in her book, A Summation of the Griffin Wars, and stretched as she stood up. While she didn't mind her studies, some of the topics were actually quite fun to read about, she was starting to resent the sheer amount of history that had transpired while she had been banished to the moon for a millennium.
Smiling to Mrs. Hardback, the librarian of Canterlot Castle, Luna left the stacks of books and made her way to the royal dining hall. Noticing that she had arrived before her sister, she sat down and waited, not wanting to start lunch until Celestia was also present. It was hard, especially with the gurgling sounds her stomach was making (how could she get so hungry just by reading books? It didn't seem possible!), but lunch was one of the few times during the day when Luna got to spend some quality time with her sister. She wanted to stretch it out as much as she could.
Thankfully, Celestia arrived just a few moments later. Smiling at Luna, she took her seat across from her and motioned for the servants to bring them their midday meal. Over sandwiches and a small salad, the two sisters made small talk and discussed their plans for the rest of the day. Luna hoped to get through the rest of her book, while Celestia had an afternoon ahead of her filled with meetings and audiences.
Soon, too quickly for Luna's liking, they had finished their lunch and were nibbling on some sweet breads for dessert. "So," Celestia asked her, "I was thinking about your friends and the dinner coming up, and I was wondering, do they have any clothes that are appropriate for this kind of event?"
Luna considered the question as she slowly chewed her mouthful of dessert. "I'm not sure," she replied after swallowing. "I know Dewdrop has a dress that Rarity made, but I don't know if the others have anything. There really weren't any reasons to dress up while I was there, to be honest. If they do, they didn't talk about it."
Celestia smiled. "That's what I thought. Well then, don't you worry, I'll take care of that. It'll be entertaining to see how they react."
"What do you mean, entertaining?" Luna asked warily, not certain that she liked the undertones of her sister's statement.
"Well, consider this. What the worst thing that your friends could do at the beginning of the dinner?"
"Well, I'm assuming you mean reasonable actions, and not anything like one of them deciding to attack the other ponies," Luna said with a chuckle. Seeing her sister grin, Luna continued, "I would say letting the spectacle of it get to them would be a disaster. If doesn't matter how polite the other ponies are, if all my friends do is gawk and stare at everything and everypony, the first impression they would give the others would be hard for them to overcome."
Celestia nodded and smiled. "And on those same lines, showing up in an outfit that is clearly sub-par will do that too. So, I'll take care of both of those problems at the same time, and have myself some fun while I'm at it." She stood up, and made her way towards the door. "Besides," she said in a muted tone, "these dinners are almost all the same. This will be a nice little test run before some of the bigger events, like the Grand Galloping Gala in a couple of weeks, to see if my plans will work out like I think they will."
Luna watched her sister leave, stunned by the revelation. Her sister didn't like these dinners and events? She found them monotonous? And just what did she have planned for her friends? She trusted Celestia enough that she was sure her sister wasn't planning anything insulting or embarrassing, but she wished she had been more open with her. Did she really need to go to such lengths just have fun nowadays?
Thanking the servants for a wonderful meal, Luna got up and slowly made her way back towards the library. She had a feeling, with so many new things to consider, that she wouldn't be making much headway into the accounts of ancient battles this afternoon.
"Okay, my turn," said Haystack as he looked at the book of manners in front of him. "When is it permissible to put one's hooves on the table?"
"Only when you are passing a dish to another pony," replied Pine Needle. "I have to admit, these are all rather common sense rules. No eating with your mouth open, keeping your voice down, always saying please and thank you... I think mine biggest fear is forgetting something due to everything happening around us."
Haystack nodded. "Well, don't forget you have it a bit easier than me and Dewdrop. You don't have to worry about spreading your wings out in surprise or anger, or using your magic at the wrong time."
"I am quite surprised on how many rules there are about unicorn magic," Pine Needle said. "I guess it makes sense, because there are so many things that can be done with it and it seems that every unicorn has a spell or two that they have developed on their own. I don't know if I am more astonished by all the situations that are unique to magic, or the fact that the book seems to have an answer for all of them."
"Hmm, you may be on to something," Haystack said, and went to the back of the book and started looking through the index.
"I... what? You are making no sense, mine friend!"
"That thing that I've been working on since I came back from the library? You just made me realize that maybe there's something in here that could help me figure out what to do."
"Ah, yes," Pine Needle said dryly. "That thing which you continue to tease me with, yet never share. I don't suppose there is something in the book about doing that to your friends?"
Haystack sighed. "I'm sorry, I really am... and no, of course there isn't anything in here about catching someone in a lie. Just my luck."
"Oh? Just who did you catch in a lie?"
Muttering under his breath, Haystack closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "Okay, look, I'll tell you, but please don't go spreading this around to anypony else, okay?"
"Of course!"
"It's just that, when I was talking to Spike at the library while I was checking out the book, he told me that the dinner we're going to sells out fast. But Princess Celestia told us that she hoped with Luna added to the guest list that the rest of the tickets would sell quickly." Haystack looked up at the ceiling. "It just doesn't add up to me."
"Well, did Spike say that it always sold out fast?"
"No, he didn't say always, just usually. But I still have a hard time believing that any event that has Princess Celestia as a guest would have a hard time getting ponies to line up to attend it."
Pine Needle paused and thought for a moment. "Well then," he said, "maybe it was just something she said to make us feel better about accepting her invitation to attend? Maybe she felt we might feel bad if we knew she was squeezing us into an already sold out event?"
"No, I thought of that," Haystack said while shaking his head. "I just can't see her going to such lengths for us. Or, rather, I don't think she would fabricate a story over something like that."
"I think you are putting too much thought into this, mine friend. Do you really think she has some sort of scheme that she is trying to hide from us?" Pine Needle started to gesture with his hooves. "Do you think she plans on using us attending a charity dinner to, I don't know, radically change the way that Equestria is governed, or use us as a cover to have some splinter group be removed from the picture?"
"It does sound rather silly, when you put it like that, doesn't it? I don't know though, I just have this feeling that there is more to this," Haystack said, clearly frustrated.
"Well then, why don't you go discuss this with Dewdrop?" Pine Needle suggested. "If she can't convince you of things, one way or the other, I don't know who could."
"You know what? That's an excellent suggestion. Thank you, I think I will. Do you still need this book, or are you all right if I take it with me? I'd like to have some other reason to go see her than possibly being paranoid."
"Not that you need any specific reason to go see her," Pine Needle said, rolling his eyes. "But yes, take it with you. Do you mind if I go home?"
"Oh, not at all!" Haystack said. "We got everything done before lunch, there's no reason for you to stick around by yourself doing nothing." Haystack went to fetch his saddlebags. "Thank you again, not just for your work today, but also for your suggestion."
"Of course! See you tomorrow morning at the usual time?"
"Please. I want to go and inspect the south face of the hill and make sure everything is in good shape for the coming winter." Placing the book into his bags, he went and held the door open for Pine Needle. "Until tomorrow, my friend!"
Watching Pine Needle leave, Haystack looked things over one last time and, seeing nothing out of place, took to the skies. A short flight later he found himself outside the Ponyville Inn. Taking a deep breath to calm a sudden attack of butterflies in his stomach, he opened the door and entered.
"Greetings, and welcome to... oh! Hello, Haystack! What brings you here today?" Dewdrop said from behind the front counter.
"Do I need a reason to visit you?" Haystack replied nervously. "But um, yeah, I actually have a couple, heh." He walked up to the desk. "The first is I just got done reading a book on manners that I checked out from the library. I was wondering if you might want to look through it before I returned it?"
Dewdrop arched an eyebrow. "Are you saying that I need to work on my manners?" she asked. Seeing Haystack starting to stammer and sweat, she chuckled and waved a hoof. "I'm just kidding, dear. I actually would like a chance to skim through it, just to give myself a refresher on everything that I should know. Thank you. So, what's the other reason?" she asked as Haystack took the book from his bags and placed it on the desk in front of her.
"Well, um, I know you're on the clock still, but is there anyplace where we can talk privately?" he asked nervously. "I have something I want to talk to you about, and I'm not comfortable about other ponies overhearing what I have to say."
Dewdrop felt her cheeks start to heat up. "Uh, sure, we can use the office behind me, that way I can hear the bell ring if anypony comes in." Her horn glowed, and the door opened. She led the way into the room, and checking one last time to make sure that the lobby was empty, she closed the door. She looked at Haystack, her curiosity building as to what he was going to say. It was rare for the pegasus farmer to come visit her at work, so she figured it was something important.
Trying to figure out where to start, Haystack looked around uncomfortably for a moment before sighing. "Look, I don't know if I'm being an idiot or what, but I think something is going on with us being invited to this charity dinner."
"Oh? What do you mean?" Dewdrop asked, intrigued by what Haystack said while also feeling oddly disappointed.
"Well, when I was checking out that book on manners this morning, Spike mentioned that this dinner usually sells out quickly. And yet, Celestia told us that she was hoping that Luna would help ticket sales."
"Hmm. So you're wondering why there is a contradiction between what Celestia told us and what Spike said?"
"Exactly!" Haystack said, relieved that Dewdrop had caught on to his worries. "Pine Needle thinks that she was just trying to make us more comfortable in accepting the offer, so we wouldn't feel like we were being an imposition, but I've just got this nagging feeling that there is more to this than just that."
Dewdrop paced around the office as she considered his words. "Sorry dear, but I think I'm going to side with Pine Needle on this. I can't really come up with any other good reasons why Celestia would say that, other than this being the rare year where tickets for the dinner didn't sell quickly. Like they say, the simplest answer is usually the correct one."
Haystack nodded slowly. "You're probably right. Sorry for troubling you over something like this."
"No need to apologize! I'm just glad you to see you during the day for a change." She smiled at the pegasus. "Normally, the only times we cross paths are after work or on our trips to visit Luna. And thank you again for bringing that book. I'll make sure to get it back to you in the next couple of days, so you can do a final read through of your own before the dinner."
"Thank you. Well, that's all I came here for, and I don't want to get you in trouble here at work, so I guess I'll be heading home then?"
Dewdrop opened the office door. "Sounds good. Are we all still on for getting together for dinner tomorrow night? I know Feather Down is looking forward to it."
Haystack grinned. "She likes any chance to be the servee instead of the server. And yes, both Pine Needle and I will be there. We wouldn't miss it. All right then, until later!" He waved and left the inn.
The rest of the week flew by for Luna in a rush. Between her studies and helping out her sister when and where she could, the day when her friends came to visit, as well as of the dinner, almost caught her by surprise. At Celestia's insistence, she only wore her royal regalia; her crown, necklace, and shoes. "Trust me," her sister had told her that morning, "we don't need to do anything else to be impressive in their eyes. They admire us for who and what we are; there's no need for us to rub it in their noses by dressing up extravagantly for something like this."
And so, Luna anxiously waited for the chariots carrying her friends to arrive. She wasn't worried about them being late; after all, it was only mid morning, and the dinner was still many hours away. No, what had her concerned was her sister. Celestia's comments from several days ago still puzzled her, and even with all the thought she had put into them, she was still unable to figure out what, if anything, she could do for her.
Finally, the chariots from Ponyville made their approach and landed in their usual clearing. She trotted over and hugged her friends, making sure not to disturb the saddlebags they wore. "It's so good to see you all again! Are you ready for tonight?"
"I think so," said Dewdrop. "We brought our best clothes," she said as she nodded her head towards her saddlebags, "and we all spent some time brushing up on our manners so we don't look or act like the small town ponies that we really are. We'll do our best not to embarrass us or you," she said with a smile.
"I'm sure you'll do just fine, all of you. C'mon, you can put your things in my room until we need them later in the afternoon." Luna started to walk towards the castle, and her friends followed after her. "So, do any of you have any questions about what we'll be doing tonight?"
"I do, actually," Feather Down said. "Are we going to be eating with you, or at own separate table, or with other ponies, or... what?"
"I believe the setup consists of several long tables, each hosting several dozen ponies at each, banquet style. We'll be close to each other, but there will be some guests between you and me, although I think that we should be able to see and speak to each other if we need to." Luna held open the door for her friends. "It's after we eat that we should have time to be together, although I'm sure I'll have a lot of other ponies coming up to talk to me. I certainly won't be offended if you want to go and mingle some yourselves."
"I'll see how well I do during the first part, before making any predictions about the rest," Pine Needle said as the group worked its way through the castle hallways. "I hate to say this, but I'm feeling very nervous."
"Oh? About what part of it?" Luna asked.
"Every part, to be honest. Am I going to forget something simple, like how to properly talk to somepony? What if I spill something during the dinner? And the clothes I have, while they fit, they aren't exactly what you would call current. I think the last time I wore them was back when I still lived in Stalliongrad."
"Oh, I've gone over that with you a couple of times already," Feather Down said. "That's a classic sports coat you have there, those don't go out of style. You'll be fine, trust me."
Luna was relieved to hear Feather Down reply. While she figured that her sister had some sort of plan to help her friends out if needed, she was still unable to guess at what it might be. She didn't want to have to go out of her way and try to hide what Celestia might be planning either, so she kept quiet as her friends talked about what they had brought with them for the dinner.
They arrived at her bedroom, and she pointed to a corner. "Go ahead and put your things there for now, they'll be safe." She watched as her friends went and placed their bags where she had indicated, and was surprised when she saw that Feather Down was standing as still as a statue outside the door to her bedroom. "Umm, Feather Down, are you all right?"
"Yeah," she said in a strained voice. "Or, rather, I will be. Just give me a moment. I have to fight the urge to go jump on Ricardo."
"Ricardo? Who is..." Luna sighed, resisting the urge to put a hoof to her forehead. "You named my bed, didn't you."
"Please! You can't tell Phillipe about this! I don't want him to think I'm cheating on him!"
"And Phillipe is?"
"My bed back home!" Feather Down wailed. "I don't have the heart to tell him that I found other beds as comfortable as he is, let alone better!"
"Oh, for goodness sakes," Dewdrop muttered as she stomped over and made a point of grabbing her roommate's saddlebags with her teeth and putting them into the bedroom for her. "I'm going to make you retrieve them yourself, I hope you realize," she said crossly.
"You're such a great friend!" Feather Down said as she gave Dewdrop a big hug, to the amusement of the other ponies.
"Yes, yes, I know." Dewdrop returned the hug and turned to Luna. "So, what's the plan, before we have to get all dressed up later on?"
Luna smiled. "I was hoping to introduce you to one of my friends here in the castle. She's the librarian, and her name is Mrs. Hardback..."
The day passed by uneventfully, and they were back in Luna's bedroom, where she and Dewdrop helped the others get dressed with their magic. Both Pine Needle and Haystack had simple black sports coats with bow ties, and Dewdrop was wearing her dress that Rarity had given her several weeks ago. Feather Down wore a basic light blue dress that was plain but wasn't unattractive. 'They won't be the talk of the event for how nice their outfits are,' Luna thought, 'but they shouldn't be openly mocked either. I'm glad.'
Everyone was surprised when there was a knock on the bedroom door. "I wonder who that is?" Luna said as she went to open it. Her stomach twisted into a knot when she saw her sister standing on the other side. "Celestia! Come on in! What brings you here?"
"I just wanted to make sure everypony was ready for tonight, that's all," she said in a voice that sounded a bit too happy for Luna's comfort. "Come now, there's no need for you ponies to bow to me at a time like this, I just came to see... oh," Celestia's voice changed from one of joy to dismay in an instant. "Oh dear, no, that won't do at all."
Seeing that her friends were too stunned to make any sort of response, Luna asked, "What do you mean, sister? What won't do?" She found it hard not to scream in frustration. Whatever it was that Celestia had prepared, she was certain that she was playing right into her sister's plan, even though she had no clue what would happen next.
Instead of answering, Celestia walked back to the door and stuck her head into the hallway. "Cummerbund! Chemise! Get in here! It's just as I feared!" Two ponies galloped into the room; one was a blue unicorn stallion with a darker blue mane and a cutie mark of a red sash on his flank, while the other was a yellow earth pony mare with a silver and white mane whose cutie mark was a white shirt.
"How can we be of service, your Highness?" the mare asked in an exaggerated accent that Luna couldn't quite place. She looked at Luna's friends and gasped. "Oh my! Yes, I understand! Cummerbund! Go get the racks, I shall makes plans on what to do until you return!"
Luna fought the urge to groan out loud, and she edged closer to her sister. "You're going to play dress up using my friends, aren't you?" she asked quietly out of the corner of her mouth.
"Now now, while I wouldn't put it in such a crude manner, I guess that is essentially what I'm going to do," she replied.
"You know, you could have just told them that you would have provided something for them to wear when they got here. They wouldn't have minded at all, and it would have saved them the hassle of bringing their own outfits. And did you really have to go to these extremes?" Luna asked, her frustration showing in her voice.
Celestia started to answer, but paused when half a dozen other ponies came into the room, bringing with them several racks of outfits. After the hubbub had died down some, and Luna's friends found themselves being examined and prodded, she turned and softly replied to Luna, "Remember what I said at lunch a while back? This isn't just about getting them to look nice. It's also to get them past that first state of shock, to help get them acclimated to the amount of attention that they'll receive for being friends of yours." She smiled, and with a wink said, "Also, this way I get to have some fun too. I don't get to do that as often as I like, you know."
Luna looked at her friends. Feather Down seemed to be enjoying having other ponies offer up dresses for her to try on, and Haystack looked to be holding up too, putting up what Luna thought was a stoic front. Pine Needle however had been backed into a corner by unicorn mare twins, each magically carrying an outfit for him to try on, and Dewdrop looked like she was ready to come to blows with Cummerbund. Luna started to step towards Dewdrop to help her out when Celestia put a hoof on her shoulder. "Please, sister," Celestia said, "let me handle this."
The white alicorn walked over to the two unicorns and asked, "Is there something I can do to help?" she asked.
"There most certainly is!" Dewdrop exclaimed. "I don't mind if this colt doesn't like my choice of clothing, but to call this gift from Rarity a complete disaster is going way too far, and I won't put up with it!"
"Now, now," Celestia chuckled, "maybe his choice of words were a bit strong, but he does have a point. That dress of yours is, to be blunt, inappropriate for the event ahead of us."
"But, but..." Dewdrop stammered, unsure of what to say.
"It is a nice dress," the alicorn continued, "but it's the kind of outfit that would be worn by a servant, or a maid. It isn't what one would wear to a formal event, unless they were one of the ponies helping with the dinner or cleaning up afterwards." Seeing Dewdrop slowly nod in comprehension, she said, "Now, why don't you let Cummerbund here help you get into something that won't have you mistaken for being one of the servants, and I'll go help your stallion friend over in the corner who looks like he's about to have a nervous breakdown."
The unicorn mare looked in the direction Celestia was referring to. "Pine Needle? Oh, oh my, yes, please do." Dewdrop turned to Cummerbund and sighed. "I'm sorry for my earlier outburst. It's just that this is all happening so fast!"
Leaving the two unicorns behind, Celestia headed over to Pine Needle. "Oh dear," she said as the earth pony seemed to be ready to bolt at the first open route in front of him. "What seems to be the problem? I don't think I can recall the last time I saw a stallion be so afraid of two lovely mares wanting to help him out!"
Pine Needle blushed at the giggling coming from the twins. "I, I am simply shocked by how insistent they are! I am not being given a chance to breathe, let alone time to decide if I think what they are offering for me to wear is any better than what I currently have on!" he said, trying to hide his nervousness behind a facade of bluster.
Celestia studied his outfit for a moment, while the twins stepped back a pace to give the princess room. "Hmm, if I'm any judge, I'd say what you're wearing is several years old at the least. No reason for you to wear something like that when you have access to the most up to date fashions. Also, it seems to be very reminiscent of what is worn in the northern cities, such as Trotingham and Stalliongrad. In other words, a little too heavy to be worn in a room with a couple hundred other ponies. You'll be drowning in your own perspiration before we finish the main course!" She motioned to the selections the unicorns had brought with them. "If I can get these ladies to promise to not be so... forceful in their efforts, would you be willing to try these on, and see how they fit?"
"Well, when you put it that way, yes I can, your Highness," Pine Needle said grudgingly, trying to ignore the laughter coming from the two mares.
"Thank you very much," Celestia said with a smile. She left them and walked back over to Luna.
"For the record," Luna said quietly when Celestia was standing next to her again, "I'm still upset about all of this. I understand your reasoning behind most of it, but..." she trailed off, shaking her head at the scene in front of her. "I don't know, it just feels over the top to me." She was surprised when her sister bent down and nuzzled her.
"Good," Celestia said, her voice soft and proud. "I'm glad you care this much about your friends. And I'm even happier that you're willing to tell me when you aren't happy. I think that was one of the biggest problems we had in the past, both the recent and the distant. We weren't able to tell each other when we were upset by the other's actions, and that's what led to us going separate ways. Please, promise me that you won't ever hold anything back, okay?"
Luna stood in shock, surprised by Celestia's words. "Of course, sister! And the same for you too, please! I don't want you to think you have to hide stuff from me either!"
Celestia smiled. "Thank you. And now," she said as she straightened up again, "I have to go on ahead to the school so I can be there to greet the guests as they arrive. I'll be looking forward to seeing what your friends end up wearing, so please don't keep me waiting too long, okay?" She walked towards the door, and turned around before leaving. "Oh, and tell them that they can keep whatever they decide on, my treat for putting up with this."
Luna nodded, surprised by her sister's generosity. She looked again at the clothing being offered up to her friends. They were made of quality materials, and looked to be on the cutting edge of fashion. She figured that each outfit must cost at least several hundred bits, and would be good to wear for the entire winter without looking out of date. Turning back to Celestia, she said, "Thank you."
With one last dip of her head, her sister left the room, leaving Luna to stand back and watch as her friends were asked to try on outfit after outfit in rapid succession. |
Phases of the Moon | New -- Chapter 5 | "Hello there Sunny Day, how are you doing?" Celestia asked the orange unicorn that had just entered the school. The princess had arrived around fifteen minutes ago, and had been welcoming guests as they showed up ever since. It was a point of personal pride for her to be able to greet each attendee by name, without them offering it to her first.
While it came across as an amazing feat of memory to the guests, she would admit that the task wasn't as difficult as it seemed. For starters, the number of ponies attending the event was only a couple hundred. In addition to that, many of the guests attended year after year, so the number of new names to recall was small, only a few dozen at most. Toss in a millennium of memory training, and pulling up the identity of the visitors as they arrived was quite easy.
Hearing the door open, she turned to see who the latest ponies to arrive were. She smiled when she saw that it was Luna and her friends. "Greetings, sister!" she called out. "And, oh my! Look at you four, I hardly recognize you."
Feather Down led Luna's friends into the building. She was wearing a yellow dress accentuated by narrow white stripes and trim. Her mane was also adorned by several white bows. Behind her, Dewdrop and Haystack walked side by side. Haystack wore a simple yet classy white collar with black lapels around his neck. A black bow tie covered where they buttoned up on the front, giving him a professional look. Dewdrop was wearing a red dress that had yellow dots along its edges. She also wore blue earrings that matched her water droplet cutie mark. Celestia smiled, glad that she had thought to include specialized jewelry for the mares in her plans.
At the rear of the group was Pine Needle, still looking uncomfortable, although not as bad as Celestia remembered him looking back in Luna's bedroom a short while ago. He was wearing a black dress jacket with golden buttons, with a white shirt and a black bow tie to complete the ensemble. Luna led them all up to her, dressed up in her princess regalia. Celestia was glad to see her sister looking so confident and happy.
"Hello, Celestia," Luna replied when she was next to her. "Is there anything that we can do to help?"
"We still have some time before we need to get everypony in their seats for the dinner," Celestia replied, "and ponies will be arriving up until then. I would appreciate it if you stood here next to me and helped greet the guests as they arrived." She turned to Luna's friends. "I would suggest that the four of you take this time to wander about. Get to know the building, find out where you've been assigned to sit for the meal, and mingle with some of the other guests if you feel up to it."
"Thank you," replied Dewdrop, "we'll do just that. And thank you again for the invitations for tonight's event, and for these wonderful outfits."
"I'm just glad that you like them. Oops, here come some more guests now. Hopefully we'll get the chance to talk later tonight." Celestia turned her attention to a pair of pegasi walking up to her. "Greetings, Mr. and Mrs. Breeze. Has your day been enjoyable so far?"
Waving goodbye to Luna, the quartet wandered deeper into the building together. "So, anything that anypony wants to do in particular?" asked Feather Down.
"Well," said Dewdrop, "I wanted to take a look around the place. While I would have never been able to pass the entrance exams for a place like this, I'd like to at least see what I missed out on."
"That sounds good to me," replied Feather Down. "Why don't me and Pine Needle go find where we're sitting for the meal, and then we'll catch up to you two?' Without waiting for a reply, she pushed a surprised Pine Needle down the main hall towards a large room, where several long tables could be seen through a set of open double doors.
Haystack blinked and softly said, "Sure, I'd like to do that, thank you for asking me." Shaking his head slightly, he turned to Dewdrop. "Well then, where to first?"
Dewdrop chuckled. "You know, you don't have to come with me if you don't want to," she said.
"I wouldn't know what to do with myself if I went off on my own. Besides," he added, "I'm not complaining about the decision, just the manner in how it was made."
"I know, dear," Dewdrop smiled, and then motioned towards an open room off to one side. "Let's go take a look in there."
The two found themselves in a classroom. One wall was dominated by a large chalkboard, covered in hastily scrawled notes and diagrams. The center of the room was empty, and the outer areas were filled with desks sized for fillies and colts. In one corner was a larger desk, with shelves on the walls behind it filled with books and teaching aids.
"It reminds me some of the school I went to when I was younger," commented Haystack. "Of course, this place is bigger, and much more up to date than the one room building I attended as a colt."
Dewdrop nodded, and walked over to inspect the books behind the teacher's desk. "Same for me, although it looks like they also study more advanced subjects than me and Feather Down did when we were in school. That's to be expected, I guess, considering the nature of this place."
She turned and looked straight at Haystack. "While I have the chance to do so privately, I need to apologize. You were right, Princess Celestia was up to something. Mind you, I don't think we could have done anything about what happened back there in Luna's bedroom, but I'd like to think I would have handled things better if I had taken what you said to heart."
Haystack shook his head. "I don't know if it would have helped at all. I was just as caught up in all of it as you were, it happened so fast. One moment Princess Celestia was knocking on the door, and the next we were surrounded by her helpers, trying on outfit after outfit." He frowned. "Luna didn't seem too happy with all that happened either, from what I could see."
"You saw more than I did then," Dewdrop said, also frowning. "I'm sure Princess Celestia did it for good reasons, but I can't figure out why she did things the way she did."
"Me either," Haystack sighed. "It just makes me wonder though, how often does Luna have to put up with stuff like that? I want to ask her, but..."
Dewdrop walked up to him and gently nudged him. "I know. Even though we're friends of Luna, it doesn't feel right bringing up stuff about the two of them. They're princesses, and we're just regular ponies from Ponyville." She gave Haystack a small, sad smile. "After all she's done for us the last few weeks, we aren't being very good friends in return, are we?"
"I'm sure there's something we can do. I just need to think on it is all." Haystack's voice and face took on a determined edge. "Just give me some time, okay?"
"Of course," Dewdrop said while nodding in agreement. "And I'll be thinking on it too. It's not like making beds and cleaning rooms takes up all my attention, after all."
"There you two are!" Feather Down said as she entered the room, followed closely by Pine Needle. "We've got around five minutes before they'll let us sit down at the tables, and it'll be another ten to fifteen after that before they start serving." She looked around the classroom. "Huh. Interesting place. I'm not sure if I agree with the idea to put all the students on the edges of the room though. I would think it would make it harder to teach them all."
"Maybe they need the open space so they can practice their magic without any risk of hurting anypony else?" Pine Needle suggested. "After all, this isn't your average school."
"Hmm, that's a good point." Feather Down looked at Dewdrop. "So, see everything you wanted to in here?"
Dewdrop gave a final look a round the classroom. "I think so. It's not as different as I thought it might be. I suppose it's more how and what is taught, and not the classroom itself." She smiled, and then headed towards the door. "Well, shall we make our way towards the dining area then? No need to rush, but I don't want to make us, or Luna, look bad by showing up late."
Luna took her seat, which was positioned at the head of one of the three tables set out for the event. The one in the middle had her sister at the place of honor, and the one on the other side of Celestia's featured the Headmaster of the school. Using the school's bells, they had called everypony into the dining area. There was a short wait as the guests milled about, finding their seats and greeting others. Eventually, everypony was situated and the servers started placing salads in front of all the guests.
A third of the way down the table she saw her friends, who seemed to be getting along well enough. She caught Feather Down looking at her and flashed her a quick smile, satisfied when she received one in return. She was too far away to talk to them during the meal, but just being able to see them made her feel more at ease.
She nodded at the ponies who took the seats closest to her. This was it, she realized. Since returning from her exile, this was the first social event where she was, for all intents and purposes, on her own. Her sister wasn't there to give her support, nor were her friends able to lend a helping hoof. Even though this was just a formal dinner, she still found herself a bit worried about how she would be received. Celestia had said that this was an accommodating group, but that was in reference to her friends; would they extend the same kind of hospitality to her, considering her past? So far things had been okay. Of course, she hadn't expected anything else while she had been standing next to her sister. But now, even though Celestia was just a hop, skip, and a jump away, she was as alone as a pony could be in such a crowded room.
Taking a steadying breath, she turned to the pony to her left, an older grey unicorn stallion who sported a top hat and was wearing a monocle that was attached to his dress jacket by a golden chain. "Greetings," she said, "and thank you for attending today's dinner, good sir."
"The pleasure is all mine, your Highness!" the stallion replied with laughter in his deep, booming voice. "I'm always glad to support events like these, and to have a chance to talk to one of the rulers of the realm in the process? Truly, I am a lucky pony. But where are my manners? My name is Charger, and this here is my lovely wife Cloudsong," he said, motioning at the pale yellow pegasus mare who was seated next to him.
Cloudsong nodded demurely at Luna. "It's an honor to meet you, your Highness," she replied in a soft voice.
"I'm glad to make your acquaintance," Luna replied. She smiled at the couple, and then turned her attention to her right. "Hello," she said to a white earth pony mare. "Welcome to tonight's dinner."
"Thank you, your Highness," she replied. "My name is Snowflake, and I hope you'll excuse me for being a bit nervous tonight," she said, blushing slightly as she spoke. "Even though I've lived my whole life in Canterlot, this is the first time I've ever been in the same room with any member of the royalty, let alone sitting next to a princess. This has to be one of the most exciting days of my life!"
Luna blinked, and fought back an unexpected chuckle. She had been so worried about how things might go wrong, so focused on trying to calm herself, that she hadn't even considered that others might be nervous around her. With a friendly smile, she gently placed a hoof onto Snowflake's shoulder. "Only if you excuse any mistakes I make myself. It's been a long time since I've been a part of an event like this, so I'm a little bit nervous too."
Snowflake nodded and smiled back at Luna. The servers chose that moment to place the salads in front of them, and the conversation quieted down as they focused on their food. Luna glanced down the table at her friends again, hoping that they were also having good luck with the ponies they were seated next to.
Pine Needle slowly leaned forward and carefully took another bite of his salad. Across the table from him, Feather Down was happily chatting away with the pony next to her, and to his right was Dewdrop, who had Haystack sitting opposite of her. To his relief, nopony had gone out of their way to talk to him yet, and so he focused on doing his best to eat his meal without getting anything on his new clothes or making any embarrassing mistakes.
He swallowed and started to reach for another leaf of lettuce when the pony to his left, an elderly earth pony mare with a light blue coat and a yellow mane, turned to him. "Hello there, I don't believe I've made your acquaintance yet. My name is Marigold," she said while extending a hoof towards him.
Pine Needle stared at the proffered hoof, trying to recall what he was supposed to do with it. Was he supposed to lift it up and place his lips against it? No, that was only for royalty, but a hoof shake seemed a bit out of place for an event like this. Not knowing if he was about to be rude, but certain that ignoring the lady's gesture would be the worst thing he could do, he reached up and gently shook her hoof with his. "And mine is Pine Needle. A pleasure to meet you," he replied, hoping that his nervousness wasn't audible in his speech.
"Oh my, such a wonderful accent!" she said. "You must be from Stalliongrad?"
"Yes, I was born and raised there," he answered, surprised and a little pleased by her knowledge. "Not many ponies can so quickly place it, I am impressed."
"Well, to be honest, I've been there several times myself on business trips. I've even made some friends who live there, so I... oh! Did you say your name was Pine Needle?" she asked.
"Ah, yes I did," he said, not certain if he liked where things were heading.
"Would you happen to be related to the mayor, Pine Cone?"
No, he certainly didn't like the current line of questioning at all. "Yes, he is my grandfather, on my mother's side," he replied flatly.
"Oh, how wonderful! And here you are in Canterlot! Are you looking to follow in his tracks and pursue a career in government?"
Pine Needle politely chuckled, while cringing at the fact that everypony around them, including his friends, were now looking at him with interest. "Oh, goodness no. I'm only here with some friends, I actually live in Ponyville. Stalliongrad was getting a bit too cramped for me, I guess you could say. So I left home, looking for someplace else to live. I prefer to work with plants more than ponies, to tell the truth."
"My goodness, from Stalliongrad to Ponyville? That must have been quite the change of pace for you."
"Indeed," he said, nodding in agreement. "But it is one that I like. No crowds to fight in the marketplace, ponies are much more friendly here... And of course, the warmer climate is much more comfortable. I just wish mine body would get the hint and stop trying to grow such a thick winter coat," he said, glancing at his foreleg ruefully.
Marigold laughed. "Oh, I can only imagine. Well, it was nice to meet you, Pine Needle."
"And I am glad to have met you too, Marigold," he replied. He watched in relief as she turned her attention back to her meal. He started to do the same, but held up when he saw Feather Down staring at him intently. "Yes?" he asked his friend.
"How come you never told us about your grandfather being some sort of big shot government official?" she quietly asked.
Pine Needle quickly glanced around. Everypony else had shifted their attention away from him. "Look," he said in a whisper, "I'll tell you later, I promise. Just not here and now, okay?"
Feather Down's eyes narrowed. "Okay. When the dinner is done, and we get to the mingling part, we're going to go find someplace private, and you're going to tell me. Although I can't figure out why you're acting so secretive about it."
Pine Needle grimaced. Instead of replying however, he simply took another bite out of his salad, leaving his earth pony friend to think things over for a little while longer.
Luna was surprised by how fast the meal passed by. She barely found time to to eat her food with all the conversations that swirled around her; it seemed that every time one pony was done talking to her, another would jump right in with something to say. While she feared she would have to ask the cooks back at the palace to make her a night time snack when she returned, she certainly wasn't upset by how things had turned out.
Her current conversation with Snowflake was brought to a halt when the caterers came and took away their dessert plates. She was about to comment to Snowflake on how tasty the peach cobbler had been when the tinkling of a bell cut through the hum of conversation that permeated the room and slowly brought the dining hall to a state of silence. Luna looked over to see her sister using her magic to ring the bell and call everypony's attention to her.
Seeing that she had all eyes on her, Celestia smiled warmly. "Thank you everypony for attending tonight's event. Before I begin with what I have to say, let's all give a round of thanks to the fine ponies who put this dinner together, and served us such a wonderful meal." She led the round of applause, and then patiently waited for things to quiet back down again.
"Thanks to all of you attending tonight's dinner, we've raised enough bits for my school to be able to keep offering the same number of scholarships for financially disadvantaged families as we have for the past decade." Celestia paused as another round of applause broke out in the room.
Luna watched her sister intently as she continued to give her prepared speech. Now that she knew what she was looking for, she could spot the signs. Eyes that stared straight ahead, instead of slowly moving about to encompass the whole room like the books she had read on public speaking suggested should be done. An almost imperceptible slouch in her posture. The ring of true excitement in her voice that she knew so well that was missing. Luna didn't want to believe it, but she knew she couldn't ignore what her senses told her.
Celestia was bored of these events, and if Luna's guess was correct, her sister would rather be back home with a book, curled up in front of the fireplace reading instead of doing what she was at the moment. She turned and looked at the crowd. Everypony's eyes were centered on Celestia, and it seemed that none of them had any idea what was going on. She was the only one, it seemed, who saw through her sister's mask.
Her thoughts were interrupted as she heard her sister say, "...and to my left, as I'm sure you've all noticed by now, is my sister, Princess Luna!" Suddenly finding herself the center of attention, she smiled and waved, doing her best to not be overwhelmed by the applause and all the happy faces turned towards her. After a few seconds, and the applause started to fade, Celestia asked her, "Is there anything you would like to say?"
Luna blinked in surprise. This certainly wasn't anything they had talked about previously! Was this more of her sister having fun? Looking at her, she decided that no, this was merely a spur of the moment, friendly gesture. Simply an opportunity for her to take, if she wanted, to talk to the assembled ponies. Deciding that she did want to speak, she nodded her thanks, turned, and looked at the crowd in front of her.
"Thank you, everypony. I'll admit, when my sister asked me if I wanted to attend this dinner, I was hesitant. It's been a long time since I've attended an event like this. Not many chances for gatherings like this on the- at the school I have been attending the past couple of months." She did her best to hide a wince; she had almost blown it by reminding them all of her lengthy banishment on the moon. Fortunately, she had remembered the cover story Celestia had told her she had used to explain her absence while she had been in Ponyville, disguised as Moonbeam.
"However, Celestia assured me that I wouldn't find a more accommodating group of ponies, and was she ever right! Since I've arrived, you have all done nothing but offer friendly greetings and kind words. So, thank you for being so willing to help out my sister's school, and thank you one and all for the amazing time I've had tonight, Please feel free to come up and chat with me afterwards, I would love to make your acquaintance if I haven't done so yet."
She waved to the crowd as applause washed over her, and then turned and smiled at her sister, indicating that she was done speaking. Celestia smiled back at her, and after the crowd had once again quieted down, resumed her speech. Looking down the length of her table, Luna saw her friends all looking at her proudly. She was glad that they seemed to be enjoying themselves too, and couldn't wait to get a chance to talk to them later, although she feared with the invitation that she had just given out that wouldn't be happening until after they had returned to the castle after the dinner.
As soon as Celestia had finished her speech and invited everypony present to take the chance to mingle, Feather Down grabbed Pine Needle and led him through the halls of the school. The first rooms they passed were already filled with other groups of ponies with goals similar to hers; finding a private place to have a conversation, away from the hundreds of other ponies in the vicinity. After rounding a corner in the hallway, she found a small walk-in closet, and motioned for Pine Needle to enter.
"I think you are overreacting," Pine Needle said once Feather Down had followed him into the tiny enclosure. "I don't see what you are so upset about."
"I'm not really upset," Feather Down replied. "I'm just shocked, I suppose. Not only because of what I heard, but also after I thought about it, I realized I had never thought to ask you about your life in Stalliongrad before."
Pine Needle shrugged. "I never thought it was that important. It's all years in the past and hundred of miles away from where we are now. For me to bring up the fact that mine grandfather is a mayor, without any real reason to do so, would just be bragging."
"But surely you're proud of that, right?" Seeing an uncomfortable look cross her friend's face, she sighed. "I know I would be if someone in my family did something grand, or accomplished something like that. There's no need to be that self conscious!"
"Well, like you said, nopony ever asked me, and it really isn't all that important." He looked over Feather Down's shoulder to the hallway behind her. "Are we done? I'd really like to go see how Luna is doing. When we left, she looked like she was about to get mobbed by half the ponies in attendance."
"No, we're not done!" Feather Down said, stomping a hoof for emphasis. "Look, maybe this isn't the best time, place, or method for this, but I'm honestly intrigued by what life must have been like for you growing up! Luna is going to busy for another hour at least, so that leaves us plenty of time to talk, especially since this is fresh in my mind."
"But Haystack and Dewdrop-"
"Will be fine," interrupted Feather Down. "So, you share part of your name with your grandfather. Is that part of why you're attracted to Applejack, similar family name traditions?"
"While we may share several things in common, they aren't the reason why I love her," Pine Needle huffed. "But yes, my family does have a, as you say, naming tradition. Off the top of my head, I can think of Pine Bough, Pine Wreath, Evergreen, Douglas Fir, Foxtail Pine, and many others too. Our family is old, and takes pride in that."
"You don't," commented Feather Down. "Now that I think about it, I can't remember you ever bringing up your family before. You hardly even mention Stalliongrad either, for that matter."
"No need to," he replied while looking at the floor at his hooves. "It was where I grew up, different than Ponyville, but not necessarily better or worse. It was crowded though, a lot of ponies living together in one city due to all the nearby mountains. That's why I left."
Feather Down studied her friend's face. She slowly nodded, and backed out of the closet. "Fair enough. But seriously, if you ever feel the need to talk about the past with me or anypony else, don't be afraid." She smiled warmly at him. "We certainly won't think of you as a braggart if there's something that you want to share with us. There's no need to keep it all bottled up, okay?"
Pine Needle nodded as he stepped back into the hallway. "Thank you, I will keep that in mind." He looked up and down the hallway. "For now though, I would simply like to go back and make sure that Luna doesn't get overwhelmed."
"Says the pony who was the most nervous of us all just a few hours ago," Feather Down said with a chuckle. "All right, it's this way," she gestured as she turned, and led the way back to the dining hall.
As soon as Celestia had finished her speech, Luna had been swamped by other ponies coming up to her. While she was uncomfortable with the sheer number of them, all eagerly yet patiently waiting their turn to get to speak with her, she didn't feel panicked or afraid that something bad was about to happen. Soon, she found she was able to simply focus on the one in front of her and tune out the rest, and in doing so found herself much more comfortable with the situation.
Her only regret was not being able to spend any time with her friends. The only chance she got to see them was when Dewdrop had managed to work her way through the throng and finally get a chance to talk to her. It was a welcome, if short, reprieve from the steady flood of the same questions, asking how she was, what she had been up to, and if she was going to be at any other functions in the future. Sadly, the press of the other ponies kept their conversation to a minimum, and soon Luna was once again on her own.
After what felt like forever, but was likely only a couple of hours at most, she found herself suddenly free of having anypony right in front of her. Blinking, she scanned the room and saw that the servants had long ago cleared everything away. The only other ponies left in the room, besides the retreating forms of the happy couple she had just finished conversing with, were her friends and her sister. Walking over, she gave them a tired smile and said, "I don't think I've talked to so many different ponies before in my life!"
Celestia chuckled. "I think this was the first time in years where I haven't been the most sought after pony to talk to. You did well, sister. Thank you for the easy night."
Luna's stomach chose that moment to remind her that how empty it was. "With all the new faces so eager to talk to me, I'm afraid I didn't have much time to eat," she said, her cheeks red from embarrassment.
"Well then, we'll simply have to visit the kitchens when we get back home, won't we?" She turned to look at Luna's friends. "And I imagine you all have a lot of stuff to talk about."
"Do we ever!" exclaimed Feather Down. "Seeing the school, meeting other ponies, this wonderful dress, thank you again for it, Princess!" Seeing Celestia nod, she turned to Luna. "So, is this going to be a regular part of our visits? Attending dinners and dances?"
"I don't know," admitted Luna as the group started to move down the hallway towards the front doors. She looked up at her sister. "I know that a lot of these things happen during the fall and the winter, since the cold weather and the snow makes a lot of the outdoor activities unfavorable. So I would guess that we'll probably be attending more of them in the months to come?"
Celestia nodded. "If you want to. None of you will be forced to go to any that you don't want to, and I'm sure there will be times when you will want to do other things as well, which is perfectly fine." Her horn glowed briefly, and the doors opened, letting the cool night air wash over them as they stepped outside. "Still, I think it will be good for you to attend as many as you comfortably can, at least in the near future. It should only help overcome the rocky start you had when you first came back after the Summer Sun Celebration."
Luna nodded and looked up, taking in the star filled sky. She thought back to the Summer Sun Celebration in Ponyville, and how quickly things had changed for her since then. Like her sister had said, things hadn't gone that well for her to begin with. But after she had spent some time in Ponyville, her luck had been steadily improving. She didn't know if it was because she had a group of really good friends, or if it was because her link to Nightmare Moon had been destroyed, and the evil, jealous part of her was now banished to the moon again, but she was looking forward to what might happen next.
Perhaps all she had needed, she thought, was a new perspective on things.
Marigold entered her house, glad to be home after the lengthy dinner. It had dragged on for much longer than she had expected it to, mostly because of Luna choosing the event to be her first public appearance in Canterlot since returning home. Not that she begrudged the princess, goodness no. It's just that she had something she had been wanting to do for hours now, and to have left the dinner early would have been rude, to say the least.
