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Friendship is herrrrreeeeeee!!! | pre | Cadence however, didn't want to wait "we need to hurry! Shining could be even more hurt"
Carter huffed "well I'm not getting into a fight with a Zodiart without-" but something he saw on the glowing screen
stopped him "yes!" he tapped a few more button and two more small items appeared on the circle object. He got up and
pushed the Fourze Driver on his waist and a strap came out of seemingly nowhere to fasten it to him. On his right side, a
weird looking lever had also appeared along with the strap. He grabbed the two new items and jogged to the door "ready.
Let's go"
Things were looking bad for princess Celestia; not only was the captain of her royal guards out of commission, but she wasn't faring much better against this monster herself. Her magic seemed to have no effect on it, and she had been pretty badly beaten up. As she lay on the ground, unable to keep fighting, a single thought crossed her mind 'just what is this monster?'
The Zodiart rested its club on its shoulder "you know" it began "I never thought I could get tired of wailing of a pretty pony princess...but hey, I guess we all learned something new today" the Zodiart slowly made its way towards Celestia,
humming a sinister tune that began slow, but picked up speed with time. The crowd that had gathered could do nothing but
watch as the Zodiart moved in for the kill.
Like the horde of defenseless ponies that had gathered, Shining Armor was also watching the events before him play
out, only he was taking it differently 'buck!' he mentally exclaimed 'the one time the princess really needs me, and I'm
completely useless'. In one final desperate act, Shining gathered magic in his horn, trying to recast his shield spell to save
his princess. However his injuries got the better of him again, the pain proved too strong for him, keeping him from focusing
'buck!' he exclaimed again 'is there really nothing I can do but watch?'
Now within striking distance; the Zodiart held its club vertically, aligning it with Celestia's neck "before I kill you, I just
want you to know; that this is going to hurt you a lot more then it's going to hurt me...really. I can only assume that bashing
your neck in with a club is an extremely painful way to go, and since I won't even feel it...yeah" he raised his club into the air
slowly, when it was as high as he could lift it, he taunted Celestia one more time "well...I guess this is it. It's gotta suck
knowing you let down your entire species by losing to me. Now I get to wipe them all out." The Zodiart tightened his grip on
his weapon, but before he could deliver the finishing blow, he heard something he really didn't see coming
"ORION!!!"
The Zodiart now known as Orion froze "...who just said my name?"
A chill ran down Celestia's spine 'Orion...It couldn't be, could it?' she took another look at the strange pattern on Orion
'...impossible' was all her mind was able to conjure
Orion and the horde of ponies turned towards the direction the voice came from, it was then that they saw Carter and
Cadence "what!?" Orion jumped "how can there be any of you left?"
"I could ask you the same thing" was Carter's reply. Without skipping a beat, Carter flipped the switches on the front of
the Fourze Driver, when all 4 were on, the Drive itself spoke "3" "2" "1"
Immediately after '1', Carter pulled the leaver on the side of the side of the Drive, and was engulfed in a white fog. When it dissipated, he was clad in a strange white armor. The helmet was an odd cone like shape, and his limbs each had bracer with a shape on it. Carter entered a fighting stance and uttered only 3 words; "meet Fourze motherfucker"
I'll be honest here; writing Shining Armor here was hard. I don't feel like the two episodes we saw him in was enough to flesh out his personality, in fact we only really saw him interact with Twilight and Cadence, but I made do with what I had. I decided to try and sprinkle a little of Twilight into him.
Disclaimer: no ponies were killed in the writing of this chapter...just a little serious maiming. |
Friendship is herrrrreeeeeee!!! | Fourze Takes The Stage | This chapter...oh boy. Wow this one was fun to write, more so than usual. I'm pretty confident that this is my best chapter so far (and not just because it's the first fight). I hope you have as much fun reading it as I did writing it
Chapter 4: Fourze Takes The Stage
"Mommy, mommy" a small colt cried out from the audience "it's a Precursor. It looks just like the pictures in my book"
"So it's true...Carter really is the last Precursor" Shining marveled, seeing Fourze in all its glory
"Wait. He's what!?" one of the guards near Shining balked
"What the hell are you doing!?" demanded a baffled Orion
'That's a good question; just what the hell am I doing! I just grabbed the Fourze Driver, some Switches and ran out here, why!?' Fourze mentally chided himself. Gathering his wits and courage, Fourze gave the him his ultimatum "leave this place now Orion...or I 'ma whoop your ass"
Orion took time to consider this, and came up with a clever, well thought out rebuttal "Buwa ha ha ha!!! Ok, ok. I got to hand it to you; that was pretty funny. Because you gave me the best laugh I've had in forever, and because we're both kinsmen; I'll let join me in my rampage" this caused a generic group gasp from the onlookers, which the two combatants
ignored
Fourze cocked his head to the side "who still uses the word 'kinsmen'?" he mused. Suddenly realizing the implications of what he just said Fourze shot up and replied with "hey! The two of us are nothing alike! You monsters have taken countless innocent lives."
Orion sighed "so you're goanna be like that huh? It's too bad really; we could have had a blast wrecking this place. It all looks so..." despite the fact that Orion had no facial control, his expression and voice seemed extremely menacing with his next word "breakable"
A chill ran down Fourze's spine "I'd rather die than join the demons that took everything from me! You monsters killed my family!"
"I'll take it you're not going to accept my offer?" Orion checked
"What the?" Fourze's shook a little in disbelief "no I'm not going to join you! How thick are you!?"
Orion cupped his chin with the hand that held his shield "well I do have a lot of armor plating..."
One of the knights by Shining Armor's side turned to his downed captain and asked "um...sir is this how Precursors and Dark Precursors fight?"
Instead of answering back immediately, Shining Armor, who Cadence was trying her best to heal, found that he actually had to think about it "you know; I'm not sure"
"That's not what I meant!" Fourze raged "Now you're just messing with me"
"Whatever would make you think that?" Orion asked with any annoyingly sarcastic voice
"That! What're you're doing right now"
"Get on with it!" some random pony, a female, from the audience yelled
"What!?" Fourze balked. Turning to the direction the voice came from he said "I'm fighting to keep this guy from killing...whoever that is" he pointed at Celestia "and destroying this city. And you have the gall to tell me to 'get on with it'!?"
"Yes" the same voice answered
"Oh screw you random audience pony!" Fourze yelled in frustration
Meanwhile, Orion was laughing it up "oh man! This is rich!"
"Stop laughing!" Fourze demanded "This is supposed to be a dramatic moment!"
"Oh really?. I couldn't tell" Orion said, jovial as always
Fed up, Fourze finally said "alright screw this!" forgoing what little banter there may have been left to go through, Fourze charged at Orion. Orion held his arms out, as if to say 'come at me bro!' Reaching Orion, Fourze hit him square in the chest with the hardest punch he could muster "take this you monster!" Fourze cried out as he hit him. The 'smack' sound that came from the blow seemed to send out a wave of silence; everyone stood right where they were, frozen, until Fourze broke the silence "AHHHHHH!" quickly pulling back his hand he tightly gripped it with his other one and began shaking it
Orion broke out into laughter again "this...this is just amazing! I don't think I've ever had this much fun before"
"Why YOU" Fourze cried indignantly before kicking him just as hard as he punched him. The kick sent a second wave
of silence, only this one was over rather quickly "AHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!" Fourze pulled his foot back and started hopping on
his good one "that was so stupid, why did I do that!?"
After a few seconds of laughing at Fourze, Orion spoke up "yeah, my armor is pretty hard, but you know what's even harder?"
If anyone could see his face, they would have noticed Fourze giving Orion a blank stare "dude I swear, if you say your di-" but a smack to the head from Orion's club stopped him mid-sentence, one that sent him flying into a nearby water fountain
"My club" he answered "and really man, there's kids here"
'This is really bad' Fourze lamented 'I thought the Fourze Driver would give me a fighting chance, but I can't even scratch him' Then it hit him 'duh! The Switches! Wow do I feel dumb' picking himself up, Fourze prepared to charge back into the fight "ok, let's try this one" he switched on Rocket. When he did, a computerized voice announced "ROCKET ON!" and the Rocket Module appeared on his right hand; it was an orange rocket about the size of one of his legs, his hand and wrist were stuck in the middle. Examining it, Fourze turned it over so it was pointing forward, to get a good look at the engines "huh, neat. Now how do I-" but the Rocket Module suddenly roaring to life put an end to his question "AHHHHH!" it took off fast, and dragged Fourze with it, straight towards Orion
"Oh this is goanna suck" complained Orion right before the out of control Fourze hit him. The impact not only made him lose his grip on his club and shield, but got him tangled up with Fourze; they were both spinning now, kept together with centrifugal force. His attempts to get free only succeeded in altering their trajectory; the two of them were now spiraling up to the sky very slowly.
Back on the ground, Shining Armor noticed Orion's weapons lying on the ground "quick! Somepony get rid of that club and shield" two nearby unicorn guards did just that; picking both weapons up with telekinesis and hiding them on a nearby roof. Satisfied with that, Shining lifted his head back up "come on Carter, you can do this" he murmured to himself
Just then a familiar voice boomed from the direction of the castle "sister!" the princess of the night arrived on the scene, rushing to her elder sister's side
"Luna" Celestia said her sister's name with a weighty breath
"Sister! Are thou...are you ok?"
"I...just need to rest" she replied, still breathing heavily
The sight of her powerful sister beaten instilled a strange sense of rage and foreboding in Luna "who, or what hath done this to you?" she asked straining to keep a calm voice
"Luna...they're real" was all she said
"What!? Who is real!?"
"The Precursors and the Dark Precursors"
"Sister...surly you must be joking! They are but old foal's tales from long before our birth"
"Well Luna, that means I got defeated by an old foal's tale"
"But sister-"
"The monster that did this to me bore the markings of Orion's belt Luna. I wasn't sure at first, but when the Precursor
started calling it 'Orion' then there was no doubt left in my mind. The stories tell of an evil race that was marked by stars,
what else could it mean?"
While Luna was processing what her sister told her, something jumped up at her "wait! You said there was a Precursor
here as well! I take it the two are locked in mortal combat somewhere in the city" her voice sounded both excited and
panicked at the same time. Celestia's response was simply to look up at the sky, Luna followed suit, mentally preparing
herself for what was sure to be the most awe inspiring thing she had ever seen in her life. What she saw however, was what
looked like something flying around in a circle. "...I find this quite underwhelming sister"
"Trust me; it was very humorous before they took to the sky. It's really a shame you had to miss it"
"It is indeed, I wish that I had been awoken earlier" Luna lamented
Back up in the sky, Orion and Fourze were halfway between the ground and the cloud barrier and were engaging in
polite and intelligent conversation "what the hell are you doing!?" Orion finally demanded, now more than sick and tired of
being dragged in a loop
"I don't know!" Fourze replied, voice filed with panic
"Then stop it!"
"I don't know how!"
"Well find a way to!" Orion bellowed as he started twisting Fourze's right arm making them fly around sporadically.
Unfortunately for both of them, during this Orion yanked it down, so now the Rocket Module was pointing straight at the
ground, sending them both into a nose dive
Legend has it, that one that day, the screams of sheer terror the two of them let out reached as far as the griffin
kingdom. "You moron!!! Look what you just did!" Fourze yelled, absolutely lived
"Pull up! Pull up!! Pull up!!!" Orion stammered
"I'm trying!"
"Well try harder!"
Struggling to get control, Fourze began jerking his arm around. He managed to adjust their trajectory at the last
second, and they barely skimmed over a blue unicorn mare with a very light blue and white mane "hey! Watch it!"
Fourze tensed up "you!" he yelled, remembering her voice "I'll be back for you random audience pony! I'll remember
your face..." he managed to yell before flying out of earshot
Were he able too, Orion would have most likely hurled by this point "getting dizzy!"
"Ok, screw this!" Fourze switched Rocket off. The Rocket Module disappeared and the two of them began to slow
down. Once they reached the peak of their accent they came apart, no longer held together by extreme G's
As gravity kicked in and dragged them back to earth, Orion vocalized his displeasure "you fool! Now we'll both plummet
to our death! Are these horses really worth giving your life to protect!? This isn't even stopping us; we will return here and
wipe them all out!"
Fourze's response was simply "you done?" Orion nodded "good" Fourze switch Rocket back on "ROCKET ON!" and
flew down to the ground
"...oh yeah, I forgot all about that." Orion plummeted to the ground, landing face first on the ground, leaving a crater.
When Fourze was just a few feet above the ground, he switched Rocket off. He landed on his feet, but stumbled and
nearly fell down "really need to practice with that" he mused. Taking a look at Orion, Fourze saw that he was struggling to
get back up. Which was mostly due to his dizzy state "now's my chance!" Fourze switch the switch next to Rocket on
"LANUCHER ON!" the Launcher Module appeared on Fourze's right leg. It was a single blue greave with 5 slots for
projectiles on the right side of it "time to-" but before he could finish his sentence, something occurred to him "oh crap. I can't blind fire with this many civilians around. What was I thinking!?"
Orion was now on his knees, still struggling to get up thanks to his injuries. "Carter!" Shining called out "he's getting back up. Hurry up and do something!"
"Yeah, yeah, hold your horses" Fourze briefly chuckled at his private joke before switching on the switch opposite of Rocket "RADAR ON!" the Radar Module, a dish connected to a glowing screen much like the one in the Rabbit Hutch, appeared on his left arm. He pointed it at Orion, and after a few seconds it started beeping "target lock! Fire" the five projectiles in the Launcher Module shot straight at Orion. Each hitting him dead on and exploding on impact
"AHHHH!!!" Orion cried out in pain as the explosions knocked him back into a building. "That's it!" he bellowed "I've had enough of this!" he easily got back to his feet from his position, imbedded in a wall "prepare to die!" With a loud war cry, Orion charged at Fourze
"Awwww, is someone cranky?" Fourze mockingly cooed. He switched off Launcher and Radar and replaced them with the other two switches "Chainsaw! Parachute!" he switched Chainsaw on "CHAINSAW ON!" like Launcher, the Chainsaw Module was blue. Unlike it however, The Chainsaw Module had a...well...chainsaw on it. The chainsaw pointed up, parallel to his leg. Armed and ready, he charged to meet Orion
Orion threw a punch at Fourze's face which he caught, as well as the second punch. Now locked in a stalemate, Orion could only mock him "you fool! Do you honestly think you can defeat me!?"
Fourze sighed "geez. Did I knock something loose in your brain when I hit you with Launcher, or are you just this bad at being original and witty when mad?" The Chainsaw Module came to life. The blade spinning as it lowered itself onto
Orion's leg
"AHHHH!!!" Orion cried out in pain for the second time today. He broke off from Fourze, not wanting his leg cut off
"what the hell was that!?"
"You know?" Fourze began "I always used to wonder why my dad thought it was a good idea to make Chainsaw a leg
switch. Now that I've gotten to use it in battle...I can see why"
"I've had enough of this!!!" Orion bellowed
"You already said that" Fourze remarked
His comment made Orion make a noise that sounded bot angry and hurt "that's it! I'm going to slaughter everyone
here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Orion started yelling
Fourze scoffed "this isn't Dragon Ball Z bub" his mocking was cut short when he saw Orion begin to glow a sickly
golden color "shit! That doesn't look good! I need to get him out of the city" he switched Rocket on "ROCKET ON!" and took off flying to Orion. This time he knew what he was doing. He grabbed Orion and readjusted the Rocket Module to send them up. After they had risen above the nearby mountain, Fourze let go "let's try this one" He switch on the switch between Chainsaw and Parachute "DRILL ON!" The Drill Module manifested itself as a yellow drill on his left foot "wait a minute..." he gave a quick glance at the Rocket Module, and then the Drill Module "oh ha ha, very funny dad. Honestly, I would expect something more creative from him the a rocket powered drill kick"
Orion raged from his position in the air below Fourze "you'll never beat-"
"Oh will you just shut up" Fourze screamed as he pulled the leaver on the side "Limit Break!" with the Drill Module
spinning at high speeds, the Rocket Module shot him down to Orion, tearing right through him in a massive explosion
The crowd below witnessed in horror as Fourze was engulfed by the flames "no" Shining lamented, as he tried to hold
back his tears
"Mommy" the young colt from before nudged his mother's leg "is the Precursor going to be alright?" Not knowing how
to answer her son, the mother just stayed quiet
The solemn silence was broken by a familiar voice "PARACHUTE ON!" out of the dissipating cloud of Debris fell
Fourze, the Parachute Module's 3 parachutes slowing his decent. The assembled ponies exploded in cheers.
"He survived...he survived!" Shining cried out
"Wow! As Fourze touched down on the ground, he was swarmed by many little colts and fillies "whoa! Personal space."
"Wow! A real live Precursor! I told you they were real mommy, I told you!" one of the fillies bragged
"Hold on a second. What's a Precursor?" Fourze asked
Shining now healed enough to walk, got to his hoof and trotted to Fourze "the Precursors are a mythical race that
existed long before recorded history. Legend has it that one of them, The First Mother, was the one to give us language. It's
said that they had technology far beyond our capabilities and that they were wiped out by the evil Dark Precursors"
Fourze shrugged "eh. That does kind of sound like my species; don't know what to make of 'The First Mother' though.
And I know that I'm in the future. So...yeah, it sounds like I'm what you call a Precursor" a gasp ran through the crowed 'got
to hand it to these ponies, they sure are synchronized'
"What do you mean you sound like a Precursor?" the colt from earlier asked
Fourze knelt down and ruffled his mane a bit "well little guy, we didn't call ourselves Precursors. That would sound a
little weird"
Because of her sister's injuries, Luna took it upon herself to greet the newcomer in the name of Equestria "Greetings
noble Precursor" while she managed to hide it well, she was extremely nervous. There was no standard procedure for
dealing with lone surviving members of an elder race. So she was just going to have to play it by ear
"Hey, what's-" he froze upon seeing Luna
Worried she had somehow offended him, Luna asked "have I said something to-" but Fourze interrupted her
"Oh my god!" he exclaimed much to the shook of everyone around "you are so adorable!"
Celestia let out a quick laugh. A very light blush appeared on Luna's face "...did you just call me adorable?" she
couldn't remember the last time someone had referred to her like that
"I could just hug you right now. But I don't want to invade your personal space" he continued
Most of the crowd didn't know how to react. Shining however did; a simple facehoof conveyed his current feeling quite
well. Treading carefully, Luna wisely changed the subject "yes well...thank you. I believe there are things we need to
discuss"
Fourze let out an amused breath "yeah I bet we do." A team of medics finally made it to the scene, they had with them
a stretcher and several first aid kits "those your medics? They sure took their sweet time getting here"
"Yes, I suppose they did" Luna made a mental note make sure she and the medics were alerted soon the next time
something like this happened. She addressed the head medic "attend to my sister" the medics lifted the princess of the sun
onto the stretcher and carted her off "I believe it would be best to wait until my sister recover"
"Fine with me" Fourze answered "what should I do until then?"
"I can take you to the guard barracks to wait" Shining offered
"Fine with me" he replied "that cool with you?" he asked Luna
"Yes. That is quite... 'cool'" she answered
Fourze turned back to Shining "alright then, lead the way"
Well, that the first battle, tell me what you think. For the most part, the Zodiart fights and switch debuts will happen in the
same order as the original. Also, about the first line of dialog this chapter; there are books with stories about the Precursors in Equestria. They include very crude pictures of them. |
Friendship is herrrrreeeeeee!!! | A Quite Interlude’s Beginning | Bad news guy, school work is piling up for me. That means that this is the last update for a while. But don't worry; I will get back to this
Chapter 5: A Quite Interlude's Beginning
Carter, having turned off the Fourze Driver a while ago, was lounging in the captain's quarters with Shining Armor and Cadence "I didn't mean it like that" he moaned, pushing his face into the book he was reading. The small room was well furnished. Aside from the book shelve; there was a small couch that Cadence was lying down on. The floor was covered by a red rug. Shining Armor was sitting behind his deck, directly across from the door
"Well how did you mean it?" Shining asked, a little peeved
"You ponies look like talking animals to me" he defended
"What!?" Cadence balked
"Before I was cryogenically frozen, there was a species of animal on the earth called horses. You ponies are likely descended from them" Carter explained "so when I called the princess adorable, I meant she was adorable in the same way that a cat or bunny is. Though I have to admit; you look pretty huggable too Shining" he finished with a smirk
Shining backed up as fast as he could, though since his desk as already at the end of the room, he couldn't go far, he simply bumped into his window "you stay away from me!"
Carter got up and held out his arms "aww, come on big guy. Want me to brush your mane? I could put pretty, pretty ribbons in it. You'll look so beautiful" he cooed
Fear swept over Shining's face. Cadence on the other hand was in a laughing fit "I have some old accessories we could use" she offered
"Why are you encouraging him!?" Shining panicked
"But Shining, don't you want to be pretty for your lady?"
It had been a long time since anyone had mercilessly teased Shining like this. As such, he was not prepared "My lady!? But, how-"
"Did I know?" Carter finished "I really hope for your sakes this isn't some big secret, because anyone with eyes can see it. Those quick looks you share, the blushing, the kiss you snuck in when you thought I was out of earshot" that one added a hint of red to their faces "and then there was Madam Sherbet begging me to save your life. I believe your words were 'If...if I lose him. I'm not sure what I'll do!'"
"Madam Sherbet?" Cadence repeated confused
"Your hair reminds me of sherbet. That reminds me; what kind of sweets do you have here? I need me some sugar"
Grabbing a paper bag from his desk with magic, he levitated it over to Carter "well, you can try some doughnuts-"
Carter yanked the bag out of the air "my god! It can't be..." he pulled out the contents of the bag "...it is. You ponies have doughnuts!!" he began scarfing the surgery dough down
"You know what a doughnut is!?" Cadence asked surprised
"Yeah, we had them back in my day" he let out a wistful sigh "too bad dad never figured out how to replicate them"
"Um, 'replicate'?" questioned Shining
"Oh, yeah" Carter lightly bonked himself on the head "forgot to tell you about my dietary needs" but before Carter could tell them the door opened and Luna entered "Oh hey. Where's your sister, I thought we were waiting for here to get better?"
"My sister does not want us to wait for her to regain her health" despite her regal statue, she seemed nervous "I must confess, I have not conversed with a member of an elder race before. I am not sure how to proceed"
Carter shrugged "Eh, don't worry about it; we're all in new territory here. I'm not used to speaking with talking animals"
Luna raised an eyebrow and looked to Shining, hoping he could explain. He caught her gaze and understood what she wanted "apparently when the Precursors, or 'humans' as they called themselves, were the dominate species, there was a race of animals called horse which Carter here believes are our ancestors"
Luna nodded at him. Now finally understanding what Carter meant when he called her adorable "'Carter' was it?" she tested the foreign name on her tongue, she was rewarded when the human nodded his head in conformation "would you care to explain just what these Dark Precursors truly are?"
Carter nodded again "they're called the Zodiarts. Each one is based on one of the 88 constellations"
"88!? There are 88 of them!?" Cadence panicked
"Well..." Carter started nervously "more like 100"
"100!?" she nearly fainted
Carter nodded yet again "the strongest 12 Zodiarts are called the Horoscopes, each one being based off of a constellation in the zodiac" then Carter realized something "oh wait, I doubt all the same stars are still around. You probably don't know which constellations I'm talking about"
"Dorado, Andromeda, Coma, Sextans Pavo" Luna listed off a few of them
"...ok wow. How do you know about those?" Carter was baffled
"A very long time ago, I acquired some very old Pre...human star charts. I thought that they looked quite beautiful, so I decided to paint them in the sky each night. Of course I was unaware that they had been made by humans at the time"
"...'Paint them in the sky'...is that some kind of metaphor or something?"
"It is not" Luna answered "It seems I may have neglected to inform you of my status as princess of the night"
"...The what?" Carter flatly asked
"The princess of the night" she repeated "it is my duty to raise the moon each night and set it each morning, I am also in charge of the stars"
"Yeah...I'm going to call bull shit here" Carter deadpanned
Luna blinked "forgive me, but I am unaware what it means to 'call bull shit'"
"It means I don't believe you" Luna's eyes widened "let's ignore for now your claim that you're moving a giant rock in
space more than capable of moving round the earth on its own. Your claim that you control the stars is the one that really bugs me"
Though she felt offended, Luna still made a great effort to keep her emotions in check "and pray tell, why does it 'bug' you so much"
"Because I doubt anything in the universe could control that many suns" was Carter's answer
Luna's head reeled back in surprise "suns? I had thought we were talking about stars"
"Stars are really just very far away suns" Carter explained. Although reeling from another revelation, Luna didn't say anything. She knew that if she interrupted every time Carter said something surprising, that they were going to be here a while. "And honestly; controlling celestial bodies" Carter disapprovingly shook his head "what are you going to tell me next? You ponies also control the weather? Do you just drag clouds where ever you want and make them rain? Maybe you also need to change the seasons too"
As rude as his words were, they gave Luna a much better understanding of his situation "there is something I must show you" She effortlessly lifted Shining and his desk up with magic, much to his surprise, and led Carter to the window. When he looked outside, he saw several pegasi were dragging around black clouds up to an even bigger black cloud that loomed over the city. A few seconds later, the giant cloud released its payload
Maintaining a neutral expression and voice, Carter turned towards Luna and asked "the fuck did I just see?"
"The Canterlot weather team" Luna answered
As much as he wanted to flip out, Carter still had yet to recharge his crazy reserves, so he settled for a sigh "great...the earth's gone completely manual"
"Now do you believe in my connection to the moon?" Luna asked
"Does your 'connection' to the moon allow you to sense its position and stuff?" Luna simply nodded "then I know a way
to find out if you're really telling the truth" Carter pulled the Gate Switch out of one of his pockets and used it on the door
"let's go." The three ponies followed him through the gate, and into the Rabbit Hutch
Upon stepping inside, Luna was overcome with a strange sensation "does...does nopony else feel that?"
"Feel what princess?" Shining asked
Luna took a minute to think of how to describe it "It...it reminds me of the sensation I felt of being sealed in the moon"
The three ponies looked at Carter "look, I'm all crazed out. I'll complain about the possibility of being sealed in a giant space rock later"
"No. Why would the princess be feeling this way" Shining clarified
"Oh. That" Carter walked over to the terminal and pressed a button "let me show you" a line of panels opened up near the roof an all sides, reveling to the ponies the window, and outside
"What the!?" Shining gazed out into the inky blackness, the stars seemed oddly placed "but its daytime, why is it so dark outside?"
Cadence was the first to spot a strange object outside "what is that!?" her hoof pointed to a mostly blue sphere amidst the darkness
Now thoroughly confused, Luna turned to the smirking Carter "where have you taken us?"
Instead of a straight answer, Carter asked a question "where's the moon?"
Luna internally panicked "I...I cannot sense it. This strange feeling is hiding it from me"
Carter sighed "well princess, you've convinced me"
"Convinced thee of what?"
"Your connection to the moon"
"I have?" Luna asked confused "how was I able to do so?"
Carter sat down in a chair and put his feet up on the table "because I know what that strange sensation your feeling is,
and why you can't feel the moon anymore...ok maybe not 'know' but I have a really good idea why" He got up and pushed a
few buttons on the terminal and a drum roll started, after a brief silence he answered them "We...are on the moon"
Luna answered with a flat "what"
Cadence's eyes bugged out "the...the moon!? How is the even possible!?"
"Cosmic Energy" was Carter's answer "its discovery was a complete accident, but it was the biggest scientific breakthrough in human history" Carter sat back down in his chair "since the very beginning, my dad was the biggest expert in Cosmic Energy" he shook his head wistfully "it was a science so new, we didn't even have a name for it. But dad just got it somehow. He used it to make this place; the Rabbit Hutch, the Fourze Driver, and the Astro Switches" he got back on his feet "but enough about that. Who wants to go outside?"
Despite her connection to it, Luna had never walked on the moon before. It was an amazing feeling. "This view...breathtaking" she awed as she watched the Earth from behind the visor of her space suit
"Cool, isn't it?" Fourze beamed "I always loved playing out on the moon. It's just so peaceful up here. Made me forget about the war on Earth"
"To not only be able to reach to moon, but to build space suits that could fit any species...truly the time of humans must have been magical" Luna gushed "even if these 'sensor' things that made my suit are itchy"
Fourze gave a small shrug "eh, it wasn't so hot. There were a lot of bad people back then, and I mean really bad. Not only that, but there was too much pollution too. I'm a little surprised the planet managed to recover" Fourze folded his arms and shook his head "maybe it's a good thing we got wiped out, we would have destroyed the earth sooner or later otherwise"
"Do you really have such little faith in thy fellow humans?" Luna asked with a sad look in her eyes
"Well we did have weapons that could do the deed. Everyone was just too afraid to use them for fear of retaliation"
"Why would such weapons need to be made?" Luna asked with a twinge of fear in her voice
Fourze sat down and sighed "look Luna, I'm going to be honest with you; humans weren't a very peaceful race, we weren't complete bastards, but we were still pretty bad. There're a lot of wars in our history, each one waged for some stupid self-righteous. So many live have been pointlessly lost" Fourze lamented "those weapons I was talking about, they're called nuclear weapons. They've been around almost a century...and they've only been used twice, in the same war"
"Only twice?" she echoed in a question
"That's how afraid of them we were. Once mankind saw the destruction they could cause...well...it scared a lot of people"
"Then why keep building them? Why not make an accord to ban them?"
"Because we couldn't trust each other" Fourze shook his head "humanity has never been fully united for anything. Not even when the Zodiarts began their attack. We were still kept apart by old grudges and other such stuff. We might have been less biologically diverse then you ponies, but there were still plenty of things to keep us divided. We didn't have two immortal rulers to guide us. We were on our own"
"Truly the past sounds like a most horrible place" Luna commented
Behind his helmet, an amused smile appeared on his face "funny, that's the same thing Shining said" he got up and turned around to watch Shining and Cadence frolic on the moon. However, their carefree attitude only served to make him more depressed "it's really too bad that you'll soon find out just how right you are"
I figured that a princess that had to fight Discord, and the captain of the royal guard would be able to handle the crazy better than a civilian. I hope that Cadence was able to convey that. Also, did anyone notice anything strange in this chapter? |
True Power and Friendship | pre | "That's it! That brat is going down!" Phobos growled, getting his claws and ready to punish Shui for his words.
Everyone in the room was about to attack but stopped by Tao who gave a little smirk. Twilight ask, "Tao, what are you doing?" Shui must be punished so why did the Mystic Pony stops them?
"Aren't you gonna do something?" Ben asks Tao with a frown.
"Not to worry. Nyx would be honored to teach him." Tao said mysteriously, knowing that this situation is something that Nyx should handle on her own.
Shui, not seeing the angry and twitching look on Nyx's face, continues his blabbing, "In fact, a monster and evil like you don't deserve a new life, a new home, new friends and a new family. Do you know why? Because you will be backstabbing at them like they mean nothing to you. You have no heart. Once a Demon, always a Demon, daughter of Tso Lan."
Nyx looked angry as she continued to glare at Shui, asking furiously, "So all you saying that I'm evil because I had no love for everyone, and Tso Lan's daughter?!"
"What do you expect? Don't expect me to hold back. Fillies and mares are no exception to fight stallions like me. Throughout million years, stallions are the true masters of everything, and better than mares and fillies."
Ryan notes how Nyx is getting angry. He said to Shui in precaution, "Shui, I think you'd better apologize."
"Why?" Shui ask Ryan, unaware of what he's about to unleash here.
"Do you remember about my temper?" Kasai asks Shui seriously.
"Yes. Why?"
"Yer're about 'ta git one, partner." Texas comments while pointing to Nyx as he steps aside. "'Dis time it's fro' her."
Shui looked confused as Ryan, Kasai and Texas quickly departed at once. He then turned and saw Nyx who growled angrily with her angry eyes. She jumped up as her mane and tail turned and transformed into blazing fire while her body turned into white and has the crimson Dragon irises in two eyes as she growled angrily. Everyone gasped.
"Wow." Spike said in surprise. Did Nyx inherit that power from Twilight whenever she gets mad?
"Double wow." Phobos whistles in amazement.
"Hoo boy; here we go again." Applejack said with a shrug. Like mother, like daughter. Think about it, won't you?
Rarity nods while adding, "No kidding." Shui is in biggggggg trouble here.
"Wow, it looks like Nyx learn one thing." Pinkie said in amazement.
Fluttershy gulped, "What would that be?"
"Twilight's and Ben's bad temper."
"Yeah, and I thought Twilight had a worst temper. No offense, Twi." Rainbow apologizes to Twilight for the remark.
"None taken," Twilight assures to Rainbow. The Alicorn let that slide. It's time for Shui to get what's coming to him.
Nyx yelled angrily as Shui screamed in fear. She charged right at the idiot and beat him up as many times as she herself can. Everyone looked at Nyx beating Shui up while cringing at the sights. Not pretty. After that, Shui got knocked out with swirling eyes and mouth opens that drooled out from water. The Mystic hero shook his head. His eyes are widened in fear while looking at Nyx whose body just extinguish from her flaming temper. Her body got burned with ashes marks. She continued to glare at Shui.
"Listen, Shui. I just had enough of ponies, Demons and even you calling me Nightmare Moon! You can hurt me if you want! But insult me about not loving my family and friends, I'll beat you down permanently! I don't fight with tricks and lies! I fight with honor and humble! Who said mares and fillies are weak, pal?! So don't mess with me! You got it?!" Nyx demands to Shui, making him want to make a 'big mess' in front of everypony.
Shui nods in fright as she said, "Yes, ma'am. I got it. I humbly apologized for my insults, oh great Mix!"
"It's Nyx."
"Yes, Nyx! Please forgive me! I wish to see if you're truly daughter of Princess Twilight Sparkle and Prince Ben Mare. And it seems, you had proven to me because of your heart and temper as well. Please forgive me!"
"Why should I trust you," Nyx demands to Shui. After what he said before, what makes the filly think she should believe him now?
"Mystic Swear!" Shui answers frantically.
"Mystic Swear?!" Mostly everyone ask, puzzled by the answer. What does 'Mystic Swear' mean?
"It's an oath or promise between two that you won't break about the things you should or shouldn't do. The one who accepts the promise must prove and give their worst or normal consequences. If the swear breaks, well, let's say the consequence that you made will not be pleasant." Mighty explains the Mystic Swear to the ones outside the Mystic Ponies.
"Like a Pinkie Promise?" Pinkie asks making the Mystic Ponies nod. "Cross my heart and hope to fly. Stick the cupcake in my eye."
"Please, I, Mystic Swear, that I would not insult you anymore, oh great and noble, Nyx. If I do break it, you can do what you want!" Shui pleads to Nyx on his word.
Nyx looked at Shui, and then thought for the moment, before she smiled. The filly said, "Of course. Mystic Swear."
"Thank you! You have my greatest gratitude!"
Shui hugged Nyx and gave her a kiss on her face. Nyx blushed and shocked upon receiving the small kiss. Shui smiled. Tao then hits his head, making him yelp, "Ow! What did I do?!"
"You are stubborn and prideful as always." Tao explains sternly to Shui. "I had told you for hundred times that Nyx is not Nightmare Moon! One more thing! For your punishment, you will be doing everypony's chores for a week! One more thing! If you ever break Mystic Swear, let us say you do not want to test my patience. Do you wish to see my Mystic Phoenix Temper?!"
"No! Not that! Any but that!"
"Then, don't try!"
"Mom, what's Mystic Phoenix Temper?" Ben asks Celestia, suspecting that the Mystic Phoenix Temper must be terrifying to look at.
"Trust us, nephew. You do not want to see and test Tao's temper." Luna said to her nephew in precaution. The way that the Alicorn said it, perhaps it's a good idea.
"Just promise not to cause problems for Tao?" Celestia ask her nephew, warning him not to even force Tao to show off his Mystic Phoenix Temper.
Ben smiled, saying, "Promise."
Everyone chuckled, giggled and laughed at the scene. Twilight and Ben nuzzled on Nyx as the mother ask her daughter in amazement, "Wow, who would have thought that you inherited my fiery temper?"
"You said it. But good job for showing that brat of who he's messing with." Ben said to Nyx with an approving smile. "It's good thing that you're our real daughter."
"Thanks. My true father and mother," Nyx said to Ben happily.
Twilight and Ben continued to nuzzle Nyx. Dragon Kick approached Ben to speak with him about the Triforce Elements, "Ben. I must know. Who told you about the side-effects of Triforce Elements? I certainly doubt that one of us did."
"In my nightmare, I met this pony. He called himself: Shadow Dragon" Ben explains, making Tao's eyes widen in shock as some of the other Mystic Ponies got alarmed. "He's an Earth Pony or Dark Pony, but more pale with green long spiky hair, and wore armor. His Cutie Mark has black snake and dragon in heart shape. He beat me so quickly and stronger. When I lost my family and friends in a nightmare, he told me something. He said: 'I will feel how he felt after thousands years of betrayal. And very soon, I will understand that everything I believed with my mother is but false. I will betray all of them."
"Surely, you jest, Ben. What this Shadow Dragon speaks is nothing but nonsense." Mighty assures Ben.
"I don't know. The way Shadow Dragon sound, he knows so much about Triforce Elements, like he was its host before me. What do you think, Tao?" Ben asks then he noticed Tao's worried look, "Tao? Are you okay? You look worried and scared."
Tao pauses then spoke up, "I'm........ I'm fine, Ben. You should be fine too. But know this, my dear boy, no matter what happens in the future, always know that you had family and friends, you will not turn to darkness."
Ben smiled as he responds, "Thanks." The Earth pony hugged Tao. "You're a great and wise pony, Tao. Thank you."
"It is nothing. Now go and enjoy your time with your family."
Ben nods and headed towards Dragon Kick, Mighty Heart, Jade and his family and friends as they enjoyed their times and chatting happily, along with the newest members of Mystic's Cutie Mark Crusaders: Shui, Ryan, Kasai and Texas. Tao smiled at the scene before he looked down and sighed. Princess Celestia and Luna approached Tao.
"You should know that what you did is not your fault, from what my sister had told me." Luna said to Tao, knowing what is on his mind.
"You did what you can to help and guide him to be a true Mystic Warrior." Celestia said in agreement.
"I'm afraid, everything I taught to him, and the memories I had share with him are in vain. Forever," Tao said in sadness and guilt. "He may not return to me. But deep in my heart, I had yearned for my boy and apprentice to return to me. When I looked at your son, he reminds me so much of him. I vow not to let him become a monster."
"I'm sure you won't. You, Celestia and I know Ben's origin so much." Luna said with a nod to Tao. "But I fear of Shadow Dragon. If what Ben said is true, then he may know the truth of yours, sister."
Celestia sighed while shaking her head, "I can only hope that Shadow Dragon had not forgotten his good lessons and times. I hope he be freed from his darkness and dark master before it's too late."
"I hope so. I miss him so much." Tao said while looking up to the sky, praying for an apprentice who had send gone to the dark side. "My dear apprentice, Please, do not abandon all those cherished memories away. Come back to the light, Shadow."
Outside of Sugarcube Corner, Shadow Dragon looked at the scene. Filled with hatred, anger and raged, the traitor continued to glare at Tao, before he turned to Ben, saying quietly, "Let me tell you something, my master. You fail everything. One day, it will come true again. When it does, Ben will be at my side. My revenge on the Mortal Ponies will be complete . I would never cherish the good but the darkness of vengeance. Goodbye, master."
Shadow Dragon, hidden his face under a hood, and he moved away from the Sugarcube Corner before he disappeared in shadows.
The Apocalypse Ponies were having another meeting with Dark Curse with Grimmore and the Demon Lords in attention. The evil Mystic Pony was explaining what he did that caused the events of the Everfree Forest madness in the first place.
"So, you awakened Discord's plants while destroying the Tree's shield, so it can destroy the Equestria, along with Princess Celestia and Luna?" The Superior ask Dark Curse in amusement. "So this is the 'Elements Prophecy', Dark Curse?"
"It looks like your 'Elements Prophecy' had failed. So, why do you had to said now, you old and worthless Great Dark Pony," Grimmore taunts his rival in amusement.
"You don't look tough than I thought." R. Chaos remarks with an arrogant laugh.
"Nah, he's winning very well." Liarjack said, lying once more as usual.
"Surely not; As far as we see, his plan failed." Crarity remarks with a shrug. Why should the Apocalypse Ponies and Demon Lords bother with Dark Curse if his plan had failed?
"So much for your great plan; Discord's plants are useless!" Fluttercruel exclaims cruelly.
Psycho Pie laughed evilly, "Ring the around the rosy, Great evil Mystic is losing!"
Dark Curse smirked while asking, "Have I truly lost?" The others look puzzled. What does he meant by that?
"What are you talking about?" Wilco ask Dark Curse puzzled. Is Dark Curse suggesting that he didn't really lose?
"Do you even realize the error you had made?" Starven Fran asks Dark Curse in disbelief.
"I really don't understand about you." Suffocator Jill remarks while rolling her eyes of Dark Curse's answer.
"Indeed . It's as if you had an alternative plan before it began." Deadly Rager said thoughtfully while sitting his throne; If Dark Curse had an alternative plan....
"That is because I had, fools." Dark Curse said to the Apocalypse Ponies with a cruel chuckle. The Apocalypse Ponies looks bewildered. What does he mean by that?
"So what gives, pal?" Warring Malice ask Dark Curse with a frown, wondering what the Dark Mystic Pony is really up to.
"I demand an explanation of why the Elements of Harmony returned to Tree of Harmony?! I've long desired to control that power so badly, yet you gave that away! How dare you?!" Merluck yells out in fury. He wanted so much to get the power of a certain Element and now it's gone thanks to Dark Curse!
"Do you believe that the 'Elements Prophecy' is a success?" Trix ask Dark Curse. She of course wants to know as to inform Princess Celestia later in privacy when the mare has the trouble to do so
Dark Curse chuckled loudly. Everyone looked confused. The Dark Mystic Pony then spoke, "Once again, all of you had a lack of getting the big picture. In fact, I did not want Twilight and her friends to continue to use the Elements of Harmony for long, but rather returned them to the Tree of Harmony."
Shendu hissed in disbelief, "The Tree of Harmony is the original source of Light. If the Elements of Harmony return to its mother, the Tree will grow stronger and restored its lost strengths and power ."
"Indeed, is that truly your plan; How disappointing," Xiao Fung remarks, commentating on Dark Curse's plan big time.
"Yeah; I would have expected to see the 'End of the World'." Hsi Wu snaps, disappointed of seeing Equestira not safe, not destroyed as he wants it to be.
"And not to mention, I don't get to eat my foods again." Po Kong grunts a bit, disappointingly hungry.
"Your plan is a failure! It is unacceptable!" Dai Gui snaps furiously to Dark Curse who surprisingly was silent during the Demon Lords' accusation of failure towards them.
"You are truly had become weakened ever since your banishment and expelled from your former home." Tchang Zu snaps, pointing an accusing finger at Dark Curse.
"And now, the Tree of Harmony are heavily guarded and protected by Mystic Ponies. It will be difficult for us to retrieve them." Bai Tza complains a bit. Dark Curse's plan didn't work so why did he keep on insisting otherwise?!
"What do you have to say now?" Grimmore ask Dark Curse in amusement. So far, everyone else is against Dark Curse for his failure. His rival appeared to have fallen big time.
"I'd say everything had gone according to my plan." Dark Curse remarks suddenly with a smile.
Everyone but the Superior, Twilight Moon and Tso Lan all ask in surprise, "Plan?! What plan?!" What is he talking about?!
Shadow Dragon was quiet during the conversion until Dark Curse allows him to speak, "A plan that brings ultimate victory in our future: freeing Grimmore from his imprisonment, allowing the Superior to increase his true power , revenge upon those who challenge and denied our rights, and finally bringing the mortal ponies bow before all of us. That is our plan from beginning before your constantly failures."
"Just as I suspected, the 'Elements Prophecy' was truly nothing but distraction and bait." Tso Lan comments in thought. The Demon Lord suspects that there's more to the 'Elements Prophecy' than meets the eye.
"Indeed. What is it that you are truly after that makes our lord stronger, freeing Grimmore and ruling mortals?" T. Moon asks Dark Curse curiously, pondering the true reason for the evil Mystic Pony's plan.
Dark Curse smiled as he answers, "My minions should be here by now." Puff of a black smoke emerged from nearby, "Right on schedule."
DJ Red, Clumsy Rat, Shades and Black Tiger looked very upset, disappointed and angry while their mane and tails are messier, ruined and spikier. Everyone looked at the four Dark Ponies while blinking. They laughed at them but the Superior, Twilight Moon and Tso Lan. Looks like Dark Curse's stooges has messed up!
"Oh my; what happen to your stupid manes and tails?" Crarity remarks while taunting the Dark Ponies' appearances.
"Now, that is very funny!" Fluttershy laughs cruelly. This also gets back at Black Tiger for almost assaulting her before.
"Too bad; I was expecting the very powerful and dangerous Dark Ponies." R. Chaos laughs as she lies back in her throne in amusement.
"Nah, they're still okay." Liarjack comments as she lies as usual.
Psycho laughed evilly, "What a disappointment!"
"That must be an explanation of these humiliations!" Wilco laughs while smiling under his hood. Seeing these four like this has really made his day.
"Yeah, it's hard to believe that Dark Ponies are easy to be hurt." Starven Fran remarks with laughter. Wow, what was Dark Curse thinking in recruiting these bums in the first place?
"Yeah, no kidding," Suffocator Jill comments, agreeing with her colleague.
"Ouch, that really got some hurt." Warring Malice remarks with a smirk.
"Indeed it is, my friends. What poor unfortunate fool that the Dark Ponies are." Deadly Rager said slyly while twirling a dead plant in his hooves
"So, what you've been doing, boys?" Trix ask the Dark Ponies in amusement. These four are even more amusing than Boris's own minions.
"Fooling around like an idiot," Merluck taunts while laughing.
"Got beaten by Twilight and her friends? That's more hilarious than the other villains' defeat." Grimmore remarks with a cruel chuckle. He was almost worried that Dark Curse was serious in what he's saying for a moment.
DJ Red, Clumsy Rat, Shades and Black Tiger glared at the Apocalypse Ponies and Grimmore for the laughter towards them. They smirked at the same time. DJ Red then begins to ask, "Wanna know what's funny?"
"Coz we have very special ones." Clumsy said with a chuckle.
"Funny thing is the best presents we ever brought." Shades remarked. The Apocalypse Ponies and Grimmore stops laughing, looking puzzled. What are these idiots talking about?
"And all of you but Superior and Ms. Moon may have these!" Black Tiger remarks sinisterly; Time to prove these guys wrong about him and his colleagues for their 'humiliations'.
DJ Red, Clumsy Rat, Shades and Black Tiger took out small shards of white and silver pieces. They threw them at Grimmore (somehow going through his portal to Tartarus), Merluck and the Apocalypse Ponies but the Superior and T. Moon. When they grabbed and touched the shards, the statics on them started to move and shakes. The shards then shocked and electrified Merluck and all of the Apocalypse Ponies and Grimmore but Trixie. They screamed in pain. The bad guys quickly threw the shards away. The Apocalypse Ponies then looked at their hooves while Grimmore looked at his hands, all but burned mark on their palms; How did this happened?!
"What the hay," Starven Fran demands in shock and alarm; what just happened?!
"What was that?!" Suffocator Jill asks, cringing due to the pain in her hoof.
"Why do we feel in pain," Deadly Rager groans a bit, feeling a bit painful.
"What did you do to us?!" Wilco demands a bit as his hoof somehow manages to heal itself. He also gave a suspicious look towards Trix. Why wasn't she hurt?
"What the heck is going on," Warring asks as she uses her fire powers to heal her own injuries.
Dark Curse chuckled, "Take a very close look at the shards."
Everyone but Dark Ponies and the Superior looked at the shards carefully. They gasped upon recognizing them. Could it be?
"These....... these are from Tree of Harmony?! What is the meaning of this?!" Grimmore demands in alarm. How is it that these shards be here?
"I had the feeling that they tried to betray us." R. Chaos said angrily. Dark Curse and his powers are trying to behave them all.
"Don't think so." Liarjack commented, lying per usual.
"You dare mock at us?!" Crarity exclaims in rage at what she believes to be mockery on her part.
"I will make you suffer for that!" Fluttercruel growled, wanting to punish these fools for what they just did. The mare isn't going to take that lying down.
"Kill them! Kill THEM NOW!" Psycho exclaims in madness. She is so going to make these idiots into cupcakes for this.
Shendu stops the Apocalypse Ponies who wishes to slaughter from doing anything. He speaks, "No. Perhaps, it must be a reason why you seek the Tree of Harmony."
"Indeed . Attacking the Tree is hardly your handiwork." Xiao Fung said puzzled.
"So, what's your secret, Dark Curse?" Hsi Wu asks Dark Curse. The Dark Mystic Pony has a mysterious reason for attacking the tree.
"Clearly, you had some interest in it." Bai Tza said puzzled and curiosity.
Dark Curse smiles as he explains, "Indeed , I had, my fellow members. As you can see, my true purpose of 'Elements Prophecy' is not winning, but rather retrieving what I required."
Po Kong scoffed, "What would that be?"
"Do you expect us to believe it?" Dai Gui grunts a bit skeptically at Dark Curse's claim.
"This better be good." Tchang Zu said. Dark Curse's explanation better be a good one.
"Warriors; did you bring what I had requested?" Dark Curse asks his minions with a smile; Time to bring his explanation to his allies.
The four Dark Ponies smirked as they took something else out from the bags. It revealed to be shards of lavender, orange, pink, cyan, purple and red. Everyone gasped in surprise as they recognize them as well.
"Got what we need, Big Boss." DJ Red said to Dark Curise with a triumphant smile on his face.
"Yeah, waiting for them is one thing, but taking the shards of them is another." Clumsy remarked, cringing at the memory of what had happened during the mission.
"Tell me about it. That stupid Tree zapped us for so many times." Shades said with a frown. The Tree has harmed these four many times but hopefully the attempts are worth it.
"Yet we have no clues about the box that Twilight and her friends had." Black Tiger said, recalling the box that Twilight and her friends had gotten that the minions don't know about.
"The fragments of Elements of Harmony; How; is that the reason why you want them badly?!" Merluck ask in surprise and hope. Maybe he can still get the power that he himself wanted.
Dark Curse smiles as he explains, "Indeed . So I can create them."
Grimmore chuckled in amusement, "Fool....... No one and not even the Mystic Ponies or the Moonchik could create replicas of original Elements of Harmony." After all, the Mystic Ponies and the Moochik tried and failed due to the Tree of Harmony forbidding the action.
"You misunderstand me. I'm not creating replicas. I'm creating the dark sides of Elements of Harmony."
Everyone gasped as they mumbled among themselves. T. Moon is the first to speak, "So, this is your true plan? Everything you foretold about the 'Elements of Harmony' was actually a distraction and bait to lure Princess Twilight Sparkle to give up the Elements of Harmony to Tree of Harmony, so you can get them."
"Indeed ." Dark Curse said pleased. Yes, the Elements can still be used whenever summoned but that doesn't mean that the villain can't still get to them.
"Most impressive; Perhaps, we underestimate your true plans. Then, what about if we tried to get them from the Tree now?" Merluck ask Dark Curse puzzled, pondering of how to get the Elements from the Tree now.
"It's impossible. The Tree of Harmony is heavily guarded by the powerful Mystic Warrior: Nezha, and his warriors as well." Black Tiger explains to Merluck with a deep frown.
"Terrific. My annoying enemy who defeated me and matched my strengths and powers," Grimmore said in annoyance, referring to Nezha.
"So what kind of evil that the Elements of Harmony is going to be," Trix ask Dark Curse curiously, wanting some info to pass to the princess.
"When there's light, there's darkness. And when there's Honesty, Kindness, Laughter, Generosity, Loyalty and Magic, there's Deception, Cruelty, Insanity , Selfish, Betrayal and Dark Magic. Once the Dark Elements of Disharmony are complete , I'll present them to you, milord." Dark Curse explains how the Dark Elements of Disharmony are done.
The Superior chuckled while holding his hooves together, "Excellent! This is even better than I expected. First, Grimmore's Triforce Elements, and now the Dark Elements. This is what I had hoped for. But will it helped us located and opened the Mystic Portals?"
"No. They don't. But once we capture any of pure light of Mystic Ponies or Mortal Ponies to open Mystic Portals, I will get the Mystic Powers from Mystic Crystal for you."
"Well done."
"I would be honor to use them, Dark Curse." Merluck said with a smile of anticipation.
Shadow Dragon smirked while speaking, "I had a better proposal. We play fire against fire. Good version of Elements against their Evil Counterparts." It would be ironic to see such battle happening.
"Cool." DJ Red said with an approving smile on his face.
"Sweet," Shade said, eagerly at just feat.
"Yes...... Perfect." Black Tiger remarks with a cruel chuckle. He is liking this.
"I don't get it." Clumsy said confused, making his pals groan in irritation by his clueless matter.
"It means when there's good Mane Six, we will fight back with our dark and evil versions." Tso Lan explains it clearly to Clumsy.
"Indeed . We will. Dark Magic is mine." T. Moon said with an evil smile behind her own hood.
"Nah; not interested about it. An' Ah ain't Deception." Liarjack said. Of course, she is lying and does want the Element of Deception.