Now that she was finally home, she could get to work. She trotted to the study of her house right away, not even bothering to take off her outfit despite the fact that it was a little bit uncomfortable around the neck. Pulling out a piece of stationary, and grabbing quill in mouth, she started to write with a speed and skill that spoke of many, many hours of practice.
Dear Pine Wreath,
I hope this letter finds you doing well. I hope you will forgive my sloppy writing, but I am so excited by what just happened at a dinner I just attended that I have to write it down as fast as I can, before I forget any details.
I remember, while I was up in Stalliongrad this past summer, hearing you talk about your family, and how you were hurt by the fact that your son moved away without telling you where he was going. Well, imagine my surprise when I found myself seated next to a young stallion who not only turned out to be from Stalliongrad, but had to have been your son! His name was Pine Needle, and he admitted to being Pine Cone's grandchild, so I can't really see him as being anypony but your prodigal colt. He told me that he is living in Ponyville, a small village that is a short ways from Canterlot.
I hope that this news will enable you and your family reunite. If there is anything that I can do to help you out, please don't hesitate to ask.
Your friend,
Marigold
Looking over her work, she nodded and smiled. It felt so good to be able to help out a friend, she thought, especially when the aid being provided was unasked for but would be welcomed. She carefully folded the letter up, put it into an envelope, and after addressing and affixing postage, she placed it in the mail slot to be picked up in the morning. Smiling, she headed upstairs, her good deed done, and got ready to go to bed.
There were times, Nightmare Moon realized, that having a superior intellect was a curse and not a blessing.
It had been only three weeks, not even a month let alone a thousand years, since she had been sent to the moon, and she was already going crazy from the boredom. At first, she had been willing to simply lie still and wait things out, secure in knowing that in the end she would once again have her chance. Her mind was restless though. At first, it had worked through her past failures, studying her mistakes and how she could avoid them the next time. Then she had thought about what she would do once she was once again free. Finally, all she could do was think about how long she still had to go.
At that point, she had simply raged. To be forced to spend so much time locked up! To know that the weak part of her was still free! Eventually her anger faded, and she had finally been able to simply zone out and let her thoughts wander aimlessly. But every time she thought she would be able to let time rush by in a thoughtless haze, the very act of realizing that she was about to reach the mental state she so desperately wanted snapped her out of it, sending her back to square one. With nothing else to do though, she kept on trying. She hoped that, if nothing else, she might accidentally stumble onto what she was hoping for through blind luck.
As she felt her thoughts starting to wander once again, she felt something else, something new. Somehow, she felt a faint pulsing of... power? Energy? Magic? She didn't know how to describe it, only that the sensation was different. The moment she tried to focus on it, however, she seemed to lose it.
Intrigued, she thought about what she had done, and what she had just experienced. She tried relaxing again, but it wasn't until she was almost to the point of complete distraction that she was able to sense it. This time, instead of lunging at it with all of her will, she slowly took her time to narrow her thoughts, to carefully bring her focus in on it. Finally, she had a fix on the source of what she was feeling, and she slowly stood up, letting the small layer of moon dust that had settled on her fall away.
She started walking. She could tell that what she was headed for was a long ways off, but she had time. Lots and lots of time. She wondered why she hadn't felt this before. Had being a part of Luna during her previous incarceration on the moon kept her from noticing this? Was this something she could only hone in on because she was no longer linked to her weaker half? She might not know the answers, but for the first time since being banished she was looking forward to what might happen next.
Perhaps all she had needed, she thought, was a new perspective on things. |
Phases of the Moon | Part 2: Crescent -- Chapter 1 | Pine Needle gently placed his dirty breakfast plate into the kitchen sink to let it soak a bit before he got around to washing it. Looking out a window, he saw that the sun was already high in the sky; it had been very late when he and his friends had finally returned from Canterlot the night before. What had started out as small talk among the girls had turned into a lengthy discussion about fashion and what attending school had been like for them.
Before they knew it, Celestia was knocking on Luna's bedroom door- without the other ponies this time, thankfully- to inform them that, unless they planned on spending the night, they would have to leave soon to give the guards who would be pulling the chariots time to get home for bed themselves. Pine Needle was kind of glad that Feather Down had to work today, and that Dewdrop had her usual early shift at the inn. While he wouldn't have minded spending more time with his friends, he felt much more comfortable sleeping under his own roof.
The only downside was that a chariot ride through the night sky was even more unnerving to him than one during the day. At least when the sun was up, he could distract himself from how high up he was by looking at the distant mountains. In the dark, it had felt for all the world as if he was flying through the stars in the sky, with the ground so far below him that it might as well have not been there. He shuddered again at the thought. If only he was as fast as Feather Down, he would gladly spend the time and energy to gallop to and from Canterlot.
Instead, he had arrived back home strung out, and despite the how late it had been, it had taken him a couple of hours of simply lying down and staring intermittently at the ceiling and the back of his eyelids before he finally fell asleep. He was thankful that Haystack had told him that he wouldn't be needed until after lunch today. His friend had said that he had several chores to take care of in town during the morning, and Pine Needle suspected that Haystack had probably slept in too.
The soft sound of somepony knocking brought Pine Needle out of his reverie. "Coming!" he called out as he trotted to the front door of his house. Opening it, he saw a yellow pegasus mare with a pink mane standing next to a white rabbit. It only took him a second to recognize her from the recent advertisements he had seen for his favorite brand of carrot juice. "Fluttershy!" he cried out in surprise. "What brings you... to..."
He stood there blinking as Fluttershy disappeared from his doorstep, only to poke her head out cautiously from behind one of his pine trees a dozen paces away. The rabbit glared at him, shook his head, and then placed a paw in front of its mouth in a shushing motion. He then hopped over to the petrified pegasus, and after a few insistent tugs on her mane, was able to coax her back to Pine Needle's door.
"Sorry about that," she told him in a very soft voice. "It's just that I'm not very comfortable around loud noises, or ponies that I don't know that well, so, um," she trailed off, looking at the ground between them.
Pine Needle chuckled. "There is no need to apologize," he said in a much more subdued manner. "I am aware that sometimes I come across a bit too strongly, and I hope that you will forgive mine outburst?"
Fluttershy looked up from behind her mane and gave him a small smile. "Thank you. I'm sorry to bother you, but I was wondering if I could ask a favor?"
"But of course. What can I do for you?" Pine Needle asked, curious what the shy pegasus wanted from him.
"Well, winter is coming up very soon, and I'm trying to find places for all the woodland creatures to spend the winter. Me and a few other ponies have been working hard, finding burrows and trees and dens that would be appropriate, but we're having a hard time finding enough." As she spoke, her voice gained volume and confidence as she warmed to the subject. "I noticed the other day as I passed by that you have some very nice pine trees here, and I was wondering if you would mind if I took a look at them, to see if any of them might be suitable for some squirrels to spend the winter in?"
"Be mine guest," he said, making a sweeping motion with a foreleg. He watched as Fluttershy nodded in thanks, turned, and started flying around the trees that surrounded his home. Pine Needle smiled, glad to know that all of the hard work he had put into growing the saplings that he had brought with him from Stalliongrad was being noticed by other ponies in town.
After a few minutes of watching Fluttershy carefully examine each tree, he turned his attention to the small rabbit that had remained standing next to him. "So, how long do you think she will take?" he asked to fill the silence, wondering if the animal could understand him. The rabbit turned from watching Fluttershy briefly to give him an annoyed look. It then shrugged its shoulders, and returned to watching the yellow pegasus. Pine Needle blinked, and wondered how something so small could carry around so much attitude.
A short while later, Fluttershy finished her searching and returned to where Pine Needle and Angel waited. "I'm sorry, but it looks like there is only one place suitable for a squirrel in your trees. I was expecting there to be a lot more knotholes then there were."
"Ah, I am actually surprised that there is even one, to be honest. Mine trees are actually quite young, I planted them when I first arrived from Stalliongrad. I brought them with me, so they are only a couple of years old," he explained.
Fluttershy looked at the trees and then back at him. "Really? Wow, they sure grew fast. Do all tress from Stalliongrad grow so quickly?"
"No, it's just that caring for them is mine special talent," he said, pointing to his pine branch cutie mark."
"Oh, how wonderful," she said, giving him a smile. "So, would it be okay if we had a squirrel spend the winter in your trees? They don't hibernate, but they aren't very active either, so it shouldn't be a hassle."
"I would be honored to have mine trees help in such a way. I am only sorry that there is only room for one."
"Oh no, there's no need to apologize," she said. "Also, would it be a problem if I kept your place in mind for the future in case I have trouble finding places for all of the animals for winter again?"
Pine Needle smiled. "But of course!" he exclaimed, happy to be able to help her out, only to feel like an idiot as his latest outburst sent the skittish mare back to hiding behind one of his pine trees again. He sighed, and hung his head in embarrassment. "Sorry!" he called out to her, trying to ignore the angry glare coming from the rabbit.
Luna wandered the halls of Canterlot Castle, searching for her sister. She was trying to decide where to go next, having already looked in the throne room and Celestia's private quarters. There were still a couple of hours until lunch, so she didn't think the dining area would be likely, and the only times she ever saw her sister enter the library was when Celestia was looking for her. She had even asked several of the castle staff if they had seen Celestia, but none could recall having spotted her recently.
She was just about to check outside in the gardens when she heard her name being called out. Turning, she saw a page galloping up from behind. She stood and waited for the messenger to catch his breath after he had come to a stop before her. "Your Highness," the earth pony said in between tired breaths, "Princess Celestia is looking for you, and would like to speak with you in the throne room."
Luna blinked in surprised, and after a moment chuckled. "I've just spent the last fifteen minutes looking for her, and I even checked the throne room first," she said in an amused voice. "Thank you for letting me know where she is. I shall head there right away." She gave the young stallion who had given her the news a quick look over. "Are you going to be okay? Is the matter that Celestia wants to talk to me about so important that you needed to run yourself ragged to find me?"
"No, ma'am," he said, seeming to be finally regaining his wind. "It's just that Celestia sent four of us out, and said whoever was the first to find you would get a bonus added onto their pay for the week."
"Well then, come along, and I'll make sure that you don't get cheated out of your reward." She started walking towards the throne room slowly at first, to make sure that the page had fully recovered. Seeing that he had, she then broke into a brisk trot, equally eager to not only end her search but to also find out why Celestia was looking for her. A couple of minutes of traveling through the hallways later, and they had arrived at the entrance to the throne room. After taking a few seconds to compose herself she nodded at the guards, who opened the double doors for her.
Celestia looked up from a scroll she was reading when she heard the sound of hooves walking across marble. "Sister! There you are! And good work Fleet Hoof, I had a feeling you would be the one to find her." The page bowed, and then stepped back to stand along the wall, ready to once again head out if asked to.
Luna gave her sister a rueful smile. "Did you know I've been looking for you too? I even checked here first, but you weren't around. Let me guess, you were out looking for me?"
Her sister chuckled as she walked over to her. "Correct. I checked your rooms, and then I looked in the gardens. After talking to Mrs. Hardback and learning that you hadn't been in the library at all today, I sent out the pages. So, what were you wanting to talk to me about?"
"The Grand Galloping Gala. It's this weekend, and I was hoping to be able to attend."
Celestia smile faded, and her face took on a serious look. "Interesting. I was looking for you to talk to you about the Grand Galloping Gala too, but for the opposite reason. I was hoping to suggest an alternative for you, instead of attending."
"An alternative?" Luna was shocked to hear her sister say such a thing. "But things went so well at the dinner last night! I know that the odds were tilted in my favor, but I thought my friends and I handled ourselves wonderfully! Do you think we're not ready to handle something as big as the Gala, or...?" she trailed off, not wanting to voice the possibility that she still might not be welcome at such a large gathering.
"I agree, you all were wonderful last night. And no, that isn't the reason why I don't want you to attend the Gala at all." Celestia looked at her sister straight in the eyes. "I don't want you to attend because, frankly, it would be a giant waste of time for you. An experience that you would find tepid at best, and mind numbingly boring at the worst."
"R-really?" Luna was shocked. She remembered her sister saying in the past that she wasn't too fond of these events, but to hear her state it so bluntly left her reeling.
Celestia nodded. "Do you know what I get to do for the entire night? I greet ponies. I stand at the top of the stairs, and they all line up so that they can spend ten seconds with me." She sighed, and shook her head. "The queue stretches out of the room at times, and after everypony has had their turn, things are wrapping up. I'd like to just drop that part of the event, but for many it's the only time they get to meet me, and they're all so happy to have the chance, I just know they would be heartbroken if I didn't do it.
"But I certainly won't subject you to that if I can help it. And rest assured, if you were to attend, that is what would be expected of you. If not standing next to me, then wherever you happened to be, just like after the dinner last night." Celestia gave Luna an appraising look. "Unless I'm wrong? Do you want to spend an entire night talking to ponies, one after another, with no time for anything else? No chance to grab a bite to eat, enjoy a song played by the band, or a brief moment to walk through the gardens by yourself to regain your composure?"
Luna took a moment to consider. In a way, she wanted to attend even more now. If what she had accomplished last night really had helped improve her image, then doing the same at the Gala would only help things out more. Still, last night had been tiring. She hadn't been able to get a proper meal, and by the end, she could feel herself getting worn out. If that was only a small dinner, how draining would attending the biggest social event of the year be?
She sighed, and looked at Celestia. "No, I guess you're right. If this was later in the season, I might be willing to trying it. But I don't think I would be up to it right now." Her head drooped. "And I was hoping to surprise my friends with tickets to it too."
Celestia chuckled. "Actually, I have an idea that would be an even bigger surprise for them. I think it would be a marvelous alternative to attending the Gala."
"Oh?" Luna asked, curious as to what her sister had in mind.
"How would you like to visit them in Ponyville that night instead, and treat them to something that hasn't happened for a thousand years?"
Luna blinked, trying to figure out what her sister was referring to, when it hit her. "You, you want me to raise the moon again?" Seeing Celestia nod, she smiled. "You finally got approval from the rest of the nobility?" she asked excitedly.
"Well, about that," her sister replied hesitantly, "no."
Luna took a step backwards, stunned by what Celestia was suggesting. Defy the nobility? Sure, they didn't have that much power, and Celestia was so loved by the populace that she could ignore the protocol that the situation called for. They could get away with it, but with the care she had taken to improve how others perceived her, did she really want to take such a risk?
She drew in a deep breath, and gathered her resolve. "Then no, I don't want to do it. Not if we can't do it the right way."
"We don't even have to tell them, you know," Celestia said slyly, walking up close to her. "After all, it isn't like I'll make a big deal about it. They'll see the sun set and the moon rise, just like they always have, and nopony will be the wiser that it was you, and not me, who raised the moon for once."
Luna openly gawked in disbelief at Celestia. She couldn't believe that her sister would be so willing to do something like this in such an underhanded manner. It went against everything she knew about her to such an astonishing degree that it seemed like a terrible joke. It felt like it was what Celestia had done to her friends with the clothing yesterday, but on a much grander scale and with consequences that she wasn't comfortable with.
She turned and looked outside. The sun was still climbing in the sky, steadily making its way toward noon. "Celestia," she said, quickly arranging her thoughts as she realized how to explain things properly. "You're the sun, not just in duty and responsibility, but in how people see you. Bright, beloved, and warm. Not only that, the sun is always full. Unlike the moon which waxes and wanes as time goes by, the sun is always at its fullest, just as you are at the height of power and recognition.
"And I am the moon. Again, not just in what my duties used to be, but in how I am perceived. And right now, I'm a new moon, in more ways than one. I'm newly returned from my exile. I'm still finding out how different things have become since I was gone. And like a moon that isn't visible, that's how I am to most ponies. Without any real duties other than trying to catch up to the present, I'm out of their sight, and thus out of their thoughts.
"And I don't want to be a new moon any more, Celestia! Even if all I do is grow to be the slimmest of slivers, the thinnest of crescent moons in the sky, I want to be able to at least have the chance to get there. Regaining my duty to raise and lower the moon the right way, even if we could do it without the consent of the nobility, would let me grow in everypony's mind." She paused to catch her breath, surprised at how easily the words had come once she had started talking.
"I was hoping you felt that way," Celestia said, her voice filled with relief and with a proud look on her face. "I thought you did, but until you hear somepony speak their mind, you can never be certain. Very well, I will call for an assembly the day after tomorrow, and we'll bring the matter up then. Will that be enough time for you to prepare your case to them?"
"Honestly? I could probably take a month and still not be ready," Luna admitted. "But I want this. I really want to do this, so yes." She looked up at her sister. "And I'll gladly take any assistance you can provide too."
"Of course," replied Celestia. "After all, they'll be questioning me too." She smiled warmly at her younger sister. "You won't be alone in this, remember that. Even though all the questions will be directed at you, in a sense I will be the one they are truly questioning. Am I being deceived? Am I showing you too much favor, simply because you are my sister? Do I really have the best interests of the kingdom in mind?"
"Who would think that you didn't?" asked Luna. "After all these years, and with how far things have come over the centuries? If they could see what it was like in the early days, they-"
"That's just it," Celestia said, interrupting her younger sister. "They don't have the luxury of being immortal like us. They lack the long view. Even when we have a down year, where the harvest isn't as productive, or when some unforeseen illness sweeps the land, we know that it is only a temporary thing. That even at its worst things are still better than they were in the distant past, when ponies would have died from starvation instead of simply growing lean from smaller meals, or perished in the hundreds instead of just suffering for a few weeks due to our advanced medicine.
"Mind you, I don't hold that against them. With how short their lives are, compared to ours? They're like flowers, possessing a limited time to grow, to bloom, and to call attention to themselves. To make something worthy to pass along to their kin." She paused and sighed. "Listen to me, carrying on. Forgive me, Luna. It's just that it has been so long since I have had somepony who understands this, who can truly appreciate what I'm talking about. Please, forget about my whining. We have more important things to worry about. How can I help you prepare?"
"No," Luna said, sorrow in her eyes, "I don't want to forget about your complaints. You have every right, if not more, to share your concerns with others." She walked over to Celestia and nuzzled her. "I may not be able to help you with everything, but I'll always be glad to listen to your worries."
The two sisters stood there for a minute, leaning against each other. "Thank you," Celestia said, "I needed that." She stepped away from Luna. "Now, again, what can I do to help you?"
Luna considered things before answering. "I've come a long ways in my studies, but I'm still catching up. What I know about government proceedings is still several centuries behind where we currently are, and I'm sure it is quite outdated. If you could send me books or transcripts that show or describe what I'm about to face, that would be perfect."
Celestia nodded. "I'll ask around the various government archives, and see what I can dig up. We actually don't have too many sessions like what we're about to go through, but I'm sure I can find something. I assume you'll be in the library, looking through stuff there?" Seeing her sister nod she said, "I won't keep you then. I'll bring over what I find personally, okay?"
"Sounds good to me!" Luna smiled and then trotted out of the throne room, motivated and determined to put on the best showing she could.
Haystack knocked on the door to the Ponyville Library, and heard a familiar cry of "Coming!" from inside. A few seconds later, Spike the dragon opened the door. "Heya Haystack, c'mon in," he said, motioning with a wave of his arm as he turned and walked further inside.
The pegasus followed him, and found himself having to be careful of where he stepped; the floor was littered with dozens of books. "Wow, what happened in here?" he asked as he walked towards the desk in the corner where Spike was leafing through a short stack of papers.
"Oh, Twilight has been searching for some spells to use this weekend. So she'll pull down any and every book that looks like it might have something to help her out, and just put it off to the side if it doesn't. Of course, I get to be the one to put them all back," he said resignedly.
Haystack blinked, and looked around the room again. "That doesn't seem very fair to me," he said.
"Eh, it isn't fun, but really it isn't that hard of a job either. Just takes some time. My only complaint is how often I end up having to do it, really. Aha! Here we go," Spike said as he pulled out one form from the stack he had been looking through. "Are you returning the book, or did you want to keep it for another week?"
"I'll be returning it," he replied, and then reached into his saddlebags and pulled the book out. After Spike had taken it from him, he said, "Thank you again. It was quite helpful for me and my friends in getting ready for the dinner."
"Oh, that's right. How'd that go?" the dragon asked as he put the book down on the desk.
"It wasn't that bad, I guess. I'm not the most social of ponies, but I had an okay time. The girls sure seemed to enjoy it, especially getting to show off their new dresses."
"New dresses?" asked Spike. "Did they stop by the Carousel Boutique and have Rarity make them something?"
Haystack shook his head. "No, in fact, it was because of one of the most surreal things I've ever been a part of. We were getting ready in Luna's room when Celestia visited us. All of a sudden, it was chaos. A whole bunch of other ponies came in with racks of clothing, and before I knew it we were all dressed up in some admittedly very nice outfits." He sighed, and said, "I mean, it's obvious she had the whole thing set up ahead of time, but I could see that Luna was caught off guard by it all too. I don't understand why she had to go to such lengths to keep what she was doing a secret."
Spike shrugged. "Beats me. Although," he said thoughtfully, "that does remind me me of what Twilight told me about Princess Celestia's latest visit here to Ponyville."
"Oh?" asked Haystack.
"Yeah, I guess she brought her pet phoenix with her, but she didn't tell anypony what it was. So they all saw this sickly looking bird, sitting in its cage while it coughed and slowly lost its feathers. Then she got called away and left it behind, and none of the guards thought to keep watch over it either, so Fluttershy took it on herself to try to make the thing better."
"How'd that work out?" the pegasus asked, intrigued by the tale.
"Well, Twilight found out about it on accident when she went to visit Fluttershy at her place. By then the guards were starting to look for it too, and I guess all sorts of crazy things happened until the phoenix went through its renewal process and turned into a pile of ash right in front of everyone."
Haystack could only stare in disbelief, his jaw hanging loosely. Seeing his reaction, Spike nodded. "Yeah, I guess it drove Fluttershy to tears, until Celestia showed up and explained that was just part of what phoenixes do. Then the ash rose up and turned into a healthy flame colored bird."
"Wait a minute," Haystack said. "Celestia knew that was going to happen, but she didn't tell anypony? What was she trying to do, set up some sort of display for them to watch?"
Spike shrugged again. "I have no idea. I wasn't even there, I just heard about it from Twilight afterwards."
Haystack's face twisted in thought, and then sighed. "Well, thanks for sharing that with me Spike, and thanks again with the help in finding that book for us."
"Glad to help!" Spike said with a smile. "Stop on by anytime you need something, okay?"
"Will do." Haystack left the library and flew away. Instead of heading home though, he simply glided through the late autumn skies, trying to figure out how this latest piece of news fitted into everything else he had seen and heard already. |
Phases of the Moon | Crescent -- Chapter 2 | Despite the seriousness of her work, Luna was having fun. After gaining permission from Mrs. Hardback, she claimed a corner of the study area in the castle library and set things up to her preferences. She moved away tables and surrounded herself with several reading stands. After searching the shelves for books that she thought might be of assistance to her, she picked a few out and started examining them. Whenever she found something she thought might be relevant, or at least interesting, she would use a ribbon to mark the passage, and place the book onto one of the stands.
Soon she had several tomes set up, and only then did she start to compare what they said to each other, taking notes on what they agreed on, and also where they differed. After that, she read some more books and did some more comparisons, adding to the organized chaos around her. She got so wrapped up in her studies that she barely heard the bells announcing lunch, and with some reluctance she pulled herself away to get something to eat.
At lunch, a note from Celestia was waiting for her, stating that she was still busy visiting the various archives and gathering transcripts for her and that she wouldn't be there for lunch. Luna was a little disappointed that she wouldn't have a chance to talk to Celestia about what she had read so far, but knew that she would get her chance when her sister returned to the castle with the papers she had set out to find. She quickly ate her meal, thanked the servants for their work, and excused herself as she made her way back to the library.
Back in the center of her work area, she continued with her studies. She was so engrossed that she failed to notice another pony approach her, and it took the sound of a throat being cleared to notice that somepony was trying to gain her attention. Seeing a spot of white out of the corner of her eyes, she marked her spot in the book she was currently perusing as she said, "Sorry about that, Celes-" She quickly swallowed the rest of her greeting as she saw that the pony waiting for her attention was not her sister, but a different member of the nobility.
"Prince Blueblood! Please forgive me, I was a bit wrapped up there. How can I help you?" Luna was surprised to see him; the two of them had rarely crossed paths since her return, and while she hadn't had any bad experiences with the noblepony, she had heard tales spoken about his rudeness and attitude. Still, they had said similar things about her too, so she gave the unicorn stallion a friendly smile, hoping to have those stories about him proven false.
"That's quite all right, Princess Luna," the stallion said while bowing his head slightly. "I fully understand how one can get wrapped up in what one is doing." He looked around at the various books that Luna had set up. "Ah, preparing for the assembly, are we?"
"Yes!" she replied happily. "I'm brushing up on all of the procedures and protocols. But that can't be why you're here. How can I help you?"
"I am here on somewhat related manners," Blueblood admitted with a coy smile. "After receiving Princess Celestia's call for an audience in two days, I thought I would seek you out and offer my services, to help you prepare for the ordeal ahead of you."
Luna smiled warmly. "I would welcome any assistance you could provide."
The stallion nodded. "While I agree that you should polish your presentation, and prepare yourself for what is sure to be a harsh gauntlet of questions, I believe I can best aid you in a manner that may not have occurred to you."
"Oh? What might that be?"
"The one thing that should be on your mind is winning the final tally. It doesn't matter how eloquently you speak or how well you follow the rules if you don't get the votes you need." Seeing Luna nod slowly, he continued. "Also, due to preconceived notions, no matter what you say or do there will be those who will vote for you and those who will vote against you. Your goal then must be to do what you can to win those votes that are still undecided."
"Agreed," Luna said. "Is there some special strategy that you would recommend to help me with that? A certain type of speech when I present my case? A special style I should employ when I answer their questions?"
Prince Blueblood shook his head. "Your highness, you limit yourself if you only use the assembly itself to influence those whose votes are up in the air." Seeing Luna give him a curious look, he elaborated, "You could benefit by meeting with some of those swing votes ahead of time, and make your case on a personal level."
Luna frowned. "I can see that helping, but I have so little time, I would not be able to meet even with a small portion of those who are still undecided."
"True, but that is where I can help you. I can direct you towards those who are the ones that would benefit most from receiving a personal visit from you."
"That would help me a lot," she admitted, "but I can't help but wonder why you would be so willing to assist me. We've rarely met, outside of a few official gatherings."
Blueblood chuckled. "Ah, but now that you are asserting yourself back into politics, it would well behoove me to make sure that I am seen to be one of your allies. For me to be known as a pony who has given you aid would be a boon to my reputation. And there is no need for us to limit our interactions to this either. For example, there is the Grand Galloping Gala coming up," he said, arching an eyebrow suggestively. "We could make the rounds together, perhaps we could share a dance or two there? Or-"
"I'm sorry," Luna interrupted with false sincerity, starting to grasp the prince's true motives. "I actually won't be attending the Gala this year, I'm afraid that I have other duties to attend to."
"Oh." Blueblood looked shocked, but quickly recovered. "No matter. There are still other things we could do, such as you treating me to a fancy dinner, or maybe paying me a visit at my estate?" he said with a wink.
"I'm afraid that I will have to pass," Luna replied icily. "I thank you for your advice, and I shall consider your words with all of the attention that they deserve, but for now, I believe that my time will be better spent here studying."
Prince Blueblood blinked a few times, trying to understand where he'd fallen short, when a voice from behind him drew his attention. "Why, Blueblood, imagine seeing you inside a library. What brings you here?"
The royal unicorn whipped around to see Celestia eyeing him wryly. "Your Highness, my apologies, but I was just leaving. If you'll excuse me?" Seeing the white alicorn nod, Blueblood turned and hastily left the library.
Luna made a sour face. "And here I was hoping the stories I had heard about him weren't true." Seeing her sister chuckle, she then asked, "So, just how long were you listening in on us?"
"Oh, not long at all, I only caught the tail end of your conversation. So, what pretext did our self centered noble use to visit you?"
"He wanted to help me with the upcoming assembly, and offered his aid in helping me single out nobles to visit personally to help sway their votes in my direction. It seemed like a viable idea when I first heard it, but the more I think on it, the more it smells of trading favors, or even outright bribery," Luna said with distaste.
Celestia nodded. "Oh, such tactics are used among the nobility quite often, sister. Sometimes it's done honestly, with nothing more than a well reasoned argument made, although this usually only happens when they come to me." She chuckled. "It's hard to bribe the pony who already has access to anything she needs if there is an honest call for it, after all. Still," she continued, her features showing doubt, "I find it odd that Blueblood was able to come up with such a plan so quickly."
Luna gave her sister a puzzled look. "Surely he isn't that incapable... is he?"
"Possibly not," Celestia conceded, "but I only sent out the call for the assembly a couple of hours ago. For him to come up with such a scheme overnight? Certainly. In just a few hours, though?" Her face turned thoughtful. "Now I wish you had agreed, just so we could find out who he was going to have you visit. I'd wager that those were the ponies behind this."
Luna shrugged. "Oh well. Still, I find it a bit unsettling that others are so quick to capitalize on this for their own gain."
Celestia laughed loudly, and then quickly put a hoof to her mouth when the other library patrons stared at her for making such an outburst. "Sorry!" she softly called out. She returned her attention to her younger sister. "Oh, Luna, I truly wish that this was just an aberration of how things go with the nobility, but trust me, this happens all the time."
"Why do you put up with it then?"
"The biggest reason is that it keeps them busy. You saw how clumsy Blueblood was in trying to sway you. Could you imagine how poorly run a town would be under his guidance? Or what would happen if he was put in charge of, say, the treasury? By keeping them occupied with trying to one up each other, they usually leave the running of the kingdom to those more qualified to such tasks."
"Then why even keep the royalty intact at all?" asked Luna.
Celestia chuckled. "Silly Luna, where would that put us then?"
Luna blushed, and then gently hit her forehead with a hoof. "Let's forget I said that, shall we?" she asked with a giggle. "Now, did you bring those transcripts like you promised?"
"I most certainly did," Celestia said with a smile. Her horn glowed, and a stack of papers floated up from the floor where she had put them previously. "Now, let's get to work, shall we?"
Dewdrop pulled up a seat, and smiled as Feather Down came trotting over to her. "Hello!" her earth pony friend greeted her. "I'll be on break in just a few minutes, okay?"
The orange unicorn smiled. "Sounds good," she replied. "I'll just look over the menu until then." She watched as Feather Down waved and headed off to bus a table that had just emptied. After skimming through the familiar list of salads and sandwiches, she turned her attention to what was going on around her. If she had one regret about her job at the inn, it was that she spent almost all of her time indoors and didn't get to witness the general activity of everyday life in Ponyville.
"Sorry about the wait, I know you only have a limited amount of time before you have to head back to work," Feather Down said as she sat down across from her. A blue mare came over to take their orders, and after they made their selections, left to go get their meals started. "So, how are you holding up after a short night's worth of sleep?"
"I'm doing okay," Dewdrop replied. "The hardest part was waking up. Thank goodness we have an alarm clock, or I don't think I would have made it to work on time. How about you? I thought I heard you stumbling about upstairs as I left, but I wasn't certain."
"Oh, you know me. I almost fell back asleep a couple of times, and I had to gallop to get here on time, but I made it with a couple of minutes to spare. It was worth it though! Even with how late we ended up staying in Canterlot, it certainly was a fun night, wasn't it?"
"Most certainly! Mind you, what happened before the dinner was a bit... hectic? Crazy? I don't even know exactly what to call it, but I certainly wasn't expecting to be ambushed by ponies bearing dresses for me to wear, that's for certain!"
Feather Down laughed. "Oh, that was one of the highlights for me! Not just getting to try on more dresses than I could afford in a year of working here, but did you see what those twins did to poor Pine Needle? I know I shouldn't laugh, but I can't think of any other stallion who would be scared in that situation."
"Well, I would think if the stallion had a mare friend he might be deservedly concerned, especially if they happened to be in the room at the time," Dewdrop said. "But yes, once I got over my initial shock at the situation, I was also having a hard time not laughing at poor Pine Needle."
"Heh, he's taking his crush on Applejack way too far. Say, speaking of stallions, how are things going between you and Haystack?"
Dewdrop shrugged and stated to reply when the waitress brought them their orders. "Thanks, hun!" she said to the mare before she left to go help some other customers. She took a bite of her sandwich, and then replied, "Things are going okay with us. Slow but steady, so I can't really complain, I suppose."
Feather Down rolled her eyes as she swallowed her mouthful of salad. "Seriously, what's taking him so long?" she asked in an exasperated tone.
"Well, first of all," Dewdrop said, "you have to remember rule number one of dating-"
"All stallions are idiots when it comes to love. Yes, yes, I know." Feather Down said. "But still!"
Dewdrop smiled at her roommate. "Well, also consider how things were before that night at the inn. We weren't what anypony would have called close friends. In fact, I would think that most ponies at first glance would have called us rivals, or possibly even enemies."
"Not enemies, but I get your point. There was a certain chill in the room whenever the two of you had to talk to each other. But it's been over a month now! How long does he need?"
"Oh, he's coming around. Remember, he actually came to visit me at the inn last week." Dewdrop took another bite of her lunch before continuing. "Why are you so gung ho about this anyways?"
"What? I can't help my best friend find happiness?" Feather Down asked defensively.
"Of course you can, although you're starting to come across a little bit too strongly as a matchmaker, to be honest."
Feather Down looked down at her salad. "I don't want to be seen as that, it's just..." she sighed. "I'm starting to hear other ponies talk, is all, and if I can hear some of them say something, odds are that lots more are saying it where I can't hear it."
"What are they starting to say?" Dewdrop asked, curious.
"You know, what they they say about any pair of mares who live together. That we're a thing."
Dewdrop tilted her head back and laughed loudly. "Oh, hun, does that really worry you that much? If ponies are that quick to judge and spread gossip, without doing any actual thinking, it's not going to matter what we do. Just ignore them, okay? Besides," she said as she floated her sandwich up towards her mouth, "if you want to put an end to those kind of rumors, you should go on a date or two of your own."
Feather Down made a sour face. "No thank you. There isn't anypony who I'm interested at the moment, and I'm not about to try the dating scene again anytime soon. Remember that dance we went to around a year ago or so?"
Dewdrop paused, trying to recall the event in question. "Oh!" she exclaimed, and then chuckled. "Is that the one where you fell asleep in the middle of a dance?"
"When they call them slow dances, they aren't kidding!" Feather Down said. "And that stallion was so boring, ugh! All he could talk about was his mane. I'd rather run through the Everfree forest than go on another date with him again!"
The two mares laughed at the thought, and around small talk finished their lunches. Giving her friend a hug, Dewdrop paid for her meal and headed back to the inn to finish her shift.
Pine Needle put away his newly cleaned dishes and was about to leave for work at Haystack's farm when he heard a knock at his door. He trotted over and opened it to see Fluttershy holding in her mouth a basket carrying a squirrel.
"Perfect timing," he said, careful to keep his voice quiet to avoid scaring the timid pegasus again. "I was about to leave for work soon, but I certainly can take a few minutes to do, um, whatever it is that I need to do to help get the squirrel moved in." He gave the creature a closer look. "Does it have a name? Is it a boy or a girl? Is there anything that I should know, or do?"
Fluttershy carefully put the basket down on the ground before replying. "Oh, no. There shouldn't be anything you have to do, unless something goes wrong, but you can watch if you want to. It shouldn't take more than a couple of minutes. And his name is Acorn."
Pine Needle gestured towards his pine trees. "Then do what you have to do, and I shall watch."
Fluttershy picked the basket back up, and trotted over to the trees, with Pine Needle following a couple of steps behind. When she got to the base of one of the pines, Fluttershy flew up and then took hold of the basket with her hooves and held it out next to a knothole. "There you go, Acorn, your home for the winter," she said.
The squirrel leaned forward and examined the proffered place. He sniffed it a couple of times, and looked it over carefully, going over every inch of it. Finally, it turned around to look at Fluttershy and made some chirping sounds.
"Oh, I know it isn't the biggest of places," Fluttershy said to Acorn. "But we had a really hard time finding places for everyone. And you wanted a place all to yourself, right?" The squirrel made some more noises in reply. "Well, I suppose that's true, but if you claim this place now, just think how big and comfortable it will be in the years to come. Wouldn't that be nice?"
Acorn replied in a tone that Pine Needle thought to be begrudging. Then the squirrel hopped out of the basket and lied down in the knothole. Fluttershy quickly descended and landed next to Pine Needle. "He didn't seem to be happy about his new home," Pine Needle commented.
Fluttershy nodded. "I'm sure it's just nerves," she replied. "This is his first winter away from his parents, and with it being in a strange place on top of that, I'm sure he just needs a few days to get used to things and then he'll be fine."
Pine Needle nodded. "I remember my first days here, after arriving from Stalliongrad. Everything was so different, and I didn't know anypony. I'm sure you're right. Is there anything I can do to help him make the transition?"
The pegasus considered the question. "No," she finally replied, "at least, nothing that I can think of anyway. Just keep an eye on him if you can, and if you have any problems, please don't hesitate to let me know, okay?"
"I most certainly will," Pine Needle promised.
"Okay. I still have a lot of things to do, so I need to be leaving."
"By all means, do not let me detain you. Thank you again." Pine Needle waved as the yellow pegasus took to the sky and watched as she flew away. He looked up at Acorn, who was currently exploring the branches of the pine tree he now resided in. "I'm off to work," he called up, unsure if the animal could even understand him, but decided that it couldn't hurt to act friendly towards it.
Acorn looked down, and made some chattering noises that Pine Needle wasn't sure were friendly or not. Putting the matter aside, he checked to make sure everything was as it should be in his house, and made his way to Haystack's farm for a half day of work.
On the way, he passed by the house that Luna lived in while she stayed in Ponyville disguised as Moonbeam. He saw that while the place still remained unoccupied, it seemed to be taken care of by somepony; the landscaping looked to have been recently tended to. He fondly recalled walking to and from work with her, and chuckled when he considered that very few ponies could claim to have worked alongside a princess on a daily basis.
A short bit later, and he had arrived at Haystack's farm. He opened the gate and walked under the sign that read 'Haystack's Hill'. Looking around, he didn't see any sign of Haystack in the air above the farm, so he went and knocked on the front door to his house. After waiting a short wait and not hearing any noise come from the other side, he leaned over and, grabbing a nearby dangling rope with his teeth, rang the bell that hung next to the door to alert anypony out working in the field or the barn that there was a guest.
After a minute of waiting, Pine Needle started to get worried. He trotted over to the barn and searched inside, fearing that something might have fallen over and pinned his pegasus friend, or worse even injured him. Finding nothing was out of place, he then galloped up the hill that dominated Haystack's property.
Reaching the top of the steep incline, he caught his breath as he looked around from his vantage point. Seeing no sign of Haystack, he slowly walked back down the hill. Was his friend still in town running errands? It was the only explanation that made sense, but it seemed strange to him. Haystack was very punctual in everything he did, and for him to not be home when there was work to do went against everything that Pine Needle knew about the serious minded pegasus.
Wandering back to Haystack's house, he decided that even though Haystack wasn't around, he could show up at any time. He went back to the barn and left the door open to show where he was and started sweeping out the small layer of dust that had accumulated over the weekend. Soon he found himself absorbed in his work, and humming a song to himself.
He grew so preoccupied with what he was doing that he was startled when he heard Haystack call out his name. "I'm so terribly sorry," the pegasus said as he walked over to him. "I don't even have a valid excuse. I simply got lost in thought and forgot what time it was."
Pine Needle put down his broom and smiled at his friend. "Lost in thought? I shall refrain from commenting on that and just say that I am glad that you are okay."
Haystack looked at the floor. "I probably deserve whatever comments you have to make. I got sidetracked after returning the book to Spike at the library."
"Oh? What happened?"
Haystack shared with Pine Needle what Spike had said about the confusion with the phoenix. "Turns out we might not be the only group of ponies that she's had some fun with. As far as I can figure it out, she either had planned to show off the phoenix's rebirth cycle to everypony, and simply got distracted by other things, or she brought it along as some sort of... I don't want to say sick, but strange joke?"
Pine Needle nodded. "And based off of what we went through last night, you are more inclined to think that it is the latter?"
Haystack made a sour face. "I don't want to think that our high ruler is some sort of a jokester who spends all of her time thinking up ways to play small pranks on everypony..." he looked up at the roof of the barn, trying to figure out how to say what he wanted to. "She's done an amazing job though. If you had told me these things even a month ago I wouldn't have believed them. I would like to think I have a fairly well organized farm here. But Celestia's management of Equestria makes me look like a yearling playing in the mud."
Pine Needle gave his pegasus friend a puzzled look. "So what is your point then? What are you trying to say?"
"I don't know," Haystack admitted. "That's why I was so lost in thought. Is there any reason to be concerned about these... jokes that Celestia plays? Are they something I should even be paying attention to? And if so, what can I do about them?" He sighed and shook his head on frustration. "So many questions, and not a single one of them has an easy answer." He jumped slightly as a broom clattered to the ground next to his hooves.
"I have found in the past when I have something that I can not figure out, it helps to just walk away from the problem for a bit. I'll work on something else, and while I'm doing that I often find that an answer to the first problem will simply jump into mine head," Pine Needle explained.
Haystack tilted his head in thought briefly, then shrugged. "It can't be worse that what I just spent the past couple of hours doing, at least. I'll give it a try, although it will be hard to not have my thoughts wander off towards it if all I'm doing is sweeping."
Pine Needle smiled. "Well then, let me tell you about my day so far to help distract you," he said as he pushed some crates so Haystack could sweep behind them. "I now have a squirrel in mine pine trees, due to Fluttershy trying to find winter homes for the woodland creatures..."
Luna had spent the remainder of the day studying for the assembly, and spent her time after dinner writing a rough draft of her speech for the assembly. After a peaceful night's sleep and an early breakfast, she did her best to polish her presentation, practicing in front of a mirror in her room until she felt comfortable enough with the words for what Celestia had promised would be an arduous process; going through a mock up of the assembly with Celestia and some other ponies chosen for the trial run. While she had to admit that things were difficult, the nature in which they actually turned out to be so had certainly surprised her.
"Dur de dur! Meesa Princey Blueberryblood! If we gives you de moony woony again, are you going to use it for a paperweight doohicker?"
The dozen or so ponies all broke down in laughter at the purposefully terrible impression of the unicorn royal, one that was made even more hilarious by the fact that it was Celestia who was making it. "Sister!" Luna wailed, laughing so hard that tears were starting to pour from her eyes. "Surely that isn't going to be something that I'll be asked tomorrow!"
"Oh, most likely not," Celestia agreed. "Sorry, but I couldn't resist. Besides..." she paused, and the bells announcing dinner started to ring. "It would appear that my stomach was correct, time to call an end to this and get ourselves something to eat." She turned to the other ponies who had helped them the last few hours by peppering Luna with various questions and follow ups. "Thank you again for your time and help, everypony."
The other ponies waved and filed out of the meeting room that Celestia had sequestered for their afternoon practice, soon leaving the two alicorns alone. "Thank you again for all of your help, Celestia," Luna said as they walked out of the room together. "I'm sure that the assembly itself will be even harder, with there being so many more ponies there in the audience and asking questions, but just having a chance to experience even just something like this has helped me a lot."
Celestia nodded. "I would be surprised if you face too harsh of a time at the assembly tomorrow. While there are some ponies that might not want you to reclaim your duties of raising and lowering the moon, I would bet that the number that will be brave enough to voice those concerns in the same room as you or I will be quite small. I think the best thing you can do is to answer the first couple of questions with full confidence. If you show weakness or uncertainty at the beginning, you'll give those who oppose you the belief that they can pester you the entire time. Show them that you won't put up with it from the get go, and the rest of your time should hopefully be much easier."
Luna nodded at the advice as they walked down the hallways of the castle. "I've been wondering what to do with myself tonight, now that we've finished everything we planned to do, and I think I figured it out."
"And that is?"
"I've spent the past couple of days studying and preparing like crazy. What I need to do now is just give myself a chance to let it all sink in. I'll go over things once more tomorrow before everything happens, of course, but I think for tonight I'm just going to lie down and do some light reading for a change. It will be nice to read something that I won't have to worry about memorizing or being tested on afterwards."
Celestia smiled. "Lucky," she said in a teasing voice. "I still have a bunch of papers that I need to go over tonight before I have any free time."
Luna's smile quickly turned to a grimace at the news. "I'm sorry. It's because of all the time you've put aside to help me today, isn't it?" she asked. "Is there anything I could do to help you get through them faster?"
Shaking her head, Celestia gave her sister a reassuring smile. "No, but thank you for asking, it means a lot to me. And don't you worry about it, I agree that the best thing for you to do tonight is to just take it easy. You'll have plenty of time to be nervous once the assembly begins. No sense in getting worked up before the event if you can help it right?" The two sisters paused as the door to their eating room were opened up by the guard on duty. "Just make sure you get plenty of rest tonight. Do that, and it will make things much easier for both of us," she said with a smile as they seated themselves at the table.