"Bring it on, good guys, coz Chaos is on the way to hit you down!" R. Chaos exclaims eagerly. "I'll backstab anyone who tried to mess with me. I work with nopony coz I betrayed my enemies except my gang."
"Soon, everything I want is mine and mine alone. This Selfish is very rewarding." Crarity said with a greedy look under her hood.
"Yes, torture and kill anyone who stands in our way! Leave no one to stop us! I do need to be nice, but very Cruelty!" Fluttercruel exclaims with a mad laugh.
Psycho giggles while holding a knife in her mouth, "Its killing time! Insanity is my middle name!"
"What?! But I deserve that power ......" Merluck begins to protest, wanting the mentioned power for himself.
Shadow Dragon interrupts Merluck, "You will get the better power : Mystic Power."
Merluck groaned but gave in, "Very well. I will wait." He better hope that this is worth all the trouble.
"Unbelievable. That Dark Pony was able to succeed in capturing the most powerful items that balance light and dark, and defeated the darkness. I can't believe in one thing: planning to create dark sides of Elements." Grimmore said to himself sinisterly. Still, he will play along with his rival until the time comes when Dark Curse's usefulness is at an end.
"So, how long will it take, old friend?" The Superior asks Dark Curse. He is aware of Grimmore's hatred towards Dark Curse but kept it to himself.
"Until I learn its positive and light power while transferred them into negative and dark power, it takes time. But know this, evil will triumph everything." Dark Curse said with a cruel smile of confidence.
"I like your plan now!"
"Indeed , for once, I agreed." Grimmore said with a nod, still playing along.
"What about the chest?" Merluck reminds the others about the chest. Whatever is inside it could be a hidden power .
"Surely, we had never seen or heard of it before. Do you know it?" T. Moon ask Dark Curse pondering if the evil Mystic Pony knows what is inside.
Dark Curse frowns as he explains, "My connection to the Tree of Harmony had been severed. But yet, the Tree has ways of giving the powers to the one who is true worthy to it. Thus, it is what I had hoped for. But for now, we leave it to Twilight and her friends to find and seek the keys to the chest. What powers lies within, we would never know. My minions will be keeping an eye on Twilight and her friends."
"I can't wait to find out more." The Superior said anxiously, sitting back in his throne.
The Superior, Grimmore, Merluck, the Apocalypse Ponies and the Dark Ponies laughed evilly. Trixie looked worried and scared. The princess must know...
Dark Curse and his Dark Ponies returned to their darker, creepy and evil of a lifeless, scary and rockery home: the Dark Mystic Palace. In the throne room, Dark Curse and Shadow Dragon had a discussion.
"While I work on my 'Project Dark Elements', I want you to keep an eye and observe Benjamin Maregillian to see his result. Also, keep an eye on Twilight's quest for the keys. It will help us to open and learn the fate of the box." Dark Curse explains the task to Shadow Dragon, "If my dark prediction is confirm, when light grows stronger, so as darkness. Soon the truth will come. When that happens, we will take advantage of it. I want it to be perfect."
Shadow Dragon nods while saying, "Yes, my master. It would be difficult for me to spy on Ben since Tao is now his guardian now."
"Instead of stealth mode, my dear boy, you should become a mortal pony."
Shadow Dragon nods, saying, "That would be done since I had done it before when I first met that pony I love before T. Moon." He transformed into a light blue Earth Pony with a short and spiky green mane and tail while his eyes turned into normal navy eyes while his Cutie Mark turned into black belt with a fist. Shadow Dragon smirked. "While in this form, I will assume my mortal's identity: Chase the Warrior."
Dark Curse smirked then spoke up on another matter, "Good. I sense that Rainbow's cousin, Brave Heart is coming to Ponyville. This would be perfect opportunity to make 'friends' with our enemies while learning of this shield's power origins. From what I had sensed from Ponyville and Equestria's shields, they have increased strongly than I imagine. Once we had of what we need, we'll be prepare to strike and attack."
Shadow Dragon smirked, bowing as he says, "Understood."
"Now go and fulfill your objective."
"Yes, my master. But what should we do with that foolish Grimmore? Clearly, he will kill us soon."
Dark Curse smirked, speaking, "I had a perfect gift, just for him and Celestia. And this time, his magic will not escape and be mined to control." The Dark Mystic Pony was shaken from Grimmore's visit before but next time, Dark Curse has the perfect hoof.
Dark Curse laughed evilly. Shadow Dragon disappeared in the puff of smoke. Soon...
In Safe Haven, Trixie told Boxco and Dum-Dum, Tao, Celestia and Luna (the last three are communicating from Canterlot via portals), about what she learned about Dark Curse's plans. Boxco gulps, "This is so not good!"
"What are we gonna do?!" Dum-Dum ask in fright and worry.
"First the Demon Lords, and now Dark Curse creating darkness of the Elements of Harmony," Tao said seriously. He was shocked when Trix has told him about the Demon Lords now bonding with some members of the Apocalypse Ponies. The Mystic Pony thought that Shendu and his fellow Demon Lords are gone for good.
"Something must be done. As long as Dark Curse's on the Superior's side, we would face an even greater threat than before." Celestia explains seriously.
"What can we do?" Luna asks Celestia in concern.
"We need to find a way to win against our enemies. We need you to keep on being loyal to the Superior while foiling his plans as a failure, as well as Dark Curse and his minions. If we make the Great Dark Pony more angry, we might have a chance to see his true color and plans of his purpose in alliance with Grimmore and the Superior."
Luna nods, saying, "Indeed , sister. It is very unlikely for Dark Curse to help the Superior. Unless this must be part of his plan to take revenge on both the Mystic Ponies and Equestria, we won't know until he made his move." The ponies must wait until Dark Curse's next move comes to fruition before doing anything else.
Trixie nods, saying to her former teacher and Luna, "Understand. We'll do our best."
"Good luck, my friends. Be careful of Dark Curse. He can sense fear. When there's fear, there's secret within." Tao said in warning about Dark Curse.
The portals to Celestia, Luna and Tao disappeared. Dum-Dum asks his pals, "Do you think we can win ?"
"I don't know. But right now, I'm scared." Boxco said with a gulp, fearing the worst. The enemies may even get rid of him and Dum-Dum for their role in the End of Equestria.
"I know. But the game is not over until one of us and the enemy makes the move. We had to be vigilant at all cost." Trixie said to her colleagues.
Boxco and Dum-Dum nods. The future is getting more darker before getting lighter.
The End
Cast list
Tara Strong: Twilight Sparkle, T. Moon, Shui
Jason Marsden: Ben Mare, Shadow Dragon
Ashleigh Ball: Rainbow Dash, Applejack, R. Chaos, Liarjack
Andrea Libman: Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Psycho Pie, Fluttercruel
Tabitha St. Germain: Rarity, Crarity, Princess Luna
Cathy Weseluck: Spike the Dragon
Daveigh Chase : Nyx
Chris Sanders: Phobos the Dragon
Nicole Oliver: Princess Celestia
Sab Shimono: Mystic Tao
James Sie: Dragon Kick, Shades, Shendu
Stacie Chan: Jade Adventure
Noah Nealson: Mighty Heart
Tom Kenny: Ryan
Grey DeLisle: Kasai
Jeff Glen Bennett: Texas
Latham Gaines: Dark Curse
Tim Curry: The Superior, Grimmore
John DiMaggio: Black Tiger
Adam Baldwin: DJ Red
Clancy Brown: Clumsy Rat, Tchang Zu
Kathleen Barr: Trixie Lulamoon/Trix Lulamoon
Brian Cox: Merluck
Monica Rial: Warring Malice
Eric Stuart: Wilco
Tom Hiddleston: Deadly Rager
Meredith McCoy: Suffocator Jill
Cree Summer: Starven Fran
Matthew Mercer: Tso Lan
Mona Marshall: Bai Tza, Po Kong
Frank Welker: Dai Gui
Corey Burton: Xiao Fung
Andre Sogliuzzo: Hsi Wu
Kevin Michael Richardson: Ji-Ga-No
James Arnold Taylor: Boxco/Bocolix
Richard Steven Horvitz: Dum-Dum/Dumbledore
Andrew Francis: Shining Armor
Britt McKillip: Princess Cadance
Vincent Tong: Flash Sentry |
Chronicles Of Harmony - Winter | pre | I didn't feel like talking, so I sat on the floor and waited. ---
Winter
Hours passed and I watched them sit in silence, solemnly, as they waited patiently for Gale's father to arrive. In the brief talk I had with the two young pegasi, it became evident that neither was entirely sure what happened with the dragon, or simply didn't wish to discuss it in detail.
I have many suspicions, but cannot be sure yet. ---
Spectrum Blaze
It was tough, just sitting there, hardly talking - especially after Winter tried to shift the conversation to that 'incident'. That had shut Gale right up. I didn't remember most of it anyway, aside from going supersonic and having my own personal rainbow! It had been so awesome!
But I didn't understand why Winter had more of an interest in Gale's side of the story; my story was just as interesting! Come to think of it, Gale hadn't told me his side of the story either, why - hadn't we both been through the same thing? It was like he didn't trust me, as if he were trying to protect me from something. ---
As the sun began to creep down the sky towards the west, bathing the pale, blue ice in a golden light, there was a commotion outside the main door. Guards were yelling, and a familiar pegasus burst through the doorway flanked by two white pegasi guards, clad in silver armour.
Strongwing was a stallion in the mood for a storm; he was not happy. When he spoke, it was so different from when I had heard him speak before, it was almost as scary as when Winter spoke at the graduation.
"Winter, it's been too long. Spectrum, take Gale and wait outside - I'll explain it to you both later."
Nodding cautiously, I placed a wing over Gale and turned him around, leading him towards the imposing grey doors. As we approached, the door slowly swung open, revealing a pair of statue-like Royal Guards , standing expressionless either side of the entrance. Walking past them nervously, I whispered to Gale.
"What do we do now?"
"I don't know," he whispered back, "I guess we could just sit and wait - they shouldn't be too long, right?"
So we sat on the cold floor in silence, listening for any trace of sound through the door. Not even the sound of the wind could be heard. Bored already, I stood up and walked over to the door and pressed my ear against it. Nothing - except the threatening growl of one of the guards. Taking the hint, I backed away from the door slowly, not taking my eyes off either of the two guards and sat back down next to Gale.
Sitting on the floor wasn't any fun though, and it was making my legs cold and numb; I wanted to stretch my wings. Opening my wings and jumping, I settled into a hover before flying back over to one of the guards again. He stared back at me blankly.
"Uh, is there anywhere we could fly around a bit while we're waiting?" I asked as nicely as I could, "It would be really good to, you know, pass the time."
The guard turned his head to the other, who nodded - turning back to me he locked eyes with me and said,
"I will accompany you to the courtyard until the Princess is ready to speak with you."
He led us along several corridors then down a set of stairs, which opened into a large, tiled garden area. High above me, I could see that there was actually a roof covering the courtyard made of a thin layer of ice. White flowers grew in patches of soil scattered around without any particular arrangement. Flying up to inspect the strange icy ceiling, I could now see that the flowers had been arranged in a snowflake, identical to Winter's cutie mark.
Pulling into a hard turn, I spiralled down towards the ground, building speed, and swooped past Gale - the wind behind me ruffling his mane. It was like he didn't even notice - his eyes were shut and he stood silently on the pale blue stone that paved around the flowers. Banking around to my left, I glided back around and landed next to him.
"Do you wanna join me?" I asked softly, breaking his meditation.
"I thought you'd never ask," he replied, "but I'd like to know if you'd come for a walk around the garden with me first." ---
Icy Gale
"Sure, but we'd better be racing afterwards" Spectrum laughed back.
It was so simple: walk around the gardens, find somewhere nice, and tell her how I felt about her. It was easy in theory. Different scenarios raced through my head, as I tried to guess what her reactions would be - but I couldn't come up with anything. Why was this so difficult?
We walked around garden, weaving our way in and out of the flowers, Spectrum following my trail. Turning around to face her, I stopped, admiring her jagged rainbow mane, looking her directly in the eyes. This was it - now or never.
"So, what did you want to-"
I gently placed a hoof on her muzzle, stopping her mid-speech. Beneath her orange coat, I could tell she was blushing slightly.
"I've been thinking about this a lot recently, and I can't think of any other way to say it. Spectrum, I think..."
I think I love you.
"Spectrum, I love you." I stated, as boldly as I could. "Will you-"
She gasped in surprise, and placed her hoof on my muzzle, cutting me off.
"I thought you'd never ask..." she replied cheekily.
As I leant in and kissed her, a tingling spread through my body - like a lightning bolt surging through me. It was a powerful feeling, and it felt good. ---
Winter
From the entrance to the courtyard, I stood watching the quiet exchange between the two pegasi, unsure of whether to interrupt or not. Then I stopped watching, already expecting what would happen. If there was any place to declare your love for somepony, the palace gardens were one of the best. Love was a very strange powerful force, sometimes stronger than death itself, never to be taken lightly.
Turning to Strongwing next to me, I muttered quietly to him, smiling,
"Do you think we should come back later? Now might be a bit intrusive for them."
He smiled back subtly, pausing before he spoke.
"I'm sure we were all like this one time, best leave them be for now. No harm can be done leaving them with each other."
"A half-hour should be sufficient," I told the guard softly, "we will return for them then."
With that, we turned and departed - heading back towards the throne room. There were still many questions unanswered. ---
Everything seemed different now, brighter perhaps, when Spectrum was with me. Soaring around the courtyard, we twisted and dived past each other, simply enjoying each other's presence. The wind carrying the sound if our laughter as we raced around the gardens, perfectly in synchronisation with each other. ---
Strongwing
Time passes slowly when your intent is to wait.
Following Winter back to a small amphitheatre, the awkward tension between us was palpable. For me, I had just witnessed Winter's foal and my adopted son profess his love for a mare he had been very close to for some time. Winter, on the other hoof, was in a state of shock. Was it possible that she had forgotten that this was her colt, or perhaps had never seen such a display of affection before? Either could not bode well for us.
Summoning all the courage I dared, I asked cautiously,
"What do you think of him?"
She sat in silence, collecting her thoughts and contemplating all she knew.
"I don't know. For once, there is something that truly perplexes me. I find him bold, brash and a bit impulsive, but there is something else I cannot quite place about him. Perhaps it is his eyes - they remind me so much of my own. Why do you ask though?
"If now is a time when all truths reveal, so be it. He is mine, but not my own." I replied.
"Speak not this nonsense and explain yourself!" Winter snapped back.
Sighing, I began to recount all I could remember.
"Is it possible...?" I whispered before continuing, "Some years ago, I found him on my doorstep, wrapped in a blanket. There was nopony in sight but I heard a voice speaking to me, telling me that he was Winter's colt. Fearing the consequence if I didn't do something, I raised him on my own for all this time, never able tell him why he had no mother or where he came from, only that he was mine. Can you imagine what I've been through? Seventeen years of unanswered questions, for him and me."
"I- I didn't know..."
Opening my mouth to say something, I immediately though better of it and closed it. She didn't know? Didn't know what - that she had a child, or that I had been caring for it all this time? All these thoughts only served to confuse me more, as if today wasn't confusing enough - called to the palace with no reason, escorted by heavy guard, watching Gale declare his love for his friend and then being told by Winter, ruler of the cold, that she just 'didn't know'? It was all a bit much right now.
"Did you even know you had a foal?" I demanded.
"I knew," replied Winter solemnly, "but he was born from the winter soul - a construct of my own magic that manages the cold when I cannot. For it to create a life in the way it did, it must know something I do not and reacted to that, or it was tampered with by another. After years of searching for the foal, I gave up, thinking the worst."
"Wait, so if you thought he was dead, how did you know that Gale...?"
"I didn't. It was before last winter season, I felt a sudden surge of magic release from the winter soul - my own magic. This should not have been, use of such magic outside our season is prohibited by the Council to maintain harmony and peace between us. Using a magical thread tracking spell -"
Taking a moment to think about all this, I walked over to one of the stained glass windows and looked at the scene it depicted - a blue pegasus with a light grey mane directing an icy blue blast at a white dragon. The creature had shards of ice piercing its chest, expanding outwards...
"Did you really...?" I asked, still unsure of what to say.
"Perhaps a stylised representation of what occurred," Winter replied dismissively, "but the best I could manage on my own. He is a part of history now. He did something beyond the ability of most and should be recognised for his feat. Perhaps he might well join the legends of old one day."
"Now that," I replied, laughing, "I would like to see! It might all go to his head though, thinking he is a hero. However, for the moment, we may have more pressing issues - you have to tell him the truth, he deserves to know."
Nodding in agreement, Winter turned and began walking back towards the courtyard, a serious expression now covering her previously smiling face. A sudden silence fell between us as we approached the courtyard again.
"This will not come easy," Winter said quietly, her voice filled with trace amounts of fear, "it may take him a while to understand and he will need support in these days ahead. Our actions now could have a greater effect - our words must be placed carefully."
There was nothing I could say. She was right. ---
Winter nodded at the guard as she passed through the archway leading into the courtyard, who immediately turned and swiftly took to the air, then landed on the far side of the garden. After a short minute, the guard returned, along with the two young pegasi - both looking somewhat nervous.
"Icy Gale," I began, "there is something Winter and I need to tell you. Spectrum, you are Gale's closest friend and it is only fair that you are told also. This is of the utmost importance and secrecy and is a discussion best held behind closed doors."
Saying nothing, Winter turned and started walking back towards the throne room, leaving us to fall in behind her, with the guard trailing behind us. Nopony spoke on the way, perhaps too afraid of what would happen, afraid of what would be said.
Blue light echoed off the icy walls, bathing us in an eerie light as we walked towards the throne room once more. Spectrum spoke in whispers to Gale, their conversation topic easy enough to guess. Little could calm Winter, she almost seemed afraid, but perhaps she also had more to fear. Silver-clad unicorns flanked the entrance, swinging the great doors open for us as we approached. The imposing sight of the hall, windows depicting battles with powerful creatures, telling stories of power and triumph, and of great loss, never lost its ability to humble you.
As we reached the far end of the room, the heavy doors closed behind us, the sound filling the empty space. In the safety and security of her refuge, Winter no longer carried any fear with her, standing defiant in front of the throne. Sharply inhaling, she began to re-tell what she told me. ---
Icy Gale
I sat in silence, stunned by the fact that I was the magical child of one of the seven co-rulers of Equestria. Tilting my head to one side, I asked slowly,
"So, if you are the ruler of the cold, and by title, a princess - what does that make me, considering that we share both blood and our connection to the winter soul?"
"By blood you are next-in-line to me," Winter explained, "but you do not have any title. Such circumstances have never occurred before and so, any decision will be made by the Council. For now, do not consider yourself anything more than what you are."
"What do you mean?" I replied, confused.
"Strongwing is honoured to call you his own," she answered, "and Spectrum is honoured to have you as more than just a friend. What I mean is, do not stop being who you already are, do not change because of this - stay true to yourself and your friends, and always be there for them."
"Loyalty," interrupted Spectrum, "to yourself and your friends."
"Exactly," the alicorn replied, "loyalty is a part of harmony - something I understand well from my role on the Council."
With a sudden flash of blue light, a scroll appeared mid-air, startling all except Winter, who caught it with her magic and pulled it closer. Looking at the crescent moon seal, her eyes widened. Quickly breaking the seal, she unrolled the scroll and began to read.
"Speaking of the Council..." she muttered to no one in particular. ---
To my fellow members of the Council of Harmony,
I write to you with haste under grave circumstances; the mighty city of the night has fallen. Neither a single stone nor soul remains. The one we once called brother has twisted, taking his chaos too far this time.
I do not want to ask this, but too many lives have been lost because of him, I fear we must destroy him before any more of our subjects are lost.
At this time I believe the Winter palace to be the most distant and secure location for the time being, and I ask you all to convene there by moonrise today.
I fear this may be the dawn of war for us and we must make haste to prepare ourselves for battle.
Luna
Keeper and Defender of the Night ---
Closing the scroll, darkness passed through Winter's eyes, signs of anger, fear and sorrow flickered across her face.
"No," she whispered, letting the note fall to the floor, tears beginning to run down her muzzle, "it can't be true...
Discord, what have you done?"
-End Chapter 2- |
Chronicles Of Harmony - Winter | Side Story - A Cold Heart(h) | -Winter-
-A Cold Heart(h)- ---
I should know, of all ponies what hatred and loneliness are; even more so than Luna. It fills my and drives me - keeping me focused on the task given to me. Cold is what I am. It is the very essence of me and yet I am the embodiment of it. As strange as it is, this accursed paradoxical relationship is the entirety of my existence. ---
When the seven of us created ponies, we meant for them to be together - yet the gifts we gave them tore them apart. The three tribes we created: unicorns, pegasi and earth ponies refused to place their difference aside and live in harmony.
The early years were everything we expected, the pegasi assisted us with the weather, the unicorns helped us with the sky and the earth ponies toiled beside us in the fields. Life was so simple then, we worked as a community - we grew the food with the earth ponies, which was nourished by the rains carried by the pegasi and grown during the day hours brought forth by the unicorns, during the night we rested and slept.
Eventually, there came a time where we handed the tribes the full responsibility of the tasks. We were simply too tired to maintain the effort we were exhorting in our efforts to support them all, it was just too much for our magic to sustain. There were no goodbyes; we just left. ---
The seven of us convened in our mountain palace, far away from the pony settlements we had nourished. We stood in silence around our stone table, thinking. It was Spring who broke the emptiness with her timid voice.
"...perhaps we have come to a time where they don't need us. All the life we have created here is living under the care of our little ponies."
"Yes, but there is something in their hearts that troubles me."
The momentary silence that followed was one of shock and disbelief. Luna was not one who spoke often, though when she did it was almost always important and everypony listened.
"Speak then Luna, tell us what brings unease to your mind," Celestia replied in a serious tone.
"When I see them, I can sense that there is chaos and hatred in their hearts and minds. Each tribe feels superior over the others. It is tearing them apart," Luna answered.
This left me with concern, "Brother, you are the spirit of chaos, have you something to do with this?"
Floating lazily above me, Discord answered in his usual mocking tone, "Ah, the snow pony speaks to me!" his tone suddenly became more serious, "No, I have done nothing of the sort. This is a natural chaos formed from their hatred."
"I am in accord with Luna, I too have noticed something stirring within them, but did not see it important at the time. Despite Discord denying any involvement, it is still a concern to us - as the creators of this world and its inhabitants, we may have to force the hoof of fate..."
I trailed off, leaving five alicorns and one upside-down draconequus with expressions of confusion and shock apparent on their faces. I had not chosen to say this without reason, and I could tell that they all knew it. Discord looked mildly bemused at the fact that it wasn't him making a suggestion such as this.
"...I'm not sure that would be a safe idea, and what if the ponies don't agree with it?" Spring asked quietly across the table.
Summer held her reserved expression, "I, for one, do not agree. Yes, they were intended for harmony with each other, but this is something you cannot force," Celestia nodded in agreement, followed by Luna and Spring.
I glared coldly at Summer, who was always my conflicting opposite, and she smiled back subtly. A tapping across the table from Celestia brought our attention back.
"Perhaps we are acting too early in this situation, it might change our views if we were to leave this land for a few years, removing ourselves from any influence and re-convene over the same issue upon our return."
Murmurs of agreement rippled around the table as she finished, I for one, did not agree - as evidenced by the expression I now held, making plain my displeasure. It did not go unnoticed by the others.
"Winter," taunted Summer "have you something to say? Perhaps a better suggestion?"
"You're so insightful sometimes..." I retorted coldly, leaving an alicorn on the other side of the table rather annoyed. "I suggest we take a pre-emptive approach to this and act before it spirals out of control."
"I think we might be taking this too far, I said I could sense it - nothing more, and I could be wrong on this." stated Luna, trying to break the building tension.
"Fine. We will wait." I snapped back, "Sleep it is then."
With that I closed my eyes and stretched out with my magic, slowly sealing the entrances with thick barriers of ice, inscribing them with runes to make them impenetrable from the outside. continuing the flow of magic, I dropped the temperature of the room to near freezing, allowing our bodies to enter a state of hibernation, before we cast a spell together to remove the ice and wake us from our suspended animation after ten years. All in place, the seven of us relinquished our consciousness into the black void of sleep. ---
Time passes slowly, especially when your mind is separate from your body - existing in a dreamscape that stretches on forever. With nothing to indicate the passing of time, it quickly becomes an irrelevant concept. ---
"...wake..."
A voice reached out through the void, so faint, as if far in the distance...
"...need you!"
The words being spoken became more coherent as I stopped to listen, wondering who could be speaking to me. It didn't make sense - the seven of us were sealed inside our mountain, protected by walls of enchanted ice, it wasn't possible for anypony to be speaking to us...
"Why won't you wake?! We need you! Help us!"
Uniting my body with my consciousness in an instant, I snapped my eyes open, flared my wings and prepared a defensive spell - only to find five alicorns doing the same thing.
"Let's not be so hostile towards our guest," drawled a draconequus from the far side of the cavern, snapping his clawed hand - transforming my ice barriers into some sort of coloured snow, which he then scooped up in a cone and proceeded to eat. Beyond the snow-covered floor, at the entrance to the cave stood the familiar form of the unicorn we all knew as Starswirl, shivering under his blue hat and cape.
Luna let out a gasp of surprise at seeing the unicorn scholar somewhere other than the Library of the Night. There was a stunned silence before she asked him in a quiet voice,
"Before we address the issue that has brought you here, how long have we been gone?"
"Approximately seven years Princess," he replied, as calmly as he could.
"How did you know where to find us though? We deliberately concealed ourselves using powerful enchantments," asked Summer quizzically.
"Luna once gave me an amulet that would help me find her in a serious emergency; it would only work if the amulet's spells agreed that intervention was required," replied Starswirl.
"What could be so serious? I hope it isn't too bad..." whispered a rather quiet Spring.
"Perhaps it would be better if you saw it for yourself," he said with a grim tone. ---
From the cave entrance, high in the mountains, I could see the colours of fields, rivers and towns, stretching on to the ocean. Something didn't look right about the usually picturesque scene; the colours seemed muted - as if blended through a dark haze.
Sharpening my senses, I took another look at the landscape before me. Dark tracts cut across the land like scars from a battle. I could see smoke rising from building as fields alike, flames still flickering among them. Turning my gaze to the sky I could see the remnants of Cloudsdale, broken and charred along the underside. Our land had been devastated.
There was a shocked silence as we stood in disbelief, unable to comprehend the destruction that had befallen the world we created. Even Discord stood solemnly, as if it were too much chaos - even for him. The impossibility our land had been laid waste to in only a few short years. What went wrong?
"...dragons...we should have watched the borders better."
Starswirl shook his head sadly, then with a pained expression he told us.
"It wasn't dragons. It was a year after we realised you had left us. There was a meeting between the tribes to discuss how we should govern ourselves in your absence. Needless to say it didn't work - none of the leaders could decide on anything. We've been living in a stressed truce for some time, but it didn't last more than 6 months.
"It finally came to a breaking point. The pegasi began to militarise themselves under their elected leader: Commander Hurricane. They constructed lightning forges and began raiding metals from the earth ponies to form weapons and armour. They knew what was coming."
"What happened? The pegasi couldn't have done all this, they wouldn't have..." interrupted Summer.
"In a way you are right," continued Starswirl. "It wasn't just the pegasi - the unicorns launched a pre-emptive assault on Cloudsdale. It was declared war between pegasi and unicorns. A week later the pegasi retaliated by dragging massive superstorms across unicorn territory, destroying a large amount of earth pony crops along the way. Eventually it came to all-out war, that's where we've been since."
None of us had been expecting to hear anything like that. It was hard to understand how our world had come to this, but the evidence lay before us - crumbling and in ruin. Luna shook her head sadly and walked back inside, followed by all except Autumn.
"Winter, when you wanted to take pre-emptive action, what did you have in mind? Perhaps we should have heard you out on that idea, rather than dismissing it as we did. Would it be too late to try?"
"...I don't know. Trying is all I can do." I didn't know what else to say. Although I was a goddess of the cold, I didn't have all the answers. We are not all-powerful.
Nodding at my answer, she slowly walked back inside to where the others were waiting for us. A solution would present itself; it was just a question of when. So I stood outside, letting the wind flow through my mane, relaxing me while I thought. ---
Minutes turned into hours as I stood, unmoving, absorbed in my thoughts and surrounded by an icy wind. Noticing it had gotten significantly colder, I asked myself, "What is cold? Cold is many things, it can describe temperature or emotion. It is harsh, unrelenting, merciless and isolating - but I have seen the snow bring ponies of all kinds together..."
The solution seemed paradoxical - one of the most isolating things, cold, could work to bring ponies together; there were more pieces to the solution though. Cold could force them together, but they would have to put aside their differences for it to work. I would need chaos, to reveal their true nature, so they could find harmony. They would need warmth, to combat the cold and to keep them alive through the nights and days ahead. It wasn't just physical warmth though - they would also need to find warmth in their hearts for each other.
Opening my wings and stretching my legs, I turned to see the others watching with an expression of curiosity on their faces. They were probably as interested as me, in whether either of us had a reasonable solution.
"What progress have you made in my absence?" I asked politely, not wanting to interrupt too much.
"Barely any, we have too many conflicting views to make any proper headway into a solution. It was only to be expected though - none of us want to cause any harm to our little ponies, especially Spring." I'd been expecting a bit more, but Luna's answer was discouraging.
"How was your nap?" chided Summer, deliberately trying to annoy me.
"More productive than yours," I retorted. "Also, it was meditation - which happens to involve thinking."
"Silence! Both of you should know better than that." Celestia wasn't happy; especially when she had to use her voice like that.
Placing a hoof on Celestia's shoulder, Autumn then walked over to where I stood. Whispering, she asked me, "Please tell me you have an idea, otherwise we'll be here for days..."
"Don't worry," I whispered back, "I think I've got it."
Nodding in reply, she turned and walked back to where she had been standing previously. With all eyes focused on me, I cleared my throat and stated, "Yes. I have a plan. I can't guarantee that you will agree with it or like it, but I think it will work..."
With that, I began to explain my plan. ---
Finally getting approval from Summer, we started making preparations for the task ahead. Saying a short farewell to Starswirl, we combined magic to teleported him back to the unicorn capital, where he could provide council there in the days ahead. Watching in silence as Celestia, Luna, Autumn and Spring flew over the mountain range, to wait for us on the other side after we had completed our task, we knew that the days ahead would be challenging for everypony of all races, even us.
From the cave entrance, I could see so much beauty. So much that I was about to lay waste to. That thought would stay with me for a long time. Pointing my horn skyward, I began to focus on the open sky, reaching into my cold and letting it flow through me, taking form as a ring of dark superstorms, filled with snow and ice. Opening my wings and taking to the air, I flew a long circuit around the clouds, pushing them closer and closer together over the land below me. All would know my fury.
Returning to the cave, I surveyed my work in all its destructive glory: a dark, endless cyclone of twisting cloud, blasting the ground beneath it with harsh winds and snow. Looking over at Discord, I could see the smile on his face as he watched the storm with a delicate interest.
"It's not as much chaos as I would have liked, but with a few improvements here and there, you'd definitely have my approval!" His enthusiasm was more than admirable for this grim task.
"Don't worry," I replied coldly, "You'll have more than ample opportunity for some chaos soon." ---
For weeks we waited, watching as the blizzard consumed everything it touched. The ground now covered in snow to the height of a pony, was inhospitable to all life. Plants were no longer able to grow anywhere; we were destroying the food chain from the bottom up. We'd watched in silence as many creatures had fled over the mountains, attempting to escape the terrible storm. There was nothing we could do to help them.
Stored food had finally run out. The three tribes convened in our old castle to discuss the matter at hoof. We watched them squabble, each blaming another for the cataclysm that had befallen them. Unable to put aside their pride, they all just left. Under the command of their leaders, they returned to their homes full of resentment and spite. Filled with sadness, I watched, knowing that they had brought this upon themselves. ---
After watching the tribe leaders depart, we decided that it would be best if we separated to follow them and guide them, eventually towards each other. Together, Summer and I decided that Discord would follow the earth ponies - with a reasonable amount of freedom for chaos. Summer chose to guide the unicorns, while I would keep track of the pegasi.
Guiding them over the mountains, I cleared subtle tracks for them to follow and watched them fly the safe path through the storm. Observing them from a concealed position, I could see that the leader, Commander Hurricane, had a defiant and determined spirit - which although misguided at the moment, would be vital in the days ahead.
It was hours before they cleared the storm, into the open blue skies beyond the vast mountains that had once been the edge of exploration. Seeing Discord and Summer hovering nearby, I realised that by sheer coincidence, we had all guided the tribes to the same place. Withdrawing flags, they all claimed the land as their own, then with horrified expressions noticed the other leaders close by doing the same thing.
"Winter, you need to force them together - otherwise they'll just go their own way and we'll have the same problem here as well. I saw a small cave when I flew by earlier, that might be a good place to push them. I want this plan to work as much as you do." Summer wasn't really giving me much choice, but she was right - we had to restrict them from leaving anywhere.
Sighing, I reached out with my magic to the storm, pulling it towards us. The winds howled in response as the superstorm cover the sky. Keeping a small passage clear as snow began to fall, I watched as the ponies fled for the closest shelter: the cave. For once, Summer had actually helped me.
"This is our only chance to do this, we have to get inside that cave!" said Summer, dropping into a dive towards the entrance.
"WAIT!" I hissed, "What if we're seen?"
"Leave that to me," answered Discord, as he began weaving an illusion around each of us.
Looking over at Summer, then myself - I realised what we looked like: aggravated, ethereal seaponies, hovering in the sky. No, we didn't look annoyed, we were annoyed. Summer and I shot Discord a look that could only mean: "We're going to kill you after this."
"They're supposed to be ice spirits," he mocked.
"You know what?" I snapped back, then decided against what I was about to say. "Nevermind."
The storm was now directly over the cave, and the blizzard in full force around us. Ice was forming in patches on the ground and creeping up rocks, freezing them within a hard shell. From outside the cave I could hear voices bickering, reminding us of the task at hand.
"We should hurry, the sun is setting and it won't be light inside that cave much longer," said Summer.
Nodding in agreement, we flew through the entrance and up to the ceiling, circling around the ponies below. Bringing a small part of the storm inside to mask our presence, I let it drift to the roof, covering us. It would have worked, except that our constant circling created a small wind that pushed the clouds outwards.
Using my magic to speed the cold, ice began forming high on the wall, working its way down the cave and spreading across the floor. As it covered the cave, I sealed the entrance with a thick barrier of ice, hoping it would keep the effects of the storm at bay. It finally got to the point when I could no longer control my anger.
"I will show them how cold their hearts are!" I bellowed, eyes glowing blue. Power overflowing and emotions mixing with magic, I channelled the ice towards the three leaders, encasing them in blue crystalline rock. It was then that the remaining unicorn noticed us circling above. Ice still flowed unrestricted, creeping across the floor and began encasing the other three ponies still fighting the cold.
"...Summer," I whispered in a strained voice, "Help..."
She smiled grimly, then nodded and immediately a slight warmth filled the cavern, slowing the icy advance on the three ponies. They were laughing about how bad their leaders were. How could they be so defiant, knowing that the ice would consume them? Unable to sustain the cold any longer, I collapsed from exhaustion - to be caught be Discord, who now had arms onto his illusory form. I shut my eyes, I was so tired, and lapsed into unconsciousness... ---
-Summer-
As soon as I saw Winter go limp, the ice began to slow. It was about to encase the unicorn's horn when I instinctively fired a bolt of heat at her, absorbing into her horn and starting to glow from the overflow of sudden magic. Dispelling the illusion around me, I landed on the ground in front of her and lowered my head so our horns were touching, trying to remove any excess magic.
The moment I did so, I felt my magic surge from me, transferring into the unicorn. There was little I could do other than shape the effect it would have on her. Improvising based on the situation, I tried forming a fire spell fuelled to maintain their rapidly falling body temperature in the hope that it would keep them alive long enough for us to help.
A blazing magenta flame exploded into existence above the trio, the shockwave shattering their icy shells. The ice began receding, very rapidly. I could feel the magic emitted from the inferno had my magic in it, but there was something unfamiliar about it...
It was unlike anything I had ever seen, the spell within the blaze appeared to be self-sustaining, fuelled by positive energies from anything nearby. Opening my magical sight I could see fiery tendrils stretching between the recently un-frozen trio and the blazing inferno. A sudden surge from the three ponies blinded my sight, forcing me to look away and take to the air - joining Discord circling above them. With a snap of his claws, the illusion around me re-materialised, concealing my true form.
Suddenly, the flame surged upwards - straight towards us. It was time to leave. ---
-Winter-
Blackness...
Eyes barely able to open...
Blazing purple fire...
Somepony carrying me...
A flash. An explosion of light...
The feeling of a teleport...
Blackness. ---
Rising from the black void of unconsciousness, I opened my eyes - slowly. Everything around me was white. Had I gone blind? Opening them further, I could see my front legs covered in a cold, white powder. Ah, that would be snow.
"She's awake," uttered a familiar voice. "I hope she recovers soon..."
Knowing I was in safe hooves, I let myself back into a peaceful sleep. ---
It was some time before I awoke once more to find relaxing warmth enveloping my body. Standing slowly, I turned to see Summer, horn aglow, smiling gently at me. Composing my thoughts, I spoke with what strength I had.
"What happened? How long have I been out?"
"When you lost control inside the cave, you drained the last of your magic. It was too much for you to sustain all the spells you were powering. Since then, all the spells have been falling apart. Discord and I have been stuck here for the last two days - it's far too risky to go outside while the storm is unstable and falling apart," replied Autumn, a serious look on her face.
"I can fix this," I whispered back weakly. "I can do it."
"No," Autumn whispered back, "You need to rest and not use any magic. Wait until the storm is over. All the magic you poured into it is flowing back to you."
"Where is the storm? I can't see it anywhere, just a thick layer of dark clouds..."
"Discord and I carried you up here, above the storm, after you collapsed inside the cave." Autumn looked sad when she said it, as if something was too difficult to say.
"Summer?" I asked quietly.
"Mm?"
"...thank you. I'm glad you're my sister..." I whispered, softly to her, resting my head on my legs.
Autumn smiled, knowing that although we were so different - we could both put that aside to help others and each other. Looking at my sleeping form, she leant down and whispered, "Friends?" I nodded, and drifted into a deep, peaceful sleep. ---
Outside, the storm finally dissolved and the ice covering the cave entrance melted in the sunlight, allowing six ponies to walk out. Standing side by side, they were all smiling as they headed out into the dawn. They no longer stood as enemies, but as friends - friends who would found the great land of Equestria.
-The End- |
New guy at CHS: The Mystic Realm | pre | That next morning, the entire school gathered to see this duel between Cobalt and Lightning. His friends watched on as the headmistress sat with them, "Ms. Harmony!"
"Don't worry, I'm just here to see how my fellow teacher handles this situation. This isn't the first time this has happened you know."
"Huh?"
"Yes, Cobalt has dueled our students before, and each time... he's lost. Even so, he hasn't lost his place in the rankings. Why? Because of me."
"He's lost? But Cobalt is suppose to be one of the strongest mystics out there. How could my darling Cobalt lose?"
"We have quite the crowd here Lightning. As expected when you duel me. However, don't expect me to go easy on you."
Midnight stepped up in between them, "As you both know, this is a duel! Your hit points are displayed above me!" Midnight looked above to show a massive scoreboard that showed both Cobalt's and Lightning's faces and their hits points. Both had 500 hit points, "The duel is over once one of your hit points are are depleted completely, when one of you surrenders, or whoever's hit points is the lowest when the time is up! Fighters, equip your weapons!"
Lightning spawned in two unique looking swords. She twirled them around so fast that no one could even see them in her hands as she did so. Once she got into a battle stance, a large fiery explosion surrounded her.
"Hmph, a little flashy are we?" After Cobalt said this, whipped his hand down as a long katana appeared from thin air.
"I was wondering how he was going to fight without his halberd," Rainbow said as she remembered that Cobalt's halberd was still in Canterlot.
"Fighters, are you ready?"
Both said nothing as they stared each other down. A look of determination across one of their faces, and a smirk across the other.
"Very well then, let the fight... begin!" Midnight quickly teleported away as Lightning moved with such speed, that it caught everyone off guard. She appeared behind Cobalt, and attempted to hit him, but before her sword could come into contact with him, a force around his body prevented from doing so, pushing her back.
"What is this?"
"You can't get past my defenses just using speed. My ability 6th sense allows me to sense everything around me as long as I focus on one thing. That one thing is you," Cobalt jumped forward, and turned towards Lightning, "You'll have to find another way past my ability."
"Headmistress, what is this ability crap he's talking about?" Rainbow asked.
"Each mystic is born with a unique ability that can increase one's already powerful abilities. Cobalt, along with the rest of the top 5 mystics were born with more than one. One of Cobalt's special abilities is what he just said, is 6th sense. He allows himself to focus on one target, and that one target alone. Once he focuses on that one target, all of his senses increase to inhumane lengths in order to stay on that one target."
"Wow, but wait won't that be useless when..."
"Yes, since Lightning specializes in illusion, she can easily create an illusion, taking his mind off her, and giving her a chance to take a blow at Cobalt. Lightning isn't a weak mystic, she's strong, but she's like Cobalt. She's tries to do more than what she could handle."
"Alright, let's do this...," Lightning closed her eyes as she yelled, "Duplicate!" Three copies of Lightning appeared in front of Cobalt, throwing him slightly off-guard. All three charged towards with even more speed, and Cobalt braced for each hit. He set his sights on each copy one by one, attempting to predict each hit. He blocked the first two, but the last one hit him a total of 30 times.
Cobalt was knocked into the nearby wall. Cobalt's hit points decreased at an amazing speed. Cobalt went from 500 hit points, to 373 hit points. Even so, all Cobalt do was smirk.
"Why is he smirking?"
"He's about to activate another one of his abilities," Harmony grinned as she leaned back.
"That was a few good hits. They actually hurt a little. However, you'll have to try better than that. Copy: Duplicate!" Soon afterwards, nearly 10 copies of Cobalt appeared around him.
"What?!"
"Wait, what just happened?" Twilight looked on in amazement as Harmony explained.
"Copy, one of Cobalt's abilities. As the name explains, it allows him to copy any ability. However, this is an incomplete ability."
"Incomplete?"
"Yes, there are times where there is a problem with a mystic's ability. Sometimes, their ability won't be complete when they're born. Cobalt's copy ability only allows him to copy an ability if it's used directly at him, and it has to make contact with him. If it doesn't he can't use it."
"So, he has to take damage from said ability in order to use it?"
"Yes, that's why he was able to use Duplicate. It was one of Lightning's copies that hit Cobalt, not Lightning herself. Which means, the real Lightning, is the one that isn't fighting right now."
They all looked at the copies of Lightning fighting Cobalt's copies. One was missing, one of the copies, was off to the side, staring in amazement.
"Hey! Pay attention," Cobalt dashed forward as he slashed forward. He whipped his sword down as tons of late sword slashes hit Lightning. This caused her to kneel down from the damage. Her health points went from 500 to 322."
"Damn it, heal...," Lightning's hit points increased back to 422, "I need to get rid of those copies..."
"You want me to get rid of them? Just get rid of yours, and I'll get rid of mine," Lightning looked up at Cobalt as he inched closer to her, "This is a battle between us, not our copies," Lightning jumped back, and snapped her fingers, causing her duplicates to disappear, "That's better," Cobalt did the same as he waved his hand in front of his katana. It soon formed a red aura around it.
"Oh, doing that now are we Cobalt?"
"What is he doing?"
"Adding an element to his weapon. I taught him how to do that."
Cobalt waved his sword around before holding it like a kendo stick, "Let's get this started!" Both fighters dashed towards each other with such force, it caused a shockwave. Each hit caused a massive explosion causing everyone to look on in amazement.
Many students yelled from the stands, "Let's go Mr. Cobalt! You can do it!" Soon, cheers filled the arena as the two fighters dueled each other with the ferocity of tigers.
It was the last minute stretch, Cobalt still had less hit points than Lightning as he snickered. Soon, his whole body took the same aura of his sword, but it was darker.
"So he's going to give it his all in this last minute? Not smart Cobalt...," Harmony sighed in disappointment as she leaned in closer.
"What's he doing now?"
"It's one of Cobalt's abilities called: Last Stand. It causes him to push his body pass the limit of a mystic. It lasts for 1 minute, and it makes his body stronger, faster, and gives his body the endurance to endure any hit thrown at him, even fatal ones."
This shocked the girls knowing Cobalt could indeed take his body to the point of death with this ability.
"What is that? I see, Last Stand. Well, I guess I'll push myself too!" Lightning's eyes began to glow, and she developed a blue aura around her."
"So this is her special ability. Her's is Lightning's Speed. This increases her speed much faster than anything in the universe, even causing her to break space and time. Hm, raw power vs raw speed. Who will win?"
The duel dragged on for what seemed longer than a minute. Cobalt's eyes, nose and mouth began to extrude blood due to the pain his body was feelings. Even if he hadn't been hit yet, his body was being pushed passed its limit already. In the final seconds, both of them passed by each other, both panting heavily, and then... thud!
Both fighter fell on one knee, still panting heavily. Everyone looked on in angst as the air was silent. The silence was deafening as everyone waited for the result of this final push. Soon, Cobalt fell face first into the ground, passed out cold.
The scoreboard read as Cobalt: 23/500 and Lightning: 30/500. It was a close battle, but Cobalt's ability caused more damage to himself, then what Lightning inflicted onto him.
"Cobalt!" All of his friends ran to his side, leaving Harmony looking on in disappointment.
"You still have much to learn Cobalt... much more to learn..."
Rarity held Cobalt as his eyes fluttered open, "Cobalt...?"
"Did I... win?"
Rarity chuckled as she hugged him, "No... you lost..., but you still looked amazing..."
"That's good...," Cobalt closed his eyes again as he passed again.
"Just rest now Cobalt... just rest..." |
New guy at CHS: The Mystic Realm | Chapter 6 | That next day, Cobalt was seen slightly limping. As Cobalt was walking through the halls, he was getting multiple greetings from all of his former students.
"Good morning Mr. Cobalt."
"That was an awesome duel yesterday."
"You'll get it next time!"
"Thank you, I'm sorry I disappointed all of you."
"Nonsense, you gave it your all, and that's all that matters."
The truth is, I didn't give it my all. I went easy on Lightning, which is why I used Last Stand. I knew Last Stand would eat away at my body. I'm not an idiot...
Cobalt looked on to see if he had spoken out loud. He didn't. He's done a good job not talking out loud, and he's been able to not look weird from time to time.
Soon afterwards, Harmony spoke through an intercom, "Mr. Cobalt, please head to my office immediately."
"What now?"
Cobalt walked off towards Harmony's office, and knocked on the door, "Come in!"
"Yes ma'am?"
"Take a seat...," Cobalt did so, and as he did take a seat, a large staff came flying to his head, and he grabbed it with one hand.
"And that was for?"
"Cobalt, I'm disappointed in you. This losing streak you have isn't good for Starlight."
"Come on Harmony, it's not that bad."
"A 254 losing streak isn't good!"
"And your point is?"
"I can't keep defending you Cobalt. The council ordered me to tell you that if you lose again, I'll be forced to cut you from Starlight's staff, and send you back to live in Canterlot."
"And my friends?"
"They'll be sent back with you."
"I see..."
"Think about this Cobalt, you need to live on your mother's name as a mystic."
"I know, but what's the point of being a teacher if you beat your students into submission. I'm a teacher, I'm here to teach them, not lower their morale."
"I understand, but you're not suppose to lose. You haven't been the same some you lost to my brother. What happened to you? You used to dominate every duel you accepted. Not only are you losing to students, but to mystics outside of school as well. Which is why I'm saying that you will need to improve you skills by Monday, and if you don't, I'll be forced to release you and your friends from Starlight."
"..."
"Questions?"
"Who will I he dueling to show my improvement?"
"The same student you lost to yesterday."
"Very well then, I'll start after school today."
"Nope, you'll start right now. I'll be your trainer. Just like before Cobalt."
"But Headmistress-."
"Before Cobalt could finish, Harmony placed a finger on his mouth, "It's Harmony when we're alone. Now let's go, Midnight will look after your class."
"Fine...," Harmony smiled as she snapped her fingers, sending the two somewhere unknown.
Meanwhile, the girls sat in silence as they waited for Cobalt's arrival.
"Where's Cobalt?" Sunset asked as she looked around.
"He was called to the Headmistress Office, but it's way past class time. I have no idea..."
Soon afterwards, Midnight walked through the room, much to the student's surprise, "Good day class, I am Midnight Gleam. Cobalt will be gone for the remainder of the week to do some special training with the Headmistress. In result, I'll be your substitute until he returns.".
"Ms. Gleam, could the reason of hid absence be die to my duel with him yesterday?"
"Partially, but the real reason is because of his losing streak. The duel from yesterday solidified this choice by the Headmistress."
"Losing streak?"
"You see, after his duel with the Commander of the Imperial Army, he went on a losing streak. A very long losing streak. He hasn't won since that duel, and now the Headmistress is planning to train him to have a rematch, with you Lightning."
"Me?"
"Yes, she wants him to have a rematch with you when he's fully trained back to his former self."
Lightning fidgeted in her seat half in fear, and half in remorse, "I never intended for this to happen. In reality, I used to love Cobalt, but after that duel, he just... lost all of his skills. After that, I just grew angry after every match I would bet on him on. Now that I met him in person, I was happy, but I was also... angry that he had changed after just one duel. I wanted to ignite the fire in him, but I guess I just made his situation worse. I didn't know he was on a losing streak though..."
"Prepare yourself for that duel. I have a feeling that the Headmistress will get through to Cobalt."
Cobalt awoke to something he hadn't seen for six years. A blank, dark abyss, "Harmony! Where did you bring me?!"
"To help you through this little simulation I created this special realm."
"Huh, I thought you would have me awake my dark power."
"Nonsense, that wouldn't be practical. I'm going to help you in certain situations that you can't think properly through, like the last push of a duel."
"What's wrong with that?"
"You use Last Stand as your last resort, yet you seem to forget that Last Stand eats away at your body, lowering your hit points quickly. What you need to do is use your other abilities that benefit you."
"But my Last Stand allows me to distribute so much power..."
"Yes, at the cost of nearly killing yourself. When someone tells you to kill yourself, you don't actually do it."
"No memes please..."
"Sorry, but you can't use Last Stand unless you really have to. What you need to do is to use your abilities at the right moments instead of using them so sparingly. You out of the top 5 were born with over 10 secret abilities. You've only used 2 of them during your time here in the mystic realm. You need to use them more, and at the right times."
"How? Most of them are incomplete."
"Which is why I'll be putting in different situations that pertain to that ability," Soon the abyss turned into a wide battle arena."
"We'll go over your most useful abilities only. Your others will be dealt with in due time."
"Alright, what's the first one?"
"The first one will be your ability: Hidden."
Hidden allows me to conceal myself from view. However, it's incomplete. I can only conceal myself from one individual. It's similar to my 6th sense, but in terms of concealing myself.
"I'll place three random bots in front of you. Try your best to use your Hidden ability in the right way."
Cobalt took a deep breath as the three bots dashed towards him.
So if I'm to use Hidden correctly. I can do it like this.
One of the bots stopped, and started to look around. It soon flinched, and was penetrated by the other two bots. Cobalt came from the side, and stabbed all three of them.
"Impressive, I never expected you to use the bots uncontrollable speed to your advantage. You prevented yourself from being seen by one of them, throwing them into a state of confusion. Then you jumped up to cause them to collide with each other."
"It was the only way. You have to think outside the box when you have an incomplete ability."
"I see, on to the next ability..."
-1 week later-
Everyone waited once again for the duel to begin. Lightning waited on the field, but saw no one. She waited eagerly for her opponent, but he was nowhere to be seen.
"Where's Cobalt, he should be here by now. Every time he comes home, he would head straight to bed. We haven't even been able to talk to him...," Rarity said with look of worry on her face.
"Don't worry," They turned towards the voice, surprised to see the Headmistress, Harmony, "He'll be here soon. He's just mentally preparing himself for the battle."
"Headmistress..."
"I look forward to seeing Cobalt's new fighting style..."
Soon after Harmony said this, Cobalt rose from the ground. His former face of a laid back fighter was now a look of a serious individual. Cobalt didn't speak a word either. He just spawned in his sword, and got ready. Lightning, surprised at this sudden change in behavior still got in a battle ready stance.
Midnight appeared again like before, and explained the rules, "The rules are the same as before. I won't bore anyone with the explanation. Fighters, are you ready?" Both nodded as Midnight smiled, "Let the battle, begin!"
In nearly a split second, Cobalt appeared behind Lightning as she stood stiff. She soon collapsed as her hit points depleted completely to zero. Cobalt sighed as he moved into the ground again. Leaving the entire student body stunned, and speechless.
"What just happened?" Sunset as she continued staring at Lightning as Midnight went to check on her body.
"That... is the real Cobalt," Harmony smiled as she stood up from her seat, "Everyone to class! Nothing to see here!"
Everyone except Cobalt's friends left. They still sat shocked at what they had just witnessed.
"Cobalt..."
"Just..."
"Destroyed her!" Rainbow finished as she smiled greatly, causing the others to look at her, "Sorry..."
"Cobalt darling..." |
New guy at CHS: The Mystic Realm | Chapter 7 (Prologue Arc Finale) | After the duel, Harmony stepped into her office to find Cobalt waiting for her. She smiled as she walked past him, "Is there anything I can help you with Cobalt?"
"Yes. Was that good enough to keep my friends and I here at Starlight?"
"Yes, very. The council were watching you during that duel, and were very impressed. They said they had not seen such a quick knockout in a long time."
"The last one time they saw that was against your brother..."
"About that, the real reason I told you to improve on your skills is because... my brother is coming to visit again..."
Cobalt stood silent, and asked, "So he needs another wife? Or does he need another concubine?"
"Yes..."
Cobalt turned around and started to head out the door. Before he left he said, "Keep him away from my friends...," He slammed the door, shaking her bookshelves fiercely.
She looked down with disdain and said, "I just... can't guarantee that..."
Cobalt arrived back to his classroom to see all of his students waiting patiently. He smiled and started teaching, "Good day class, today, we're going over the different ways you can use your powers."
One of his students raised their hands, "But Midnight already went over it."
"Yes, she did it with the advance powers because she teaches I'm the advance course. However, did you know you could change the way your powers act by changing your chant order."
"Nonsense, that's just not possible. A chant must be said in order, word by word."
"That's what those horrible text books tell you. You see, the point of being a mystic is clearing the mind of any other distraction. Trying to remember a whole chant is already daunting enough, but shorten it slightly, or even change all together will change it drastically. Let me ask you on what would happen if I were to do that with Bolt?"
"If,you shorten the chant, it would be rendered useless," Twilight answered.
"That would be incorrect Twilight."
"Huh? But the textboob-."
"I said the textbook didn't give good information on your powers. The full chant is: Bolt of lightning / Strike my enemy, but if I shorten it as so: Bolt of Lightning/ Strike!"
A gigantic bolt of released shot out of Cobalt's hand, creating a large hole in the side of the school.
"Impossible!"
Multiple students stood up in awe, "You say you mastered all of these basic powers, yet you didn't know they were capable of such power. If you take away a word, the power plummets. However, you can shorten said power to one word."
"How?"
"Like this, Bolt!" Like before, a lightning bolt fired from Cobalt's hand, causing an explosion in the distance, "Oh, I'm gonna have to pay for that. Anyway, like I said, a mystic's real power comes from one's mind. If your mind is one with your body, then you'll be able to do anything with powers. That's what those textbooks don't tell you. Oh, for example."
Cobalt walked up to Rainbow Dash's desk, causing her fidget slightly, "Uh..."
"Rainbow, I'm in love with you," Rainbow stiffened up as her cheeks grew a light shade of pink, "I fell for you the moment I laid my eyes on you," Her cheeks grew darker, causing her to stutter beyond comprehension, "Look at her face, she's completely embarrassed after what I told her."
The students inched closer to view her face, and were intrigued, "Wow..."
"And with that, she'll throw something in 3-," Before Cobalt finished counting, a book was thrown at Cobalt, but it stopped in midair, "At least let me finish counting..."
"Shut it!"
"Anyway, look at how I stopped the book without saying anything? My mind knew it was being thrown, thus preparing itself for impact. Like I said, your mind and your body must be one in order to reach your true potential," The bell rung, signaling students to leave, "That's all for today! Tomorrow, we'll go over a mystic's main weaknesses!"
"That idiot... saying that to me...," Rainbow ran towards Cobalt, and attempted to grab his shirt collar, but she was stuck in the air, "Hey!"
"Remember the lesson from today? Anyway, you girls head on home. I have to prepare for my intermediate class."
"You know, it's still weird that we only have half a day of school here," Twilight stated.
"It helps teachers, like me, who have to teach more than one level. Here, I'll open a gate for you. Gate!" Like usual, a portal to their house opened, "I'll be home at the same time, so don't worry about me being late. And Rainbow, I'm going to have a word with you when I get home. In private," Cobalt's tone got serious as he said in private.
"Fine...," He put her down, and she walked through the portal, only to give him the middle finger when she did walk through.
"Hehe, so immature...," The bell rung to signal the beginning of classes again, and Cobalt sighed, "Maybe them being here won't be so bad. Hmph, only time will tell Cobalt... only time will tell..." |
New guy at CHS: The Mystic Realm | Chapter 8 (Beach Arc) | Cobalt arrived back home, and walked straight to Rainbow's room, but only to be stopped by Fluttershy, "Cobalt..."
"Yes Fluttershy?"
"I don't understand how this spell is suppose to work."
"Uh, I'm...," He looked at her room, and sighed, "What's the spell?"
Meanwhile, in Rainbow Dash's room, she was rolling around her bed quite angrily, "Who does Cobalt think he is? Telling a girl something like that. I mean, I know I confessed ready, but he didn't have to say that in front of the whole class," She glanced at her alarm clock, and sighed, "He'll be home soon, so I'll just listen to music until he gets home..."
And as Cobalt was helping Fluttershy with her spell, "Fluttershy! What did you do?!"
A large demonic bunny was seen hopping through the neighborhood, "I took your advice and shortened the chant, but this happened!"
"That spell is for turning innocent creatures into gigantic, destructive monsters!"
"I didn't know that!"
"Ugh! Girls, we have a monster attack! Come on, let's get going!"
Due to Rainbow Dash's music being too loud, she couldn't hear Cobalt yelling from outside, "Such an idiot... embarrassing me like that..."
"We'll save Angel for you Fluttershy, but we need to subdue him somehow. Hm, Fluttershy, find the reverse for this spell. As for the rest of you, I want all of you to help find a way to subjugate Angel without... uh... killing him. He'll be strong to take out, especially with his size. Here, let me do this," Cobalt started to say something in a weird language, "Wlc pc wkienxj."(Translation: Fly my friends.)
His friends started to float slowly within the air, "Cobalt, we can fly on our own."
"Yeah, I know, but I never get a chance to use this spell, so I wanted to try it once."
Meanwhile Rainbow was still inside listening to music, "Where is he? He said he would come talk to me..."
And outside, "Green acid!" Angel started spitting out massive sludge bombs towards them, each causing mass destruction, "Rarity, I wanna try something!"
"What!"
"Your shield, hit me with it!"
"What?"
"My copy ability! If it makes contact with me, I can use it! Just do it!"
"It doesn't have a name!"
"Don't worry, remember my lesson from today!"
"Alright," Rarity created her diamond-transparent shield, and moved it towards Cobalt. Once it came on contact with Cobalt, he took a deep breath and he soon created multiple shield barriers around him, "Wow..."
"Alright, I'm going to put a sleep spell on him! Fluttershy, you got that reverse spell!"
"Yeah!"
"Alright, here I go!"
And on the inside, Rainbow grew frustrated as she waited continuously for Cobalt to arrive, "Where is he!" She barged out of her room to see the house completely empty, "Huh?" Soon, she felt a large rumble and quickly ran outside.
"I can't believe that worked," Rarity said as she was huffing and puffing heavily.
"At least Angel is back his normal self...," Fluttershy proceeded to start coddling Angel, much to his dismay.
"Just remember not to use that spell again, okay Fluttershy?" She nodded at Cobalt's request.
"There ya are Rainbow!" Applejack yelled as she ran towards her, "Where were ya?"
"Uh..."
"Girls, head inside. Rainbow with me. Sunset, you and Twilight are in charge while I'm gone. I'll be back later in a bit."
"Where are you going?" Rarity asked, eager, and jealous at the same time.
"That's none of your concern Rarity."
"Of course it is! Are you taking Rainbow... on a date?!"
"Wel...," Cobalt stopped there, causing the girls to gasp. It even caused Rainbow to blush lightly, "Don't worry, I'm just going to talk to her about her behavior in school in a less... embarrassing environment. Midnight told me how you were during class last week. Girls, inside now."
"Yes sir...," One by one, they all walked back into the house, leaving the other two outside.
"Don't think I wouldn't find out. Rainbow, you've been neglecting your studies, sleeping in class, and not paying attention. You need to understand that your grades must be above a 95 to stay at Starswirl. If your average falls below that, then you're gone."
"I didn't..."
"I know, I forgot to talk about grades. That's my fault as a guardian. However, that doesn't negate the fact that you don't pay attention in class. Rainbow, as your guardian and teacher, I need to keep you on your studies."
"Cobalt, learning isn't my thing, you know that. I mean we haven't had any tests yet, so what's the big deal?"
"There's a test at the end of every month, and it's 250 questions long. Plus it has a writing portion, and an open demonstration."
"Why would they-?!"
"Because this is the top school for mystics. Rainbow, knowing you, you won't make it out of this school. Plus, they keep track of how many students drop out for each teacher. I have the highest rate at 70% of my students dropping out before the end of the trimester. Look, I want you to pass each test with ease. And I'm going to help you with extra tutoring."
"A tutor?! Now you're stretching it."
"Your tutor is me, and I'm tutoring you my way."
"I'm afraid to know what 'your way' is..."
"You'll see. We start now by learning the one power I taught today: Bolt."
"Okay...?"
"Alright, now first think about something... calming. Calm your mind first. Clear your mind of any type of distraction. To help you do that...," Cobalt went silent as he swept Rainbow off her feet.
"Gah!"
"Don't let this distract you. Clear your mind! Empty it, and remember the chant from earlier. Don't worry about shortening it! Calm yourself, and shoot me with Bolt!"
"I-I can't with you like this!"
"Yes you can. All mystics will have to go through something like this, so just do it! Don't let your dreams be dreams, so just... DO IT!"
"Bolt of lightning / Strike my enemy!" A bolt shot from Rainbow's hand, and hit Cobalt, shocking him fiercely.
Cobalt dropped Rainbow as she supported himself on one knee, "There you go... simple as that..."
"Wow, I never felt that type of power in my hand before..."
"And that's only the beginning. We'll continue tomorrow, meet me in the backyard once I return home, alright?"
"Yes sir!" Cobalt turned to walk off, but was stopped as Rainbow hugged him behind, "Thank you Cobalt. I'm sorry for flipping you off earlier."
"About that, you're grounded for the remainder of the week for doing that."
"What!"
"Kidding, but don't do that again, or I'll show the real power of Bolt," Cobalt held his hand up as it started to emanate a fierce electric field around it.
"Point taken..."
The two started laughing as they both walked back inside the house. |
New guy at CHS: The Mystic Realm | Chapter 9 | Now it was time for the first test of the year. A 250 question test mixed with multiple choice, short answers and fill in the blanks. A 5 page essay that's followed up by a live demonstration on a power you've improved on.
Rainbow Dash sat in her seat nervously. She tapped her foot, and moved her pencil around furiously. They had just finished up their writing portion, and Rainbow Dash was worried if she hadn't passed.
They won't hear there grade for the test until a week after. However, since Cobalt is there teacher/guardian, he'll tell them earlier than expected.
"Everyone, please head outside for the power demonstration portion of the test. After that, you are all free to go."
Rainbow took a deep breath, and stood up, "Mr. Cobalt..."
"Yes Rainbow?"
"I would like to demonstrate my improved power first."
"Oh, we have a volunteer? Well, would anyone else like to volunteer after Rainbow here?" Soon afterwards, everyone's hands flew up, "Alright then, let's head on out everyone."
Everyone is warming up to me faster than I thought. It's been a month, and they're already accepting me as a teacher. Is it because of my duel versus Lightning or...?
Once everyone was outside, Harmony decided to join in on the fun, and watch. The students grew even more nervous now that the Headmistress was watching them.
"Ma'am, are you sure you did this just to watch?"
"Maybe, maybe not..."
"Anyway, Rainbow, what are you going to use for your demonstration?"
"I will be using Bolt."
"Oh, seems expected, but let's see what you've done with it?"
"I wasn't finished. I'll do a combination of Bolt and my speed."
"Oh, I would like to see what would happen because of that."
Rainbow took a deep breath, and to everyone's surprise, she stated charging up her Bolt. Cobalt smirked as she did this, and then, she started running around in a circle at astonishing speed. Her bolt then started to follow in a stream, soon forming a large electric tornado.
"Wow!" Everyone was amazed at the sight that Rainbow created.
"Impressive Rainbow! Let me try this. Storm!" A large rain cloud formed above the tornado, and it soon doubled in size and power.
"Can I add to it too?" Harmony asked as her hand began to burn bright.
"Why not?"
Soon, everyone added to the large tornado. Cobalt placed placed a large barrier around the school grounds to prevent the tornado from leaving the area.
"Huh, I never wanted this, but guess what? This will be the real demonstration for everyone. Get rid of this tornado!" The tornado now reached far above the clouds, mixed with multiple elements from: Fire, Water, Lightning, Earth, and of course Air.
Everyone attempted to stop the tornado as both Cobalt and Harmony looked on from lawn chairs nearby. They continued watching them fail continuously, both were drinking margaritas, "Should we help them?" Harmony asked as she looked from her shades.
"Hm... nah, they can handle it. This isn't the first time this has happened," Cobalt started sipping on his margarita as he started to drift off to sleep.
"Cobalt, before you fall asleep, did you tell your friends about the one week break after each test?"
"Uh, no..."
"Well, after they're done with their little problem here, I have an idea that would... intrigue them."
"Oh, may I hear this idea?"
"Of course, you see, I was able to score an all expense paid trip to The Pleasant Shores of Ravenhand."
"Really? Doesn't it cost a fortune to spend only one day there?"
"Yes, but when your parents are former generals for the Imperial Army, getting things like this is easy."
"Oh, how long?"
"5 days."
"Wait, how does this concern me and my friends?"
"Aren't you suppose to be a genius?"
"Yeah, I know why, but... are you sure?"
"Of course, I mean, I'll be there to ensure that there's no funny business between everyone."
"Everyone?"
"Well, Midnight and Silver will be coming as well."
"Great, you're just planning to bring my whole harem on this trip, huh?"
"Am I part of that harem?"
Cobalt shrugged his shoulders, "I guess, but right now, let's just watch this go down...," Cobalt leaned back as he soon drifted off to sleep.
"How can you watch it when you're asleep. Hehe...," Harmony watched on as Cobalt's students tried their best to subdue the tornado, "This beach trip will take your mind off my brother for now. However, I don't know what'll happen when he arrives. He may attempt to take your friends... simply because they're your friends. I'll do everything in my power to prevent him from doing so..." |
New guy at CHS: The Mystic Realm | Chapter 10 | Once the tests for the week were completed, Cobalt informed the girls on the trip to the beach.
"No way!" They all responded, obviously excited to go to the beach after an excruciating test.
"Now hold on a second girls, this is only for us to have fun, not for any funny business."
Rarity then inched closer to Cobalt and said, "Oh, wouldn't some funny business be... fun?" Rarity added a wink to her seductive undertone.
"Rarity!" The girls yelled.
"What?!" Rarity stared at them for a second, but then back to her attempts at seducing Cobalt.
"Uh, yeah, some funny business would be fun, but the thing is... the Headmistress, Midnight and Silver are all coming as well, so you may not even have a chance to do so."
"Why are they coming?"
"Well, the Headmistress is the reason we're going to the beach. She's just going specifically to prevent any funny business."
Rarity, somewhat defeated, nodded, "That won't stop me. I'll just have to find some way to get some alone time with my darling Cobalt."
"We'll leave tomorrow morning, so go ahead and pack up your stuff ahead of time, and remember to triple check everything. I don't want any of you saying you left something."
"Wait, won't we just use Gate to head off the beach."
"I've never been to this beach before, so I can't teleport there. The Headmistress and the twins will meet us there tomorrow morning. In the mean time, I'm heading out to buy some new swimming trunks. I grew out of my old ones."
At the mention of this, the Rarity stopped Cobalt, "Wait, I don't have a bikini, so do you mine if I go with you?"
"Uh, okay?" Rarity smiled, but Cobalt spoke again, "What about the rest of you?"
Everyone except Twilight nodded, "I don't plan on swimming thank you."
"Come on Twilight, at least get something comfortable to wear," Cobalt said in an attempt to sway her to coming with them to the store.
"Oh fine, I'll go...," Twilight followed them as Cobalt opened a portal to the local strip mall.
"Alright, let's get shopping, but not for too much stuff. We still have to Dave money for the beach."
"Right!"
Once everyone split up for shopping, Twilight and Cobalt stayed put. Cobalt then turned away from Twilight, and asked, "Do you trust me, Twilight?"
"Huh? Why is that brought up?"
"Well, I've met Princess Twilight before you, and she seemed to deem me a friend the instant she met me. Now, with you, I can see that you're kind of... suspicious of me. Yes, you are very inconspicuous with your actions of not trusting me, but at times, I can read your body language like a book. My real question to you Twilight, is if you trust me or not?"
Twilight stood silent as Cobalt didn't face her. She then answered, "I just find it weird that you decided to randomly appear after 6 years of zero communication with our friends. I mean, I could understand why, but not even a visit to them, or even an attempt to do so. That's why I'm sort of... suspicious of your actions."
Cobalt chuckled as he turned to her, "I couldn't visit because... of something that happened between the Headmistress's brother, and myself. I guess for so long, I was... a different person because of it. I didn't really talk to anyone, and that included my friends. However...," Cobalt paused and sighed, "I felt the guilt of not contacting our friends, and... that's when I spent 2 years attempting to get you girls into Starlight. I had to jump many hurdles, but I managed to get you girls here."
Twilight continued to listen as Cobalt spoke, "I never intended to lose contact with the girls, but as a teacher of Starlight, my schedule is always filled with either with schooling, or being a member of the Imperial Army. I'm sorry for giving you some type of weird suspicious vibe. I never intended to do so."
Twilight shook her head and smiled, "No, I'm sorry for feeling that way. I should of known how close you were to them, and now seeing what you have to go through here in the mystic realm, I can understand."
"Thank you Twilight. I'm glad you understand."
"I mean, it's not that bad. I've learned about so much about being a mystic, and I've learned so many useful powers to go with mine."
"Yeah, you're welcome for that. I'm not trying to spoil you girls, but you do live under my house," Both Cobalt and Twilight laughed as they heard the girls cough from behind them, "Huh?"
"Getting a little chummy all alone huh?" Rarity said as she stepped closer to the too.
"What do you mean?" Twilight asked nervously.
"You're so close to him right now," Twilight looked down to see that they were inches apart.
"Uh..."
"Hmph, just know that nothing will stand in my way on this beach trip. Especially with my gorgeous, new swimsuit."
"Rarity!"
Is that the new running gag now? It used to be me talking out loud, but is it going to be Rarity attempting to seduce me, only to get yelled at by the others.
"No, you still talk out loud darling."
"Damn it..."
As they finished up shopping for new clothes, they arrived back home to sleep, but as Cobalt was finishing up grading the tests, Rarity knocked on his office door, "Yes Rarity?"
"I'm came in here to ask you something..."
"And that is?"
"I want to know how you feel about us again. I don't know if they've changed, or if they're still the same."
"Rarity," Cobalt put his pen down, and stood up, "the answer to your question was proven with my arrival. Look, none of you would be here if I still didn't have those feelings," Rarity's heart filled with joyed, but Cobalt spoke again, "However, as your teacher and guardian, I must wait on a relationship like that."
"Oh..."
"That doesn't mean we can't do anything... sweet."
"Oh... Cobalt...," Rarity attempted to inch closer to Cobalt, but he stopped her."
"No, not now. I'm working. Perhaps on the trip," Cobalt winked, causing Rarity's heart to flutter rapidly.
"Is he really doing do what I think he's going to do?! Ohmygoshohmygosh!"
"Stop speaking out loud Rarity."
"Sorry..."
"Alright, head off to bed. Gotta get your beauty sleep, right?"
"Yeah, good night Cobalt."
"Good night Rarity. Oh, and before you go to bed," Cobalt walked over to Rarity, and kissed her cheek, "Goodnight kiss. Now off to bed with you," Cobalt pushed Rarity out of his room, her cheeks as red as an apple.
"He... kissed me!" |
New guy at CHS: The Mystic Realm | Chapter 11 | That next morning was nearly a disaster. Everyone woke up late, including Cobalt, and were late for their taxi.
"Girls, we gotta pick up the pace! Let's go, let's go! Place your bags in front of the door, I'll put them inside the taxi," The girls tossed multiple bags to Cobalt, and he tossed them inside the taxi.
Once all their bags were in the taxi, they packed inside, and were off.
"And cue intro music. Wait, this is a story... there is no intro music..."
They soon took a long, long drive to the Pleasant Shores of Ravenhand. Once they had arrived into the town of Ravenhand, the girls were marveled at the beauty of the city. A very vivid city with many colorful plants, and gorgeous buildings to compliment them.
"I never knew this place was so amazing...," Twilight stated.
"Yes, this city took years upon years to look like this. The beach is on the outside of the city, so we'll be staying at the beach houses in that area. We're very lucky to be here. It's expensive to be in this city..."
"Wow..."
They soon arrived to their beach house to see Harmony, Midnight, and Silver waiting for them, "It's about time you all arrived!"
"Sorry, we woke up late!"
Harmony walked up and punched Cobalt lightly in the shoulder, "Didn't I tell you not to grade papers until you got back?"
"Sorry, I just wanted to get it out the way."
"Ugh, you're such a workaholic..."
"Guilty as charged," The two laughed lightly at each other's random antics. The girls soon got jealous at how cost the two were getting.
"Ahem!" Rarity coughed out loud to gain the attention of them, "Shouldn't we had on inside?"
"Jealous much?" Cobalt asked.
"Why would I be jealous? I'm perfectly fine," Rarity gripped her skirt before walking off hastily towards the beach house.
"I guess we should go inside. It is hot out here," Everyone agreed as they followed Rarity inside.
Once they stepped inside, the beach looked like any other beach house. 2 floors, and a deck in the back with a large backyard. The deck and their backyard had an amazing view of the beach which was marvelous to gaze at.
"So, the teachers will be downstairs, and the rest of you will be upstairs. Pick your rooms, the rest of us will head into town after we rest up."
"Oh, can we go?"
The teachers all stared at each other, and each of them chuckled nervously, "Uh, about that, we're actually heading off to the beach to fill some stuff out."
"Fill stuff out for what?"
"Well, Jet skis, volley ball, parasailing, a bonfire, and a little secret we planned."
"Wow!"
"Same!"
"I know right!"
As everyone started to rest up a bit, Cobalt knocked on Harmony's door, "Yo, Harmony, can I talk to you for a second."
"That's a pretty long talk."
"Shut it, but I wanna ask you if at the end of this week, if you wanted to take a little date on the boardwalk."
"Oh, so bold as to call it a date? What about your friends?"
"They'll get over it. Besides, we haven't hung out since the girls arrived. How about instead we head off to the downtown part of Ravenhand?"
"Planning on getting wasted huh?"
"I haven't gotten wasted in a long time. I wanna live life every now then. Sometimes, I wanna get completely wasted and wake up in an alley."
"You're crazy, but I can relate. However, I'd want to get drunk and get roughed up by someone else that's drunk."
"And that other person is me?"
"Oh you wouldn't believe it. At least I can down a few more shots than you Cobalt. You're such a lightweight."
"I don't have as much experience as you do party girl."
"Oh be quiet, I already agreed to go didn't I?"
"Yeah, I guess," Cobalt looked at his watch and nodded, "Wanna go get the twins and rent the stuff?"
"Sure thing. Let's get going."
"Midnight, Silver, let's go rent the stuff!"
"Be down in a minute!"
"Let's go ahead and go without them."
"Good idea..."
The two arrived at the beach to see it empty, "Let's hope it stays like this when we come back later. Anyway, how long are we doing for each?" Harmony asked as he continued gazing at the beach.
"Well, today, we're doing volley ball and jet skis. Which one should we do first?" Cobalt responded.
"Well, I think we should do some volleyball first. I have an idea."
"May I hear it?"
"No, you'll see when the time comes."
"Fine, let's go ahead and schedule our time. How long do you want?"
"Hm, depends on how long the games take."
"Maybe you should go order it. I'll head off to the jet skis. I'll rent them for a bit."
"Alright, hurry back though, we need to get ready."
"Gotcha!" Cobalt ran towards the jet skis until he saw a crab upside down on shore, "Oh, uh, let me help little guy...," Cobalt flipped the crab over before it pinched him, "Whoa, that hurt...," Soon Cobalt started to hallucinate slightly, "Aw crap..."
"Cobalt?" He turned to see a distorted Harmony. She looked down to see the crab moving away, "Are you serious? You say you're a genius, but you didn't even relive that was an oryx-crab. You should know it'll make you hallucinate. Come on, let's get you back to normal before you do something dumber than this," She grabbed Cobalt's hand, and led him away.
Once Cobalt was back to normal, everyone went ahead and got ready for the beach, "I'm heading off to the beach now. I'll see all of you there!"
"Oh wait, I'm ready Cobalt darling," Rarity ran downstairs to show her amazing bikini that even Cobalt was entranced by, "You like what you see Cobalt?" Rarity sported a light blue two-piece bikini that somewhat covered her breasts, and three diamonds on her pelvis region.
"Uh...," Cobalt continued staring, causing Rarity to blush madly.
"Ah'm ready too," Then Applejack walked downstairs in her bikini. She had a bikini similar to Rarity, except it was red, "Ah think Cobalt loves my look more."
"Nonsense, I look great!"
"I think I look better than both of you," Rainbow Dash came down with a two-piece bikini that had bolts of lightning across the breasts and pelvis.
"Whoa..."
"I'm next!" Pinkie appeared behind Cobalt and showed off her bikini. Another two-piece bikini, but it was just plain blue. Nothing special on it.
"Here I come!" Sunset came downstairs with a burgundy bikini with flames on them, "Do you like it Cobalt?"
"Uh..."
Last was Twilight, "Uh, I'm not really showing off a bikini. Just going to relax for the time being."
Cobalt nodded, but he still gawked at Twilight. She had a nice purple tank top with a pair of black short shorts. It really showed off her legs well. Cobalt shook his head as he waited for the other three.
"Where are the rest of you?!"
Soon the twins teleported behind Cobalt, and grabbed his arms, "We're here!" Both sported one-piece bikinis that were black and white.
"Hey!"
Harmony appeared behind the girls and chuckled. Harmony had a two-piece bikini that was multi-colored. It really brought out her... assets, "This is your harem Cobalt, so you're stuck with this."
"I get it, but we've wasted too much time. Let's get to the beach!"
After arriving at the beach, it was now somewhat filled with other people. Cobalt looked over to the volleyball courts and smiled, "Now would be a good time to hear that idea you had for volleyball."
"Very well then," Harmony glanced at all the girls, and then at Cobalt, "I'm going to make this challenging for you Cobalt."
"How so?"
"You see, I booked us for 9 games."
"9?"
"Aha, alas, each game, it will be you versus us in a one vs one volleyball game. Whoever beats you will be able to do whatever they want with you for the remainder of the week. That is, until our special day this weekend."
"Wait, am I going to get a break between each game?"
"Nope, each game will be played in succession, and I'll be first to play you. Twilight, you're keeping score," Harmony tossed Twilight a scoreboard as she took her place on a nearby beach chair.
"Alright, no rules, and it's sudden death. 1 point to win. I'll serve first."
"Fine..., let's do this you she-devil..."
Harmony tossed the volleyball up and jumped up high. When she hit the ball, the ball traveled down to Cobalt at lightning speed. The ball caught on fire as it picked up speed. The ball zoomed past Cobalt as it exploded behind him. Cobalt turned slowly as he stared at the sand flying in the air from the explosion. He turned back around with a confused, yet angry expression, "What the hell Harmony?!"
"What? No rules, but I'll give you another chance! Your serve!"
"You didn't even say serves up...," Cobalt said under his breath. He went to retrieve the ball to see it charred from the heat, "The ball is all charred up! We need a new one!"
"Just manifest one you idiot!"
"Fine. Manifest: Volleyball!" A volleyball appeared in Cobalt's hand as he sighed in frustration.
So if she's going to play like dirty like that, I need to play dirty right back.
Cobalt waved his hand over his ball as the ball had a dark aura around it for a second. Cobalt smirked as he tossed the ball up, "Serves up!" Cobalt jumped up and smacked the ball down straight towards Harmony with astounding speed. She was ready to block it, but it went through her body, sending a chill down her spine. The ball then collided with the ground with a loud thud.
"Uh, point for Cobalt! Cobalt wins!"
"Huh, so you use your little teleport ability huh?"
"Hey, you tried to play dirty, so I thought why not play dirty back. Wanna go again?"
"Nah, you can go on ahead. I have my day this weekend anyway."
Cobalt went to pick up the ball and asked, "So who's next?"
One by one, I defeated them. Rainbow attempted to use her speed against me, but she forgot that I could outclass her speed just slightly. Applejack used her brute strength to get me off balance. Her serves were strong, and I thought I was going to break my hands trying to serve them back. Soon, I was able to throw her off with a curve ball. I swear, she was tough to beat. Fluttershy, well, she kind of moved out the way when I served it to her. So she was an easy win. Pinkie used her cannon, but she didn't arc it enough over the net, and it collided with it, sending the ball back in her direction. The ball ended up destroying a nearby lifeguard tower. I couldn't help but laugh at that. Since Twilight was the score keeper, she didn't play, so I won by default. The twins passed as they were about to hop on the jet skis. That mean the last one was Rarity.
Rarity stepped up with a smirk on her face.
Huh, does she really think she can win? I respect her bravery, but she won't win against me. After what I've done, there's no way she could have a chance at-.
"Serves up!" Cobalt jumped in shock as the ball landed beside him lightly. Cobalt stared down at the ball, eyes wide as he fell to his knees, "Don't waste your time speaking out loud Cobalt darling."
"My own talking out loud problem cost me the win. How could I be so foolish...," Cobalt was now on all fours as Rarity grabbed his ankle.
"Come on Cobalt darling, we have a whole day planned ahead of us!" The other girls looked on in dismay as Cobalt was still willowing in despair at his sudden loss, "Woo-hoo! Now's my chance, with nothing in my way, this is my chance to give myself to Cobalt!" |
New guy at CHS: The Mystic Realm | Chapter 12 | Rarity was now holding Cobalt's arm as if she was clinging to it for dear life. Rarity had a large smile on her face as she held Cobalt's arm, "Uh, Rarity, we still have to go back to the group."
"Nope, this will be my time with you without any interruptions. Now Cobalt darling, I want you to follow me back to the home," Rarity started to drag Cobalt away towards the house. The girls saw this from a distance, and started to tail them back, but Harmony stopped them.
"Now, now, don't ruin their fun. You'll all get your chance eventually."
The girls stopped as they stared at Rarity dragging Cobalt towards the beach house. Meanwhile, Rarity pushed Cobalt onto the couch and took a seat on his lap. She the proceeded to cuddle him. Cobalt sat in confusion as to what she was doing, "Is... this all you're going to do?"
"For now, I just... want to stay like this," Rarity snuggled tighter on Cobalt's lap, causing him to squirm a little.
"So, you're just going to stay in your bikini?"
"What? Is it turning you on?"
Cobalt chuckled nervously as he answered, "I would be lying if I said no..."
"Oh, so that's what's been poking me," Rarity gave a sly wink as she moved just slightly, causing Cobalt to lightly shudder in sexual ecstacy.
"Stop, not while we're in the living room. What if the girls walk in to see this...," Cobalt didn't want to admit it, but ever since he had seen how much Rarity had changed both emotionally and physically, he has been wanting to do something... nasty things to her.
She's not the only one either. After seeing how much the girls had matured both on the inside and the outside, he couldn't resist himself. However, as their guardian and teacher, he's been forced to restrain himself from performing any indecent acts to them. So he's been forced to relieve his sexual desires by masturbating nearly on a daily basis.
"Come on Cobalt, I won't tell, nor do I bite," Rarity leaned in closer, attempting to steal a kiss from him.
"Those two words shouldn't even be used in the same sentence like that..."
"Oh come on, don't be shy. We have Fluttershy for that..."
Oh man, I want to so bad, but I just can't! That would be dishonorable of me as a teacher and their guardian.
"Don't worry about that. Just do what you favor to do...," Rarity said flirtatiously as she leaned closer.
"Damn my open-minded monologues...," Rarity puckered her lips, and Cobalt soon felt himself pucker too. Just as they were centimeters apart.
"Stop right there Rarity!" They both stopped, just moments away from frenching, Rainbow burst straight through the door, "What do you think you're doing?!"
"I'm going to show my darling Cobalt a wonderful time until you rudely interrupted us!"
"Oh, so you were going to steal his virginity away? Not on my watch!" Rainbow stepped back, and charged forward with the same astonishing speed from the volleyball match. She grabbed Cobalt, and ran up to her room. She closed and locked her bedroom door, chuckling as she turned around slowly, "Now you're mine Cobalt," She turned to see Cobalt gone from her room, "How did...?" She soon saw a weird rip in her room, "Pinkie!"
"Hehehe!" Pinkie was seen running with Cobalt outside, only for her to be shoulder blocked by Applejack.
"Now yer mine!" Applejack lifted Cobalt with ease, and ran off back inside. She was then tripped by a random foot as she ran back in.
Both Applejack and Cobalt landed with a loud thud as she winced in pain. Cobalt shook his head as he was then dragged off again, only this time, it was Sunset, "You're coming with me Cobalt!" It was then Sunset was then frozen in place. Cobalt then fell back down as Sunset was moved from him. The perpetrator was Twilight.
Before she could grab Cobalt, he was grabbed by Rainbow again. She ran back upstairs snickering before running face first into Rarity's transparent-diamond shield, and she lost her grip on Cobalt causing him to fly over Rarity, and towards Fluttershy.
"Fluttershy!" Everyone yelled as Cobalt straight towards her.
"Eep!" Fluttershy ducked down as Cobalt crashed through the wall behind her, leaving a large hole through it.
Meanwhile, Harmony and the twins were seen walking up to see Cobalt underneath the rubble, "Cobalt is going to be mad. I think we should go somewhere else you two," They both nodded as they shuffled away from the house quickly. Neither of them enjoyed seeing Cobalt angry.
A bright, powerful blue aura emanated from the rubble as a huge lighting shockwave shot out of it. Cobalt rose from the rubble, his eyes all blue, and a lightning aura surrounding his body as he huffed broadly, and, "Enough!" Cobalt yelled at the top of his lungs. The power from his voice sent the girls tumbling downstairs, causing them to crash into a large pile into one another, "Everyone in your rooms now, and no one will get hurt!" Cobalt floated above them, frightening all of them to run into Sunset's room, "Gah, stupid kids..."
The girls huffed and puffed as they locked the door behind them before sliding onto the floor. Rainbow punched the ground, startling everyone, "This is all your fault Rarity!"
"My fault! I do believe you started all of this by grabbing Cobalt from me!"
"Well, he wouldn't have been tossed around if it weren't for Pinkie breaking into my room!"
"Hey! I was trying to get Cobalt from you! I wasn't going to allow you to have him all for yourself! Besides, Applejack continued it by shoulder blocking me!"
"Well, ah' can't deny that. But Sunset is the one that tripped me!"
"Twilight froze me in the air so that I couldn't even move!"
"Then Rainbow grabbed Cobalt again!"
"Then Rarity made me run into her retarded shield!"
"Retarded?! Well I never!"
"Yeah, you never gave us a chance with Cobalt! You always try to seduce him!"
"Yeah, well, he would've gotten that angry if Fluttershy hadn't ducked down!" They all stared at Fluttershy who was hugging her knees, her hair covering one side of her face.
"Uh..."
"Quiet up there! I don't want to here another peep out all of you!" Cobalt yelled, causing all of them to jump in fear.
They all sighed as Rainbow snapped her fingers, "I have an idea."
"Oh this should be great...," Rarity said scornfully.
"Hear me out. If we all want Cobalt's virginity, why don't we do just that?"
"How do you suppose we do that? You can only take someones virginity once..."
"Remember that time lapse spell we learned? If we are able to successfully use that spell we can all reverse time, and make seem as if Cobalt hadn't lost his virginity in the first place."
"Wait, does it work like that?"
"Well, yeah. Cobalt's memory of having sex with us will be eluded due to the fact of it not happening!"
"Huh, that's actually a good idea," Everyone except Twilight agreed, causing the others to look at her, "What is it Twilight?"
"Well, the spell reverses time for everything in the area. So if you reverse time when you're in the vicinity, you won't have lost your virginity either. Making it so that when you do lose your virginity, you'll only have your virginity again after you activate the spell."
"She's right. How can we work around that?"
They all tried their best to think back to the lesson Cobalt had on that spell...
If you are to use the time lapse spell, and you don't wish to be caught in said spell, just target the area that you do wish to cause a time lapse in. It takes practice however, with this, you can be able to reverse time only to the area that you choose. Take note though that the area of effect must be blocked off by some sort of solid surface. Perhaps a wall, door, shield, or forcefield.
"That's it!" They all yelled causing Cobalt to yell back up.
"What did I say!"
They all covered their mouths as they all nodded at each other.
"This..."
"Is our chance..."
"Ta'...
"Take...
"What's..."
"Rightfully..."
"Ours!"
Will this plan of theirs work? We'll let fate decide... |
New guy at CHS: The Mystic Realm | Chapter 13 | Later that night, the girls planned out their plan to take Cobalt's virginity, "So how are we going to determine who goes first?" Rainbow asked as she looked at her friends waiting for an answer.
They couldn't choose, and they couldn't argue about it or their plan will be heard by Cobalt. They then decided to do a classic. Pull the name out of the hat!
"Alright, all of our names will be put in this hat. We'll draw one tonight, and tomorrow night, we'll do the next one, and so on and so forth," They all nodded as Rainbow shook the hat up. She pulled the first slip of paper for it to reveal something she added in for something fun, "Oh, I'm glad this was the one that was chosen. Fluttershy," Fluttershy smiled, but Rainbow then said, "And myself!"
"Huh?!"
"I forgot I added that in. Fluttershy, we're gonna have a threesome with Cobalt!" Usually, Fluttershy would be embarrassed and mad beyond belief, but instead, she smirked and nodded.
"Very well then, I will enjoy it," This threw Rainbow off guard, but she didn't relent as she agreed.
"Likewise Fluttershy," They shook hands as they went on with the plan.
Later that night, they went over the plan one more time, "Remember, Twilight, you'll use the time lapse spell once we leave the room the next morning."
"Next morning? I don't remember that being part of the plan."
"Do you really think I'd pass up on sleeping with Cobalt? Ha, not a chance," Rainbow smirked as she saw how jealous the others got.
"Need I remind you that Fluttershy will be there as well?"
"Don't worry, she'll sleep on the floor," Fluttershy puffed her cheeks out as Rainbow said this, "Alright, let's get the plan underway!"
Both Fluttershy and Rainbow both waited outside Cobalt's door, both eager to knock, but too nervous to do so, "Well, knock on it Rainbow."
"Me? Why don't you do it?"
"Really? You're going to ask the shy one in the group to do it?"
"Point taken, but I'm too nervous to knock."
"So am I. I mean, I'm nervous around Cobalt all the time, but this is beyond my mental capacity!" The two whispered loudly back and forth, and they hadn't even noticed Cobalt watching them from his bedroom doorway.
"Can I help you two?"
They both stiffened up as they saw Cobalt who was shirtless in front of them, "Uh, we want to... uh..."
"Well?"
"We wanna sleep with you!" Fluttershy yelled at the top of her lungs. Much to the surprise of Cobalt and Rainbow, "I mean... please..."
"Is there a reason for this?"
"Well, we just wanted to apologize by making you feel comfortable while you sleep."
"Well, I did get a little too angry at you girls earlier today. Although, I would've expected something like this from Rarity, and you Rainbow. But you Fluttershy? Are you sure you don't drink?"
"Yes I'm sure, but it's my fault that you crashed through the wall..."
"It's fine. I got too angry. I'll let you girls sleep with me," Cobalt then winked as he walked back inside.
"Fluttershy, did you see that?"
"Yes, and did you see his body? It looks better than it did before!"
"But we saw it at the beach earlier."
"But I never noticed it until now. I thought it still looked the same, but he's more toned."
Rainbow glanced at Cobalt's body, and her eyes widened. He did have better body. His muscles were more defined, and it matched his perfect face. In Rainbow's mind that is. Rainbow couldn't take her eyes of Cobalt's body.
"Rainbow? Aren't you getting in the bed?"
"Oh, sorry..."
"It's a tight squeeze, but we can manage," Fluttershy was in front of Cobalt, and Rainbow was behind him. Fluttershy smirked as she turned around, and scooted back.
No, Fluttershy! Don't scoot back. That nice... ass... is going to... shut up Cobalt! Don't think like that. I know how much you want it, but you can't...
Cobalt soon felt his penis grow larger as Fluttershy started grinding on it. Cobalt shook, trying to hold in his pleasure, but enough was enough.
That's it! I don't care anymore!
Cobalt grabbed Fluttershy fiercely, turned her around, and passionately kissed her. Rainbow looked on in surprise at Cobalt's sudden action.
"Mhmm!" Fluttershy needed to breathe, but she didn't want to break apart.
"Hey! I wanna a turn," Rainbow ripped them apart, and planted her own lips on Cobalt's. Both of their tongues fought for dominance between each other.
Soon afterwards, Fluttershy did what Rainbow did, and ripped them apart, placing her lips on Cobalt's. This continued for at least 5 minutes before Cobalt pushed them away from him, "How about we get to the main event?" Cobalt slowly stuck his hands down the pajamas of both Fluttershy and Rainbow.
"Cobalt?"
"Uh..."
They both knew what was about to happen, and mentally prepared themselves. They soon felt Cobalt's fingers trace across their vaginae, sending them into a state of euphoria.
"Cobalt!"
"Oh man...!"
"Feels good huh? This is only the beginning," Cobalt slowly inserted his fingers as he slided them inside and out, sending them into a higher state of bliss.
With each moment Cobalt fingers them, they moan in complete ecstacy.
"I never knew could feel this great!"
"This is what I've been missing?!"
However, Cobalt soon stopped, confusing the girls. They hadn't even cum yet, and he stopped.
"I need some pleasuring too," Cobalt pulled down his shorty's to reveal his long, erected member. It looked to be at least 9.5 inches long.
"Can that even fit?" Both girls feared as they inched closer to it. They both stared at it intently before looking at each other. They both nodded before going to town on Cobalt's penis.
"Whoa, starting strong I see. Just how I like it...," Cobalt bit his lip as he watched the girls go to town on his erected cock, "Are you girls virgins?" They both nodded, but Cobalt chuckled, "Huh, it's hard to believe with how well you're giving this blowjob you two. Trying to impress me?"
"Oh be quiet, you're lucky we're doing this anyway...," Rainbow retorted, but she went back to doing what she's been enjoying.
Wow, they're really good. I never expected this amount of technique with their fellatio. I'm trying to hold back, but it's just...
"It's pulsating!"
"Come on Fluttershy, he's almost cumming. Do it harder," Rainbow yelled as she sucked with more tenacity.
Fluttershy took a deep breath, and took in Cobalt's entire cock.
She can deep throat too?! Holy shit!
Cobalt held Fluttershy's face down as he shot his warm, thick cum down her throat. Fluttershy eye twitched at the massive amount of cum she was taking in.
"Swallow it all Flutters..."
Rainbow watched on in awe as she saw Fluttershy gulp continuously, "No way..."
"That's it...," Cobalt slowly pulled his cock out as a small trace of saliva followed it, "Open...," Cobalt ordered. She opened her mouth too reveal nothing to be there, "Good girl. Now, on to the dinner," Cobalt pushed both girls on their backs, forcing them down. Cobalt's personality had made a 360 degree turn. Both of them were both scared, yet enticed, "So," Cobalt started, "who wants it first?"
Both of them wanted it, but Cobalt glanced at Rainbow, "You were left out Rainbow for that little bit. How about I start with you," Positioned himself in front of Rainbow. She could feel herself get hornier from this.
"Wait, Cobalt I'm not... Ah!" Before she could finish, Cobalt penetrated her vagina. The amount of pain and pleasure she was feeling was astronomical, "This feels awesome!"
Fluttershy looked on at the amount pleasure Rainbow was in. The pleasure was written as over get face and body. The more Rainbow moaned, the more intense Cobalt got.
"Oh yes... fuck me more Cobalt...," At this point, Rainbow had her tongue sticking out as Consult picked up speed.
"Hehe, I know you like this. Beg for more...," Cobalt demanded. Cobalt was a whole completely different person.
"Please... give me more... give me that succulent cum..."
"Ask, and you shall receive!" Cobalt gave one last fierce thrust. With this thrust, an electric aura surrounded both Cobalt and Rainbow as both of them climaxes at the same time.
Rainbow was now out of it. Her tongue was hanging outside her mouth after cumming. Cobalt then glanced at Fluttershy, "Uh..."
"You ready?" Fluttershy nodded as she seductively sat up to kiss Cobalt. They passionately kissed for another minute, gasping for air afterwards.
"I've been... waiting... for this Cobalt..."
"I know, so let's get on with it. I won't be so rough with you. I was just rough with Rainbow because you know... I knew she would like it."
"Alright..., but you can be rough with me," Fluttershy wrapped her arms around Cobalt's neck, and proceeded to kiss him again.
Once they broke apart, Cobalt chuckled, "It's hard to be rough when you kiss and act like a sweetie. But if you want it rough...," Cobalt paused, and smirked devilishly, "then you'll get what you want," Cobalt lifted her up, and penetrated her fiercely, breaking her hymen, "These aren't suppose to be broken, but you wanted it rough!"
"Cobalt!" Cobalt thrusted up as Fluttershy jumped up from the pain of having her hymen break. She was in pain at first, but she soon started to look more like Rainbow Dash, "Oh... Cobalt... you're big!"
"Don't have to tell me that... guh... I know...," Cobalt then dropped her down on the bed, and continued thrusting, "Beg, just like Rainbow!"
"Oh yes! Please cum in me Cobalt! Fuck me hard!"
"Oh, didn't expect you say that!" Even so, Cobalt did as she please, "And...!" Cobalt gave last good thrust, releasing his semen inside of her causing her to take the same ahegao face as Rainbow, "Whew, I needed that from you girls. I've been wanting to do that for a while...," Cobalt took a look at their bodies just laying there, "It wasn't that good... I think? Oh well, good night you two."
Cobalt cleaned them up, and around them, before setting neatly on the bed. He set down a sleeping bag on the floor, and hopped in it himself.
Now, to play along with the rest of their little plan... |
New guy at CHS: The Mystic Realm | Chapter 14 | That next morning, both Fluttershy and Rainbow woke up to find Cobalt sleeping on the floor. They had just remembered their whole threesome from the night before.
"Rainbow, did we really just...?"
"Yeah... we did," They sat up from his bed, and tip-toed away from his room to find the rest of the girls waiting outside for them.
"Getting an extra hour with him?" Rarity berated the two in pure jealousy, "Hmph, it sounded like the two of you had a blast with him too."
"Jealous?"
"I think it's obvious. I'm not even going to deny it anymore. Anyway, who's next for tonight?"
"I think we should use the time lapse spell first," Twilight held her hand up, and blasted a mini blue ball of energy into Cobalt's room, "Close the door!" They quickly shut the door as the door jumped forward a bit.
Meanwhile on the inside of his room, Cobalt woke up as a large shield surrounded him, "Barrier. Great for blocking magic," He sat up and stared at his clock, "Perfect. Back an hour," He put down the barrier and stretched, "Gotta stay awake for an extra two hours, or until they come wake me up...," Just as he said this, the door slowly opened.
The girls peeked inside as Cobalt turned to make it seem like he was still sleeping, "It worked. Look, his clock is 1 hour behind ours. Come on, let's not wake him up," They closed the door again, and once Cobalt heard the click, he sat back up.
"Geez, they're really going through with this plan? I mean, they don't know about... you know what. I'm not getting into that. They're gonna let me have an extra hour of sleep, so I might as well make use of it...," Cobalt laid back down as he drifted off to sleep.
Harmony and the twins woke up to see the girls sneaking away from Cobalt's room, and decided to mess with them a little, "Girls, did you feel that tremor last night?"
"Huh?"
" I thought I felt, or at least heard one. Cobalt's room sounded like there was an earthquake hitting it."
The girls stiffened up, seeming to forget that both Harmony and the twins were downstairs next to Cobalt's room, "Uh..."
"I heard the two of you yelling and moaning in pleasure too," Harmony said as she pointed at both Rainbow and Fluttershy.
"Well that was..."
"I never knew a earthquake could cause pleasure."
"We had sex with him!" Fluttershy yelled, surprising everyone, even Harmony.
"I know...," Harmony smiled as she looked around for a second, and continued, "We know about your little plan of using the time lapse spell to take Cobalt's virginity. However. there's something you girls should know."
They all stared at Harmony as she held her hand. Like Bolt, her hand was surrounded by electricity, "Whoa!" The girls stepped back in fear as she held her hand up.
"I think someone else should explain it," She shot off her Bolt, and it something solid behind her, "That someone being Cobalt?" They looked down to see Cobalt burnt to a crisp, "Why don't you tell them... sweetie."
"Sweetie!" They all yelled in surprise. Rarity ran up to Cobalt's burnt body, lifted him with one hand, and stared into his dazed eyes.
"You said your relationship want intimate!"
"He lied," Harmony said.
"Then that means, your virginity was already taken by..."
"Me," The Headmistress raised her hand, making Rarity's hair change to a color similar to Sunset's.
"You... player!" Rarity raised her free hand, which burned like Harmony's hand when she uses Blaze, and smacked him through his bedroom door, "Hmph...!"
"Whoa...," All the girls stared at Rarity with surprise. Once she had realized what she had done, her hair was back to its cerulean-colored self.
"I don't know what got over me. This whole time, Cobalt said how much he loved us before he left Canterlot. Now we find out that he's in a relationship with you, Headmistress."
"Well time flew by, and Cobalt and I hung out so much that we grew a liking to each other. I confessed to him, and he said yes. We've been dating for... 3 years now, and about 5 months before you girls arrived... he proposed..." ...
The girls sat in silence at this news. This whole time they had thought Cobalt invited them back because he loved and missed them, but now they know the truth.
"Them why did he bring us here if it wasn't because he loved and nodded us?"
Harmony stood in silence, get once smiling face changed to that of a serious once, "That's something I don't know myself. He had never told me why. But I'm not sure he expected...," She stopped and looked at Cobalt who was slowly standing up.
"Harmony, can we talk for a second?" Cobalt said in a disgruntled tone.
"Uh.. yes?"
"In private...," Cobalt irritation to his tone as Harmony slowly nodded. The girls couldn't help but notice Cobalt's different body behavior and tone. Almost as if, Harmony said or did something she wasn't suppose to...
All the girls could wonder, especially Twilight, is what else is he hiding from them... |
New guy at CHS: The Mystic Realm | Chapter 15(Beach Arc Finale) | "I'm guessing this is serious since you placed a sound barrier around us, right?" Harmony was somewhat scared to see Cobalt somewhat angry at her.
"Is that what it looks like? Oh please, this is only the beginning...," Cobalt rubbed his faced as he sighed in frustration, "Are you fucking serious Harmony? You had tell them all of that fucking nonsense?"
"Cobalt sweetie..."
"Don't call me that! I'm not your sweetie. Not anymore at least...," Cobalt sighed once before continuing, "Why did you lie to them about us being together...?"
"We were dating..."
"Keyword 'were'! Like seriously, the one time I could make amends with them, you pull shit like this!"
"Cobalt... calm down..."
"Don't tell me to fucking calm down!" Cobalt's eyes started to burn with anger as he turn and glared at her, sending shivers down Harmony's spine.
"Cobalt..."
Cobalt realized what he was doing, and slowly calmed down, "Sorry. I'm just... frustrated at the situation I'm in now. I'm pretty sure they all hate me now. I'm pretty sure I promised them my heart, then I go and disappear without a word for 6 years, then I return to them, only for them to find out that I'm married to you which is a false statement..."
"One reason I said that was to setup something else..."
"What?"
"About my brother's visit..."
"Hmph, 'visit' my ass. He's not here to visit this school. You know he hates this school. He's just here to take whatever girl is to his liking. And I know that one of my friends will meet his liking. I already guess on who as well..."
"Would you like to clear things up with the girls?"
"Yeah, I don't want them hating me..."
"I promise you that they won't hate you..."
Cobalt took a deep breath as he walked back outside to meet the girls standing in front, Rarity looking apologetic, "Why do you girls look like that?"
"Cobalt," Harmony said behind him, "You did the sound barrier spell wrong."
"I just knew I did, bit I was too stubborn to fix it...," He then looked at the girls, "So all of you heard?" They nodded, "Then let me explain the truth. Let's have a seat in the living room...," They followed Cobalt to the living room as he sat down, "So what should we explain first?"
Rarity answered, "What is your true relationship with the Headmistress?"
Cobalt sighed and chuckled, "Well, we did date, and I did purpose to her."
"Did?"
"Yes, we did date for 3 years that much is true. I did purpose to her not long ago, but the reason we started dating was because I was away from all of you. With all the stress of trying to get you girls to school caught up to me in the long run, Harmony sort of... gave me that unique feeling that you girls gave me..."
"You see," Harmony started, "Cobalt did what he could to get you girls here. He would usually never sleep for weeks on end just to find a way to get you girls here. The stress caught up to him to a point of depression, constant stress and anxiety. With his students starting to get worried, they turned to me for help. I did what I could, and eventually, I fell in love with him and vice-versa."