Luna nodded, and thanked the servants as they carried over the first course of the meal. As she slowly chewed a mouthful of salad, she thought back on all the preparations that had been made the last couple of days. She was nervous, and even a little bit scared. What if the nobility refused her request? What would she do then? She did her best to shove those thoughts to the back of her mind. If the best efforts of her and Celestia came up short, then so be it. For now, though, she'd think only on the positive, and make sure that when the time came, she did the best job she could do. |
Phases of the Moon | Crescent -- Chapter 3 | Acorn was starting to have serious doubts about his decision to move away from his parents and into a tree of his own for the winter. It was his third day in his new home, and what had looked to be a rather nice place at the beginning was starting to showcase some faults that hadn't been readily apparent before.
One of the shortcomings that he hadn't been aware of was just how alone he was in his new abode. None of the other nearby trees had any squirrels living in them, which meant he didn't have anyone he could talk to, even if for just a few minutes each day. Sure, he had wanted to escape from the crowded conditions of living with seven other squirrels in a den meant for three or four, but he hadn't wanted complete solitude either.
Another problem was the wind. When Fluttershy had brought him to check out the place it had been a calm day, so Acorn hadn't given any thought to which way the air currents traveled. The next day though had featured a steady, chilly breeze, and it had blown almost straight into his den. He had been forced to curl up into a very tight ball on one side of his already somewhat cramped quarters in order to avoid the frigid temperatures. He had hoped that it had been a fluke, but last night right before he went to sleep the wind had picked up and once again it had come from the same direction.
Now he found himself in a dilemma. Fluttershy had been pretty insistent that there weren't enough places to go around, and that he had been lucky to get this place. Would he be able to ask his parents to let him back in for the winter, even though he knew how cramped and uncomfortable it would be even with him not there? What would his friends Chestnut and Walnut say to him, after he had bragged about getting his own home?
The sound of a closing door interrupted the squirrel's thoughts. Looking down, Acorn saw that the pony who lived in the nearby house was once again heading out. He wasn't sure where the green equine went, but he seemed to spend a good part of his day there before retuning late in the afternoon. He was friendly enough, Acorn supposed, even though the two of them were unable to understand what the other said. That didn't keep the pony from stopping at the base of his tree and waving up at him while neighing some random noises.
Acorn got to thinking as he watched the pony leave. Just where did he go, anyway? On a whim, he made his way down the trunk of his tree and followed the pony. While the thought of a long and tiring journey didn't exactly thrill him, it certainly beat the prospect of spending another day curled up, trying to keep the cold at bay. Add to that the possibility of meeting other squirrels, and it might not turn out to be such a bad idea after all. With a determination rarely seen in a carefree species such as squirrels, Acorn did his best to keep the pony in sight as he scampered down the road after him.
"Hear ye, hear ye! I hereby declare this special session of the Royal Assembly to be open! Would everypony please take their seats so that we may take the roll?" Luna watched as the royal herald repeated his cries, trying his best to get the nobles in attendance to break up from their small circles of discussion and get down to business. Soon, the room quieted, and the call and reply of the roll was underway.
Luna looked around the large meeting hall that the assembly was held in. At the front of the room was a raised podium, where the herald was currently calling attendance. Arrayed in front of him were numerous rows of seats of various types. Each pony seemed to have a different preference for what they wanted to spend hours seated in, and so accommodations ranged from simple hay bales to custom crafted cushions, complete with their owner's cutie mark prominently displayed on them. There were even a few, Luna noted, that eschewed seats altogether and simply stood in place.
Behind all of that, taking up the back third of the area, was a standing room only section for spectators to quietly watch the proceedings. Apparently word had spread about today's agenda, because it appeared to Luna that it was filled with ponies, all packed in shoulder to shoulder. From where she stood, next to the wall to the side of the podium, she couldn't tell what the mood of the attending ponies was, but she took the lack of outbursts to mean that they intended to watch the proceedings peacefully for now. Of course, she mused, the half dozen guards keeping watch between them and the nobles probably had something to do with that too.
Finally, the taking of the attendance was finished, and the herald called for the secretary to read the minutes of the previous meeting. Luna did her best to hide her impatience at the lengthy procedures that had to be followed. She glanced to her side at her sister, who gave her a reassuring smile. "How are you holding up?" Celestia asked her in a whisper.
Luna smiled weakly in return. "I was doing okay when we first got here," she quietly replied, "but with how long all of this is taking, I can feel my confidence slowly slipping away."
"You'll do fine," Celestia assured her. "Remember, this is a smaller gathering than the dinner we were at less than a week ago. You handled that eager crowd easily, and this group won't be rushing up to you for a chance to shake your hoof." She pointed at the stack of notes that lay at Luna's hooves. "You put a lot of hard work into that. Trust in yourself, put on a confident show, and we'll be celebrating your success over dinner."
The secretary finished his recitation, and the herald then called Celestia to the podium. Giving her sister one last wink, she made her way to the stand and nodded her thanks to the herald. She waited for the polite applause to quiet down and said, "Thank you, noble ponies of Equestria, for answering my hasty summons on such short notice. I have called you here today for what will likely be viewed as a major historical event in the centuries to come. Me and my sister Princess Luna come before you to ask for your approval in giving her back the duty of raising and lowering the moon every night."
Having already heard Celestia's speech during their practice runs, Luna turned her attention to her notes. She quickly skimmed over her own speech, which would be given shortly after Celestia's, and focused instead on the notes she had taken to help her answer some of the more personal and difficult questions she expected to be asked of her. She really hoped she wouldn't have to explain exactly why she wasn't going to turn into Nightmare Moon again, or why she had done so a thousand years ago, but she had a suspicion that she was going to have to regardless of her wishes.
Hearing her name called, Luna gathered up her notes with a quick spell and floated them over with her to the podium, taking a moment to look at the assembled ponies. After swallowing down a knot of nervousness, she began to speak. "Nobles, commoners and elected officials. Ponies of earth, sky and magic. Thank you all for your time and your attention. As my sister Princess Celestia so eloquently said, what we are about to ask you to vote on is something that will be remembered for generations to come. Never before in the annals of our history has something like this been considered, which is why we have come to you for guidance. So please, when you cast your votes on this matter, don't think only on what it means for us today, but also about what kind of precedent you will be setting for the future.
"I understand that many among you still harbor distrust towards me over the events of the Summer Sun Celebration last summer, something that I fully understand. As I have stated many times since then, while I was not fully myself during that time, I have accepted full responsibility for my actions. Since then I have done everything that I can to atone for what was done while also moving past it. I feel that I have done so successfully. Indeed, I would not be here before you today if I didn't feel that I had done so, and as she said a moment ago, Princess Celestia would not be helping in this matter if she didn't think that I had either.
"Still, for me to simply expect for you to simply take my say so without any qualms would be rather presumptuous. That is why we are here, to give you the opportunity to ask me your questions or voice whatever concerns you may still have, and to give me the chance to answer them. Please, assembled nobles, take and use this time to its fullest. I eagerly await not only your queries, but the chance to prove myself before you."
Having finished her opening statement, she politely bowed her head to the assembled nobles and stepped back from the podium. She walked past the herald who was taking the podium to further the proceedings and headed back to Celestia, who gave her a proud smile. "Well done! If you keep that up, there shouldn't be any doubt at all about the outcome of today's assembly."
"I'll be honest," Luna replied, "that went easier than I thought it was going to. All that practice we put in helped a lot, so thank you again."
Her sister chuckled. "I'm glad that it did help. However," she said, her expression turning serious, "that was the easy part. Are you ready to answer the questions they're going to bring up?"
Luna nodded. "Yes. If anything, this is a blessing in disguise, having to go through this. It will give me the chance to say all the things I've been trying to. Add in the fact that I have a captive audience, and with reporters in the back taking notes so that other ponies who aren't here will also get to know what I said? I don't know if I could have arranged to make my case to such a large group by myself."
Celestia turned her eyes upward for a brief second before looking back at the podium. "It looks like you have just a couple more minutes before the 'fun' starts up. Let's take one last look at those notes, shall we?"
"Whew, that took a bit longer than I expected, but I'm glad it went smoothly," Haystack said to Pine Needle as they stood side by side, looking over their handiwork. The two stallions had spent the morning harvesting the last of the produce from the vegetable garden next to the pegasus's barn. "We had a couple of days to spare, but we weren't going to get anything else from the plants this season, so why put it off, right?"
Pine Needle nodded. "Indeed! So, what now, mine friend?"
"Actually, I was going to ask if you've seen that squirrel that seems to have been watching us all morning?" the pegasus replied, pointing off towards the one of the few shade trees in the front yard of his house. "I don't have any squirrels in my trees, and the intensity with which it has been keeping an eye on us has made me curious."
"Squirrel?" Pine Needle asked, looking at the tree that Haystack had indicated. "It couldn't be Acorn, could it?" He slowly trotted over and looked up. While he wasn't positive--since he previously hadn't made a habit of trying to notice the differences between various tree living rodents--he thought that the squirrel looking down at him could very well be the new tenant of his pine trees.
"Is that you, Acorn?" he called upwards. "What are you doing out here?" The squirrel overhead replied with a string of chatters and chirps that, even though the earth pony below understood none of it, made Pine Needle certain that it was Acorn. "Get down here right now!" he said in a stern voice, tapping the ground in front of him firmly with a hoof.
Haystack trotted over with a bemused look on his face. "So, that's the new neighbor that Fluttershy herself brought over to you?" He looked back and forth between his friend and the squirrel, who both seemed to be doing their best to frustrate one another. "Um, does it even understand what you're saying?"
"I don't know," Pine Needle admitted. "I don't think so, but then Fluttershy was able to talk with it like I'm trying to, so I think that it can?"
"Ah, there's your problem. Fluttershy has a skill when it comes to communicating with animals. My guess is that it might understand the general gist of what you're trying to convey through tone and actions, but I'd be surprised if it could actually understand exactly what you're saying."
Pine Needle turned from the tree to look at Haystack. "Really? Huh. That seems to be an odd talent for a pegasus, if you don't mind me saying so."
"Says the earth pony who claims to use some sort of unheard of magic, to the pegasus who works as a farmer?" Haystack replied dryly.
"Ah, err, um, well said," Pine Needle said, embarrassment plain on his face. "Anyway, I don't suppose you have any clue what to do?"
"Well, maybe that earth pony magic you talk about can help you bridge that gap somehow? Have you tried using it while talking at it?" the pegasus asked.
"It doesn't work that way, but I suppose it can't hurt to try it either," he conceded. After a short moment of closing his eyes and focusing, he looked upward at Acorn. "If you understand what I'm saying, please show me by, um, coming down here and waving at me." The squirrel tilted his head to one side briefly before replying with another barrage of scolds and chatters.
"Try talking to it in squirrel," Haystack suggested.
Pine Needle turned and gave Haystack an incredulous look. "I have no idea if squirrel is even a language, let alone how to talk in it!" he exclaimed.
"Well, try copying the sounds it's making, while using your magic. Like you said, it can't hurt to try, right?"
Swallowing a sigh, Pine Needle turned his attention back to Acorn. "Um, squeak squeakun squeek squeekers?" he called up. As he expected, it seemed to make no sense to the animal above.
"Just out of curiosity, what were you trying to say to it?" Haystack asked.
"Same as before, although knowing mine luck I probably said something about dancing with a rock or the like if what I said meant anything at all." Pine Needle looked back up at the squirrel, who seemed to have run out of things to make noise about for the moment. "Still, I'm surprised that he followed me all this way. I didn't think that squirrels ranged so far."
"I didn't either, but then I'm no expert. The only pony I can think of who would be off the top of my head would be Fluttershy. Maybe she would know why Acorn followed you all the way out here?"
"That's actually a good idea," Pine Needle admitted. "She told me that if I had any problems that I should come and see her. I'd take Acorn there myself, if he would just COME DOWN HERE, NOW!" He stomped at the ground in front of him as he yelled the last bit up at Acorn, who in return resumed his barrage of squeaks and chirps from above.
"How about you just stay here with Acorn, and I'll go see if Fluttershy has a spare moment to come here instead?" Seeing his earth pony friend nod, Haystack took to the sky and flew off to fetch the pegasus animal prodigy.
With a nod from the herald Luna retook the podium, but before she could even open her mouth half a dozen nobles shouted out for her attention, wanting the opportunity to be the first to speak. She almost froze in shock, not expecting such eagerness from the assembled nobleponies, but managed to keep her composure. Not having any preference as to who asked her the first question, she pointed a hoof at a dark purple pegasus who was seated near the front and said, "You first, good sir."
The pegasus stood with a pleased look on his face, and the hall quickly fell silent so everypony could hear. "Thank you, your highness. First, please let me state on behalf of the entire Windwalker family how glad we are to see you wanting to take a more active role in Equestrian society." Seeing a nod of thanks from the princess, he continued. "That said, just how will raising the moon on a nightly basis help you to do that? After all, the rising and the setting of the sun and the moon as performed by Princess Celestia are, with the exception of certain special occasions like the Summer Sun Celebration, non events. Are you planning to change the status quo if you regain the privilege of raising and lowering the moon, and if so how?"
"Excellent questions, Lord Windwalker," Luna replied. "If I may answer the second part first, no, I do not plan on changing the status quo. As my sister has certain days where her ability and duty to raise the sun are highlighted, I would only make a spectacle of moving the moon when it would be part of something bigger. Which leads to the first part, that it would be during such events that being able to raise and lower the moon would give me more chances to interact with the ponies of Equestria. The only obvious changes that I could see being made would be resumption of ancient festivals, such as the long forgotten Winter Moon Celebration, that have been dropped from common usage due to my crimes from a millennium in the past."
The pegasus bowed and resumed his seat. Again, numerous ponies raised their hooves and made calls for her attention. She gestured at a bright green unicorn, who had been looking at her with obvious distrust. 'This is a good time for me to get what should be a difficult question out of the way,' she mused, 'especially after such an easy start to things'.
"I hope you'll pardon my bluntness, your Majesty," said the unicorn is a gravelly voice, "but I have to wonder just how we can trust that we won't have a repeat of the previous Summer Sun Celebration? Why should we believe that you have had such a sudden change of heart?"
"No offense is taken at all, sir," Luna replied as she glanced at her notes. "I can give you several reasons. First off, not only have I undergone a change of heart, but I have also gone through one of body. As Nightmare Moon, I was much taller then I am now, a dark reflection of Princess Celestia in almost every way. While that by itself won't be enough to sway you, please know that my current stature is indeed indicative of the transformation of my spirit as well.
"The best argument that I can offer you is, if I haven't changed at all, if I am still the evil, power hungry entity that I previously was, why would I go through all of this? Why place myself in a position where there could be any chance of failure, when I have had many chances to catch my sister unaware and alone?"
The green unicorn scowled. "I would say because you can't beat your sister as you are now, and need to use underhanded ruses like this to regain the power necessary to do so. Then, once you've had it returned to you, you'll have nothing to fear."
"An interesting theory," Luna conceded, "although one that has a giant flaw. You need to understand, the ability to raise and lower the moon is not one that confers great power. If anything, it is a duty that requires lots of magic. Consider our ancient history; back before Equestria was a nation, the changing of day to night and back again was performed by many unicorns acting in unison. This was because of the massive amount of magical energy needed to move the celestial bodies of the sun and the moon. While being able to raise and lower the moon will, hopefully, grant me some prestige and help me integrate back into society, it will not give me any sort of a power boost."
"So you say," said the unicorn grudgingly, "but how are we to be sure that you don't still harbor such thoughts deep inside, where nopony can see them?"
Fighting the urge to roll her eyes, Luna gently replied, "How would you suggest I go about proving that I don't have such plans, if by your very definition they can't be seen? Would the lack of finding any be proof that they do exist, or that they don't?" Seeing the unicorn about to reply, she cut him off. "No, good sir, I can't offer you an answer to such an unintelligent question. I am more than willing to undergo any reasonable test of character that you may propose, but I will not waste the time of this Assembly by entertaining such impossible to prove or disprove queries. Next question!"
The green unicorn seemed unwilling to sit down, but a brown earth pony a couple of seats next to him stood up and said, "You've had your turn, Shamrock, sit down and give others a chance." Waiting until Shamrock had taken his seat, a drawn out process that included a lot of muttering and grumbling, the earth pony then turned his attention to Luna and asked, "Might I please take this chance to ask you a question, your highness?"
"Go right ahead," she replied with a smile.
"My question is a simple one, I hope. While I can understand your reasons for wanting to regain your former duty, is there really any need for you to do so? Things have worked well for the past thousand years as they are, I would like to think, so why make any changes?"
"While I agree that change simply for the sake of change and nothing else is bad, I assure you that this is not the case here," answered Luna. "One benefit that would be had from me regaining the ability to raise and lower the moon would be that of redundancy, or having a back up if you will. While my sister has handled her daily tasks admirably, I would also suggest that you have been lucky. What if Princess Celestia had come down with some sort of illness, or suffered from a terrible injury, that left her unable to perform her duties?
"If I may be allowed to give an example that may be a bit confusing," she continued with a wry smile, "what if I had been there as I am now when Nightmare Moon attacked? Celestia could have handed over her duties to me, preventing Nightmare Moon from being able to lock Equestria into a state of perpetual night. I would think for that reason alone it would be prudent for me to regain the honor of being able to raise and lower the moon. While I won't be trying to bring ruin to our kingdom, that doesn't mean that other entities won't threaten us in a similar fashion in the future. To deny ourselves of such a simple and effective defense against future calamity would be foalish."
Luna watched as the earth pony nodded his head in thanks and then retook his seat. Again, numerous ponies vied for her attention, and she found herself fighting back a sigh of resignation. While she had known that the questioning would be a long and arduous process, not even the practice sessions she had been in had fully prepared her for how draining it would be. Doing her best to maintain a serene front, she pointed to another pegasus and awaited his question.
Haystack slowly turned and landed a short distance from his friend Pine Needle, and waited as Fluttershy landed next to him. The two pegasi looked over at Pine Needle, who was still standing at the base of the tree, yelling and gesturing at the squirrel above. For his part, Acorn seemed to be giving as good as he got, sending a steady stream of scolds and chatters at the earth pony below him. Hearing a soft sigh and a whispered, "Oh dear," Haystack motioned with a hoof for the yellow pegasus mare to go ahead and do what she needed to do.
Fluttershy trotted over and quietly tried to interject herself into the commotion to little effect. After several attempts to make herself noticed, she finally turned and looked back at Haystack pleadingly. Doing his best to hide his annoyance at the turn of events he walked over and, to the pegasus mare's shock, gave Pine Needle a forceful knock to the back of his head with a hoof. "Hey!" he said sternly to his friend, "Fluttershy is here to help you out, but you need to give her a chance, okay?"
Wincing in pain, he turned and bowed his head in shame towards Fluttershy. "I apologize, it was not mine intention to become so absorbed in what I was trying to do that I would ignore you. Forgive me, please."
"Th- that's all right," she stammered in reply. Turning towards Haystack with her eyes still wide in disbelief she asked, "Was it really necessary to do that?"
"It was the fastest way I could think of to get the situation under control," he replied with a shrug. "If he was so engrossed in what he was doing that he couldn't even notice somepony else standing next to him calling for his attention, I don't think anything I would have said could have done the trick either."
Rubbing the back of his head with a hoof, Pine Needle sheepishly chuckled. "While it does not happen very often, I do tend to focus on some things a bit more... intensely than is probably healthy."
Haystack nodded. "You should see him when the mare he has a crush on is around, nothing gets through to him then. While I understand your concern, please realize that Pine Needle is my very best friend, and that I would not have done anything to hurt him if I had not thought it absolutely necessary."
"If you say so," Fluttershy said, doubt still audible in her tone of voice. Turning her attention to Pine Needle, she said, "So, Haystack tells me you and Acorn are having some difficulty getting along?"
Pine Needle pointed up at the squirrel in question with a hoof. "Well, he followed me to work today, which isn't a problem, but I find it very puzzling that he did so. I wanted to figure out why, but since we can't understand each other, I kind of let my frustration at the situation get the better of me. If you could please ask Acorn why he came out here, I would be very appreciative."
Nodding, Fluttershy flapped her wings and rose up to hover next to Acorn and started talking to him quietly. While she was doing so, Pine Needle turned and quietly asked Haystack, "Seriously, did you have to hit me on the head? Wouldn't a prod to mine side have worked just as well?"
Haystack felt his cheeks burn as he looked down at his hooves. "Sorry about that. I guess I wasn't thinking. I wasn't trying to hurt you, just get your attention, but you're right, there were better ways I could have gone about doing so. I won't do that again, I promise."
Pine Needle smiled at his friend. "Sounds good to me. And besides," he added while glancing up at the pegasus mare, "getting a chance to see somepony as beautiful as her is worth a small lump to the head any day of the week."
"Oh, what's this? Has some other mare besides our local apple magnate finally caught your attention?"
Pine Needle rolled his eyes. "Please, you must be joking. You know mine heart belongs to Applejack and her alone, but that doesn't mean that I can't recognize and appreciate beauty in other ponies, especially when they are as polite and kind as she is." He looked back up at Fluttershy. "Anyway, I don't think I could fall for a pegasus pony. Just thinking about flying through the air makes my stomach twist and turn, how you manage to live your life like that is beyond me."
Haystack's reply was cut off when Fluttershy flew back down to them, and Acorn ran down the tree to stand next to her. "It seems that I may have made a mistake when I asked if you would let a squirrel live in your trees," she said to Pine Needle. "What I thought was a suitable place to live is actually dangerously exposed to the weather, and Acorn could run the very real risk of freezing if he had to spend the winter there."
"I am sorry to hear that," Pine Needle replied, "but I do not see why that would lead to him following me here."
"Well, Acorn was in a really crowded situation before, and he doesn't want to burden his family by trying to move back in with them. He was hoping that he could find someplace else to stay by following you around, or another squirrel to talk to that might know of someplace for him to stay." She looked down at Acorn, who nodded in confirmation. "Unfortunately, he wasn't able to, which doesn't surprise me since we are having such a hard time trying to find winter homes for all of the animals."
"Hmm, I don't suppose any of the trees on my farm would be suitable?" asked Haystack. "I know I only have a couple, and they aren't that big, but if any of them would work, I'd be happy to let him live in one."
"Acorn, would any of the trees here on this farm work as a place for you to live in?" After a short string of chirps from the squirrel, Fluttershy shook her head sadly. "No, none of them have any knotholes or hollows that would serve as a den for him."
After taking a moment to absorb the news, Pine Needle asked, "Is there anything that I can do to help then? I remember when I first came to Ponyville, and how anxious I was until I found a place to live. It isn't any fun at all, not knowing where you're going to be able to sleep for the night. If there is something that I can do, please let me know."
Fluttershy looked back and forth between Acorn and Pine Needle a couple of times, and then hesitantly said, "While I don't know if it would be the ideal solution, there is one thing I can think of that might work."
"Oh, what's that?"
"Have you ever considered owning a pet?"
The question and answer period had gone on for over an hour now, and Luna was worried that she wouldn't be able to maintain her resolve much longer. At first, it had almost been fun, facing the challenge of answering the questions presented to her. But as things progressed, the process started to lose its appeal. The questions became more and more repetitive, and the attitude of those asking them seemed to take a turn for the worse too. She suspected that some of the nobles weren't interested so much in using the chance to gain knowledge, but to see if they could score points in some obscure game by seeing if they could force her to make some kind of mistake, or have her contradict a previous answer.
Still, she had persevered, and only two ponies were left. One of them she had purposefully left for last on the advice of her sister, and by the calm look he had maintained throughout the session, Luna suspected that he was aware of the fact that he was being held in reserve for that purpose. The other pony was one that she had been avoiding intentionally, but now she had no choice but to give him his turn. It wasn't that she was afraid of what he might ask, but considering how their previous encounter had ended, she had no idea what his question might be. Suppressing a sigh, she pointed a hoof and said, "Your turn, Prince Blueblood."
The regal white unicorn stood and gave her a small nod with his head. "Thank you, your highness. I know that these proceedings have taken a long time, so I shall make my question short and to the point. If you are granted the right and the ability to raise and lower the moon once again, what sort of fail safes will there be to make sure that you don't abuse your new position?"
"While there won't be any specific ponies assigned to such a task," she replied, "I would say that there will be the obvious restraints that are in front of all of the nobleponies here in attendance. There will be my sister, Princess Celestia, always close by, but more importantly there is the goodwill of the ponies of Equestria as well. As I have stated several times already today, with or without the duty of attending to the moon it would be detrimental to my standing in the eyes of the people for me to abuse my station as a Princess of Equestria.
"While I can understand how it might make others feel more secure, knowing that there is some sort of a fail safe method to keep me from overstretching my bounds and, for example, use the moon as a paperweight, I honestly can't think of any way to set one up. You are going to need a battle tested squadron or the Elements of Harmony close by at all times in order to try to overpower me should the need arise, or you will simply have to trust that I am sincere in my words."
Prince Blueblood sat down, and Luna was relieved to see that nopony else had come up with any other questions, leaving just one pony left. She looked at him and said, "Duke Aura, the floor is yours."
A blond unicorn stood up and bowed deeply to Luna. "Thank you, your Highness. I am a bit ashamed to admit that all of the questions that I had in mind have already been asked to you. So, lacking any specific query, I will instead ask as hopefully the final presenter, is there anything else that you would like to bring up or remind us of, before we get to the all important task of the vote?"
"Only this," Luna said with a smile. "Since my return to Canterlot, I have experienced a wide variety of responses. From distrust and even outright hatred, to indifference, and finally kindness and trust. As the weeks have grown to months, I have seen the number of the first steadily decrease, and in turn the number of those who I can count as being kind to me, if not outright friends, seems to grow on a daily basis.
"One of the things that has bothered me is that there is almost no way for me to be able to properly show my thanks and gratitude to everypony who has been willing to forgive the sins of my past, and been willing to give me a second chance. With this, I feel that maybe I can by showing them that their trust in me was not misplaced, that I truly am a different pony than the dark avatar that tried to plunge our land into night eternal.
"So, if after all of the questions and answers that you have asked and listened to over the past hour or so have yet to sway you one way or the other yet, let me give you one final reason why you should allow me to regain my former duty. Not for me, but for the ponies of the Equestria, so that I can reward their kindness and generosity. Thank you."
Duke Aura again bowed deeply and resumed his seat. Luna held her breath, and softly let it out when nopony raised their hooves to call for the chance to ask another question. "Anypony else?" she asked, disliking the need for doing so but knowing that it was required. Seeing that nopony had still taken the chance, she glanced over at the herald. "It seems that I have finished with their inquiries."
The herald walked up next to her and called out, "One last time, are there any other questions for her highness, Princess Luna?" Seeing that all hooves stayed down, he turned to Luna and said, "You may return to you place, Your Highness." After Luna had walked back to her sister, the herald faced the nobles once again. "Very well, we will now commence with the taking of the vote! Prince Alabaster, how do you vote, yay or neigh?"
Luna looked up at Celestia, "Oh, I'm so nervous," she said in a whisper.
"Relax," she replied to her younger sister. "You did great up there. Just a few minutes now. I know this must be hard to wait through, but I'm confident that the vote will fall in your favor."
"Oh, I certainly hope so. I'd hate to think I went through all of that just to fall short."
The two sisters fell silent, and listened as the herald called out name after name. After each noble gave his vote, three ponies would mark it down in a ledger. Luna had read that having the vote kept track of by three separate secretaries was a product of ancient times, when the three tribes of ponies still didn't fully trust each other. This way, the tallies could be checked against each other, and any errors made in counting up the votes, be they on accident or purpose, could easily be worked out.
Finally, the herald turned to the secretaries and waited for their signals that the votes had been counted. "Secretary number one, what is your tally?"
"I find the measure has passed in favor of Princess Luna!"
"Secretary number two, what is your tally?"
"The same, passed in favor of Princess Luna!"
"Secretary number three, what is your tally?"
"Unanimous with the other two, in favor of Princess Luna!"
Luna could barely keep from jumping up and down and shouting in joy. The herald turned to the nobles again and cried, "So let it be known, voted on and passed by this Assembly, Princess Luna may once again be given the duty, honor, and privilege of raising and lowering the moon. Are there any complaints from the nobles assembled today?" Hearing none, he said, "then if there are no other matters to be brought forth at this time..." he paused, and after a few seconds of silence he finished by saying, "then I hereby call this special meeting of the Assembly to be over with. Thank you for your time, everypony."
Luna turned and hugged Celestia tightly. "We did it! We did it! Thank you, I couldn't have done this without you!"
Celestia returned the hug. "And I'm so proud of you, Luna. Facing all of those questions one after the other, without any breaks, must have been trying. Let's go get something to eat, and then we can plan on how you'll spend this Sunday with your friends."
"Actually," Luna said as she led the way out of he hall, "I've been thinking about that, and I believe I know the perfect way to go about it." |
Phases of the Moon | Crescent -- Chapter 4 | Dewdrop's breakfast was interrupted by a knock at the front door. Turning from her plate of apple slices, she trotted out of the kitchen, wondering who it could be so early on a Saturday. Opening the door, she was surprised to see Ponyville's mail mare standing there with a scroll at the ready for her. "Oh, hello Derpy!" she said as her horn glowed to float the scroll towards her. "This is a surprise, you usually don't stop by here until late in the afternoon."
"Special delivery!" the pegasus cheerfully replied. "It came in with the overnight bundle from Canterlot, with instructions to have it delivered first thing. I have two more to drop off, and then I'll be starting my usual rounds for the day. Can I get you to sign here, please?" she asked as she produced a clipboard from underneath one of her wings.
"Of course, hun," Dewdrop said, stretching her spell to encompass a quill attached to the clipboard, and quickly signed her name with a flowery script. "There you go. Anything else I can do for you?"
"Nope! That's all I need, thank you."
"No, thank you!" Dewdrop replied. "Have a good day, and I'm sorry you had to be out and about so early on account of us."
Derpy chuckled. "Oh, I'm up early all the time because of my work, so this is no bother at all. You have a good day too!" the pegasus cried out as she flew away, waving as she left.
Dewdrop waved back, then closed the door behind her as she headed inside. She opened the delivered message, but before she could start reading it she was interrupted by a groggy voice from above asking, "Who the hay was that at this early hour?"
The unicorn turned and smiled at her sleepy roommate, who was standing at the top of the stairs that led to their bedroom. "Eight o'clock isn't that early, Feather Down. And that was Derpy, dropping off an important piece of mail for us. I'm guessing it's from Luna, since she said it came from Canterlot. Come on down and I'll read it to you," Dewdrop said, waiting patiently until Feather Down made her way down the stairs to stand across from her.
"Let's see," Dewdrop said as she quickly scanned the parchment floating in front of her. "Feather Down and Dewdrop, you are both cordially invited to a moon viewing party to be held tomorrow at sunset. Since I have continued to pay the rent on where I lived when I was disguised as Moonbeam, I figured we could hold it there, which would make it the perfect place to try to make up for how the first one I hosted ended. Of course, since I will have to take some time to set things up, this will mean that your weekly trip to visit me in Canterlot will be cancelled. I apologize for that, but we would have been very restricted in what we could have done with all of the preparations going on for the Grand Galloping Gala anyway. I look forward to seeing you tomorrow! Your friend, Luna."
Feather Down rubbed the sleep from her eyes with a hoof. "Aw, I was kind of hoping it was going to be a last second invitation to the Grand Galloping Gala, but this should be fun too. How long has it been since the first moon viewing party? About a month?"
Dewdrop nodded slowly, her eyes looking upward in thought. "That sounds about right. Maybe a week off one way or the other, I couldn't tell you exactly without looking at a calender."
"That's okay, there's no need for that. I was just thinking that the moon should be close to full again at least. Doesn't it take around a month for it to go through its phases?"
"I have no clue, hun," the orange unicorn replied. "To be honest, I forgot a lot of what she told us during the last moon viewing party once we got to looking through the telescope. It was all so fascinating! And, of course, anything I might have held onto after that was lost with what happened at the end, and our subsequent journey into the Everfree Forest. That was more excitement than I like, let me tell you," she said, shivering a little at the memory of it.
"Ah, don't worry Dewdrop," Feather Down said, "we won't see a repeat of what happened last time. I mean, it would be impossible for us to have an exact repeat, right?" Seeing her friend nod slowly in agreement, Feather Down smiled and turned to head back upstairs. "We're just going to be spending the night looking up at the moon with a princess! What could go wrong?" Feather Down froze, and then drooped her head. "I just jinxed us, didn't I?"
Dewdrop chuckled. "Oh, I'm sure we'll be okay. Although I do appreciate being able to blame you if things go wrong."
Feather Down blew Dewdrop a raspberry, and trotted back up to her bed as Dewdrop laughed from below.
Placing one hoof in front of the other, Nightmare Moon continued her steady pace. Having no need to stop to eat or sleep, she had covered an amazing amount of ground. She was now on the far side of the moon from Equestria, the world below having passed from her view some time ago. She tried to remember when that had happened; had it been yesterday, or the day before? She had been so focused with honing in on where the energy she was feeling was emanating from that she had lost track of time.
Now she found herself stopping at the top of a ridge, looking down on a plain covered with rocks made of basalt, and she quickly realized where she was; the eastern 'sea' of the moon, or as it was called by the astronomers of old, Mare Orientale. It had been formed when, presumably, an asteroid had crashed into the moon long ago in the past, leaving behind a startling series of concentric circles where it had impacted. The sages of old had been drawn to it for its unique look, as well as for the fact that it wasn't always visible from below, due to the moon's want to rotate slightly on its axis when it was being raised and lowered.
While the ponies of the past had been pulled to it for aesthetic reasons, Nightmare Moon found herself pulled towards it because of a much different purpose. Curious as to whether or not the center of the Mare was indeed where the sensation she had been following was coming from, or if it was merely past it in a straight line past it from her, she decided to angle her path a little off to one side. If her goal was where she suspected it might be, she figured she would start to notice a change in what she was detecting after a few hours of steady travel. Pleased that she had something of interest to keep her occupied during her imprisonment, she resumed her steady pace down one of the gradual parts of the ridge she was currently standing upon.
Exhausted after a busy morning, Pine Needle had stopped for lunch at one of the many diners near the market of Ponyville. He was pleased that he had been able to order a small bowl of nuts for Acorn, who was happily and peacefully chowing down on them. The squirrel, his new pet, had been the reason for his shopping expedition. After a long talk about the joys and responsibilities of owning a pet (as well as a stern lecture directed at both of them about the less than friendly attitude they had shown towards each other in her presence), Fluttershy had then gone on at length about what Acorn would need in order to be comfortable and content as his pet.
Still feeling bad about how he had treated his friend earlier, Haystack had given him some bits to help cover the costs of buying food and other essentials for Acorn. The hardest part had been trying to communicate with the squirrel what he wanted to get for him. Through the use of excessive pantomime, the two of them had finally been able to work some things out, only to realize that it was then so late in the day that most of the stores they would want to visit would be closed. So, the two of them had gone to sleep, with Acorn spending the night curled up in some old sheet of Pine Needle's.
He had just finished breakfast when Derpy stopped by to deliver an invitation for Luna's moon viewing party. Thanking the cross-eyed mail pony for her efforts, he placed the invitation safely on a shelf and got through to Acorn that they would be heading out to go shopping for him. Pine Needle found that Acorn enjoyed riding on top of his head, the lower half of the squirrel hidden from view by his mane.
Shopping was an interesting experience. He ended up attracting a small crowd of fillies and colts who, having no school that day, followed him around to watch him act things out to the squirrel, who would then carefully consider his options before selecting something. He had even overheard two ponies mention how cute he looked with Acorn perched in his mane, which had led to a brief stop as he floated through a daydream where Applejack complimented him on his taking in the squirrel as a pet. Acorn, for his part, had made himself useful by waking him up from his stupor with a couple of well placed stomps after he became bored of waiting for the pony underneath him to start moving again.
"Pine Needle!" Hearing his voice called out, the green earth pony looked about and spotted Feather Down walking towards his table. "You don't eat out all that often, what brings you... why do you have a squirrel eating with you?"
"Feather Down, mine friend! Sit, sit, have you had any lunch yet?" he asked as he quickly swallowed a mouthful of greens. "I have been out shopping all morning for mine new pet, Acorn," he said as he gestured at the bundle of wrapped goods next to him and at the squirrel. For his part, noticing that Pine Needle was talking to someone else, Acorn looked up from his meal to examine the pink pony that was sitting down at the table across from him.
"A pet? That's new. What made you decide to get one? Oh! I bet this has something to do with your pine trees and that earth pony magic you keep on talking about, right?"
Pine Needle sighed. "As I keep on having to tell everypony, that isn't how earth pony magic works. But, you are correct on mine pine trees having something to do with it." He stopped for a moment as a waitress came over to take Feather Down's order, and he then proceeded to give his friend a quick recap of what had happened yesterday and that morning. By the time he had finished, Feather Down's meal had been brought over, and the conversation paused as they all focused on their meals for a few minutes.
"So," Feather Down asked after finishing off half of her dandelion sandwich, "are you going to bring him with you to the moon viewing party?"
"If he's up for it," the earth pony stallion replied. "Fluttershy said that squirrels usually go to bed once it gets dark, to help them avoid all of the predators that are out and about during the night time. I'd like to, to be honest, just so we can get used to each other some more."
"It'll be a good chance for you to show him to Dewdrop and Luna too. Hmm, is he going to come with us on our trips to Canterlot?"
"I honestly don't know yet. That will be something I'd like to talk to Luna about tomorrow. In a way, it's a blessing that she's coming to Ponyville tomorrow instead of us going to visit her in the capital."
"I guess so," Feather Down said reluctantly.
"What's wrong?" Pine Needle asked, sensing his friend's discomfort.
With a sigh, Feather Down said, "Oh, I'm just being silly, that's all. I had such a great time at the charity dinner we went to last time we were in Canterlot, and a small part of me was hoping we'd get to go to the Grand Galloping Gala. I know I'm being greedy, but still... it's the Grand Galloping Gala!"
Pine Needle blinked a couple of times before asking, "And this Gala, it is something, um, grand?"
Feather Down shook her head in dismay. "I really should know better than to discuss high society with farmer stallions," she said with a sigh. "Yes, for simplicity's sake, it is very grand. It is the biggest social event of the whole year, and everypony who is somepony will be there."
"Except for Luna, apparently," commented Pine Needle.
Feather Down paused, and a serious look covered her face. "Now that you mention it, that is kind of odd, isn't it? I wonder why she's coming to Ponyville to spend the night with us instead of going to the Gala? You would think that with her trying as hard as she is to fit back in that it would be the perfect event to help her out."
Pine Needle shrugged. "I don't know. You should ask Haystack about it, he seems to be spending a lot of time wondering about the princesses lately, although more about Celestia now that I think about it. It sounds like a lot of the other things he's heard or talked about recently."
"Hmm. Actually, I think I will. That's a good idea, Pine Needle. Thank you. Do you know if he'll be at his farm today?"
"As far as I know he should be," he answered. "At least, he didn't mention to me that he was going to be doing anything out of the ordinary yesterday."
"Of course. It isn't like he comes into town that often anyway," she replied with a chuckle. Feather Down then proceeded to quickly devour the rest of her sandwich, slapping some bits onto the table to pay for it as she got back to her hooves. "Well, I'll be heading off to Haystack's farm then. If you'll excuse me?" Upon receiving an acknowledging nod from the stallion she headed out, accelerating quickly to a gallop and was soon out of sight.
Acorn looked at Pine Needle and made some questioning chatter sounds while waving his arms. Pine Needle simply shrugged expressively in return, which garnered a disdainful sound from the squirrel. It wasn't until later, on their way home, that Pine Needle realized that he and Acorn had come their closest yet to actually understanding each other. All it had taken was the one thing that had befuddled males of all species since the beginning of time: Just why were females so confusing?
Luna woke up early on Sunday, having spent Saturday planning for her moon viewing party, eager for the events of the day ahead. She had worried that it might be difficult to get some of the things that she had needed, due to all of the preparatory work going on in decorating the castle for the Gala, but it had turned out to be the opposite. With the chefs making snacks for hundreds of ponies, getting them to give up one tray for a small group of five had been easy. Finding a pair of guards willing to pull a chariot for her and her supplies had been a surprise too; it turned out quite a few members of the guard didn't like having to take care of all the minor hassles that so many ponies together inevitably caused, and she had been forced to wait until one of the commanders had come by to help her decide who would get to spend the evening as her personal help.
There was one last task that still had to be completed, the transferring of the duty to raise and lower the moon. While there wasn't any need for a specific spell to be able to influence the celestial objects, the ponies of long ago had developed enchantments that made the task much easier, and the passing of these magics from one pony to another had been a vital piece that had helped create the monarchy that currently ruled Equestria. She had wanted to make tonight be the first night that she performed the duty herself, and so had told Celestia to keep it until today. With a spring to her step that she rarely exhibited, she made her way to the dining hall, hoping her sister would already be there. Opening the door with a quick spell, she smiled widely at the sight of her sister patiently waiting for her.
"My, my, somepony sure looks happy," Celestia said with a grin. "We both have big things waiting for us today, are you ready?"
"You bet!" Luna said as she took her seat. The servers brought out their meal, a platter with a variety of fruit slices on it, and the two sisters broke their fast.
"So," Celestia said after a few quiet minutes of eating, "do you need any help with anything for tonight? Did you have any problems?"
Luna shook her head. "No problems at all. Right after lunch I'll go get the guards, and they'll help me get everything loaded into the chariot. The hardest part is going to be waiting that long, to be honest. Is there anything I could help you with while I wait?"
Her sister shook her head while smiling. "Thank you Luna, but no. I will be spending most of the day simply waiting and keeping out of the decorators way. Unless some sort of emergency comes up, I'll probably use the morning and the afternoon to get caught up on my reading. Speaking of which, how are your studies coming along?"
"Oh my goodness!" Luna said while blushing in embarrassment. "I've been so busy this week, what with the assembly and now tonight, I don't think I've even looked at my history books, let alone done any reading."
"Well then, why don't you join me in my quarters?" Celestia asked. "That way you can ask me any questions that might come up, we'll be out of way of the decorators, and we can take care of the transfer while we're there too. To be honest, I think it would be best if it was done in private."
Luna paused, her magic holding a slice of pear in the air in front of her. "Not that I wanted to make a big scene of the transfer, but why would you prefer it be done in private? Are you afraid that something might go wrong?" she asked, her voice tinged with worry.
"No, not at all," her sister hastily replied. "I'm just a bit... nervous about it, that's all. After all, I've never had to give somepony else the enchantments before, and while it should be easy, I'd rather spare us both some embarrassment if I happen to mess it up somehow. Still, to be on the safe side, make sure you eat a full breakfast. My biggest worry is that raising the moon for the first time in a thousand years may be particularly draining. I don't want you passing out from the exertion in front of your friends."
With a nod, Luna ate everything on the plate in front of her. With a barely visible nod, Celestia let the servers know that they were finished. After the table had been cleared, and compliments to the chefs and the servers had been given, the sisters headed to Celestia's quarters with a brief stop at the library to pick up Luna's books and say a quick hello to the Mrs. Hardback. Luna had to fight the urge to gallop on ahead; finally, after so long, she would soon be an actual part of how things worked in Equestria again.
After what seemed like an eternity of walking down long hallways, they finally reached Celestia's rooms. Once inside, Celestia shook her head and laughed at the eager and excited look in Luna's eyes. "You know," she told her younger sister with a grin, "if some of those grumpy ponies from the Assembly saw you right now, they would think that all of their crackpot conspiracies were correct." Seeing Luna roll her eyes, Celestia chuckled and said, "Okay, hold still for a minute, if you can, and I'll get this done so you'll be able to actually concentrate on what you're reading."
Luna stood perfectly still and closed her eyes. Celestia's horn glowed white, and then both of the sisters were covered with a bright, almost blinding aura of magical light that Luna could see through her eyelids. After a few seconds, she felt a slight tingle throughout her body, starting at the top of her horn and quickly spreading throughout her entire body. Soon, every part of her felt different, from the tips of her wings to the bottom of her hooves. Finally, with one last pulse the light flared and slowly disappeared, and the tingly sensation faded away.
Keeping her eyes closed Luna activated her magic, and she felt inside of her the enchantments that had been developed long ago in Equestria's past to assist the royal alicorns in their duty of raising and lowering the celestial bodies. She smiled as she explored it with her magical senses, getting reacquainted with it. After a minute or so, she opened her eyes to see her sister studying her closely, a puzzled look on the elder alicorn's face. "You did it, Celestia!" she said happily, only to fall silent as her sister seemed to ignore her by slowly walking around her, her puzzled look growing.