"After 3 years of dating, I finally had the guts to propose. However, when I found out you girls got the okay to attend Starlight, I called off the wedding, and both Harmony and I broke up on mutual terms. Of course, we do still mingle a bit, but not as much as did before."
"Why did you lie to us back in Canterlot?"
"Technically, I didn't lie. I told you our relationship wasn't intimate, at the moment. We do still go out on weekends to go to a bar or something like that. We get drunk, and find each other in the same bed as one another."
"Wait you mentioned you lost virginity to the Headmistress. When was this?"
"About a year after we started dating. It just sort of happened. I mean seriously you two," Cobalt said as he looked at Fluttershy and Rainbow, "did you really think I would that much as a virgin?" The two girls blushed as everyone laughed at their embarrassment.
Rarity then asked, "So you're still... single?" Cobalt nodded, causing Rarity to leap from her seat and tackle Cobalt for a hug, "Yay! That means I still have a chance! And I'm sorry for slapping you like that!"
"Alright... just chill out..."
Twilight then spoke, "Now I would like to know this," Twilight paused as everyone looked at her, Why do you hate the Headmistress' brother?"
Cobalt paused as he looked on in anger. Harmony them spoke for him, "It's who my brother is. You see, He makes annual visits to the school to seek out another bride to add to his 'collection' so to speak."
"Collection?"
Cobalt then spoke, "He treats women as if they were his playthings instead of normal people. It pisses me off so much..."
"If you remember hearing about Cobalt's loss to my brother, the reason he lost the duel is much deeper than all of you think," Harmony praised as he looked at Cobalt, "Let me handle this," He nodded as he looked away from them, "You see, my brother had planned to go and take one of Cobalt's to students in as his bride. The girl heavily objected to the marriage, yet my brother refused to listen. That's when Cobalt stepped in. He challenged him. Cobalt put his rank, and that girl's future on the line, and lost."
"It's my fault that girl is now the sex toy of someone she doesn't even like. Her whole life is over because of me!"
"Shush you...," Harmony snapped her fingers, making Cobalt fall asleep, "Cobalt had blamed himself for that girl going with him, and ever since that, lost that spark of ferocity he has during duel, sending him on a long losing streak."
"How long ago was this, if I may ask?" Rarity asked in curiosity.
"About 2 years ago..."
"He was on a losing streak for 2 years?!" Harmony nodded, "All because of something that wasn't his fault..."
They all begun to stare at Cobalt who was out cold. They hadn't realized the things he's been through while here in the mystic realm.
"My brother is coming to visit soon..."
"Huh?"
"That's why Cobalt had been a little anxious recently. I made up all that drama for that very reason. To make some drama...," After pausing, she continued, "You see, he wants me to keep you girls away from my brother. He doesn't want to lose any of you to a man like him. I, myself, don't even like my brother."
"Wow..."
"Just listen, I don't when he'll be here, but he's going to be here soon. So when he does, just prepare yourself for what he'll try to do to all of you..."
They all nodded, but they couldn't help but wonder if there was more to Harmony's brother then what they're telling them... |
New guy at CHS: The Mystic Realm | Chapter 16(Climax Arc) | Now was the day to finally head home, Cobalt and Harmony had their night out, and surprisingly, nothing happened between them. They had a few drinks, did karaoke, and took a walk along the beach. However, they had a certain conversation while on the beach.
"Cobalt, it's nice out here at night, right?"
"Yeah, I'm glad I decided to go today. Although, I'm still pretty pissed at you for that bullshit you pulled a few days back."
"How many times do I have to say I'm sorry?"
"Listen, what you did pushed the boundaries with the girls. Twilight already didn't trust me when we arrived, and now, I have a feeling she's even more suspicious now..."
"What? Are you trying to make her your bride?"
"No, I just don't want her to feel suspicious. I want to be her friend, you know that."
"I understand, sorry..."
"Don't be anymore. I forgive you. Besides, aren't you suppose to be mature right now? Because currently. you're acting like how I first met you. Shy, and... apprehensive recently. Is it about your brother's arrival?"
"Yes..."
"I not only hate him because of how he treats woman, but of what he's trying to do to realize your father's ambition."
"You mean subduing each nation one by one in the mystic realm?"
"Basically..."
If you hadn't known, Harmony's family love power. They loath it, but Harmony isn't like that. She likes each nation of the mystic realm to be living in harmony, hence her name. She doesn't like meddling with other nations and their affairs, nor does she want to take their power away. As of now, the nations of the mystic realm are living peacefully, but unbeknownst to them, Harmony's brother was planning to invade each nation, and subdue them.
"You can't even do anything about it. Once your brother starts his invasions, there won't be any going back..."
"Many officials have voted against the invasions, but he still plans to go with his plan."
"Won't this start a great war or something like that?"
"Well, unless someone does something about it," Harmony stopped walking as she turned to look at Cobalt, "However, I'm more worried about how you'll feel when my brother arrive."
Cobalt continued walking as he chuckled, "I guess we'll see when that time arrives. First of all, I have to get ready with my duel against Midnight, right?"
"Yeah!" She ran beside Cobalt as they continued walking along side the beach, "Can I..."? She pointed towards his arm, causing him to chuckle.
"Yeah, go ahead," She smiled and took his arm.
And now, it was time for Cobalt's long awaited duel with the current second strongest mystic in the universe, Midnight. Since the duel was so huge, they are having it in the biggest arena in the mystic realm: Myriad Arena.
In Cobalt's locker room, Cobalt was mentally preparing himself.
This was it... my duel with Midnight. This long awaited duel between us will surely be the talk around the mystic realm for centuries to come! However, I haven't dueled Midnight since her rehabilitation. I defeated her yes, but that was so long ago...
I don't know what skills she knows now. She's a crafty little mystic, so I have to prepare myself mentally for whatever she throws at me...
A knock soon sounded out throughout Cobalt's locker room, causing Cobalt to snap out of his trance, "Cobalt!" The voice was Rarity.
"Yes, come in Rarity..."
She opened the door, to see Cobalt sitting in the middle of his locker room, "Are you ready?"
"As ready as I'll ever be. Are they waiting on me?"
"Yes, shall we get going?"
"Sure thing, let's go...," Cobalt stood up as he stopped Rarity first, "Hold on, do you remember that present you girls gave me before I left for the mystic realm?"
"Yeah?"
"I liked it, but I sort of modified it slightly. Go ahead and go on to the arena. You'll see what I mean," Rarity, although confused, she walked back up to the stands in the arena.
"Yo Rarity!" Rainbow yelled from their seats, "Where's Cobalt? Everyone's waiting for him."
"He's about to come out. By the way, he said that he modified our present that we gave to him before he left. I can't wait to see what he did!" They all awaited Cobalt's entrance as they saw lights point at the other side of the arena.
"About to enter the arena, Ranked 2nd in the entire universe: Midnight Gleam!" Everyone cheered loudly for Midnight as she walked through with a three sectional staff.
"That's her weapon?" Twilight questioned as she looked at Midnight standing proudly in the middle of the arena.
"She uses a three sectional staff after her rehabilitation. She used to use a flail, but changed afterwards," Harmony explained, "She's much more powerful and dangerous with the tri-staff. Although, Cobalt also had a weapon change, which took him a while to adapt to."
Before anyone else could say anything, the light shined to the other side of the arena, "Now, introducing, Ranked 3rd in the universe, you know him for going on a 2 year losing streak! Here he is: Shiiiiiining Coooooooobaaaaaaalt!" The crowed exploded with cheers as Cobalt slowly walked out wearing Japanese-inspired armor that was lightweight, and was light on the armor. It was more stylish rather than battle ready.
"Wow...," They all stared at Cobalt as he slowly walked towards the middle of the arena to meet Midnight, "He looks great!" Rarity, along with the others, were soon enticed at Cobalt's attire.
Soon, the two mystics were eye-balling each other, "Midnight..."
"Cobalt..."
"Quite the crowd we stirred up, correct?"
"Yeah, I'm looking forward to how much you've improved..."
"I should be saying that to you Midnight."
"Oh well," They both turned away from each other to gain some distance between the two of them.
An official rose from the side of the battlefield to explain the rules, "As you know the rules, the timer will be set to 5 minutes! If your hit points reach zero, the duel is over! Once time is up before then, the one with the most hit points will be declared the winner! Remember, this is no holds barred! Anything goes you two!"
"Right!" They both yelled.
"Are both fighters ready?"
"Ready!" Both yelled again.
"Very well," The official soon went away as a timer started to countdown.
5...
This was it...
4...
Cobalt...
3...
I want you to know...
2...
I won't hold back!
1... GO!
And so it began... |
New guy at CHS: The Mystic Realm | Chapter 17 | The two mystics charged at each other, and came into a shockwave inducing deadlock. The two stared each other in their deadlock, both smirking brightly at each other.
The two stepped back away from each other before circling around the arena, "I have no idea what she could throw at me. Right now, she has the agility... I have the dexterity due to my loose clothing..., but how can I determine what she'll use to her advantage."
"Shattered Wall!" Midnight yelled as a large mirror-like maze filled the arena.
"Headmistress, what is Shattered Wall?" Twilight questioned, "Cobalt has talked about said ability, but he never really taught us about its use..."
"Shattered Wall is a spell that uses deception. Similar to a hall of mirrors at a carnival, it uses reflections to fool the opponent's field of view to confuse them on the user's presence. With Shattered Wall, she can bypass Cobalt's 6th sense skill easily. However...," Harmony stated, "she doesn't know how well Cobalt prepared for this said spell."
"Huh, Shattered Wall... nice try...," Cobalt held his hand to the ground, unleashing a purple shockwave throughout the arena. A shriek sounded out throughout the arena, causing the mirrors to disappear.
"Huh?!"
"What Cobalt just did was disable all deception magic from the field. Another incomplete ability called: Nullify. He's able to disable any magic based on category. Shattered Wall is, like I said, a deception spell, so he disabled that, along with other deception spells. However, this makes deception spells for both the user and the opponent useless."
"Damn it Cobalt?! Why'd you ruin the fun so early?!"
"Because this duel is only 5 minutes, and there's no way in hell I was going to let you win by default. We gotta give the duel the people wanna see! Besides," Cobalt teleported behind Midnight, and attempted to hit her, but Midnight's reaction time was fast enough to block it with her tri-staff, "I'm not going to go easy on you."
"I don't plan to either...," Midnight attempted to roundhouse kick Cobalt, but he flipped away from her. Cobalt leaped into the air, attached his katana to his foot, and charged downward towards Midnight, surprising her, "Whoa!" She jumped back, and dug her foot in the ground before jumping up towards Cobalt. She held her foot out, and it soon surrounded itself in a icy dome. Her foot came in contact with Cobalt's katana, freezing it to his foot.
"Damn it!" Cobalt stomped into the ground as he tried to free his foot, but he saw Midnight out the corner of his eyes smirking.
"Good night...," Cobalt's vision was now blackened to where he could only see a few feet in front of him.
"I thought I..."
"You should really brush up on your spell execution Cobalt...," Midnight appeared behind him, and landed a devastating combo on Cobalt, ending it in another fierce kick. This knocked Cobalt into the wall with a fierce thud.
"Man, spells just aren't my thing...," Cobalt stood up and stretched his shoulder out, "I guess I'll just have to get physical...," Cobalt stood back and charged towards Midnight, she got ready to counter whatever he had planned, but she felt a chill down her spine. Now, Cobalt was behind her, a red aura around his body, "Ha, I love my speed. You should be able to outclass my speed, right Midnight?"
"Ha! Let's finish this duel!" Midnight charged at Cobalt, with Cobalt easily retaliating back. They both attacked each other with such speed that nobody saw their arms. They broke apart from each other as Cobalt stiffened up as multiple cuts appeared on his body.
"What the hell? How can a staff make cuts...?" Midnight smirked as she extended her staff, which wrapped around Cobalt, "What the...?!" She pulled him back towards herself, and smirked as she caught him.
"Ready to dive?"
"Oh no..."
"What's going on headmistress?!" Rarity yelled.
Harmony held her head down in disappointment at this, "It's over from here..."
Midnight jumped high with Cobalt still in her grasp. She jumped to a daring height before turning back towards the ground, and plummeting towards it at a dangerous speed. A large fire ball formed around them as they inched closer to the ground.
Closer...
Ever so closer...
And...
They made contact with the ground, causing a large fiery explosion to fill the stadium. The smoke from the explosion filled the arena, blinding everyone from viewing the results. Everyone waited anxiously for the results of the fierce attack.
Once the smoke dissipated, everyone saw the result. Midnight stood tall as Cobalt laid face first on the ground, "And it's over..."
"It's not over!" The announcer yelled.
"Huh?!"
The scoreboard read that Cobalt wasn't knocked out yet, and still had 100 hit points left, and Midnight with 250. 1 minute on the clock, and Midnight had expected that to be a one hit K.O.
"How did that not take you out?!" Cobalt slowly stood up as his eyes lost it's color, and began to glow a gold aura, "Last Stand!" Cobalt appeared in front of Midnight, and stopped her from moving, "No!"
Harmony sat on in awe, "He survived that hit? No one has ever survived that dive attack from Midnight ever..."
Cobalt held his sword behind him as it glowed red, "Now... it's over," Cobalt swung his sword at Midnight's abdomen. He pushed his sword fiercely before smirking. He swung right through her, and grabbed her from behind, "Heads up!" Cobalt jumped high just like Midnight, but instead of charging with her, he threw her down, and followed her down. He appeared underneath her, and held his katana up.
Midnight landed straight through the katana, impaling her through, "Bolt!" Cobalt shot a beam of lightning through the katana and threw her off of it. The buzzer sounded as Cobalt knelt down on one knee panting heavily. The hit point read: Cobalt: 12 hit points. Midnight: 5 hit points.
"We have your winner, and new Rank 2 Mystic: Shining Cobalt!" The arena erupted in cheers as confetti surrounded Cobalt. He looked up, still panting heavily. Cobalt's friends ran up to him, and surrounded him in a group hug.
"That was awesome Cobalt!" Rainbow yelled.
"Yeah, we all thought you were a goner!" Applejack added.
"Hehe, I try my best..."
"That was very impressive Cobalt. You're definitely worthy of the number 2 spot," Harmony smiled brightly at Cobalt as he returned the smile. However, a slow clap rose from behind them. They all turned to see a man with white, noble armor, with long white hair, somewhat similar to Cobalt's walking up to them.
"Impressive indeed... Shining Cobalt..."
"Who is that?" Twilight asked.
"Brother?" Harmony somewhat answered unintentionally.
They all stood wide eyed as Cobalt stared down Harmony's finally revealed brother, "That's right, I'm Harmony's big brother, Brisk Wing, and now, I would like to duel you, Shining Cobalt..."
They all gasped as Cobalt stood silent, rage in his eyes as he saw Harmony's brother. Brisk smirked as he stared at the state Cobalt was in.
You finally arrive... you bastard... |
New guy at CHS: The Mystic Realm | Chapter 18 | Murmurs filled the arena, each conversation was about Cobalt's duel with Brisk 2 years ago. The girls helped Cobalt balance himself since he had just used Last Stand.
"Brother, you can't duel Cobalt now. He had just had a grueling duel with Midnight..."
Before Brisk could respond, Cobalt spoke first, "Who said I wasn't ready now? I'm more than ready to face you Brisk..."
"Oh? Confident are we? Hmph, that confidence will get you killed. Much like the confidence you give to those students of yours. Which reminds me, I must head off to the school. I require a new bride."
Cobalt gritted his teeth as Brisk started to walk off, "Now wait just a second!" Brisk turned around to see Rarity stepping up front.
"Oh...," The moment he laid eyes on her, he felt enticed by her looks, "How... beautiful..."
"I don't like how you treat everyone, namely woman, with such disrespect. A man of your stature should respect his subjects, not... demoralize them!"
"Such a woman... with such beauty and ferocity. A woman fit to be my bride!"
"What?!" Rarity stood dazed at what Brisk just said.
"Please, I must know your name," Brisk grabbed both of Rarity's hands, and held them close to his face as he said this.
Rarity still stood dazed at Brisk's comment, and actions. This is when Cobalt intervened, "Keep your dirty hands off of her," Cobalt slapped Brisk's hands away from Rarity's as he pulled her close.
"Oh, is this your girlfriend Cobalt? Quite surprising for a man like you to have such refined woman like her."
"She's not my... look, just step off of her. It's obvious she doesn't like you."
"Harmony, I wasn't actually here for a wife currently. Once I heard about you dueling Midnight, I came to see if you would retain your 2nd place spot, or if you would drop back down again. I wanna say that I'm impressed that you've actually earned you place back. However, I propose an offer. We duel, snd if you win, you can take the number 1 spot."
Cobalt stood anxious at the offer, but he smiled, "I accept..."
"Cobalt!"
"In fact, we can do it now. I don't feel like waiting to kick your ass Brisk..."
"Cobalt, what are you doing?!"
"Oh, even after that duel with Midnight? Very well then, I accept."
"Cobalt, you aren't even fit to stand. Why would subjugate yourself to something like this?"
"Because. this isn't for that number one spot...," Cobalt looked at his fist, and balled it up, "This is for redemption..."
"We're glad to say that we have another treat for all of you!" The announcer yelled with excitement, "For the first time in two years, the number 1 and number 2 will be facing off in a duel to end all duels! The Ice Demon, Brisk Wind!"
An mix of boos and cheers filled the arena as Brisk waved to the crowd with a smirk on his face, "Such a mixed reaction..."
"There are many people that like and dislike my brother. It's usually like this..."
"And, the Angel of Lightning, Shining Cobalt!"
"You know the rules! Fighters, are you ready?!"
Cobalt held his sword close to him, ready at any moment to strike. Brisk took out two swords, and attached them together at the handle.
"What kind of weapon is that?" Rainbow asked out of curiosity.
"My brother's signature weapon, the dual-sword. It's extremely versatile, able to deliver fierce blows, and at an astounding speed if he takes them apart."
"Would Cobalt be at a disadvantage with such speed?"
"Depends, if Cobalt still has energy to even retaliate..."
"Ready? Go!" Cobalt charged towards Brisk, delivering lightning fast attacks. Brisk was able to block off each attack with ease. A look of boredom grew on Brisk's face.
What am I doing? Why am I not being precise with my hits?
"Is that all?" Brisk lifted one of his swords up, and kicked Cobalt in the abdomen, staggering him slightly. Cobalt dug his foot into the ground, and disappeared within it.
Brisk stood still as he looked around for him. Cobalt jumped up from under Brisk, and attempted to hit him. Before Cobalt could attack, Brisk retaliated by jumping to dodge his attack, and throwing one of his sword at the ground, impaling Cobalt through his abdomen.
Brisk took his other sword, and drove straight down towards Cobalt who was still dazed from the attack. The girls stood up from their seats as they saw Cobalt's impending doom.
Once Brisk came into contact with Cobalt, his sword phased right through him, "What?"
"Behind you," Brisk turned around, only to get stabbed from behind, "I said behind you," Cobalt pushed through Brisk's body, and snapped his fingers causing multiple unseen slashes to form around Brisk. Brisk landed on one knee as Cobalt threw his sword into the ground, but instead of impaling the ground, it went straight through the ground, similar as to what Cobalt does when he goes into the ground.
Cobalt turned around quickly and kicked Brisk to the side, and Cobalt sword appeared from the ground, impaling Brisk through again. Brisk laid lifeless on the ground as Cobalt quickly walked up before, "I surrender!"
The scoreboard now read that Brisk had surrendered.
"You... surrender...?"
"Yes, I don't think I could take anymore punishment. You've definitely improved since our last duel. I see my sister has reignited that fire that burns inside you Cobalt. Call me impressed..."
"And we have your winner by surrender, and your new number 1: Shining Cobalt!" Again the crowd erupted with cheers. The crowd cheered so loud that it felt like the stadium really was rumbling.
Cobalt's friends ran down once again to tackle Cobalt into a hug, "You did it! You're number 1!"
"Woo-hoo, this calls for a party!" Pinkie yelled as she pulled out her party cannon.
"Actually, that would be a great idea," Brisk said from behind, "How about we throw it at the Capitol Building?"
Harmony answered, "I don't see why not. Let's go!"
Cobalt looked on confused as he saw everyone walk off from him. Cobalt stood dumbfounded, and yet, happy, "Cobalt darling, let's go!"
"Uh... yeah..."
"Is something on your mind?"
"It's nothing, Let's get going..." |
New guy at CHS: The Mystic Realm | Chapter 19 | Once everyone arrived at the large Capitol Building, they were lead to the main party hall. The party hall was huge. It looked as if it was the size of a whole separate buidling.
"Whoa...," Cobalt's friends stared in awe of the party hall. Cobalt was still skeptical of Brisk's actions.
There's no way he would just surrender like that. The duel wasn't even 2 minutes. The people expected more, but we gave them that shitfest...
Cobalt looked on at the massive amount of attendants. Multiple people whom he knew, and some that he didn't know. Even so, Cobalt was anxious behind Brisk's true actions.
He was snapped out of his anxiousness when Harmony tapped his shoulder, "What's up with you Cobalt? You've been acting strange since the duel. What's wrong?"
"I don't know. I just feel like the sudden surrender of your brother was..."
"Out of the ordinary?" Harmony finished.
"Yeah, usually, he would go until there was nothing left. His surrender... makes me anxious of his true actions..."
Cobalt looked at Brisk from across the party hall, who was talking to other people. Cobalt was about to walk to him, but he was pulled aside by Rarity, "Come on Cobalt darling, this is a party, let's have some fun!"
"Uh... maybe in a little bit," Rarity looked on in confusion as Cobalt began making his way towards Brisk.
Brisk saw this out the corner of his eye and smirked, "Just a second everyone. I must speak with Cobalt," Brisk walked away from his group of people to meet Cobalt halfway in the party hall, "Cobalt, how is this party for you and your friends?"
Cobalt turned around to see his friends having fun. A few of them talking with one another, some dancing. However, Cobalt didn't like what was happening still, "Brisk, what are you planning?"
"What do you mean? I mean, I planned this party if that's where you're getting at."
"No, your surrender. You wouldn't surrender so easily. You would normally fight until you had no fight in you left. Now, you surrender after just a few hits?"
"Discretion is the better part of valor, Cobalt. I didn't want to overexert myself on a battle I knew I possibly couldn't win. It was a good choice on my part."
"No!" Cobalt yelled, attracting the attention of everyone in the party hall.
"Cobalt, what's up?" Rainbow asked as she moved behind him.
"The Commander of the Imperial Army losing by surrendering? Not only is that bad for the Imperial Army, but that's bad for your family's name. What are your true intentions?"
"You really want to know?" Cobalt's friends walked up behind him, curious of Brisk's true actions. Brisk chuckled as he tapped his spoon on his glass.
"Gather around everyone! I shall reveal my true intentions...," Brisk smirked devilishly as he glanced at Rarity, "Cobalt, the real reason was to give a little practice run before our real duel."
"Huh?"
"Yes, my duel was only to see what you have improved on. From what I saw, you're still inconsistent. You're attacks are eratic and so predictable. However, I do know that you're placements have improved. It may give you a chance against me. Which is why I'll offer you another proposal."
"And that is?"
"We duel again, but not for the number one spot. I'll raise the stakes above that."
"So the stakes are high?"
"Yes, you see, if you win, I'll resign from my Commander position, and call of the invasions," Everyone gasped and began to murmur amongst each other.
"Yes, and if I lose?"
"You powers will be taken away, snd your memories, along with everyone that you've met will be no more," Brisk smirked at him waiting for a response.
"So you want me to risk losing my powers and memories? That's crazy..."
"Well, how I raise them higher. Along wit your powers I also take your indigo-haired friend there as my bride," Rarity hid behind Cobalt as Brisk offered that.
"You're crazy, there's no way I'm putting her up. She's not a prize for you to take."
"She won't be taken if you win. So do we have a deal?"
"...," Cobalt remained silent as he turned to Rarity, "Rarity..."
Rarity smiled at Cobalt and said, "I know you can win. You can do it."
"But..."
"Go for it, there's no way you'll lose..."
Cobalt thought back to 2 years ago... the girl back then said the same thing. However, this is Rarity. His friend... his love interest. There's no way he'd lose, "I accept!"
"Good. The duel shall take place tomorrow. We'll make it a duel to the death."
Everyone gasped at the duel rules, but Cobalt smirked, "Gives me a chance to kill you," The two stared each other down. Yet, Cobalt still felt there was something he was planning. Something that he just couldn't predict... |
New guy at CHS: The Mystic Realm | Chapter 20 | "Focus... focus...," Cobalt was back in his locker room meditating. It was interrupted with a knock on his door, "Come in!" Expecting it to be one of his friends, he was surprised to see, "Lightning? What are you doing here?"
"I've finally sucked up my pride to say... I'm sorry..."
"An apology? What for?"
"For my outburst a month ago."
"You waited that long for an apology, and at such a time like this?"
"Well," Lightning messed with something behind her, While acting shyly, "I wanted to give you this...," She took out a katana that had a unique design on it.
"Wow, did you make this?"
"Uh... yeah. That's why I waited so long to apologize. I was making this for you..."
"The craftsman ship on this blade is outstanding. The material looks a little cheep, but this looks flawless all around."
"Thank you, I'd like to see you use it in your duel today."
"Hm," Cobalt thought it over and nodded, "Very well, I shall use it. Thank you Lightning. Now off you go, I'm about to head out."
"Yes sir!" Lightning walked off, a devilish smirk slowly growing in her face as she walked off.
"Now, a rematch that all of you have wished for. After yesterday's duel, people were eager to see a rematch that would top it. And now we will, Cobalt and Brisk will go at it again in a duel to the death. Both competitors must fight to the death without any outside interferences. The fighters have no time limit to fight to the death. Whoever submits or dies first loses!"
"A fight to death... what if Cobalt loses and...," Rarity nearly fainted at the thought of Cobalt dying.
"He won't, just believe in your teacher...," Harmony didn't show it, but she was worried too.
After the introductions were through, they got ready to fought, "Are both of you ready?"
"Yes!" Both mystics yelled.
"Alright! Ready?! Go!"
Cobalt started off by teleporting into the ground before rising behind Brisk to strike. Brisk retaliated by delivering a quick blow to Cobalt's midsection.
Cobalt flinched as he jumped back from Brisk. Brisk stuck on of his sword unbroken the ground add a large shard of ice slated below Cobalt. Cobalt jumped up to avoid the large icicle, but it soon exploded, and the shards pierced Cobalt's skin.
Cobalt winced from the pain from the icicles. Blood dripped from the wounds he had suffered from the small barrage of attacks.
"Why can't he attack?"
"My brother's reaction time is what got him to where he is now. Not only that, but he also knows Cobalt's fighting style well. Cobalt has a hard time of adapting... huh?" Harmony caught a glimpse of Cobalt's katana and was confused.
"What's the matter Headmistress?"
"That's not Cobalt's katana. It looks heavier than his original one. Where did he get that?"
Cobalt dropped his katana into the ground, and ran towards Brisk. He know attempted hand to hand combat. However, each time Brisk blocked, he would use his blade instead of the flat side of the sword, cutting Cobalt each time he punched.
Cobalt stepped back, his hands covered in blood as he panted heavily. He then smirked as his katana appeared below Brisk.
Brisk attempted to dodge it, but the blade cut his left leg, opening a huge wound on it, "Damn it...," Brisk slowly waved his blade in the air as small ice shards formed. Brisk smirked as the shards started to chase Cobalt around the arena.
Cobalt grabbed his katana before he stopped, and dug his feet to start slashing through each shard with ease. That is until one of the shards pierced Cobalt's abdomen. Cobalt fell to one knee as he started to bleed heavily from his abdomen.
"Cobalt!" Rarity stood up at the amount of blood Cobalt was losing, "Someone has to stop this. Cobalt isn't going to survive!"
"Cobalt knows when the quit..., or at least I hope he does...," Harmony started to worry more as she saw Cobalt stand up again. Blood covered his body, but he still fought on. Cobalt charged at Brisk and teleported around him, attempting to attack him from every side he could. However, Brisk blocked each attack with ease.
Come on, just a little bit faster to beat his reaction time... just a little bit more! Come on!
Cobalt soon got faster and faster before he activated Last Stand.
"Cobalt, stop!" Harmony jumped up from her seat, surprising everyone, "If you use Last Stand here, you'll die!" The girls went wide-eyed after they heard her say this. Rarity gritted he teeth before running off.
Cobalt kept going faster and faster, blood oozing from his eyes, ears, nose and mouth, just like before. Brisk looked on with a large smirk on his face as he looked up into the stands as he reflected off each attack from Cobalt.
Lightning watched on as she walked away from the arena.
Faster! Faster! FASTER!
Cobalt attempted to land one hit, but once it was blocked by Brisk, his katana shattered from the force. Cobalt landed and stared at what remained of the katana that was given to him, and then it clicked.
I get it now. The random apology and act of kindness. The katana... the cheap materials... this was a ploy. She gave me this... to lose...
Brisk chuckled as he stuck his sword into the ground, and again, the same huge icicle protruded from the ground, stabbing Cobalt all throughout his body. Cobalt didn't react... it already seemed like he was dead, "Any last words?" Cobalt remained silent as he waited his impending doom, "Hmph, I guess I don't have to take your powers. Farewell, Shining Cobalt!" Before Brisk could lay the final hit, a voice called out behind him.
"That's enough!" Everyone turned towards the voice, it was Rarity.
"When did she...?"
"It's me that you want, right? Then... you can take me as your bride... if you leave my friend alone..."
"Oh, offering your body up in marriage to save your friend? How delightful. Very well then, I shall let Cobalt go," Cobalt dropped down once the icicle disappeared.
"Rarity! What are you doing?!" All of her friends rushed down to see what had happened.
"Rarity, that's your name? Such a wonderful name. Hehe, your friend here has offered her body in marriage in exchange of protecting your precious friend here."
"Rarity!"
"I'm sorry, it's the only way to save him," She then glanced at Cobalt's near lifeless body as she smiled, "I know he'll come back for me... I know it..."
Brisk smirked at her hopes before opening a portal, "Let us go my sweetheart. We must prepare a grand wedding," Twilight stared at them leaving, and then back at Cobalt. Multiple wounds surrounded his body as he laid in a pool of his own blood. She then gritted her teeth and she spawned in a unique looking fan, and shot a beam of light at Brisk. The beam narrowly missed Brisk. He turned around annoyed and snapped his fingers.
Everyone's vision soon got blurry, and a large white flash surrounded vision before... it was over...
"Please Cobalt... save me soon..." |
New guy at CHS: The Mystic Realm | Chapter 21 | The girls woke up to their homes in Canterlot. They all woke up normally. They did their morning routine, and yet, they felt as if they were missing something, or someone. They all decided to talk in a group voice chat.
"Girls?"
"Yeah?"
"Something isn't right. Where's Rarity?"
"I thought she was going on a out of country business trip. She's really lucky..."
"Huh... no, I just feel like we're missing someone else. Like someone that's..."
"Now that 'ya mention it. 'Ah do feel that way too. 'Ah just can't point it out..."
"Same here..."
The girls all sat in silence confused as to what was missing from their lives, apart from Rarity...
"Who else would be missing..."
Twilight began to brainstorm, "Come on think... think...," It was then she remembered this exact conversation.
"Do you trust me, Twilight?"
"Huh? Why is that brought up?"
"Well, I've met Princess Twilight before you, and she seemed to deem me a friend the instant she met me. Now, with you, I can see that you're kind of... suspicious of me. Yes, you are very inconspicuous with your actions of not trusting me, but at times, I can read your body language like a book. My real question to you Twilight, is if you trust me or not?"
Twilight stood silent as Cobalt didn't face her. She then answered, "I just find it weird that you decided to randomly appear after 6 years of zero communication with our friends. I mean, I could understand why, but not even a visit to them, or even an attempt to do so. That's why I'm sort of... suspicious of your actions."
Cobalt chuckled as he turned to her, "I couldn't visit because... of something that happened between the Headmistress's brother, and myself. I guess for so long, I was... a different person because of it. I didn't really talk to anyone, and that included my friends. However...," Cobalt paused and sighed, "I felt the guilt of not contacting our friends, and... that's when I spent 2 years attempting to get you girls into Starlight. I had to jump many hurdles, but I managed to get you girls here."
Twilight continued to listen as Cobalt spoke, "I never intended to lose contact with the girls, but as a teacher of Starlight, my schedule is always filled with either with schooling, or being a member of the Imperial Army. I'm sorry for giving you some type of weird suspicious vibe. I never intended to do so."
Twilight shook her head and smiled, "No, I'm sorry for feeling that way. I should of known how close you were to them, and now seeing what you have to go through here in the mystic realm, I can understand."
"Thank you Twilight. I'm glad you understand."
"I mean, it's not that bad. I've learned about so much about being a mystic, and I've learned so many useful powers to go with mine."
"Yeah, you're welcome for that. I'm not trying to spoil you girls, but you do live under my house."
"Brain Blast!"
"Huh?"
"I remember now. Do you girls remember anyone of the name, Shining Cobalt?"
It was silent for a second before, "I remember!"
"Girls, should we meet up, and talk about this?" They all agreed, and met up at Pinkie's house.
"Man, Brisk said anyone that has met Cobalt will lose their memory of him. But friends never forget each other," Sunset looked at her friends who nodded in agreement.
"And Rarity is gonna get married to that prick too. When I see that fucker, I'm gonna teach him a lesson he'll never forget."
"We have to find Cobalt first. Without him, we won't know what to do."
"Cobalt won't be of any use to us without his powers. We need to find his sister. Maybe she can help us know of his whereabouts."
"Do you think she still lives in the same house."
They all thought it over and nodded. They all hopped into their cars before driving off to Emerald's house. They soon saw it over the hill, and were eager to know if Emerald was still there.
Once they arrived at the house, they all anxiously waited in front of the door. Twilight pressed the doorbell, and soon enough, Emerald was the one that opened up, "Hey girls, what's up?"
"You still remember us?"
"Yeah, why wouldn't I? You girls really changed Cobalt's life."
"But have you heard?"
"Heard what?"
"We'll explain. May we come in?"
"Sure thing," Emerald let them inside, and they explained everything that's lead up to them being back I'm Canterlot, "I see, so Cobalt made a deal with Brisk and ended up losing his powers, along with Rarity?"
"Yeah..."
"Well, I haven't seen Cobalt. I thought all of you were still in the mystic realm. Now that I know this, we have to find him. If he had lost his powers and memory, then he'll be here in this realm. However, it'll be too late to find him just anywhere. He could be here in Canterlot, but he might not be. Our best bet is to search the city, put up fliers, ask around. No matter what, we have to find him."
And they did just that. They searched every crevasse for Cobalt. They asked whoever they could to find out his whereabouts, but no avail, they found nothing.
They arrived back to Emerald's house with their heads held low, "I'm guessing the search didn't go so well."
"Nobody remembers Cobalt. Not even Celestia and Luna. This is bad, if we don't find him soon, Rarity will be subjugated to something horrible."
"I think it's my turn to search around. You girls can rest here. I ordered some pizza about 10 minutes ago. It should be here soon. The money for it is on the counter top. You girls should also help Lapis with her homework. Lapis, don't give them trouble, alright?"
"Yes ma'am."
"Alright, I'm off girls. Be safe," Emerald left with a stack of fliers, leaving them alone to wonder where and what Cobalt is doing.
"Girls, I'm getting worried. What if we never find Cobalt, and Rarity is stuck in the mystic realm?"
"Don't think like that..."
"It's all I can think about. Man... I miss them."
Sunset then remembered back to when they were out earlier, "Actually, I think I might have seem Cobalt while we were out."
"You did?"
"Well, I think I did..."
-4 hours earlier-
I was in this neighborhood. I was rushing to meet up with you girls.
"I still haven't found him. Where could he be?!"
I hadn't realized I was in the path of a pizza delivery guy. I ran face first into him, and I met face to face with him...
"Ow!"
"Whoa!"
Sunset looked at the guy, and was astonished at his looks.
He had the same facial features as him and he acted just as sympathetic as Cobalt.
"Sorry for running into you. I wasn't looking where I was going, " The guy said apologetically.
"No, it was my fault. Sorry for running into you. I'll pay for the pizzas."
"No, that's fine. I make extra just in case something like this happens. Don't worry about paying for it. I'll take it out of my paycheck."
No one in there right mind would do something like that. There's only a few I know that would do that, and Cobalt is one of them.
The only difference to his looks... was his hair.
-Present Time-
"What's wrong with his hair?"
"It was red. Cobalt's hair is blue. Not only that, it wasn't long or in a ponytail like usual. It was short, and spiked up to one side of his head."
"Huh..., that's weird...," It then clicked in Twilight's head, "Don't you remember to one of the lessons? Once a mystic loses their power, they lose their natural hair color, and it changes to that of the opposite color of their natural one. So Sunset... that was Cobalt!"
"Eh?!"
The doorbell then rung, and Sunset went to answer it. She was shocked to see who it was, "Delivery for Ms... oh, it's you. Pleasure to meet you again."
"Cobalt!" They all yelled.
Cobalt looked down at his name tag and laughed, "Oh yeah, my name is Shining cobalt, but I prefer-." They all surrounded him in a group hug, much to the now brainwashed Cobalt's surprise.
Why are these... cute girls... hugging me... |
New guy at CHS: The Mystic Realm | Chapter 22 | "We thought we'd never find you Cobalt...," The girls continued to hug Cobalt, much to his discomfort.
"Uh, as much as I enjoy being hugged by 6 cute girls. I think you have the wrong person. I don't know any of you, and I need to get back to work. I have to close up in about an hour."
"Uh, girls, group huddle!" They all gathered up together and began to find a way to get his memory back, "How did we all get our memories back?"
"Well," Twilight started, "I remembered a conversation we had before going to the beach..."
"I remembered...," Rainbow paused, and blushed, "Just take a guess..."
"Same here...," Fluttershy shyly said.
"'Ah remembered our date that he had with me before he left for the mystic realm..."
"Well, Cobalt always used to teach me privately about mystics, so I remembered instantly every lesson he taught me."
"Privately you say?" They all stared at Sunset at the mention of her being somewhere private with Cobalt.
"It wasn't like that. Just, whatever. What about you Pinkie?"
"Oh, I remember the party threw for before he left. That party was awesome!"
"Right, so how do we get Cobalt to gain his memories back?"
"Well, we all remembered something significant. Maybe if we can jolt Cobalt's memory with something significant to him, then maybe he'll get his memory back," They all turned towards Cobalt who was still holding the pizza.
"Uh, I need to get back to work, so I'll just let you girls have this for free...," Cobalt was about to put the pizza down, but he was stopped by Twilight, "What is this?"
"Just a little telekinesis. Now, I want-."
"Wait, telekinesis? That's just obsurd. There's no way that's humanly possible..."
"Well, I'm using it on you now aren't I?"
"Point taken..."
"Now, I want you to remember some stuff..."
"Like...?"
"What school did you go to?"
"Crystal Prep...," They all looked on in surprise at the school he said he attended, "Uh, problem?"
"No, you never attended that school. You went to CHS..."
"Ew, that school has a bunch of losers..."
Rainbow grew angry, but kept her cool, "Well, what were your grades?"
"Straight A's in honor classes," They all jumped back into a huddle.
"Well, he's still a genius, but what else can we do to jog his memory up?" They all thought it over, and Rainbow snapped her finger.
"That's it. Cobalt lived in the mountains before coming here. Maybe we can talk about his village."
"Good idea. Cobalt?"
"Yes?"
"Have you lived in Canterlot your whole life?"
"Uh...," Cobalt looked away as he answered, "Of course, why wouldn't I have, haha..."
"Bingo. Are you sure you didn't live in any mountain of some sort?"
"N-No, of course not... hehe..."
"You're stuttering...," Rainbow smirked as Cobalt began to stutter.
Crap, how do they know? Damn it, did word get out?
They all stared at him as he began to talk out loud. It then clicked, and Sunset pointed it out, "Cobalt, stop talking out loud."
It then all flowed back to Cobalt.
That's it. I remember everything!
"You girls... are my friends..., and my... lovers..."
They all smiled brightly as they surrounded Cobalt in a big group hug, "Cobalt! You're back!"
"Yup, but why is the one thing I hate doing is the one thing that brings my memory back. I thought that gag was over an done with!"
They all laughed as they settled down in the house. Lapis peaked out to see Cobalt in their house, "Cobalt?"
"Hey Lapis, long time no see..."
"Yay!" Lapis ran over to hug Cobalt, in which he returned it.
"I should really head back to work, but a little extra time should be fine. I'll just call my boss."
Cobalt took out his phone, and went out the back door. Once he did so, the girls smiled greatly and giggle, "Finally!" They all leaned back in relieve, "Now we just have to find out how to get to Rarity..."
Cobalt walked back in and took off his uniform shirt and hat, revealing his toned body once again. The girls were enticed by his body, before snapping out of their trance.
"Anyway, girls, I can't be of any use to you. Without my powers, I stand no chance against Brisk and his elite soldiers. The most I can do is tell you where Rarity is being held..."
"What kind of enthusiasm is that Cobalt? You can still fight, power or no power. Yes, the chances of you doing anything to Brisk now is low, but not doing anything won't do Rarity any good. The best you can do is get us more help."
"Well, every nation in the mystic realm dislike Brisk, but out of the 3 that dislike him, only 1 remains."
"What?"
"2 of the 4 nations surrendered before any blood was shed. The last remaining nation is Helios."
"Helios? Aren't they known for the power of their navy?"
"Yes, but they're dangerous on the ground as well. Brisk hasn't taken the risk of invading due to their weak navy. He's been slowly building his numbers over time, and with my defeat, Helios' morale will surely have dropped. He may take this one opportunity to invade. But only after we take down his strongest fortress..."
"Huh? We're going to attack right away?"
"It's the only way. We catch them off guard with a large, powerful army, and then we take the base with ease."
"That's easier said than done Cobalt...," They all nodded in agreement.
"It's easier with family," They turned to see Emerald waiting by the door, "Welcome back bro."
"It's good to be back, but when you say family, you only mean the two of us. What can the two of us possibly do against Brisk...?"
"That's not exactly what I mean. You're in for a surprise though," After she said this, Two people Cobalt had not seen, or hoped to have seen in two years.
Cobat when wide eyed as he said, "Our parents...? |
New guy at CHS: The Mystic Realm | Chapter 23 | "What... how are they...?" Cobalt slowly stood up, and began making his way towards his parents, "Mom...? Dad...?"
"Cobalt, it's us sweetie. We're really here," Cobalt reached out his hand, and his mom took it, "No way..., and dad?"
"Rehabilitation was... something my son. But after a few years, I've finally, earned my way back into the ways of the mystics..."
"Wait," Cobalt pushed away and walked away from them, "Mom, you're suppose to be dead. You died when the village burned down..."
"Son, I never did die. That was a clone of myself. I placed a clone there to watch over the village while I was working out a deal with Helios."
"Wait? Have you been... working behind the scenes?"
"Of course, why do you think everything that's happened to this point has happened. Well, apart from losing your memory, and losing Rarity to Brisk."
"You know about...? Nevermind, so what are you planning?"
"Well...," Cobalt's mom started, "Once your father's rehabilitation was over, we decided to try our best to start an alliance with Helios. We knew that we didn't have enough time before our son did something stupid."
"True, but debatable..."
"And, our alliance has been accepted."
-Meanwhile, in the nation of Helios, Mystic Realm-
"So, Sapphire and Legacy are finally begging for our help. They fear Brisk that much?" A man sat on a throne holding a small little disc. He waved to a general, and he turned to walk away while being followed by other soldiers, "Now, nothing can stop us Brisk, not even you..."
-Back in Canterlot-
"Well, we have support from the water, but what about the ground? With just the 10 of us, we can't do any damage to a whole elite army."
"That's where your father comes in," They all looked at him as he began explaining.
"With my army having been rehabilitated like myself, I can have them assist us in the assault. However, there is one problem."
"And that is?"
"Your friends must stay here in Canterlot for this assault..."
"What?!"
They all looked in surprise as they were told to stay in Canterlot.
"But why father? They've improved so much on their skills as mystics."
"We can't let them join the assault because of what we're going up against. We can't risk them being captured as well. Look, I can't guarantee this assault will be successful. To avoid such risk, they must stay here."
"No, Cobalt is our friend, and we're helping him in this assault," Rainbow said in retaliation.
"Girls...," Cobalt's father tried to detest the situation, but he just couldn't bring himself to do so.
Cobalt then intervened, "Girls, stay here in Canterlot. Don't worry, you'll be by my side when we save Rarity."
"Same goes for you son."
"Oh fuck that, I'm going too"
"Son, you're leading the charge for the main attack on Brisk. We have your base of operations in the mystic realm."
"And where is this base of operations?"
"The former Capitol of Helios."
"Wow..."
For those who don't know, there are 4 nations in the mystic realm. Helios being one of them. Helios is known for having a powerful navy, and is the second strongest nation in the mystic realm.
Their former Capitol was huge, and it's main stronghold could withstand any attack thrown at it. However, once Brisk made his move to invade, they abandoned the capitol, and it was soon taken over by Brisk and his army. If I have a stronghold like that to work from, then I think the assault on Brisk has just gotten easier.
"Wait, if I go there, then the girls with me too."
"There's a problem with them going with you..."
"And that is?"
"They're banned from the mystic realm, and the minute they're found out, they'll try to capture them no matter what..."
Cobalt then chuckled, "That won't be a problem. Let's just make sure they don't get seen by anyone."
"Cobalt..."
"Don't worry about it you two. You go ahead and do the assault. I'll go on and take the girls the stronghold. We'll be fine."
"Ok, well, Harmony, Midnight and Silver should have their memories back. They'll meet you in the stronghold."
"Got it, let's go girls."
-4 days later-
Everyone, with the exception of Sunset, sat in silence in the main office of the capitol. Cobalt sat, an angry expression on his face. All of his friends were in there, waiting for him to talk.
"Yes... we must defeat Helios...," Cobalt spoke in a deadpan voice. His friends were shocked at his demand.
"But Cobalt...," Rainbow started, "Brisk is our true threat, and with that devastating loss your parents had, our morale is too low to do anything right now. What would be the point of attacking them?"
Cobalt slammed his fist on his desk, and stood up, "What point?! How... how dare you say something like that! Avenge my parent's death. What other reason... do we need?!"
Rainbow stepped back at Cobalt's sudden outburst, a look of fear across her face.
The reason they were all silent, was that Cobalt's parents had lost their assault, and were killed in action. This time, for real. The sole reason for their loss, is the betrayal from the nation of Helios.
Cobalt sat back down, and placed his hands on his forehead, "I'm sorry..."
It was then Sunset came running through into the office, "Cobalt, I have... terrible news...," He remained silent as she continued, "Your sister... she.... she... she has been killed....! By her own men..."
Cobalt slowly moved his hands from his head as he looked up in shock, "No..."
"The traitors have taken her head..., and fled to Helios!"
All of his friends all gasped in shock. Cobalt stood up, staggering slightly as he came to the realization that his whole family was dead, "My family... they're... dead...?" Cobalt shook slightly before yelling at the top of his lungs, "NOOOOOOOO!"
Cobalt spawned in his halberd, and sliced his desk in half with a large shockwave. Everyone turned in shock as Cobalt began to breath heavily before collapsing on the ground. Cobalt then began screaming in agony...
What happened on the battle, and the events that led to this? Well, you're about to find out... |
New guy at CHS: The Mystic Realm | Chapter 24 | After Cobalt's parents and sister left to start their assault, Cobalt went straight to training the girls into handing them their signature weapons
"Alright girls, let's get on with your weapons of choice. Twilight, I vaguely remember you using some type of war fan. May I see it?"
"Sure thing," Twilight manifested the same unique looking fan and gave it to Cobalt.
"A fan used by only the greatest of strategists. Able to harness your mystical powers, and unleash them with a power reduction penalty. How were you able to be able to use this?"
"I don't know. I looked to see what kind of weapon would be best for me. I came across this, and decided to use the manifest spell to create it. And there it is."
"That's amazing. Good choice, and from the looks of it, you already know how to use it. Impressive as always Twilight," Twilight smiled as Cobalt moved on to the next person, who was Rainbow.
"Now Rainbow, I think I have the perfect weapon, or weapons for you."
"Huh?"
Cobalt walked off and came back with two wing like blades, "Uh, they are wing blades," Cobalt looked up, and then back down, "They allow you to glide across the field, slicing anything in your path. They're light, so they make gliding easy and doesn't hinder your speed. Try it out," Cobalt tossed the blades to Rainbow.
Once she caught them, she was surprised to see that they were light as a feather, "Wow they are light. I thought you were fibbing about the weight since you said that your halberd was a little heavy, but this is light..."
"Try gliding with it. Get a running head start, and then jump to let yourself glide...," Cobalt said this as he began backing up.
"Where are you going?!"
"Hehe, I don't have any of my powers, so I'm not risking my life just yet...," Cobalt was now out of the room, which made Rainbow extremely nervous.
Rainbow too a deep breath before running at super sonic speed, and she soon felt her feet lift from the ground. She was shocked that she was gracefully gliding across the air. She slowly brought her feet back to the ground, and ran a few steps before making a complete stop, "That... was... AWESOME!"
"We'll work more later on your speed! You won't slice through anyone going that fast!" Cobalt slowly walked in as he had some type of cannon strapped to his arm.
"Cobalt, what's that?" Sunset asked as she pointed to his arm.
"It's a mini cannon that straps to your wrist. It's multi barreled, so it can fire multiple shells in one shot. Pinkie, I'm giving you two to put on each wrist. This way, you can take out enemies from a distance. Also, when you punch with these, these cannons add a little... boom with each punch," He took off the cannon, and took out another before strapping them to Pinkie's wrist.
"So, I just pull this trigger and-," The cannons fired, and nearly shot Cobalt, but it was blocked by a force deployed by Twilight.
"Nice reaction time Twilight," She smiled as Pinkie looked at her wrists, smiling brightly.
"This is so cool! I can be like 'boom!' and like 'Pow!' to everyone! This will be awesome!" She then glanced at Cobalt who smiled back at her, "Oh, sorry Cobalt."
"Don't be, just... be careful not to shoot us with them," Cobalt then looked at Applejack, "Aj, there's something really cool I wanna give you. Doesn't really match your strength, but it sure does match your tenacity."
"What is it?"
"Look," Cobalt took out a spear that was double ended. Similar to Brisk's Dual-Blade, but it was a spear, "There's this little button that you can press to take apart these spears," Cobalt took the spears apart and twirled them around a bit before putting them back together, "Give them a try," Cobalt tossed the spear to Applejack, who caught it easily.
"So, press this button...," They came apart, and before she knew it, Cobalt ran over to Applejack, preparing to strike her with his halberd, but she blocked it with one of the spears.
"And when you block with one of them, you can strike with the other one, but you can't hesitate. If you do, they'll counter you. We'll work on it, so don't worry about it."
Cobalt stepped back as he looked at Fluttershy, "Now, for you Fluttershy, is a whip," Fluttershy looked on in confusion and said.
"I'm not a sadist Cobalt..."
"T-That's not what I'm getting at. This whip is for someone graceful, not someone... sadistic. Anyway, I know you're extremely graceful when around animals, and you're graceful all on your own. So this whip can stretch to amazing lengths to grapple enemies from far distances. The barbs on the whip are extremely sharp, and are laced with a highly toxic poison. So try it out," He handed Fluttershy the whip, and she smirked.
She extended the whip towards Cobalt, but he dodged it. She continued to do so before it finally grabbed Cobalt, and it pulled him closer to her. She smirked as he came towards her. She puckered her lips, but she waited a little too long for Cobalt to make contact with her lips. She looked up to see Cobalt in the air with a purple aura around her.
She saw Twilight, along with the others frowning at her. She chuckled nervously as a light, pink blush appeared on her face, "Sorry..."
"Anyway, Twilight, you mind healing me from the poison before it takes effect? I'll continue on while you do so," She nodded as she begun the process, "Now, lastly, for you Sunset, I have this special flame bow. I know you excel in fire magic, so I'll allow you to use this flame bow to go with your... burning ferocity. Pun intended."
Sunset scoffed at Cobalt's pun, and took the bow, "Let's see...," She pulled back the arrow, and let it go.
"Don't shoot it-!" Cobalt sighed as the arrow came in contact with the carpet, "inside...," He looked at Sunset which had an "oops" face on it, "Alright, let's put the fire out girls!" They quickly sprung into action as Cobalt watched on in happiness.
If this is how life is like after all this bullshit is over, then I'll gladly greet it with open arms...
-3 days later-
"Cobalt!" Emerald ran in, tears in her eyes. She was clearly out of breath.
"What's wrong? Where's mom and dad?!"
"They're..."
"Please... tell me what happened?"
"I saw it all happen in front of me. I couldn't do anything. Father... knocked me into the river..., and that's when I saw it happen as the current took me away. Our parents are dead Cobalt!"
Cobalt's eyes widened as he heard this news, "They're... what?"
"You heard me Cobalt... they're dead!"
Cobalt eyes let go of Emerald as he continued walking, "Not again... we've lost them. For real this time. They're gone..., and it's all my fault. I should've went with them!" Twilight looked on in surprise at the two siblings who had now lost it.