"Um, is something wrong?" Luna asked, suddenly growing very nervous. Her sister didn't answer, and simply continued her circuit around her. Feeling panic starting to turn her insides to jelly, she said, "You're starting to scare me, Celestia. What are you doing?"
Celestia shook her head, as if trying to clear it. "I'm sorry Luna. Nothing is wrong at all." She gave her younger sister a reassuring smile. "To be honest, I had a silly little theory, but it seems that I was incorrect. I'm actually a bit embarrassed by it now, looking back on it. Nothing to be concerned about at all."
"You're sure?" Luna asked, doubt still audible in her voice.
"Yes. One hundred percent. Please, don't worry about it at all."
Luna nodded slowly. "Okay, then, I won't." A smile grew on her face. "Thank you again." The two sisters nuzzled each other and then sat down to start on their reading.
Haystack landed from his glide onto the road outside the house that Luna had lived in as Moonbeam. It was still around an hour before sunset, but he had wanted to make sure that he had arrived early rather than late. Looking at the house, he saw that Luna had brought with her a much larger telescope than what she had used last time. Wondering just how well it would let him see the moon, he started up the path to the front door of the house, only to stop when an armored pegasus came outside and shot him an intimidating look. "Hello, sir. I have my invitation right here," he said to the stone faced guard as he produced the scroll that Luna had sent him from where he had tucked it underneath his wing. The guard looked it over, and then silently motioned for Haystack to enter the house.
Inside, he called out a greeting as he looked around the place. One wall was covered by a large map of the surface of the moon, and the table was covered with a enough snacks that Haystack briefly wondered just how many others Luna had invited. His thoughts were interrupted when Luna came down the stairs and greeted him with a friendly hug. "I'm so glad you could come for this!" she said excitedly.
Haystack chuckled. "Well, it isn't like I had anything else planned for today. I'm sorry if I'm too early."
"Oh no, not at all," Luna quickly reassured him. "If anything, I was hoping that you would all show up early, so we could at least get some of our usual talking in before the actual event begins. Speaking of which, how are-" Luna was cut off as the front door opened to reveal Dewdrop and Feather Down.
"Hello Luna!" Feather Down said as bounded over to hug the princess. "I've been waiting all day for this, let me tell you. Why, I think I've only been able to nap once or twice this afternoon because of my excitement!"
Dewdrop walked over to stand next to Haystack, and the two ponies exchanged smiles. "How had your day been, dear?" she asked the pegasus.
"Honestly, it's been kind of strange. I've gotten used to having Sunday's off from work because of our trips to Canterlot, so I found myself with nothing to do. I ended up just walking around my farm and letting my mind wander for most of the day," he admitted, rubbing the back of his neck with a hoof self consciously.
"You know," the orange unicorn replied with a chuckle, "you could have come into town, there's lots of things to do. Even if all you did was stop by our place and chat for a bit, I'm sure that would have been better than just tromping around that hill of yours all by yourself."
Haystack blushed a little. "You're right, of course. It's just that I'm still uncomfortable around large groups of ponies I don't know. Being social has never been easy for me." He looked around. "All we're missing is Pine Needle, want me to go grab him?"
"No need, he should be here any second," Dewdrop replied. "We passed by his place on the way, I guess he's trying to find out if Acorn wants to come along or not."
"Acorn?" Luna asked as she and Feather Down walked over to the other two ponies. "Who's that?"
"Pine Needle seems to have adopted a pet," Feather Down explained. "A squirrel. I'll let him explain it all when he gets here."
At that point the door swung open again, and Pine Needle entered with Acorn perched on top of his head. "Mine apologies for taking so long to get here everypony," he said. "I had wanted to be here sooner, but getting that across to Acorn was, as always, a challenge. Luna, may I please have the honor of introducing to you mine new pet, Acorn the squirrel."
Luna smiled at the green earth pony. "I find it very fitting that you have a pet that lives in the trees that you are named after. Well then, since we still have some time before sunset, let's use it to get caught up on everything that has happened." She motioned towards the snack laden table. "I made sure to bring more than enough, so please don't feel like you need to hold back."
The next hour was spent in conversation. Luna was evasive about what had happened during the week, and did her best to keep her friends talking. She was glad that, besides Haystack, none of the other ponies had had much of a chance to see Pine Needle's new pet, and so she was able to steer the conversation towards him rather easily. Finally, the sun disappeared behind the horizon, and Luna waited for a lull in the talking before getting their attention.
"My friends! It looks like it is just about time for the official start to this party, so let's all head up to the viewing area, okay?" Hearing them voice their approval, Luna led them up the stairs and out onto the porch, where a telescope that was taller than the dark hued alicorn stood. Luna's friends all stood and gawked in amazement at the size and complexity that the knobs and dials hinted at.
"My goodness!" Dewdrop exclaimed. "This thing is bigger than the one Twilight Sparkle has at the library! It couldn't have been easy to bring over here."
Luna grinned at her friend. "Well, I did have the help of the guards," she said while pointing at the two armored pegasi who were slowly circling the area, keeping a watch out for anything out of the ordinary. "And, of course, I have my magic, something I didn't have for the last party. Let me tell you, I am so glad to be able to adjust this telescope with spells instead of teeth."
Feather Down stared at the horizon. "Pardon me for saying so, Luna, but I think your sister is slacking off. Shouldn't the moon have started to rise right after the sun set?"
'Well..." Luna drawled, her grin turning into a giant smile. "About that? One second, let me get the guards down here, this is important." Her horn aglow, she looked up at the flying guards and projected in a voice much louder than normal, "Sun Ray! Iron Pinion! Please come here!"
After the two pegasus had landed, she said, "Everypony! I am pleased to announce that you about to witness something that has not happened for over a millennium! Tonight, I shall renew my duty to raise and lower the moon in our night sky!" Seeing her friend's mouths drop open with astonishment, she added, "I'll admit, I'm a bit nervous, not to mention out of practice, so please forgive me if things don't go as smoothly as they usually do. While I'm sure that eventually I'll be able to do this as easily and effortlessly as Celestia does, I will be going through some extra motions tonight that will assist me in getting this done correctly the first time."
Slowly flapping her wings, Luna rose from the deck. Closing her eyes, her horn started to glow brightly, and soon she was enveloped by a silver aura bright enough to cast shadows. The pace of the beating of her wings quickened, and beads of sweat started to form on her brow. In response, another glow formed on the horizon, and the moon started to reveal itself. Straining, as if she was trying to fly against a strong head wind, Luna continued to climb slowly in the sky, and the moon in turn ascended with her. Finally, around half a minute after she had started, she opened her eyes and her horn dimmed. Turning, she shouted in triumph as she saw that she had successfully raised the moon high into the night sky.
Her friends and the guards all cheered and stomped their hooves in applause as Luna landed back on the porch. She felt exhausted, and was glad she had taken her sister's advice from earlier, yet she didn't have any fears about falling over from fatigue. The joy that was welling up inside of her felt like it was about to lift her back into the night sky. "Thank you! And now that that's done with, let's get on with the actual party itself!"
It had taken several hours before she felt safe in believing her hunch to be correct, but once she was certain that what she was feeling was coming from the center of Mare Orientale, Nightmare Moon quicken her pace. The only thing keeping her from breaking out into a full gallop was the unevenness of the rocky, scree covered terrain and the possibility of twisting a leg after an ill placed step. While she felt somewhat confident that she could either heal herself, or at the least make her recovery faster than what it would normally take, she didn't feel inclined to put her theories to the test if she didn't have to.
A while later-- maybe a day, maybe two, she wasn't entirely certain-- she came to a stop at the edge of the center impact ring. In front of her, the ground was as smooth as glass, and seemed to act as a mirror for the star filled sky above. The faint tug she had initially felt had now grown to become an almost insistent pull. Suddenly wary of a trap, Nightmare Moon stepped ahead cautiously while trying to discern if she was being manipulated in any fashion. She didn't think she felt anything subversive in what she had been following, but she wanted to make sure. While she wouldn't mind using what laid ahead in whatever manner she could, she would never allow herself to be used by another.
On an impulse, she turned from the center of the Mare and ran away as fast as she could while still keeping her focus on what she was experiencing. Five minutes passed, and then ten, and she was back onto the scree covered terrain, and still she kept galloping. After half an hour all told, she finally came to a stop. Not once had she felt even the slightest change in how she felt what she had been following, just the intensity of it based on how close to it she had been. Satisfied that she wasn't being influenced in any way, she once again turned around, and headed back towards the center of the Mare.
A couple of hours later, she found herself at the very center of the impact site. In front of her was a hole that opened into a large cavern beneath her. Flapping her wings, Nightmare Moon floated downward, illuminating the depths around her with a light spell centered on her horn. Below her, around forty to fifty feet down, was the core of the meteor that had created Mare Orientale long, long ago. Landing next to it, she could tell that what she was feeling was coming from the ancient rock from far away. It resonated with her in a way that she didn't think would have been possible if she had still been a part of Luna. Slowly, she circled it, trying to figure out not only why it was doing so, but if and how she could utilize this power for herself.
"...and with that, I think we had best call this a night," Luna said to a series of groans from her friends. "I know, I'd stay up all night doing this if I could, but it wouldn't be fair to the guards who volunteered to help me out tonight. Also, I want to get some rest before I have to lower the moon before dawn, especially with how much raising it took out of me."
"I have to get up for work in the morning too, hun," Dewdrop said. "While I'd like to be able to simply call in and ask for the day off, I have to admit that the hour is starting to get to me regardless of how much fun looking up at the moon is."
Feather Down opened the door that led back inside and led the way towards the stairs. "Thank you very much, Luna!" she said. "I'll admit, when we first got the invitations, I was hoping that they were for the Grand Galloping Gala. But after what I saw tonight? I had so much fun, I'll take this over a ball any day!"
"I had a good time too," Luna said as she entered the house. "You know, I was a bit envious about not getting to go to the Gala myself. Although, with what Celestia was hinting might happen tonight, I think this was the better place to be myself."
Haystack froze in his tracks, so suddenly that Dewdrop, who was following him, couldn't stop herself from bumping into him from behind. "Oh my goodness," he said, "that's it."
"What's it?" Luna asked, her head turned around to see what had caused the collision behind her.
"I, I think I know why Celestia has been acting the way she has been. Why she's been doing all these strange things, pulling all those kind of but not really pranks. I think," he hastily added, looking very uneasy.
"Well, don't just stand there, tell us," Dewdrop said. "You've been working on this for quite a while now, I'd like to hear what you've come up with. I gave it some thought myself after you brought it up at the dinner at Celestia's school, and I couldn't come up with anything myself."
Luna stepped up to the pegasus, with a curious look on her face. "I've been wondering about this some too, to be honest. Please, even if you aren't one hundred percent sure, at least tell me what your theory is."
"Well," Haystack said, looking at the floor, "it came to me when you mentioned being envious. I think your sister might be envious of you." Looking up, and not seeing anypony stopping him, he added, "You got to come here tonight and spend the evening with friends, having fun-"
A gasp from Luna cut him off. "And she's mentioned to me how boring and predictable the Gala is to me several times. She doesn't have fun at it at all."
"I don't think she's being malicious about it at all," Haystack hastily added. "It's just that she sees you getting to have fun on a weekly basis, and getting together with a close group of friends, but who can the thousand year old ruler of a country even get close to? I mean... She isn't doing these things to be mean, to you or anypony else, but..." He paused and growled in frustration. "I just can't find the exact words to say what I'm thinking!"
Luna put a comforting hoof on his shoulder. "You don't have to, Haystack. I know exactly what you mean." She sighed, and closed her eyes to keep her friends from seeing the tears that were threatening to burst forth. "I even left her alone to go on an adventure and make some friends, while she was stuck back in Canterlot, forced to do the same old things that she always has." Rubbing her eyes with a hoof, she took in a deep breath to calm herself. "I should have thought of this on my own, and yet, I also asked her to tell me if there was anything that she wasn't happy about. I'm a little upset that she didn't."
"How could she, without it turning into a guilt trip?" Dewdrop asked. "I think she knows that you didn't do what you did to make her jealous, or to hurt her, so why bring it up if all it would do is strain things between the two of you?"
Luna nodded slowly. "You're right. Or, at least, you were right. However, I think that I can listen to what she has to say now without it doing that. If nothing else, she deserves the chance to open up to somepony, and that needs to be me." Turning to the guards, she said, "Could you two please see that the telescope gets brought back to Canterlot? I'm going to head back now alone, and I want to get back as soon as I can." Seeing them nod, she turned back to her friends. "Thank you, all of you. I'm sorry to leave so abruptly, but..." Seeing them all smile at her, she rushed back out onto the deck and took to the sky, determined to fly back to Canterlot as fast as she could.
Luna looked around her, stunned by the mess she saw. Instead of the Grand Galloping Gala still going on, the main ball room was empty and in shambles, with decorations broken and dirt trampled everywhere. Seeing an earth pony holding a broom in his mouth, looking resigned to a long night of cleaning up, she trotted over to him. "What happened?" she asked. "It looks like the weather teams set a tornado loose in here!"
"It was chaos, your Highness," the pony said after bowing and leaving the broom at his hooves so he could speak clearly. "There seemed to be some confusion as to what the band was supposed to be playing, and then a cake went flying, and then the statue fell, and then the pillars..." He trailed off, shaking his head at the thought of it all. "I was watching from over there, just inside the kitchen, ready to step in in case somepony spilled something, but I wasn't expecting something like that to happen."
"That sounds crazy," Luna admitted. "But I wouldn't have thought that even something like that would have brought the premier event of the year to a stop."
"Ah, but I haven't gotten to the worst of it yet, your Highness. After all of that, Princess Celestia came running in to see what was happening. That's when the door leading to the gardens burst open, and all the animals came stampeding in. Everypony was afraid that they might get trampled, or that their outfits would get ruined, and they all ran off. I saw Princess Celestia motion to some of them to go past her, and then after making sure nopony else followed them, closed the door and directed the rest of the guests out the other exits."
"I don't suppose you know which way my sister left after that?" Luna asked hopefully.
The earth pony nodded. "She went out the same door she let those other ponies leave by," he said, pointing to the door that Luna had entered through."
"Thank you very much, good sir. You've been an invaluable help to me tonight. If you'll pardon me, I have to be on my way." She quickly turned and headed back out of the ball room, and did her best to ask the guards and staff along the way if they had seen which direction her sister had headed. Slowly but surely, she made her way through the castle, finally meeting a guard at a side entrance who was able to tell her that Celestia had flown towards town, and looked to have landed in the educational district. Luna took flight, wondering where her sister might have gone so late in the evening.
From above, she could see that very few buildings were actually open. The cityscape below her was dominated by houses with darkened windows and closed doors. One building stood out though, the light spilling from it's confines acting as a beacon. Landing a short distance away, Luna peered around the corner of another building to see what had caught her eye. Before her stood a donut shop, with a sign reading 'Open 24 hours!' Luna supposed that the students in the area needed someplace to do their late night studying, and was about to take off when she saw a pastel colored mane through one of the windows.
'Only my sister had a mane like that,' she thought, and started to head forward to confront her when she saw that Celestia was not alone. Although they were dressed up in amazing outfits, she still recognized Twilight, Spike, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and the other Elements of Harmony together. Luna paused, and retreated back again, keeping just enough of her head showing so that she could see what was happening. What she saw reminded Luna of the time she spent with her friends every week. Celestia was smiling and laughing, sharing stories with the other ponies. The store's employee brought over another plate of donuts, and soon they were all snacking and conversing.
Backing away, Luna took flight and headed back to the palace. She still planned on confronting her sister, but at least she now had a better idea of why Celestia went to such lengths. If this was how far she had to go in order to have a night out with her friends, Luna wasn't about to ruin it by barging in unexpectedly and causing a scene. Now, she realized, the challenge was to figure out how to bring it up to Celestia, and what she could do help her sister out. For now, she thought, she would do what she could by helping with the clean up. It might not be much, but at least it was a start. |
Phases of the Moon | Part 3: Half -- Chapter 1 | Dewdrop looked at the clock on the wall behind her. It read three in the afternoon, which meant she still had another hour of trying to keep busy at the Ponyville Inn before her shift was done. Having already done all of her tasks twice, she was out of ideas to help kill time and found herself simply standing behind the the front desk, patiently waiting to greet anypony who might stop by.
Not that she expected any guests though. The weather pegasi had dropped a half a foot of snow across the area during the past few days, making the season officially winter. And while that didn't mean that nopony was out and about, the number of vacationers was drastically down, as the near empty inn proved. While she didn't mind a lighter work load, she would rather have something to do to help pass the time than just stare at the clock.
Her reverie was broken by the sound of a bell chiming, announcing that somepony had come through the inn's front door. Quickly turning around, Dewdrop gave a warm smile to the young mare that had just entered. She was a yellow earth pony, with a dark green mane that held its fluffy shape even in the cold weather. On her back was a sturdy looking set of saddlebags, and a white scarf was wrapped around her neck.
"Welcome to the Ponyville Inn!" Dewdrop said, motioning the newcomer forward with a wave of a hoof. "How can I help you?"
The young mare smiled in return and walked up to the front desk. "Hello! I am here looking for a room for the night. Mine journey has been a long one, and so mine hooves are a bit sore, but I am glad to have finally made it to Ponyville," she said in a very thick accent while stretching out the syllables in her words.
Dewdrop's eyes grew wide. "I apologize if it is rude of me to ask, but are you from Stalliongrad?"
"Yes!" the mare replied, her smile growing. "Very well done, not many ponies this far south recognize mine manner of speaking. If you don't mind me asking, how did you know?"
"Hearing you speak as you did was deja vu for me. Several years ago, a young stallion came here and said almost the exact same thing you did, in the same accent too. He's become one of my best friends since then," Dewdrop explained.
"I am here looking for somepony who would have arrived here around that long ago!" the mare said excitedly. "Tell me, is your friend's name Pine Needle?"
"Yes, as a matter of fact it is," Dewdrop replied, stunned by the turn of events.
"Ah, thank goodness!" the mare exclaimed, her accent becoming even more pronounced in her excitement. "Please, you must help me find him. I am his sister, Pine Bough, and I have not seen mine brother for a long time. I have some important news to tell him, and time is of the essence. Anything you could do to help me would be greatly appreciated."
"Of course! Let me go talk to my manager. I still have another hour or so left to my shift, but with how slow things have been today, I'm sure I can get off early. I'll gladly guide you myself. One moment, please." Dewdrop walked to the door to the manager's office and gently knocked. Hearing him call out for her to enter, Dewdrop opened the door and stepped inside.
"What's up?" her manager asked, glancing up from the magazine he was looking through.
"A relative for one of my friends just showed up unexpectedly. It's been really slow, and I have all of my cleaning done, do you mind if I leave a little early to show her the way?"
"I don't know, I'm awfully busy just sitting here, paging through this month old thing," he replied with a twinkle in his eye. "Of course you can. I'll be right on out to watch the desk until Sundown shows up."
"Thank you very much, sir!" Seeing her manager wave her out, Dewdrop returned to the front desk. "I got the go ahead, Pine Bough, so whenever you're ready to go, we can start making our way to Pine Needle's house."
"I am as ready as I can be, um..."
Dewdrop lightly bopped her forehead with her hoof. "I forgot to introduce myself again, didn't I? My name is Dewdrop." She held the door outside open for Pine Bough, followed her through and fell into place beside her as they walked away from the inn. "I hope you don't mind, but I'd like to stop by my place first. It isn't too far out of the way, and I'd like to drop off my apron. Besides, I think my roommate would be very interested to meet you."
The two mares trudged through the snow, with Dewdrop pointing out various places to Pine Bough and greeting other ponies they passed on the way. After a few minutes of walking, Dewdrop came to a stop. "Here's where me and Feather Down live. Would you do me a favor, and when my roommate comes down, just say hello and tell her your name?"
The yellow earth pony nodded slowly. "I can do that, but I am wondering why?"
Dewdrop grinned. "It's been a while since I've been able to surprise her. I think her reaction should be interesting, if not fun, to watch." Casting a quick spell, she opened the door and called out, "Feather Down! I'm home, and I've brought a guest!"
"Welcome back, Dewdrop!" a voice answered from upstairs. The sound of hooves on stairs soon followed, and Feather Down soon joined the other two mares in the main room below. "Hey there! My name is Feather Down, nice to meet you."
"Hello, mine name is Pine Bough, and it is nice to meet you too."
Feather Down's eyes went wide in shock, then quickly narrowed into a very focused look. "Oh. My." Turning to face Dewdrop, she asked, "Is she...?"
Dewdrop nodded. "His sister. We're heading over to his house as soon as I drop off my apron."
"Right, I'll go grab Haystack then. We'll meet you there!" With that, Feather Down charged out the still open front door at full speed, leaving a plume of churned up snow in her wake as she sped away at a full gallop.
Pine Bough blinked in surprise. "That was very... unexpected."
"Heh, sorry about that, I'll explain things to you, just let me run this upstairs real quick." Dewdrop trotted up the stairs and returned a few moments later, the apron discarded and her neck now covered by a red and white striped scarf. Leading the way back out of the house, she closed the door with a quick burst of telekinesis and starting walking down the road side by side with Pine Bough.
"A couple of weeks ago, we were at a dinner in Canterlot with one of our friends, and Pine Needle sat next to somepony that, after recognizing his accent and name, asked if he was related to Stalliongrad's mayor," she explained as they walked through Ponyville. "That piqued Feather Down's interest, because she realized that Pine Needle simply never brought up anything about his past to us besides the barest minimum. I guess she got him alone and tried to dig some more stuff out, but came away empty hoofed. Now that you're here, it looks like we'll finally be able to learn some more about him."
Pine Bough frowned. "He never once mentioned me, or the rest of our family, or why he left?"
"Hun, he barely mentioned the fact that he was originally from Stalliongrad. About the only time I can remember him mentioning it would be in passing while trying to explain something about his earth pony magic. I always assumed he left Stalliongrad because of the weather, although now you have me wondering just what that reason was." Seeing Pine Bough about to answer, she raised a hoof to stop her. "Wait. Haystack and Feather Down are going to want to know too. I can wait a few minutes easily enough to save you the trouble of repeating yourself."
After rounding a corner, Dewdrop pointed ahead of them. "See those pine trees? Guess who lives there," she said with a grin.
Pine Bough started to pick up her pace when a voice from above called down, "Over here, Feather Down!" The young earth pony mare came to a stop as a brown pegasus landed on the other side of Dewdrop from her. A few seconds later, a sprinting Feather Down came to stand next to her, and without word, the four ponies all started walking forward as one.
Around half a block from Pine Needle's house, Pine Bough came to a stop. She watched as Pine Needle stood next to one of his trees with a basket at this feet. He made wide, sweeping gestures with a hoof towards the basket, and a second later a pine cone flew down from the branches... to hit him squarely on top of his head. Quickly picking up the erroneously thrown cone with his teeth and dropping it into the basket, he shouted something upward while pointing at the basket again. The amused chattering of a squirrel could be heard from above and another pine cone was dropped, this time into the basket.
With a wide smile on her face, Pine Bough trotted ahead, and when she was just a house away shouted, "Pine Needle! Brother!"
Pine Needle whirled around, shock plain on his face. So stunned by what he saw, he didn't even register the pine cone that flew down and bounced off the top of his snout. Surprised by the lack of a response, Acorn scampered down a branch to see what was happening.
Pine Bough ran up and embraced her brother in a giant hug. Pine Needle's friends stopped at the edge of the front lawn, giving the two siblings their space in what was turning into a very heartwarming moment as Pine Needle returned the hug and lifted his sister off the ground to spin her around. "It, it is you!" he exclaimed as he put her down, still having trouble processing what was happening. "You've grown so much since I last saw you? How long ago was it?"
"Almost three years, mine brother," she replied, her accent showing up in full force in her joy of the moment. "You missed me getting mine cutie mark too, see?" she pointed at her flank.
Pine Needle bent his head to get a closer look at it, a trio of small pine trees. "I, I'm so proud of--"
THWACK!!
Pine Needle was sent tumbling to the ground as Pine Bough used his diverted attention, and convenient placing, to buck him squarely on the cheek. Pine Needle's friends all stared in shock, mouths open wide in disbelief, at the sudden turn of events. Pine Bough walked over to stand above her brother with tears starting to trail down her cheeks. "That's for leaving like you did! You didn't tell anypony, you didn't leave a note, NOTHING! I was so afraid that something terrible had happened to you, and mother and father were in such a panic..." She broke down into sobs, unable to say anything else as the memories of the past overwhelmed her.
Pine Needle slowly stood up and, without saying a word pulled her in and silently comforted her. Haystack led the others forward and, pointing to the house, said, "Maybe we should take this inside? That way we can have some privacy, and we can all find out just what the hay is going on." Seeing the two siblings nod, they all entered the domicile, Acorn quickly scampering after them all, not wanting to be left outside by himself.
Having finished her studies for the day, and with some time remaining before dinner was served, Luna walked the halls of Canterlot Castle lost in thought. Looking back on the night of the Gala, she realized how lucky she had been that she hadn't confronted her sister about what she had discovered. While she felt she had a point to make, she had quickly realized that she didn't know how to convey her thoughts appropriately.
Pausing in front of one of the many detailed stained glass windows that were prominent throughout the building, she pondered what to do. It still made her upset that Celestia hadn't told her about being jealous of her and the time she got to spend regularly with her friends. However, her anger had long since shifted from her sister to herself for not picking up the signs on her own. All the clues that had been dropped around her, and the subtle hints discretely placed, looking back they all seemed so obvious.
She shook her head in frustration; she needed to stop beating herself up over what had happened, and think about how to make the future better. She had come up with several ideas during the past few days, and had quickly discarded each of them in turn for obvious defects. Now she was down to only two real options left that she could think of. The first was to follow in her sister's tracks and do as she did; leave clues for her in the same fashion that Celestia had done for her, hoping that her sister was able to see them and figure out her intentions. The other was to simply grasp the bit firmly between her teeth and bring it up bluntly.
Part of her really wanted to try the first path, if only to see how well she could do in emulating her sister and her methods. She had a suspicion that it might be just what Celestia wanted, a private game between the two of them, as they tried to carry out a conversation that was communicated not through words or personal actions, but through events and unvoiced hints. Even if she failed, Luna suspected that her sister would still be happy for the effort that she had put into it.
The problem was it went against her nature so strongly that Luna couldn't see any result but failure. The last couple of evenings, while waiting to carry out her duties in raising the moon, she had tried to create some schemes that she could put in motion. And while she had come up with a couple of basic ideas, she knew that she still lacked the connections and resources to pull them off effectively.
Hearing the bells announce that dinner time had arrived, she took a deep breath and made her way towards the royal dining room. Upon entering, she found that she had arrived first, so she quickly gathered up all of the servers. "I'm sorry to ask this of you, but after you bring us our meals, would you all please leave the room? I have something that I want to discuss in private with my sister." Seeing them nod, she thanked them and then took her seat.
A short while later, Celestia arrived, looking worn out. "How was your day?" Luna asked as her sister took her seat at the table.
"Oh, the same as it usually is during the start of every winter Luna," the white alicorn replied. "Having to deal with the inevitable hiccups in the distribution of the snow, the usual increase in ponies needing help to deal with the weather, and of course there are always some nobles trying to find a way to turn things to their profit or advantage." She sighed and gave Luna a weary smile. "But you don't want to hear me complain about that, I'm sure," she said as the servers placed a large bowl of salad onto the table. "Tell me, how was your day?"
Instead of answering, Luna nodded to the servers, who with a quick bow left the room. Seeing Celestia raise an eyebrow inquisitively, Luna looked her in the eyes and said, "Actually, yes, I do want to hear you complain. Be it about the nobles, the state of Equestria, or..." she paused, taking one last brief moment to prepare herself before committing herself to her course of action. "Or especially if it is about me, and how inconsiderate I have been to you."
Celestia paused, a bite of leafy greens halfway to her mouth, and eyed her sister questioningly. "What are you talking about, Luna?" she asked, confusion evident in her voice.
"Sister, I have been a foal, and I apologize," Luna replied. "Every week, I get to spend a day with my friends. I get to escape the day to day grind of being a princess, even if my duties pale in comparison to yours. I can't imagine how that must make you feel, knowing how rare such chances for you are."
Celestia let her salad return to the plate in front of her. "Luna, please, there is nothing for you to apologize for. It isn't your fault that things are as they are."
"But it is!" she said forcefully. "If I hadn't been so blind to what you have to go through on a daily basis, if I hadn't run away in a desperate attempt to turn my life around." She paused, and lowered her gaze down to the table in front of her. "If I hadn't allowed myself to let my jealousy get the better of me all those years ago, and left you all alone for so long."
"Oh, Luna, you know I forgave you of that! Please don't tell me you're still beating yourself up over something that happened so long ago."
Luna shook her head slowly. "No, I'm not, or at least not directly. But the consequences are still making things harder for you even today. The fact that I can't help you in governing Equestria yet, that you have to bear that burden by yourself, instead of splitting it with me. Look at you right now, worn out, physically and mentally from having to do the same things, over and over again! You can't tell me that you're enjoying yourself, with how things are."
Celestia paused to gather her words, and replied, "No, no I'm not. But that's why I'm doing everything I can to help you, Luna. That's why I keep on pushing you in your studies, so that you can be able to help me out sooner, rather than later."
"I understand that, but I think that isn't enough," she said, feeling her confidence build. Celestia wasn't dismissing her outright. She was taking the conversation very seriously, which meant that she was hitting the nail on the head. "There has to be more than I can do than spending all day reading books! Have me sit in on your sessions, so that I can get a better understanding on how to handle petitioners. Or delegate some lesser tasks to me, anything to give you some more time for yourself!"
A small laugh escaped from Celestia's throat. "Oh, Luna, while I greatly appreciate your eagerness to help me out, I think you're overreacting to me being fatigued." Her horn glowed, and she once again started to lift a mouthful of salad with her magic.
"This isn't about today, and you being tired, sister," Luna said softly. "This is about last Sunday, and the Gala. About how you had to go to such lengths just to have a night with friends. Haystack had been thinking about all the things you've done lately, such as your trip to Ponyville with Philomena, and what you did the night of the charity dinner. He helped me realize how blind I've been, and so I raced back here, only to see the Gala was already over. I followed you, and I saw you at the donut shop with Twilight Sparkle and her friends. That you have to go so far out of your way to do what I do every week without any complications, I..." she trailed off, not certain what else to say.
"Well," Celestia said, "that wasn't the only reason why I set things up to happen as they did. Not that I knew they would go that way, but I had a good feeling that they might."
"But it was a reason, correct?" Luna asked.
"I... yes. And if I'm to be honest, it was the outcome I was hoping for the most."
"That's what I want to help you with, Celestia! You shouldn't have to do that to have a night off with friends. It isn't right! So please, tell me how I can change that for you. Let me know what it is that I have to do to help you, not down the line, but as soon as possible!"
Celestia sat silently in her seat, and Luna thought that she might be holding back tears. In a husky voice that confirmed her suspicions, Celestia said, "Okay. I honestly hadn't even thought about what I could do along those lines, but I promise you that I will tonight. And Luna? Thank you," she said with a smile. "Thank you so much. I'll be honest, even knowing that you didn't mean for it to hurt, that it was never your intention, it still did frustrate me. To hear you say this, to hear how you feel, I..." She swallowed, and then levitated a napkin up to blow her nose into. "Look at me, tearing up over this, how silly is that?"
Luna got up from her seat and trotted over to her sister and nuzzled her. "It isn't funny at all, Celestia," she said, fighting back tears of her own. "Not in the least." The two stood there, necks pressed against each other, for a couple of minutes as they let their love for each other do the talking.
Finally, Celestia cleared her throat, and slowly pulled back. "Very well then. I promise you that, starting on Monday, I'll have come up with some things for you. I'm not certain yet what they'll be, but I'll do my best to help you."
Luna smiled and nodded, and returned to her seat. "Don't hold back either. I understand that you might not be able to always find interesting or important things for me to tackle, but that's good. I think those have to be the worst for you, the boring, mundane things that haven't changed for hundreds of years, that long ago stopped giving any challenge or excitement."
Celestia smiled back at her sister. "You're right about that. For now though, let's just do our best to regain our composure, okay? I don't want to give the servers any more fodder for their gossip than I have to, okay?"
"Sounds good to me. And Celestia? Thank you."
"And thank you, Luna. Thank you very much."
The main room of Pine Needle's house was packed. Pine Bough and Feather Down stood next to the front door, while Pine Needle stood on the other side of the room facing them. Dewdrop and Haystack stood off to the side next to each other, watching the others and hoping that things didn't get out of hand. Dewdrop looked at her roommate, concerned that the pink mare might make things worse than they had to be.
For now though, Feather Down was quite calm. "Well," she said, looking back and forth between the two siblings, "now that we've had a chance to collect ourselves, why don't you tell us what's going on?" She turned to Pine Bough. "What brought you here in the first place? Have you been searching for him for a long time, or...?"
Pine Bough shook her head. "No, although if I had even the smallest idea of where he had gone I probably would have. We only found out where he lived because of a letter we received last week, from some pony in Canterlot-"
"Marigold!" Pine Needle interrupted. "It had to have been her, she knew so much about Stalliongrad, and our grandfather being the mayor... I can't think of any other pony who could have done it."
"I think that's who it was who sent us the letter," she replied, nodding her head slowly. "The day after it arrived, mother and father had already packed some bags and had headed out. They said that they were going to stop by Canterlot first, so maybe they are going to visit her and get some more information before coming here to Ponyville?"
Pine Needle nodded slowly. "That seems like a sound plan to me, anyway." His face turned melancholic. "I wish the circumstances of our reunion were better than this."
"Hold on," Feather Down said. "There's something I'm missing here. Just why did you leave Stalliongrad in the first place, and how come your parents showing up is so bad?"
"Our parents were very, what is the word I am looking for?" he said with a grimace. "Controlling? Domineering? Especially mother, although our father didn't lack for it either. When it became apparent just how skilled I was with mine magic, they went to great lengths to help nurture it. At first, it wasn't bad at all, really. I had a strength that was very rare, even in a family that prided itself on being skilled in said field. So, I found it enjoyable to be given help to make it blossom, to reach mine potential.
"It started to become a nuisance when they started to plan out everything for me. For a while I had wanted to see what it would be like to try some other things out besides working in the fields and improving mine earth pony magic. Some of mine friends in school, for example, did some part time work helping out the construction crews, earning money and picking up some skills by doing some of the lifting and the easier tasks. When I asked our parents if I could join them for a weekend, they adamantly said no.
"Another time, I wanted to take an after school class where we were encouraged to try our hooves at different types of art. Painting, sculpting, and some musical instruments for students to try out were all made available. I didn't think that I would be any good at any of things they were offering, but I wanted to at least try. Again, I was told no, and they made sure that all of mine time was filled up with extra work so that I couldn't sneak off to go there anyways."
"That sound pretty unfair," Feather Down said, "but I don't think that it warrants up and leaving without telling anypony."
"And if that was all that it was, I would agree with you," Pine Needle replied. "It was somewhat miserable and lonely, and Pine Bough was pretty much the only friend I had after a couple of years of such meddling due to me not being able to spend any time with anypony else outside of school. But that was not what drove me to leave. It was when our parents decided that, in order to help keep the magic strong for future generations they would pick out who I was going to marry, that I decided that enough was enough.
"And so I told mine parents that I didn't want them to do that, that if I was going to fall in love with somepony, it was going to be with the mare of mine choice, not theirs. Of course, they did not listen. Luckily for me, mine parents had a very hard time finding somepony who not only met their high standards, but was also willing to go through with such a forced relationship. It took them over a year before they found a mare who fit those requirements. I tried one last time to tell them no, and they simply ignored me and insisted that I just needed to give her a chance. That was when I left."
Pine Needle's friends all displayed various levels of shock and distaste for the situation their companion had been forced to go through. "Well, I certainly don't blame you for running away in circumstances like that," Dewdrop said. "But I still don't get why you couldn't have at least told your sister about it. From what you said, and the fact that she came all this way on her own just so she could warn you? I think it seems safe to say that she wouldn't have told anypony else where you went."
"Yes!" Pine Bough exclaimed. "I would not have told told anypony anything!"
"And I know that you would not have," Pine Needle said, his voice filled with misery. "But don't you see, that why I couldn't have told you anything! If mother and father even suspected that you knew where I had gone off to, how do you think they would have reacted?"
Pine Bough blinked in surprise. "They, they most likely would have constantly badgered me, trying to find out, hoping to wear me down," she said in a whisper.
"That's why I didn't tell you. With how stubborn they had become, I did not want to you to suffer because of mine actions." He drooped his head. "Although, it seems that I made you suffer anyhow. I am truly sorry, sister. If I could have done anything else, I would have!"
Pine Bough nodded slowly. "I think that, in the long run, what you did was the best option. After a couple of weeks of frustration, mother and father took some time to look at themselves, and question why their prized son would simply up and run away. I believe that they did not like everything that they saw, and they became much less overbearing. They gave me a lot more freedom in my actions, and even encouraged me to try new things, although I think part of that is because I do not have your level of talent for earth pony magic."
There was a moment of silence, as the gathered ponies took some time to sort through everything that had been said. "Well, that explains a lot," Dewdrop said, breaking the silence, "but there's one thing I'm still not understanding. At the inn, you said you had something important to tell Pine Needle, and you seemed to be in a hurry to do so."
Pine Bough's eyes widened in shock. "How could I have forgotten?" She shook her head in frustration. "Because of mine excitement at seeing mine brother again, that's why," she said, answering her own question. "Pine Needle, there is a reason why mother and father are coming to find you, and it is not for the same reason as mine."
With a sigh, Pine Needle slouched. "Well, mine sister, do not hold back. Tell it to me straight, so that we can figure out what to do about it."
"Well, right before the letter from Canterlot arrived, they were hosting some other ponies. A married couple who did a lot of exploring and wandering, and had their family elsewhere. They struck me as somewhat reckless, to be honest. Anyway, when mother and father read the letter, these visitors mentioned they had a daughter around the same age as you, and well..."
"Let me guess," Pine Needle said with a moan. "They went and volunteered me to marry this mare, didn't they?"
Pine Bough nodded sadly. After another short lull in the conversation, Feather Down started laughing. Seeing everypony else turn and look at her in astonishment, she waved a hoof in the air and said, "I just figured out how we can throw a wrench into your parent's plans! When they show up, all we have to do is make it obvious that you already have a special somepony in your life, and that breaking up that relationship would cause too much trouble!"
"That sounds... plausible, I suppose," Pine Needle conceded. "However, I just can't see it working that well. There's only one pony that I really love, and you know how I act when I get near her! What are we going to do, pretend to have me be dating somepony else?" He shook his head. "No, as good as it might sound at first, I think it might cause too much trouble in the long run. Who would want to go with such a plan anyway? You?"
Feather Down paused to consider the notion. "I guess I could if we had to, as a last ditch option. I was thinking more along the lines of helping you work past being the moon struck love colt you turn into whenever she is around. Wouldn't that be great, if you actually got to go on a date with her?"
"Well..." Pine Needle paused, his head tilted in thought. "Okay, tell you what. You come up with how we're going to do this, and after I hear what you've come up with, then I'll give you a yes or no answer. Deal?"
"Deal!" Feather Down shouted in joy.
"I have a question," Haystack said. "Tomorrow we have our weekly trip to Canterlot. What are we going to do with Pine Bough? On one hoof, I don't know if it is okay to bring somepony else along without advance notice. But on the other hoof, I don't think it would be a good idea to leave Pine Bough here all alone, especially if her parents could be showing up any day."
"I say we bring her along," Feather Down said. "It's either that, or Pine Needle stays behind to watch after her. Maybe we can come up with a better plan during our visit with Luna, I'm sure she'll be able to help us out in some way, right?"
"Luna?" Pine Bough asked. "Wait, there is only one Luna that I know of. Are you telling me that you are friends with one of the royal princesses?"
"Indeed we are," Pine Needle said with a smile. "And if I am to be honest, I have a hard time believing it myself sometimes." Seeing his sister's eyes widen in disbelief, he added, "I'll fill you in tonight, after I treat you to dinner, how does that sound?"
"That would be great! And I can tell you about all of the things that happened in Stalliongrad after you left."
"Okay then, we can ask the guards when they come to pick us up in the morning. If they say that she can't come, then I'll stay behind, and, um, I don't know," he admitted. Turning to face Haystack, he asked, "Would it be okay if we spent the day at your place then? I don't think it wold be good to be here if they decide to come tomorrow, it would be too easy for them to find us, and I would like some more time before I decide on what exactly I am going to do about their plans for me."
"Hmm, I'm okay with that, but are you sure that's the best place to go? If they're able to find out where you live, odds are good that they'll also be able to figure out where you work." He turned to look at Dewdrop. "Maybe they could go to your house if they have to stay behind?"
"I have no problems with that. Do you mind, Feather Down?" the unicorn asked her roommate.
"Not at all! Even if they figure out that you might be there because we're your friends, there should be enough room underneath Phillipe for both of you to hide." She turned to face Pine Bough. "Well then, I've got some planning to do, and I'm sure you and your brother have a ton of stuff to tell each other. We'll give you guys your space and see you tomorrow, okay?"
Everypony voiced agreement, and after some goodbye hugs, Pine Needle's friends departed. Haystack flew back to his farm, and Dewdrop and Feather Down walked back to their house together. Inside, brother and sister sat down, and began the long process of catching up after being apart for several years.
"Help me out here, Dewdrop. Do you have any ideas on how we can help Pine Needle get over how paralyzing his crush on Applejack is?" Feather Down asked as she cleaned up the dinner mess.
"Hmm, I honestly don't know," the orange unicorn replied. "I'd suggest something along the lines of negative reinforcement, such as pouring water over his head whenever he freezes up, but I'm afraid that it would be too difficult to do without Applejack catching on to what's happening."
"Do you think she even knows?" Feather Down asked after putting the dirty plates in the sink. "I don't see her much, but I've yet to hear her comment on it, or any of her friends for that matter."
Dewdrop shrugged. "From what I've seen, either Applejack doesn't know, or she's polite enough to not make a big deal of it. I think a lot of it is because Pine Needle doesn't make any noise when his love bug bites him, he just freezes up and spaces out, so it isn't like he's bothering anypony else when it happens." Standing up, she walked over to the sink. "My turn to do the dishes hun, I'll take over from here."
"Thank you! Well then, I guess there's only one sure way for me work this out," she said with a grin.
"Let me guess," Dewdrop said while rolling her eyes, "you're going to sleep on it?"
"Yup!" Feather Down said cheerfully. "If you'll excuse me then?" Seeing her roommate chuckle and nod, she trotted happily up the stairs to the bedroom. Looking out the window, she smiled at the sight of the moon shining through. "Good job, Luna," she said as she climbed into her giant, luxurious bed, and quickly fell asleep.
Feather Down looked around her. She knew she was in a dream, but for the life of her she couldn't remember the last time she had been aware of that while she was still in the dream itself. She also couldn't recall the last time she had had such a strange dream either; she was standing in the center of a large white plain, underneath a very dark, starry sky. The ground was unlike anything she could remember; it was a very dry, gravelly white dirt that was underhoof. Suddenly, on a hunch, she looked up at the sky.
"Hmm, no Equestria above me," she said out loud. "For a moment, I thought I was dreaming that I was on the moon."
"Oh, but you are," said a chilling and scarily familiar voice from behind her. Feather Down turned around, and stared in shock at the sight of a black alicorn.
"You, you're..." she stammered, unable to give voice to what was was seeing.
"But you're wrong about one thing. This isn't a dream," the dark incarnation said as she slowly walked towards the pink earth pony.
"This is a nightmare." |
Phases of the Moon | Half -- Chapter 2 | After finding the asteroid in the middle of Mare Orientale, Nightmare Moon was a bit stumped on what to do with it. While it was emanating power, she wasn't sure how to access the energy, let alone use it. She carefully examined the meteorite, closely looking at every ridge and crack of the thing, and even tried tasting it just to see if something would happen.
Nothing.
Annoyed, she flew up and out of the hole and landed on its edge so she could look down on the meteorite. She hoped that examining her problem from a new angle would help give her some sort of epiphany. Perhaps if she took in not just the rock, but its surroundings too, maybe she would notice a clue she had missed before.
Nothing.
Aggravated, she glided back down. Her horn aglow, she reached out and probed the rock with her magic, hoping to stumble upon or even unlock the energies within. She lifted it into the air with her levitation, spun it around, and put it back on the floor of the caldera. She tried letting her magic seep through the stone, hoping to unlock its mysteries by either brute force or lucky happenstance.