Emerald ran up to her brother and turned him around, "It was Helios! They betrayed us! We need our revenge!"
"I must do it..."
Twilight shook her head in an attempt to stop Cobalt, "Cobalt, wait... there must be-," But she couldn't.
"Yes, gather everyone here now!"
-1 hour later-
"We are waging war against Helios. They murdered my parents, and I demand retribution against them!"
One of the newer faces, Scarlet Blade stepped up, "No, we can't fight our own ally. They're all we have against Brisk and his army. Besides, waging a war for vengeance will just put more people at risk!"
"You say such a thing, and yet you wish for vengeance against one of Brisk's top generals, am I wrong? Don't give me that bullshit! Besides, they ended they're alliance when they betrayed and murdered my family. The last thing they deserve is mercy..."
"But we can't wage a war on vengeance either way! What you're doing now is vengeance before virtue!"
"Silence yourself. Prepare to march! Helios will pay for what they've done to me and my sister!"
"Cobalt wait...!" Rainbow yelled, causing him to stop, "Give it some thought then. Please, just think about what you're doing. There has to be some logical explanation as to why Helios attacked us."
"If there was an explanation, they would've given us one already. But I'll listen to you and give it some thought. I'll give one tomorrow, but don't expect me to change my mind," And then, Cobalt was off, which brings us to the chapter before.
Cobalt, now angry than ever before, finds out that his sister was murdered by her own soldiers. To add salt to the wound, they fled to Helios. Now, they move to Helios' new capitol: Dewfront. Cobalt leads an army of over 500,000 troops versus Helios' unprepared army of 200,000. Will an army led by a man fueled by vengeance defeat an army that is outnumbered? Or will an army that's prepared for something like this come out on top? |
New guy at CHS: The Mystic Realm | Chapter 25 | Cobalt's massive army was already battling Helios and their army. However, Cobalt didn't prepare supplies for this large of an army, and their reserves are running low.
"Someone needs to smack some sense into Cobalt. He's going to get everyone killed, and then we'll never be able to save Rarity," Rainbow said as she sliced through a small group of soldiers.
"Yeah, but the rage Cobalt has right now has to be great indeed. I can only imagine how unstable his head is right now. I just know that the normal Cobalt is still in there, but he's not able to control himself," Sunset looked on in an attempt to find him, bit she couldn't see him, "Uh, where is Cobalt?"
"Huh?"
"I don't see Cobalt anywhere..."
"Giels, go save our allies, and our Cobalt. Prevent him from getting killed."
"I'll find Cobalt," Rainbow said, "I have a feeling on where he's trying to get to. Let's get a move on."
"Do it fast Rainbow. I have prepared a plan once we get Cobalt to safety."
"Don't have to tell me twice about going fast," Rainbow stepped back, and dashed off with amazing speed. The rest of the girls looked at each, and were off, but Twilight stopped Sunset.
"Sunset, you're a key part of the plan. Stay back for a bit, and I'll tell you what I'm up to," She nodded and followed Twilight.
"Now, where are you Cobalt...?" Rainbow continued running around until something caught her eye, "What are those Helios soldiers doing?" Each of then we're carrying torches in hand, and were heading towards their reserve supply depot, "They're planning to burn our reserves! I gotta stop them. Oh, but Cobalt...," Rainbow looked at the soldiers who were moving fast and sighed, "Cobalt's strong, I know he can handle himself. I gotta be quick though..."
Rainbow changed her direction towards the small task force of soldiers. Once she reached their, she concealed herself to launch a surprise attack on the enemy. She saw them get ever so close. She clenched her wing blades as they got closer, "Come on... just a little bit closer...," They stopped right in front of the supply depot.
"Light the fires, we shall burn the enemy supply depot to ashes!"
"Not on my watch!" Rainbow jumped from her hiding spot, catching the soldiers off guard.
"An ambush! Stay calm! We must carry out our- blegh!" The leader was cut in half by Rainbow. Rainbow stopped in surprise at the dead officer, "I just... killed someone, and yet, I don't feel any remorse. I thought killing was wrong..."
The other soldiers then backed up in fear, but attempted to stand their ground. This caused Rainbow to sigh as she held one of her blades up, "I'd suggest you run away before you end up like your friend here," The soldiers back up, and ran away, abandoning the fire attack plan, "Whew, alright, time to find Cobalt."
"Rainbow!" She turned to see Applejack running towards her, "'Ah think they found Cobalt!"
"Where?!"
"He's past enemy lines. 'Ah saw him too. Follow me," Applejack ran off, with Rainbow trailing behind. They soon saw Cobalt battling a large group of Helios soldiers, easily taking them out one by one. However, a large group of what could be high-class mystics appeared to the side. They all began chanting in unison.
"They're planning a group barrage!" Rainbow dashed forward, and started gliding across the air. Once the barrage of attacks came towards Cobalt, he glanced at the amount of elemental beams he was seeing. Just as he was about to be hit, it was blocked off by a large barrier. Cobalt looked on in anger.
"Rainbow, what are you doing here?!"
"Trying to stop you from killing yourself! You're getting way out of hand Cobalt. You need to fall back to the main camp."
"No, the nation of Helios will pay for their misdeeds!" Rainbow attempted to grab Cobalt's shoulder, but he knocked her away with the end of his halberd. This knocked Rainbow far off to the side, angering her, "Helios must pay for the death of my loved ones!"
"Knockout!" Rainbow yelled, causing Cobalt to fall face first onto the ground. He was knocked out cold, "Applejack, grab Cobalt, and let's go!"
"Right!" Applejack picked up Cobalt, and ran with Rainbow back to the main camp.
"Let's hope this plan of Twilight will get us out of this mess..."
Meanwhile, Pinkie and Fluttershy tried their best to save all the allies that were separated from the main force, "Uh... Pinkie Pie... are you sure this will work?" Fluttershy held Angel in her arms as Pinkie stood next to her.
"I'm sure of it. I mean, didn't you say that you were able to tame Angel when he goes in full on monster mode? Well, turn him into a monster, and let me ride him to victory!" Pinkie pointed towards a large group of officers being overrun by Helios soldiers, "Hurry Fluttershy! I don't know how long they have!"
"Ok," Fluttershy hovered her hand over Angel bunny as he started to slowly twitch and growl ferociously. Fluttershy dropped him as he grew into the size of a large building.
Pinkie grinned widely as she hopped on Angel's head, "Onward Angel Bunny!" Angel let out a large roar as it began galloping to their allies' aid.
"Is that Pinkie on Angel, and is Angel a monster?" Fluttershy turned to the voice to see Scarlet, and another new face.
"Oh, yes, I made Angel into that monster, and Pinkie is using him to help our allies in need."
"I see..., but I still don't like this battle. A battle merely fought for revenge... does not have its honor..."
It was then one of the new faces spoke. It was a large man. He wielded a duel ended pike, "You may think that, but I believe the same Cobalt his parents told us about is still in there."
Fluttershy nodded, "Oh yes, you're correct. Cobalt does have a tendency to get angry, but I think it's for a good reason. His family was murdered by these people he had thought were going to aid us in our battle against Brisk. Didn't that happen to you Scarlet?"
"I gave up that anger...," Scarlet turned away from them as Fluttershy continued to press the issue.
"And yet despite all that, you would still kill the man that killed your parents?"
"I don't want to kill him for revenge. It's for... my own sense closure..."
"Have you ever stop to consider that's probably what Cobalt is doing? He doesn't stay angry for long. Not even for the first time he thought his mother died. He did get angry, but then he felt sadness. However, after burying his mother, and saving Lapis, I guess he felt closure. He would only get sad after remembering a memory of his mother..."
"This is different rather than an accidental death. His family was murdered, betrayed... it's much different then a clone as well..."
"Trust me, once Cobalt sees the error of his ways, he'll go back to his normal self. Possibly even going as far as to punish himself. And doesn't that supersedes all of the dogma?"
Scarlet stood silent, surprised at Fluttershy's words of wisdom, "Hmph, I am in Cobalt's debt anyway... that man must die either way...," Scarlet walked off, leaving the two behind.
"Let her warm up to everyone Fluttershy. She's lost everything, and this is all she has left. Those were great words of wisdom as well. Maybe you young welps are starting to learn a thing or two."
"Thank you Brute. Cobalt does count on your strength, and as a veteran of great ability, you help boost morale among the troops."
The man, now known as Brute smiled, "Although, I've never expected this type of speech from you Fluttershy. This seems like something Sunset or Twilight would say. What made you say such words of wisdom to Scarlet?"
"Well, I've known Cobalt longer, and on a higher scale rather than just an ally. I love Cobalt, that much is true, but as his friend, I must be understanding of him first."
"I've only known you lot for a few days, and seeing as how you act with Cobalt and how you act now makes a world of difference. You girls have matured definitely."
"Thank you...," They soon heard Angel roar in pain.
"I think your pet and Pinkie are in danger. How about we go help them?" Fluttershy nodded as they ran towards Angel and Pinkie to help.
Rainbow and Applejack soon arrived at their fortress with Cobalt in hand, "Twilight, what's our plan?"
"We're not leaving until we get answers, and I think I know how," Twilight paused and smirked, "We burn them?"
"Huh?"
"Look, while Brute, Scarlet, Pinkie and Fluttershy protect the rear guard, we'll feign retreat, causing them to charge us in an attempt to prevent us from retreating. Once we lure them in, Sunset will launch a powerful fire arrow that will engulf the enemy army in a fierce blaze, lowering their morale. Once their morale is low, we charge in and capture their commander. That's when we get answers on why they betrayed us."
"Will that work?"
"We can hope. Let's execute this plan!"
"You can't leave me out of this...," They turned to see Cobalt walking up, slightly limping.
"Are you still...?"
"Angry? Yes. Still willing to make stupid decisions? Always. Am I going to do those stupid decisions? No. I know I was to blinded by rage to even come close to controlling myself. However, that's doesn't mean we can't get answers. I need to know the reason behind their betrayal...," Cobalt paused before looking onto the battlefield, "Let's go, we have no time to waste. Our men are dying, and I'll be damned before lose anymore!"
"Right!" |
New guy at CHS: The Mystic Realm | Chapter 26(Climax Arc Finale) | Meanwhile, Rarity woke to see herself inside a jail cell. She still had her normal attire, but she was behind bars, "Where am I?"
"Finally awake I see, about time. The Commander would like to speak to you for a moment."
"I don't understand. What's going on?"
"Shut up, and come with me," the jail cell opened, and the man grabbed Rarity. She soon felt her vision blur out before falling back asleep.
Meanwhile, back on the field of battle, they began their plan. Cobalt led the retreat, and he did it well, "There's no reason to fight the losing battle. Everyone retreat!" Cobalt's army began retreating from battle.
"Commander, Cobalt's army is retreating. We shall give pursuit!" A young officer told the Commander of Helios.
"Hm, even with such a large army, an army led by anger just won't stand a chance. Push them, make them regret their decision."
The Helios army began their push. Everything was going exactly as planned.
"Rear guard, protect the retreat!" The rear guard all nodded with Pinkie getting ready to push on top of Angel. Cobalt stopped beside Twilight and smiled at her, "A good strategy can be the turning point to any battle. Is Sunset and her men in position?"
"Yes, we have both fire users, and archers ready to burn the enemy to a crisp."
"Great, she knows when, correct?"
"Right."
Now all they could do was wait. With Cobalt's army all immune to fire thanks to a spell Twilight did, they can easily push through the blaze without hassle.
Sunset got ready in a nearby bush with her bow in hand, along with a large group of soldiers, they were prepared, "Here they come... go!" All of the hidden jumped out to catch the enemy off guard. The shot out embers of fire, along fire arrows to ignite the area.
"If only we had northeastern wind to blow the fire further into enemy territory."
"Did someone say wind?" Sunset looked up to Fluttershy leading a large flock of birds. Both mystical and regular. Fluttershy began whistling to them, and then the birds began flapping their wings. The gusts of wind sent the fire further into the enemy camp.
"No, have we just been dancing to their tune?" The same young soldier asked.
"Hm, this looks like a last minute strategy. They must have a strategist who has years of experience on the battlefield..."
"Cobalt, I didn't think strategy would work. I was second guessing myself at first, but I'm glad it's working...," Twilight sighed in relief as Cobalt chuckled beside her.
"It's not over yet. We still have to make our push. The rest of you let's get moving! The rear guard will catch up to us soon!" Everyone nodded as Cobalt pushed his way through the fire with ease, "Our army will rise against Brisk and Helios. Today is the day!"
Cobalt's army followed behind him as he pushed to the enemy main camp. The Helios Commander surrendered without hassle.
They surrendered so easily. He knew that with our surprising strategy, he didn't have a chance. We had managed to capture both him, and his young strategist. He's smart for surrendering a battle he couldn't win. However, if this was over the water, we possibly wouldn't even have come close to winning... Now, we must get answers from them.
"Cobalt, the Commander is ready to speak," Cobalt nodded as he headed towards the enemy commander and his strategist, who were tied up. Twilight followed behind Cobalt, possibly to calm him if he ever got mad.
"Now, I need to know why you betrayed us, and murdered my family."
The Commander was taken off guard at this, "What are you talking about? Is this really what this whole was about?"
"Yes, you betrayed my family when they asked for your help. They were killed, along with some of my men that killed my sister, and fled here. You should know!" Cobalt stepped closer, but Twilight grabbed his shoulder. He calmed himself before continuing, "Why did you betray us?"
"We didn't betray you. We didn't even make it to the battle to help your parents Cobalt. We were stopped by Brisk's men on our way there."
"Huh? Then how do you explain the soldiers dressed as your men," The Commander took time to think, and then his eyes widened.
"Those were Brisk and his men. He attacked our navy, and captured some of our boats. He must've had his men put on our uniform, and attack your parents during their assault. We were coming to help, but we were attacked by Brisk. We probably didn't notice one of our boats being taken..."
"Wait, did Brisk do this in order to pit us against each other?" Cobalt looked at Twilight as she had a worried look on her face.
"Cobalt, we have a problem..."
Meanwhile, Rarity woke up again to be strapped to a chair in a darkened room, "Where am I?"
"Why, you're where my plan will come to fruition," Rarity turned towards the voice. The voice was Brisk.
"What are you doing?! I thought you were going to try and marry me!"
"No, that was just a ploy. I don't plan to marry a skank like you," Rarity grew extremely furious at the derogatory term, "What? Not of fan of that? Ha, doesn't matter. I'm just preparing something on you right now...," Brisk took out a piercing gun, much to Rarity's fear.
"W-What do you plan to do with that?"
"Tagging you... hehehehe," Brisk got closer to Rarity, causing to hyperventilate heavily. Before...
Meanwhile, Cobalt had already untied the Commander of Helios, and were already back in the old capitol building with them, "Brisk played us like a fiddle. He wanted us to destroy each other so that he wouldn't have to worry about any competition. Sneaky bastard..."
"Cobalt, we can't attack him at all yet. We lost over 60% of our troops in that battle, and our morale is just too low. The same goes for Helios," Twilight stated, "If we attempt to attack now, there'd be no chance that we'll come out the victor. The best thing we can do now is wait, and gather up more men. You know, take time to rebuild before attempting to attack again..."
"You're right, but I just can't let Rarity be with that man. How can we rebuild with zero resources?"
"Just give it time... I know Rarity will be fine..."
But little did she know, there was something much more to Brisk taking Rarity as his... "bride". |
New guy at CHS: The Mystic Realm | Chapter 27(Big Battle Arc) | Scarlet was seen walking back into the capitol. Her sword in hand, and Twilight waiting on her arrival. She walked past her, but stopped when Twilight said, "I'm surprised to still see you here, even after the discord shown the other day."
"I just had to think about it for a bit..."
-Yesterday-
"Can a world of benevolence be overlooked by hatred and vengeance. The justice and peace that I seek... may not be found here with Cobalt..."
Scarlet rode into the horizon, away from the capitol building, "Where do I go now? I have nowhere else to go...," Scarlet pulled her horse to stop it, "Perhaps I haven't thought this through..."
-Present Day-
"I took some time to recollect yesterday. I knew I had nowhere to go, but I'm just too stubborn. After realizing who Cobalt really was, I just had to comeback."
"I've meant to ask you Scarlet, but how long have you known Cobalt?"
"Well, I only know him a little. I would visit his village a lot since his village specifically specialized in healing."
"Healing? Did you hurt yourself a lot?"
"Yeah, and Cobalt would always be the one to heal me too, and the last time he healed me before he left the village saved me."
"What did he do?"
"I had my whole arm ripped off by a dragon..."
"There's dragons here?"
"Yeah, but they're high up north. One of the nations that are currently under control of Brisk house them. I tried to battle one, and it ended up biting my arm off. I was bleeding out quickly, and my healing factor was going to save me. That was until Cobalt saved me. He made me a new arm and everything..."
"Wow, I didn't know he was good in healing magic. I've never seen him use it..."
"That's because his own healing factor is stronger than the average mystic, yet weaker than Brisk's and Harmony's."
"I see, I never knew that..."
"Cobalt is an interesting person, and I owe him for saving me long ago."
"I see, I just hope we can save Rarity as well..."
"I don't know much about Rarity, but I can tell both you and the others care about her, especially Cobalt. He wouldn't just let her go to Brisk like that. Don't worry, we'll save her..."
The two girls nodded before walking off.
-1 month later-
How long has it been since I've seen my friends? Since I've seen my Cobalt?
As each day pass, I begin to wonder if I'm ever going to be saved...
I've been tagged for some odd reason that Brisk won't tell me. Perhaps I'm one of his concubines. To be brought down to such a lowly level by a horrible man.
No, he does not deserve to be called a man. I do not wish to be here..., and I can't help but feel that this is my fault.
If I had not pestered Cobalt into accepting the duel, I wouldn't be in this situation. I'd still be with my Cobalt.
I'm sorry everyone...
"Well, it's about that time. Let's begin the bidding!" Brisk walked up with his hands in a cold aura around it
"Bidding?"
"Have you not figured it out? I'm selling you to some other mystic that requires your need. Their reasons are beyond my control."
"You're... running a human trafficking ring?"
"Mystic is the better term."
"This... is just horrible. Why would run this even with your level of prestige?!"
"Do you think these invasions are free?! The more equipment and men that are taken from an invasion, we have to pay for. None of this shit is cheap either. We're mystics for crying out loud! I take mystics, specifically girls, and sell them to mob bosses, Corporate Leaders, or human scientists for experiments."
"You're nuts!"
"Sacrifices are to be made in times of war. A few people are a small price to pay for total domination."
"Cobalt won't let you get away with this... I know he won't!"
"That's not going to happen. I pinned him against his only possible ally, killed his parents, and made him go berserk. They'll kill each other off in months time..."
It was then as he said this, a soldier came running behind him, "Commander, Cobalt is leading an army and will soon arrive here."
"What? Damn it, so he took out Helios. Take her and the other prisoners to the other stronghold on Earth and start the bidding there."
"Yes sir..."
Brisk began walking towards the front of the capitol's exterior walls. He saw over the horizon a massive army lead by Cobalt, "Such a large army..."
A rather noble-looming knight walked up to Brisk to gaze at the massive army, "Commander, their army are filled with mystics of talent and valor. Do you think we can handle such at massive army?"
"That doesn't matter. With you, and many other powerful mystics, we can't lose. Spark, I'm counting on you..."
"Wait, is that a fleet coming over the south?!" Brisk turned around to see on the southern wall, "It's Helios! They're attacking too!"
"What?!" Brisk teleported to see if it was true, and sure enough, it was. A massive naval fleet was arriving from the sea miles from the capitol, "Prepare the defenses, Cobalt prepared for this battle, and he's not going to let up!" Brisk yelled to his men.
It was then a well-decorated strategist walked behind Brisk chuckling, "Brisk..."
"Onyx..."
"If you defeat the armies of both Cobalt and Helios, nothing will stand in your way. You would have realized your family ambitions, and the mystic realm will be yours..."
"No, not quite. My dream has yet to be realized. I do not care about my family anymore. My sister is with Cobalt, and I'm the only one that's left to fend for my family. However, I fight for myself, and only myself. Not only will I capture the mystic realm, but the entire universe!" Brisk then looked at Onyx, "Will you help me in doing so?"
"Of course... my liege...," Onyx slowly bowed before looking up rather devilishly.
"Move to defend! We can't let them past the castle walls!" Brisk ordered around to his soldiers, "Go! They'll be here any minute," He then looked at Cobalt's army on the ground, "No siege weapons? How do you expect to get pass the wall?" He then looked behind him, and sighed, "Thunder! Guard the Northern Gate! Spark, Defend the South Gate! We can't let them past the walls! Got that?!"
"Yes sir!"
Meanwhile, Cobalt gazed at the massive castle wall that separated him, and saving Rarity, "Look at the size of that wall. Getting through that will take some time. Girls, are you ready to save Rarity?"
"Yeah!"
"Good! Everyone, forward!" Cobalt's soldiers charged forward with Cobalt following behind.
On the castle wall, Onyx was giving orders on the North Gate, "Launchers, fire!" A large group of beefy mystics began lifting rocks and throwing them over the wall with tremendous strength, "Archers, release your arrows!" A large barrage of arrows filled the sky, piercing many of Cobalt's soldiers.
"Damn it, we need to get up that wall to take out those archers and launchers. We can't get anything done..."
"Leave it to us Cobalt!" Rainbow, along with a group of other soldiers with wing swords, "We'll get up there to stop them. Just hold out until we take them out."
"Right," Cobalt then looked at Twilight, " Twilight, can you set up a force field around Pinkie and Angel as they try to destroy the wall."
"I'll try my best!" Twilight held her hand up as a large green barrier surrounded Pinkie who was riding Angel again.
"Cobalt, 'Ah don't know how much more our men can take it...," Applejack said as she blocked off multiple arrows, "Can ya' think of something else to ease the arrows?"
"I just can't do much but give orders. Without my powers, I can't do much," Cobalt then looked atop the wall to see a lone mystic standing atop of it, "That can't be who I think it is..."
"Cobalt!" Scarlet yelled as the mystic jumped off the wall, and charged straight for Cobalt. Cobalt looked up as the mystic came ever so closer.
However, the mystic was stopped by both Brute and Applejack. The mystic jumped away from the two. This mystic was extremely buff, even more toned than Cobalt. He looked to be about Brute's size. The mystic wielded a gauntlet blade.
"That's Thunder, a dangerous mystic indeed. Able to strike fear into the hearts of even the most seasoned of veterans," Cobalt looked on as this mystic, now named Thunder, stood before them, "He's much to dangerous to battle one on one..."
Soon, the wall was broken down by Angel, and many of the archers and launchers jumped off the wall.
Thunder attempted to turn around, but was stopped by Brute and Applejack, "Not so fast big guy. Ya' have to deal with us first!"
"Go on Cobalt, we'll deal with youngster. You go save your friend."
"Yeah Cobalt, go on without us! We can handle 'em!"
Reluctantly, Cobalt nodded, "Very well then, be safe you two. I promise your sacrifice will not be in vain!"
"Got, now get a move on!" Cobalt nodded as he charged with the rest of his men into the stronghold.
Brisk watched on as both the North and South Gate were breached, "What are my soldiers doing?! They're letting them through without a fight!" Brisk turned to see a group of mystics behind them, "Take out Cobalt and his group of friends. Don't worry about the peons. Once you take out him and his friends, their morale will fall!"
Lightning stepped forward as the leader and bowed, "We shall complete our duty... Let's go! They all teleported away. This assault will be bloody. People will die..., and yet, they don't even know... that Rarity is no longer in this stronghold... |
New guy at CHS: The Mystic Realm | Chapter 28 | Cobalt and his friends traveled through the stronghold's courtyard. Cobalt's men were racing out Brisk's elite army one by one, "Girls, don't worry about the foot soldiers. They'll just waste our time. Let's just head towards the main keep!"
"Right!"
"Not so fast!" A large ball of energy came flying towards them. Cobalt reacted quickly, and cut the ball in half, splitting around him and his friends.
"What was that?!"
"Sorry for doing this, but I gotta stop you guys from going any further. However, I know this going to be fun," Soon, a shirtless, tattooed warrior, stepped out from the shadows wielding a long sword of some sort. Once Scarlett saw this man, she clenched her weapon.
"Who are you?!" Twilight yelled.
"The name's Strikes. As in, I'll strikes you with my blade," Cobalt cringed at that horrible pun, "What? Not a good pun? Yeah... that wasn't a good one..."
Cobalt sighed as he looked at Scarlett gripping her blade ever so tightly.
She'll get a cramp doing that. Well, might as well let her loose...
"Scarlet, you know what to-," Before Cobalt could finish, Scarlett dashed for Strikes head on. She slammed her sword onto the ground as Strikes dodged it with ease.
"Oh, you're Scarlett? You've grown so much since I last seen you..."
Scarlett gritted her teeth as the girls looked on in confusion, "Cobalt, who's that?" Twilight asks.
"Strikes, former assassin, high paid mercenary. Murderer of Scarlett's parents..."
"That's him? Wow, she must have so much anger built up. What should we do?" Rainbow responded. She looked on at Scarlett who was extremely enraged.
"We keep moving. Scarlett, take care of Strikes for us!"
"Don't have to tell me twice," Before she could strike again...
"Scarlett!" She turned around to see Cobalt mouth the words, "Calm... down..., " She nodded and took a deep breath... before nodding back at him. Cobalt gave the thumbs up, and ran off with his friends to continue the assault.
"How were you after I murdered your parents? Oh wait, I remember, you led the rest of your family to kill me and my men only for them to die as well. Ha, are you here to join them?"
"Not a chance, I'm ready for my vengeance..."
"Still controlled by vengeance, huh? Ha, your vengeance is going to get you killed like it did your family..."
"We'll see about that," Scarlett and Strikes dashed towards each other to begin their battle.
Meanwhile, Rarity was being transported with in a large rocketship. She looked at the other prisoners being transported. All of them young girls like her. She looked towards the back of the ship, visualizing the assault.
Cobalt... no...
"Hey, shut it!" One of the guards yelled. Rarity had just spoken out loud, "Don't let me catch you talking again, or I'll toss you off this ship myself!"
Rarity fell silent knowing she did the one thing Cobalt did too much. Speak out loud...
Oh Cobalt... how I miss you so...
Back on the ground, Cobalt and his friends made it through the main keep, until they met large door, and a person waiting in front of it, "Who are you?!"
The person manifested two polearms before walking from the shadows, "My name is Spark, and I'm afraid that I can't let you by here. By the Commander's order, I must prevent you from going any further," Cobalt's friends got ready to fight, but he held his hand up.
"A man with you type of formality shows that you're an honorable knight. I can tell from looking at you that you're not a regular mystic. You're a mystical knight. The highest a knight can get to. Not only that, but you seem so... loyal. Someone who wouldn't backstab the wrong person. Hm, why do you fight for Brisk?"
"Brisk saved me from a dark place. He knew my prowess while others looked down upon me. He took me in to train, and look at where I am today. If I am to be honest with you, it's an honor to be here to see you Cobalt. However, I can't allow you or your friends to pass. I'm sorry, but this is how it has to be."
"No it doesn't. You're on the wrong side. You don't know what Brisk's true intentions are..."
"You're right, I don't, but I owe Brisk, and I have to be loyal to him until I repay my debt to him."
Cobalt tried to speak again, but Rainbow stepped up, "Loyal huh? To the wrong person? There's too many people like you that are blinded by fulfilling someones debt. I understand you're trying to be loyal, and that's awesome! But if you give that loyalty to the wrong person, then you're in for trouble from a lot of people."
"Brisk looked for powerful people that had potential. I was one of those, and I must remain loyal to him."
"Your loyalty is strong, but it should be with someone else. Someone who deserves it... like Cobalt," Rainbow turned around to smile at Cobalt, but turned around back at Spark with a look of determination, "But talk is cheap. I'll just show you with my blades. Maybe afterwards, you'll join us instead of Brisk."
"Hmph, your loyalty to Cobalt matches mine, and you look like a strong opponent. Very well then, I shall accept your challenge," Both of them got ready to duel as Cobalt signaled the others to go on.
"Are you sure you can handle him? He's a powerful knight."
"Nothing is stronger than friendship. Don't worry, I'll handle him Cobalt. Just get going! Go get Rarity!" Cobalt nodded as he followed his friends to open the door.
That's 4 of us out of the group now. There's only 5 of us... I only know where this is leading...
They then arrived in another room similar to the other one. This time, there were multiple paintings on the wall. Each painting of multiple soldiers, before and after images apparently. In the before picture, they were smiling gleefully. In the after, their bodies were mutilated beyond recognition.
They then heard a faint whistling. A light soon shined upon a man behind a large canvas painting away with a large brush. He began speaking between each stroke, "Here I see... 5 individuals... for my greatest masterpiece... yet! Staring... Shining Cobalt himself!" The man flipped the canvas over to reveal them standing in there exact spot, "Now for the aftermath, I must create such an astounding visual!"
The man took his brush, and began painting large blobs in the air that began floating towards them. Cobalt took one step back before signaling for his friends to run from the blobs, "Go!" Cobalt and his friends ran around while the blobs began chasing them.
Fluttershy then turned around, and began whistling a harmonic tune. Soon, multiple birds began manifesting within the rooms, and flew in front of each blob, but were instantly killed when the blobs exploded. Once the bird's lifeless bodies fell onto the ground, the man looked on in surprise, "Oh, such a marvelous piece that I must paint. I shall call it: Broken Wings!"
Fluttershy clenched her whip in rage at how nonchalant this individual was at the murder of these birds. Manifested by magic or not, they were still animals. She yelled, "Who are you?!"
Before he could answer, Cobalt answered for him, "Renowned artist: Gold. Known for his unique paintings of what could end your life."
"H-He... does not deserve to live...," Fluttershy felt enraged, and this caused Gold to chuckled loudly.
"Oh don't frown young lady. A beautiful face like yours shouldn't frown. It'll ruin my beautiful canvas!"
"I'll fill that canvas with your own blood when I'm through with you...," Fluttershy looked at Gold with burning rage in her eyes.
"I'm not going to stop you there. Go get 'em Flutters!"
"With pleasure!" Fluttershy jumped into the air, before coming down gracefully. He whip surrounded her body as she came down, creating a tornado of petals and death.
"How graceful!"
Cobalt looked at his friends and nodded, "Let's leave them to that. Let's go!" They all nodded before continuing on.
Again, they entered a room that was quite elegant. Possibly belonging to a woman of a refined nature, similar to that of Rarity. Only this felt... deadly and dark, "Ohoho! Finally, the great Shining Cobalt has arrived," A curvaceous lady stepped from the shadows. She wielded large claws that looked to be the length of her own arm, "And now, to finally place your head along with the other men that have agreed to be my trophy!" She pointed over to a large trophy case. Within the trophy case were many heads of men that she has killed. Most of them decayed heavily.
Pinkie stepped up, and loaded her cannons, "Listen here toots, I don't want any of those claws on my Cobalt. If you're going to get to him, you'll have to get through me first. Maybe you can join those heads in that trophy case over there."
"My, such an annoying high pitched voice. Hmph, I shall deal with your annoying voice first before him. Let's go partyhead!"
"Bring on Ms. Prissy!"
"The name is Phantasia!"
They both went to battle, much to Cobalt's surprise, "That was rather fast. By the way, that's Phantasia. She's the noblewoman of one of the nations subjugated by Brisk. She has a lot of men that ask for her hand in marriage, but she dislikes men with a passion, so she rejects them before beheading them. She's a dangerous woman."
"I see...," Twilight looked on as Pinkie battled Phantasia with such tenacity. She had never seen this side of Pinkie before.
"Let Pinkie handle her. Let's keep going. I have a feeling we have more rooms to surpass. Besides, I don't know how long Harmony and the twins can keep the assault outside going..."
"Right, let's go...," They ran off with Cobalt thinking to himself.
First, Brute and Applejack. Then Scarlet. Then Rainbow. Then Fluttershy..., and now Pinkie. Who's next?
Cobalt got his answer, "Stop there!" They all stopped in a large library with Onyx waiting, "I see that you're friend there, Twilight Sparkle was it? I heard that you were an excellent strategist. Well, a strategist must be skilled in combat just as much as strategy."
"I'm afraid its foolish to duel me in battle. If you wish to duel me, then I'll fulfill your wish."
"Twilight, that's Onyx. He's the smartest man in the mystic realm. If you're going to duel him, be weary of his crafty movements. He uses a lot of illusion magic."
"Hmph, not a problem. Get going Cobalt, I'll deal with him," Cobalt nodded as he ran off with the only remaining girl, Sunset with him.
"Cobalt, was it smart to let the others fight them like this?"
"They'll be fine. They're all extremely strong, so don't worry about them. I'm just worried about not getting the person we came here for, Rarity. If we find out she's not here, this whole assault will be all for nothing."
"Don't worry, she'll be-," Sunset stopped, and shot an arrow into the ceiling.
"Huh?!"
"Oh, deary Cobalt. It's about time you've arrived!" A woman that looked liked Cobalt's mother landed from the ceiling. Cobalt sighed and looked away.
"Hello Aunt Ruby..."
"Aunt?!"
"Yes, and my nephew Cobalt is all grown up. However, that won't stop me from teaching you a lesson about family."
"I don't need a lesson from the likes of you Ruby! You were exiled from our family for a reason!"
"Hm, and your friend. I've heard a lot about Sunset. She ruled her high school with an iron fist for 3 years. She's beaten into submission, and she's shown forgiveness. Why can't you show me that same forgiveness!" She shot a large fireball at Cobalt, in which he dodged easily.
"Attempting to kill our family to save your own sorry hide takes a lot of forgiving. If you're looking for redemption, surrender yourself. You're all I have left..."
"Aw, that's a lot coming from you!" She multiple fire beams at Cobalt, but each were shot away from one of Sunset's arrows.
"It takes a lot to be forgiven. You think everyone forgave me right away? You have to prove to everyone that you've been rehabilitated. Doing this won't prove anything..."
"Do you know what it's like to be hated by everyone, including your family?!"
"Yes, I know that feeling all too well," Sunset looked down, "I haven't seen my own family in so long. However, that doesn't mean that they're at fault for my previous actions! That was my own selfish fault... If you want forgiveness, you have to earn it! It took me months to earn my own forgiveness, and you have to do the same!"
"I've tried for years, and have yet to achieve forgiveness! But if you insist to stand in my way girl, then you'll just burn along with Cobalt!"
"You must not have known, but I have a fire that burns brighter than your own flames..."
"My fire has the power of the sun."
"The sun is a lump of coal compared to my heat..."
"Sunset...," Cobalt tried to stop her, but he stopped, "I'm counting on you. Don't kill her, please..."
"Don't worry Cobalt, go get that girl!"
He nodded before running off.
And then there was one. I expected this. Now there's only one person left for me to take care of... Brisk... here I come... |
New guy at CHS: The Mystic Realm | Chapter 29(Big Battle Arc Finale) | Cobalt ran through the halls of the capitol, taking out any foot soldier that he came across. His halberd was getting bloodier by the second. Cobalt knew that without his mystical powers, he would be at a disadvantage against any one he came across. He had no healing factor, no copy ability..., and no last stand. Without anything to enhance his abilities, he'll find himself in a possible grave on this battlefield.
What am I to do against Brisk. I barely survived my first duel, let alone the one that got me into this mess. And that was with my powers, without them... I'll probably just end up dying here today...
Cobalt looked ahead towards the end of the hall. It was a large door, "Is that it?" He began sprinting towards the door. He approached it ever so closely. He burst through it to see Brisk standing with his dual-sword in hand.
Brisk turned around and chuckled, "Ah, Cobalt, it's about time you showed up!"
"Can't you villains say anything else? It's been the same thing each time I enter a new room! Get some new material!" Cobalt jammed his halberd into the ground, causing the room to shake.
"Oh, you want to fight me?"
"Where's Rarity?"
"Ha, that's what you're here for? I thought you were here for redemption. I didn't expect you to be here for her. You must love her a lot."
"She's my friend, and I'll do anything to save her! So where is she?!"
"Well, sorry burst your bubble Cobalt, but she's not here," Cobalt's eyes slowly shot opened as he gritted his teeth, "She's possible already on Earth, and I do believe the bidding has started..."
"Bidding?"
"You still don't know? Oh that's right, you never knew the truth behind this. You see Cobalt, I'm not marrying Rarity, I'm selling her!" Cobalt was speechless when he heard this news. Not only was she not here, but she's close to being sold...
"No..."
"I'm afraid I can't stay here Cobalt. I must attend my own bidding to see who she gets sold to. However, there is someone here to keep you company while I'm gone. Have fun with her...," Brisk teleported away, but Cobalt tried to stop him. However, he was just too slow to catch him.
"Who is she...?"
"Mr. Cobalt...," Cobalt turned around to see Lightning walking up to him. She had new, more extravagant armor that looked light, yet looked heavy in its looks. Kind of contradicting, but that's how it looked. She still used her same twin swords, but her hair was shorter than it was the last time he had saw her.
"Lightning?"
"I hope you enjoyed your time away from that skank Rarity."
"You, you're the reason I'm in this situation. If I had never taken that sword from you, I wouldn't be in this mess!"
"Exactly, this isn't my fault. You took that sword out of your own good nature. If you had still shown at least some type of hostile reaction towards me, you wouldn't have used that sword. That's why I started hating you. You used to give zero-shits about anyone before those girls got here. Ever since they got here, you got soft, and for what reason? You never showed mercy, and you had never lost. Well, before your lost to Brisk. You may be number one now, but that was an obvious fluke. He gave you that win to give you a false sense of security. You were foolish enough to accept his challenge again..."
"I... didn't want to accept it..."
"Oh, was it that skank? Ha, look at how she gives you trouble, and yet, you don't punish her. Again, that's you being soft. Not showing any discipline to anyone. Look at where it got you. Rarity got you killed when you lost that duel. You're... a disgrace to all mystics..."
Cobalt gripped his halberd with a vice grip. He quickly turned around, and slashed the air in front of him, "Cut your bullshit!" A large beam shot from the slash, but Lightning barely dodged it, "If you don't tell me where they're bringing Rarity, I'll make you regret everything that you've ever done!"
Lightning smirked as her swords began to glow red, "This is what I wanted..."
"Hmph, you'll regret your decision...," Cobalt closed his eyes, and opened them again. His pupils lost their color. His eyes were just plain white. His hair began to change color as well. It went from red, to plain white as well. Soon, his veins began protruding from his body, glowing red. They began pulsating, much to Lightning's disgust. Cobalt began to cackle lightly. It was demonic, sending fear through Lightning. On the outside, a thunderstorm began forming over the capitol building.
From a distance on the ship, Rarity saw what was happening, as did the others on the ship.
Oh no... that can't be what I think it is... Cobalt... no...
"What is...?"
Cobalt then began speaking again. Only this time, is was deep, and demonic, "It's about time... you brought me back...," Lightning stepped back in fear, "Now, for your punishment!"
Meanwhile, all of Cobalt's friends began clenching their chests in pain. However, it wasn't only the girls, but everyone in the surrounding area. The capitol started rumbling fiercely, sending everyone into panic.
Lightning couldn't react due to the fear she was having. Due to this, Cobalt grabbed her by the collar, and stared into her eyes. She soon started foaming from the mouth, and her eyes rolled to the back of her head. Cobalt dropped her, and laughed manically, "What a disappointment. I hope your comrades aren't the same," Before Cobalt moved on, he looked at his Halberd, and snapped it in half. He then held his hand above the ground, and a serrated sword appeared from the ground, "Let's go have some fun..."
Cobalt then went into the ground just as he used to do. Only this time, there was dark aura that emanated from him as he did so. No one expected this... Dark Cobalt... has returned... |
New guy at CHS: The Mystic Realm | Chapter 30(Final Arc) | As clouds of darkness filled the air, Cobalt made his way back to the front of the Capitol. Bolts of lightning shot around Cobalt as he held his sword up. His blade was soon engulfed in a blaze of darkness before striking down at the ground before him.
Large eruptions of lava filled the ground, along with bolts of lightning destroying both Cobalt's own soldiers, and the Imperial Army soldiers. Applejack and Brute, who were still fighting Thunder, witnessed the destruction first hand. Thunder stepped back, and clicked his tongue, "I do not have time to die here. Not today," The two heroes glanced at Thunder beginning to teleport away, "Someday, we'll settle the score. For now, my deed here is done," Thunder teleported away, leaving the two heroes behind.
"What's going on Applejack? What is this destruction? Is this Brisk's plan? To take out every nation in one fierce blow."
"No... he's back..."
"Who's back?!"
"The evil presence... Cobalt's evil presence..."
"What are you on about?"
Soon, the rest of their friends joined them outside, "Guys, what's going on here?!" Twilight asked in fear.
"What happened to all of ya'?"
"I'm pretty sure we all had to face one of Brisk's soldiers. But what's going on out here?"
The girls looked at each other, and answered, "Before Cobalt left, he sort of had a dark power living within him. We had thought he had beaten it, but I guess all the stress and anger built up over the course of these years brought it back. Although, it's much stronger than it was last time...," Sunset explained, "Maybe the loss of Rarity brought him to this breaking point. Wait, then that means...-,"
"Rarity isn't here...," Twilight finished. They looked down at the ground in true despair. Their friend was still gone, and now, they truly don't have any clue on where she could be.
Brute and Scarlet looked on in pity. The once outgoing friends they knew were now sad, dead people. They knew that if they had found out anything bad had happened to Rarity, then it would affect them so.
They were snapped out of their trance when Cobalt landed behind them, "Cobalt?"
"Hmph, such weak individuals. These peons can't even provide me with a decent challenge!"
"Cobalt, stop this now!" Rainbow yelled, "Enough of this dark persona crap. This won't help Rarity in her time of need! You'll just hinder us!"
"Oh, and you're telling me brute force won't get her back? If we continue to wait for our opportune moment, she'll be gone before we know it! Hell, she already is! The old Cobalt hesitated too much, and Lightning did the right thing to wake up the real Cobalt! The Cobalt that was abandoned when you girls got here!"
Bolts of lightning struck the girls, causing them to jolt back from Cobalt, "So this was the real Cobalt...," Twilight said under her breath. They looked at her as she began walking forward, "I knew that there was something up with you. Something the girls didn't tell me. A dark persona... ha, I can't help but feel that this was your true intention Cobalt. Get one of your friends captured to awaken this demon..."
"You know, I'd applaud Cobalt if he had thought of that, but the last thing he'd do, is hurt any of you. That is what made him weak. Sympathy, Benevolence... blegh, makes me want to vomit just saying those words. The Cobalt all of you knew, as I said before, was weak. Without me, he would be nothing. Even without the powers of a mystic, he still has me, the true embodiment of the devil himself!"
"Rarity wouldn't like this part of you Cobalt. Which is why we don't need you right now," Cobalt paused as he heard this. He looked at Twilight with anger in her eyes as she continued, "When you see yourself going back to your good-,"
"So you're going to abandon your friend?" Cobalt interrupted. They hated to admit it, but they were abandoning a friend. Twilight then responded.
"As of right now, you're not our friend..."
"Twilight!"
"Until you're back to normal, you're not helping anymore..."
"I see, I no longer have any friends...," Cobalt said quietly as his sword began to engulf itself in a fierce blaze, "If I have no friends... I have nothing to lose!" Cobalt dashed forward towards Twilight as godlike speed.
"Cobalt no!" Everyone yelled. They all closed their eyes, only to open them again to see Cobalt's sword pierced through Brute's armor, and through the other side of himself.
"Go! Cobalt isn't going to regret anything now! All of you, go!" They all stared in fear, but nodded. Twilight ran ahead and opened a portal. They all looked back at the two of them as Cobalt kicked Brute to the ground, and ended him by slicing his head off. Twilight gasped, but quickly ran off when Cobalt looked at her.
She yelled before she left, "We won't come back until the old Cobalt is back!"
Cobalt huffed and puffed as he slowly fell to one knee. The storm clouds disappeared as the sun shined through the passing clouds. Cobalt looked up to see Brute's decapitated body, his eyes widened as he stared at his hand. His hand was covered in blood, along with his armor.
"I did this?"
Of course you did this, could you not tell?
"Not you again!
It's your fault Cobalt. If you had only left those girls in Canterlot, none of this would've happened. A simple visit to them would've sufficed, but now, they're stuck wondering where their friends are. Both you and Rarity...
"I won't play your mind games..."
Who says you already haven't? Cobalt, just give into my power. or rather, just use me when you need to. I won't control you, just allow my power to assist you when you need it, huh?
"I..."
Cobalt, I'm really only here to help you save Rarity. I know how you feel about her. Which is why you need to this alone. I made that whole scene in purpose. Mostly, to send you on a spiritual journey.
"Huh?"
I'm not your dark power. I'm something much greater...
"Thanks for confusing everyone..."
Cobalt, you need to take time alone from your friends.
"Wait, so you killed Brute, just to get my friends away from me?"
You need to find your true self. Trust me, just take some time to find yourself. Once you do, you may find your friends again. Don't worry, Twilight and the others can handle finding Rarity for the time being.
"But I can make a world of difference..."
You will only put the others in danger. Please, what you need to do is find your true self by doing what you've been longing to do. What is it that you desire?
"What do I desire... that's easy...," Cobalt looked down, and then back up, "I want Brisk dead...," The voice didn't speak again as Cobalt stood up and looked at his hand.
Very well, then, if that is what you want. Would you like your powers?
"Huh?"
I can give you powers back for a short time. Only until you fulfill your desire.
"...," Cobalt felt his power course through his body. He could feel his hair turn back in to its dark blue color as held his hand up, "Gate!" A portal appeared in front of him as it teleported to a mountain. Although, it wasn't the mountain where his village was, but a snowy mountain, "Hm, this should suffice for a few months...," Cobalt looked at the barren wasteland as he looked at his sword, "I guess I'm stuck with you. Let's see what you can do..." |
New guy at CHS: The Mystic Realm | Chapter 31 | After a few months of living in the mountains, Cobalt had not aged well while I'm the mountains. Cobalt now had a full beard, and his hair was in an unkempt ponytail. He was basically a mountain man at this point.
As he was in the mountain, he came to one realization, "I can't take Brisk on alone. I need help...," He can't get help from his friends, but he can get help from other people that he trusts.
"My village..."
Since my village was rebuilt, the once missing villagers retuned. Now that I have people on my side, I may just have a chance to assassinate Brisk, and end his reign of tyranny once and for all...
Cobalt opened a portal to the mountain of his village, but was shocked to see it, once again, destroyed. This time, there really was nothing left to build from.
There were dead bodies everywhere. Dead animals, and the houses were just nowhere to be seen. It didn't look like it was accidental either. His village was attacked.
Cobalt looked around continuously for any survivors. He saw a body move slowly, and he rushed to its aid, "Hey! Are you alright?! Did you see what happened here?!" He turned the body over to see a raccoon moving it, "Damn it..."
"Cobalt?" An all too familiar voice answered. Cobalt clenched his sword as he stood up, "What are you doing here?"
"..."
"Cobalt..."
"What happened here?"
"I'm sorry Cobalt. We had tried to get help from your village, but as soon as they heard about us abandoning you, they attacked. We never thought the people of your village was so strong. We had no choice..."
"Shut it. This is my fault. I changed, and that's why this has all happened."
"We didn't want to fight back, but Brisk gave us the order..."
"So you're working for Brisk now? First you abandon me, and then you run to the enemy, betraying me in the process? No matter, it's not like I have anything to lose now," Cobalt turned around, and held his sword in the air.
"Cobalt!" The person behind the voice... was Rainbow.
"Nothing matters anymore... I'm already... dead inside...," Cobalt dashed forward in an attempt to attack Rainbow, but she dodged it, "Using your speed huh? No matter, speed can't help your reaction time..."
Cobalt stabbed his sword into the ground as multiple eruptions filled the ground. Rainbow tried her best to dodge each eruption, but she knew she couldn't forever.
Meanwhile, from afar, Twilight and the gang were looking around at the destruction until Twilight noticed that Rainbow was missing, "Where's Rainbow? We need to leave..."
She was answered when one of the eruptions rose into the air near them, "What did you do this time Rainbow?" Twilight sighed as she looked at her friends, "Scarlet, you head out and get the plan ready."
"Right!" Scarlet ran off further into the mountain.
"Rest of you, on me!" The girls nodded as they started to follow Twilight towards the explosions.
"Come on Rainbow, you have to be more skilled than that!" Cobalt continued his attack on Rainbow. All the while she attempted to talk sense into him. She didn't want to hut him. Actually, she doesn't think she can.
She just can't bring herself to hurt him. Yes, she would like to punch him, but only as a joke, not intentionally. Rainbow felt the fatigue hit her as she stumbled on her feet. She fell to the ground, and saw Cobalt slowly walk towards her, "Just great, I'm gonna die to the guy I lost my virginity to...," Rainbow shut her eyes to prepare for the inevitable. But before she could feel her head get lobbed off, Cobalt jumped behind her as a beam flew over her head, "Huh?!"
"Rainbow!"
Rainbow saw her friends approach her to help her up from the ground, "What are all of you doing here?"
"Trying to not get you killed. What's going on?"
"Take a look," Pointed over at Cobalt. The girls were shocked to see how much Cobalt had changed. His full beard and everything made them somewhat queasy.
"Is that... Cobalt?"
"Just look at him. His facial features are there, but he just has his beard..., and his hair is unkempt... and blue?"
"He got his powers back? But how?"
Cobalt looked at them with dead eyes. They had no idea what he could do next, "So all of you are working with my arch rival? Hmph, I should've expected that much from all of you. I mean, you don't trust me anymore, so what's the point? I have nothing to lose. Especially not any friends...," Cobalt dug his foot into the ground, and dashed forward towards them.
Cobalt spun around as a vortex of fire surrounded him. The sparks of the flame came into the contact with the girls, and to their surprise, they hadn't felt that kind of burn ever.
"Why does it burn so much?!" Rainbow yelled in agony.
"My heat matches that of the sun!" Cobalt jabbed his sword into the ground, causing more eruptions, "I will burn you all to a crisp!"
"Lightning and fire! Choose one Cobalt!" Rainbow jumped into the air, and spun around, creating a massive tornado.
"Ha, I remember this...," Cobalt smled, but he shook his head as he dodged the tornado.
"Girls, did you see that?" Sunset asked, they all nodded.
Twilight smiled at the sight, "Our Cobalt is still in there. He remembers the fun times we had. However, he is our enemy now. and we can't allow him to ruin our plans. Let's go girls!"
"Right!"
They all charged at Cobalt at the same time, causing him to stand his ground. Rainbow was the first to strike, but she failed in her attack as Cobalt knocked her wing blades away, and kicked her in her sternum. The force of the kick sent into the ground with a large explosion
Applejack attempted to attack next, but Cobalt easily blocked her spear. She took them apart, and tried to hit him with the other end, but Cobalt grabbed both ends of her spear before tossing her into the air.
Cobalt dragged his blade across the ground, casing it to ignite ever so slightly before throwing at Applejack. She had managed to block, but the force behind the throw was breaking her grip on her weapon.
What she didn't see, was Cobalt jumping towards her to fully release her guard. Cobalt followed up the guard break with multiple kicks to her chest. Cobalt kicked at such astonishing speed, that his legs seemed to have disappeared.
Cobalt landed in front of Fluttershy, and glared at her, causing to step back slowly to hide behind Pinkie, "Don't worry Fluttershy. Your Auntie Pinkie Pie will handle this!" Pinkie jumped up towards Cobalt to fight him, all the while Fluttershy sighed.
"I'm a year older than you..."
Pinkie delivered many explosive blows, no pun intended, at Cobalt. However, Cobalt stood his ground against each punch. Pinkie jumped back, and jerked her wrist before, "Bangbangbangbang!" Pinkie fired her cannons as if they were machine guns at Cobalt.
Cobalt smirked at this, "Tch, duplicate!" Multiple copies of Cobalt appeared before the cannon pellets.
"I thought you couldn't use that Cobalt!"
"You learn things when you're alone..."
Pinkie could've sworn Cobalt was in front of her, but his came from behind her. She waited for the smoke from the cannons to dissipate to see all the copies gone, "I killed him! And now he's a ghost wanting revenge on me!"
"Hehe, no Pinkie, I'm just behind you," Pinkie turned around to be met with a fist in her gut. The force from the punch sent her flying into a tree, knocking the roots out the ground, and tipping it over, "Like I said Pinkie, I adore your eccentric personality," As Cobalt said this. he grabbed his head in pain, "Agh!"
Twilight caught this again and nodded, "Girls, quit trying to attack one by one! Attack him all together!"
"Twilight, I don't think they can get up. Well apart from Fluttershy, but she's too scared to move. It's up to us. We can attack her together. We have the range, so let's see if we can hit him with a combo attack."
"Alright," Twilight charged up her war fan, and Sunset got a volley of arrows ready. Sunset aimed at the sky, and Twilight was ready to fire her massive beam. They both nodded as Sunset fired off an army's worthy volley, and Twilight fired a massive beam of light at Cobalt.
Cobalt stood still with no emotion, and held his hand up, "Reverse...," The beam shot back at Twilight, and Cobalt looked up at the volley, "Freeze...," The arrows froze in midair, much to Sunset's surprise. Then she noticed the massive beam heading back towards Twilight.