Still nothing.
Now angry, she gave the meteorite a swift, solid kick out of sheer frustration. Several flakes fell off the rock, but other than that it appeared unaffected. With an inarticulate roar of rage at her impotence in figuring out how to solve the puzzle in front of her, Nightmare Moon turned and gave the meteorite the strongest buck she could.
Her fiery wrath was instantly chilled when she heard a slow, continuous cracking sound come from the rock. Silently cursing herself for letting her emotions get the better of her, she watched in fascinated horror as the crack slowly spread around the meteorite, steadily covering its entire surface with a network of fissures. She reached out with her magic, hoping to somehow halt the spread of the cracks, but found herself incapable of slowing down the damage her hooves had inflicted.
Finally, the entire surface of the meteorite was nothing but a giant cobweb of cracks. Then, to her horror, the rock started to shake. Tiny fragments fell off one by one until, as if directed by some unspoken cue, the meteorite simply collapsed into a pile of rubble to reveal a small, glowing core at its center.
Afraid of what might happen if she made a misstep, Nightmare Moon slowly circled the ruined remains of the meteorite and examined what her hasty actions had fortuitously revealed. The stone reminded her of gems used in jewelry in ancient times; smooth, polished, and elliptical in shape. Tentatively reaching out with her magic, she raised the jewel so that it floated in front of her. Freed of its stony prison, what had only been a faint sensation before was now a powerful pulsation of energy. Intrigued, Nightmare Moon walked slowly away from the detritus of the meteorite, intent on examining her find more closely.
Over the next few days, Nightmare Moon's studies eventually started to bear fruit. While the energy that the stone emanated wasn't completely compatible with her magic, she found she could use it to enhance her own energies in an unexpected manner. She had hoped that the green jewel would be able to boost her magical strength directly, possibly to the point where she could free herself from the moon once again. However, her own magic simply wasn't able to tap straight into the energies of the stone. What she had learned was that she could use the jewel's energies to help carry her own magic farther. While she had been hoping to somehow gain in raw power, she was still intrigued by what a boost to her range would enable her to accomplish.
With that discovery, the stone now sat upon her helmet, magically locked to the faceplate just underneath her horn. Doing so allowed her to carry it around without having to levitate it constantly. She thought it also added a little bit of needed flair to her headpiece as well. She flew out of the crater and headed away from the center of Mare Orientale and back towards the Equestrian side of the moon. As she steadily flapped her wings, her mind raced, thinking of various ways that she might be able to utilize her new found tool.
Eventually fatigue overcame her, and she found herself forced to walk across the barren lunar landscape instead of flying over it. Still, looking up, she could see the lush world she had once covered with eternal night start to slowly rise above the horizon. When the blue and green orb was fully in view, she came to a halt and rested, mulling over what to try first. While the thought of randomly shooting bolts of dark energies down towards the ponies below amused her, she felt sure that she wouldn't be able to do that even with the help of the gem. Such attacks were draining even over short distances, and she still wasn't certain how far the stone would carry the spell.
Instead, she decided to go with something she had been able to do with some success before; enter the dream realm and pull somepony else there to her. She had tried to do so after her most recent banishment, but the link that she had shared with Luna was no longer there, and with it the easy access she had enjoyed meant that she could no longer play mind games with her more pathetic half. Would she be able to torment Luna again, now that she had found a means to boost her abilities? Closing her eyes, she let herself drift into sleep, anxious to find out.
Once in the dream realm, she looked up at Equestria. Reaching out with her senses, and amplifying them with her stone, she found herself able to see the realm above in a whole new manner. Where before she could only sense Luna, now there were dozens of points of light she could see; ponies who were asleep. She paused, puzzled as to why she was unable to pick out more. After all, it was full night in parts of the world, there should be thousands upon thousands of ponies asleep at the moment. she reasoned.
Focusing on one light, she was able to discern that it was a mare who had fallen asleep outside, on top of a small hill. Another revealed a stallion who was napping on a bench on the deck on his home. A third was a palace guard, asleep on his feet in the middle of a long, uneventful watch. Nightmare Moon paused, and quickly concluded that all of the ponies she could sense were outside. Perhaps, she reasoned, only ponies who the moon shined down on were visible to her? Uncertain, but unable to come up with any other reason, she scanned the world some more, until her scrying brought her to a familiar looking pony.
She hadn't expected to come across any ponies she might recognize, but the pink earth pony mare she now looked upon brought a wicked smile to her face. It may not be Luna or an Element of Harmony, she thought, but I'll gladly take the opportunity to test out my new magics on one of the simpering princess's friends!
But could she? Hoping that the stone would let her do as she wanted, she reached out, like she had done so many times before with Luna, and pulled. To her relief and glee, she felt the sleeping pony's dream self come racing towards her, until it stood in front of her, looking around in amazement. Nightmare Moon chuckled as her victim looked around and away from the world that was visible above the horizon behind her. "Hmm, no Equestria above me. For a moment, I thought I was dreaming that I was on the moon."
"Oh, but you are!" Nightmare Moon said, her voice filled with malice as she slowly strode towards the stunned pony in front of her. A memory of her, staring at her defiantly as she tried to block her path to Princess Celestia also brought her name to mind. Feather Down, she thought, as she recalled memories that Luna had of her.
"But you're wrong about one thing," she said. "This isn't a dream, this is a nightmare!" Prepared to gloat and taunt the other pony some more, she was brought up short when Feather Down started to laugh.
"Hey, that's a good one," she said, getting over her initial shock and seeming to take her current predicament in stride. "So, what else am I going to find here, I wonder?"
Scowling, Nightmare Moon reached out with a spell and wrapped the surprised pony in a cocoon of dark energy. "Oh, how about pain and suffering?" she said.
Feather Down squealed in pain. "What are you doing to me?" she cried out, her voice filled with equal parts of surprise and anguish. "What's going on?"
"I don't know," admitted Nightmare Moon. "This is new to me. I honestly don't know what I might be capable of doing." Walking over and staring at her prey right in the eyes, she said, "Let's find out together."
Dewdrop looked around the kitchen of the house she shared with Feather Down. The dishes were all cleaned and put away, and the table had been tidied. Not feeling ready to go to sleep yet, she entered the main room of the house and sat down on a cushion. Horn glowing, she picked a book up off the shelf and floated it over to her, one she had been slowly working through over the last week, she opened it with a spell to where her bookmark rested between pages and began to read. She knew she was a bit older than the audience that the Harry Trotter books were aimed for, but her below average strength with her spells made following the protagonist's adventures all the more fun. I wonder what it would have been like, she wondered, if I could have gained entry to a special magic school like Harry.
After a few pages of escapism her reading was interrupted by sounds from upstairs. Had her roommate awakened and somehow fallen out of bed? Listening carefully, she heard the noises continue. Unsure of what was going on she marked her spot in the book, put it down, and cautiously made her way over to the stairs and paused at the bottom. From there, she heard the sounds more clearly, and while she couldn't place what the sounds indicated, a nervous knot in her stomach compelled her to race up the staircase two steps at a time.
Entering the bedroom, she came to a stop in utter shock. Feather Down was thrashing violently in her sleep, and now in the same room, Dewdrop could also hear whimpers of pain escape from the sleeping pony's mouth. "Wake up!" Dewdrop yelled, but as soon as the words had left her mouth she knew they would have no effect. Feather Down was nearly impossible to wake on the best of days. For her to be experiencing whatever kind of dream she was having, to make her toss and turn like she was now and still not wake up, Dewdrop knew her voice wouldn't be able to help. Her horn glowing orange, Dewdrop tried to hold her friend down, hoping that would wake Feather Down where words were unable. However, she found trying to get a magical grasp on her difficult, and afraid that she might hurt her friend, she quickly gave up.
So what could she do? Dewdrop looked around the room in a panic, searching for something that could, if not aid her, at least give her some inspiration. Seeing nothing, not even a glass of water to throw in her friend's face, she raced down the stairs and outside. Maybe she couldn't do anything, but surely somepony else would be able to lend a hoof! She looked around, for anyone who might still be out and about. But with the night sky above, she quickly realized that most ponies were either already in bed themselves, or getting ready to go to sleep.
Ready to yell out in frustration, Dewdrop heard voices faintly in the distance. Wasting no time, she galloped off towards them. Rounding a corner, she saw Twilight Sparkle and Rainbow Dash side by side, walking towards the library discussing a party they had just left. "Twilight!" Dewdrop yelled, not caring if she woke anypony else nearby. "Twilight! Help!"
The two ponies stopped and turned around, surprised to see anypony else out at the current hour. Seeing the terrified look on Dewdrop's face, Twilight asked, "What's wrong, Dewdrop?"
"It's Feather Down! I can't get her to wake up!"
"There's a surprise," Rainbow Dash said, rolling her eyes.
"But she's having a nightmare!" Dewdrop said.
Twilight frowned. "Maybe I'm missing something here, but aren't you overreacting just a little bit?"
Dewdrop stomped a hoof in frustration. "You don't understand! She's never had one before!"
"Wait, never?" Rainbow Dash asked in surprise. "Everypony has bad dreams. Even I have them now and then."
"Not Feather Down! Her special talent is sleeping. She can fall asleep at the drop of a hat, she can't be woken up unless she wants to, and she never has bad dreams! I remember when our teacher tried explaining Nightmare Night to us in class. She had to take fifteen minutes in order to explain what a nightmare was to Feather Down, and even then I don't think she got it through to her fully. I'm afraid she's going to hurt herself, and I can't help her, and..." Dewdrop trailed off, not knowing what else to say to convince them.
Twilight put a comforting hoof on Dewdrop's shoulder. "You helped me get through a tough night of my own not too long ago," she said with a comforting smile. "Of course I'll help you out. You want to come with us, Rainbow Dash?" she asked the pegasus at her side.
"Might as well," she said with a shrug. "I admit I'm curious. Let's go."
Dewdrop led the way, galloping as fast as she could. She opened the door to her house and led the way up the stairs. Twilight Sparkle and Rainbow Dash came up short at the sight of Feather Down, who was now twisting around so violently that she seemed certain to toss herself onto the floor at any moment.
Twilight quickly caught Feather Down with her telekinesis, and frowned at the struggle the sleeping pony was putting up. "I don't care if it is her special talent or not, she should have woken up by now. I don't know how long I can hold her without hurting her."
Rainbow Dash flew up next to her and starting screaming into her ear. "Hey! Sleepy head! Wake up, you're scaring your friends! Do you hear me?! WAKE UP!"
With Dewdrop fretting behind her, Twilight looked around the room, her eyes narrowed in thought. "Something isn't right here, but I don't know what..." Glancing outside through the open window, she gasped. "It's a long shot," she muttered, "but it won't hurt to try it. Rainbow Dash! Close the window!"
Giving her friend a questioning look, but convinced by the confident tone in Twilight's voice, she flew over and closed the shutters, quickly darkening the room.
Nightmare Moon paused in performing her experiments. She had found a way to trap the other pony's dream self, and deny it the chance to escape, but beyond causing her some pain, she hadn't really found much else she could do.
Not that she had been trying too hard, to be honest. Looking back on the past month or so, she was forced to admit that the complete solitude, after being able to watch Luna for the months before that, had come close to breaking her. She didn't need friends the way her other half apparently did, of course not! But after being able to experience even just the mere presence of others, only to have it all stripped away again and to be as alone as conceivably possible, had driven her mind to depths that had frightened her.
She looked at Feather Down again, still being held aloft by her dark magic. The captive mare had stopped her screams a while ago, but still seemed to be trying to escape her bonds by constantly struggling against them. Walking over to look her prisoner in the eye, Nightmare Moon asked, "So, what should I try next? Maybe I can control your actions down below? Make you sleep walk? Or perhaps I can try peering into your mind, and see what kind of secrets I can uncover?"
"I'll never let you possess me!" Feather Down spat out, her voice colored by pain.
Nightmare Moon tilted her head back and laughed. "Oh, trust me, I have no desire to be a passenger in somepony else's body again. Even if I were to do so, I certainly wouldn't choose for it to be an earth pony shell. If I couldn't get an alicorn, I suppose I could settle for a powerful unicorn. But to inhabit a body without magic? Never!
"No, I think I'll try with using you as a puppet. That could lead to some fun misunderstandings down on Equestria, don't you think? Maybe I'll-" Nightmare Moon came to a stop as she felt her link to Feather Down suddenly sever, and watched as the pink earth pony faded quickly from view. Hastily scanning with her magic, she found she could still detect other ponies across Equestria, but was unable to find Feather Down again.
Frowning, Nightmare Moon willed herself awake and started moving from where she had been resting. While she didn't think it would be possible for somepony else to track her back to where she had been, she decided it would be best to lay low for awhile. She didn't feel comfortable enough with her new abilities to risk encountering Celestia or Luna yet, so she decided to make her future experiments more low profile in nature. She certainly wouldn't be taking any more chances tonight. She wanted to think over what she had been able to accomplish, and about what other things she might be able to do.
With a loud gasp, Feather Down's eyes flew wide open and her struggles ceased. Twilight slowly lowered her back onto the bed, and then released her from her telekinesis spell. Dewdrop jumped onto the bed to give her roommate a closer look, and Rainbow Dash flew back over next to Twilight.
"Are you okay? What happened?" Dewdrop asked worriedly.
"It was terrible!" Feather Down said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "I, I think I was on the moon, and... I just don't remember, I'm not sure I want to remember, but not being able to remember scares me too!" She wrapped her forehooves around Dewdrop's neck and held her tight, burying her face in her friend's mane.
Dewdrop did her best to comfort her, and looked questioningly at Twilight. "How did you know closing the window would wake her up?" she asked.
"Yeah, I was wondering that too," Rainbow Dash added. "It didn't make any sense to me, but I figured trying it wouldn't hurt."
Twilight smiled triumphantly. "I remember reading in a old book that after Princess Luna had been banished, all sorts of things that were bad came to be blamed on the moon. Ponies who went crazy were said to be moonstruck, or lunatics. Feather Down seemed to be acting all out of sorts from what she is normally like, from what you two were saying, and while I doubt that there is any truth behind those tales, it was at least something that could be tried, to keep the moon from shining on her."
Dewdrop frowned. "I can't see Luna doing anything like that at all, though! It's so unlike her, I... I just can't fathom it."
Twilight waved a hoof in front of her. "No, you misunderstand me. I'm just saying it was those stories that led me to think about the moon shining in. I don't think Princess Luna had anything to do with it either. More likely than not, the moonlight just got in her eyes and triggered something in her head that made her dream turn into a nightmare, somehow."
Dewdrop slowly nodded. "Well, however you came upon it, it sure worked. Thank you very much, both of you, for coming to help."
"Are you going to be okay?" Rainbow Dash asked Feather Down, looking concerned. "That looked a lot worse than any dream I've ever had."
Slowly pulling herself away from Dewdrop, Feather Down nodded slowly. "I think so. I, I think I'm going to need some time before I lie down again though."
Rainbow Dash chuckled. "Of course you will! Whenever I have a bad dream, I'll go fly around the area for a little while until I get tired enough to fall asleep again. Maybe you could just go for a jog or something? Get your mind off of whatever it was you were dreaming of."
"That's not really the problem," Feather Down said getting off of the bed. "I honestly can't recall anything from the nightmare. Is that normal? I know things are hit and miss and it comes to being able to remember what you dream about, but it just feels like I should be able to remember something that terrible easily enough!"
"The pony mind is an amazing thing," Twilight said. "It probably knows, subconsciously, that you aren't ready to go through it again just yet, so it's likely blocking it from you. Give yourself some time, and I bet in a few days you'll be able to recall it if you want to."
"That sounds logical," Dewdrop said. "And we can ask Luna about it tomorrow if you want, I bet she might have some ideas, or know somepony who does."
Rainbow Dash blinked in surprise. "You two know Princess Luna? How'd that happen?"
"It's, um, a long story," Feather Down replied, looking steadier as time passed. "I still find it weird, to be honest, but we're good friends now. We get to go visit her every Sunday in Canterlot."
"Oh! That would explain why I keep on seeing those chariots," Rainbow Dash said. "That's cool."
"Well then, are you two are going to be okay?" Twilight asked, looking between Dewdrop and Feather Down with concern.
"I think so," Dewdrop replied. "Thank you again oh so much, both of you!"
"Yes! I owe you both big time!" Feather Down chimed in.
"Ah, it wasn't anything that big," Rainbow Dash said with a wave of a hoof.
"Like I said before Dewdrop, you helped me out a while back, I'm more than happy to have been able to return the favor," Twilight added with a warm smile. "If you don't mind then, I need to be heading back home, it's getting rather late."
"Oh! Of course!" Dewdrop said, motioning with a hoof towards the stairs. "C'mon, Feather Down, maybe a small snack will help you calm your nerves?"
With that, the four ponies headed downstairs. Twilight Sparkle and Rainbow Dash said their goodbyes and headed their separate ways home, while Dewdrop and Feather Down did their best to put the bad dream behind them.
Dewdrop woke up early the next morning to find that Feather Down wasn't in her bed as she had been when they had finally gone back upstairs to go to sleep an hour or so after the other ponies had left. Frowning, she headed down to find Feather Down sitting on a cushion, and reading her Harry Trotter book.
Hearing her roommate enter the room, Feather Down looked up sheepishly. "Don't worry, I won't say anything about what happens, although I do feel like I'm missing out on a lot of stuff."
Dewdrop put a hoof against her forehead. "That's because that's the third book in the series," she said with a sigh. "Did you spend all night down here reading?"
"Yeah. I tried going back to sleep, but I just didn't feel ready to. Sorry."
Dewdrop shook her head. "That's all right, I'm just worried about how you'll do today in Canterlot. It's going to be a busy day and all, especially with Pine Bough coming along too."
Feather Down's mouth dropped open in shock. "Oh my goodness! I had completely forgotten about that!"
"Well, maybe you'll be able to take a nap on the way over like you usually do, and that'll help," Dewdrop said with a chuckle. "I'm going to make myself a quick breakfast, you want anything?"
"No thanks."
Dewdrop had just finished eating a small plate of apple slices when there was a knock at the door. Hearing Feather Down get up to answer it, Dewdrop floated her plate over to the sink and then went to the main room to see Pine Needle and Pine Bough standing outside. "Are you two ready to head out to meet the chariots?" the stallion asked as his younger sister peered inside from behind him.
"Just give me a few seconds and I will be," Dewdrop called out in reply. "Come on in, you two, I can show Pine Bough around the place in case the guards won't let you two come to Canterlot because of her."
Dewdrop led the two siblings upstairs, and seeing that Feather Down had decided to settle back down on the cushion and resume her reading, she closed the bedroom door behind her. Seeing Pine Needle raise an eyebrow in askance, she said, "Feather Down had a nightmare last night. Her first one ever, so it really caught her off guard, and she didn't get any sleep last night afterwards because of it."
"Oh no!" Pine Needle said after a brief moment of shock. "Is she going to be okay?"
"I think so. She was really thrashing around, I had to get Twilight Sparkle and Rainbow Dash to help wake her up. We're going to ask Luna about it, see if she knows what might have caused it."
"That sounds like a good plan to me. Anything you want us to do?"
Dewdrop shook her head. "Just don't make a big deal out of it, I guess. I'm thinking that if we can convince her that it isn't anything to be concerned about, she'll be able to put it behind her that much easier."
"Will do."
Seeing Pine Bough nod her agreement, Dewdrop led them back downstairs. There they found Feather Down upright and stretching her legs. "I'm ready to go if you guys are," she said. With that, the four of them left the house and went to meet the chariots. |
Phases of the Moon | Half -- Chapter 3 | Luna watched as the chariots returning from Ponyville made their descent towards the landing area she stood next to. As usual, Haystack was flying alongside them, and she was able to make out Feather Down standing next to Dewdrop in one of the chariots. This surprised her a little, since Feather Down usually napped on the flight over, but the usually sleepy pony seemed to be wide awake for a change. This slight shock was quickly surpassed when she saw that Pine Needle was sharing the other chariot with somepony else. She couldn't make out much from where she stood, but it looked like a mare, yellow in color with a dark green mane.
After the chariots had landed, one of the guards came over to her as her friends stayed in the chariots. "Princess Luna," the guard said as he bowed to her, "Your friends apologize, but it seems that Pine Needle's sister showed up in Ponyville unexpectedly yesterday, and they didn't have a chance to send a letter ahead asking if it was okay for her to come along. If it isn't, they will gladly find something else to do for the day, instead of interrupting your plans."
"Of course it will be fine! Come, come!" she said as she waved her friends over from the chariots. "And thank you, Iron Pinion," she said to the guard. "It must have been a difficult decision to make on such a short notice."
"I'm just glad I made the right call, your highness," he said with a relieved smile. He quickly snapped off a salute, and then returned to help his fellow gaurdponies.
After sharing hugs with Dewdrop and Haystack, Luna turned her attention towards the three earth ponies. The one she didn't recognize, who she deduced must be Pine Needle's sister, quickly stepped forward and prostrated herself before her. "Vank heu vor thees ahnor!" she cried out, her words hard to understand from being spoken straight into the ground, and also from what Luna could only guess to be a very thick Stalliongrad accent.
Fighting down a giggle at not only the newcomer's excitement, but also at the sight of Pine Needle raising a hoof on his forehead at his sister's actions, Luna placed a comforting hoof on the yellow mare's shoulder. "The honor is also mine, to be able to meet the sister of one of my best friends. Tell me, what is your name?"
The young mare could only stare at Luna's hoof on her shoulder. It was all Luna could do to keep from laughing out loud at the awe her forehoof was being given. Pine Needle trotted up, clearly embarrassed, and said, "Pine Bough! Did I not tell you on the way over that there was no need for such theatrics?" Turning to face Luna, he added on, "I am sorry about this, I had hoped that I had gotten across to her that she only needed to act naturally, but..."
Now Luna did giggle. "Actually, after the 'greetings' that I tended to get after I first returned to Canterlot after the Summer Sun Celebration, this is a rather nice change of pace." She turned her attention back to the overcome mare at her hooves. "Please, Pine Bough was it?" Seeing a silent nod of confirmation from her, Luna continued with a warm smile, "While I am glad that you consider meeting me to be such a great honor, I would be even happier if you would simply treat me as a friend."
With a gulp, and with her cheeks starting to turn red in embarrassment, Pine Bough stood up. "I will do my best, your majesty," she said, "although I am still amazed to have the chance to meet you, when all I did was come in search for my long absent brother." Luna noticed that as Pine Bough started to relax, her accent also seemed to slowly lessen.
"I'm excited to have the chance to meet you too. I haven't had the opportunity to meet any family members of my friends yet, so it will be good to hear about them from someone else. I am a little bit surprised that Pine Needle wasn't able to send word to me ahead of time about your arrival though," Luna said, directing the last bit to Pine Bough's brother.
"And if I had known myself, I would have made sure to have sent word ahead," Pine Needle said, looking sheepish. "However, her arrival was unexpected for... complicated reasons."
"Oh?" Luna said, raising an eyebrow. "This sounds interesting. Why don't we head into the gardens and you can tell me about it?"
"Actually, I think that can wait because there is a more pressing problem to deal with," he said as he nodded at Feather Down.
"My goodness, what's wrong?" Luna asked, her voice filled with concern as she noticed Feather Down was looking worn out and a little bit ragged.
"I... I had a really bad dream," Feather Down said in a muted voice.
"That hardly does it justice!" Dewdrop exclaimed. Turning to face Luna, she added, "She was thrashing about so badly, and she just wouldn't wake up, no matter what I tried. I had to go get help, and thankfully I found Twilight Sparkle and Rainbow Dash still out and about. Thanks to Twilight Sparkle's quick thinking, we were able to get her awake."
Luna blinked in confusion. "Is it always so hard to get you to wake up from a bad dream, Feather Down?"
"I honestly couldn't tell you," Feather Down said, her head drooped halfway to the ground. "This was the first time I've ever had a nightmare."
"Her special talent is sleeping," Dewdrop quickly explained, noticing Luna's surprised look. "As you've seen yourself, she can fall asleep wherever she wants, and always has a good, sound rest. I honestly didn't think it was even possible for her to have a nightmare until last night. Twilight thinks it might have been the way the moon was shining in her eyes that caused it."
Luna frowned. "Well, while I can't undo what happened last night, I can help you get some sleep now, guaranteed safe from bad dreams. I'll even let you sleep on my bed," she offered, hoping to get a smile from the dejected looking Feather Down.
"You'll let me sleep on Ricardo?" Luna smiled as she saw Feather Down perk up at the opportunity to sleep on the princess's bed. "Just promise me that you'll wake me for lunch, okay? I don't want to spend the whole day sleeping, when I only get to see you once a week."
"Of course we will," Luna promised. "Come on, everypony. Follow me, and after we do that, I can give Pine Bough a tour of the palace."
After a few minutes of walking through the halls of Canterlot Palace, the group entered Luna's bedroom. Pine Bough had been looking everywhere in wide-eyed amazement, but now her mouth was agape as she realized exactly where she was. Luna was had been keeping an eye on Feather Down the whole trip, and she couldn't remember seeing the usually happy pony look so despondent before. The biggest shock of all though was when Feather Down didn't make a beeline for her bed.
"Wow, I though I'd never see the day when you wouldn't be ready and willing to take a nap in my bed," Luna remarked.
"Part of it is the fact that I can't remember what my dream was like at all," Feather Down said morosely, standing just inside the room by the door. "I just know that it was something horrible. Twilight Sparkle said that the brain can sometimes keep stuff from us if we aren't ready to remember it. Is that true?" she asked, finally raising her head to look at Luna.
Luna nodded. "And I bet you're worried you're going to have a repeat of your bad dream too, aren't you?"
"Exactly!" Feather Down said. "I know it sounds silly, being worried about not being able to remember it and also not wanting to remember it, but..."
"I think I understand," Luna said as she walked over towards her bed. "You want to be able to remember it under your terms, when you're ready for it, not have it sprung on you without any warning."
"Yes! That's it!" She gave Luna a relieved smile as she walked across the room to stand by her. "So, you can make sure I don't go through what I did last night again?"
With a solemn nod, Luna motioned for Feather Down to lie down. "It just so happens that I know a ward against nightmares. The spell will put you into a deep and restful sleep, and will keep you from having any kind of dreams, good or bad. When it comes time for lunch, we'll come back and I'll break the spell, which should hopefully wake you up gently in the process too."
"Well, I don't think I could ask for anything more. Thank you very much, Luna," Feather Down said as she crawled into the bed.
Luna smiled, and then her eyes widened and she laughed. "I just remembered! Think back to the very first day I spent in Ponyville as Moonbeam. I was exhausted and hurt from the spell I had just cast to disguise myself, and then Dewdrop found me and brought me to your place. And you let me sleep in your bed to recover. It feels good that I get this chance to return the favor. Now, close your eyes and relax. You won't feel a thing, I promise."
Her horn glowing, Luna darkened the room the best as she could by closing the windows and extinguishing the lights. Despite her efforts, the room was still faintly illuminated as sunlight managed to find a way to sneak through the cracks of the shutters. Then, she leaned down and touched her horn to Feather Down's forehead. The room was briefly lit by an eerie purple glow as the spell was cast, and then returned to its dimly lit state. Before Luna could even raise her head back up, Feather Down was lightly snoring.
The group quietly walked towards the door. "Thank you so much," Dewdrop said softly. "I have to say, we sure are lucky that you had the perfect spell for the situation we were in."
Luna chuckled as she opened the door into the hallway. "Well, after what happened at the end of our time in Ponyville, I thought it might be a good idea to make sure that Nightmare Moon didn't have any way to influence me through my dreams again. I figured she was only able to do so before because we shared a link, so to speak, but better safe than..." she paused to look at Dewdrop, who had frozen in place with a look of fear on her face. "What?" Luna asked, suddenly feeling a knot form in her stomach.
"Twilight Sparkle was able to wake Feather Down by closing the shutters on the bed room window, and blocking the light of the moon from falling on her." Dewdrop said, her voice nothing more than a frightened whisper. "You don't think...?"
Everypony else had come to a halt now, staring at Luna and Dewdrop in shock. With a frown, Luna turned around and walked back into her bedroom. "I don't know," she admitted. "But there's one sure way to find out." She laid down on the floor at the foot of her bed.
"What is going on?" Pine Bough asked, her worried eyes darting back and forth in worry between everypony else.
"I'm going to enter the dream realm, and see if I can reach the moon from here in Equestria. It shouldn't be possible, that why Celestia banished me there long ago. My theory on why Nightmare Moon was able to trespass in my dreams before was because we shared a link, so to speak." She looked at her friends solemnly. "I don't think anything will happen, but if I start acting weird, or in anyway like Feather Down did last night, I want you all to run as fast as you can to the throne room and get Celestia. You know the fastest way there, right?"
"Take a right at the end of the hall, and head all the way down to the big double doors," Haystack said. "Won't the guards try to stop us from entering the throne room like that, though?"
"Very likely," Luna conceded. "If they do, just yell that I need help. Use my name, that will be sure to get her attention. Although, if I know my sister, she might sense that something is amiss if you do end up having to go get her, so you might even meet her on the way. But it shouldn't come to that. Normally, I wouldn't be able to reach the moon with my magic. But since the duty to raise and lower it every night was returned to me, the enchantments that aid me in doing so help me reach out farther than I normally can. So, I'm going to see if I can extend myself that far without invoking them. If I can, then there's a good chance that Nightmare Moon can reach Equestria too."
Seeing the frightened looks on her friend's faces, Luna gave them what she hoped was an encouraging smile. "I'm pretty sure that I won't be able to. Like I said, there's a reason that we were banished there in the first place."
"You were able to send her there yourself though, back at that ruined palace where you and Nightmare Moon separated," Dewdrop said. "And that was before you were given the duty of the moon again, right?"
Luna paused to consider her words before responding. "You make a valid point, but I think my abilities were strengthened by the situation. I think having the full moon directly overhead helped me some, but not as much as the knowledge that if I didn't do something, my sister and friends were all going to suffer at Nightmare Moon's hooves. That gave me the strength to do something I normally wouldn't have been able to do. Maybe I'm being conceited when I say this, but I don't think Nightmare Moon is able to gain a boost similar to the one that your friendship inspired in me."
Seeing her friends convinced by her words, she laid her head down on her forelegs. "Okay, here I go." Taking a moment to calm her nerves, Luna closed her eyes, and willed herself to enter the dream realm.
Luna's friends stood still for a moment, and the only sound was the constant, steady light snoring coming from Feather Down. Pine Bough slowly edged her way closer to her brother, until they were standing side by side, pressed up against each other. Dewdrop slowly paced back and forth between the two sleeping ponies, and Haystack quietly made his way to stand next to the door. Seeing Dewdrop shoot him a questioning look, he softly explained, "Just in case something does go wrong, every second I can cut off getting to Princess Celestia is a second less Luna suffers."
The moments seemed to stretch on forever. They were all startled when Feather Down turned over in her sleep, but other than that nothing happened, and soon their anxiety dulled to a nervous boredom. Finally, after several minutes of waiting, Luna opened her eyes and slowly stood up.
With a smile, she said, "Good news, I was unable to reach far enough to be able to send my dream self to the moon. If I had to make a guess, I'd estimate I could barely reach halfway. I feel very confident in saying that Nightmare Moon is similarly restricted." Seeing the looks of relief on her friends faces, she walked back to the door out of the bedroom. "Now, let's head to the gardens, and you two," she said to the Pine siblings, "can share some stories with us."
A few minutes later, the group was seated in a circle by the seedling that Pine Needle had given Luna as a gift. After everyone was comfortable, Pine Needle told Luna his story on why he had left Stalliongrad, and Pine Bough shared why she had only just found out where Pine Needle had gone off to.
"Please, your highness!" Pine Bough said pleadingly. "There must be something that you can do to make our parents stop this craziness! Pine Needle doesn't deserve to be pressured like this. Maybe you could make some sort of official decree? I bet our parents would listen to that!"
"Pine Bough!" Pine Needle cried out angrily. "You have no right to ask her to do so!"
"But brother! Feather Down was going to come up with a plan to help you, but she can't because of her sleeping problems. Unless you have a better idea yourself, why not have Princess Luna do something about this?"
"Because she is my friend, that's why! It would be extremely rude of me to ask or even hope for her to use her rank to help me out of this family problem!"
"Pine Needle is correct," Luna said, hoping to bring a halt to the argument before it got too heated. "However, I can understand your concern for your brother, Pine Bough. I too would do anything I could to help my sister out if there was a need. Pine Needle is lucky to have a sister who cares so much about him."
Seeing both of them mollified by her words, she continued. "I will gladly do what I can as a friend to help Pine Needle out. However, he is correct in that it would be wrong for me to use my position as a Princess of Equestria to force a solution. I will not abuse my power in such a manner, but that doesn't mean that I won't do everything that I can to help come up with a solution." Seeing Pine Bough nod in understanding, Luna asked, "So, what is this plan of Feather Down that you mentioned before?"
Pine Needle's cheeks reddened considerably. "Feather Down was going to try to come up with a way that I could actually talk to -- you know -- her, without freezing up."
"She Who Must Not Be Named," Luna said with a laugh. "I remember when Dewdrop told me about that, right after I first met you. I was worried you were trying to hit on me, with how over the top you were acting, but Dewdrop set me straight about how you had eyes for one pony, and one pony only."
Dewdrop chuckled, both at the memory and Pine Needle's reaction to it. "I remember that now! Oh, that seems like it was years ago now, doesn't it? And yet, it's been only a few months. Wow." She shook her head slowly in disbelief. "But I don't think we have the time available to us to come up with a foolproof way to solve that problem. We also thought that setting Pine Needle up with another mare for when his parents finally arrived in Ponyville would work, but..."
"I just don't like it," Pine Needle sad. "Too many things could go wrong, and to be honest it sounds like something from a book, or a stage production. It just begs for something to go wrong at the worst possible moment."
Luna nodded. "I've read a few stories in the past couple of months where that's happened. I can understand why you wouldn't want to go that route, but all I can think of is to either try that, or just stand up to your parents and tell them 'no' when you see them. You've been away from them a couple of years now, so it isn't like they can force you to come home now." Seeing Pine Needle's discomfort at the idea, Luna added, "It's your call, Pine Needle. Whatever you want to do, I'll do what I can to help you prepare for it, but I think you'll be better off standing up to them. You don't want them looming over you like this for all your life, do you?"
"No! Of course not! It's just..." Pine Needle trailed away and looked at the ground at his feet. "They're my parents. Even after all that they have put me through, I still love them. I don't want to hurt them if I can help it."
A silence fell over the group, as they contemplated what they could do. "The way I see it," Haystack said, breaking the quiet of the moment, "is that we don't know how much time we have available to us. Depending on how much faster Pine Bough traveled than her parents, and how long they stay here in Canterlot before heading to Ponyville to find Pine Needle, we might have as little as a day, or we might have a week or more. If we knew we had enough time to set up some sort of diversionary plan, such as Pine Needle having a love interest, real or not, then I think that might be a possibility. But without knowing for sure how long we have..." Haystack shrugged.
Luna nodded slowly in agreement. "Those are my thoughts too. That's why I suggested that we do our best to help Pine Needle stand up to his parents. After all, even if you have a mare that you look to be in love with, that might not be enough to convince them to back down. If your stories about them are accurate?" Seeing Pine Bough nod in confirmation, Luna continued, "They might try to break you up, or simply come back later if they hear that you're no longer together. If you stand up to them now though, I honestly believe that you'll be able to put an end to this once and for all."
Seeing Pine Needle still looking uncomfortable, Luna added, "It might also get them to lighten up some more on how they treat Pine Bough too. If it helps you any, think of doing this not just for yourself, but for your sister also."
Pine Needle turned and looked at his sister. Seeing her smile hopefully, he sighed and then straightened up. "Very well. I will do mine best. After all, it isn't like running away is going to help like it did last time. Not when I have such good friends, and a job that I love."
"Excellent," Luna said, as the others smiled and showed their enthusiasm for their friend's decision. She opened her mouth to say something else, but was cut off by the bells ringing, announcing that lunch was about to be served.
"Boy, time sure flew by quickly this morning. Let's go wake up Feather Down, and get ourselves something to eat. After that, I can finally give Pine Bough that tour of the palace that I keep on mentioning."
After waking up Feather Down, the group enjoyed a delicious meal of wildflower salads with a side of fruit slices. Luna was glad to see her friend look and act more like her normal self after her nap. "I'm still a little nervous about how tonight is going to go," Feather Down admitted, "but now that I've had some time to think about it calmly, and that I've also managed to get some sleep without anything happening to me, I feel much better about being able to get to sleep tonight."
As they made their way out of the dining area, Dewdrop discreetly made her way next to Luna. "Thank you so very much, Luna. I'm sorry about dumping this on you, and about me panicking about its cause. The more I think about it, the sillier it seems that Nightmare Moon could have been the cause of it," she said, embarrassment plain on her face.
Luna shook her head. "I think it was a valid concern. So many small clues were pointing in its direction, I was willing to believe it too. I'm just glad I was able to prove that it couldn't have been her. I don't know how we could deal with her if she could strike at our dreams from so far away. I think it may be best though if we keep this from Feather Down, for a night or two at least though. Even though we know it wasn't Nightmare Moon, I don't see any reason to even put the idea into her head right now, not when she's feeling confident about being able to go to sleep tonight."
"I agree. I'll make sure to pass it along to everypony else. All it would take is one slip of the tongue, after all."
Seeing the other ponies looking back at them, Luna motioned to Dewdrop to follow her with a nod. "Come on, let's go show Pine Bough the sights, shall we?"
Over the next hour, Luna led them through many famous locations in the palace. First they went through the main ball room ("This is where they hold the Grand Galloping Gala!"), then past the training grounds for the guards. Pine Bough stared in awe at all of the armored ponies, going through their drills. Then Luna swung through a couple of smaller gardens, and even pointed out the entrance to the Hedge Maze. "We don't have time to give it a go today, it covers several acres. We'd have to set aside an entire day to do it justice and see all the things that are hidden there."
Back into the palace they went, and Luna made her way towards the throne room, stopping to show off the library and some of the stained glass windows on the way. As they approached the large, decorative double doors that led to where Celestia took care of most of the official business of running Equestria, Luna was surprised to see them shut and guarded. "That's strange," she said to the others. "She's usually done with everything by lunch on Sunday. I wonder what's going on?" Motioning for the others to stay back a short way, she smiled at the guards and quietly cracked the door open so that she could poke her head inside.
Inside the throne room, she saw Celestia was standing at the base of the steps leading up to her throne, and was leisurely talking with a pair of earth ponies. Spying her sister sticking her head through the door, Celestia smiled and called out, "Luna! I'm so glad to see you! I've been chatting with the daughter of the mayor of Stalliongrad and her husband, you should come and greet them." Celestia paused, seeing a panicked look on Luna's face. "Oh! That's right, you're with your friends, aren't you?" Turning to the two ponies in front of her, she asked, "Pine Wreath, Douglas Fir, would you mind if Princess Luna and her friends had a chance to meet you? I'm sure they would love the chance," she said, with a mischievous grin directed at Luna.
"It would be an honor to not only have the chance to meet Princess Luna, but also anypony who she considers to be her friends!" Douglas Fir, a navy blue pony with a short white mane and a cutie mark of a fir tree, exclaimed. He turned to his wife, a yellow mare with a long, orange mane and a cutie mark of a wreath. "Do you not agree, mine love?"
"Most certainly! Please, we would love to meet them!" Pine Wreath said. "Come, come, there is no need to be shy because of us, we are simply two older ponies out on a trip, on our way to visit family that lives nearby."
Smiling weakly, Luna gave a half hearted chuckle as she felt her insides turn to goo. "Well then, how can I refuse?" she replied. "Let me go get them, we'll be right in!" Turning around and closing the door behind her, Luna wondered just how much of this had been set up by her sister, and how much of it was just sheer coincidence. Either way, she thought, the next few minutes were going to be very interesting. |
Phases of the Moon | Half -- Chapter 4 | Luna walked back to her friends with a troubled look on her face. "My sister has invited us to all to come inside and meet her guests," she said, giving Pine Needle a consoling look, "who just happen to be your parents."
Pine Needle stared in disbelief at Luna, and the other ponies' mouths dropped open in shock. Luna nodded in sympathy at her friend, who was starting to sweat and look around him nervously. His darting gaze caught sight of his sister, who was looking up at him with a concerned expression. Taking a deep breath, he straightened his posture.
"Very well then," he said, putting as much confidence in his voice as he could. "It is probably for the best to get this over with right now anyway. There is no reason to drag this out, or give myself time to second guess mine choice. At least I will no longer have to stress out about when they will find me. Let's get this done now, while I have not only mine friends here to support me, but also while I still have the will to do this."
Upon receiving a comforting smile from his friends, he started forward with a confident stride when a soft voice gave him pause. "Brother, one moment please." Pine Bough waited for him to turn and face her before she continued, "I think it will be best if I do not go in with you. If our parents were to see that I came here all by myself, without their permission?" She shuddered, "I fear to think how long I will might be grounded." She trotted over to one of the guards standing by the doors, keeping him between her and the giant portal. "Do you mind if I listen in from here?" Seeing the armored grey unicorn roll his eyes but not voice any objections, she smiled at the guard then nodded at her brother that she was set for whatever else may happen.
"Let's go," Luna said, and took the lead. With a salute, the guards pulled the doors open, and she and her friends entered the throne room; Luna was first while Pine Needle brought up the rear. Initially hidden from sight, it took a moment before he could stand clear of his friends, which brought a pair of startled gasps from Celestia's guests.
"Pine Needle?" asked his mother, Pine Wreath. "Is, is it really you?" Seeing her son nod, she dashed forward and embraced him in a tight hug. "Oh, it has been so long! Too long!" The hug was soon joined by Douglas Fir, and the others all watched with misty eyes at the unexpected reunion.
Celestia smiled as Luna walked over to stand next to her. Leaning in close, she softly whispered, "It was a surprise when they sent me a letter saying who they were and that they were in town for a couple of days on their way to visit family nearby. A little bit of research confirmed my hunch, and so I thought it would be nice to help them get together a day or two earlier than they planned." She giggled. "I was just about to go send a runner to find you, as a matter of fact."
Luna shook her head, and a sigh escaped from her lips. "It is nice to see, but I don't think 'visit' covers the entire truth of their trip," she explained after Celestia gave her a questioning look. "This situation is much more complicated than it appears they have led you to believe."
Stepping back from the embrace that mother and son continued to share, Douglas Fir looked over at the princesses and shook his head in amazement. "We were honored to have Princess Celestia grant our request to meet with her; to have the chance to meet with one so great and wise is rare, and it will be a moment that I will cherish through the rest of my life. And yet, it seems that you have become friends with Princess Luna?" He barked out a laugh in disbelief. "That must be an interesting story in and of itself, I'd wager!"
"I still have trouble believing it myself, father," Pine Needle replied with a grin. "If somepony else had told me ahead of time how it would happen, I would have accused them of lying."
Pine Wreath finally broke the hug and stood back, wiping tears of joy from her eyes. "Son, let me please apologize for what happened back in Stalliongrad. We were wrong to not listen to your thoughts on the matter. I do not blame you for leaving, I just wish that you had not felt the need to go so far away."
Douglas Fir nodded solemnly. "I believe part of our failure to recognize your stance was that the two of us were paired together without being asked, and it worked out very well for us. I think that is what made us so blind to your protests. If it worked for us, why wouldn't it work for you?"
"Well," Pine Needle replied, "I am glad that you understand why I left then." He allowed himself to relax a little; perhaps his parents had changed their minds on the way down from Stalliongrad? Or maybe his sister had misheard them?
Pine Wreath smiled. "Oh, looking back on it, it's so obvious that she wasn't right for you. Did you know she ended up moving to Manehattan and marrying a street sweeper? Her parents were so scandalized by the event that they hid it for months!"
"A...street sweeper?" Pine Needle asked, growing confused about where the conversation was going.
"So consider our lesson learned, son!" Douglas Fir said. "Boy, we sure lucked out there, didn't we? But that's what happens when you start getting desperate in trying to find anypony who meets the requirements you've set up. You lower your standards, and then the crazy ones get in." The stallion shook his head at the thought of it.
"That's right!" Pine Wreath chimed in. "We certainly won't make that mistake again!"
Pine Needle felt his stomach tighten into a knot. "What do you mean by, 'that mistake'?" he asked warily.
"Of not doing the proper research, of not being thorough!" his mother replied. "That's why, when we were presented with a possible match for you, we didn't just take their word for it, oh no, we went and did our research, let me tell you! Why-"
Pine Needle stomped his hoof in anger on the floor. "No! The mistake isn't that you did not set me up with the proper mare, it is that you tried to set me up at all! Who I fall in love with, who I decide to spend the rest of my life married to, if I decide to get married at all, is my choice!"
Celestia turned to Luna, wearing a frown on her face. "Sister, I'm sorry. I had no idea that this was going to happen. Please believe me that this was not my intention."
"There is no need to apologize, Celestia," Luna replied with a sad smile. "There was no way for you to know that this was going to happen. I only found out myself when they showed up this morning. A good portion of our time today has been spent trying to figure out what to do."
Celestia nodded silently and turned her attention back to the Pine family members. Her frown deepened, not only at the incomplete story she had been given but also in trying to figure out how her sister had learned about it before she had. Was there something else about the situation she had missed?
"Pine Needle," Pine Wreath said in a stern voice, "you have to believe us when I say that this not like the last time. We are not going to force the two of you together and simply hope that everything works out."
"That's right, son," Douglas Fir said. "We plan to make sure that everything the two of you do is carefully monitored, and we'll make sure that if she proves to not be good enough for you, then we'll call it off."
Pine Needle spluttered in disbelief. "You, you have not heard a single word of mine, have you? I am not upset about how this... this process is carried out, I am angry because there is a process to begin with! I did not run away years ago because you picked the wrong pony for me, I left because you thought it was your right, your duty to assign one to me to begin with!" He stomped the floor again, having no other way to show his anger without losing his composure. "I should have known, when I was told you were coming to see me, that nothing had really changed!"
Pine Wreath found herself speechless; she had never expected to be so thoroughly rebuffed by her son. Douglas Fir however narrowed his eyes and gave Pine Needle a curious look. "If you do not mind my asking, how did you know we were coming? We wanted to let you know, but without an address, let alone not knowing which town you had moved to until recently, we were unable to mail you a letter. In fact, most of our day tomorrow was going to be spent searching Ponyville for you because we had no way to give you notice that we were coming to see you."
Pine Needle froze. Had he accidentally revealed too much in the heat of the argument? His mouth turned dry as he stuttered, trying desperately to come up with something to say that wouldn't end up with his sister getting in trouble. His eyes darted back and forth, looking at both his friends from Ponyville and the two princesses, but nothing came to mind. Seeing his father's gaze turn very intense, he spluttered, "Because... because, um, I-"
"Because I told him, that is why!"
All eyes turned to the open double doors. Pine Bough stood defiantly in the doorway, the surprise of her reveal only slightly undermined by the barely detectable quiver in her legs. With a determined look on her face, she briskly trotted up next to Pine Needle. "I knew when I saw how you reacted when you received that letter from Canterlot that you were bound and determined to make mine brother's life miserable. That is why I took it upon myself to come and warn him, and also for the chance to see him again after you forced him away so long ago!"
"Young lady," Pine Wreath said angrily, having shaken off the shock of seeing their daughter in front of them faster than her husband. "You are in big trouble, do you hear me?"
"I do not care!" Pine Bough shouted. "I would do it again too, if I had the choice!"
Unsure of how to react to their children uniting against them, Pine Wreath and Douglas Fir stepped back and brought their heads together to quietly discuss how to proceed. Celestia took the chance to whisper to Luna, "I wondered how you had known about this. Of course, it all makes sense now." Seeing Luna's pensive demeanor, she asked, "How are you holding up? This can't be easy, being forced to watch one of your best friends go through something like this."
Luna nodded sadly. "I want so badly to jump right in and tell them off! I know however that anything I say will be overshadowed by who I am; it won't be my words that change their minds, but my rank. And while some situations might call for me to use my position as a means to get a favorable solution, here it would be me being nothing more than a bully like Pine Needle's parents. Just because they think they can use their station as a reason to get what they think is best does not mean that I can do so too."
"That is one of the hardest parts about our lives, and having friends," Celestia said while nodding sadly. "Having to always keep the public half of our lives separate from our private halves. All too often it is our private lives that have to suffer, so that the many can benefit from what we do with our stations as princesses. The times where the two fit together are all too rare, I fear."
"And yet," Luna said carefully, "even though I am limited in what I can do right now, I think that this is one of those times. While I may not be able to directly help Pine Needle, I think just being here lets me aid him in both ways. As a friend, I can lend him my support just by being here. And as a ruler, I believe that we are helping to keep things civil. See how his parents keep looking in our direction? I'm willing to bet they are worried about making a scene and earning our disapproval."
Breaking from their huddle, Pine Wreath and Douglas Fir walked back to their children. "It would appear," Pine Wreath said in a precise and measured manner, "that we have underestimated your displeasure with our plans. If you truly do not want to give this mare a chance, we can do nothing to change that."
Douglas Fir nodded in agreement. "You must have one amazing mare friend already to not even consider our proposal." He looked over at Pine Needle's friends. Pointing at Feather Down, he asked, "Is that the lucky girl who has caused all of our efforts to be wasted?"
"No, she is merely a good friend of mine. Nothing more, nothing less." Pine Needle shifted his weight, feeling uncomfortable with where things were headed.
"So, who is this mare then?" his mother asked.
"Actually, there currently isn't one that I am involved with," he admitted. Seeing his parents eyes light up, Pine Needle raised a hoof to forestall them. "There is a pony that I care for a lot though. Right now, I am still... unsure of how to approach her and let my feelings be known, but I hope to someday soon gather the courage to ask her out."
"Then let us help!" Douglas Fir pleaded. "Don't you see we only want what's best for you? Let us break the ice then! Allow us to present your case for you, and get the two of you together!"
"Yes!" Pine Wreath chimed in. "We won't even mention marriage, or earth pony magic potential, or anything of the sort! Let us do this to help make things up to you! And then, after you two have that first date, we can all assess how things went, and where to go from there!"
Pine Needle felt himself waver. It seemed that he had finally made some progress in getting his argument through to them. Perhaps his parents could help keep him grounded where he himself had failed?
"No," Pine Needle finally said, regret in his voice. "While I appreciate the offer, it would not be fair to the mare, and I would not be true to myself. I need to do this on my own."
"And how long will that take you?" Pine Wreath asked, turning impatient. "How many other mares have you seen before this one? At least tell me that there is some hope for us having grandchildren someday!"
"I do not think that that is any of your business!" Pine Needle snapped. "While you may think you have only my best intentions in mind, I am finding your lines of questioning to be at the best ignorant, and at the worst downright insulting! I will not listen to anything else you have to say about this! As far as I am concerned, this conversation is over, and so is our time together. Out of respect for my friends, I will not storm off, but I will have nothing more to do with you. Do not come to Ponyville, you will not be welcome at my home!" Unable to look at his parents any longer through tear filled eyes, Pine Needle turned around and stood proudly with his back turned to them.
Pine Needle's parents stood frozen in place, stunned by what they had just heard. After a moment of silence, Douglas Fir softly asked, "Is this how it is going to be, son?"
Seeing Pine Needle refusing to budge even an inch, Pine Wreath softly sighed. "I am sorry that things had to end this way. We will leave you be then, as you wish. Just... please don't hate us. We were only doing what we felt was best for you. We only did this out of our love for you." Still getting no reaction from her son, she turned to her husband. "Very well, let's head home. We will have to tell Mr. and Mrs. Apple that the betrothal with Applejack we planned on will have to be forgotten."
Pine Needle tensed, his breath caught in his throat.
Douglas Fir trotted over to the princesses and bowed deeply before them. "Your highnesses, please forgive an older couple their folly, and for dragging our family's problems out into the open before you. It was not our intention to take up your valuable time with such an unseemly display. We will be on our way now, and please do not think too poorly of our father, or our son. If there is to be any ill will, please place it squarely where it belongs, on us."
Celestia shook her head. "While I am sad to see things end on such a sour note, I am glad that at least your family was able to come to a conclusion of some sort, instead of simply letting it fester and create a bigger divide. Hopefully in the near future, the healing process will be able to begin."
"You are too kind, your Highness." Bowing one last time, Douglas Fir turned and walked back to his wife, who was scolding Pine Bough.
"Making such a long trip at your age, at this time of year?" Pine Wreath was saying to her daughter. "Why did you not simply send a letter? It would have gotten here just as fast, and cost a lot less money than what the food and lodging of your journey cost you! That, and you would not be grounded for a year either!"
"Awww! Mom!" Pine Bough complained to no avail.
Turning towards her son, who had still not budged, she softly said, "Goodbye, Pine Needle. I will tell the family that you are doing well. Please... just don't hate us?" Hearing no reply, and seeing no reaction, she drooped her head and dejectedly walked out the door, followed by Douglas Fir and Pine Bough.
Luna closed the doors behind the leaving Pines, and Feather Down dropped to the ground, jamming a hoof into her mouth to keep her laughter bottled up. Everypony else walked over to Pine Needle, to see why he had still not budged; the news that he had been, for a short while, arranged to be married to the mare of his dreams had left him frozen in a state of shock. Haystack tried waving a hoof in front of his friend's face, only to get no reaction. Seeing this, Feather Down finally stood up and, her laughter echoing off of the castle walls, ran out a side door. The galloping of her hooves slowly faded away, but her laughter could still be easily heard.
Dewdrop turned to face Haystack. "While I can see the humor in this situation, I certainly don't find it that funny. I fear I might be a bit too harsh on her. Perhaps you could go get her calmed down, please?"
"Of course. Besides," he said, looking at Pine Needle, "I think comforting him when he finally regains his senses will be better handled by you than me. I don't think I could give this the proper touch that it needs."
Dewdrop smiled at Haystack. "Sounds good to me, dear." After watching the farmer pegasus follow after her roommate, Dewdrop joined the princesses who were doing their best to gently bring Pine Needle out of his state. After a few moments of calling his name with increasing volume and urgency, Celestia lowered her horn and simply tapped him on his forehead with it. The physical contact finally shook Pine Needle from his catatonia, and with tears forming in his eyes, he sank to his knees.
"I, I have been an utter idiot," he sobbed. "I let mine parents leave thinking that I hate them, and I allowed any chance that I might have had with the mare that I love be completely ruined!"
Luna blinked in surprise. "I think you are being too harsh on yourself. My impression was that, while saddened by your refusal to speak to them at the end, they were also disappointed by their failure as well. I am sure that you can send them a letter if you want and let them know how you truly feel."
"And your chances with Applejack aren't ruined either!" Dewdrop added. "I mean, it isn't like any of us our going to bring this up to her. She'll never know about this if you don't want her to!"
"No, she still could! Even if none of us tell her, what if things do work out between us? What do you think will happen if she wants to meet my parents? What do I do then? What if Pine Bough comes and visits me again, and she lets this slip in front of her?" Seeing Dewdrop still looking doubtful, he continued, "What if somepony that you were going out with had his parents all of a sudden show up and try to force the two of you together? How would you like that, even if both of you were against it?"
Dewdrop blinked. "That would be... unsettling, to say the least. You're right hun, it wouldn't be good at all. There would always be that cloud of doubt, of just how much our attraction was natural, and how much was being forced by his parents." She fell silent, considering the situation and finding it very unpalatable.
"Well, I know it hurts a lot right now," Luna said, trying her best to sound confident, "but at least you were able to get through to your parents about how you felt. And while you might not be comfortable pursuing Applejack anymore, that doesn't mean you have to give up on love altogether! Better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved at all, right?"
Pine Needle laughed, but the noise was anything but cheerful. "Does that really count for my case though? If the mare I desired never even knew of my feelings, because I couldn't even talk to her? Is that really love, or just some childish attempt at it?" He sighed, and laid his head down on the cold, marble floor. "I appreciate your words, so please do not take my attitude the wrong way. I think I just need time. Time to get over this, and time to think about what being in love really means."
Haystack followed the sound of Feather Down's laughter through a couple of hallways before finding her leaning against a wall. The pink pony was gasping for air, and her laughter was finally coming to an end. As he walked up to her, Feather Down took a deep breath, and finally brought her mirth under control.
"I'm sorry, Haystack," Feather Down said. "I know that sounds really bad, coming from somepony who just fled the room in laughter, but..." she paused and waved a hoof vaguely in the air. Her demeanor turned serious, and Haystack thought he saw her frown. "But what else can I do? I just watched one of my best friends not only go through a very trying time with his family, he also saw his chances with the mare of his dreams get dashed in front of him. And all I could do was watch-- there was nothing I could have done to make things go better. If I can't laugh at the irony of his parents somehow managing to get Applejack's parents to agree to such a crazy scheme..." She looked around uncertainly. "What else can I do but cry at the injustice of it all?"
Haystack nodded, and put a comforting hoof on Feather Down's shoulder. "I hated it too. Just standing there, wanting to do something to help out Pine Needle... What could I do though, that wouldn't have undermined his position? How am I supposed to show that somepony else is strong enough to do things on their own? Wouldn't the very act of joining in on Pine Needle's side go against the very nature of his position?" He lowered his hoof to the ground and sighed. "I felt worthless, just standing there."
The two friends stood there, silently sharing their misery. After a few moments, Feather Down slowly started back towards the throne room, and Haystack fell in behind her. When they returned, they saw that Pine Needle was slowly getting to his feet, looking miserable but at least aware of his surroundings.
Trotting over, Feather Down lowered her head and softly said, "I'm so sorry, Pine Needle."
"It is not your fault," Pine Needle said, managing a sickly smile. "I am sure that someday I too will laugh at this."
"Don't give up though, okay?" Surprising everyone with the fervor she spoke with, she continued to fill the silence. "There are still plenty of mares out there! There's Cheerilee, Rose, Pinkie Pie, no, scratch that one, she's too crazy... um, Daisy, Lily, the twins from the spa... Oh! How about Carrot Top! She'd be perfect for you, I bet! Or how about-"
Pine needle placed a hoof on her mouth to silence his friend. "I thank you for the thought, but I think that maybe I should just take some time off, so to speak, from wanting a special somepony. If the way I acted around Applejack, even when I just heard her name was any indication, maybe I am not ready to be in love. Perhaps I need to grow up some more, and when I am able to treat a mare that I love as something more than something to stare and drool at, then I can consider myself ready."
"If you mean that," Celestia said with a smile, "you may be closer to that day than you think."
Meanwhile, Haystack had moved over next to Dewdrop. "You know," he said cautiously, "this has gotten me thinking. I can't but help but look at Pine Needle's situation and wonder, am I messing things up too? I've never been that good at being social, and I like what we have, and I think I want to be closer yet, but I just don't know how to express that all that well, and-"
"I understand, dear." Dewdrop said, gently cutting Haystack off. "I like what we have between us too, and I would like it to be more also. And while seeing this makes me want to force things so we don't end up in a similar position, where our inaction has cost us our chance, I think doing so could be just as bad too." She smiled up at Haystack. "Let's just keep on taking our time, and let it happen naturally."
Haystack nodded, and then on an impulse brushed his muzzle against hers. Seeing her smile back, he then turned and faced the rest of the group. "So, what now?" he asked.
Luna turned to look at Pine Needle. "Is there anything you'd like to do? Anything that might help cheer you up?" Seeing her friend give a noncommittal shrug, she turned to her sister. "You have any suggestions, Celestia?"
"We could go watch one of the afternoon plays, and I understand that several prominent musicians are playing at the local clubs." She gave the group a wry grin, "Perhaps we could enjoy a bit of dancing, let ourselves go a little. How does that sound?"
Pine Needle mulled over her suggestions. "I suppose it wouldn't hurt to go and listen to some music?"
"That's the spirit!" Celestia said. "I know just the place too. Give me a moment to get ready."
Luna blinked in surprise. "You want to come too?"
"Of course I do!" Celestia moved her legs about in something vaguely resembling a dance. "It's not often I get the opportunity to strut my stuff." Seeing Pine Needle grin at her antics, she smiled warmly. "There we go! Go ahead and head towards the west gate, Luna, I'll meet you there."
Watching her sister leave to inform the staff that they were going to be gone for the evening, Luna then looked at her friends. "Ready to go?" she asked. Seeing them nod in agreement, she led them out of the big double doors and headed to where Celestia had told them to meet her.
Nightmare Moon continued her slow trek across the moon. While she had doubted that she would face any repercussions for her actions on Feather Down, her caution had won out, and she had refrained from trying anything else just yet. Still, night was about to fall upon Equestria again, and with it would be another chance to try out her new found abilities.
Looking back, she realized she had squandered a lot of chances last night. Taking the time during her march to think, she had come up with several ideas she wanted to test out, the first being if she could enter somepony else's dream without their noticing. She didn't know if it was possible, but if she could pull it off, it would also open the window for a lot more possibilities.
WIth an malicious grin, she chuckled to herself, looking forward to what tonight, and future nights, might bring. |
Phases of the Moon | Half -- Chapter 5 | Finishing off a quick breakfast, Pine Needle stretched his legs and indulged himself in one last moment of procrastination before setting off on what he knew was going to be a very difficult task. After spending yesterday afternoon enjoying music with his friends in Canterlot, they had all returned to Ponyville, weary and still somewhat subdued. Haystack had told him that he could have the day off today if he needed it, and Pine Needle had gratefully accepted, although not for the reasons his pegasus friend was probably thinking of.
No, today he wasn't going to simply hide in his cottage and mope the day away. Not when he still had some loose ends to clean up that his parents had left for him to deal with.
Taking one last deep breath, he started towards the door when a noisy set of chitterings behind him made him pause. Turning around, he saw his pet squirrel Acorn looking at him in indignation. "I'm sorry, Acorn, but I don't think you would enjoy coming with me today," Pine Needle tried explaining. He knew that the squirrel couldn't understand a word he said, but it helped him to focus his thoughts on how to gesture it out so that his pet would at least be able to get a basic understanding of what he was trying to convey. He had been surprised that he had managed to convince Acorn to stay home yesterday, for which he had been thankful for. Not even counting the showdown with his parents, he didn't like the thought of trying to chase down a stubborn squirrel in the halls of Canterlot Castle-- or how that would reflect on him and his friends.
However, it seemed that Acorn wasn't going to take no for an answer today. Despite his best efforts to act out walking into one's doom, the squirrel either didn't understand, or was abusing the fact that he didn't comprehend Pine Needle's words and was simply pretending to not get what was being told to him. With a sigh, Pine Needle lowered his head, and let Acorn take his usual riding spot in his mane. "Very well then, no need for me to put this off any longer," he mumbled to himself as he headed out the door.
"Time to go to Sweet Apple Acres."
Haystack was eating a late breakfast when the bell he had outside his front door started to ring. Curious as to who it could be, he left his half finished plate of grains on the table and went to find out. Opening the door, he saw a familiar grey pegasus mare with a blonde mane standing dejectedly on his front steps.
"Derpy! What's wrong?" he said, surprised to see the normally happy mail mare looking so down.
Looking up at Haystack with a distressed look, Derpy said despondently, "Hello, Haystack. I'm sorry, but I need to ask a big favor of you."
"Well, I can't guarantee that I can help, but I'm certainly willing to listen. Come in and tell me what you need," he said, gesturing inside with a wave of his hoof.
Nodding thankfully, Derpy followed Haystack inside. The two pegasi walked to the dining table, and Haystack waited patiently for Derpy to say something, doing his best to avoid staring at her wandering eye. After a moment of awkward silence, Haystack said, "So, what's the problem?"
"Well, I've had a vacation planned for quite a while now. It's been a long time since my last one, and there's family I want to visit in Cloudsdale... and my bosses in Canterlot don't like it when I accumulate too much vacation time either." Derpy explained with a small, rueful grin while shuffling a hoof across the floor.. "Something about keeping the books easy to balance, or something silly like that. Anyway, the pony who was going to be my replacement had a family emergency come up, and with my vacation starting up the day after tomorrow on Wednesday, I'm stuck without anypony to take over!" She looked at the farmer pegasus sadly. "I know it's a lot to ask out of the blue, if you could please take over my job on such short notice for a couple of weeks, but I just don't know who to ask!"
Haystack felt his stomach twist. He didn't really want to do somepony else's job with so little warning, but he could see that Derpy really did feel honestly bad about this. "So, if you don't mind me asking, why me?" he asked, hoping to put off having to make a decision for a little bit longer.
"Well, I asked Mayor Mare if there was anypony who might be needing a job like this, but she didn't know of anypony. Then she suggested you, because of your hard work ethic, and because of it being winter she said you had mentioned to her in the past that things were somewhat easy for you during these colder months. She said that if I wanted a pony who would take the job seriously and responsibly, I wouldn't find a better pony than you."
Seeing Haystack starting to waver, Derpy continued. "You'll get paid well for the work, and you get Sundays off too, which I know you're busy with your friends. That's what the Mayor said, anyway. So, please?" she asked, giving Haystack her best forlorn look.
Unable to stand against the large sad eyes of the mail mare, Haystack hung his head slightly in defeat. "Well, I suppose I can. Pine Needle should be able to take care of things during that time by himself, and if there is anything he can't handle, I can always get to it afterwards myself."
"Oh, thank you!" Derpy exclaimed, giving Haystack a quick hug. "I know it's very short notice, but it would be really great if you were able to start tomorrow, so I could at least have one day to show you what all needs to be done. We start somewhat early though, not too long after sunrise. Will that be okay?"
Haystack chuckled. "That's the same time I'm up and about to start working in the fields, so that won't be a problem at all."
"Thank you again! Oh, I need to get going, looking for a replacement has put me behind in my work for today. Just come on over to the post office after you wake up tomorrow, okay?"
"I'll do that." Haystack promised. With a wave, he watched the grey pegasus fly away. "Well then," he said to himself as he looked around his house, "I better make up a list of things for Pine Needle to do while I'm gone. I'll explain things to him later this afternoon, give him time to wake up and hopefully cheer up some too." Walking over to his work desk, he picked up a pencil with his teeth and started to write.
Bleary eyed, Luna walked down the hallway to the dining room where she and Celestia shared their meals. She was still getting used to waking up before sunrise everyday so she could lower the moon so her sister could then raise the sun. Even though she could easily find time to take a small nap sometime during the day, the act of getting out of bed so early and then performing a somewhat strenuous magical duty still took some getting used to.
Breakfast though promised two things that would help wake her up. The first was coffee. Ah, glorious, wonderful coffee! Just the thing to chase the lingering cobwebs of sleep from her eyes. And, of course, Celestia would be there too. Beyond the simple joy of seeing her sister, today she was supposed to have some ideas on how Luna could help lessen her work load too, which really excited her. Not only would she be able to finally help her out some, it would also mean she was taking another step down the long road of reintegrating into Equestrian society.
Entering the dining chamber, she smiled at the sight of her sister waiting for her. "Sorry to keep you waiting, Celestia," she said as she took her spot at the table.
Her sister smiled at her. "Oh, I've only been here for a minute at most, no need to apologize, Luna."
With a nod, the servers delivered the morning meal, oatmeal with honey and fruit slices mixed in. Strangely, Luna felt vexed by the warm meal. Although it was very tasty, she couldn't eat it quickly without burning her throat, which was already being overheated by the coffee she was imbibing. She hoped her desire to finish her meal quickly wasn't too obvious, but she feared that with her constant sipping from both her coffee and water cups, interspersed with her quick mouthfuls of oatmeal, that she wasn't doing that good of a job of it. A quick glance at her sister confirmed her suspicions; Celestia was eying her with a curious smirk.
"Hmm, I wonder what has you in such a rush this morning?" the elder sister asked with a twinkle in her eyes. "Did you want to go out dancing again?" she asked teasingly.
Luna rolled her eyes as she swallowed her mouthful of oatmeal. "At least what I was doing could be considered dancing. I tried figuring out if there was any rhyme or reason to what you were doing, but the best I could deduce was that you were just sticking out your legs at random. You weren't even in time with the music!" Seeing her sister laugh at her indignation, she huffed. "But you know why I'm impatient."
Celestia nodded. "Indeed. You want to help out more in running the kingdom."
"Exactly! And while getting a chance to do something besides studying about everything that happened while I was imprisoned is part of it, I really do want to help make things easier for you too."
"I know, Luna, and it means a lot to me." With a quick spell, she pushed her now empty breakfast bowl away from her. "I couldn't come up with anything that would let you take over any duties right away, but I did think of a couple of things you could do that would let you do so sooner rather than later."
Swallowing the last of her water, Luna nodded eagerly. "And those are?"
"The first would be for you to spend some time with the scribes." Seeing Luna give her a confused look, Celestia continued. "While it wouldn't be very exciting, I think it would be a great way for you to get a better understanding on how things work on a more intricate level, as opposed to what you've seen so far. It would be boring, I'll admit, but you would come to understand what all needs to be done just to, for example, move a loaf of bread from one town to another. It would also have the benefit that, if you do make a mistake, it won't be in public and there will be many capable ponies there to help fix any errors you might make starting out."
Luna pursed her lips. "That... doesn't sound exactly like what I had in mind, to be honest. What's the other option?"
Celestia grinned. "Well, I figured that you could spend the day with me, and watched as I held court." Seeing Luna's face brighten, she held up a hoof to forestall her. "While it sounds like fun, let me warn you now it will probably be just as boring, if not more so, than working with the scribes. You'll have to spend most of your time in the background, just listening in, and you won't have the luxury of being able to get up and move about to stretch all that often either. There's a reason why my throne is exceptionally well padded, you know," she said with a wink.
Luna giggled. "I think I would much rather do that than work with the scribes. If I have to spend another week doing nothing but reading, I'm going to start seeing scrolls in my sleep!"
"Okay then. Just know that I still expect you to still put some time into your studies though. As boring as some parts of it may be, if you're going to be able to fill in for me someday, you will need to know all of that and more."
"I understand, Celestia. I also think this will help me see just exactly what you have to go through, and if I'm in a room with some scribes, instead of where the action is happening, I certainly won't get that."
"Okay then, it's decided." Celestia stood up. "If you're ready to go?" Seeing Luna eagerly stand, she led the way out of the dining area. "To the throne room!"
Pine Needle paused at the front gate to Sweet Apple Acres, taking one last moment to calm his nerves before proceeding onward. This was it, his last chance to turn around before anypony saw him, and put off or even forget what he was about to do. Shaking his head angrily, and almost spilling Acorn from his perch in the process, Pine Needle frowned at the line of thought he had briefly followed and purposefully strode forward onto Apple family land. As he got closer to the main building, he was noticed by a yellow filly with red hair and a big pink bow in her mane, who stopped what she was doing and came forward to meet him.
"Howdy! Welcome to Sweet Apple Acres, my name's Apple Bloom," the filly said, while looking curiously at him. "Did you know you have a squirrel on your head?"
Pine Needle grinned ruefully. "Hello, Apple Bloom. Mine name is Pine Needle, and yes, Acorn here seems to want to follow me around today. I was wondering, do you know if Applejack or anypony else is around? I need to talk to them about something important."
"Well, Granny Smith is inside, I can go see if she available?" Apple Bloom asked.
"That would be great. Thank you very much." Pine Needle waited as the filly trotted inside, and after a few moments returned.
"Granny says to come on in, but that you'll have to leave the squirrel out here. Maybe I could keep him company?" she asked.
"Well, he seemed to get along okay with my sister. I tend to be the one he saves his mischievousness for." Pine Needle lowered his head down to the ground in front of Apple Bloom, and the squirrel took the hint and jumped off of Pine Needle's noggin to eye the filly in front of him. "If he gives you any problems, you let me know, okay?"
"I sure will, thank you Pine Needle!" she said. "Come on, little squirrely, want to play with my dolls over here?" With a wave of her hoof, Apple Bloom led Acorn away.
Pine Needle watched the filly and his pet walk around a corner of the house, and he turned and headed to where he had seen Apple Bloom return from just a few seconds before. Arriving at the door, he raised a hoof, knocked twice, and waited. After a moment, Granny Smith opened the door and eyed him cautiously. Pine Needle recognized her instantly; although he had lived in Ponyville for only a couple of years, even he had heard about how much the elderly matron of the Apple clan had done to help Ponyville throughout the decades.
"So," the old mare said in a raspy voice, "you must be the pony that Apple Bloom said was here to talk to me?"
"Indeed. Mine name is Pine Needle, and I..." he paused and took one last deep breath. "I'm here to apologize to you, Applejack, and the rest of your family for the actions of my parents."
"Oh, and just what did they do that brings you here to apologize?" she asked, her voice sharp with suspicion.
Swallowing down a knot in his throat, Pine Needle plunged ahead. "Mine parents have always had a very strong sense of entitlement when it came to raising me, and thought that they knew best for what I should do. So they went out of their way, without telling me, and arranged me to be married to somepony. Of course, when I found out about it, I told them that I didn't want any part of such a forced arrangement. They got the idea by apparently meeting Applejack's parents and getting them to agree to such a union, and let me say--"
"Those two agreed to such a thing?!" Granny Smith cried out in anger, cutting Pine Needle off. "Why, those terrible, good for nothings! They know they aren't welcome here after all the stuff they've done, and now they go and do something like this?! Tell me boy," she said, her whole manner suddenly very calculating, "where and when did that happen?"
"Um, I don't know when exactly, but it was in Stalliongrad, so at least a week ago, maybe two?"
Granny Smith seemed to sag at the news. "Drat, they've probably moved on by now. Guess I'll have to hold off on telling Big MacIntosh where they were, he wouldn't be able to find them all that easily." She shook her head. "I'm sorry about that, but my son and his wife have never been very responsible ponies, so I'm not surprised that they would go along with such a crazy scheme." She stepped inside and motioned for Pine Needle to follow.
After a quick walk through a kitchen, Pine Needle ended up in a dining room, with a large, long table in the middle and cushions all around. "Take a seat, sonny," Granny Smith said, pointing at one of the cushions. "I don't blame you one bit for what your parents did, and truth be told I'm sorry my son went along with it. If he hadn't then we wouldn't be here right now, apologizing for things neither of us had a hoof in doing."
Pine Needle let out a breath that he hadn't been aware he had been holding. "Thank you, Granny Smith. And please do not feel that you have to apologize for anything. This is not the first time my parents have tried something like this, I'm afraid, so I place all the blame on them."
Granny Smith shook her head in disbelief. "Makes you wonder why they thought it work out, don't it though? Anyhow, I imagine you want a chance to explain this to Applejack yourself?"
Pine Needle nodded slowly. "I don't think it would be fair of me to dump that off on to you."
"Well then, you wait right here and I'll go get her. She's out making sure the trees are doing okay with all of this winter weather, checking to make sure none of the branches have broken off from being weighed down with the past snowfall. It might take me a bit to find her though. You want some apple juice while you wait?"
"That would be wonderful. Thank you very much."
"All right then, give me one second to grab you a bottle, and then I'll be off. I'll do my best to put in a good word, but I warn you, Applejack has a very strong stubborn streak in her. If she gets the wrong idea, you may find it much harder to get her to listen than you were hoping for."
Pine Needle nodded and thanked her for the bottle of apple juice, and watched as she headed out a different door. Slowly sipping through the the straw that been thoughtfully provided, he tried hard not to think about all the things that could still go wrong.
Luna had been provided with a large, comfortable cushion for her to sit on, and had spent the morning off against a side wall in the throne room, listening as petitioners came and made their cases to her sister. Many of the petitioners brought what Luna felt were rather minor cases: One pony was upset because the street where he lived hadn't been cleared of snow fast enough, and another group complained because their favorite park was closed for the season.
"Celestia, how can you put up with all of these petty requests? Doesn't it drive you crazy with how silly some of them are?" Luna asked during a break.
"Oh, some of them, sure. But there are enough honest requests, like the one family that had lost its house to a fire, that I think making sure everypony has a chance to ask us for help is worth it. Besides, this way I can have some fun with some of the lazy ones too."
Luna rolled her eyes. "Yes, I noticed you had quite the grin when you 'helped' that one mare by essentially having her volunteer to help out two other ponies without her even realizing it."
Celestia smirked, and then took on a more serious look. "Well, you know, sometimes we find some our best workers this way. Sometimes ponies simply can't find an easy path to doing what they love. Does it really matter how they get there in the end, if they get to do what they like while helping others?"
Luna nodded slowly, considering her sister's words. As she sat there in thought, another group of ponies entered the room. To Luna, they instantly stood out; the five of them were similarly dressed, and didn't look to be down on their luck in the least. One of them, a red unicorn mare with a short yellow mane and a rolled up scroll for a cutie mark stepped forward and bowed deeply to Celestia.
"Please rise," Celestia said warmly. "How can I help you, my little ponies?"
"Thank you your highness. My name is Sunshine, and we are here representing the city of Edmareton. This coming up weekend we will be celebrating the two hundredth anniversary of our winter festival."
"Oh yes!" Celestia said with a smile. "I got to attend one some years back. I had a great time."
Sunshine bowed again. "Thank you, your highness. We are planning our biggest celebration yet, but unfortunately our scheduled guest of honor for the festivities had to cancel, and now we find ourselves without an appropriate dignitary for the position. We would love to have you attend again, but we would also fully understand if the very short notice keeps you from doing so?" Seeing Celestia nod sadly, Sunshine said, "In that case, we were hoping that maybe you could suggest somepony else who might be available and willing to make the trip up north?"
Celestia paused to think, and turned to face Luna. "Do you have any suggestions, sister? Maybe we could send Prince Blueblood?"
Luna made a sour face. "Ugh, no, they want someone who will help the celebration, not hinder it." Luna took a moment to consider the available options. "Maybe Twilight Sparkle could go? It would be nice to see her get some recognition for what she did during the Summer Sun Celebration."
Celestia shook her head no. "While I do appreciate everything that Twilight Sparkle has done for me and the kingdom, I don't think she would be a good choice for an honor like this. Her nature isn't well suited to take up such a responsibility on such a short notice. I was thinking of someone from the nobility here in Canterlot, but so many are away right now, I just don't know who would be appropriate."
Luna pondered the options for a few seconds. Her sister was right; many of the nobles were in southern homes, escaping the worst of the cold weather. Suddenly, an idea came to her. "Well, if you wouldn't mind me going away for a weekend, I could go." Luna said. "This could be a good way to help with my reintegration into society." She turned to face the delegation. "Would that be sufficient for you, and if so, could I also bring a few friends with me?"
"Oh!" Sunshine said eagerly. "We'd be very honored if you would accept! And of course we would accommodate any staff you might need to bring."
Luna looked up at Celestia, and seeing her nodding eagerly, she turned and smiled at Sunshine. "I would be honored to accept. Thank you very much!"
"No, thank you, your highness!" Sunshine said while bowing deeply to her. "My assistant here has all of the paperwork you'll need, so you'll know what time to be there, what we'll be providing for you, and what duties we will need you to perform." Seeing Luna give her a questioning look, Sunshine quickly added, "There will be a short parade that you'll be leading, and we'll ask you to be a guest judge in several of the competitions too. Nothing strenuous or difficult at all. In exchange, you'll get enjoy the best seats to watch all the performances and competitions."
"Oh! Of course I'd be happy to do that." Luna said as she accepted a small sheaf of papers from an earth pony stallion. Seeing nothing amiss, she turned to Celestia. "What time do you think we'd have to leave Ponyville to get to Edmareton in time for.." she glanced down at the papers she had been given. "Well, we'd want to get there early so we aren't rushed, so say midday Friday?"
Celestia shrugged. "You'd be better off asking the pegasus guards themselves. They're ones who will have to do the flying, after all. But we can work on that later today." She turned to face the delegation from Edmareton. "Is there anything else that we can do for you fine ponies?"
"Oh, goodness no, thank you again very much, Princesses!" Sunshine said while bowing deeply to both of the royal sisters. "Indeed, just as you have planning to do, I need to get word back home who we will have coming as our Guest of Honor. There is still a lot of work to be done to make sure that everything is going to be perfect." With that, the delegation turned around and left the throne room, leaving the sisters alone once again.
"Well, if you'll pardon me too, sister?" Luna asked as she stood up, levitating the papers that she had been given. "I would like to get things set up, and send some scrolls to my friends. I do hope that they can get the days off on such short notice."
Celestia smiled. "Of course. Also, it may help if you sent a letter that they could give to their employers. They will most likely find it harder to say no if it's one of us asking for them."
Luna nodded slowly. "I don't like to abuse my position like that, but I know Dewdrop's boss is very friendly, from what I saw of him when I was disguised as Moonbeam. I'm sure he'd let Dewdrop have the days off without any hassle. My main concern is Feather Down's employer. At least I know Haystack and Pine Needle won't have any problems getting the days off. Haystack just has to ask himself," she said with a giggle.
"Go ahead then, Luna. We're getting close to the lunch break anyway, so I'll see you then?"
"You bet!" with her papers floating along beside her, Luna happily trotted out a side door to her room, eager to get to work and happy she had decided against going to study what the scribes did.
Pine Needle had finished his drink, and was starting to get very nervous while he waited for Granny Smith to return with Applejack. What if he froze up in front of her? What if Applejack was so upset at the situation that she didn't even want to see him? Finally, hearing hoofsteps approach, he turned to see the two Apple family members arrive.
And there she was. Applejack. The pony he had dreamt about for the past two years. The one whose name alone was often enough to freeze him into fantastic stupors. He was surprised to find himself able to keep his thoughts clear. Standing up at their approach, he bowed his head to them. "Thank you very much for being willing to listen to mine story and apology."
Applejack nodded warily as she sat down opposite from him. "Granny didn't tell me exactly what was going on," she said in her drawl, "but she did say I should give you a fair chance, so let's hear what you have to say."
Pine Needle sat back down and did his best to ignore the horde of butterflies that had suddenly appeared in his stomach. "Well, it turns out that my parents thought it would be a good idea, for some reason, to arrange a marriage between me and you. I have--"
"Whoa there!" Applejack said, her eyes wide in surprise. "Ain't no way I'm getting hitched to somepony I don't know. Only way I'm getting married is if I decide on it, not somepony else!"
"I fully understand," Pine Needle quickly said, trying to keep the conversation from getting away from him. "That is exactly how I feel too, and I have made sure that mine parents know that I did not approve of them doing such a thing. Please believe me when I say that that was not how I wanted to end up in a relationship with any pony, especially you."
Applejack nodded, and then paused. "Wait, what do you mean, 'especially me'?"
Pine Needle winced, and mentally berated himself. He was so nervous, he was saying anything and everything that came to his mind. "Well, I did have a cru--" He cut himself off and tried again. "Feelings for you for quite a while," he admitted, "I just could never work up the nerve to let you know. And now that my parents have gone and done this, I know that it would be foolish for me think along those lines anymore, so please, rest assured that I have no plans at all to try to use this as an excuse to press a claim, so to speak."
Applejack looked a little mollified, but still somewhat upset. "So what, did your parents see that you had a crush on me and decide to use it to their advantage then?"
"No. In fact, they likely had no idea that I even knew you at all! They live in Stalliongrad, you see, so--"
"All the way up there?" Applejack exclaimed, again cutting Pine Needle off. "What made them think they had any right to do that then?"
"Well, they've tried it once before, that's why I left home and moved here to Ponyville." Pine Needle explained. "I did not tell anypony what mine destination was at all. It was pure chance that mine parents happened to be hosting your parents at the same time they found out where I lived. I met them in Canterlot yesterday. They were on their way to Ponyville to find me, but I made sure that they knew they weren't welcome here if they were going to keep on trying to control my life like that. I still don't know if they fully understand, but they did stop trying to force the issue and have given up, at least for now."
Applejack sat back and gave herself a moment to take it all in. "Well, that's mighty crazy of them to be sure. I never did get along with my parents either. They spent most of their time wandering about Equestria, and hardly had any time for the rest of us. I resented them for that, to be honest, and I know Big Macintosh and Granny Smith don't like them that much either. I can sympathize with you, having parents like that."
Pine Needle gave Applejack a small smile of thanks. "Again, I am terribly sorry for what my parents did, and for having to break it to you like this. But I figured it would be better if I came and told you face to face, rather than waiting and hoping that your parents never sent you a letter telling you about this."
"Oh, you're right there, pardner. I can only imagine what Big Macintosh might have done if he had found out like that."
Pine Needle gulped. "I don't think I would have liked that either. I imagine he can be very scary when he sets his mind to it." he said, picturing the large stallion bearing down on him with malice in his eyes. He found himself trying not to swallow from nerves.
Applejack laughed. "Darn straight he can! Well then," she said while standing up, "I thank you kindly for coming and telling me directly. That couldn't have been easy to do, and I really appreciate your honesty."
"And thank you for being willing to listen to me," Pine Needle said, standing up and following Applejack back through the kitchen which he had entered the house through.
"Not a problem." She opened the door and held it for him. "And hey, don't be a stranger, okay? If nothing else, we can talk about how terrible our parents are, right? If you see me in the market, stop by and say hello, okay?"
Doing his best to conceal the giddy sensation that he suddenly felt, Pine Needle smiled and nodded. "You know what? I think I will."
Pine Needle stepped outside, and just a couple of steps off to his left he saw Apple Bloom playing with Acorn, who had been dressed up in a pink doll blouse. "You know," Pine Needle said wryly, "if I even pointed at an article of clothing Acorn would have chewed my head off. How did you get him to agree to wearing that?"
Apple Bloom giggled. "Well, I did have a few nuts to bribe him with, that helped a lot."
Seeing Pine Needle, Acorn started to try to undress himself, looking a bit worn out by what he had gone through.
"Say, I didn't mean to eavesdrop or anything, we were playing here the whole time, but with the window left open, I could hear your conversation with my sister," Apple Bloom admitted. She then stepped up to Pine Needle and leaned in close. "So, you had a crush on my sister?" she slyly asked.
Pine Needle nodded, feeling a little nervous at being asked so openly. "Indeed I did."
"If you don't mind my asking, why? I mean, I think my sister's great and all, but I just don't see why somepony else would get a crush on her when there are some really pretty ponies in town like Rarity."
Inside, Applejack had been reaching up to close the window, the draft coming through it having brought it to her attention. Now, she found herself pausing, curious to hear what the stallion had to say while Granny Smith looked at her quizzically from behind.
"Well," Pine Needle said slowly as he leaned in, as if the answer was a great secret that he might share only with her. "You see, Apple Bloom, I see in your sister a lot of things I would like to see more of in myself. She's an amazing farmer, and I hope to be one someday too. She's very responsible and hardworking, traits that I try to practice also, although I know that I sometimes fall short. I admire how even though she does so much for Ponyville, she doesn't let it get to her head, and she's always there for her friends too." He paused, and then grinned at the filly. "Also, she has the cutest freckles of anypony that I've seen in all of Equestria."
Seeing that Acorn had finally freed himself of Apple Bloom's doll dress, he lowered his head and let Acorn take his usual spot on top of it. "Well, I need to get going, if you don't mind. Have a good day, Apple Bloom."
"You too, Pine Needle! Feel free to bring Acorn by anytime you want!"
Inside, Applejack closed the window quietly and turned around to head out the other way to get back to work in the orchard. Seeing Granny Smith looking at her, she pulled her hat down to try to hide the blush that she could feel starting to heat up her cheeks. "The big galoot should have worked up the nerve sooner," she muttered as she brushed her way past her grandmother, who wheezed a laugh in reply. |
The two Potters and the Three Princesses | pre | "Yeah, I slept well, though I didn't have a choice in not joining, I was pulled into that cave again, but I could see the moon and you all on it, oddly enough." He explains. Nightmare gives him an inquisitive look.
"Then where were you?" She asks. The others having walked in to listen to their conversation.
"I was talking to that other me, but when I touched the skeleton it...." He stops. He looks at his hands and remembers the claws and wings. He smirks. "You all wanna see something cool?" He asks. They nod their heads. He jumps off of the bed and brings out his newly acquired claws and wings. They gape at how he flaps and frost forms onto the plants and the glass of the window. He smirks at them. "This is what happened after I touched it." He explains.
"That's...AMAZING!!" Hermione screams out, the others in complete awe as he wills them away, but they are sucked into his body, causing some pain for him.
"That part hurts though...." Griphyx groans out. Harry helps Griphyx stands as he lean on Celestia for help standing.
"It looked painful, and the sounds they made were...very strange." Celestia says, shivering at the end. Griphyx nods his head slightly before he shivers and stretches. He walks over and gets a shirt on, today was a casual dress day, so he and Harry wore their normal pants, boots, shirts and jackets, making this the first time any of them have seen the two dress this way -save the princesses of course-.
"Yeah well, that was the first time I ever brought them in while feeling them still." Griphyx explains as he walks out of the room, his hands in his pockets. They follow, giving him a questioning look. "I just got these abilities a few hours ago, give me a slight break..." He grumbles slightly. He walks out of the house and goes down he hallway, Nightmare and Luna on both sides of him, while the others go towards the mess hall for breakfast.
Griphyx walks through the halls before he see's Malfoy and his group talking with a man with long blonde hair and a cane. He approaches, his hands never leaving his pockets and walks between them, only to be stopped by Malfoy.