"Twilight, watch out!" Sunset pushed Twilight and took the hit from the beam. The beam burned most of her armor off, and she felt some of her skin melt off.
Sunset fell onto the ground unconscious, and wounded severely. Twilight ran over to her in fear, "Heal!" Soon afterwards, all of Sunset's wounds were healed, but she was still unconscious.
Due to her healing Sunset, she didn't see Cobalt in the air, spinning down towards her. Twilight had managed to dodge the attack, but Cobalt spun his blade towards her, casing a fiery vortex to surround her.
Twilight yelled in pure agony as the vortex surrounded her. Cobalt watched on as he looked at his friends, all laid out in front of him, "How disappointing. Did all my teachings go to waste on the 6 of you?"
Rainbow stood up slowly, only to collapse back onto a tree, "Even with the 6 of us, we can't beat him. Is this his true strength..."
Fluttershy peaked out from behind a tree to bear witness to the situation, "Cobalt...," She took a deep breath and stretched out her whip at astonishing speed. Cobalt didn't prepare for this speed. He was entangled by Fluttershy's whip, and then she said, "Unbreakable!" The whip soon glowed a gold aura as Fluttershy let it go, "That's enough Cobalt..."
"Unbreakable spell. Smart...," Cobalt accepted his defeat as Fluttershy looked around at her friends.
"Unity...," Fluttershy said quietly as she twirled around like a ballerina. A green aura formed around her graceful dancing as her friends' wounds began to heal themselves slowly.
They all surrounded Cobalt as he looked away from them, "Do what you will with me..."
"Really!" Rainbow said in excitement. Knowing what she meant, Applejack punched her arm, "Ow, right..."
"Go ahead, do it. I am ready to die...," They all stared at him with sympathy. They never expected Cobalt to willingly give up like that. Just as Twilight was about to say something, Scarlet arrived behind them.
"The attack begins now. Let's go, huh? Cobalt?" Scarlet stared at Cobalt who was now captured.
"No time to explain, Scarlet. Let's get going..."
"R-Right...," Scarlet opened a portal which seemed like it was a whole other world..., or more so looked like it.
"Japan?"
"Let's go everyone! This is our one chance to find Rarity!"
"Yeah!" They all entered the portal, only after glancing at Cobalt who stared at them back as they left.
"That looked like Japan. One of Brisk's safe havens are there. I know what to do. Manifest: Plasma Sniper...," A weird, alien-like weapon appeared in Cobalt's hand as he held his hand up, "Gate...," The portal opened to another wooded area, "Hm, I think I have plenty of bullets for this gun, but for you Brisk... I only need one..." |
New guy at CHS: The Mystic Realm | Chapter 32 | Cobalt laid down along side the roof of a Japanese village. He laid down, staring at the stars in the process, "The night is young, yet it grows in beauty. A perfect night for an assassination," He turned to see an army marching their way to the village he was in, "And so the attack begins. I'll wait for my time to come, and when it does, Brisk will feel the sensation of a plasma bullet flying straight through his heart."
Plasma is a substance that's lethal to everyone, especially mystics. It destroys the body from within, killing them slowly. If a plasma bullet pierces the heart, it's an instant death. If I shoot Brisk in his heart, he'll die instantly.
Time passed as he saw the village burn in a fierce blaze, "What good would burning the village do? All this needless this destruction must come to an end, and it'll end once I kill Brisk. Wait...," Cobalt saw Brisk running into the middle of a fiery circle. He saw his friends surrounding him, with Twilight leading the charge.
"Don't tell me they're planning to try and do what they tried on me?" They all charged Brisk, casing Cobalt to sigh, "Yeah... they are. Come on Twilight. What in the world are you doing? Without me, they're worthless. Have my teachings done nothing to them... well, they did learn mystical powers. And in record time at that."
Cobalt watched on, gazing at the girls battling Brisk amongst the fierce blaze, "A group of humans who had no idea mystics like us existed can surpass even the strongest of mystics. Perhaps my teachings did do something. No matter, I can't have them die to that man...," Cobalt loaded his rifle, and pointed it at Brisk's heart, "Get ready to die... Brisk," He waited for a clear shot. And that shot came when Brisk came into a deadlock with Twilight. As Cobalt saw this moment, he pulled the trigger..., and BAM!
However, as Cobalt pulled the trigger, a memory triggered itself in Cobalt's mind. A memory from her was only 10 years old.
-14 years ago-
Cobalt sat along side a hill. The sun setting over the horizon, a nice cool breeze, and he sat between his sister's legs, leaning back enough for her to stroke his hair. Beside him, were his friends during that time. A young Harmony and Brisk.
Brisk turned to Cobalt and asked, "Hey Cobalt, is there something that you desire in the world?"
"Something I desire?"
"Yeah, my sis and I talked about things that we desire. You know my desire: To continue my family's legacy."
"Yeah, and what about you Harmony?"
Harmony blushed, and looked away from Cobalt, "None of your business. You should never ask a girl that Cobalt..."
"Huh?" Emerald flicked the back of her brother's head, causing him to turn to her, "What was that for?"
"Don't ask a girl for her secrets. Haven't mom and I taught you better than to do that?"
"Fine..."
"And you Cobalt?"
"Well, I've never desired anything. I mean, you get the thing that you desire, and then what?"
"You're right..."
"Exactly, what do you do when you fulfill your one true desire?"
-Present day-
The bullet pierced through Brisk's heart, causing him to slowly drop dead. His lifeless laid in front of him as Twilight looked around.
All the while looked on in surprise, "What do I desire? That's easy. I just wanted Brisk dead. Now that he is, what do I do? What does anyone do in this situation?"
Twilight looked around, and saw Cobalt. She gritted her teeth, and signaled everyone to capture Cobalt.
Cobalt caught this, and clicked his tongue, "Damn it...," He slid off the roof, and began running. He ran, and ran, and ran... until her couldn't run anymore.
Cobalt collapsed for air near a pond. He glanced at his reflection, and saw what he had become. A psychopath...
"No, this isn't me... I've lost the true reason for this... Rarity... I'm sorry... I've failed you...," He then took a second glance at his reflection, and looked on in confusion, "Blue hair? I shouldn't have blue hair. I fulfilled my desire... unless...," Before Cobalt could come to a conclusion, an arrow came flying towards his face. He moved his head slightly to narrowly dodge the arrow. He saw multiple archers led by Sunset.
"Capture him!"
Cobalt jumped up, and took a deep breath, "Conceal...," Cobalt disappeared, and looked back into the reflection.
Sunset looked around, and sighed in frustration, "Spread out, and find him!"
Cobalt took his sword, and held it along his ponytail. With one quick slice, the ponytail fell off. He looked at his beard, and slowly began hacking it away. With no shaving cream, he would just have to endure the pain.
Slowly, his beard came off, and once it was off, he began running again. However, he felt himself slow down. he felt kind of nauseous. Like he was drunk. He looked in front of him, but although it was blurry, he could make out the figure, "Flutter...shy?" Cobalt collapsed, and soon fainting.
-A few hours later-
Cobalt awoke in a small cabin of some sort. He looked around as his vision fixated itself, "Huh? Where am I?"
"I'm glad to see you awake Cobalt..."
Cobalt looked on to see Fluttershy smiling at him. Cobalt couldn't help but hate himself when he saw her. He jolted up, and turned away from her, "Shut up. Glad to see me awake? What kind of nonsense is that?! I killed the only source you had to find Rarity! I'm the one you wanna kill!"
"Yes, you did do that, and we are angry at you for doing so. However, we can't stay mad at you forever. We could only imagine what was going through your head over the last few months. Either way, killing you won't help us find Rarity!" Fluttershy grabbed Cobalt's collar, and collapsed into his arms, "Killing you? We would never think of such a thing... you mean too much to us Cobalt for us to kill you. And the same goes with Rarity..."
"Then... why am I here?"
"Cobalt, we know where Rarity is."
"You do?"
"You may not believe this, but this whole thing, was planned out by Harmony..."
"Huh?"
"The duels, your altercation with Lightning, even Rarity's capture... it was all her doing. She worked under the shadows. We only found out recently when Thunder, one of Brisk's officers, told us. It was a malicious plan to get us out of the picture."
"Why?"
"She wanted you Cobalt. She stopped at nothing to make sure this plan came to fruition."
"No, that can't be..."
"Yes, haven't you noticed how she's looked at us during our time at the beach."
"Hm..."
Now that I think about it, every time the girls would get affectionate with me, she would ball her hands into a fist in an attempt to prevent herself from doing something I guess. Actually, we had a conversation when I called off our wedding.
-A few months ago-
"Cobalt sweetie, which dress would be better? This one..., or this one?" Harmony held up two wedding dresses as Cobalt was reading a letter, "What's that?"
"Harmony... we have to call off the wedding."
Harmony dropped the dresses in shock as she stared at Cobalt, "W-Why...?"
"My friends... just got accepted into Starlight...," Harmony stepped back towards the wall, a shocked expression on her face, "I'm sorry Harmony. You remember our deal though. I never expected them to be accepted at this time..."
"N-No... as your childhood friend... I can't keep you like this from your friends," Harmony then put her hands against the wall, and began scratching slightly, "However, I will make sure you'll be mine...," Harmony said this under her breath, and Cobalt didn't catch it.
"Huh?"
"Oh nothing. I'm just happy for you and your friends..."
"So, you're not mad about this, right?"
"No, I mean, we still have time before they arrive, right?" Harmony inched herself closer to Cobalt as she wrapped her arms around his neck.
"I guess..."
"Then let's have some fun before she arrive...," Harmony placed her lips on Cobalt, and sent both of them to the floor.
-Present Day-
Huh, how could I not see that she was a yandere. Makes you think about it though. Why didn't she take matters into her own hands, rather having all this shit happen? How could I not see this? Was it because of my hatred towards her brother?
"Probably...," Cobalt looked at Fluttershy, and sighed, "Sorry, you were just speaking out loud again..."
"Well, that's the usual. However, what do you expect me to do?"
"One last time Cobalt..."
Cobalt looked on in confusion, and smiled, "I don't think having sex would do anything to help Rarity right now..."
"Not that! I mean, I wouldn't mind if you would, but we would be wasting time! Anyway, we're asking you help us in this final battle. All we have to do is attack Harmony, and save Rarity from her clutches."
"But what about the bidding?"
"She won Rarity Cobalt. Obviously..."
"W-What? You act like I'm suppose to know that..."
"I mean, we wouldn't be attacking her if she didn't have her..."
"Fluttershy, get back into character..."
"Fine... yay?"
"Close enough. Look, I'll help. But only this one time. I'll help all of you..."
"Great!" Fluttershy hugged Cobalt fiercely, much to Cobalt's surprise. She waited for him to return the hug, and he soon did, but he shook his arms as he hugged her back. This caused her to have a little fear, but she was happy to know that Cobalt was somewhat normal. No beard..., and shorter hair...
Harmony... you've made my friends suffer so much. I thought you were my friend... my childhood friend. Quite cliche, but what can you do. She's done so much... taken so much. She must pay for her sins. However, I don't think I can bring myself to kill her. Can I do it? |
New guy at CHS: The Mystic Realm | Chapter 33(Finale) | Fluttershy waited for Cobalt to dress properly for the battle before heading off to meet the others. Fluttershy waited outside their little cabin as he was talking to her, "So, where is Rarity?"
"She's back at the school. She's using some of the students in battle. It's..."
"Crazy?"
"Yes..."
"Hm, I always knew she had a crush on me. I just didn't think it grew this badly. To the point of killing my friends, or attempting to at least."
"I still can't believe she planned this all from the beginning."
"She probably planned this when I told her that I was trying to get all of you here. She probably stayed up as much as I did to get this plan done."
"Cobalt, you had no idea, didn't you?"
"Of course, I was too busy trying to get you girls here to notice. However, we can't let her get away with this. She'll have to be imprisoned, but I'm afraid that all of you would want to execute her..."
"Uh..., no. We don't want that. We understand what she's going through. Someone she loves is after another girl, or girls. I believe that's what brought her to her breaking point. Cobalt, we know..."
"Wow, you girls are a really forgiving bunch...," The two laughed as they continued their conversation, "What do you expect me to do?"
"Well, you do what you do best Cobalt. Strategies, and kick some ass..."
"Whoa, language. This is a PG show..."
"You're gonna say that after our... ahem... time on the beach?"
"Point taken, but yeah. I can do that," The door to the cabin to reveal Cobalt's, simple, yet cool armor. It was mostly light cloth, but there was an armor plate along the upper body. Cobalt had a headband on as well.
"You look nice..."
"With what I had, I think I did a good job. However, I'm going to miss my ponytail. I grew that out for years, and now it's gone."
"How long does it take to grow?"
"Well to get it to what it looked like... about 3 years?"
"Wow..."
"And that beard only took a few months..."
"That beard made you look like a mountain man."
"Yeah, I know, but I kind of miss it. Anyway, shall we get going?"
"Yes, Twilight and the others are waiting," Fluttershy grabbed Cobalt's hand before opening a portal.
"I'm so proud of you girls..."
"Huh?"
"You girls came to the mystic realm not knowing a single thing about mystics. Now you're just as good as a few of the realm's strongest mystics."
"Wow..."
"Yeah, it makes me happy...," Cobalt smiled genuinely for the first time in who knows how long, "Let's get going, it's best not to keep them waiting, but first," Cobalt looked at his hand, and said, "Manifest: Dragon Spear!" A spear with a blade at the end met with blue dragon hair appeared in Cobalt's hand, "Now let's go," They walked through together, hand in hand...
"What about your sword?"
"Uh, I'll stick to polearms if you please. Swords just aren't my thing. Come on," He led her through the portal, both smiling at one another.
Once they were through, they were met with beaming eyes from the others. They realized they were still holding hands with one another, "Hold on a second, this isn't what it-," Before Cobalt could finish, he was grabbed instantly for a group hug from everyone. Well, everyone except Twilight, Scarlet, and... Thunder?
Twilight walked up slowly towards the group hug. She held her fan, and possibly tears of joy. The girls opened up, and Cobalt smiled at her, "There's still room for one more you idiot...," Twilight smiled as she tackled him for a hug.
"I'm glad you're back. I'm sorry for everything that's happened to you and your village...," If Cobalt could, he would rub her head, "Cobalt... I'm sorry..."
"It's fine. I now know that I wasn't the same person..., so I hope you can forgive all my past actions. I killed Brute, hindered your plans. I even hurt, and nearly killed all of you. If anything, I don't deserve your forgiveness...," Twilight gripped him harder, and took off her glasses.
"Cobalt, that's the last thing we should all do. I'm pretty sure you can see that. We... care about you too much to do that. The same goes for Rarity. I know for sure that she's waiting for you to save her. She's waited for too long... it's time we save her."
Cobalt smiled as he looked at Thunder, "And you Thunder? Why did you join us?"
"With Brisk dead, I could finally leave his rule. I couldn't leave his rule due to the foothold he had against my family."
"So, he forced you to join his army?"
"Correct, I may be a strong mystic, but I'm not a monster. I had to perform each task he had given me with the utmost perfection, or he would torture my parents. Now that he's dead, my parents were freed, and I was able to live with them in peace. When I found out that you were the one that had killed him, I knew I owed you a debt of gratitude. This will fulfill it. I will help you get your friend back Cobalt."
"Thank you so much. I wish you and your family the best of wishes."
"It is an honor to hear that from you..."
"Wait, what are we up against?" Cobalt asked. Twilight waved him over to a tower that overlooked the battlefield. The battlefield were the school grounds.
"The battlefield is small, but we can make do with it. Right now, Harmony has the whole school, along with the twins helping her."
"Hmph, that will be quite the problem..."
"To add to it, some of Brisk's former officers have joined."
"So, you mean like Lightning, Phantasia etc."
"Correct."
"Hm, they must be wanting to kill all of you as they know you'll be here. Don't worry, we can do this. Judging by her formation, she's planning to hold out until we use all of our provisions. Perhaps we can break their formation."
"How?" Cobalt looked towards the city, and nodded, "There are cannons in the city that are used against invaders. They haven't been in use for years, but they still work. Thunder, you know how to use them, right?"
"Well, yes, but won't you think they'll be guarded."
"They might try to use them against us. It's best we take them before they do. Thunder, you and Applejack will go take those cannons. Take a small group of soldiers with you so you won't be outnumbered. Twilight, until then, send in an assault team in an attempt to break through their defenses. Meanwhile, stand your ground until I give the signal. We can't make any hasty actions," Cobalt looked on at the main school building, and closed his eyes.
Don't worry Rarity. I'll be there soon. Just hold on...
Cobalt looked back down at the small army ahead of him, "Everyone, I must thank you for joining us in this final battle! This battle shall end all the chaos that plagues not only the mystic realm, but all other realms! Please, I ask of all you to lend your strength just one last time!"
The crowd of soldiers all answered with battle cry, making Cobalt smile. He then looked at his spear, and then towards the main building once again.
Harmony... everything you had planned... will now be all for nothing...
Thunder and Applejack waved off before teleporting to the cannons, "Let them handle that. Twilight, is that vanguard ready?"
"Yes, I have sent them out now. They're being led by Sunset."
"Alright, Pinkie, do you think you can lead a demo team to take out the enemy supply depot?"
"Okie dokie lokie!" Pinkie ran off, but stopped in midair.
"You don't know where it is, do you?"
"Nope!"
"Well, I don't either. My best guess would be the cafeteria. However, if they would hide it in plain sight, they would guard it with their elite soldiers. It's best if you get some extra help for this."
"I'll go with her," Fluttershy answered.
"Alright, Rainbow, Twilight, the two of you stay back here, and be the rear guard."
"What?! Come on Cobalt, let me be on the frontline assault team!" Rainbow protested.
"No, that's much too dangerous. Harmony will try whatever she can to stop us from saving Rarity..."
Rainbow was about to say something, but she just smiled, "Alright fine. Geez, you've changed us so much Cobalt."
"I didn't really try, but I guess I did. Either way, I'm glad that all of you are still with me, even after everything that has happened. Thank you..."
"Dude," Rainbow wrapped her arm around Cobalt, and smiled, "you're too awesome to leave alone. Like, you're a mystic, and the strongest at that."
"Yeah?"
"What?"
"Nothing...," Cobalt expected her to say more, but she's already poured her heart out for him previously. All Cobalt could do, was smile as he felt his hair, "I've changed a lot too. My hair, my beard... my personality..."
Rainbow lightly punched Cobalt's chest as she said, "Dude, you haven't changed a bit. You're still that loving, caring guy that will do anything for his friends. Even play along with their little plan of taking your virginity that was already taken."
"Hehe, I guess so. Cobalt then looked on ahead and sighed, "All we can do now... is wait."
Meanwhile, Thunder and Applejack made their way to the cannons. It actually wasn't guarded at all. Or so it seemed, "So, are they just going to let us have 'em?" Applejack questioned.
"Maybe they're planning to ambush us," Thunder looked back towards their small band of soldiers, "Keep you're guard up. We don't know what Harmony could be planning right now..."
They carefully moved closer to the cannon, and Thunder looked around, "Alright, Applejack, watch out for any ambush troops. I'll start the cannon fire," Thunder looked inside the control room for the cannons, and stepped in. He closed the door behind him, and Applejack prepared to defend, along with the troops they had with them.
Meanwhile, the assault team witnessed the massive defensive unit guarding the school entrance, "Wow, how will we push through that? I don't even think using a fire attack can cause them to panic. It looks like they're prepared for a fire attack. However, it doesn't seem like they're prepared for a flood attack," Sunset turned towards her assault unit, and nodded, "I need all of you to bring the attention to yourselves. I have a way to get through their defenses."
Her soldiers nodded as she teleported away into the ground, similar to how Cobalt does it.
And with Pinkie, she had the cafeteria in her sights, "There we are. Let's get this going Fluttershy. We can't use Angel here, so we're just going to have to use brute force," Pinkie looked at her cannons, and nodded, "I'm quite surprised we were able to teleport to this area without any problems."
"Let's do this Pinkie Pie...," Pinkie Pie nodded as she jumped out into the open, and started to fire into the guards in the cafeteria.
"Whoo-hoo!"
"Pinkie Pie... oh never mind...," Fluttershy joined in the assault, and helped her with taking care of the guards.
Back at main camp, Cobalt looked at the battlefield. The assault team, and... Sunset running off, "What is she doing?" Twilight looked on as well, and thought the same thing.
"What is...?"
"She's going to the cliff...," It then clicked, "Flood attack..."
"Huh?"
"Since the school is surrounded by cliffs, it's susceptible floods. A poor design by the builders. She's planning to flood the school out. Wait, Pinkie and Fluttershy are still inside! Rarity could be in there too!"
"What?!"
"And the cannons would be rendered useless through the water. We gotta stop her..."
"Looks like we need something..., or someone fast to stop her. Luckily, you have the fastest person on this battlefield!" Rainbow said pridefully behind them.
"So Twilight, who should we use?"
"I can teleport to her to stop her..."
"Hey!" Rainbow did not appreciate being ignored, and attempted to hit them. However, like before, both of them activated their force fields, throwing Rainbow back, "Ow!"
Twilight and Cobalt looked at each other before chuckling at each other, "Alright Rainbow, go on and stop her. We can't let her start a flood with our allies still in the area," Rainbow nodded as she ran off at astonishing speed.
Twilight nudged Cobalt, causing him to chuckle, "How does it feel to be doing this again?"
"To be honest, I want all this war and blood to come to an end. I just want a place where people can be happy. A place where no one has to worry about the bloodshed. That was my first dream when I first arrived here at the mystic realm."
Twilight turned to Cobalt, a questioning look on her face, "Did you think... that you could do this alone?"
"I thought I could. However, in reality, no one can ever do anything alone. No matter their power or intellectual superiority. People rely on others, that's part of nature..."
"Yes, you're right. However, what would you do... after this is all over. Once Harmony is defeated, surely the school would close down."
"Maybe I'll take my leave from the Imperial Army. You know what? I like how I mentioned the Imperial Army, and yet, that never really played any sort of role in this story. I find that funny..."
"Sometimes, you confuse me Cobalt."
"Yeah... it's sort of my job...," The two laughed at each other as they stared at each other. Cobalt smiled as he spoke, "You've opened up a lot since we met Twilight. Now Princess Twilight instantly made me her friend. I guess I covered that. You were suspicious of me, but that turned around quickly. What? Are you head over heels for me now?"
"Uh, can we not talk about that...?"
"I don't know, you're the only girl that hasn't really been clear with their feelings."
"Maybe it's because... I've already shown them..."
"Ha, so you do love me?"
"Uh... Let's focus on the battle at hand..."
"Very well then..."
Back with Applejack and Brute, "'Ah don't know about this Brute. Let's speed this up..."
"We can't leave. We have to make sure they don't take the cannons."
"Are ya' sure?"
"Oh he's sure alright," Applejack and her men prepared themselves after the mysterious voices spoke. However, the voices sounded all too familiar.
"Prepare for trouble..."
"And make it double..."
"To protect the world from devastation..."
"To unite the people within our nation..."
To denounce the evils of truth and love..."
"To extend our reach to the stars above..."
"Midnight..."
"Silver..."
"The twins blast off at the speed of light."
"Surrender now or prepare to-."
"Enough of that... jeez, we could get copyrighted..."
"Oh hush, you know that was funny. Besides, we have a job here. We're not going to let any of you take Cobalt away from us."
"We won't let all of ya' do the same..."
The three stared into each other's eyes. A fire of determination within each of their eyes.
Back at the cafeteria, Pinkie and Fluttershy had just finished off the guards, before Pinkie stiffened up, "My Pinkie Senses are tingling. There's 2 more...," Pinkie pointed her cannons towards the corner of the room.
Each cannon fired it was blocked off by large balls of ink, "We have some company Fluttershy..."
Fluttershy gripped her whip fiercely as Gold stepped out. Again, he was carrying a canvas, "Hm, such the gore and death in this room. A perfect masterpiece for my collection. However, there is something missing... perhaps a little yellow... with a touch of light pink," Gold stared at Fluttershy as he said this, "Oh, and Pinkie dear, I won't keep you out the picture either. Phantasia!" Gold gleefully sung.
Large claws came barreling down above Pinkie, for which she dodged. Phantasia jumped from the ground, and looked at Pinkie, "It's time I finished what I started with you..."
"I've been waiting for this...," Pinkie dashed forward, firing her cannons, and sending Phantasia through the walls of the school.
Fluttershy stood frowning at Gold, whom laughed at her, "Oh please, we wouldn't want your face to get wrinkled. Allow me to change your expression!" Gold charged for her, enabling the duel to start.
Meanwhile, Rainbow caught up with Sunset who stood facing Spark, who faced away from her, "Sunset!"
"Hm? Rainbow?" Sunset turned to see her friend stopping in front of her, "What are you doing here?"
"You can do the flood attack. Pinkie and Fluttershy are still inside, and we don't know if Rarity is inside"
"Oh my gosh, I completely forgot. Thank you for stopping me."
"You weren't going to perform the flood attack anyway...," Spark stood up and manifested the same two axes, "I'll stop you here and now."
"What's stopping you from doing so. I never got to finish my duel with you Spark. How about we settle things Spark," Rainbow readied herself, much to Spark's pleasure.
"As you wish, however, it is your funeral Rainbow Dash. And while we duel, why don't I let my friend here keep you company Sunset Shimmer..."
"Friend?"
A volley of fireballs filled the sky as each of them came down towards Sunset.
Sunset held her hand up to set up a force field, causing a laugh came from the shadows, "Oh, no chant? Impressive...," Soon afterwards, Ruby appeared behind Spark with a smirk on her face. She looked at Sunset, and laughed again, "So, you're helping Cobalt still?"
"He's my friend... I have to help him..."
"Even if it leads you to your death?"
Sunset paused, and drew back her bow, "Yes..."
"Hmph, foolish girl. I'll bury you with that foolish comment," Ruby charged at her, hitting her with a fire punch, and sending her back into the forest that surrounded the school.
"Sunset!"
"Pay attention here...," Spark charged towards her as both of then met in a fierce deadlock.
"This doesn't sound like someone that's loyal. You don't want to fight us. You're only being forced to again..."
"Shut up...," They broke free from each other, and stared each other down.
Back at the main camp, Cobalt could do nothing but worry, "Rainbow should be back by now. The assault has already been defeated. There's no point in pushing until those cannons begin firing. That should be happening now. And Pinkie's raid on their supply depot, when's that going to end? This is bad Twilight. I gotta get out there..."
"Stop Cobalt. Don't do anything hasty..."
"But we can't leave them like that. I need to help them...," Cobalt ran forward, but Twilight grabbed his arm.
"Cobalt... you can't do everything by yourself. I believe in our friends..."
"Twilight, you failed to defeat me, and Brisk, I don't know if I can trust all of you with this plan..."
"Cobalt..."
"I"m sorry, it's just that if we make one wrong move, we may just end up losing this battle," Twilight tugged on Cobalt's arm slightly, "You're right. I should just trust-," Before Cobalt could finish, a fireball landed in front of Twilight and Cobalt, causing a massive smoke cloud, "What the?!"
"Surrender yourself Cobalt," Onyx appeared from the smoke cloud.
"Onyx!"
"Your defenses are too inadequate," Twilight smirked and stared at Onyx, "Oh, and your so called strategist too. Let's see if you learned more since our last meeting."
"You know what Cobalt? Go out and help them. I'll deal with this old guy."
"Uh, okay...?" Confused Cobalt started to run off before pausing again. He turned to Twilight who gave him a thumbs up. He smiled, and went on to end this battle quickly.
As Cobalt was running through the battlefield, a cannon barrage came down towards the school.
Looks like they got the cannons up and going...
Then he saw one area of the school explode, and Cobalt chuckled.
That's the supply depot...
Cobalt ran through troops after troops. He would get wounded from the soldiers, but he shrugged the wounds off. After knowing that the plan is going well now, he now has only one thing to worry about..., and that's saving Rarity from Harmony's clutches.
There's only one place she could be now. Her office...
Cobalt ran through the halls of the school. As approached the hall that led to the headmistresses' were filled with all of Cobalt's former students.
"My students, don't tell me Harmony is making all of you do this?" They all nodded, "I don't want to hurt any of you, but you're in my way...," Cobalt stared down at his spear, and looked back at his students, "As your teacher, I command all of you to stand down!"
"I'm afraid the Headmistress has more power than you in the school...," One of the students responded, "We're all sorry Mr. Cobalt..."
"Very well then...," Cobalt made his spear vanish as he ran his hand across the wall. The wall was polished stone, and both his hands turned in that same polished stone. He looked at his students all preparing to fight their teacher. He took a deep breath before running into the fight.
Meanwhile, the girls had captured their opponents. They had their hands tied behind their backs, and were brought to their main camp.
"To lose to such... amateurs... such a disgrace to all mystics in this realm...," Onyx said in disbelief, "This is just impossible. How?"
"You all indeed have the skill and prowess of a true mystic. However, you lack a specific trait. Friendship..."
"Bah, friendship can't get anyone anywhere..."
"Yet, here you are. We believed in the power of our friendship, and look at where all of you now," Onyx turned away from them as Twilight looked at her friends and said, "Now we wait for Cobalt. I just hope he can save Rarity and himself."
"Don't worry about Cobalt Twilight. He's stronger than the Headmistress, so there's nothing to worry about," Even if Rainbow said this, she was still worried as well.
Back with Cobalt, he was now in a hallway full of his students who were now knocked out cold, "I'm sorry...," Cobalt says as he ran towards the office of the Headmistress.
He burst through the door and saw her... Rarity. She was behind a plasma force field, "Rarity!" Cobalt yelled.
"She can't hear you. She can't hear anything behind that force field. You of all people should know that my beloved," A seductive, yet harsh voice responded.
"Let her go..."
"So demanding. Shouldn't we catch up Cobalt? It's been so long since we have."
"You're only doing this to be with me. You're a psychopath..."
"Oh, I prefer you not to call me that. You shouldn't call your superior a psychopath..."
"Need I remind you that I'm number one right now."
"Exactly, and I'm number two. After Brisk's death, I moved up."
"Just show yourself so we can get this over with."
"But I don't want to hurt you Cobalt. Maybe I can't hurt you, but there is someone who would like to hurt you, and Rarity."
Cobalt jumped to the side as Lighting came slashing down above him, "Too predictable...," Cobalt stepped back and dashed forward, spinning as he came towards Lightning.
Lightning retaliated by creating a fire vortex around her. Cobalt passed through the vortex as small amounts of his armor caught on fire. He shrugged it off, but saw that Lightning was no longer within the vortex.
"Where'd she go?" He looked around and his widened as it fixated on her within the force field around Rarity. She stood over Rarity, holding her swords ready to kill, "Don't you dare!" Lightning held her hand up to her ear, and chuckled mercilessly. She brought one of swords up, and slashed down, "No!"
Cobalt closed his eyes and opened them for the inevitable. He was shocked to see Rarity holding Lightning by her throat. Her hair looked like how it was when she was mad at Cobalt during their time at the beach, "Rarity?"
"Hm?" She lifted her up, and drove her through the ground, "She wasn't suppose to wake up. Let alone escape that way. I need to warn the-," Harmony attempted to escape, but Cobalt sealed the two of them within a tight floating bubble, "What is?"
"Harmony... why? You were so much different when we were kids. What changed?"
"My love for you Cobalt...I loved you too much to let you go..."
"You wanna know what true love is? True love is when you want that person that you love to be happy. Even if you aren't a part of their happiness. You can't force someone to love another. What you can do... is support someone for who they do love. I love my friends..., and at one point... I loved you. But the love for my friends surpassed the feelings I had for you. The least you can do... is support me..."
"I don't know... if I can..."
It was then the bubble disappeared around them. They dropped to the ground, and Cobalt walked up to Harmony, "Yes you can...," Cobalt reached out to console her, but out of nowhere, multiple spikes stabbed Cobalt through his body, "Ack!"
"You truly sicken me Cobalt. You've only known these girls for a few months. You've known me for your whole childhood. What do you see in them?!" Cobalt couldn't respond. Harmony just started laughing maniacally, "I'll be back for you Cobalt. Maybe then, you'll understand my undying love for you!" Harmony teleported away, along with the spikes.
Cobalt laid on the ground, blood escaping through his body. To make matters worse, his hair changed color again, back to red. He had lost his powers again. His desire was fulfilled... Rarity was safe once again...
"My healing factor... no...," Cobalt crawled his way back to his feet before limping his way out the school, "Must... get to... my... friends..."
Meanwhile, Rarity faced Lightning, who was battered. Lightning grunted as she held her neck. She stared at Rarity, who looked exactly like how she was when she found Cobalt was married..., or... you get the point.
"You...," Lightning was about to say something, but Rarity appeared in front of her.
"I insist you not to say a word to me. I'll have Cobalt deal with you... restrain...," Lightning's arms were now tied behind her back, and soon her legs.
"Let me go!"
"Like I said, Cobalt will deal with you..."
"Rarity!" A wide variety of voices yelled behind her, causing her to turn around.
"Girls!" Rarity ran to her friends, and hugged them dearly, "It's been so long!" The others could do nothing but cry knowing that their friend was now in safe hands. It was then Rarity, along with the others realized someone was still missing, "Where's Cobalt?"
It was then they heard a weak voice answer, "Hey girls, I see that you've gotten... Rarity..."
"Cobalt! You're sa...," Before Rarity could finish her sentence, she was shocked to see a pale, bleeding out Cobalt standing before her, "Hehe, I'm glad... you're... safe...," Cobalt then looked at them and asked, "I'm gonna die... aren't I...?"
Rarity didn't want to say this, but she did, "I'm afraid so..."
"Rarity...," The girls stared at the two as Cobalt chuckled lightly.
"After all that, to finally... see you..., and to die in front of you. War is such a cruel mistress. But hey, it all makes sense right? To war, this is just... business as usual...," Cobalt collapsed onto the ground, and Rarity caught him before he could. He held onto her, and she held onto him. He them said something no one could ever think he could say. "Rarity... girls... I'm scared..."
"Scared of what... Cobalt darling...?"
"Dying, but hey, so is everyone else. That's why... my family strives for that very peace. That is why... I wanted... a place where there is no bloodshed... no war... a place full of happiness... and peace..."
"Cobalt..."
"Please promise me... that you'll make that land... a reality..."
"Cobalt... don't die... don't die on us! That's the last thing we should hear from you. I know I said that you would, but you need to live so you can finally live in that very happiness you're talking about! So please... don't die...," Rarity began crying her eyes out as she held Cobalt tighter and tighter... afraid to let him go.
Their friends followed, crying a river of tears with her. Those same tears fell on Cobalt, causing him to lightly chuckle. He slowly raised his hand, and it shook as he lifted, in an attempt to wipe the tears from her face, "Hey... don't cry... you don't look... good... that way...," It was then Cobalt's hand fell lifeless along with his body. Rarity froze as his body did this. She could do nothing, but hold him as tight as she could.
"No... Cobalt... Cobaaaaaalt!"
-5 months later-
After such a grueling waiting time, Cobalt was revived. Surprisingly enough, he never did really die. He just past out from the blood loss. It was so relieving to here that news.
However, due to the amount of blood he lost, he went into a coma. I have yet to know when he awakens. However, when he does awake, he was told to meet the Empress of the Mystic Realm. I had no idea the mystic realm had an Empress.
That much doesn't matter to me. All I want... is for my Cobalt to wake up...
"I am awake you idiot...," Being snapped out of her thoughts, Rarity jolted up to see Cobalt staring at her... with the warmest smile he could ever show her, "Hello again... Rarity..."
"Cobalt!"
After I awoke from my coma, I was told that I needed to head to the Imperial Throne Room. I was worried, yet intrigued. I was meeting with the Empress. I was now scared beyond belief.
"Your highness... it is a pleasure to see you...," Cobalt knelt down in front of the Empress, causing her to stop him.
"No, the pleasure is all mine. I asked for your audience so that I may formally make you the new Emperor of the Mystic Realm."
"You're making me... Emperor? Your higness, there must many others who are much more worthy than I am..."
"Those whom you deem worthy all insist on you being the new Emperor. Cobalt, not only have you shown your power on the battlefield, but you've shown such an abundance of benevolence, kindness, and a beautiful heart that's faithful and strong. Your sharing of kindness... is something makes the mystic realm complete..."
"Isn't that copyright...?"
"Huh?"
"Nothing, but are you sure?"
"You wouldn't be here if I wasn't. Cobalt," The Empress stepped down from her throne, and held her hand out, "use your spear, your skill, your power... your kind heart to lead the people to a brighter future..."
Cobalt was still in shock, but he nodded, "As you wish your higness. I, Shining Cobalt, shall use my spear to carve a path of benevolence!"
-3 months later-
Cobalt walked along the life city of the capitol, viewing the mass amount of street vendors, street performers, and the kids playing along the side walk. Cobalt chuckled as a voice called behind him, "Your Imperial Highness!" He turned to see Scarlet running up to him with Lightning behind her.
Scarlet and Lightning, two of my top knights in the Imperial Army. Scarlet soon got her revenge on Sparks for the death of her family. From the help of her friends of course.
-1 month before-
Scarlet and Spark stood with their backs facing each other, both of their swords in the air after colliding with one another.
Soon afterwards, Sparks coughed up an inhumane amount of blood before collapsing to one knee. He then spoke, "Where did that anger you had go? You know... when I murdered your family..."
"Cobalt helped give that anger up..."
"Bah, friendship... it's such a facade that you should've seen through..."
"That doesn't matter..."
"Hmph, and yet despite that you would still kill me?"
"..."
"Death... has such a cold... embrace...," Sparks then collapsed onto the ground lifeless.
Scarlet turned towards him and said, "This wasn't for revenge... it was... for my own sense of closure..."
-Present day-
She's been through a lot like me. I have nothing, but undying respect for her.
As for Lightning, it took a lot to rehabilitate her. Actually, not really,..
- 3 months ago-
"Lightning, what do you have to say?" Lightning was tied, and brought to her knees before Cobalt, "I need an answer..."
"I... don't know what to say..., or if I have anything to say. I was blinded by my own sense of... anger towards your friends. I couldn't see past that anger, and I couldn't stop myself from causing such destruction."
"The most destruction you caused were the roofs you destroyed when breaking through them. If anything, you got destroyed in every duel. However, that's an opening for improvement," Cobalt glanced over at Scarlet, and nodded at her, "Scarlet here will show you to ropes for battling. She'll also help with rehabilitating you. I hope to see improvements from you."
"Thank you your Royal Highness..."
-Present Day-
I'm proud of how far she's come...
"Ah, Scarlet, Lightning, what brings you out here?"
"We came to get you Cobalt. Don't you remember your ceremony?"
A large ceremony is hosted when a new Emperor or Empress is chosen. During that ceremony, some of Brisk's former soldiers attempted to assassinate me.
-3 months ago-
Cobalt stood in front of a large group of people cheering him on as he waved to his new subjects. It was then from the side, multiple soldiers came running towards Cobalt with plasma swords. Cobalt stood back before Thunder came down, killing half of the soldiers. The remaining soldiers stood in fear of Thunder as he stood over the dead soldiers.
One of the soldiers ran towards Thunder, but stopped when Thunder towered over him. Thunder used his armblade to stab through the soldier, and kicked him off. This caused the other soldiers to run, but were stopped by Scarlet and Lightning.
"As long as my heart beats, and my blade glistens in the sunlight, no one shall touch his Royal Highness!" The crowd erupted with cheers as Cobalt smiled at this.
-Present Day-
Thunder unintentionally became my bodyguard. I never intended for him to become my bodyguard, that was just his choice.
"Yes, I remember, however, don't you think the liveliness of the town is so much better than a stuffy throne room."
"Yes, the benevolence that you've shown the people has clearly increased the livelihood of every nation in the mystic realm."
Soon after I was made emperor, the nations were once again brought back to power. Each nation is living in peace from one another. That was the first thing I did when I became emperor.
"Did you call us lord?"
"Y-Your Royal Highness... my apologies...," Scarlet instantly bowed as both Cobalt and Lightning chuckled.
"I'm just joking around. I'll be fine out here Scarlet. I'll be back in the Imperial Palace soon. I'm heading off to... see some... family..."
Scarlet paused and looked at Lightning, "I-I see... I'm sorry for stopping you. Continue on your Royal Highness..."
"Thank you...," Cobalt started to walk off, but turned to face the two again, "By the way, don't call me that royalty bull crap. Just call me Cobalt!" He waved them off before heading off to a place he visits everyday.
"Hehe, no wonder he had that bag with him...," They realized a large bag he had on his back as he walked off.
Cobalt soon approached a large tombstone as he set down the bag. He took down a large place mat. Along with a flask, and a few dish cups. He poured some wine out of the flask into one of the cups and held it up to the tombstones, "Mother, Father..., and my dear sister. I have succeeded in making the land that you so wished for a reality. I hope that this makes you happy...," Cobalt took a drink and exhaled deeply, "However, my battle is far from over..."
"Cobalt!" Cobalt turned to see all of his friends walking to him. Rainbow knelt beside him, and slapped his back, "Hey dude, isn't drinking best done with friends? Don't you agree?" Cobalt stared at the flask, and Rainbow continued, "Hey you know what? I know something that you can't resist. You may be stronger than us, but I know for damn sure that I can out drink you any day!"
Cobalt laughed out loud as he held his flask up, "Ha, you're on!"
-1 hour later-
"One more!" Rainbow said as she held her cup to a tree in the distance, "Come on... give me another shot..."
Cobalt chuckled as he drunk the cup, "That's some good stuff," The rest of Cobalt's friends laughed as they looked at Cobalt who was still sober, and Rainbow who was seeing some things that they couldn't comprehend.
Cobalt then looked at Rarity before standing in front of her, "Huh? What is it Cobalt darling."
I mustered up all the courage in my body to do this, and now I will...
"Rarity, I've thought about this for the last few months. I've pondered on whether I should or not," He then knelt down on one knee, causing her to blush madly. The others stared in shock as Cobalt reached into his bag, and he took out a ring flock box.
"Oh my gosh..."
"Rarity, you're my heart and soul. I could never think about a day in my life without you," He opened the box to reveal a beautiful cobalt ring, "Will you... marry me?" He looked at Rarity who now had tears in her eyes. He smiled as Rarity tackled him for a hug.
"Yes! Yes! A million times yes!"
"Ahem!" The multiple coughs from the others caused them to look at them.
"What?"
None of them said anything, but a drunk Rainbow spoke for them, "We want... to be your concubines... blegh...," Rainbow fell onto the ground, finally passing out from all the alcohol.
"Rainbow!"
"Concubines? Are you sure, or is she just fucking with me?"
The girls all started blushing as Cobalt looked at Rarity before chuckling, "What do you say Rarity? Will you allow them to be my concubines?" Rarity only smiled seductively.
"Only if I get my time properly with you...," They both laughed at their flustered friends looked away from them.
I had finally proposed to the woman of my life, and my friends are now my concubines. I just hope this doesn't get too out of control...
Even so, I'm still worried about one thing. Harmony is still out there, plotting her revenge. The last thing I want are for my wives to be in danger again. To add to it, I don't have my powers anymore. What am I to do with out my powers? I could re-learn, but that'll take too long.
Hmph, you know what? Maybe it won't be so bad. I still have my beautiful wives with me... They'll definitely help me get my powers back for sure. I only hope that no more discord arrives to ruin this peace here...
Such a ride we went on huh? So many ups and downs... so much death..., and yet... we end it with a happy ending. I can only guess what the future will bring. Let us hope it's a good future for us all...
Thank you for being here with us through this roller coaster of emotions. I can only do so much. I'll see all of you, hopefully, in the future... |
My little pony: Equestria's beckoning | pre | "I don't know...but as long as he doesn't hurt or strain himself, I suppose I'll let him this time". After she finished they walked downstairs she turned to him one more time before she left
"When you're finished just head downstairs I've prepared a room for you...I used it for storing some of the books here...but for now it'll be your room" Siris nodded and grabbed a broom and started sweeping.
6 minutes after they went downstairs and to sleep Siris was still sweeping getting all of the confetti and other leftover stuff that fell on floor when he heard someone coming up the stairs
"Huh... Hello? Twilight?" he asked squinting at the dimly lit room he looked at the clock "10:04? Hmm still kinda early" he thought to himself, as the steps grew louder he walked up and lit most of the candles, causing the room to brighten, he turned around to see who it was "SPIKE!" exclaimed Siris in shock.
"Heeey...what's...up? Why...are..y's-till up...it's...it's pretty late...dude" said spike sluggishly.
"I could ask you the same Spike...I thought you'd be sleeping till tomorrow" he said. Spike looked down and then looked up at him smiling faintly
"Dude you should head back to sleep...you shouldn't be awake! You need to recuperate from that blood donation!" exclaimed Siris as he walked up to Spike and knelt down "You could pass out any minute from just getting up and walking" explained Siris but Spike fell down on his butt and sat with stubbornness.
"I-I...don't...w-wanna leave...you..alone" said Spike with an increasing sluggishly slurred speech. Siris saw how stubborn Spike was and gave in
"y-you...can stay" said Siris, this almost made Spike leap for joy, if he wasn't so weak and tired. Siris started sweeping again then Spike turn to Siris and look at him.
"Do you... need help?" he asked weakly knowing he wasn't close to finishing. Siris wiped away the sweat and looked around seeing the mess all around him. He smiled and gestured his head
"No I'll be ok Spike, it'll just take a bit of elbow grease, I can get it done!"
[THREE HOURS LATER]
As he was just about done cleaning Siris, who was washing dishes, stopped suddenly and fell to the floor on one knee gripping his chest and groaning in pain. Spike was woken up suddenly by the sound of a dish falling on the ground and breaking
"S-spike...I-It...hurts" said Siris in pain. As Spike slowly regained his sight he saw his friend was hurting badly
"W-whaa-ts... the matter! A-are y-y-you...sick? Is..is it...the chores! Maybe...the cupcakes?" he exclaimed with fright, even though he was in severe pain, Siris fought through it and spoke
"I-i-it feels...like...like my...chest a-and b-body is on fire!" he said, Spike weakly reached out his arm and touched his chest, it was very hot, as if a powerful fire burned within... Spike pulled his hand away quickly.
"O-ouch! That's...hot" Spike then, tried recollecting anything that could lead to this event or could have cause it "hmm..." he thought of everything since he met him to his second encounter up to now, when it dawned on him as he remembered the conversation with Dr. Whooves.
"so doc, what will happen if someone like me a dragon with magical blood, gives blood to someone non-magical like him?"...
"Hmm...that's a good question Spike...but most likely?...nothing, the magic should dissipate in the non-magical blood and turn normal."
"hmm...wait...a...sec...he said "MOST LIKELY" but...what does...this mean?...I have to...try...an-and...wake up...Twilight maybe she can...make sense of this". Muttered Spike to himself quietly. But as he was thinking, Siris began to breath very heavily and a strange light began emanating from his mouth. Siris immediately got up and dashed towards the door downstairs holding his mouth, Spike followed after him, stumbling after him as he hung on to the walls for support walking downstairs and to the door
"Oh...man it must...must be what...I went through as a...newborn dragon "the dragon blood awakening"..." Siris gently opened the door and left it open, which Spike used as well to follow him.
Spike desperately tried to followed him, but it was hard because though he was willing to go after him, his legs and body weren't cooperating. For two minutes he fought passing out and through his dazed state to continue after him. Siris then stopped at a lake
"Siris...wait...you...you're going through...t-the dragon bloods a-awakening...please...wait" Siris stopped at the edge of the lake and turned to Spike, Siris suddenly started to ignite in a blue flame writhing in pain as he did. Spike attempting to run collapsed and this time he couldn't get back up. But despite that Spike continued to push as he gripped the ground and pulled himself to Siris despite the fire and spoke to him
"Listen...y-you...you...need...need..to control it using...w-willpower...u-um...think of yourself...as invincible or uh..." Spike started thinking of things that could give Siris the will to overcome the dragon's blood which ignited the flame within. As he was engulfed in flame he let out a single name with a great roar which rang throughout all of Equestria for everyone to hear
"MAAAAAAY!"
After he finished, he picked himself up with a almost unnatural peaceful calm and stood ablaze with an intense blue flame which spun around him intertwined and turned to spike
"There is only one thing...I care about more than life... that one thing that allows me to push myself onward...one drive more than any other...that's m-my..." before he finished the flames disappeared and he collapsed. Spike wobbly got up and slowly limped over to him Attempting to help him up gently
"It's my sister...and till I die...she will always the most precious thing to me...t-t...thank you...Spike...you gave me the...the drive to control the power within..." as he spoke he smiled gently to him giving him the best hug he could and put him down. Spike's eyes sparkled with happiness to the bond he and Siris now shared Spike turned to him and spoke
"We're...we're...like b-b-brothers...now!" he said huffing lightly. A very happy sounding Siris chuckled a bit then knelt to him
"...Blood brother" he said with sincere words and Spike lightly nodded and agreed.
As they finished both of them heard hooves nearby. Taking a look it was the Twilight and the others too. As they looked around they saw Spike and Siris and ran to them with haste. The first to speak was Rainbowdash.
"Hey are you two ok!" Siris and Spike looked to each other and as Siris tried helping Spike up he felt faint
"Y-yea...we're ok..." replied Siris Weakly. Twilight walked up to them both
"What were you two doing out in the middle of the night! Spike you should have known better than to get up and walk around...the doctor said you'd need at least a day to recuperate before you even think about it!" scolded Twilight looking at Spike, he in turn looked down and said Sorry. Afterwards she turned to Siris "What are you doing outside with him! I asked you to try and not strain yourself...now look...y-you...you" as she was scolding she started to tear up, everypony saw her starting to cry but it was Siris who stepped up and hugged her.
"I'm...sorry, ... I promise this night and for the rest of my life...I won't go back on my word...and to protect everyone...always" as he said it, it stunned everypony how sincere he was. Twilight turned to him and wiped away the tears
"I-I'm sorry...I don't usually cry...in front of everyone... I'll hold you to your word, I know you'll hold it" said Twilight starting to smile. She then walked over to Spike and picked him up and all the girls helped Siris and Spike into the tree house.
Twilight walked once more to Spike's bed and put his covers over him
"Good night Spike...see you in the morning" she said to him, Spike shifted over and spoke to Twilight once more before he succumbed to sleep
"Thank you Twilight...and...and good night...to you too...but could you...you move...my bed" Twilight looked at him curiously
"Where Spike?" she asked gently Spike smiled and said one word
"Siris..." she nodded and as he went to sleep she gently picked up his basket with magic and went into Siris's room, with him sitting on his bed
"What's up Twilight...what's that?" he asked
"Spike wanted to sleep next to you...would you-" before Twilight finished Siris finished it for her with his answer
"Yes..." she nodded and placed his bed next to Siris's. Twilight looked out the window then curiously asked "did you guy head out there...because of that loud boom?" Siris looked to her with surprise and lied
"yea...it shocked me and I dropped a plate by accident...sorry" Twilight waved her hooves, gesturing 'it's fine'. Siris asked her a question of his own
"Do...do you think that this princess Celestial or err..Celestia and princess Luna...would know how I got here?" Twilight looked at him with endearment
"I'm sure they will...I have faith, with that we can find out why you came here...but for the time being...would you like to stay here with all of us?" wondered Twilight.
It came to him as a shock, she wanted him to stay even though he was a creature from a different universe or dimension and take care of him as she would anypony. Siris teared up and a little flicker of something flared for a second like a spiritual connection. He replied happily .
"Yes I would gladly accept..." Twilight almost seemed to leap with joy as she looked at him nodding happily. Siris thought of something then asked Twilight as she was leaving
"When can we talk to the princesses?" Twilight looked at him and giggled then walked out after saying only this
"All the girls want to get to know you...you'll be able to talk with them...and sooner than you think"
She closed the door and Siris lay down on the bed turning to Spike saying one thing before sleeping
"See you tomorrow" lil' bro". With that sentence Siris looked out the window and let the sea of dreams carry him away to a land of peaceful sleep and recuperation.
TO BE CONTINUED...
Authors note:
Sorry this chapter took so long but I hope it was worth the wait. As of now I will have started already on chapter 5...and I will do my best to make every chapter better than the last. What happens now?
THE SAGA CONTINUES...
> chapter 5
My little pony: Equestria's beckoning
Chapter 5: The nightmare and Ponyville's newest Addition
"Darkness.... the sun illuminates and shines it's radiant light on the darkness of Night which overtakes at the setting of the light...only the fool thinks he may escape it's endless reach...he can illuminate anything he may choose but there is one darkness which never disappears...never dies....never...forgives...."
In a great void of formlessness Siris lay drifting in an endless tide of blackened space, dreaming peacefully without a thought in the world, an image would pass by; one would be of a car driving down a street, another of a dog looking through trash. All the images that floated by like a river of connected dreams and memories were gentle and relaxing memories, Siris whom had his arms crossed behind his head relaxed in his dream state, without a care in the world.
As time passed by Siris did not speak a word, for he had not reason to talk, but as the dreams floated by he started noticing that some of the dreams were bad memories and as he unfolded his arms behind his head he look at it more closely, and as he looked at the stream he saw sad images, he saw the memory of when his mom lay in a hospital bed, struck with a deadly illness which has infected his sister as well, he looked at the memory with sorrow as he watched helplessly as the memory played through as he remembered it.