"That's the one!" He yells to the man while pointing at Griphyx. The man looks at Griphyx with an arched brow.
"He did all that? But he looks so scrawny." He scoffs. Griphyx smirks, not that they could see it with his back turned to them, as he stabs a hand into the wall next to him, sending large cracks running through it. He looks over his shoulder at the man, smirking still.
"You obviously don't know who I am." He states before pulling his hand from the wall and spinning on his heels before stopping, he bows mockingly. "I am Griphyx Potter." Griphyx says. The man eyes him and smirks.
"I see, so your the infamous Potter brother who gives my boy and his friends a hard time." The man says. Griphyx scowls and growls barring his fangs.
"Hay no! They attack ME! I only defend myself from their stupidity, had I TRULY wanted to hurt them, I would have. With this." He states as his wand turns into a sword, before turning back into a wand. Griphyx sees the mans wide eyes and scowls. "But I have no need to harm them with a weapon, and I can't use my magic, or else I would be harming them FAR worse than with a sword." Griphyx explains.
"I see, so you have massive amounts of magical energy inside you, eh? Just as the rumors had said, but they claim that Harry Potter is the stronger one in magic." The man says. The group is taken aback as Griphyx bursts out laughing, Luna and Nightmare doing the same, though only Griphyx can hear or see them.
"Not true, I am stronger in magic than he is, he recently gained more magical power, I have had mine unlocked for a while, even though I am still gaining more and more by the second." Griphyx explains. The man nods his head with a stoic face.
"I see, would you care to demonstrate this, 'power' of yours?" The man asks. Griphyx shrugs his shoulders.
"Sure, not like we have classes on a Saturday." Griphyx says as he spins his wand with a few fingers. "Why don't you start?" He says. The man smirks.
"Gladly." He hisses out as he fires a bolt of magic at a surprised Griphyx, knocking him onto the ground and skidding into a wall. He coughs multiple times and wheezes. Since when did he get so weak? The memories of the fusion flashes in his eyes and he inwardly curses for not healing his strength by eating something. "Do you know who I am?" The man asks.
"Tall and hissy?" Griphyx jokes weakly, earning him another bolt of magic to the chest. "Okay....I....deserved....that...." He pants out in pain.
"No you fool! I am Lucius Malfoy!" He hisses out with slightly clenched teeth. Griphyx nods his head and mockingly says: "Yeah, I'll remember that one, Lucy." thus earning yet another bolt of magic, but it hits his leg, causing him to cry out in pain. Luna and Nightmare growl, but before they can act, Griphyx tells them to go get everyone that can see them ad bring them here through telepathy. The two goddesses nod their heads reluctantly before blinking away through teleporting.
"Jeez, and I thought your son was the hard hitter." Griphyx mocks, earning a kick to the ribs. Now THAT hurt, quite a lot actually. He coughs out in pain.
"Father, what are you- " Malfoy tries, but Lucius cuts him off.
"No one mocks the Malfoy Family name! NO ONE!" He roars at Draco and his friends, causing them to back off immediately. Griphyx coughs and laughs at the same time as he gets to his feet.
"That's funny, because I thought I already did, Lucy." He grins like a fool. Griphyx knows that if he were to use his sword or magic, he would kill Lucius, and he certainly doesn't need THAT, and it he goes to use his wings or claws, then he'll be chastised by the entire Wizarding world, but wait! Griphyx just remembers that he is a Half-Blood, and smirks. "You know what else is funny?" He smirks even more.
"What?" Lucius growls out through clenched teeth.
"I'm a Half-Blood." Griphyx says, making Lucius freeze. There was a law about harming such beings, that is, if their parents were still alive. Lucius cackles as he fires another bolt of magic at Griphyx, who takes the hit by cries out in pain loudly.
"Congratulations, not that I care. None of your parents are ALIVE to penalize me, so why should it matter?" He states with a smirk. Griphyx pants in pain, before he grins and looks up at Lucius.
"Because you don't know what kind of Half-Blood I am." Now that causes Lucius to freeze. For all he knew, Griphyx could be part vampire, troll, dragon, anything! Griphyx gets to his feet and as Lucius fires another bolt, Griphyx catches it, right as the others arrives. He watches as Lucius gets a surprised look on his face, but then gapes as Griphyx crushes the bolt, sending the magical energies into the air.
"The bloody hell just happened?" Ron asks. Making Lucius turn around quickly to see the group standing there with glares. Griphyx coughs and then vanishes before he reappears punching Lucius in the left cheek, knocking him into a wall.
"That's why you never let underestimate us!" Griphyx roared in anger. The glass shatters as if in fear. Griphyx points a wand at Lucius, before pointing it at a wall, said wall crumbles into rubble after he fires a magic bolt at it, making a small explosion. "That's another reason as to why you should never underestimate anyone. Because if I had used my magic on you, I would have KILLED you, you fool!" Griphyx roars out.
"Amazing..." Is all Lucius says before he vanishes via spell. After Malfoy and his group run away, Griphyx drops to a knee and pants, his wand gripped tightly in his hand. Harry places a hand onto his little brothers back, and heals him, surprisingly, Griphyx stays awake, for about three seconds before nothing but blackness. |
The two Potters and the Three Princesses | Chapter 21 | Griphyx opens his eyes, to see that he is back in his 'house' on the couch. He coughs softly as he sits up and looks around, he sees Nightmare is next to him, sleeping with a worried look on her face. He looks at the small table and see's a pink card with a "Get Well Griphyx" on the front. He picks it up, an opens it. It reads:
"Dear Griphyx,
We know that you have been asleep for a while, but much has happened. Harry had won another Quidditch game, but he broke his arm(which is healed now! Don't worry little brother!) and had to rest, by the way, that was Harry. As you were sleeping, we had gotten our hands on a book about the Sorcerers Stone. Sounds pretty cool, huh? The stone creator was someone named a something Melville, or something along those lines. Malfoy has been acting meaner than usual, took all of my willpower to not ram my horn into his chest, but I managed (yeah, after we had to coax her into staying next to you!) Shut up! Sorry, that was Celestia, the trickster, she is currently laughing her plot off.
Anyways, we managed to do some extra training. Hermione's magic energy spirit is a Unicorn, funny huh? Ron's is a wolf, while Ruby's is a Dragon, also pretty interesting. We also found out about her Half-Blood side, it was actually VERY scary. See, we were in the 'Forbidden Forest' to look for something's with Hagrid, but then all these wolves attacked, and as they went to attack us, Ruby spews fire out of her mouth and cooks them! It was really scary when she kept breathing fire, so far, we believe she is part dragon, somehow.
Today is Sunday, it's been two weeks since you blacked out, we've...I've been scared that you might not wake up, yeah I know you were out for a month before, but that was from those nightmares, this was from physical pain, the nurses deduced that when Lucius kicked your side, he broke some ribs, I was scared stiff, but I know you'll be okay, your always okay. Well, when you read this, be sure to wake us up! Otherwise I'LL be the one to put you under for two weeks!
Love, Nightmare Moon/Nyx."
Griphyx chuckled softly, The date was today, Sunday. He looks back down at Nightmare, he can see tear streaks going down her face and cheeks, a few tears still slowly rolling down her cheeks. He kneels down next to her, and hugs her tightly.
"Harry...I don't want to be bothered right now." She says weakly, she must have been watching over Griphyx for these two weeks, pour mare. Griphyx leans in and nuzzles his face into her neck and mane gently, and softly speaks into her ear.
"I'm home, Nyx." He says softly. Nightmare's body freezes up, as she opens her eyes, she looks up at Griphyx, who smiles softly down at her. More tears form in her eyes and she presses her face into his chest, her wings wrap around him and bring him in a close 'hug'. He hugs her back tightly as her body trembles a few times, and he can feel his shirt getting more and more damp. He rubs the back of her head and neck gently, telling her everything is alright.
"Griphyx, how...when!?" She exclaims loudly, this causes the others to rush down the stairs and see Griphyx is up. He nuzzles Nightmare once more.
"Just now, when did you get to sleep?" He says. Nightmare blushes slightly.
"Um...a...a few hours ago..." She mumbles softly. Griphyx nods his head softly, as the others pounce the two and are overjoyed that Griphyx is awake, finally.
"Easy, easy! I just woke up! Give me a moment to adjust alright?!" He yelps out. The others -save for Nightmare and Luna- back and move or smile sheepishly. Griphyx holds the two goddesses of the night close to himself, after two weeks of nightmares of them being taken away from him, he has been feeling more and more attached to them, maybe it was fate, or maybe it was something else, he didn't know. He held the two tighter and tighter, making them blush, they all remembered what they saw in the mirror.
"Um...G...Griphyx?" Luna squeaks out. Griphyx snaps out of his trance and looks what is happening. He blushes before smiling down at the two and nuzzling them affectionately, making the two blush more.
"Sorry, I just...I missed you two so much. I don't mean to make anyone jealous or mad or anything but....after those nightmares...I..." He chokes up and closes his eyes tightly as he remembers them all, his arms tremble and he bites his lip so hard blood trickles down his chin.
"Griphyx! It's fine, we're safe, alright?" Nightmare says. "Just please, PLEASE! Calm down!!" She begs him. Griphyx nods his head as he cams down slightly. Nightmare nuzzles him gently and smiles. "Don't worry, we'll be by your side always, Griphyx. I promise." She tells him, as Luna nods and smiles up at him as well. Griphyx smiles and holds them closer and they nuzzle him gently back.
"Right, anyways...I woke up a few hours after Nyx headed to sleep, apparently. This card was made today, so that means we have to find this Stone thingy before Voldemort does." He says.
"How...when did you learn about him?" Harry asks. Griphyx sighs sadly.
"I saw many things in my nightmares...I had talks with my monsters and they tend to help me from what's on the outside world. So far, you have this Nicolas Flamel and his kin in a book right?" He asks. The others give Griphyx a dumbstruck look, before all their heads nod. "Good, because I think I know where the stone is." He says.
"Under Fluffy, right?" Hermione asks. Griphyx nods his head as he gets to his feet and gets his cloths on -apparently he has been in his boxers for two weeks, he starts to wonder how that went unnoticed- and looks at the group. He smirks.
"We're going after it, because whatever it was that came after me, might need more power, and if this Philosopher's Stone is as great as it claims to be, then we're gonna need it." He explains and turns around, walking to the door, until Nightmare stops him.
"You can't! You lost too much magic and physical strength, even endurance, how can you even- " She is cut off, when Griphyx's claws, wings ad newly accustomed tail forms, his eyes hold a fire that can't be extinguished, and his body radiates strength and confidence.
"If that man tries to hurt us, I can go all out if I want, no, need to. And who will believe him? He's a murderer! So there is nothing to worry about!" He exclaims with a confident smirk. Nightmare sighs and smiles down at him.
"Fine but if you get hurt, I swear I will give you nightmares for a month." She teases, but when she see's Griphyx wince away, her ears fall to the back of her head. "Sorry...." She mumbles sadly. He hugs her tightly.
"It's fine, just...don't do that, okay?" He asks. Nightmare nods her head and the group heads out of the 'house' and into the halls. They walk past the moving portraits and doors, under Griphyx's shadow cloak, they pass by Filch and his cat and get into the room with Fluffy, they are expecting to see three snarling heads directed at them, but are greeted by Fluffy being asleep, which is rather odd.
"Oh no, he must have charmed the lyre over there! This is not good." Hermione says softly. The hear a "THUMP" from next to her and they see Griphyx is passed out, then a second "THUMP" and they see that Ruby is also passed out. "Oh my....It looks like whoever did this also made the lyre force Half-Bloods to sleep as well, but how can that even be possible!?" Hermione hisses out.
The others nod their heads, not sure as to how that could be possible, but then as the lyre stops playing, they freeze up but then see that Fluffy and the two Half-Blood's are all still passed out. But freeze up when they see Griphyx awaken and walk over to Fluffy, growling rather loudly.
He lifts Fluffy's paw and kicks the trapdoor in, waking up the Cerberus. Fluffy looks around the room, until he spots the others trying to hide, but then see's Griphyx holding his paw in the air. He goes to bark, but seems to stop as Griphyx growls at him, making Fluffy whimper and move back slightly and lower his heads submissively.
"Pays to have me, doesn't it?" Griphyx teases as he pets Fluffy's left had gently, causing him to lick Griphyx three times. "Ew...." Is all he says before he ad the group jumps down the now missing door of the trap door. They land in plant like floor, and they struggle.
"STAY CALM!!" Hermione yells.
"STAY CALM!? HOW THE BLOODY HELL DO WE DO THAT WHILE THIS PLANT SQUEEZES US TO DEATH!?!?" Ron screams out like a baby. This cases Hermione to kick him in the right shin, making him yelp in pain and glare at her. Hermione has a rather large grin, before she gets a serious look
"If you stay calm, you'll be able to get through faster, alright? See you on the other side." She says as she sinks down. Griphyx watches as everyone -save the princesses, who simply fly through it- sink down. Griphyx sighs and calms himself, but the vines get tighter and tighter before he cries out in pain.
"Griphyx! What's wrong!?!?" Harry yells out.
"IT'S GETTNG TOO TIGHT! ANDI AM COMPLETELY CALM!!" Griphyx yells back calmly, but pain evident in his tone of voice.
"HOLD ON!!" Hermione yells up. "BELLBLUE FIRE!!" She yells as the Devil's Snare ignites into blue flames, Griphyx summons a shield around himself to block out the flames, before he falls onto his back, and coughs.
"That was bucking intense..." Griphyx coughs out. "Thanks Hermione." He says to the brunet headed witch as she helps him to his feet.
"No problem, but it was a good think I studied Herbology, huh?" Hermione says. They all nod their heads as they continue walking down a hallway, where they reach a chess room and freeze. Harry, Griphyx and the Princesses look at their friends, who tell the brothers to go and get to the stone.
"Right, we'll see you all soon then." Harry states. Hermione, Ruby and Ron nod their heads and smile. The three of them run out onto the chessboard where they play against large stone pieces. The five run down a staircase, looking for the stone.
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The five of them are greeted by two large doors with torches set before them. Griphyx walks over to the right, while Harry to the left. The two brothers push with all their might and push/bash the doors open. As they look around the room, they see it's as large as the mess hall is, which all on it's own is the size of a football field. The walls are lined with columns that bare torches with blue and red flames, as the torch's wooden stake is coal black.
They see that the ceiling is maybe around 20 to maybe 30 feet tall, making them 'awe' at the sight. They walk down this red-ish carpet that leads to an altar made of marble, it looks like a large rectangle table, of sorts. The five of them get ready to move towards it, but stops as the room shakes and dust and dirt fall from the ceiling as an explosion of sorts sounds off, making the two brothers to kneel down on their hands and knee's.
Griphyx steadies himself, feeling Hermione's, Ruby's magical energy is still active, while Ron's is weaker than usual, did something happen? He goes to turn, be see's Luna teleport back before him and smile sadly.
"He is fine, just took a hit from a knight's rubble, he's just fine, but will need to b bedridden for a few days." She tells the group. They nod their heads and turn back to the altar. "Where is the stone?" She asks. Griphyx appears on the altar and looks at the wall behind it, and then roars in what appears to be anger as he appears at a far wall and cracks it with a fist.
"Oh what the BUCK!!" Griphyx roars out. Griphyx kicks the wall as hard as he can and causes it to shatter, making the rest of the multiple walls to shutter and crack slightly. "We came all this way to find this dang mirror!?!? BUCK!!!" Griphyx keeps roaring out. Harry and the Princesses look at the wall and see that it IS that mirror, but why was it taken down here? And more importantly WHO or WHAT brought it down here? Those were the questions the four friends were thinking at the moment.
"Maybe...it IS the stone?" Harry says in a hopeful manner. This earns him a snort of ignorance from his younger brother, who sits on the broken wall.
"Buck no, that mirror is just one that shows our deepest desires, whatever THAT means." Griphyx growls out. He then appears before the group with his wand out held in a dagger like motion. The four of them give him confused looks, until the sound of clapping is heard, and Harry whips his wand out as well.
"Very well done. Now then." A raspy voice says as a man with a turban says as he walks out from behind the mirror with a strange smirk and then scowls at Griphyx. "I have you both, where I want you." He says as he walks towards the brothers, he smiles once more. "And it seems that this...Half-Blood is maturing quicker than many have in the past." He says as he grabs Griphyx's chin with a hand, his fingers are longer than most for some strange reason.
"What the hay do you want from me?" Griphyx hisses out with clenched teeth. The man chuckles as he rubs his fingers over Griphyx's chin ad lips, Harry and the Princesses see a ward around Griphyx's form, keeping him from moving, the Princesses see that the same thing has happened to Harry. The three of them move and start to take off Harry's ward, but listens as to what this freak job wants from their Potters.
"Why my dear young man, I want your lives, and your power." He hisses out with a thin and menacing smile at the end. The man grins as Griphyx tries to struggle, but then watches as Griphyx's eyes widen when he takes his wand away. "This will be a problem. I can tell that I can't break it, yet." He says sinisterly and tosses the wand away. "However, I an break you." He states with a grin as he grab Griphyx by the throat and starts to strangle him.
Out of nowhere, Harry punches the man in the side, making him let go of Griphyx and cough in pain. The princesses work on freeing Griphyx from the wards now. The man staggers and growls as he reaches for Harry, only to be stopped by Harry firing a magic bolt at his chest. The man makes a raspy chuckle and smiles at Harry venomously.
"That won't save you now, not by a long shot." He hisses out. Harry smirks as he puts his wand in a dagger like motion and opens a hand to where his palm is facing the man, who laughs raspy. "What exactly with that do?" He laughs out, but soon stops as he watches Harry's hand ignite into white flames. As Harry swings his arm back, the flames form and spin into a spinning white flaming sphere and points it at him. "How are you..." The man starts, but moves to the side, dodging a white beam that cuts deeply into the wall behind him and next to the mirror.
"Don't underestimate us, or you'll regret it!" Harry yells out as he swings his wand upwards and fires a bolt of magic that hits the man in the leg, or should have. Harry blinks, until the man grabs the side of his head and throws him into a pillar, making him cry out in pain, and drop his wand. His scar starts to burn and he looks up to see in the reflection of the mirror, is another face on the back of the man's bald head.
"Don't underestimate US you say....?" A lighter, more raspier voice says. Harry is frozen in fear, as the man grabs him and forces him to look into the mirror.
"What do you see?" The man asks, the second face staying quiet, for some reason. When Harry doesn't answer, the man growls an yells into Harry's ear. "WHAT DO YOU SEE!?" He roars, making Harry wince.
"I see myself, holding the Quidditch Cup, and next to the girl of my dreams." When really he see's something similar to what Griphyx had seen. He reaches into his pocket to feel the stone, before moving his hand out discretely.
"He's lying!" The second face says. The man growls but then howls in pain as Griphyx stabs his claws into the man's shoulder. The man pushes Harry down and kicks Griphyx away. The man grabs Griphyx by the throat and slams him into a wall as hard as he can, which surprisingly made Griphyx cry out in immense pain, as the wall cracked around his form.
"You STUPID BOY!!" He roars. He keeps slamming Griphyx against the wall, cracking it more and more, making Griphyx cough, before he summons his tail and whips the man into the far wall. Griphyx drops to his knees as he coughs and grabs his throat gently, his wings show and his right eye changes as his fangs grow longer.
"My, that is certainly interesting. It would seem you are still metamorphosing, boy." The second voice breaths out. Harry rushes to his bothers side, as Luna and Nightmare make repairs on the walls as Celestia heals Griphyx. "KILL THEM!!" The face hisses out. The man rushes at the two with his hands out, and grabs their throats, but the both Harry and Griphyx grab the man's face, causing him to scream in pain.
They all watch as the man staggers back, going to grab his face as his form looks like dirt. He looks back at them and goes to reach out at them, before he collapses and becomes brown colored ash. The two sigh in relief, before the ash turns into a face that lunges at the two, only to be stopped by the Princesses, who all stomp onto it, making the whole ground crack an shatter, the walls groan, as if in pain.
"NO ONE HURTS WHAT'S OURS!!!" The three of them roar out as they beat the ever living crap out of this spirit. Griphyx's vision wavers for a moment, before he leans against his brother, his side and lower back burning like hay and forcing him to pant, while Harry's scar burns, it doesn't hurt him too badly.
"Remind me to NEVER make them mad at us, eh, Griphyx?" Harry jokes with a tired smile. Griphyx nods his head as he pants heavily.
"Y....Yeah." He stutters out. The spirit somehow dodges the Princesses and vanishes with a scream and a puff of dust. The doors open up to reveal Ron, Ruby and Hermione, who gape at the destruction. Behind them, Snape, Hagrid, McGonagall gape at Griphyx's form, as Dumbledore gives a sad, but knowing, smile at the five.
"I see, it would seem a fight has happened here." Dumbledore says. The brothers nod their heads. "Let's get you two out of here and you in the infirmary, along with Ron as well.
================================================================
The three boys sit in the infirmary, each weak, however, Griphyx forgot to hide his claws, wings, tail and eye, making everyone flock to him in awe. Malfoy sneers.
"See? Look at this FREAK!" He says as his goons and most of the students laugh, making Griphyx sigh sadly. Why did he have to be so bucking weird? That was what is going through his mind, until a voice speaks up.
"So what? He's a Half-Blood, and so am I." Ruby says defiantly.
"Yeah, but he's a MAJOR freak!" A boy howls out in laughter. This causes Ruby to growl at the boy and red flames form into fangs pointing upwards coming from the corners of her mouth.
"So what? He's going through a metamorphosis phase and will be more dignified!" She roars out. This causes the boys to laugh harder.
"Oh look, the other freak has a crush on Griphyx! Isn't that sweet!?" A tall Slitherine boy laughs out. This causes Griphyx to blush and Ruby to growl out more flames.
"No I don't! I'm just protecting him!!" She roars out, the red flames become blue and have black swirls flowing around them. This makes the group of idiots back away in fear. Griphyx chuckles out weakly as they run away and the rest of the students back away slowly, before booking it.
"Sorry for causing you problems..." Griphyx states sadly. Ruby smiles at him and pats his back gently.
"It's fine, besides, I've had to deal with this sort of crap before, so just don't worry about it." She says with a slight wink. Griphyx smiles thankfully, as he lays back into his bed.
"School is almost over, this bloody sucks!" Ron yells out squeakily.
"Why?" Harry asks.
"Because I won't get to see any of you guys till next year!" Ron cries out sadly. Ruby seems to get a sad look as well.
"Yeah..." Hermione sighs out. Griphyx, Harry and the Princesses look down sadly, until Dumbledore makes himself known.
"Then why not teleport to each other?" He says with a small smile, before leaving the room. His smile grows when he hears 'Why didn't we think of that?' come from Luna.
Griphyx smirks at his friends and brother.
"But think about it! We could visit whenever we wanted! Granted, Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia aren't going to like it, and I'LL have to hide my....well...this." He says while motioning to himself.
"Yeah, but remember, we can teleport and do whatever we want, and we can see each other in the dreamscape! We still need to train, unless it's halted for the summer?" Harry asks.
"No, we will halt it for now, might as well give you all a break, right?" Celestia jokes. The children nod their heads, before Hermione and Ruby head back to the 'house' to get some sleep with Celestia. Luna lays next to Harry, as Nightmare lays next to Griphyx. Ron smiles before he holds his pet rat and falls asleep with him. All unaware of their adventures beginning and that they will be much more dangerous. |
The two Potters and the Three Princesses | Chapter 22 | The two Potter brothers sit on their beds at their Aunt's and Uncle's house in the attic as they practice their safe spells, before Luna hugs the two and smiles.
"It's done!!" She chirps out happily. The brothers give her a strange look.
"What's done?" Harry asks. Luna giggles behind a hoof as the other two burst out of the brothers closet.
"Damn it little princess" -Nightmare starts with a grin- "why the hay did you have to spoil the mood?" She asks playfully, as Luna snickers. Celestia giggles before nuzzling Harry gently, who hugs her back.
"Why, aren't you the huggy one today?" Celestia jokes. Harry had essentially adopted Celestia as his 'mother' on accounts that they seem to have that kind of relationship, and Celestia would call him HER foal whenever Ron would pick on him playfully. Griphyx smiles at the two, Celestia even adopted himself as her second foal, which has been very helpful, however, something inside him tells him to NOT treat Luna and Nightmare as aunts, but to keep them closer, which he does everyday.
"What are you three up to?" Griphyx asks. Luna giggles and wraps her forelegs and wings around his form and hug him tightly and smile down at the Half-Blood.
"We managed to create a doorway to Hogwarts and even a training room as well!" She chirps out as Nightmare talks to the closet door.
"Um, how?" Griphyx asks.
"You say either name when your inside the closet, and when you open the door, you'll walk out of the 'house' closet in Hogwarts, or you'll walk into a secondary 'world' to train in." Nightmare states with a grin. Nightmare has been closer to Griphyx than anyone else has. Harry or Celestia or Luna will even catch Nightmare humming him a tune before kissing his forehead when he sleeps, not that he'll know.
Griphyx walks over to the closet and opens it. He goes to step into it only for Harry to fly in via magical wings. Griphyx chuckles and walks in after the princesses and he closes the door.
"Hogwarts." He states. The room glows with a dim green light before they feel a sucking motion. As they open the door after the sucking feeling goes away, the two brothers smile as they look at their 'house's' comfy room, or 'living room' one could say. Griphyx walks over and sits on the couch, smirking at the others.
"Bucking awesome." He says with a grin.
"Griphyx! Harry!" The voice of their friend Hermione calls out to them. The brothers look at the second, third and fourth open closet doors and see their friends.
"Hey Hermione! Ron! Ruby!" Harry yells back as he hugs each of them. Griphyx stays on the couch, still smirking.
"Hey guys, how's it going?" He asks. It has been a year-ish since they had known the three. Harry and Griphyx are 12 now and are taller. Evidently, Griphyx's looks have been changing as well as Harry's, but at a much faster level.
Griphyx's eyes seem darker and changing color. His aura is black and red and he wears a strange dragon like symbol on the back of his new coat. His old one had been torn up, and he had received a package -both of them had- that held their parent's old coats, but what was confusing was to why Griphyx's was darker than his old one, an held that symbol, while Harry's was more like four feathered wings and two pistols with an intricate design.
Harry's was blue-ish with a hint of what looked like red. And he would at time summon two magical blue pistols that would serve as a way to fire off what he called 'magic bullets' just in case he needed to protect himself or the others. Harry's green eyes have been brier than ever, but they have a slight slit in the pupil, but nothing noticeable.
"How have you five been?" Hermione asks. Harry smirks and shows them his new coat, pants -which are black-, boots -which are bright brown- and shirt -which holds the same emblem as his coat does-. Griphyx does the same before walking around towards the front door and opening it.
"I don't think we are aloud to enter the halls yet, Griphyx." Ruby says to the Half-Blood, who sighs and looks back at them.
"It has been FAR too long, I just want to go out for a flight!" He complains. Ruby and the others groan before they nod their heads.
"Fine, but we're getting Ron's father's Flying Car and joining you, alright?" Ruby states. Griphyx nods his head and walks out, shutting the door. He walks through the halls looking around out of the windows, but stops as he see's a strange tree and h decides to open the window next to him and fly out.
Flying towards this strange tree, he see's his friends in this blue car flying around, however, he can see the train his not far off behind them, as he can see the smoke rising from a few miles away. He flies over to his friends, who also note Griphyx's new wings of sorts. They see that they seem larger, but for the 'fingers' they have turned into elongated coffin like shapes.
"What are you all doing!?" Griphyx yells out over the sound of the engine.
"We're joining you for the flight!" Hermione screams back. Griphyx face palms before pointing at the incoming train. The others look and seem to catch on.
"Cast an invisibility spell dang it!" He yells back, before he follows his own advise. He flaps his wings and goes back towards the castle, until he hears metal being crushed. He spins and see's the car is no longer invisible and is being attacked by that strange tree. He growls as he appears next to the car and blocks a branch, he see's the car door's open as his friends fall out onto the ground and the car flies off.
He lands next to his friends and rubs his sore forearms before he drops his invisibility and sends them a cold glare.
"What was that?" He asks. Harry smiles sheepishly.
"Hermione wanted to see if..." Griphyx looks at Hermione, cutting Harry off. He knew to not piss him off unless it WAS necessary. Hermione squirms nervously.
"Why did you want to see THIS tree?" He says calmly, but his cold glare never changing. Hermione sighs and gives him sad eyes.
"I wanted to know what kin it was, and I it was a "Weeping Willow" then to avoid it." She tells him. Griphyx's demeanor and eyes become soft. He hugs the group tightly and speaks softly.
"Never do that bucking crap again, got it?" He whispers, his hair blocking his eyes. He smiles as he hears 'Yes.' and he lets them go. "Good! Now lets go make it look like we just got off the train." He explains. He teleports away along with the others, but when they arrive at the train station, they are met by Hagrid, who give them a knowing smile and raised brow.
"Couldn't stay away, could'ya?" He teases.
"That's actually true...." Griphyx sighs out.
"Really?" Hagrid asks, somewhat surprised by the boy's answer.
"Yeah, we missed this place!" Harry yells out with a smile. Griphyx and the others nod their heads. Hagrid chuckles, until he see's his wings claws and tail are out.
"Griphyx, you should really hide those." Hagrid says. Griphyx gives him a curious look.
"Why?" He asks. This time, Ruby pipes up.
"It's like taking your cloths off Griphyx! It's looked down upon, especially since there are so little Half-Bloods, and so many normal...." She says sadly. Griphyx sighs and wills his wings claws and tail to return, but keep's his eye out. He looks around and sighs.
"So I can't keep my eye out eh?" He asks. He sighs when Ruby shakes her head, and he wills it back to normal. "Fine...stupid laws...." He grumbles out. Ruby smiles sadly and places a hand onto his shoulder.
"Don't worry, you can bring those out when we AREN'T in front of many humans..." She reassures him. True to her word, when Griphyx looks up he see Malfoy, his group -which had grown- and more students staring, save for Malfoy who is sneering a scoff of sorts. Griphyx nods his head and sighs, until a boy lands before them with wings of feather's and fire. Griphyx uses his own wings to shield the others from the fire, and stares at the boy.
"Hey!" He says with an...American accent? "How are ya?" He asks while holding out his hand. Griphyx gives the boy a confused glance. "Oh. Right! Silly me! The names Nick. What's yours?" Nick asks.
"Um...Griphyx Potter. And this my older brother, Harry Potter" Griphyx answers pointing to Harry.
"Hello." Harry says.
"My name's Hermione Granger." Hermione says with a small smile.
"Mine's Ronald Weasley, but you can call me Ron." Ron says.
"M-My name is R-Ruby..." Ruby says shyly. This makes Griphyx look at her with confusion, but see's some fear in Ruby's eyes, but that goes unnoticed by everyone else.
"Nice to meet all of you!" Nick chirps out. The fames on his wings die out to reveal large bat-like wings with pitch black feathers on the top of them. His wings rest against his back as he smirks. "Cool wings!" He compliments Griphyx, who nods his head softly.
"Same to you." Griphyx says, smiling back softly. Nick smirks and looks the group up and down.
"You certainly are a strange bunch, that's for sure." He states. This causes Griphyx to rub the back of his head sheepishly as he looks at the ground.
"Y...Yeah." Griphyx says. He freezes up as Malfoy and his group walk over, he notices Malfoy has his want out, and this makes him growl.
"Easy there! I didn't mean any har- " Nick stops as a magic bolt slams into Griphyx's shoulder, making him stagger back, growling. "What the hell?" He says. He turns and see's Malfoy holding his wand out, sneering.
"Hey freak!" He hisses out. Griphyx growls louder and hi claws, tail an eye show.
"What did you do THAT for!?" Nick growls out, making Malfoy recoil. "Don't you know it's against the LAW to attack Half-Bloods!?" He roars. Malfoy sneers once more and points a wand at Nick.
"So?" He says. Nick growls as he takes a staff from his back. It's a long steel pole with a black pointed gem at the tip. He slams it into the ground and causes it t crack.
"'So?' So that means you risk getting your ass sent to the magic prison!" Nick roars. Griphyx blinks. Magic Prison? Does he mean Azkiban? He doesn't have much time to ask, before another bolt of magic hits him in the chest, making him cough. Where was Hagrid in a time like this? He looks around, to see Hagrid and the rest of the students had gone into the castle, fan-bucking-tastic.
"Who cares? He's a major FREAK and who would even care about him?" Malfoy says. This makes Nightmare grit her teeth and as she goes to teach the kid a lesson, Nick holds a hand out, as he looks directly at her. She freezes as he winks discretely before pointing his staff at Malfoy.
"Then how about a magical duel?" He states. "You against my new pal Griphyx here?" He states with a smirk. Malfoy sneers and chuckles.
"Fine!" Malfoy hisses out. "I accept the challenge!" He sneers once more. Griphyx smirks as he pulls out his wand and holds it like a dagger.
"Fine by me." Griphyx says as he gets low to the ground. Nick watches with interest before looking at the others.
"Um, any reason as to why there are winged unicorn forms near you all?" He asks.
"How can you see them?" Ruby asks.
"I can't, just their outlining, they seem pretty big, so who are they?" He asks.
"Oh, well, there's Princess Celestia, the Goddess of the sun, Griphyx and mine adopted mother, Princess Luna, the Goddess of the Moon. And Nightmare Moon, the Goddess of the Night." Harry answers. Nick stumbles a bit, and gives him an incredulous look.
"G-Goddesses!? Like the Greek mythology!? But those aren't real!" Nick shouts. Harry chuckles.
"Oh, the are VERY real. Trust me. When Griphyx and I had gone into a temple of sorts, we met them all, it was...odd." Harry states nervously. His friends are finally learning about this? Apparently so.
"You both, sorry, you five met more gods and goddesses?" Nick states. Harry nods his head with a smirk. "Pft, yeah right. These three are probably just spirits." Nick scoffs.
"You'll have to wait till Griphyx finishes with Malfoy and if you pass the 'test', then you'll be able to fully see and hear the princesses." Harry states.
"Fine, whatever." Nick states.
Griphyx swats a bolt of magic with a claw before swinging his wand upwards and sends out a magical chain to wrap around Malfoy's form. He smirks as Malfoy squirms, but freezes as the chains tighten.
"Do you yield!?" Griphyx roars out. Malfoy nods his head quickly. Griphyx yawns in boredom and snaps his fingers, and the chain vanishes. Griphyx turns and steps forward, before vanishing and appearing next to the group, his wins, tail and claws are gone, while his eye remains the same.
"How did you do that?" Nick asks. Griphyx smirks before vanishing and appearing behind him.
"Magic." Is all Griphyx says. Nick spins and jumps back, holding his chest.
"the hell man!" He growls. "Don't do that!" He yells. Griphyx chuckles, before approaching Nick and staring into his eyes. A few moment later Griphyx purrs and nods to the others, before appearing next to Harry. Nick rubs his eyes, but then falls onto his butt when he see's the princesses.
"Hello, Sir Nick." Luna says. "And I am Princess Luna, Goddess of the Moon." She says with a bow of her elegant head. Nick stares before he kneels at the three Goddesses.
"Please forgive me!!" He screams out. Nightmare giggles.
"Perhaps we will, if you do a little something for us- " She starts, before Griphyx gives her a look, and makes her laugh. "I am only teasing, my Griphyx. Besides, if anything, Luna and I have what we want." She tells him as she nuzzles him gently. This makes Griphyx blush and Nick to gape.
"Your DATING a GODDESS!?!?" He yells. This makes the three of them blush and rapidly shake their heads from side to side.
"NO!" Griphyx, Luna and Nightmare yell out, making the others giggle.
"No, Nick. My sister's aren't dating him, we are merely their guardians, while I claimed them as my sons. We have been training them in OUR kind of magic for YEARS, ever since they were small. The group here has managed to awaken their Magical Abilities and are gaining more magic. However, Griphyx seems to be....stronger, in all aspects." Celestia explains.
"Oh- WAIT WHAT!?" Nick yells. "You ADOPTED THEM!?!?" He screeches, making Celestia giggle and nod her head.
"Indeed I did." Celestia says with a smile, as she nuzzles the two brothers lovingly. "And I couldn't be happier." She says with a larger loving smile.
"Cool. But...do I get to practice with you all now?" He asks.
"You don't really et a choice, your kinda...forced to." Harry explains sheepishly.
"Why?" Nick asks.
"Because I had made it a rule, of sorts, that whoever can see the Princesses, must be trained by them." Says and old man's voice. Nick turns and see's Dumbledore standing there with a small smile. "It was, a pact I had made with the three of them." He explains.
"And who are you?" Nick asks.
"I am Headmaster Albas Dumbledore." Dumbledore says. Nick's jaw drops before he gains a smirk and looks back at the group.
"Looks like I'll be learning some awesome magic!" Nick says giddily. Harry and Griphyx nod their heads, smirking before Griphyx looks up at the castle, but freezes up when he see's two massive yellow eyes reseed back into the darkness, and he swears he could hear a faint hissing sound. This year will certainly be interesting. |
The two Potters and the Three Princesses | Chapter 23 | Griphyx sits in the mess hall with his brother and friends. He sighs in boredom as Dumbledore goes out making some sort of speech, until he hears what sounds like hissing and speaking at the same time. Griphyx looks around the room, and see's Malfoy sneering at him. What was wrong with this kid?
He sighs in annoyance as the whispering and hissing stops. He looks up to realize that Dumbledore had finished his speech. He rises and follows Harry as he leads the group back to the 'house'. Griphyx sits on the couch and yawns before brining his wand out and changes it into a sword. He smirks as he runs his fingers along the flat of the blade. He spins it a few times and listens as the air screams wherever he swings.
He twirls around and swings it to the right before jumping back and swinging up an down in a quick, swift motion. Griphyx twirls the blade around before tossing it into the air, by this time the others enter the room to see Griphyx with his hand stretched out and the sword's hilt to land into his hand and turn back into a wand.
"Looks like we missed the show." Nightmare teases. Griphyx laughs and nods his head before yawning and sits back on the couch and closes his eyes like nothing happened. Nick stares at him with wide eyes.
"Anyone else gonna explain what the HELL we just saw?" He yells. Harry laughs.
"Nothing really, just the norm around here, right?" He says. The others, save for Nick, nod their heads. "See?" Harry says with a grin. Nick blinks before he chuckles and holds his staff out.
"I wanna spar!" He laughs out. Griphyx and the others raise a brow at Nick's quick reaction's, could he have a disorder of some sort? Griphyx smirks and brings his wand out like a dagger and crouches low to the ground. Nick spins his staf at his side, making the air scream as his wings fan out. Griphyx summons his wings and tail and his left arm becomes claws.
"Sure, why not?" Griphyx states. "It'll give us time to see how strong you American's are." He states before swinging up and sending a magic bolt, but it swatted aside by Nick's wing. As Nick looks back at Griphyx, he realizes that he had lost sight of his temporary opponent.
"Damn..." Nick curses. Out of nowhere, he is sent into the closet and in a flash of light, he is pushed out and is standing on a seaside view next to a falling apart castle.
"This is amazing!" Harry states.
"We spent three months on it, it better be." Nightmare states, giving them all a shiver.
"Now where did Griphyx go?" Ruby asks. Nick sins his staff around his form and scans the area. Griphyx claps his hands.
"Good job in getting rid of the simple spell on your vision. But can you stop the earth from swallowing you up?" He says with a wide grin. Nick flaps and flies into the air, and looks around.
'Damn it! I don't know what kind of Half-Blood Griphyx is. He could be ANYTHING. This is probably my biggest mistake ever.' Nick thinks to himself. Griphyx appears before him and grabs the staff an smirks.
"To slow!" He laughs as he swings the wand down and sends a green wave of magic that hits Nick on the chest, and knocks him back, forcing him to cough.
"Damn it!!" Nick roars as he stabilizes and the staff materializes in his hand. Griphyx smirks and the blade forms on the wand.
"Guess I might as well try this out, eh?" Griphyx asks. His coat turns into a torn up red cape with a hood and with thin, but thick, black skeletal armor and gauntlet on his right hand along with spikes on the shoulders. "This is...different." Griphyx states. The others stare at Griphyx's cloths.
"When did he gain that power?" Celestia asks Luna and Nightmare, this causes everyone to look at the two princesses of the night, who shake their heads.
"We never got to..." Nightmare says with a grin. "But he looks good with it!" She chirps out happily. Luna nods her head as Ruby blushes slightly. Griphyx holds his sword and watches as the blade curves and becomes a strange sickle like shape.
"Now this is definitely new." Griphyx states and swipes at the air and sends out rain of bolts of magic into the sky making thunder claps as they explode. "Now THAT is new." He grins.
"Yes, yes it is." Nick says as he fires a black bolt of magic, hitting Griphyx in the chest, causing him to cough slightly. "Never take your eyes off of your opponent, Griphyx." Nick says with a smirk. "I thought you were better than this-" He starts before magic bolts rain down at him. "OH SH-" He starts before he dodges around the bolts. "Crap! Crap! Crap! CRAP!! CCRRAAAPPP!!!!" Nick screams out like a little girl.
"Do you think that Griphyx is going a bit to hard on Nick?" Hermione asks. The others nod their heads as Griphyx laughs as he fires magical lighting from his wand that turns into strange skeletal reptilian heads that charge out at Nick. They watch Nick send out magical bolts back to block Griphyx's attacks.
"I think that Nick will need a LOT of training to take anyone on for a spar..." Nightmare deadpans. Celestia sighs and nods, as Luna cheers Griphyx on and nods as well.
"Damn, Griphyx! You really are powerful in magic!!" Nick yells out as Griphyx grins. His tail swishes about before he appears before Nick, holding the blade tip at Nick's neck.
"Do you yield?" Griphyx asks, completely calm. Nick sighs and nods his head slightly.
"I yield." Nick states and Griphyx appears down on the ground.
"Then get the buck down here!!" He yells up. Nick sighs and shakes his head with a smirk on his face.
'Well that was certainly interesting, I wonder if I can do the same thing?' Nick wonders as he touches down onto the ground. Griphyx yawns as his extra parts vanish, as do Nick's wings. 'Perhaps it would be best to NOT piss off Griphyx, yet.' He thinks to himself as they all go back through the door and walk back out into the 'houses' living room.
"How did you do that?" Griphyx asks Nick.
"Huh?" Nick asks, confused as to what the stronger Half-Blood means.
"Summoning your staff, how?" Griphyx asks.
"It's tied to me, kind of like a curse mark..." Nick starts. "It was the final thing I had of my grandfather before I was sent here to live with my grandmother." He says.
"I see." Griphyx says before turning and going to leave.
"Why were you adopted by the Sun Goddess?" Nick asks. This makes Griphyx and Harry freeze up.
"We..." Harry goes to answer, but Griphyx stops him with the raise of a hand. He looks at Nick from the corner of his eye and Nick gets chills, as Griphyx's eye holds a sense of dread.
"Our mother and Harry's father were murdered by Voldemort, who we fought with last year. We lived with our Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia for years until the Princesses came. They became out protectors, teachers and best friends. When all hope was lost, they became our light. When we were sucked into an ethereal plain, they were our guardians, when we needed affection, they gave it to us. When the year was up, Celestia became our mother of sorts. We have known them all ever since we were small children, 5 for me, 6 for Harry, at the time." Griphyx explains. Nick had heard of this 'Voldemort' from across the sea's, but couldn't believe that HE was REAL.
"Did you guys kill him?" Nick asks, thinking that he PROBABLY shouldn't bring the parent thing up again.
"Not...exactly." Harry states. Nick raises a questioning brow. "We fought against him, but he managed to become a spirit and escape." Harry explains.
"Yeah, after we kicked his ASS!" Nightmare roars in laughter.
"True, we did kick some major plot!" Luna said next, while Celestia giggled and nodded her head.
"No one harms these two, or the others." Celestia says with a motherly smile. Harry and Griphyx hug Celestia tightly as she hugs them both back just as tightly.
"I see, makes sense I guess." Nick says with a shrug. He walks over to the door and walks out. Griphyx looks around the room, before staring at Ruby. This causes her to blush slightly.
"What's wrong Griphyx?" Ruby asks, blushing like crazy.
"I just realized that we haven't seen what makes you a Half-Blood except those strange flame fangs." He explains. Ruby blushes more as she pushes the tips of her pointer fingers together.
"Well...I um...can't exactly show you..." She states. Griphyx tilts his head to the side, a brow raised.
"Why not?" He asks.
"Well um...it's just not something I can show you, alright?" She asks pleadingly.
"Show us." Nick says much like an order. Ruby jumps into Griphyx's arms as blue cat ears form atop her head -her human ears gone-, two blue flaming cat tail with he black swirls going around them, her fangs are much the same and she looks, older. "Hot damn! You look hot!" Nick says, sporting a grin. Ruby blushes even more as her eyes are no longer ruby red, but are now bright gold, much like a cat's are.