"S-Siris, come here" spoke his mother weakly waving him over to her bed, Siris meekly walked over with tears on the edge of spilling over and he knelt by her bed side "y-yes mom?" he answered equally meek in tone "where's your sister?" she asked, Siris turned around and pointed out the door "she's sleeping in one of the rooms, the nurses and doctors are letting us sleep here until you get better" replied Siris, as he turned back around to his mother, she smiled and nodded weakly "come here you" said Siris mom as she opened her arms, Siris gladly jumped into her arms, his mom laughed weakly to such a vigorous charge into her arms "w-whoa careful son, do something like that again and you might tear me in two!" she said joked as she hugged him warmly.
As Siris watched the memory he felt a warm longing over take him and he began to tear up as he watched it, it was one of the fondest and most saddest memory he can remember, or just choose to remember and he continued watching, smiling happily.
"Now you such a big man now, your fourteen now, I remember when you were first born....you let out a hefty cry as you entered this world, you looked around the room, observing everyone and everything around" spoke his mother as she reminisced about Siris's birth, making Siris turn red with embarrassment "mooom!" replied Siris with an embarrassed tone, his mom in-turn laughed at his reaction to her reminiscing.
A few minutes passed by and Siris moved his head up "hey mom...." said Siris preparing to ask a question, his mom sat up a bit after stroking his hair, which was longer and more blonde when he was younger. she looked at him with very caring eyes and she spoke knowing what he was to ask "Siris....if I don't make it out of this hospital...you-" as she spoke Siris interrupted what she was saying "no!...you going to make it out of this place...your mom...your tougher than some dumb old virus" he said worriedly trying to pep his mother up, his mom in response to his answer chuckled, then replied with a little bit more seriousness "Siris...I need you to look after your sister if I can't anymore" Siris shut his eyes and he hugged her slightly tighter "I-I...I will" said Siris in a whisper "now I need you to promise...you're the man now, and your sister's still too young to live on her own or make mature decisions...I need you to promise, that you will take care of her...for me" spoke Siris's mother.
Siris tear'ed up and looked at her with a concerned and sadden look "I will mother....always...but" he paused "you're....you're not leaving...are you?" he continued, she looked at him with a concerned and happy smile, hugged him and closed her eyes. As she hugged him she heard him cry gently under his breath "shh shh shhhh...it's ok...it's ok mom's here...mom's here."
The memory Siris was witnessing did not end there, the sad memories continued as he watched the memory of the next day, one that would leave a permanent mark in his heart and mind for as long as he lived.
Both Siris and May were sleeping when Siris steadily began to stir hearing strange rapid shuffling in the hall outside the door; at first he didn't pay much mind, because he was still groggy from sleep. After his mind became more alert he opened the door and as he opened the door he was almost tackled by a doctor "wh-whoa!...what's happening?" he asked talking to the doctor, The doctor ignored him, only giving a glance and apology then continued on his way down hall till he stopped at a familiar room, then a sinking feeling began to set with a grave suspicion. With fright and panic he dashed towards the room which his mother was in.
As he came close Siris saw it was filled with doctors and nurses, as they shuffled around and moved from here and there, one of the nurses saw him and walked up to him "c-come on this isn't a place for you right now..." explained the nurse pushing him, angrily Siris throws her arms down and spoke equally angry "you tell me....what's happening, RIGHT NOW!!" shouted Siris, the nurse panicked and grabbed him by the arm and rushed from the room as they came close to a vacant room Siris ripped his arm from her grip "DON'T TRY HIDING WHATS HAPPENING, TELL ME!...." he exclaimed furiously. She knew that he wasn't going to budge and since she couldn't lie about the situation she explained the situation as easily as she could " it's y-your mother...she...doesn't have a pulse....and unfortunately....we can't seem to resuscitate her.......I'm Sorry" after that she put her hand on his shoulder and she nodded sadly then continued back into the room where his mother once was, without an utterance he collapsed to the floor on his knees, in complete shock of what he had been told "s-s-she knew she wasn't going to make....." spoke Siris still dumbfounded and hurt by the situation. After about a minute on the floor a doctor walked up to Siris with the same look as the nurse "I-I'm sorry...but-" as he spoke Siris furiously cut him off with a voice broken with hurt "I GOD DAMN KNOW ALRIGHT!!" the doctor back off slightly from his reaction "I-I know...just...go" he continued with a saddened tone, the doctor still continued to stand there then spoke "I-I'm sorry but I have to inform you...that you and your sister ARE still both minors and since you have no father and no family in this state...we're going to have to-" but as the doctor was going to finish up and man in a blue casual suit walked up to him "no that information isn't quite correct...nor was going to be"
spoke this man "excuse me, who are you sir?" asked the doctor, the man then pulled out some papers folded in his suit pocket and showed him but did not hand them to the doctor "these are legal documents that I am their legal guardian" and he pulled away the documents quickly and put them away "alright come on kid, let's go" he continued as he put his hand around Siris's shoulder, the doctor nodded suspiciously "alright then, good day to both of you" said the doctor and he walked away. Siris looked at the man curiously and he stopped smiling and his expression turned to a serious but still happy expression "whew...too close...well, Siris, go grab your sister and let's get going" spoke this man as he turned him around, Siris still looked at him confusedly as he spoke "who are you? I don't have any relatives...not even...a mom anymore..." he said mournfully "my name Gregory...I knew your mom...I was your mother's landlord......and a personal friend, I've known her for years and it still hurts me she's gone, especially when i came to see how she was doing...but I promised if anything happened I could salvage a life for both of you" explained the man, Siris looked at him with surprise, but nodded in response "o-ok...let me go grab my sister then..." he said sadly as he began his walk back to their room in the hospital.
Siris was deep in sorrow as he watched the memory but something strange was happening "hey...the memory is still continuing? I don't remember any of this...after that accident I couldn't remember much after this" Spoke Siris as he talked to himself, but soon stopped as the memory hit a strange point.
He was walking down the hall staring down at the ground when he saw his mother's room he saw that no more doctors or nurses were running through or inside anymore and he jumped on the chance to say good bye to his mother. He entered the room and saw that it was messy showing that much effort was put into the revival of the patient in the room, but as he looked around he saw a figure in a bed laying still----unmoving. Siris approached it closer, it the shadows disappeared and there laid his mother, now lost to an eternal dream which she was not to wake up from. His eyes shot open, complete paralysis from shock and fear set in "m-m-mom?....." he said stuttering fearfully, slowly the ability came back to him as he backed out of the room, he ran, ran as fast as he could, as any child who lost their mother would, but as he ran closer to the room his sister was in he stopped and listened, he heard not one voice but two, he approached the door closer and crouched as he eavesdropped on who his sister was talking to "...so you have to go? How long will the trip be?" spoke his sister's voice then as she spoke to seemingly nothing at first a voice which sounded much more wispier replied back "oh it going to be a very long trip and I'm counting on you to listen to your big brother...can you do that for me?" asked this voice "sure mom! I can do that" replied May, as soon as she said 'mom' Siris's heart just about dropped out of his chest and he rose up a little to see whom she was talking to; what he saw frightened and saddened him, it was a wispy being who resembled their mother was sitting next his sister, before he got up she said something that made him stop in place.
"Your brother is a very compassionate and good hearten person...he'll take great care of you while I'm gone...just believe in the goodness of others and good things will come...in the strangest of ways" spoke their mother "when will I see you again?" Asked May innocently, Siris felt tears well up deep from within his heart, and the tears flowed as he crouched there seemingly unknown to ether of them "one day little one....one day......I must go now but I'll check on you two every so once in a while...can you be a good girl for me?" she asked, May nodded "I'll be the most best sister ever!" replied May happily, their mother's spirit nodded and she started to fade she spoke once more "Siris...you carry on....Though the road ahead may be hard, as long as you have each other you can pull through....good bye, my son" and then like that she faded away, like a mist in mid-morning sun.
Siris saw this and got up and burst in and looked around "w-where's...mom?" he asked his sister frantically, May just shrugged her shoulders and she started moving her legs back and forth, smiling at her big brother "dunno...she just came in and said she was going on a long trip and told me you're going to watch me while she's on her trip" Explained May blissfully ignorant of what their mother meant by 'trip', Siris stood trying to hold back his tears, but they fell across his cheeks "why are you crying brother? Mom said she was going on a trip. She'll be back you'll see!" said May joyfully, Siris looked up to her and saw their mother's eyes within her own and as he looked he smiled and walked up to her and hugged her, and she happily returned it "yea...she'll....she'll be back May.....someday...." as he spoke his voice hurt from sadness, but also happiness; happiness from the fact that his little sister was there with him.
The memory faded and he floated there, smiling happily but even so, he was still deeply saddened by their loss but a glimmer of confidence and gentle peace shine through "and I'm proud to have kept my promise...and I will keep it for as long as I live."
The stream of memories that had flowed suddenly disappeared and Siris felt a strange sensation push him upward, to him it felt as if there was a torrent of wind pushing him upward to where he did not know "where in hell am I going!? This is waaaay too real for this to be a dream!" he exclaimed, then he started feeling the strange wind die down and he felt solid ground in this strange space of darkness, he looked around and upwards and downwards and only saw pure black, then as he started walking he saw colors come into view, at first they looked like large jumbled splotches of colors but as he walked up closer he noticed that they were taking shape and growing larger, then as he took a closer look he noticed that it looked familiar "wait a minute...this place...It...It looks like....New York City, But....blurrier!" he then entered his blurry home city with a piqued curiosity.
Siris walked around and saw blurred figures running past him like framed water colored paintings being moved from one frame, he tried to focus his eyes to what or who they were and what they were running for. He squinted and looked as hard as he could and the blurred image came in slightly clearer, he noticed that the buildings were on fire and the figures running were people running from a strange black fog or mist which enveloped every and anything it touched "oh...my...god....this...this is a-a nightmare" spoke Siris as he started walking backwards, he looked off to his right and a figure fell down and as the fog touched him he was consumed by it; as if it just absorbed him entirely "what the....!" Siris exclaimed with shock; his eyes gaping open, then the dream started to get blurry and no matter how much he tried focusing he could not make out the shapes clearly, he looked down at his legs trying to make them move, move before the fog made its way, then with all the courage he jolted around and immediately began to run.
He ran faster and faster, hoping if he went fast enough he could outrun this nightmare and wake up suddenly he heard a voice call out to him "Siris.....I seeee youuuu..." he immediately stopped in cold sweat, a paralyzing fear set in and he slowly turned around and he saw that the background changed to a small town with blurred figures walking back and forth he looked around and noticed that he was in the middle of that same town and "it...it...looks so.... familiar....wait!......it...it can't be.....it's...Ponyville?" then the very same fog that appeared before came once again and spoke with the voice of countless voices "in time I shall come, and devour all in my path, a force born of pure evil, but you impede my gateway to freedom...once the gateway is opened....I shall...come and consume ALL!!!" this strange, evil fog then started to laugh.
Siris took a step back from it and it's titanic mass started to spiral and condense in a shapeless form, Siris looked around as he noticed the town disappeared and after a minute passed it came back, and then he saw horrors which left him in shock, the building in ponyville were all on fire or razed completely to rubble, the trees and grass were replaced with a burned and scared wasteland then, his field of view blurred once more as he saw a blue form appear and fall on its knees and looked as if it was deeply saddened then it was consumed by darkness.
After the blue form was gone, ponyville came back into focus and he saw a black figure stand upon the ruins of a some sort and Siris looked at it with seriousness and as it turned around Siris went pale "I-it....it c-can't..." Siris fell over in fright and his eyes were wide open with disbelief as the shadowy figure revealed itself to be Siris stand with a crazed smile.
Siris screamed in disbelief, and he jolt up "NOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!" he shrieked, Spike, who was walking up to his jumped with surprise accidentally throwing a tray of food in the air, Spike saw it falling and he ran and plunged after it, catching it before it hit the ground, Siris began shaking in cold sweat once more "w-whaaaa!! What's the matter!?" Spike exclaimed as he got up with the tray and food intact, Twilight suddenly burst in with alarm "Spike what's going on!?" Twilight asked as she raced over to Siris, who was in a trance like state of fear "i-i dunno! I just came in to see if he'd wake up and give him some breakfast and he springs up screaming" Twilight nodded at Spike and she walked over to Siris and attempted to get him out of the trance "hey! Hey! Siris Are you ok? come on snap out of it" but Siris still stayed in the trance unaffected "Spike do you know anything that could snap him out of this bizarre trance?" asked Twilight as she looked over at Spike placing the tray of warm food on a stack of books "hmm...."
Spike then began to think of something Siris said before when a particular memory came back to him in a hazy memory "he. He said something about his sister...her name...uh...was....hm, it's hard to remember......oh! Her name was "May" then, as he said "May" he whispers it to Twilight, she nodded and turned her attention back to Siris "Siris you have to snap out of it... May needs you and you can't help her like this you gotta snap out of it!" spoke Twilight, Siris blinked then he began to cry, Twilight and Spike looked at him with a little surprise but mostly concern as he just sobbed, Twilight walked up to him "what happened? come on, maybe if you tell me you'll feel better" she persuaded Siris turned slowly to her and looked her directly in her eyes, she saw pure terror in his eyes and her concern grew, she turned to Spike "I'm going to see what he saw...I'll try to memory link with him...and see if I can't relieve some of that fear in his head" she said assuredly "a-are you sure Twilight. I mean you could scramble his brain or scramble yours!"
Spike explained to Twilight "I know Spike but something frightened him beyond words...I have to try!" she said determinedly, after she finished she then walked over to Siris and placed her horn on his forehead and it glowed with magic as his memories connect to hers. A moment later she then appeared inside a beautiful meadow, she looked around inside the stream of memories and she noticed a darkened memory cloud that seemed to fester like a wound that did not seem to heal and she walked up to it and touched it with her hoof, a spine chilling cold ensued and she did not see anything inside of the memory bubble, but then Twilight started to hear an increasing sound of voices then the memory began to surge and shape shift and after a minute of growing and shaping, it turn into a massive creature the size of a 2 story building, it was a black wispy figure with a shadowy mist that took the form of a nameless creature resembling a giant, it'd wispy trail Dissipating as it floated away
"you are of no use or place creature! so you MUST be removed!" exclaimed the large creature furiously towards her, Twilight gasped in fright and her eyes shrank in horror and started to back away as it started to stand over her, then it took it's hand and formed it into a black cleaver of evil origin and bubbled with vile tar like substance, Twilight then took a dash as she ran to get away from it, she ran and ran and the creature followed after her with surprising speed and agility "w-what in Equestria is that thing!?" she exclaimed as she ran, she saw the forest and hoped to run as fast as she could but she saw the creature catching up to her and ran as hard as she could and not paying attention she sprinted and hit a tree, it stumbled and Dazed her, when she stumbled she panicked as she saw the Large Creature only a few yards away when a stern adult male voice called out in front of her when she was looking at the forest entrance "get behind me!" she shook her face and looked around then a figure caught her eye ten feet in front of her, it seemed to be a fully grown man in a blue armor made seemingly out of some type of crystal that glowed luminescently.
She turned around and saw the behemoth monstrosity approaching quickly and she dashed behind the person "who are you and what in the name of Princess Celestia IS that 'thing' after me!?" she asked frantically to the man, he then proceeded to reach to his side and unsheathe a ruby red sword "it's a vile monstrosity that has invaded his mind, trying to break and open a gateway" explain the man with a heroic voice "g-gateway? What gateway?" asked Twilight curiously. the man stepped forward too focused, and didn't hear her Question and the behemoth stopped a few yards from him "I give you ONE chance to get the hell out of this mind or I will MAKE you leave! You do not belong here!" he demanded to the creature, it stood there silent and then it took on a second cleaver and both hand shaped into cleavers, one in each hand still bubbling with vile tar and it let out a strong and angry screech at this man's presence "then so be it" he said with a cold and angry tone and he and the behemoth ran forward at each other with frightening speed, the behemoth slashed at the ground with the cleavers and sundered it with a rift that spanned ten feel across and thirty feet in length, the man jumped up before it struck and he then continued to then throw back his sword in his left hand and cocked his right fist then punched it in its chest with enough force to cause the wind blowing and seemingly even gravity itself to redirect around them like a sphere, Twilight stood dumbfounded and awestruck by the strength of this man as the creature fell to its knee.
The man kicked off the creature and did multiple back-flips until he landed in defensive form, the creature snarled at its superior foe and turned to a liquid form and dashed it's way encircling Twilight and before she could gasp it encircled her and as it lunged downward to get her, it stopped with suddenness, and Twilight opened her eyes to see that it stopped face to face with her, the next sound she heard was a 'click' and the shadowy creature was Sliced into ribbons of shadowy essence which faded away and disappeared.
Twilight blinked, and then looked around confusedly and still quite frozen by shock, from its sudden disappearance "w-where d-did it go? it was just here" she spoke completely dumbfounded and frightened, but soon after, she looked around for the man who saved her, but to no avail, she could not find him "where did that strange human go?" she said to herself pondering, then a voice called to her from behind "your pure heart allow me to come forth...and protect once more..." the voice startled Twilight and she jumped and darted around to see that the armored human was standing behind her, she walked up to him but as she looked down she noticed his legs were dissipating with little shining lights detaching themselves from a main light which began progressing slowly more and more up his body "h-hey what's happening? y-your fading!" the man then removed a visored helmet which he released and broke apart and faded away quickly, she saw that he was smiling contently " I know....I am returning where I once resided here....in Siris's heart" she looked at him with a confused and concerned look "are you a part of him? like a memory?" she asked him
"somewhat....I was a part of him once....in a past life" Twilight looked at him with surprise and curiosity at what he said "a...past life?...what do you mean?" she asked, her scientific mind intrigued, he sighed and chuckled a bit " in his past life he lived once in the very same place he came from...but the earth he came from to your world...is a replica" he explained, Twilight was slightly dumbfounded and awestruck but still curiously intrigued "a replica?.....how can someone recreate an entire world!? It's just simply impossible!" she explained, the man expression turned to a more serious look "not just a world...but an entire universe!" Twilight backed away with shock "a-an entire...universe?" she chuckled at the insane notion "that's crazy...completely insane, it's unfathomable and impossible in anyway thinkable...sure...maybe a world i guess...but a universe is infinitely too large to "replicate" as you say" she said as if it was final to the man who claimed to be a part of Siris's past life; he looked at her then told her the tale of his past life "there were two deities in his time a 'Guardian' which looked after all the Universes we all live in, like a 'god' as you would say, but as there is a great good, a great evil must balance it, a 'destroyer', the two beings were brothers, in a sense, but the destroyer vastly overpowered the Guardian, Siris was a normal human, don't think he wasn't, but something within his soul was type of amplifying conduit to both of them".
"the guardian sought him out first and he accepted the Guardian's trials and gained immense power power that came close to corrupting him; but in the beginning it bettered his life and his friends and family's lives too and there was a gentle peace about the world and his home as he kept quiet about his abilities, but even though he did...the Destroyer found him still....in the following days after, the world was plunged into extreme and genocidal chaos, not soon after, the world was under his control and was on the brink of total obliteration....why he gets upset so easily about his family...is because of this past undying love for his sister and mother....is because that very same destroyer claimed them both....his mother first....then his sister right before they escaped...the destroyer removed his planet and universe from existing any longer....but when the time came, his sister knew she wouldn't be able to go with him...knowing he wouldn't leave without her, she shoved him into an obelisk which saved his life and losing hers in the process" the light finally reached his chest "t-that's...that's just horrible....I can't imagine anypony being able to deal with those kind of feelings...let alone losing family and friends" said Twilight sadly, the man lifted his arm, which hadn't faded away and touched the tip of her horn and spoke before disappearing completely "to protect him...and everyone, including you...it's best left........forgotten in the past" and then a great light shined on her and all around, he smiled and he finally faded away "farewell...young pony" then as the shine covered all her visual range, her mind returned into her body.
Twilight staggered away from Siris and Spike placed his hands gently on Twilight till she had her bearing back.
"whoa...Twilight..." he helped steady her "did you find out what was up with him?" asked Spike anxiously; Twilight was dazed for a few seconds but preceded to shake her head and she looked at Siris who was holding his head as if he had a painful head ache "gah...ah...my head hurts something terrible!" He said while he rubbing his head to ease the pain
"well...I think I managed to remove the problem...I think..." she said talking to spike "what happened, what'd you see?" he asked a bit more excitedly "hm...I can't seem to recall much for some reason spike....but from telling how he's alert and talking i musta done something that did the trick" Spike looked at her confusedly but nonetheless he was happy Siris was alert and awake and she was ok and unharmed.
spike turned around and jogged a bit over to the stack of books where the meal was and he picked it up and walked carefully back over to Twilight and Siris, he then proceeded to place the food on Siris's lap "h-huh?...what's this? it smells good!" he said with surprise, his belly then growled fiercely as a lion "w-whoa! man I'm starving...how long have I been sleeping?" he asked, Twilight and Spike looked at each other and looked at him with a slight concern, then Twilight spoke "you been out for three days!" she said, this came to a shock to him "T-THREE DAYS!?" he exclaimed with great surprise "yea you wouldn't wake up...we occasionally heard you mumble in your sleep so we didn't worry, well not at first" explained Spike " I woke up a day before you" he continued, Siris turned his head and looked down at the food, the incident Spike called the 'dragon blood awakening' was on his mind, but the nightmares and memories took the cake 'I think this has a connection with these nightmares I'm having...but I just can't figure out how or why' he thought deeply to himself.
Spike put his claw in front of his face and snapped his fingers "hey... your foods gunna get cold; eat up!" he said "yea, Spikes right, you'll need to eat to get back your strength... we have a few places and ponies we need to introduce you properly to, so you can get to know our town a bit more" said Twilight after Spike, Siris looked at Twilight and nodded then looked down at his tray it had [at least 4 or 5 pancakes, a tall glass of apple juice two pieces of toast and some butter] "w-whoa!...that's a lot of pancakes!" he said jokingly to Spike, everyone laughed and he picked up the fork and knife "after you finish up, Rarity insisted you head over to her shop as soon as you woke up, just follow the trail and look for a purple house with sign that has some diamonds on it."
Siris chuckled a bit then cut the pancakes then ate a piece "w-WOW! These pancakes are delicious Spike! did you make these!?" exclaimed Siris, his eyes agape from the tasty pancake, Spike smiled and looked at him "yea, my own special recipe!" he said with a bit of bravado and puffing his chest, then his mouth puffed up as well then he let forward a small burst of green flame and to Siris's surprise a scroll came out "hey it's a letter from princess Celestia!" Twilight then walked over to the scroll and her horn glowed, then used her magic to lift it, unfold and read it "whoa! how did you do that Spike!?" asked Siris with a bit of surprise, then he himself felt a strange sensation come from his chest then up to his throat, he felt it and suspected a flame was coming up and he tried to restrain it but he failed. a small blue flame burst forward from his mouth as a burp and to everyone's surprise a identical scroll came out of his flame as well, Twilight was dumbfounded just as Spike was as the scroll rolled on to the floor, Siris immediately covered his mouth, Twilight then walked over with a bit of confusion, her horn, still glowing, she picked it up with magic as well and began reading it "it's another letter from princess Celestia...how did this happen?" she wondered curiously.
"the first one is asking about you Siris..." she said "and this one says...." she continued but stopped, SIris eating his meal relatively quick from hunger "I can't read it...it's in some weird language" Twilight turns to the scroll to them and Siris sees that it's in his language, English "hey It's in my language! It says "Dear Twilight sparkle, my faithful pupil, I have read your message sent yesterday, and I would be interested in meet this "human" and meet him in person, I am sending a chariot in a day's time to pick you all up and to Canterlot for an audience with this "human" yours truly, Celestia" huh...it's from a Princess, she sounds really regal!" Siris said with Surprise and excitement, Spike walks over to him and picked up his finished tray of food "heck yea! She's the co-ruler of all of Equestria and really, REALLY important!" he exclaimed, Twilight then walked over and added on the importance of meeting her "And it's important you act on your best when we meet her! I want you to make a good impression on her...Oh! I'm so excited I can't wait to see her again" she kept talking and bouncing with giddiness, Siris sat up and took a smell of his clothes "oh Sweet mother-" Siris plugged his nose and smelt the stench of his four day old clothes he wore in bed "um...Twilight is there somewhere I can get cleaned up?" he asked looking around "well of course! You can use Spike's...hm" as Twilight spoke she noticed he was much bigger than Spike and knew he wouldn't fit in Spike's small washing tub "...hm..." she began thinking to herself and Siris shifts up out of the blankets and turns to them; then put's his feet on the floor 'the floor is kinda warm to the touch' he thought to himself curiously "so can I go find some shower or whatever you have for cleaning yourself?" Twilight popped out of her thinking to answer him and remembered that she has one to clean herself with "Yea, just head upstairs and you'll see a wood door near a tall stack of red books, the washroom is in there" she said. Siris turns towards the door of his room and Spike followed him
"hey Twilight, do you mind if I show him around Ponyville?" Spike asked her, Twilight nodded and smiled "sure! It'd be great for him to get to know the ponies around here, just let him wash up first" she said walking out the door with them. Twilight then walked over and grabbed a green satchel by the door and opened it up and walked with it over to a table, Siris and Spike preceded to the then walk upstairs as she began putting something into it. "So...what are some of the sights here in...um, pony...ville?" Siris asked Spike as they walked upstairs, Spike looks at Siris with glee filled eyes "oh there's tons of sights here in ponyville! First we're going to stop at carousel boutique, it's where Rarity lives, she said that she had made a new line of clothes today, so we're going there first, next we're going to head over to Sweet apple acres, home to Ponyville's largest apple farm and to Applejack and her family, then, we're going to fluttershy's home, she lives near the Everfree forest, and I'm sure she'll enjoy the company, but...try not to be too forward, cause she's-"
Siris still listening interrupts "shy? I'm guessing" he said smiling, Spike nodded and continued his riveting information about Twilight's friends and their homes "right, and then...there Rainbow dash..." Siris looked at Spike with starry eyes "you mean the one with all those colors in her hair and...err...tail? Man, she's something .continued "yea...rainbow dash is fierce, she dreams of one day joining the thunder bolts, the greatest and fastest fliers in all of Equestria...but we can't finish a tour of Ponyville without stopping by Pinkie's place, "SugarCube Corner" it's a candy shop but she also makes cakes, and other sweet foods" when Spike said Sweet, it made him cringe at the word, Siris isn't the kind person with a big sweet tooth and if it weren't for his mother, he may not have had one at all. Siris looked at spike smiling impatiently, and Spike looked at him curiously "what?" he asked, Siris then pointed to an open door to a bathtub and shower and he raised his eye brow smiling bigger and looking happier, Spike noticed and jumped "what...we're already here?" he said confuzzled "yep...been here bout' 4 minutes" Siris replied starting to chuckle a bit then giving Spike a small noogie and walking in "I'll be out in a minute Kay?" he asked Spike, he nodded in response and Siris closed the door. Inside the bathroom was a bathtub and shower with a rather wide shower head and had what seemed to be, a couple of hair care products sitting near the edge of the tub's flat rim 'hm...looks similar to a bathtub and shower back where I live, sept' it's pearly white, shiny and NOT rusty and old" Siris thought to himself smiling at the new looking tub. he then walked up to the shower and turned the left knob, the water was cold, then he turn the right knob and it was hot, Siris then turned them both inward and the shower water warmed up just right, he then removed his old and smelly clothing and walked up to the shower and stepped in, and as the water lightly rained on him he felt relief from the warm water and he thought to himself as he raised his hands up to the water it, puddling in his cupped palm and the excess falling through his fingers.
"it feels...real...if this really is a dream...this is one heck of one, because I'm starting to doubt if this is really a dream at all" he pondered deeply whether the feelings, the people or "ponies" he was talking to were just a dream and a figment of his wild imagination, or a figment of reality. Siris, after about ten minutes in the shower turns the knobs and the water turns off, he stepped out of the shower with a light chill of the slightly cooler air blowing through and past his body, he looked around and then it hit him "I have no clothes!" he said to himself lightly, when he heard a knock on the door "who is it?" he asked "it's me, Twilight" and without a second thought she opens the door and Siris, panicking, turns away from her and grabs the light purple shower curtain, ripping them off their ringlets holding them up "T-twilight! C-c-close the door!" Siris said blushing blood red with embarrassment, holding the curtain close to himself; Twilight blinks with confusion at first and walks back out of the room; still looking confused, closing the door behind "oh! sorry, I forgot you don't like being like that around girls" she said smiling and giggling lightly walking out, Siris a little more calm puts down the curtain and lays it on the tub's side "whoa!...waaaay too close...." he said, wiping away the nervous sweat "o-oh man!...I forgot I still don't have any clothes!" he continued, saying it out loud looking at his dirty clothes then from behind the door Siris heard Twilight's voice call to him "Hey um, Siris...Rarity wanted me to give you these" as she spoke, the door opened slightly and another paper bag floated in with purple energy around it. After it floated in it sat next to the tub and the purple magic energy faded "she said she needed you to try them to see how they fit...um...also. Sorry for intruding, I'm not used to having a human around, it's still kinda new for me" she said with a sincere tone, Siris felt embarrassed to have been so rude despite her intrusion and the feeling that he was intruding began to grow stronger "I'm sorry for being brash with how I reacted...you just surprised me, I shouldn't have reacted the way I did" he said trying to apologize as much he could, Twilight giggled from behind the door "it's ok! You have boundaries we don't have so I'll just have to learn as for the time you're here!* she said with a hint of humor and somewhat seriousness, Siris smiled and even though she could not see it, he nodded and spoke as he lifted clothes with adequate stitching with an occasional string out of place and it had no back pockets but it did have front pockets but it was weaved equally as fine as his world's pants were, he looked at them and he walked over and compared Sizes "it's a perfect match...whoever this "Rarity" pony or...whatever she is...she must be good with clothes" he then looked down into the bag and found four pairs of white socks, and they looked like they would fit, he also found a shirt and thin blue scarf, the shirt, stitched somewhat better than the pants and when he lifted those things he saw a single pair of boxers colored light green but lacked any features like a front patch, for sudden emergencies and a stretchy rim on the top but had a green string looping around it "hm...she's starting creep me out with all this stuff...it's REALLY similar to what I wear...wait...how'd she know I wear boxers?" he asked himself but didn't think too much about it, he had clothes, that all that mattered.
[10 MINUTES LATER]
Siris stepped out of the bathroom with his new clothes on, he looked cleaner and the clothes he tried on fit perfectly and tossed the Scarf on his shoulder, seeing he was still a bit too warm to wear. He then stepped out of the bathroom and looked round and saw his worn shoes sitting near a stack of books, he walked over curiously and picked them up and found a wooden chair and he walked over and sat down and put his shoes on, slipping one sock on the other foot then slipped on his shoes, a still comfortable fit and he stood up looking around once more "huh...wonder where spike went to, and Twilight..." he then proceeded to walk over to and down the stairs to the ground level and he saw Spike and Twilight, Spike holding a green satchel open and multiple items being put within it, Twilight levitating the items and Spike holding the bag turned and smiled at Siris.
"hey! Your looking better, how do you feel?" Twilight asked he nodded smiling back "I feel great! I feel better than I have ever felt before! Thanks for letting me get cleaned up and thanks for the clothes! I was afraid I was going have to put on week old clothes" he said chuckling and walking over to them "it's no problem and to get you going on your exploration, I'm giving you a few items before you go" said Twilight as she walked over to him levitating the bag with her to him, Siris grabbed hold of the bag and looked inside "I gave you, 100 bits, an apple, a book about Equestria and a foal's book for Equestria language a canteen for water, it's already filled if you're wondering and something from me to you, I think you'll find more use hopefully" Twilight puts her hand in the bag and pulls out a small multi-tool with a small corkscrew, a filer, a tiny pair of scissors, and a small knife, Twilight then walks over and puts it in his hand then levitated the medium sized green satchel to him and he grabs hold of it and puts it diagonally across his shoulders "you should keep it on you, just in case" she said, Siris nodded and put it in his left front pocket and walked over to Spike Excitedly "well...you ready Spike? I am ready to explore!!" he said with excitement "oh heck yea! I am totally ready!! Let's get going!" Spike replied with equal excitement jumping up to high five him, Siris smiles and bends his knees slightly and high-fived him back "alright! Then let's get going!" Spike almost jumping again with excitement rushes over to the door and Siris with him grabs hold of the knob and opens the door and with it, they open the gateway to the adventures and discoveries ahead.
[Meanwhile in an unknown place or realm]
"One gate has been sundered...and the boy is still oblivious to what he and his friends have done~....heheheheheeeeeh! This will be all the easier to bend them to my advantage..."
[Back at Twilight's home]
Siris and Spike having opened the door but not yet stepped outside it stop "w-whoa...do you feel that Spike?" said Siris feeling the sensation of being light-headed and a bad feeling with his dizziness, Spike felt the same and grabbed his head "y-yea...I feel weird...." As they said that though, the sudden symptoms they felt disappeared as quickly as they appeared, Spike looked at Siris and him to Spike, they shrugged and took a step to the world outside.
TO BE CONTINUED
This chapter is waaaay waaaay! Overdue, here it is; my work recovered from what I thought was total oblivion, destined to crush me and stop me from continuing this great story...to you my fellow Bronies and Pegasister and readers, I am back AND I AM READY TO WRITE! ...FOR ALL OF YOU!!!!! |
My little pony: Equestria's beckoning | Chapter 6 | My little pony: Equestria Beckoning
Chapter 6: A big welcome to Equestria!
"Changes are an inevitable factor in life, when they happen, all you can do is go with its everflowing rhythm of life, from one dance, to the next, some like a ballet, others of a little Spice 'n Tango, and sometimes, on an occasion a small slow dance or two"
He had finally make his movement forward to freedom in one single step, he was outside, in the world beyond the closed walls of a building he had been in, although he was free it was not so simple and already he was in store for a surprise; he took another few more steps and walked into a bright light which shined down from a bright source of Sun that blinded his unfocused eyes, Siris stood his eyes to the intense sunlight squinting and brought his arm up to block it 'It almost burns it's so bright, have I really been asleep that long? Or...out of it that long?...I mean...that is just way too bright' Spike who was focused on heading to town turned his attention from the path to town and at Siris, waving his arm and hand motioning 'come on' or 'hurry up'. Siris's eyes, which had been in prolonged darkness for many days in both the deep sleep and first conscious days outside the hospital of which he had only seen the sun when it had dimmed or gone down completely; he struggled to process the glare that the sun emitted, but, slowly his eyes came into focus and from completely blurred to a more clear and defining sight. As he looked down from the blinding sun he looked around and his eyes came into focus and he saw The baby dragon tapping his foot impatiently only a few feet away on a dirt path leading down a pathway into town "come on, let's give you the tour of ponyville already" he said beginning to walk from Twilight's Tree Library home and on a dirt path into town; Siris nodded and stepped forward slowly and power walked to him, next to Spike, walking down the path. His expression was a gentle and detached smile and he placed his hands resting behind his head and he sighed peacefully "so what's it like where you live? How's living in a City back on your earth?" Spike asked looking up at his calm friend who then looked down at him, he replied casually "it's alright..." he raised a brow at Siris "just alright?" he questioned pressing for more information, Siris chuckled "yea...it's nothing special, it's got crime, grime, pollution in the air and streets and it's bustling almost everywhere, anytime with people just continuing with their lives, I can't say it as If I know, but it could be like your cities here" he replied to Spike more in depth than before, it was intriguing to Spike as to the life his new friend had lived previously before coming to this land he called home. Ponyville didn't see much in the way of Crime or Pollution; the waters around ponyville were clear, clean and drinkable right from the source, its trees and lands full of life and with little deforestation if not any deforestation of notability "really? Wow that sounds Exciting; you must have a cool life there" he continued with an inferred questioning tone "nah...not really Spike, I've got a sister, I care for her, and before I came here I usually tended to just walk about the park that was just down the street when I could, as for action" he pausing "I tended to keep my nose clean and avoid the bad things around my neighborhood, but it still always finds me" he sighed, Spike looked at him with interest to what he meant, "you mean the bad stuff or the good?" Spike inquired with confusion "in honesty...it was the bad mostly, bad and sometimes dangerous groups we called gangs, roam around and through my neighborhood, I tend to move across the street or avoid them when I seem 'em comin' but it doesn't always work"
Spike was more deeply interested now than ever, and he asked "so what happens when it doesn't work do fight em' you know give 'em a little one-two?" he smiled adventurously, jabbing lightly forward with the one two, Siris sighed "I tend to run and run fast...they carry some deadly items, such as knifes or a gun, which uses metal projectiles called 'bullets' most of the time, they shoot faster than you can blink...just a single sound and you know something is going to be hurt and it's 'bang'... " his answer astonished him greatly "w-whoa really!? That's scary, I don't think I could stand living in a place like that..." the baby dragon responded rather meekly and still a surprised look on his face, Siris looked at him "it's alright Spike, I would think so considering how peaceful it is here, do you guys have ANY crime here? Like ya'know...robbery and err..." he paused and thought about his next words carefully thinking murder might not happen too often if not at all there, so he used another crime "vandalism and that type of stuff?" he continued, Spike shrugged "not really, it's usually kinda quiet around here most of the time but not always," Siris nodded, one curiosity and question answered, and with that they looked back to the path to the town's mane Square.
[Nearing town square]
He was on his way with Spike into town and the feeling of yet another curiosity hit Siris, it being as to what and where he was and the land he treaded and passed through once or twice for some time without notice of what's around, and as they walked he sated the curiosity and observed the natural scenery around him such as trees, plant, and animal life. although it felt like the longest of time had passed, in real time, only two minutes had past as he followed Spike on the dirt pathway, and Spike once quiet, was now talking about things he and the other ponies of this town have done in the past few days, what's happened in the latest news
then to things he does when he has time to spare and Siris, still trying to process all of the wonderful scenery harmlessly tuned him out and continued to observe, he looked around and he saw great blossoming, deep green trees that looked not in the smallest bit unhealthy nor stunted in growth, supporting many MANY healthy leaves that would sometimes gently be blown from its tree and land on the grass, and he looked up at the sky and he saw clouds he could only dream of and even then, to him it was beyond that 'there're so fluffy....like cotton balls and delicate silky kinda veils, it reminds of some fantasy imagination land, it's amazing! I could have never dreamed of THIS beautiful land......this place....it's like a paradise of beauty and wonder that just doesn't end...granting the colorful talking ponies are still a bit off-putting but...still...this is a wonder filled place, I can just imagine what kinds of adventure I could have when I'm here! Just like those books and stories"
He thought in a faraway state of mind, still gazing at the light and peaceful skies "hey....HEY!" called a young voice, he broke out of his trance abruptly and looked around, then down and noticed the voice belonged to Spike, waving his hand up at him, trying for his attention "hm? What?" he asked confused and detached by the world around him, Spike was looking at him curiously "what's up? You seem kinda distracted " he said in an inquisitive tone and look, Siris nodded in response "just...taking in the great Scenery" then proceeded to walk with Spike to town. Although he had learn so much in his little time in this mysterious and grand world, many Questions still plagued his mind, the faint notion that he could still be sleeping, he could possibly be dead or in some type of coma was still on his mind, but among the many thoughts he had, they were faint and not entirely on his mind, when some things more immediate arose. Siris looked at Spike and tapped his shoulder speaking with a nervous tone "hey...spike" Spike turned his head to his friend that looked somewhat uneasy or nervous "hm? What's up?" he responded, stopping to look and answer his incoming question "do you think they'll be afraid of me? You know like they'll shun or cower away from me?" he asked with a concerned tone, Spike smiled and chuckled a bit at his friend's reasonable anxiety.
"I don't think they'll be that shocked or scared...of course they'll be a little wary of you at first I guess, but I'm sure once they get to know you like me and Twilight have, they'll warm up to you in no time, I'm sure! Come on...ponyville's just a few more steps ahead" he responded pointing one of his claws to a town center only a few more yards ahead, as Siris saw this, his heart began to speed and his mind racing, then, step after a few slow and agonizing little steps later, in a minute perhaps even seconds, they were there, right in the mouth of the town Square of which he rushed through without much observation on his way from the hospital to get Spike on HIS way to recovery. He decided to look around and to his surprise, saw many wonderfully colored and diversely built structures that sparked the feeling of medieval era but with a modern highlight, some two stories or even three, other were one story but were wide and varied in color and sale some only being homes of which had decor that was warm and welcoming, no one building was the same, but along with the many buildings there were street stalls that sold ether produce and other edibles, then to drinks and tonics or trinkets and other keepsakes, the ponies that made their way about the town were equally as varied and differed in color not by race but by actual color, one pony was sky blue with an orange and rather fluffy mane that looked of an eighties hair style, another was forest green in coat and had a purple mane with sky blue streaks free flowing in style. but they also varied in physical characteristics too "hey...Spike....why are some of them flying like Rainbowdash?" he asked quietly somewhat frozen by unease "well, here in Equestria as you have seen, there are three types of ponies, the pegasi, are flying ponies, most of them live in Cloudsdale, home of the pegasi, then there are Unicorns" he explained as he first pointed to a winged pony who was looked commonly built as the others did, he was tarnish copper color with a short spiky dark orange mane, then to another pony that was tan colored and very light brown colored mane that was decently long and slicked back, this pony had no wings but had a decently long rounded horn in the middle of its forehead "that one is a unicorn, like Twilight, they use magic also and th-" he continued then moved his claw only to bump it into a vibrant pink coated pony's side and it turned around quickly "oh! Sorry Pinkie pie!" she turned around as she hummed an upbeat tune "this is the last one...earth pony, or just your average non-flying, non-magic using pony" Spike said raising his claw in a showing manner then lowering it. Pinkie pie had a smirk on her face like she always did and replied joyfully "oh hey there Spiky!, hey there Siris...wait....Siris?" she said confusing herself and Siris in the process, he suddenly felt himself being lifted up and squeezed with great strength "w-WHAH!?" he said with surprise and pressure being applied ferociously as he noticed Pinkie pie was his captor. The pink pony then began shaking him aggressively side-to-side "oh it's so GREAT to see you here, up and about in town! And since you two are here, you should definitely head to SugarCube corner! I'll whip something nice and sweet up for you two on me!" she said happily, still holding and shaking Siris in a death grip, making him dizzy and in reply he was nauseously only making noises and small sounds "that's nice of you Pinkie pie but we have to head to Rarity's right now, but we'll stop by as soon as we can" Spike explained, Pinkie pie nodded somewhat and put Siris down "heheeeeh....spin round' an round...loopy loopy....h-heh..." he babbled completely dizzy and idiotically, Pinkie walked up with a straight face and slapped him in his right cheek to snap him out of his trance, Siris stopped teetering and shook his face as he placed his right hand on his right cheek and Spike quietly giggled "h-huh?...y-yea...lets...let's get going spike" he said still somewhat dazed as to what happened, seeming not to remember Pinkie pie slapping some sense back into him "your welcome!" Pinkie pie said cheerfully, then hopped away like a person on small springs and continued to hum her happy and cheerful tune. He looked down at Spike with confusion "what just...happened? I feel like my insides were put in a vice grip and tightened"
Spike looked at him and sighed "seems pinkie gave you a 'Special' new friend hug, I got one once when I came to Ponyville for the first time...it still gives me nightmares..." he explained as he shiveringly rubbed his shoulders a little, Siris gave a gesturing agreement at Spike then looked back at the Town square, and noticed that all the ponies that had been busy walking or flying about their business before, were all staring at him with blank and for some, a shocked glare, he looked at them and his worst dread had become real at that moment, rejection by the populaces there, when a young filly with a light yellow coat and a brilliant amaranth colored fluffy mane walked up to him "hey! It's you" she said her tone quite young, relative to a small girl reminiscent of May's age or younger, he noticed that she had an accent identical to Applejack's "uh, nice to meet you...eh, filly kid... name's 'Siris' " he explained slowly to the filly she looked at him with a big smile and big eyes as she talked "yep I know, mah' sister told me all about yah, after all I was the one who found you after all" she explained. Siris looked with a bit of interest and smirked slightly at the ponies, but they still stood or fluttered there looking at him "what's with the other ponies, filly kid?"
"name's Applebloom mister, ah'm Applejack's little sister and big Macintosh is mah big brother, I'm sure you know 'em already" she answered looking back at the frozen ponies "you scared em' when mah sister n' Twilight brought yeh to the hospital, you kept drippin' this weird red stuff all over the place..." Siris eased back slightly, he reached around his back and felt his back softly to the injury, some of the ponies gasped very slightly and he could see it in their eyes, they were unsure or uneasy with something about him, Spike saw him struggling to communicate with them and he walked over, grabbed his hand and pulled him to the center of the Square and Applebloom followed them, and walked up to Spike then they whispered and deliberated over something or some plan obviously something that couldn't fail, then looked back at the ponies "hey everypony! Since ya'll are a little shy, I'd though I take this time to say that I'd like ya'll to meet our new friend, 'Siris' he's a real nice fella an really good to boot and new to Equestria" they said speaking back and forth looking at him with smiles on their faces "I want you to introduce yer' self Siris" they both said vigorously with Applebloom finishing it, he looked around at them, then turned crowd shy and froze, they looked at each other than to him "well come on! Tell'em about yer' self!" applebloom said walking behind him and pushing him forward with her head, he didn't struggle against her and he stumbled forward as she pushed and looked up in front of a large crowd. Siris wasn't normally shy, but collective and didn't back down from a fight unless he needed, nor intentionally ignores people, but one thing that got to him was speaking to crowds and the apprehension only grew due to his anxiety, that if he said something with the wrong tone or the wrong way, that they would distress and he could be branded as something undesirable or he would cause someone to get hurt. He continued looking around at the crowd and worked up enough resolution to take a step back and make a quieted response "I-I...I um don't want to worry you or anything like that...but I um...am terrible at speeches" he slowly started to walk back and he turned red and tried to play it off trying to cool down the nervousness, Spike and Applebloom were a bit taken back and disappointed to see he couldn't familiarize himself to the ponies of Ponyville, he stepped and turned back down the path sullenly with a defeated look in his face and began walking away, feeling like a coward. The steps he took felt like stone bricks growing in weight every time he took another step, but then something happened, and he felt something touch his shoulder "I-it's ok...please don't go away..." said a female voice from behind, Siris turned around slowly trying to mask the shameful look and saw a melon green Pegasus with a light pink mane fluttering near him then he saw another come, this one was light brown and had a dark purple mane and straight top cut mane, he was male "back there, were you hurt or something?" He asked, Siris dumbfounded beyond words looked at them and blinked "u-um? O-oh yea....I was, Spike saved me and i-...." he stopped mid-sentence, gaining sudden realization "you're...not nervous about me? I would think something like myself would shock the daylights out of you" he wondered his cheek's red color fading, the melon colored and brown maned Pegasus smiled honestly "well...at first we were kinda shocked and a bit afraid of something dangerous or you coulda been really hurt...but you seem alright to us...if I would speak for us as a whole, we'd say that we're sorry for how we reacted" she said with the others nodding lightly in agreement to her statement, their anxiety slowly draining away, the rest slowly began to walk over to him and slowly but surely they all circled around him becoming more and more curious and less and less hesitant and drawn-back. Spike and Applebloom looked at each other with surprised turn-around success and spoke joyously in triumph "we did it! They're not afraid of him anymore!" and they high-five each other smiling brightly at their success "so what are you exactly? Some kinda of pony or some kinda animal?" asked a somewhat bulky Earthpony white in coat and black kept but natural mane "um...well no...I'm what you call a "human" I'm from earth" some of them looked at him with increased or increasing curiosity "what's earth? Is it a place with only Humans or...some other kind of earth pony and humans?" asked a purple Pegasus with light green mane, he turned and gestured his head 'no' "you see I'm more than obviously not from Equestria, I am from a PLANET named earth, it's a large rocky sphere among the stars, like your land, it is on a planet" they looked at him with surprise and looked amongst each other "so...you're like an alien?" asked the purple Pegasus, he looked down for a second thinking on it "I...I think you could be right, I guess you could call me an alien" he answered chuckling at his own answer, all the younger colts and fillies gasped and a few words would be notable as one said "cool!" another "that's so awesome!" and another "he seems like a nice alien" yet another "does he have antenna?" Siris chuckled and any feeling of inhibition or fear faded and was replaced with a sense of delight and comfort, he had made friends with some of the ponies of Ponyville and truly felt like he can blend with the locals, Spike and Applebloom were so Excited for him and themselves that they had lost track of time "oh my stars! I'm so late fer' school! Miss Cheerilee is gunna be furious!" she said worriedly, Spike looked at the time as well and noticed an hour passed "oh man! We were supposed to be at Rarity's an hour ago!" Spike said panicking, he rushed over and waved goodbye to Applebloom as she darted off to school and him into the growing crowd of ponies, he shoved and inched his way into the center "to be quite honest I've never really heard of any famous ponies...daring doo?...nope, e-ever..." he listened to a question "we can but it's better to stand on two legs..." he decided to ask his own question a bit hushed "ever hear of Charlie h-...um, never mind" he continued, talking to multiple ponies at once, Spike walked and jumped up to get his attention "h-hey!! Siris! We're SUPER late to Rarity's we gotta go!!" he exclaimed with worry, Siris heard and noticed him jumping and searched around and looked at the town's clock "holy crap! Your right!" he returned his attention back to the crowd "U-umm...Sorry every...um, pony! I'm late getting somewhere important but I'll be around I promise!" he said, some of the pony let out sad moans but nod and agree happily still, they opened through and let him and Spike through and when they got out of the circle of ponies they made a dash for Rarity's.