"Not fair!! This is why I NEVER show anyone!!!" Ruby screams out, tears lining the edges of her eyes. "Everyone just...makes fun of me..." She whimpers out. Griphyx hugs her tightly, even though he is shorter than her.
"I think it suites you." Griphyx states making Ruby blush more.
"You...you think so?" She asks, looking down at him. She is greeted by a slightly blushing Griphyx, smiling up at her.
"Hay yeah!" Griphyx exclaims. This causes Ruby to blush more, but smile happily.
"Thanks! I Um...thank you." Ruby says softly with a smile as she hugs Griphyx back gently, the two close their eyes as they both hold each other. Griphyx see's a flame and then he speaks.
"May I see...your Half-Blood heritage?" He asks softly. Ruby blushes, keeping her eyes closed she nods her head.
"Yes, but only if I can see yours." She states softly. She feels Griphyx nod and she lets him in. Griphyx looks deeper into the flame as he peers into Ruby's Half-Blood line. He see's a massive two tailed blue flaming cat that then turns into a human woman -except having the same features as Ruby does- and watches as the woman lives to THIS very day, must be an immortal.
"So interesting." Griphyx says before looking up at her. Ruby smiles down at him.
"Thanks. Now may I see yours?" She asks softly. Griphyx nods his head and closes his eyes. Ruby closes her eyes and kneels down onto her knees, and places her forehead against his chest. She gasps audibly when she see's his flame, no, FLAMES and gapes as she watches them all turn into Dragon's, Hydra's, Griffin's, even a Leviathan. But then they all get sucked into the giant flame, and two eyes peer out at her.
As she stares, a mouth form before the figure of a man stands before her. The man has a sword imbedded in his hand before he turns, and looks directly at Ruby. The man, looks like an older version, of Griphyx. She goes to pull away, but then notices that dragons land behind him, a knight with a lion's helm and wielding a spear that has lightning tracing it. A large black dragon lands on the other side of the man.
As Rub stares, she then see's multiple kingdom's rise, only to fall by HIS hands. All the enemies he faces, join with him, making him stronger. Ruby watches as the smirks and summons a skeletal dragon like being. It has the form of a man, but has a draconic skull, tail, claws and feet. But it has 8 coffins making wings, four on each side. She watches as this thing serves the man. As she pulls away, she watches the man WAVE directly at her, winking.
Ruby pulls away and stands up. Griphyx tilts his head at her.
"What's wrong?" He asks.
"I just saw your Blood Line....it was....I....I think he made that wand...I watched him make that creature you described in it's infancy." Ruby says, making everyone give a surprised look. "I also saw that he looked much like you, but older, but also, far more powerful." She explains.
"I see, that would explain a bit...." He mumbles.
"What?" She asks.
"Oh, nothing. Just explains why I have a second me in here." He says as he taps his head.
"I see." She giggles. Griphyx blushes and rubs his arm sheepishly.
"Y...Yeah." He says softly, looking down at his feet. Ruby lifts his chin with a finger and when he looks up at her, he blushes more to see her smiling down at him.
"I think it's nice. Now we should all head to bed. Okay?" She asks him. He nods his head and smiles back. She reverts back to normal and keeps smiling at him.
"Indeed, we must get rest for tomorrow will be a big day." Nightmare says with a wink. They all get into their beds, but for some reason, Ruby opts to stay close to Griphyx, this makes Luna sleep with her, while Nightmare sleeps with Griphyx, as usual. All of them unaware that something dark and twisted has awoken, and is on the hunt for two specific children. |
The two Potters and the Three Princesses | Chapter 24 | Griphyx sits on a rock outside as he stares off into the dark grey cloudy sky. Next to him, is Nightmare to his right, while on his left is Luna. Ruby sits at he feet, she has her tails, ears, eyes and fangs out. She looks up at him and smiles.
"Nice day, huh?" She asks. Griphyx nods his head softly
"Yeah, real nice day. Been back a week and it feels nice to just sit here." He says with a smile. They all sit on the cliff edge as they look out at the sea. Ruby leans back against Griphyx's legs and sighs with a content smile gracing her red lips.
"Yeah." She agrees. The four of them watch the sea move, before Ruby jumps up and sits in Griphyx's lap. Her being taller, causes him to blush, as he looks away from her chest. "Nice to see you aren't like Nick, if I did this to him, he'd say something about me...." She grumbles as she lay in his lap.
"Y...Yeah, I um...managed to hear your last conversation with him. Is he really that...I don't know, strange?" Griphyx asks. After hearing their conversation, he had become curious about why American's were so...perverse.
"Yes, apparently in America, or at least their Witches and Half-Blood women, that are similar to me tend to...sell themselves for...um...things." She says with a slight blush.
"Does he ask you to do those kinds of things?" Nightmare asks. The four of them have been bonding more and more. Mot students say that Griphyx and Ruby are dating each other, but the truth is that they look out for each other.
"No, not really. But he asks me if I ever have, or if any of my family members have as well." She explains, blushing more. Nightmare smirks playfully.
"Have you~?" She asks. This makes Ruby freeze up and squeak. "Oh my...you HAVE!?" She yells.
"N...No! I haven't!! I've done things, but nothing like those!! I haven't even gotten my first kiss yet!" She squeaks out in embarrassment. Nightmare howls in laughter.
"Oh, you should see the look on your face! Ha!" She doubles over laughing. Luna giggles lightly.
"That was kind of funny..." She says.
"I...I guess it was..." Ruby says with a small smile, when she see's Griphyx not even looking at them, but towards the castle, she grows worried.
"I don't understand...." He mumbles out before he sighs and runs a hand through his hair.
"Don't understand what?" Ruby asks. Griphyx looks over his shoulder at her.
"The hissing, the whispering, the large yellow eyes in the windows. I just don't understand!" He exclaims in annoyance. Ruby smiles sadly before hugging him gently around the abdomen and holds him close, causing him to blush.
"It's okay, Griphyx. If you want, the three of us can help you find out more about together with you, alright?" She says, smiling down at him. He smiles up at her and nods.
"Sure!" He exclaims happily. But then gets a puzzled look. "Can I ask you a question, Ruby?"
"Sure." She chirps out.
"How old are you?" He asks. Ruby blushes before smiling down at him.
"Well, for human years I'm 12, but for my Half-Blood years, about 16." She answers. Griphyx blinks before blushing more.
"How?" He asks,
"Well, my family line is...older than most would think. My family comes from Japan, but during the late 1800's we came over here, and started a new family branch. It's kind of confusing." She explains with a sheepish smile.
"So, your part Japanese?" He asks.
"Yes, why?" She asks.
"Well, it's just that when Harry, Tia, Artemis, Nyx and I were sucked into that strange temple, we met some deities FROM the Japanese folklore. They seemed REALLY nice!" He exclaims with a smile. Ruby looks down at Griphyx.
"You met more gods?" She asks.
"Well, briefly, but yeah. Everything just sort of flows together though, like I can remember bits and pieces, but not EVERYTHING that had happened, so, maybe." He says with a slight shrug. Ruby smirks and rubs his chin softly, making him shiver a bit.
"Cute." Is all she says before her tails coil around them both as she hisses at Malfoy.
"Told you they was here!" Says another new student of SLitherin, he too, is a American, and from the sound of it, from that New York City place that Griphyx, Harry and the Princesses saw in the movies.
"Right you are, and his little girl friend to. Hold on, she looks older, hey! Who are you!?" Malfoy order's out. Ruby and Griphyx both deadpan.
"It's Ruby, you snake." Ruby hisses out.
"His girlfriend? Ha! Yeah right! As if HE could land such a babe. C'mon sweetcheeks, why don't ch'ya come over here's and uh, y'know, make yourself useful?" The New Yorker boy says with a grin. Ruby clenches her jaw shut, but then blinks when the boy his holding his stomach. "Awe crap!" He yells in pain.
"That's for picking on my friends." Nick says from out of nowhere, his wings shimmering as his feathers rustle slightly.
"Gah! You stupid little ANGEL!!" The boy roars as he whips out a strange black and green wand shaped like a snake. He flicks his wrist and fires out an overly large magic bolt at Nick, hitting him in the chest. Snake-like-chains coil themselves around Nick's form and force him to hit the ground, he cries out in pain as he lands onto his wings. "I ain't finished with ya yet!" He snarls as he fires another over large bolt of magic, hitting him in the chest, but giving him a burn.
"Aah!" He yells out in pain.
"That little..." Nightmare and Luna start, but then when a gust of wind forms, they watch the new kid fly into the air, a bruise on his left cheek and his eyes wide. When the boy falls onto his back, he blinks.
"The hell just...?" He stops and freezes. Standing there before him is a mostly changed Griphyx. His coffin like wings fanned out, his bone and flesh tail coiling and uncoiling. Most of his face is covered in a strange skeletal skull, while his left eye looks somewhat normal, his right resembles a socket with that flame eye staring back at them all.
"What the bloody hell!?" Ron yells in fear as he see's his friend looking more and more like a monster. "What's happening to Griphyx!?!?" He yells.
"I don't know, but...he looks pretty pissed." Nick coughs out in pain. Griphyx glares at the group who harmed his friend.
"You FREAK!!" The boys yell out, firing magical bolts at Griphyx. Griphyx steps back in very slight pain before he growls and holds his wand to the side. The sickle like black forms, before straitening into a familiar sword. Dumbledore, McGonagall, Hagrid and Snape appear at the seen, only to wonder what is going on.
Griphyx steps towards the group, but this makes them all but the new kid run away.
"Think you can take me on!? You freaking demonic dragon thing! I'll show you!!" He roars in fury as his legs become one and his hands are claws. His hair become snakes and he gains poison dripping fangs and two bight glowing yellow eyes. A snake mask forms around his head and jaw-lining. "Bring it!" He roars. His wand forms into a double sided axe.
'Can all Half-Bloods make their wands or any other tools into a weapon?' Griphyx thinks.
"Yes, we can." The boy say, making Griphyx's eye widen. "All Half-Bloods have a best inside them, and that beast can become an unbreakable weapon." He states before appearing before Griphyx, axe raised in the air above his had. "NOW YOU PAY!!" The boy screams out in anger. Griphyx blocks with the flat of his sword and grunts.
'Dang...how could I not have known this bucking stuff!?' Griphyx roars in his mind.
"We will help you. Just relax, and let us work with you, Griphyx." The other Griphyx says. Griphyx agrees and then he feels his body go numb, before he feels his limbs move faster than he could have thought.
'WHAT!?' The boy roars in his mind. 'HOW COULD HE BE SO QUICK!?' He thinks as he feels his shirt be cut. 'At least he can't get through my scales and skin, otherwise I would have freaking died! Damn it, how could this little crap stain be so strong!?' He roars mentally, dodging swipes.
Griphyx watches as his body pushes the boy back and send him into a rock, before he regains control. Griphyx grabs the boy by the throat and growls.
"Do you yield?" He growls out. The boy nods and when Griphyx releases him, the boy reverts back to normal and flees from the area, back towards Malfoy's group. Griphyx smirks, before he too reverts back to normal, and then his world goes dark once more. This was going to be a LONG year. |
The two Potters and the Three Princesses | Chapter 25 | Griphyx's eyes flutter open, and he looks around the room. He notes the strange red curtains with even stranger willow-whips lining the edges. The bed he is currently in is large and rather comfy. He looks around more, but his eyes stop at the sleeping form of Ruby. She wears a red laced bra -due to seeing the strap- under a blue shirt, black jeans, while on her feet are some yellow socks.
Griphyx sits up slowly, and notices she hasn't reverted back at all yet. He see's that her tails are coiled around his hips, legs and even chest, the blue flame like fur is warm to the touch, but never burns. He pets her tails gently, causing her to purr softly. This makes him blush, but smile, he is more than happy to know a friend is in good health.
He looks around more, to see Luna and Nightmare are also laying with him. He smiles more before he feels something strange. He lifts his hand, and see's that his nails are now claws, his skin seems, lighter, paler in a way. He looks up his arm and notes how odd it has become. Could this be the side affect of letting his wand and 'other half' take control?
He hears a slight gasp for breath, when he looks down, he see's that he has kissed Ruby's tails without thinking.
"I didn't know you love my t-tails this much, Griphyx." She says with a large blush. Griphyx blushes as well and lets go, only to have the tails brush passed his lips and move back over to Ruby's form. "Had I known, I might have been more willing to let you play with them." She says with a playful wink, making Griphyx stutter for words.
I...but...you..." He stutters.
"I'm just teasing you, Griphyx!" She laughs out. Griphyx sighs out in slight aggravation.
"You need to stop taking those lessons from Nyx..." Griphyx grumbles softly.
"Oh please, you know you like it!" She teases. Griphyx groans before teleporting to his feet by the door.
"Come on, we'll be late." Griphyx states. It had been a week ever since his transformation had been shown, now every time he sleeps and dreams when he isn't on the moon playing or training, he is remembering those exact events of the fight, trying to figure out how his wand and other self could take over.
"Alright." Ruby says with a playful smirk, as she nudges Luna and Nightmare awake. "Wake up you two, we need to get going!" She yells. Luna and Nightmare jolt awake before both grumble out a series of swears under their breathes.
"We're coming, we're coming!" Nightmare yells back.
"Good." Griphyx starts. "Now lets get going." He says before he walks out of the door and walks down the stairs into the 'house' living room, where he see's Harry and the others sitting on the couches or chairs. He notes that Nick is holding a double sided scythe, the blades are the same color as the crystals for his staff.
"Hey Griphyx, how's it going?" Nick asks with a bored tone. "Because we have been waiting for forever for you to get your ass down here- " He stops when he see's Ruby yawn from behind Griphyx. "No freaking way! You two...you know!?" He asks, sporting a grin. Griphyx and Ruby blush before scowling at him.
"No, we didn't Nick. We simply slept in the same bed. Doesn't seem all that strange." Ruby says as she brushes her tails gently.
"Then why do you have your hotness out, babe?" Nick asks with a smirk. This makes Ruby freeze up and blush, before throwing the brush at him. Nick yelps when the brush slams into his face.
"I'll have you know that THIS is my actual look, thank you very much!" She hisses out at Nick, who moves his hands up in defense.
"Alright! Alright! Jeez! I'm just teasing..." Nick grumbles. Ruby huffs as she holds Griphyx close to her form unconsciously and glares at Nick, who is smirking.
"What?" Ruby growls out.
"Your holding Griphyx~ Ruby and Griphyx, sitting in a tree! K-I-S-S-I-N-"WHAP" OW!" Nick yells in pain as yet, another brush collides with his face. Ruby keeps blushing, but lets go of Griphyx quickly and looks away, as if ashamed. Griphyx hugs her gently.
"It's fine Ruby, I don't mind." Griphyx says.
"Of course not! She's a freaking hottie!!" Nick howls out teasingly. Griphyx sighs as he kicks Nick's shin, making him yell in more pain. "DAMN IT!!! YOU LITTLE!!" Nick starts, but stops when he see's Griphyx is clutching his chest in pain. His eyes are wide and shaking slightly. Griphyx drops to his knees with a loud 'THUMP' and coughs.
"GRIPHYX!!" Harry and Celestia yell out. As the two get to his side, Luna and Nightmare just get down the stairs, confused. Griphyx's hand trembles and then feels something nearby start to leave, making his body calm down. As Griphyx pants, he hears that whispering and hissing once more. Something is definitely not right.
Griphyx closes his eyes for a moment and calms his heart rate down, before rising to his feet and leans against a wall. Ruby wraps her tails around his waist and bring him to her.
"Are you okay?" She asks softly. Griphyx blushes and nods his head softly. Ruby smiles. "Good." She giggles out.
"Griphyx, what..." Nightmare starts, but then a small sphere of light forms behind Griphyx.
"Hello, our fair champion...." The woman voices say to the boy.
"H...Hello...." Griphyx says softly and weakly.
"Oh my, is our fair hero in pain? Hm hm hm hm...." They chuckle out.
"What have you done to Griphyx!?!?" Celestia roars in anger. The windows melt, the spire shakes and the clouds blocking the sun evaporate as the sun heats up immensely.
"Calm down!! Calm down!!" The voice scream at the enraged Goddess of the Sun.
"Not until you answer my question!! What have. You. Done. To. My. SON!?" Celestia booms out. The thunder booms through the air as the sun grows brighter and hotter.
"Nothing! Nothing!! Now please calm down!!!" They scream. Celestia calms down, but glares at the sphere of light. "We mean no harm, Goddess of the Sun. You might not be from 'this world', but, you certainly make the rest of us worry and freak out..." They say.
"Then it would be wise for you three to explain what has happened, or I WILL be bringing Discord here." She threatens. The sphere of light freezes.
"NO!! ANYTHING BUT THAT!!!" They scream.
"The get talking. NOW!" She roars.
"Okay! We came here to give the boy aid. It would seem his father...has given us something to give him." They say mysteriously.
"And that would be?" Celestia asks. The sphere giggles slightly.
"Why, a present! Since he can't exactly come here, the entire area would be nothing but a zone of death." They say with a slight hiss at the end.
"I see, and just who or what, is his father?" Celestia asks. The sphere seems to shake from side to side.
"We cannot say, it is not aloud for higher beings of higher plans of existents to be known by....humans." They hiss the last part out again. Hermione and Ron tilt their heads.
"Why the bloody hell not?" Ron asks. The sphere sins and stops, seemingly looking at the boy.
"Because, boy, your kind is not meant to see higher beings!!" They yell.
"But why can Harry?" Hermione asks. The sphere cackles before looking at her oddly.
"He is the adopted son of the Sun Goddess, and has already been soaking up the three goddesses energies, the...'Twilight Sparkle's' energies and his brothers energies. He is seemingly more like a demi-being, than a fully-fledged human. Hermione Granger." They speak.
"How...how do you know my name?" Hermione asks, frazzled slightly.
"We know more than just THAT, our dear girl. We know that you desire to learn so much more than you should. You lust over the males that are around you and in those...movies. You are certainly and interesting human maiden. But we cannot allow you to see us, or the higher beings, yet." They hiss out.
"Yet?" Ron asks.
"Yes, Ronald Weasley, you and many more will be joining this group, sooner than either of you will realize, that is...the exception of our dear Griphyx here. Now will you two humans close your eyes, or you will face a terrible death." They cackle out. Hermione and Ron are quick to cover their eyes, and as a safety precaution, Celestia blinds them with a spell if they try to peak.
"Now what is this 'gift' that his father wants to give him?" Celestia growls out. The sphere trembles.
"A ring." They say.
"Just a ring? After him not being around EVER!?!? WHY!?!?" Celestia booms.
"Not just ANY ring. This ring is very powerful, and acts as a protector for all of you, as well as being an item he WILL need." They say.
"Where did this ring come from?" Nick asks.
"Oh our dear Nickolas, this ring is imbued with many beings that were slain to protect those he cared about. All of these beings, however, will act like guardians, and make sure you are all safe." The sphere says as a ring appears, but it looks....strange. The ring itself is old, VERY old as rust just starts to vanish, revealing an obsidian ring, with gems lining it all the way around. They gems are of different shapes and colors, but seems to represent a type of diamond, of sorts. In each gem, however, is small flame.
"What are these flames?" Griphyx asks, taking the ring.
"They are the beings." The sphere giggles out. "They can leave at anytime they wish, but choose to stay. They are NOT toys and are NOT servants. They MUST be treated like anyone else!" The sphere stress.
"Alright." Griphyx says as he places the ring on his right middle finger. The sphere giggles one last time, before vanishing. Griphyx looks at the ring, and smiles. "I think...I think if I ever meet my old man, I'll thank him, after I pummel him into the dirt, that is." He says with a smirk.
"Only after we kick his ass!!" Nightmare growls.
"Indeed." Luna states.
"Agreed." Celestia says.
"R...Right." Griphyx says nervously. The rest of the day was spent by practicing magic and even testing each other's strengths and weaknesses. All unaware of a book forming, a monster slithering around, and a certain group moving towards the Potter Brother's 'house', with devious intentions. |
The two Potters and the Three Princesses | Chapter 26 | Griphyx sits in class as he right down the magical equations for as he now dubbed them, 'human spells' as he would either need to speak their names and flick, or flick and mumble nothing to make it look like he would say it. That New Yorker kid finally gave a name. His name is, Drew. Drew has been a hay of a pain compared to Malfoy.
Malfoy has been trying to harm Griphyx once more, but this time, he would have Drew go after his friends. Those attempts would end up with Harry pointing his magical pistols in his face and glare. He would generally scare them, but he did have to use them on this strange black dog that would follow him and Griphyx around.
It had been a month and ever since the ring came into their lives, they have all been feeling stronger. Whenever they train on the moon, they would gain a super boost when they awaken. Griphyx however, has been speaking with the beings in the ring's stones. He has met a black dragon that helps him with his strength, while a man helps with certain spells, such as controlling his inner flames. His other self and wand spirit have been appearing on the moon for the others to meet, they have been helping him with magic along with Nightmare and Luna.
Griphyx sighs in slight boredom as he rubs the bridge of his noes before the teacher closes her book and he gets up and leaves. As he walks through the door, Nightmare floats next to him, at least she manages to keep him company whenever the others are in different classes.
Griphyx yawns as he walks over to the entrance to the Forbidden Forest and stares into it.
"What are you doing, Griphyx?" Nightmare asks as she nuzzles him gently.
"I thought I saw something over here." He explains.
"Like what?" She asks.
"A giant spider..." Griphyx whimpers out.
"That's not funny Griphyx..." Nightmare says.
"No seriously!" He yells. He grabs her head ad points it at a webbed cave. "Giant bucking spider!!" He squeaks in fear. Nightmare's ears press back against her head. They watch as two large legs stab out of the cave. They quickly back the hell away as they see six more legs stab out as well.
"Aaah~ Such a lovely day~" A woman's voice says from the cave. They freeze. There is someone IN there!?
"Miss!!" Griphyx yells out.
"Yes?" She yells back.
"Get out of there!!"Griphyx yells.
"Why?" She asks as the eight legs jolt back into the cave.
"Because there's a giant bucking spider coming after you!!" He yells. When everything is quiet, he whimpers but then summons a ball of fire and making a shield around his form. "I'm coming in to save you!" He yells as he runs into the cave.
"Why are you coming in here? What about that giant, icky, disgusting spider?" She asks, her voice echoes from all over the cave.
"Then I'll fight it to save you!!" He yells. He hears giggling.
"Oh? But who's going to save you?" She teases.
"Me? Need saving? I am capable of powerful magic." He explains.
"Human wizard magic." She counters.
"Nope!" He exclaims with a smile.
"What? But that's the ONLY magic in this world!" She yells, fear edges into her tone slightly.
"I am being trained by my adopted mother, Celestia, the goddess of the sun and the two goddesses of the night." He explains.
"But how? No human can meet these new gods!!" She yells.
"I'm not....exactly human. My name is Griphyx Potter, and I'm an unknown Half-Blood." He explains.
"Show me!" She counters.
"Are....Are you sure?" He asks.
"Yes!" She exclaims.
"Fine...." He sighs out sadly. Griphyx groans in pain as he drops to his hands and knees, his ring infuses itself into his right hand, as his wand fuses into his left. He cries out in pain as large wings forms with those coffin-like-shapes. A skeletal mask-like-helm forms around his face, head and neck and down his body. A skeleton tail whips out and about as his body is covered in black, white and blue skeleton armor as his legs and arms become covered in skeletal limbs and claws harder than obsidian. Tears go down his mask that make blood red streaks as his eyes become empty sockets, before those flame eyes form.
The jaw part of the strange helm opens, as he releases a deafening wail of pain. A sword appears in his right hand, while in his left is a shield that is part of his gauntlet-like-claws. Nightmare stares at this new development, and sends a mentail picture to the others.
"M-Monster!!" The woman screams in pure fear. "Death!! NO!!!" She sobs out in fear.
"I won't hurt you...I promise." Griphyx says with a deeper voice, his height is twice the size of Luna, so a bit taller than Celestia.
"But I AM the giant spider! I'm a Half-Blood!!" She sobs in fear.
"Then I will not hurt you." He states once more. "Please, come to my light. He asks. He watches as a young woman with silver hair walks out, except she has no cloths covering her upper half, while her lower-half looks like a strange scorpion like spider -without the fangs, eyes, head, just the claws-. Her hair covers her chest's.
"This is me...." she says sadly. Griphyx walks over to her, but every step he takes, the ground cracks and the cave creaks. The woman flinches and uses her claws as shields, but when she feels a large hand placed atop of her head, she opens her eyes, and looks up at Griphyx.
"I promised not to hurt you." He says, his jaw makes a strange smile, making her smile back, before he winces and reverts back to normal, coughing.
"What's wrong!?" She asks.
"The webbing is poisonous to him." Nightmare states.
"What the hell are you?" She asks.
"Ah, so you CAN see me. I am Nightmare Moon, Goddess of the Night, friend and partial guardian to Griphyx. He is my pride and joy, he means a lot to us." She explains as she lifts him into the air.
"But...you're nothing like the gods or goddesses!" She exclaims. Nightmare smirks evilly.
"That's because I'm not from this world, girly. Besides, I am the TRUE master of DARKNESS. If I had wished to, I could have came here myself and took over in a manner of days." She explains.
"Was that YOU who made that sun heat up and made those earthquakes!?" She exclaims.
"No, that was our sister, Celestia, Goddess of the Sun. Griphyx's and Harry's adoptive mother." Nightmare says with a grin. "This world's gods and goddesses are powerful, but not as strong as us, until you get to those 'Titans'." She explains.
"You...you met the Titans!?" The woman exclaims in surprise.
"Indeed, in fact, Griphyx here is known as the 'Champion of the Heaven's' or something similar to that." Nightmare explains. "We even met his father, luckily he passed out in exhaustion just in time to arrive. He is...powerful. But, he respects us and even asked Celestia to adopt his son and his half-brother when the time was right, which she did. Now they are prince's to our realm, and in a way, Griphyx is a Half-Blood Prince, as those beings say." Nightmare explains as she heals Griphyx and smiles softly when the poison leaves the area and his form.
"Whoa...that's amazing! But wait! Who is his father!?" She asks. Nightmare smirks at the girl.
"A VERY dangerous and powerful man, a being that definitely shouldn't be crossed with." She says mysteriously. The lady smiles when Griphyx groans and sits up slowly.
"Thank goodness your okay!!" She exclaim holding him close to her upper half, making him blush.
"Um...your welcome...miss um?" He starts. She giggles and pats his head gently.
"My name is the Fair Lady. But you can call me Elena." She states. Griphyx smiles up at her.
"Okay, Elena." He says with a smile. "It's great to meet you! But um...why do you live in this cave?" He asks. Elena sighs.
"When you are like me, you are generally hated. I am like a Gorgon, except my Half-Blood Line doesn't turn people into stone, we um...." She goes quiet.
"You what?" He asks gently. When a tear hits his cheek, he is quick to move her silver silky hair away from her face, revealing teary eyes.
"They kill us...." She whimpers out a slight sob. He gives her a sad look, and wraps his arms around her hips, making her freeze up slightly, as he nuzzles the nape of her neck.
"I won't kill you, I'll make sure your safe." He tells her softly. She hugs him like a teddy bear and sobs into his shoulder. Her strokes a hand over the back of her hair, cooing to her. "It's fine, nothing will hurt you, your okay." Are a few things. Nightmare approaches Elena and nuzzles her side gently.
"If Griphyx trusts you, then so shall I." She states with a smirk.
"Thank you...thank you both." Elena sniffs out.
"GRIPHYX!!" Harry's voice is heard as is a group of foot steps coming from behind the three. "GRIPHYX!! ARE YOU OKAY!?" Harry yells out. Griphyx looks and see's his brother, adoptive mother Luna and his friends.
"GET AWAY FROM HIM!!" Hermione screams in anger. She whips out her wand and fires a magic bolt, making Elena whimper, but before it can reach her, Griphyx shields her with his form and wings.
"ARGH!!" He screams in pain as the bolt burns through his shirt and burns his back and the backs of his wings as well.
"Griphyx!!" Elena screams as she uses her webs to make a cot of sorts for her to put him in. "Please be okay!!" She sniffs out.
"...." Griphyx responds with nothing, as his breathing is ragged and weak.
"Please....please be okay...." Elena cries out. Nightmare growls and steps between the group, and Griphyx and Elena. Her horns lights up brightly, making Hermione recoil.
"I didn't mean to!" She cries out.
"It's okay. The Fair Lady is okay. She is a friend." Nightmare explains. Griphyx cries out in pain more and everyone winces. Elena takes some of her red webbing and wraps it around his form after taking off the rest of his cloths, his wings had already vanished.
"You'll be okay, Griphyx. Let me take care of you." She asks him. He nods his head weakly, his eyes are glazed. He knew that Hermione's magic was FAR too unstable and could kill, even him. His vision flickers before looking at Elena once more, to see Ruby, Nightmare and Luna sitting all around him. There are a few spaces between them, and he can tell that there will be more he will meet in the future.
Griphyx smiles up at them before he winces and cries out in pain. His body feels like it is being dipped in lava. He scream in pain until Elena moves down to him and her face is right up in front of his. He blushes when she pushes her lips to his and he feels his eyes close and then his pain starts to vanish.
He opens his eyes to see Elena smiling down at him. He notices how blue colored lips, her bright green slit eyes that sparkle. Her skin is white and smooth and her....chest is large, luckily some strands of her bright silver silky smooth hair covers the center of her chest's. He blushes slightly.
"Something wrong?" She asks sweetly.
"Um...you have um....n-no shirt or bra on...." He says softly, his face burning brightly. Elena giggles.
"It's fine, I really don't mind." She explains and holds him close to her form, the pincers making a bed of sorts. "Now rest, I'll take you to the Hagrid!" She chirps out. And as she goes passed the others, he stops when Malfoy and his gang show up.
"Ugh! Look at this BUG!" Malfoy exclaims as he pulls out his wand. "It needs to CRUSHED." He says, sneering at Griphyx. Elena brings two scorpion tails with green stingers. Drew appears and hisses. Elena staggers back.
"Gorgon Half-Blood..." She states.
"Hell yeah I am! Now hand over the boy, or else I'll beat the hell out of you..." He states, before eying her up and down. "After I have some fun, yah heres me's, bitch?" He states. Elena moves back more, but her tails remain up, the green tips of her stingers drips green poison that lands on the ground, before melting that patch.
"Only if you want to be killed." She threatens. Drew chuckles and holds out his axe, pointing it at her.
"I'll cut them off first." He growls out. Elena glares, before something happens. A gem on Griphyx's ring lights up and then before his is a flash of light. When the light dies down, however, she see's a Gargoyle wielding a halberd, the tail of this beast looks like a double bladed axe.
"What is this thing!?" A boy cries out. The gargoyle roars and it swings down, knocking Drew to the side.
"Damn it!" Drew curses as he leaves the cave. The gargoyle roars once more as two large hole riddled wings spread and it turns around and looks at Elena. It sniffs her before it places a hand onto Griphyx's head and it then turns into energy and spirals back into the ring, but the energy flows through his body, making his form warmer than it was before.
Griphyx coughs slightly as he takes in large breaths of air and coughs more and he moves against Elena's flat belly and sits up against her.
"Are you okay?" She asks softly. Griphyx looks up at her, but she gasps as his eyes seem brighter and filled with new life and he smiles up at her before he hugs her tightly around her neck.
"I am fine, thank you for protecting me for long enough to summon Garle." He states.
"Garle?" She asks.
"I named him that, he was apparently a guardian of bell, or something." Griphyx explains. Elena nods her head, enraptured by the boy's warmth. It warms her heart and soul up and she hugs him tightly back around his waist. Nightmare, Ruby and Luna sit on Elena's lower half and smile.
"It suites him." She giggles out. Griphyx nods his head before letting go and hopping down onto the ground and summons his wings. They are still burnt, but everyone gapes when the wounds heal quicker than usual and they grow larger and he folds them against his back, his tail is now covered in a strange skin like material, but when touched, it feels like stone.
"It does. He um, Elena, why don't you join our group and...join the school?" Griphyx asks. Elena smiles at this and reverts to her human-ish form. She wears NOTHING. Griphyx blushes and covers his eyes.
"What's wrong?" She asks.
"Your. Freaking. HOT!!" Nick exclaims as he gets onto his knees and stares up at Elena's form. "Please stay like this- OW!!" He yells in pain as Ruby and Hermione both kick him in the head.
"PERVERT!!" They both yell out. Elena giggles and looks down at Griphyx.
"Is there a problem, Griphyx?" She asks.
"I just...don't want to seem rude and stare..." He says, blushing like mad. Elena smiles softly.
"It's fine, besides, I did already kiss you, what's the harm in staring at me?" She giggles out.
"It would be rude of us to stare or even look upon you like this. It's how we were brought-up." Harry explains, covering his eyes as well.
"Well aren't you two sweet, but really, it's fine, you both may look if you so desire, besides, I do KNOW what goes through the minds of boys, so I guess I am helping you both out~" She teases. Nightmare and Luna howl in laughter as Harry and Griphyx's jaw's drop, while still covering their eyes, and they blush so much, they could make tomato's run for their money.
"Um...." Harry says innocently, while Griphyx bites his lower lip, as he has already been through these situations before, and digs his nails into his eyes.
"I can't...it would be terribly disrespectful! I'm sorry, Elena, but I can't do that to you, or any woman." Griphyx says, pain in his voice as some blood trickles down his cheeks and hands. Elena smiles both happily and sadly at the boy. She grabs his hand and moves them away from his eyes.
"Griphyx Potter, Harry Potter. You two are good young men, and I can guarantee that any woman or mare" -she winks at Luna and Nightmare slightly, making them blush- "or even herd, will be damn lucky to have either of you two. Do you both understand? She says. The brothers nod, however, Griphyx's eyes heal and he smiles up at Elena gently, but then receives another kiss from her, healing the rest of his body as well.
"I...um...." Griphyx stutters.
"It's okay, your cute." Elena teases before they all head towards Hagrid's. This school year just got a bit more interesting. |
The two Potters and the Three Princesses | Chapter 27 | Griphyx stands before Dumbledore, Snape, McGonagall and Hagrid at midnight. He sighs in annoyance. It had been a week since Elena had joined Hogwarts, and ever since then Malfoy and Drew have made their groups larger and even sent images of his monstrous form. Right now he is currently standing before the four teachers along with a strange woman who is currently a ghost, wishes to see Griphyx's form, as she has been known to help Half-Blood's find their family line, even if they aren't in the world at all, or anymore.
"Now then Griphyx, please show us your form." Dumbledore asks. Griphyx nods and sighs as he closes his eyes. His face becomes covered in flames as his hair grows. His eyes open to only become sockets. His hands become claws as his cloths become skeletal armor, his tail forms, but it is longer, the tip is blood red.
His wings form but now look like large doors, then the eight coffin shaped 'fingers' form and he cries out in pain. His entire form is covered by a black sphere as a pillar of light shoots itself into the air. His wand and ring fuse with his form and everyone gets a glimpse of his blood line.
They see Primordial Beings form from chaos and then a man from before appears next to his siblings. Harry, and everyone that can see the princesses can see this from the sky and gape as they watch the earth and universe form as the man has a smirk and sits on an obsidian throne behind chained gates, behind the man is a massive pit. As a three headed dragon-like-dog sits before two massive gates.
Griphyx punches his claws into the ground and screams in pain as his magical energy forms to create a hologram version of those very gates. He screams more as his body starts to change. His hair become bone white, the whites of his eyes become pitch black, as his eyes become bright yellow with bright white slits with all colors outlining them. His fangs become true, his tail becomes longer as it becomes thinner. The doors gain the creatures from his ring and in his wand on them as they become part of it.
He groans in pain as his body temperature fluctuate and two horns form on both sides of his head pointing upward. He looks up and pulls his hands and feet from the cracked floor, to reveal bright silver fur cuffs around his wrists and ankle's, as well as a brighter silver collar of sorts around his shoulders and back of his neck. His hair sways around from the massive winds being created by his wings being opened. His lower half is covered in silver fur while his long-whip-like-tail is pitch black.
He opens his eyes again, as black tear-like-streaks go down his cheeks and between his wings is pitch black fur and snow white feathers. His skin is ash white, while his hair becomes jet black and his feet are not talons. His hands are claws, while his forearm up to his shoulder is covered in silver fur with black markings going up them, his horns become ash white and curve back slightly and are much sharper than before.
He stares at the group of adults as he is now taller than either of them. He turns and sighs, a black spot forms in the center of his chest.
"This is me...." Griphyx states. Elena, Ruby, Harry, Nightmare, Luna, Celestia, Hermione, Ron and Nick burst through the door, only to stop and gape at Griphyx. "I am still only in a metamorphosis state, as I have not completely grown up yet." He states as the 'gates' vanish and the strange woman, is also gone. He blinks. "Where did the woman go?" He asks. The teachers blinks before looking around. It was as if she vanished.
"I'm not sure Griphyx, but this don't seem right at all." Hagrid says softly. Griphyx turns and his wings spread out as he crouches low to the ground.
"Then I shall find out what has happened." He states before being stopped by Nick.
"Stop right there!! When were you going to explain that you were a demon?" He says with a scowl.
"Demon? No, I am no demon, but something bigger." Griphyx states.
"Then what are you?" He asks, calming down.
"I am not sure, but this form is...strange." Griphyx states.
"Strange? How strange?" Nick asks. Griphyx looks him dead in the eye.
"Emptiness..." He says with an even tone, making everyone shiver. "It feels, empty, in a way I do not understand." He expresses. He looks at the others. "Do you all fear me?" He asks right as the moonlight shines on him, making his shadow rise and look more demonic on the wall behind him.
"No." Elena states with a smile.
"It suites you." Ruby says.
"We like it." Nightmare and Luna say at the same time. He nods his head curtly as he turns and stabs his claws into the wall, before pushing forward gently and they all watch as the wall cracks and crumbles away revealing the ghost woman, now turned into a girl with pig-tails and glasses.
"Please don't hurt me..." She pleads. Griphyx looks down at the girl before nodding.
"Alright, but please, what is your name?" He asks.
"Moaning Murtle." She answers sadly. "I died in the girls bathroom." She states. Griphyx turns and walks away from her. She watches as he walks over to the four women and stares down at them. He wraps his wings and arms around them, before his form reverts back to normal and he collapses onto them and pants weakly.
"What was my family line?" He asks softly. Murtle sighs and shakes her head.
"I couldn't tell, it was too....dark for me to see through. It was as if whoever he or it is, is strong enough in in strange magic to hide himself away, but that wand and ring IS now apart of you, and those family lines are...old." She says.
"How old?" Celestia asks. Moaning Murtle looks up at the Sun Goddess and sighs.
"Older than we thought our world was." She states before vanishing. Griphyx grunts as he gets to his feet and looks down at his wand in his right hand, while the ring is on his right middle finger, the two seem brighter. He smiles slightly.
'So my old man gave these to me for a reason, eh? Do they affect my Blood-Line though?' He questions, before putting his wand away and yawns.
"I'm tired, can I go to bed now?" He asks.
"Yes, you will need your strength, tomorrow is the big game, remember?" Hagrid says, making Griphyx and Harry nod their heads and head off with the group to bed.
"We must keep a close eye on him, otherwise, whoever might try to use Griphyx for their dastardly plans for evil, might actually succeed." McGonagall states. Dumbledore closes his eyes, and sighs as he nods his had.
"Indeed we do. But we also have three goddesses on our side to protect him." Albas says softly.
"Yeah, and those monsters in that ring o his too." Hagrid points out.
"It would be wise, to keep the two potters close to the group as much as possible. I will make sure of it." Snape says calmly. But on the inside, he is questioning what he saw. Why would Griphyx be related to that man? Those were questions that needed to be answered.
============================================================
Griphyx sits on the couch and sighs in sadness. It is a Friday, but for some reason he is getting a dreadful feeling.
"Griphyx, what's wrong?" Elena asks as she sits next to him.
"Nothing, Elena. I'm just, I dunno. I'm nervous, waiting for something to happen, ya'know?" He says. Elena nods her head and sighs.
"I have been feeling this way as well. Something is DEFINITELY going to happen." She states. Griphyx nods, before rising to his feet and walks out of the door and down the hall, Elena crawling on the ceiling above him. "But it COULD be something good?" She says hopefully.
"Possibly. But something just seems...off." Griphyx states.
"Off?" Elena asks.
"Yeah. Like something different is going down, but I don't know what it is." He grumbles. Elena drops before him and hugs him tightly. She is more attached to him than the others -save for Nightmare- and is older, but due to her being part of their little 'group', she has to take the same courses, not that she minds.
"Then don't think about it! Think about something else, like...your Half-Blood Line?" She asks at the end. Griphyx smiles up at her.
"Sure." Griphyx smiles up at her. It has been rumored that the two are dating with Ruby, but that isn't true. What is true though, is that Harry and Hermione are closer to each other, and are into each other, not that the other would know, so they just act awkwardly towards each other.
"Now lets get going!" Elena whoops out as she vanishes into the webs lining the walls. Griphyx smirks and vanishes into the shadows and moves past everything in a blink of an eye, before appearing next to Harry from the corner of the room, startling everyone BUT Harry.
"Hey bro, you're late." Harry chuckles out.
"Oh shut the buck up dude." Griphyx jokes back and chuckles as well.
"Stop doing that." Chad says. It was recently shown to the brothers that Chad is a Half-Blood, but his Blood Line is strange and mixed so much that he is part of the 'Legion' Half-Blood race, on account of how many Lines they have, and is known to transform every once in a while.
"Fine." Griphyx groans out before he appears before everyone and grabs his broom from the wall. He had gotten it as a gift from someone, no one knows who though, and it is custom made to resemble his early release stage. He looks at everyone and smirks.
"Let's do this, Griphyx is already smirking!!" A boy whoops out. The team had found out that whenever Griphyx smirks, that they would win. He nods his head.
"Buck yeah!" Griphyx yells out as he jumps out of this strange hanger and flies out first. While Chad was the team leader, Griphyx quickly became a mascot of sorts. Griphyx spins upwards in the air as his new wings form and leave jet-line-like-streaks through the air and the wind screams around his form.
The crowd cheers as the rest of his team flies out and spirals around him, making a shape like a spinning cone around him, until they split apart and he bursts high into the sky, a black streak forming behind him from his speed, his wings fan out and he stops, making a thunder-clap sound through the sky and he grins. He waits for his team to arrive, however, Malfoy and Drew fly out and fly directly at him.
He barrel-rolls to the left then the right before spinning around and see's the Slitherine team floating there. He smirks and as Harry appears next to him, they spin around and fly to their side of the field. They sit there, as the rest of their team makes a drill-like-shape around the two brothers. It was decided that Griphyx and Harry would become seekers while others would be the protectors.
The horn sounds and they all take off. Harry banks left and goes after the Golden Snitch, with Griphyx next to him, his wings are gone by now. He barrel-rolls to the left to dodge Drew, who along with Malfoy, circle Griphyx. Griphyx sighs in annoyance before he flies downwards and spins away from the two, but they chase after him.
Griphyx smirks and quickly banks right and U-turns and goes past the two boys who slide to a halt before turning around and chasing the boy.
'Buck me...why can't they just leave me alone?' Griphyx thinks as he see's a large sphere chasing after Harry, breaking the tall bleachers. He banks hard right and booms over to help his brother and right as the sphere goes to connect with Harry's broom and his body, Griphyx grabs the sphere and throws it high above the clouds, only to then be tackled by Drew, while Malfoy slips up and slams against the ground and passes out from pain.
Griphyx coughs as Drew grabs his throat and pushes him off of his broom, making him skid across the ground.
'Damn it!' Griphyx swears in his mind. He pushes himself off of the ground with his hands and lands back onto his broom and soars into the air. He watches Drew go after Harry, even though Gryffindor had already won the game. Griphyx summons his wings and flaps them and he appears next to Drew.
He notices Drew has his arm and fist cocked back ready to punch Harry, that is until it collides with Griphyx's face, knocking him off of his broom. He coughs slightly before Drew grabs his throat once more and throws him down farther and he looks over his shoulder and notices that the ground is coming up quicker and quicker.
He spins and flaps his wings and flies into the air. He rears his fist back and punches Drew in the chest, making him cough and fly off of his broom and fall down towards the ground. Griphyx holds Drew's broom like a javelin and throws it down at him, which he catches, but as soon as he gets on it, he flops onto the ground.
Griphyx lands next to Drew's unconscious form, and see's that he is just fine. Griphyx groans as his world goes dark and he collapses, passing out. This was the bad part. Unaware to him, there is a boy sneering, before vanishing. |
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