[Three minutes later]
Siris stayed lax in his pace for Spike to guide him through town and to Rarity's shop, even so for his size Spike ran with tons of speed and after two minutes him and Spike were out of steam and panted and took deep fatigued breaths and they looked around while in the middle and Spike took notice of Familiar buildings and guided him a clearing of building and the arrived at a purple building and Siris walked up to it and tried to read a sign hanging a few feet up "the....I can't read it!...gah, I hate this language difference... hey Spike...do you know what it says?" he asked
"it's the "Carousel Boutique" home to Equestria's greatest and...most beautiful fashion designer "Rarity"..." he said sighing dreamily, Siris saw this and he snickered smiling "hehe...you like her?" he asked teasingly "N-no! She's just friend!" he said blushing, Siris smirked then rolled his eyes "I believe you...now come on Spike, I want to formally meet her and maybe get to know her better" Spike nodded then walked up and knocking on the door, for one second there was no answer then after a few seconds, Spike put his ear to the door and he heard something approaching "I think Rarity's coming!," a moment later the door exploded open and Spike is immediately slammed and imprinted into the side of the shop and hidden by the door, Rarity in flames of anger "YOU WERE SUPPOSE TO BE HERE...AN HOUR AGO!!" she Exclaimed furiously huffing, walking over to him and Grabbing him by the ear and pulled him inside the shop "d'ow ow ow OW! Come on that hurts!" he ranted in pain as she pulled him into the back room where her home and area of work were "ow! Rarity! I though you wanted something less...Painful" he said as she let go of his ear, Rarity huffed and turned around more composed " I have been waiting ages for both of you to...uuuh" she looked around curiously "...where's Spikey Wikey?" she asked, When Siris heard Spike's nick name he could barely contain his laughter "Spikey Wikey? That's hilarious!...hehehe now I have something to blackmail him with~..." he thought teasingly "what?...it is a good name for such a cute baby dragon!" she said making it worse in his defense, Siris tried very hard to contain his laughter, so hard he thought'd he Explode if he heard anything funnier. Spike walked back in with bits and pieces of wall embedded into his scales, smiled at them "hey Rarity" he said dazedly "hey there...Spikey...Wikey" Siris said unable to hold back his laughter, he then burst out in an uncontrollable fit of laughing, Spike looked at him red cheeked and crossed his arms and looked away, he laughed for a bit and slowly the laughing died down to a giggle then slowly he calmed himself and regained his composure, he turned around somewhat red faced and walked up to Spike and put his hand on his shoulder "it's ok...it's good to have a laugh every once and a while...I didn't mean anything by it, you're still my little bro" he explained kindly, Spike looked up and smiled lightly "really?" he asked, Siris nodded and turned to Rarity who was overcome with Emotion and was crying and blowing her nose "it's sooo beautiful!...you forgive...like true siblings do!...whahahaa!" Rarity burst into a crying fit and all Siris could do, is look extremely confused as she did Spike walked up and tried to get her attention "h-hey...Rarity...didn't you ask us to come here for something?" he asked intuitively, Rarity's crying slowed to a complete stop and she picked herself up "o-oh yea!...come with me, I want to show you something that is absolutely extraordinary" she then turned and walked toward a door near the Store doorway and left it open, Spike looked at Siris and him to Spike, they both shrugged and walked over to the door and entered. They both took a step through the door and walked into a room filled with clutter, as soon as they took a step Spike tripped over fabric and pulled Siris down with him, both of them became entangled in a web of strings and fabric strips, the strong unbreakable web captured them unable to move for it had them unable to move from the impossibly and hopelessly entangled fabric "...it...I can't move!!" Siris said panicking fiercely and Spike struggled as well "it's like I'm glued to the spot, what is this!?" he said panicking and struggling as well, Rarity walked up to them both with an unimpressed expression on her face and she grabbed hold of a two strings and pulled, Siris and Spike twirled around very fast and when they stopped spinning they were free of their imprisonments and back on their feet, grabbing their heads in nausea "uuuh....my head's spinning " they both said as they shook their heads and regained clarity once more, Rarity was standing there, waiting for them to recollect themselves "now, ahem...I would like you to see what I made...I'll give you a hint...it's going to be the newest and most exotic Fashion line in all of Equestria" she explained as she walked over to a curtain "aw cool Rarity I'm so happy for you!" Spike said with enthusiasm "hm...can we see it" Siris said thoughtlessly, "well of course dear!" she replied with an small undertone of irritation and excitement, she lifted up and removed the curtain and showed what lay behind it. She showed what laid behind the curtain to be, were 5 humanoid shaped mannequins lined up wearing what seemed to be human clothes, Siris walked up to the first one closest to him and he looked at it, the first one, wore a pair of dark blue jeans with small decorative sewn patterns on the pockets and back pockets with a pocket watch hanging out of it slightly and a set of what seemed to be dark green boots and wore a green turtle necked shirt with a green scarf on the neck "what's this!?" Siris exclaimed with surprise and Excitement "it's a new line of Fashion, just for you! I call this one...(changing Seasons) " she said with grandeur in her tone, Spike walked up next to him, both their mouths agape with large smiles "wow Rarity this is amazing!" they said in-sync "this...is...is flawless! Not even a stich is misplaced!?...This is amazing; no...it's a miracle, how'd you do it?" Siris replied with an observant and shocked tone, and Rarity, basking in all the compliments smiled and walked over and looked at them "oh...I have my ways, I'm gifted I suppose...but oh am I glad you like them! I have only made clothing for ponies with the occasional fitting costume or suit for spikey here ...I work with what minuscule chances I got to get measurements" she said as if telling a great story, "uhh...Rarity? you came over to Twilight's almost every day until he woke up, every time you'd walk in to his room, and you'd hold and move his arm around and his leg the same way...you're there for at least 7 hours a day" Spike said explanatively towards Rarity, Siris took a step back looking at Rarity with surprise "w-what?...where was my say in all this!?" he said, bewildered by what they had said, Rarity looked at him with a nervous look of guilt "o-oh um...s-sorry dear...I needed to make correct measurements and I saw the opportunity and I took it...but it was worthwhile don't you think?" she asked, trotting leisurely near him and smiling harmlessly, it took him only a few seconds to process the notion and he nodded "I-I guess your right..." he said as he walked to the mannequins looking at the next one "and these clothes are flawless...it doesn't matter, thank you for these, it's very kind of you" he said with gratitude "oh, dear....it's 1600bits for the clothes" Rarity clarified, Siris looked at Spike and asked if the amount was expensive, he agreed, Siris then reach down and put his hand in his satchel and rustled around for the bits Twilight gave him "I am only joshing you dear...it's free of charge...on me this time, consider it a gift for inspiring a new line of fashion" she said winking at him, the two looked at each other with a gaping smiles "r-really!?" they both asked Stunned, Rarity nodded "but of course dear! I'd never think of going back on my word!" she said being generally Defensive but sincere "I believe you" Siris replied, he then looked at the next set of clothes, It's was winter wear, it had three layers of clothes the first with two pockets and displayed each one to show variance, the first was a bulky and light blue jacket fluffed up for warmth, then next layer was normal blue and was a less bulkier jacket the final layer was a somewhat thin long sleeve shirt colored dark blue it had on a thick Scarf with a picture of winter wind blowing lightly sewn in as a design and had on black thermal pants and wore modified pony snow shoes that were originally smaller but was broken down and lengthened to Siris's foot size and wore thick wool mittens and snow hat with the ball on top of it, also made of wool, the sight of this jacket alone made Siris sweat with heat and he smiled "it's perfect for when it's -100 degrees outside" he said Humorously chuckling with Spike, he and Spike then walked over to the next one, it was summer wear, the mannequin wore a shirt that waved from light green to regular green like a summer gale blowing gently from a warm and sunny beach, it also wore dark green shorts that had a multitude of pockets for summer versatility and had a light yellow brimmed hat to block the summer's blazing heat and decrease the chances for sunburn, it also had on sunglasses just big enough to cover his eyes and a little more and for footwear it had somewhat thin soft-green shoes made for maneuverability " I've never had actual summer clothes, this is awesome!" Siris exclaimed with excitement examining it "why not?" Spike asked, he turned to Spike and explained "well...do you know what cities are?" he asked "well sure, there's Manehattan it's a pretty big city, there's also Fillydephia too" Spike explained "well...it's sorta like them, but imagine it, just a little bigger and maybe more smog and you've got my home city "New York" it's a little dingy and crime isn't exactly at an all-time low and...we don't have the money to go to the beach and May is already in poor health...I don't want her getting anymore sick...or sunburned than she needs to be" he said, describing it to Spike in detail of his situation and of his home a bit more, he nodded "wow...then do you do for fun?" he asked inquisitively, Siris shrugged "nothing much...I just...um..." Siris froze by hid Question 'what did I do for fun?...wow...now that I think about it....I've never really had much fun until that one kid came and brought his nice friends...I suppose...I should try and enjoy myself while I'm here I guess...aww....how is May doing I hope she isn't hurt, or's been mugged, or she's..." He shudders unable to even think of the possibility of "that" befalling her "w-well...let's take a look at the next one Spike" he sounded with a hint of nervousness, Spike looked at him with minor suspicion but nothing more and they walked to the next one, he saw it and blinked in surprise, the mannequin wore the same clothes he had first come to Equestria in "this one...you remade my clothes?" he asked, turning to Rarity whom had started sketching and walked over to him and handed him then end part of some measuring tape and started to measure his legs, his arms and belly then his head and ran back to sketch, having him hold it again from the floor down "please be a dear and hold that please, I need to get proper measurements of your height, and now that your awake, I SHANT pass up this opportunity!" she said determinedly, he blinked and looked at Spike and he shrugged "I've got some time I suppose..." he thought heaving a relaxed sigh.
[One hour later]
By the time they were done, Siris was wrapped in measuring tape and Rarity's mane was in a mess and Spike fell asleep on a gathering of fluffy feathers snoring and drooling lightly "R-rarity!...my arm are dying!" Siris lamented, his arms and leg quivering from fatigue "I almost have it! Just a little more" Rarity replied with total concentration drawing and sketching with no distraction, he began groaning with strain "can....I...now?" he said slowly lowering his arms and leaning towards falling on the feathers with Spike "all...most...DONE!" Rarity exclaimed with joy looking up and sees him slanting "hehe....yay..." he muttered falling over and accidentally on Spike's stomach "twaa!!!" Spike Exclaimed with shock, burping out fire and into Siris's face "gahh!" he Exclaimed in pain turning away and grabbing his face and he twist to his knees "S-Siris!" Rarity and Spike exclaimed running over to him quickly "I'm sooo Sorry! Are you ok?" Spike asked worriedly putting his claw near his shoulder, Siris turned away and got up "dear, we need to see how bad it is" Rarity said attempting to put her hooves near him when a voice sounded through his hands "I....I'm" Siris turned around and put down his hands to show "I'm...ok?" he said utterly dumbfounded with only a black splotch on his face "how is this possible? I should have at least a second degree burn on my face, but no....nothing...not even a red spot" he continued, touching his face and gently wipes away the black splotch with surprising ease "gah! things here make no sense!" Rarity and Spike were also dumbfounded "are you OK dear?" asked Rarity as she examined his face as did Spike, when Spike walked up he noticed something that Rarity didn't pick up on "hey look" he said pointing to Siris's face in closer inspection Spike saw the most tiniest of scale-like formations on his skin "you've got scales, like me!" Spike exclaimed with astonishment as he touched his face then Siris's "it feels sorta like mine but softer and not as scaly, cool!" he continued, Siris got up, rubbed his face after spike and rarity's examination and looked around for a mirror and saw one laying on a cluttered table, he walked over and proceeded to pick it up and look at himself. "I don't see anything Spike, what scales are you talking about?" he questioned cautiously looking closer, he touched his face and felt the surface was to some extent, faintly bumpy all across, and not quite visible to the untrained eye "what is this? It feels...just like..." then the thought hit him like a ton of bricks, the notion he had forgotten when he woke up and left Twilight's home two hours ago "it's your blood Spike...I think...I think it could be changing me!" he said in a stunned disbelief, looking at his hands then to Spike looking as if he had done something bad "I'm Sorry, I didn't mean to!" Spike replied in a distressed tone "ha-ha, I don't care Spike! We're like blood brothers! This is so awesome! But..." he said turning to Rarity with concern "will I turn completely into a dragon? And what will happen if I do?" he said with hesitation and worry in his tone "hey...Rarity...you're a unicorn...can't you sense that stuff with your magic or something like that?" he wondered, Rarity thought for a minute, trying to recall any spell she knew to do such a test, then returned her attention back to them "I don't know if I can Siris dear...that's more of Twilight's thing..." she said timidly "but I shall try!" she continued exclaiming not with timidness but with strong confidence and a genuine smile to follow. Rarity walked over to Siris and lowered her horn down to his heart closed her eyes and it's magic began to glow from her horn and slowly bled onto Siris who became somewhat anxious "well dear....I don't know what I see" she explained "then give us details, maybe we can make it out" replied Siris "well, uh...I see a light...it's bright a-and...there's a weird green light next to it...and a mist or fog around them both...it's...really quite hard to explain" she explained to them, Siris looked at Spike with a questioning gaze and he shrugged without answer "tats great um...Rarity!...that's enough for me...you can stop" he looked at her, Rarity lifted up her head and the magic around him and her horn disappeared and he took a deep sigh of relief, Spike walked over soon after, as Rarity walked slightly dizzy back over to her sketch "w-well...I've got good news and bad news dears" said Rarity placing her right hoof on her head "what's the bad news" they both asked her, trying to get the worst out of the way "bad news...is that I have quite a head splitting migraine" she replied "and the good?" asked Spike alone "well...good news...is that I have something that is going to just knock your socks off" she said, excitedly indicating something wonderfully secret or new "hm...what is it?" Spike and Siris both asked impatiently, Rarity merely, instead of revealing it to them inched them to the door "well dears...it wouldn't be so surprising now would it?". Both of them confusedly walked out of the design room with Rarity and back to her store counter and she looked to them both "well...I'm glad to have helped you Rarity...and I also appreciate you helping us too" Siris said gratefully to Rarity, she nodded tiredly and the Duo turned to each other "so...where next!" the human asked "I think we should pay Applejack a visit next" he said pulling out a parchment and marking off something then putting it away in the magic pocket he didn't have, Siris looked curiously for a second but didn't pay much attention to it "well let's get on the trail and going!" he replied eagerly to Spike whom walked up to the store's front door and opened it with his arms open "well....mares first!" he said jokingly, Siris chuckled and ran to the door and grabbed hold Spike and he closed the door behind him, Rarity looked at the hasty pair as they closed it and she sighed happily then blew her frizzy mane up "well...that Siris is quite something else..." and she walked back into her home.
[On the dirt path]
Siris placed Spike on his shoulder and Spike gripped his head and he took a dashing run as he passed through the town Square, some ponies that had just come in before he introduced himself to the town gave him a weird stare but nothing else, preoccupied with their own agenda or chores. He looked around panting and excited still holding Spike on his shoulder "it's that way!" Spike said with an adventurous tone pointing down one of the streets, as if he was a captain of a ship, guiding his ship from dangerous waters or perhaps a knight riding his noble steed on way to a distant and faraway land on some adventure with no compare. Siris nodded and started pacing himself this time but keeping a decent speed as he ran down the street looking up at the ponies in an occasional balcony or window and waving and a "hello" to follow kindly after, most stared at him blankly, some, walked back in, confused to who that waved to him, but one or two waved to him and smiled as he passed by. He stopped at an intersecting dirt path outside the usual town roads and Spike turn his head right "that 'a way!" pointing towards a large red wooden structure in the distance, "al...right Spike....let's get goin'!" Siris said becoming winded from his over excitement but nonetheless he ran down the path with Spike still on his shoulders. Making his way down the path Siris slowly came to a stop, sweating profusely and panting heavily "aw hey! Why'd we stop" Spike wondered looking down at the Tired human he was riding upon, Siris kneeled down and Spike hopped off, he got up and panted with exhaustion "w-well....let's just...stop...running...let's just walk from here" he said breathlessly, fatigued by his running and Sprinting with not to mention Spike and his satchel weighing him down and he got up and turned to his green satchel and looked inside for something and pulled out a green canteen and splashed a bit on his face and he looked up to light blue skies and fluffy clouds and the tall green trees flowing in the cooling wind that blew gently across his face and he let out a sigh of relief and he wiped away his sweat and looked to Spike and pointed his canteen down to him "want a swig?" Siris asked him, Spike nodded and took a hold of the canteen and took a drink and wiped his face then handed him the canteen back to him and he put away the canteen, Spike let out an exhale of satisfaction and they continued to walk a few more feet and they were looking only a few feet from the same red barn Siris saw once before, although, under different circumstances "well we're here!" Spike announced, Siris walks up to the barn then looked around and walked away on the right of it and turned his head looking past it to see large orchid of apple trees and deep green pastures while chicken coups and many animals busy with their daily lives near that same barn, which was positioned near a home that seemed to be of older age, perhaps of an old western suit, the land of which the farm resided was covered in a beautiful grass, blowing to the wind, soft and vibrant green color, the Trees that the apples rested upon were a deep brown color the leaves a deep green swaying softly to the breeze, it spanned decently towards an open valley, He was taken aback by the grandeur of the Farm, he has always thought that many Farms where just fields of yellow, made up of Corn or Wheat, or a ok pasture with few animals "so....where's applejack Spike?" He asked Spike, the baby Dragon was on the other side where a pathway way led down to the apple orchid and waved him over while asking Siris the same; he nodded to Spike and he made his way over from the other side of the barn. They looked down and in the apple orchid was a yellow pony with blonde mane was busy bucking the apple trees with her back hooves causing the tree that was heavy with apples to shake free from the thin stems of the branches and fall into a set of wooden buckets "hey Applejack!" called Spike, Siris walked over slowly and stood next to Spike and the yellow pony stopped kicking the trees and looked over to where Spike and Siris where "oh! Hey there Spike an-" she stopped and looked at Siris "you!" she continued, startled by Siris's presence with him and she trotted up from the orchid and to them "um...who are you again?" Siris asked her "well ah'm Applejack partner...don't you remember me? I was a part of that little get together Twilight had a few days ago?" she questioned confusedly, Siris scratched his head trying to remember from meeting her "hm....I honestly can't really recall it very much...I've been asleep for like four days...my memories are a bit hazy and-" he paused "not to mention those damn Freaky dream" mumbling inaudibly, Applejack looked confused but smiled "yer' something else I'll tell yeh' that...never met a fella like you" Applejack replied, he chuckled with modesty in response "yea...I'm getting that a bit, it's not too shocking anymore thanks to Spike my little bro" he joked, Spike and him chuckled a bit "well look at you two now...you've only been here bout' 5 days and you two are the best of friends ah've ever seen, like you were made to be friends!" she said complimenting them then rubbed Spike's head "well...you can say it that way...or you could say we're blood brothers" Spike said with a blunt tenacity and non-literal fire in his voice, Applejack giggled a bit before patting him on top of his head "oh Spike you've got some imagination there, I know that yah gave him a bit of the red stuff...but that doesn't make yeh kin Spike" Siris coughed a bit and averted himself away slightly "well...that's....not entirely false" he responded, Applejack tilted her head in confusion, Spike and him turned to her and explained, telling her of what really happened that night of the sleepover but leaving out what they both saw and what Siris experienced in the dreams, they told her how he had been feeling under the weather and what happened at Twilight's home that morning with the duplication of the magic scrolls one in the human language and one is average Equestrian language "well...ah'll be a monkey's uncle...it sounds like you've somehow contracted Spike's power or something, by that blood donation that they gave yeh!...pfff...don't it tell y'all about how well our docs know about magic?" she said leaning to them "but...then again, they don't known about no humans ether...ah well...what are you gunna do?" she asked rhetorically, they both shrugged "so what brings you two round here?" she wondered, her gaze somewhat on Siris, although her eyes were on Spike, he could feel her 'true' gaze was on him, as if she was looking at him yet she wasn't "well Applejack, I thought it would be good to show him around town, ya' know get to know the ponies around here...maybe we can help you with something" Spike explained and sounded with offer, He looked at Spike indifferently on the outside but felt a bit different inside 'not even a second opinion? I don't know farm work but hey, I know how tiring It can be, I've seen the movies about how much they work all day in all that heat, the sweat an-...oh well...I guess it's a good way to get into shape I suppose...but hey....it could be fun...hopefully' he though with thin optimism leaning on her answer as Applejack and Spike continued "well that would be great Spike! Ah've got some trees that need buckin' and buckets need carryin'...think you two can handle it?" she said in a teasing manner, Spike smiled at the chance, Siris was far less than excited "oh...boy..." he said unamused, trying to perk himself up with not much enthusiasm for the work, he started lightly patting his cheeks peppingly and shaking his head "well then let's get to it!" he continued trying to sound as excited as Spike. Soon after they finished they all walked down to the apple orchids and next to a good and healthy tree heavy with hefty and vivid apples "alright, Siris you start with this tree and work yerself on up this here line, Spike you over there if you can partner" she pointed to the row of trees left of Siris's row, Spike nodded and walk to his position "alright Applejack, Siris...let's get started!" he jumped up exclaiming with vigor as he ran full force into one of the trees with his head, and surprisingly caused tons of apples to fall from their branches yet pummel him till he was covered in apple, Siris squinted at the sight "alright...." He said cracking his neck and knuckles get fired up "lets. GO!" he exploded with fiery determination and he dashed with admirably fast speed; he grunted ramming into the tree, recoiling for the force of his charge causing him to fall onto his back, but successfully causing the tree to shake strongly and the apples to fall, he jumped back to avoid the wrath of the tree's apples and let them fall naturally into the wooden bucket "alright you're getting it!" Applejack exclaimed proudly and she walked up to her row of trees, bucking one of them and causing all the apples on the one tree to fall straight in her bucket and she smiled at Siris with a competitively cocky grin "oh-ho!...it's on!" he replied fierily to her looking by, walking over, picking up the bucket and placing it under the next tree, he walked back then ran at it but this time he kick it furiously the force caused the apples on that tree to all fall into his bucket, then gave her the same grin "if it's a competition yer looking for....you sure found one!" she said bucking two trees in a whipping motion of her hooves and the both fell cleanly into the bucket, she twirled around "hehe! Yer turn partner" and Siris looked around his surroundings, to his left; Spike was making an attempt at knocking apples down, to some avail Spike did. he wiped away the sweat on his brow and continued to walk to the next tree, looked at it, then to applejack "hey...do you have some long rope?" he asked, Applejack looked curiously at him wondering what he needed something as that for apple bucking or shaking "well 'course I do, did you need some?" she wondered, he nodded looking around at the trees 'yea....maybe I can use it to tie the trees together or something, then when that's done, I can shake em' all down at once...if I do that I do that, we'll be done in no time! Man I am a genius...and I'll win the contest to boot. Hehe' he thought, jokingly snickering with an evil tone, Applejack nodded trotted off to grab some rope and he walked over to Spike cover in scratches, bruises, and apples "I think...you should take a break" he said, Spike got up and brushed himself off "ehh....yea I think so too....guess I'm not the apple bucking kind" he said with a light chuckle and a intent look "so what do you plan on doing with a long rope?" he continued, Siris placed his right hand on his chin with a bright smile "you'll see Spike..." he replied, walking over to his current tree. Applejack came back a minute later with ropes on her back "al'right here you are...what do you need em' fer?" she asked curiously, Siris walked over grabbed the long rope off of her back and walked over to his tree and toss an end of the rope around the thickest branch doing the same thing to at least 6 or 7 trees finishing up by tossing it through the last one and holding the other end of the rope, Applejack and Spike looked at him with a bit of Surprise to his idea "alright...here I go!!" Siris pulls the rope back and forth and the trees with rope began to shake lightly, but yet, no apples fell, he didn't have enough strength to get the apple to fall from the trees even though the apple were of decent size, he couldn't get them to sway enough to get them to fall, even though he half-noticed this he kept trying to pull on the branches talking in-between breaths from fatigue "aw....come on!.....this was.....so much better when.....I thought it out" Applejack chuckled a bit then walked over to him Spike walking with her "need a helping hoove there Sugarcube?" He looked at her sweating quite a bit and paused a bit "u-um....sure! I'd love the help before I accidentally tear my arms off" he chuckled playing it off and turned to the side, Applejack and Spike walked over then took hold of the rope and Siris took hold of the rest of the rope left "al'right let's do this...on three everypony, and....one.....two........THREE!" and they all gave a large tug on the rope and the tree swayed notably and got those apples to fall and with three more strong tugs, they made most of the tree's apples to fall down and into the bucket "al'right! Good job you two...lets go get these here apples an take them to big Mac, he'll sort out the good an bad ones" she explained, walking over and picking up two bucket full of apples connected by a shaped carrying pole and she squatted then lifted it up, looking at Siris and Spike then made her way back up to farm house. Siris looked at Spike then looked around seeing four twin buckets of apples then to Spike "oh man...this sucks...." He said, Spike nodding with agreement "it's ok, I mean it's helping out a friend! And after we can get something to drink! The Apple family makes great apple cider just you wait!" Spike replied licking his lips then walking over and picking up two buckets of apples dragging them, Siris walk to one of the poles and got under and picked it up "one down, three to go" he then looked at Spike, then to the rest of the poles and sighed.
[Back at Apple farm]
Slowly making his way up was Siris, Spike walking next to him; he was carrying three carrying poles of apple buckets and taking deep and fatigued breaths "come on! We're almost there, just a few more steps!" Spike said trying to keep him pepped up and going, sweating himself but not quite as fatigued as the human was, he looked at Spike with a strained look "easier...said...than done" and kept walking until they both made their way to the front house, finally putting them down and falling over sweating profusely "that.....was....a...tall....hill" he lamented in between breaths "are you SURE you don't need some help?" Spike asked, having put his two buckets down and walking over to him, Siris was dripping sweat and huffing "y-yea...jus' need a breath...."
"heh...tuckered out already there partner?" said applejack as he lifted his head up, who was carrying drinks on her back with a casual smile that she seemed to always have, Siris got up and stood there, his shirt drenched in sweat and wiped the sweat from his brow giving a tired smile back "nah! I was just catching my breath, the walk up the hill tore me apart hehe...what's that on your back?" he asked, looking to the side and seeing the cups topped with an umbrella and filled with what looked like apple juice "well it's applejuice sugarcube, consider it thanks fer helpin' me with harvesting" Spike walked over and took a cup and Siris walked forward, his legs feeling a bit like jelly and he took a cup "thanks Aj!" Spike said gratefully, Siris looked at the cup then looked Applejack eyes making contact "thanks um...Applejack, this is really nice of you" he kindly said taking a drink, Applejack looked a bit surprised and looked away the most gentle of blushes forming "oh! Um well...yer welcome and eh...thanks fer the help" she replied looking back and him "kindly appreciated" she continued, tipping her hat to him. Spike looked at Siris finishing his drink "hey" a deep male voice called out; Applejack and everyone looked to the barn, seeing a large red coat Stallion walking out carrying a few hay bales behind him "hey there big mac!" replied Applejack, the large red stallion walked over to them "hey there applejack, how's my little sis doin?" he asked, she nodded in response "ah'm doing just fine, just giving a few drinks to my friends fer helping us harvest the apples" she then looked at Siris with a realization "oh! Where are my manners, Siris" she said looking from Big Mac to him "this is mah older brother, 'big Macintosh' " she gestured her hooves to him, "but most ponies call me big mac" he explained in response, Siris nodded a bit, still distracted by the deepness of his voice "nice to meet ya..." he said offering a handshake, Big mac spit in his hoove then gave him a hand-to-Hoove shake, the feeling of the material in his hand giving Siris a chill traveling up his spine "nice tah meet you there partner, thank you kind for helping my lil' sis" he replied, Siris withdrew his hand dripping with saliva "a-aww....gross...pony spit" he thought to himself, but still smiling warmly "likewise...glad to help big mac" he wiped it on the back of his pants, Big mac looked at him with unintentional Obviousiousness, looking at him from head to foot, Siris cleared his throat noticing what he was doing, Applejack nudged Big mac gently to get him to stop and he asked "sorry for starin'...but if isn't askin too much, would you mind tellin me whatcha are?" Siris looked at Applejack then to him "well big mac, I'm whatcha call a human, I'm not some kind of pony or animal but someone from a different planet or dimension or something like that, I dunno how I got here but it's been something else since I've been here, seen things that I could have NEVER imagined, and it's locals surprise me just as much but in a good way don't get me wrong" Siris said explaining in detail to Big mac, he seemed surprised his eyes opened bit "that's definitely somethin' eeyup!...well I hope you enjoy yer stay here an don't go causing any trouble" Big Mac said, half-warning him, he nodded in response "I'd never think of it big Mac, I like helping people or well...ponies now I guess, but I will still try my best to help" Siris replied, Big mac nodded then turned and walked away, Applejack looked at him "sorry about that sugarcube, he might not have looked like it, but he was about as eager to meetcha as a cowpony at a rodeo" she said with an embarrassed smile, the human chuckled in reply "it's fine Applejack, its kinda fun talking about my own world and about this place! In a way I kinda find it kinda like a compliment that they wanna know, that my world is interesting to em...although I'm not so sure they'd like it if they saw the city I lived in, dirty streets people and skies...always had smog in the skies, never see stars at night over the bright lights in the streets and thick smog...stars here...shine like I've never seen before, it's beautiful and if this is a dream applejack...." He explained looking at her "I wish I could see this back home...cause this dream is something else..." he continued, Applejack nodded and looked at Spike the baby dragon, that was asleep on some hay bales, she giggled lightly and walked over to him "I hear ya sugarcube...I could never live in the city...to many lights' n sounds, yup, ponyville life here is about as good as you can get, the ponies here won't let ya down" she picked up Spike and put him on her back "what are ya gunna do from here sugarcube, you've still got the whole day to explore" he grinned know where he was going next "well, we...or well it seems it's just me now, I said I was going to stop by Sugarcube Corner for Pinkie pie, so I figure 'why not?' it couldn't hurt"
"well alright then, you take care now sugarcube and for Celestia's Sake, don't you go doing anythin' that'll put you back in ponyville general please" she emphasized, Siris chuckled and nodded, giving her the cup back and walked down the path back from the Sweet apple acres farm back on his way to town waving goodbye to her and Spike, his back turned.
Applejack smiled and tilted her hat to him as he did "that fella's got a good sum'thing in em'...he's a little wet behind the ears , but ah'm sure in no time at all that he'll fit right in" she walked back to Sweet apple acres and picked up a bucket of apple with Spike then walked into the house.
[On the path back to town]
Siris chuckled and exhaled laboredly as he walked a gentle walk on a dirt road headed back to town 'geez...I've never had to work so much IN MY LIFE! That hill, those apples...yeesh...and I wasn't even helping someone human for crying out loud! But....it was good work and she was nice, too bad I lost my guide though, heh I shou-' he was distant to his surrounding just veering off from his labor when he was abruptly interrupted when he bumped into a light yellow mare looking down at a white flower "uuf! Oh sorry miss" he said looking at the pony that he bumped into, she turned and looked at him, it was Fluttershy "oh I'm sorry i-...it's you...um hello" she replied meek and hushed" he looked and nodded in response
"Oh, it's you, uh...flyshy...n-no wait, um...it was something with shy is it" he pondered looking up a bit "oh yea. Your Fluttershy right?" he questioned, feeling a bit confused to who was who still, due to the fact that where he came from, almost no one used names such as 'fluttershy or pinkie pie' other than as a strange nick name, the feeling of awkward set in soon though, when she didn't say anything, but merely nodded lightly not looking very much at him and more withdrawn, he looked at her with a ponderous look, trying to find some way to get her to talk more, to break the shell she seemed to adamantly have, where at the party a week before she was a little more open as he had seen, but did not act upon when the opportunity was open due to being rather withdrawn from talking to colored ponies with strange names "so um...how are you? you ok, nothing bugging you, work, stuff like that?" she shook her head still quiet and Shy as her name entailed, he nodded lightly and though of something else "what do you like to do uh, Flutter...shy?" no response, still refusing to look directly at him, he sighed and scratched his head "do you like animals maybe?" he was picking the random and most common questions a person could ask, he hit gold, she looked at him less withdrawn and nodded with interest "o-oh yes...I-I...um, take care of many wonderful animals, l-like cute little bunnies and many wonderful birds" she spoke a little more open and less quiet and meek, he smiled in agreement "that's a good thing Fluttershy, do you like doing what you do" he was pressing the topic trying to pull her from her shell, she smiled still looking at him, "oh o-of course I do!...I love it and it's the most wonderful thing ever" his smile turned to a soft smirk, feeling even too tired to smile for long "that's awesome Fluttershy, it's like your career, it's something you like and you...I guess...kinda get paid back for it" he replied, she nodded taking notice she had a more clear smirk on her face, not hiding it anymore, she looked at him with gaze "oh...you look Exhausted, I-if you don't mind, you can rest at my home and you, well...if you want...you can also meet Angel" her response was a bit of a bombshell to him considering in the slums that he'd lived in, you'd be lucky to not earn the wrong kind of invitation which never usually never meant anything good or legitimate and usual meant unwanted contact or getting mugged. He seemed a bit at loss for words, he looked at Fluttershy, who touched the ground a bit with her hoove looking down at the ground then glancing up to him, trying not to seem too forward "t-that....that's kind of you to offer me...sure, It would be nice to meet Angel? honestly...I normally would have had to been the one to ask...I'm not usually invited to much, well not anything good, only one somewhat decent party...sept a business party from our landlord announcing an expansion and renovation of our building coming in like 5 years...and that party was terrible, even the cake tasted like big business...bleh" he remarked in disgust "...I swear if I ever had the choice of dirt or that cake...I'd choose dirt hands down I tell ya" she sat quiet listening to him talk, just contently sitting there, he snapped out of his ramble and looked at her "oh! Sorry...I got a little caught up in some 'pleasant' reminiscing" he spoke apologetically, she smiled and nodded "oh it's no trouble at all, we all gotta get those bad feeling out somehow" she replied in a soft tone, he nodded without a reply "w-well let's get going if that fine with you" Siris chuckled and smirked "any time you're ready fluttershy" he replied, she nodded "I was wondering, if you can fly too?" she asked, he shook his head "no, Humans don't fly unless they use machines to do it for them...and it doesn't seem this town has that kind of stuff"
"w-well you can hop on my back and I could fly you there?" the idea intrigued Siris to no words, the chance to actually fly through the air and not be bound by land's eternal grip "t-that...c-can you do that? You sure...you'll be fine?" he asked, obviously still a bit taken aback by the offer, she nodded and broke a small grin "I'll d-do my best" she replied with a the hint of verve in her talk, he nodded quickly in return "S-sure! That would be SO awesome!" she nodded and opened her wings up "o-ok then...hop on then" he nodded quickly and walked to her side, looking at her back for a second, then applying use of his legs he used his hands as leverage to hop onto her back without falling on the other side. She looked at him unphased at him hopping onto her back and he looked up at the sky as she flapped her wings and walked forward and she slowly took off with Siris on her back and she didn't quiver nor wobble as she gain altitude and flew higher and higher, Siris's eyes opened up greatly as he looked at the distance growing high from the ground and land, his heart began to race as he did, both with fear and excitement "w-wow...I-it's high, r-really high" she giggled slightly "don't you worry, I'm a very safe flyer, I'm not as adventurous as Rainbowdash" he nodded holding her mane slightly still and looking up from the ground to the sky as she finally made it just above the clouds. His mouth opened prominently as he looked dumbfounded to the grandeur of the skies and clouds, a crystal blue sky all around him and the clouds as he veered down, looked like puffs of cotton and the winds a soft cool breeze the flowed past him with a caress instead of a buffeting gales the warm, kind sun above them keeping them from being too cold, he slowly closed his eyes and he felt the sky's gentle breeze against his face cooling him down; he thought of only one word to describe the feeling he felt, the sights he was seeing and the sensations against his skin 'Amazing...' Fluttershy took notice of his reaction, smiling as she lowered down for him. he lowered his hand and placed it in the cloud running his hand through it like an ice cream scooper and he lifted it up and threw a bit of cloud up and it trail very lightly behind them and the hesitation there once before was gone, he raised his arms up enthusiastically "YEEEEA-HA!" he exclaimed amidst the light sky land, he looked down at the land as time had passed by, he turned out of his paradise and to Fluttershy, lowering his arms back down and placed his hands against the space between her wings lightly "are we close to your home fluttershy?" her eyes moved and looked back at him "yes, we're here" she pointed a hoove as she descended downward and hovered gently, to a cottage that was similar to Twilight's house, as it was made inside a tree. Fluttershy landed down and looked at him, he turned and hopped off her back and stood back on his feet, shaking a bit "w-whoa...whoa, need to get my legs back, that was just awesome!" he threw a fist up enthusiastically and returned it to his side, she smiled lightly "I'm glad you enjoyed it".
'first time I've ever flown so high...it's something i can't wait to tell May when i get back!...she'll be so surprised' the idea of returning was something that bugged him, he did enjoy the seemingly little time he had been there, in the company of such kind company, but he knew that he'd have to sometime soon, figure out a way to return home and back to his little sister, who must be waiting patiently for his return, or for him to wake up. he did love his sister more than any else.
[Chapter end]
Sorry for taking so long with this chapter but i do promise some more to come, and less crazy...and see how this human fares in this strange and wondrous land! IN CHAPTER 7 "Welcome to Ponyville part 2" |
Wonderball | Fifth Play, Finishing Tryouts | -=≡Fifth Play, Finishing Tryouts≡=-
"Hold on just one minute there!" a strong voice cut through the crowd. It was powerful enough to physically part them as the ponies looked back to who had just arrived.
For a brief moment, the rays of the sun only revealed a shadowed mare on the hill. But the pony charged down, kicking up a cloud of dust along the way. A distinct, wide-brimmed hat was on her head. The crowd let out excited murmurings when they saw who had shown up.
Jumping off from the pony's back was another, smaller pony.
"Hey, y'all. Hope we aren't too late," the smaller pony said with her large bow bouncing from her vigor.
"Apple Bloom!" Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo said at the same time.
The three Cutie Mark Crusaders ran together and bumped hooves.
"And Applejack!" Rainbow said. She immediately rushed towards the farm pony, stopping only when the heat of her breath could be felt by the other. "You're late."
Applejack at an apologetic grin as she leaned back. "I can't be late if I was never guaranteed to come in the first place."
"And? Did you come here just to tell me you can't make the team?" Rainbow Dash said harshly.
"Actually, Rainbow, I didn't come at the start because I wanted to finish up my chores for the day quickly. That way, I can concentrate on the trials. Now, am I eligible or not?" Applejack thrust her hoof into the pegasus's chest.
"You're family is okay with you being here?"
"Yup. I've talked it over with my family, and they all think I should do it," Applejack drawled, more than usual. Her head was tilted down to hide a tinge of red. "They'll find a way to manage." She let out a chuckle. Not once did her family try to stop her from trying out for the team. Knowing it was something she wanted to try, they encouraged her to come, especially Apple Bloom. "Never you mind. We've got it all worked out."
There was no need to even question any more. Rainbow Dash gladly exclaimed, "You're in."
"Excellent, now fill this out." Spike thrust a form and pen towards Applejack.
Using her mouth, she scribbled down something so fast, it was difficult to read. None of the ponies in charge were about to complain, however. Spike happily accept the form and placed it with the other movers.
Rainbow Dash flew around with renewed vigor. When she spoke again, her voice was fierce. "Alright, everypony. I'm going to demonstrate the mover's course as well. This will test your ball handling and running ability."
She bounced and dribbled one of the rough balls around to the starting point. It was the most straightforward of all the courses. Simply make it to the end while passing through all of the obstacles. It started off with several posts to swerve through. Following that were raised beams that ponies would have to step over while driving the ball underneath. The final task was a race around the field.
At Spikes whistle, Rainbow Dash barreled down the course, proving that she would make an excellent mover as well. Her hoofwork was fully capable of performing quick turns and swerves while mostly maintaining control of the ball. At times, her cuts were too sharp and ball flew out of control. It was cheating a bit, but she flew out to quickly recover the ball as this was only for demonstration purposes only.
After leaving a trail of dust all around the field, Rainbow Dash returned to the start line with her wings drooping near the ground. "There. There," she tried to say while panting. "It's. Easy. Right?"
Applejack was the first one over, and she wore a smug look. "That was fine and all, Rainbow, but why don't you watch how a real mover does this?"
"Psh." Rainbow Dash stomped on the ball to pop it up. A huge grin was on her face when she kicked it over. "Be my guest."
Applejack stopped the ball by rearing up and using her chest. Before starting, she made sure her hat was sitting firmly atop her head. The ball was pressed tight against the ground as she crouched down, preparing to burst out into a sprint.
Spike raised a claw towards the sky. "Ready, Applejack? Set. Go!" He pointed down the track.
The farm pony nearly exploded off the starting line with her hind legs muscles rippling from effort. A huge cloud of dust was left far behind as she galloped forward. Her ponytail whipped in the air, but the hat somehow remained glued on her head.
Applejack couldn't quite run at full speed through the posts while keeping control of the ball, but she certainly had a better time than Rainbow Dash. During turns, she leaned so sharply that her body nearly touched the ground, but forward momentum kept her going strong.
The next part of the course was almost too easy for Applejack. She almost looked like a rocking horse going over the raised bars. It was done all in one smooth motion while keeping control of the ball. And that hat was still stuck on her head, steady as a rock.
Then came the final part of the course. Applejack smirked seeing that it was just a long run around the field. Time to really put the spurs to ot. Thinking it over, spurs would be unpleasant. Better just to run faster.
Lowering her head, Applejack stormed around the field. Loose grass chased after her, but all the them petered out quickly. Swinging into the final turn, she was now going for the final straightaway. Applejack blew past the finish line with a time that set the bar well above the what anypony could hope to reach.
Starting off from the high point, the following movers all felt less than impressive. Their times were more than double what Applejack did, and they had much more mistakes with some losing the ball to somewhere off the field completely. One after another, all Rainbow Dash could do was put her hoof on her face. The sole medium point was a grape-colored mare with a mane of deep burgundy. She wasn't fantastic, but her ball handling was pretty good.
"Pinkie, you're up," Rainbow Dash said, trying to remain upbeat. "Please have less than ten mistakes."
"Not to worry, Rainbow Dash," Pinkie said with a bright smile.
And the party-going pony kept her word. With her bouncing method of movement, she made it past the first two obstacles almost as if they weren't there. Hopping from side to side, she passed by the posts, and the raised bars might as well have not been there. Unfortunately, Pinkie kept up the slow, bouncing pace while humming happily, even when going around the field. She certainly had no issues keeping the ball under control, however.
"How was that?" Pinkie asked as she bounced through the finish line.
Rainbow Dash rubbed her head. "That was fine, I guess. Certainly better than most of these other movers. It would be great if we could get Big McIntosh as well."
Applejack gave the pegasus a most incredulously dry stare. "Are you trying to close down Sweet Apple Acres?"
"Nevermind," Rainbow Dash rescinded.
The day was winding down by the time everypony had finished their trials. For such a short notice, a lot of the townsponies had arrived. Rainbow Dash, Twilight and Spike convened in front of the group.
"Thanks for coming everyone," Rainbow Dash called out. "You all gave it your best shot, but we only need ten of you. We'll be basing our selections on how well you performed here today and how much potential we think you have. Uh, I'll figure out some way to announce it tomorrow, so wait until then."
"How about the town billboard?" Twilight said with a raised hoof. "We could put up the team roster there."
"Good idea. Alright, Twilight and I are going to talk over who should be on the team now. You can all go home." When their friends didn't leave, Rainbow Dash flapped her wings, as if that would blow them away. "You girls, too."
"Why do we have to leave?" Pinkie Pie asked.
"Because Twilight wants to keep this official and stuff. That means we can't have you here while we do any of the decision making," Rainbow Dash said as if she was letting out one long sigh.
Rarity nodded. "I think that's wise."
Sweetie Belle was swaying excitedly next to her sister. "I'm sure you made the team, Rarity."
"Applejack, too!" Apple Bloom called out.
Scootaloo was grinning broadly. "Rainbow Dash is already on the team and is the captain as well, so all is awesome." Her eyes sparkled when she spoke of her idol. The small pegasus wanted to get uncomfortably closer, but that might be seen as weird as they weren't related in any way.
"Okay, okay," Rainbow Dash said. "Clear out so we can get to work."
This time, the wing flap worked. Her friends cleared away like birds, leaving only a pegasus, an alicorn and a dragon in the large field. Night was approaching, and they still had a lot of things to do. Now that tryouts were over, the three obstacle courses were just a sprawling mess that needed to be cleaned up.
But Rainbow Dash was more eager to start on the team selections. "Come on, Twilight, Spike!" she called out from the manager's tent. "Let's do this."
Certain choices were easy, but they were offset by some really difficult ones. For hours, Twilight, Rainbow and Spike pored over all of the notes. To the pegasus, this was exciting. In her mind, she imagined how each of them played and how they would fit onto the team. She pushed forward, reading and comparing everypony intently. Sweat rolled down her furrowed brows, and her tongue was stuck out thoughtfully.
Spike had long since left the tough decision up to the captain and vice-captain of the team. After a long day of watching other ponies do such vigorous physical activity, the young dragon was beat. He had snuggled up among some of the sandbags with tail curled around his body. An empty sack had to do for his blanket.
Rainbow Dash slapped down the pile of evaluation. "So you agree with my choices for snatchers and bouncers?"
"Of course," Twilight said.
"But about the movers." Rainbow rubbed her hoof against her mouth. "We only have two solid candidates. Everypony else could run, but their ball handling skills were really bad."
"Well, if you want to, we can look for ponies outside of ponyville. Nothing in the rules says all team members need to come from the place the team is founded," Twilight pointed out. Twilight had a bright expression, almost like what a teacher would show to students. "We don't need to fill up every slot. To satisfy the EWE, a team only needs the minimum six members. We are free to add more to the team later."
"I suppose. But we don't know anypony to call," Rainbow Dash mumbled thoughtfully. "And taking only two movers is just asking for trouble if one of them gets injured or tired. We already only have three snatchers." Giving one last glance through the applications, her eyes stopped again on a certain one that actually wasn't too bad. With some work, that pony could be good. "How about this one for our last mover?"
Twilight nodded. "Yes, I think she'll do."
"Okay!"
Rainbow Dash was about to make a proclamation before someone called out, "Excuse me, Rainbow Dash?" It was a rather boyish mare's voice. "Are you still here?"
"Yeah?" the team captain responded.
A grey pegasus with yellow hair was curiously looking in through the flaps of the tent. Her initial confused expression was replaced by a smile when she saw that the captain and vice-captain were still here. She was looking at them, probably. Her yellow eyes seemed to be pointing in different directions.
"Derpy? What is it?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"I put down the wrong name on my form," Derpy said.
Twilight used magic to pull out all of the bouncer forms. All of the sheets were lined up in the middle of the air. One was pulled in closer. "It says Derpy Hooves right here. Everything else looks okay as well. What's wrong?"
"My name is Ditzy Doo," Derpy said sadly. "My friends just call me Derpy Hooves for short, but I need to use my for the form, right?"
"Wait, your name is Ditzy Doo?" Twilight said.
Rainbow Dash pointed out, "Yeah. I did call her that when we were wrapping up winter that one time. Derpy is just our short name for her."
"Uh." Twilight tilted her head. "If you count the number of syllables, Derpy Hooves is exactly as long as Ditzy Doo. If you count the number of letters Derpy Hooves is actually longer."
Both pegasi looked at Twilight as if she had just shattered their entire world perception. Their eyes went glassy and wide, and their jaws were hanging open.
Twilight just shook her head as she rolled up all the forms with magic. A hard thwack against the table brought the two pegasi back from their thoughts. "Okay, Ditzy. Here's the your form." She set the rest of the forms down in two folders. One was definitely thinner than the other.
"Oh, you can call me Derpy, Twilight. Everypony else does."
Neither the captain or the vice-captain wanted to say it, but they had already decided that the accident-prone pegasus wasn't going to be on the team. Both of them politely smiled as Derpy started to change her information.
"Anyway," Rainbow Dash said to Twilight, "we should start cleaning up the field of stuff we don't need for practice."
"Where should I put the form once I'm done?" Derpy called after them.
"Oh, just that folder on the table." Twilight motioned over there with her hoof.
After Derpy had finished modifying the name, she went to put it into the folder only to find that there were two of them. "Uh." Her cheeks puffed out as she tried to figure out which one to use. Both Rainbow Dash and Twilight were busy outside. Not wanting to disturb them, she just put her form in the thinner folder, thinking it was better to balance them out. |
Wonderball | Sixth Play, And the Team is... | -=≡Sixth Play, And the Team is...≡=-
An air of anticipation filled the town of Ponyville. An energy filtered through the citizens, making them move slightly faster and smile more. It was a bright day with nary a cloud in the sky. All of the pegasi had made certain of that as Rainbow Dash wanted perfect conditions for that day.
Everypony in town was looking forward to finding out who made the team, even those that didn't try out. It was an exciting event that Ponyville could rally around. Then, it was on to cheering for the team at official matches. Ponies walking down the street were already gossiping about possibly seeing their friends of neighbors on the Equestria sport stage.
It was right after lunch that a large group of ponies had gathered around the billboard in the town square. Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie and the Cutie Mark Crusaders were all in attendance. The town hall beamed down proudly right behind it.
Twilight, Spike and Rainbow Dash had to squeeze through the crowd to reach the billboard. Questions of who was on the team came from all sides on information that was about to be put up in just a few moments. Waiting next to the board was the mayor, looking her official best with perfectly grey hair and a well-tied adornment around the neck.
"Is that the list for the Ponyville Wonderball team?" the mayor asked.
"Yes it is!" Twilight happily said.
"Since there are so many ponies here, how about I read it out loud instead of everyone trying to look at the list?"
"That would be wonderful, mayor! This is the same list of names we submitted to the EWE." Twilight floated the list over to the mayor.
The mayor beamed at the captain and vice-captain of the soon-to-be official team. "Quiet. Quiet, everypony." The crowd silenced down and had their attention raptly on the leader of the village. She straightened up the elegant collar before proceeding.
"The official Ponyville Wonderball team (name to be decided) has the following members," the mayor said in a voice that carried all the way through gathering. "In the position of mover, we have Applejack, Pinkie Pie and Berry Punch!
"In the position of snatcher, we have Twilight Sparkle, Rarity and Lyra Heartstrings!
"In the position of bouncer, we have Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Cloudchaser, Snowflake-"
A cry of, "YEAH!" interrupted the list of names.
"-and Ditzy Doo!"
A grey pegasus flew into the air, waving her forelegs excitedly. "Woohoo! I made it!" She spiraled so far away that she crashed into one of the wooden pillars of the town hall.
As the names were read, there were stomping of hooves and calls of congratulations. Ponies clapped hooves with those that were selected. In just one moment, the chosen members had gone from regular pillars of the community to mini-heroes. If the team actually did good, they would become huge heroes.
And then Rainbow Dash noticed something off. "Wait, what? Did you just say Ditzy Doo?"
"Why, yes," the mayor said. She held out the list of names and the forms behind it. Sure enough, Ditzy Doo's name was on both.
"How did this happen?"
Twilight gasped as the memory of a seemingly innocuous comment resurfaced. "When I told Derpy to place her form back in the folder, she must have put it in the one for the team instead of the general folder. I told you to let me double check it!"
"I don't know if Derpy is accident-prone or an evil genius," Rainbow Dash mused. "I guess we can leave her in since we don't have anyone else?"
"I guess," Twilight half-heartedly agreed. "Even with Derpy, we're still only at eleven members."
"Congratulations from Ponyville to the new Wonderball team!" the mayor proclaimed to the cheers and adulation of the townsponies.
Through all the joy, a harsh voice raged out. "That's not fair!" The crowd parted to reveal a pale-purple pegasus. A pink bow was clipped to her windy-green mane. The crowd backed away even more when they saw her sneering expression.
"Flitter?" Cloudchaser gasped in shock. "What are you talking about?"
"The only reason Fluttershy is on the team is because she's Rainbow Dash's friend!" Flitter cried out.
Fluttershy fell close to the ground as all of her happiness had deflated. "Um, well," she tried to say but couldn't find anything to contradict that statement. It was probably right after all. "I'm sorry."
"That's not true, Fluttershy." It wasn't any of her friends saying that but Cloudchaser. "Flitter, what's gotten into you?"
"It's nothing!" Flitter cried out. She suddenly became aware that all eyes were on her. Her wings beat furiously in an attempt to retreat from the innumerable stares.
"Hey!" Cloudchaser reached out, but all she touched was air. "I'm sorry, Fluttershy. I'll be right back." She took off after Flitter.
It was a chase through the skies. With the clouds cleared away, Cloudchaser easily saw the target. Her legs were extended straight as possible, reducing her size to a straight line. Gliding forward, she easily caught up.
"Flitter!" she cried over the strong winds. "Let's talk!"
"There's nothing to talk about," Flitter said defiantly.
"Stop, would you?" Cloudchaser said with such an angry force that the other pegasus slowed down out of surprise.
The two of them landed in a wide open field within view of Sweet Apple Acres. Their horizon was a row of lush trees.
"Flitter, what's wrong?" Cloudchaser asked.
"You never see," Flitter said.
"Well, tell me then!"
Flitter looked away to hide her tears. "It's just that you're always making it. First to the Wonderbolt Academy and now this. I tried. I tried so hard, but it's never good enough. You're just so much better than me at flying and sports."
"But what does that have to do with Fluttershy?" Cloudchaser asked.
"If she wasn't on the team, maybe I would have made it."
"But, uh, I'm pretty sure at least two other pegasi scored higher than you."
Flitter responded with an ugly glare. She couldn't keep it up for long, however, and it melted away into a frown again. "Remember when we were kids? You used to look up to me because I was good at flying. But then as we got older, you just naturally got better. I worked so hard, but you were always ahead.
"I'm frustrated that I can't keep up with you anymore!"
"Flitter," Cloudchaser mumbled. "Why did you never tell me before?"
"It's my problem. You didn't do anything wrong. You're just more naturally talented than I am." Flitter drooped towards the ground. Deciding not to resist, she just fell onto the cool grass. "Cloudchaser, you should go."
"What?"
"Go back to the team. They probably want to talk to you. I feel like being alone right now," Flitter said dully.
Cloudchaser looked back towards the town. Even from this distance, she could see the crowd at the center of town. She really wanted to return, but it wouldn't feel right just leaving Flitter out alone like this. Back and forth, Cloudchaser looked between her two choices.
Flitter had made a point to look away, though.
"You're fine, right?" Cloudchaser asked.
"Yes."
"Alright. I'm going to go back then. Okay?" she asked uncertainly.
"Fine. Could you apologize to Fluttershy for me?"
"Yeah, sure."
After one final look, Cloudchaser went back to town. The atmosphere had already recovered into one of celebration, and the heroes of the day were in the center. Among all the ponies, one massive, muscular pegasus still stood out. The ten players were soon joined by their eleventh.
"Cloudchaser!" Rainbow Dash snapped. "What happened?"
"Nothing. Everything's fine." Cloudchaser looked around and found Fluttershy moping near the back, as far away from the onlookers as possible. "Hey, um, Flitter wanted me to apologize."
"It's fine," Fluttershy said. "I hope she is alright."
"I guess she'll be okay."
Rarity flipped her mane and turned her nuzzle towards the sky. "Flitter should come here and apologize herself."
"That's not necessary," Fluttershy said. "It's fine, really."
"Well, that's that, I suppose," Cloudchaser said. "So, what now?"
A few of Fluttershy's friends still weren't certain that things should be dropped so easily, but there was nothing to be gained from pushing it further, either.
Rainbow Dash waved her hoof to call the attention of the team. "Alright. First order of business is to set up a training schedule."
From near the edge, Pinkie slid through the legs of the others and into the center. "Wait! What about our team name?"
A murmur of agreement went out among the team. Even more ponies agreed from the crowd that was still gathered around.
"Oh yeah, that," the team captain muttered. "Any ideas?"
"Fruit Salad?" Berry Punch suggested. "Or Hay Fries? Maybe Apple Cider?"
Rainbow Dash raised an eyebrow. "Are you just hungry?"
They got suggestions from more than just the team. All of the villagers wanted to get involved as well, since they were the Ponyville team. It was near impossible to pick out anything being said in the din. Rainbow Dash nervously jerked around, trying to at least acknowledge everything said. With hooves rubbing against her head, she shouted, "Quiet!"
Surprisingly, it worked.
Rainbow Dash's eyes swiveled around. Everypony was waiting with held breath for some kind of big announcement. "Uh, well." She looked around. After clearing her throat, her voice became more confident. "Team names are often something the city is known for, right? So what's Ponyville the best known for?"
Almost unanimously, everypony pointed towards the combined group of Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy. An alicorn princess and the elements of harmony? What more could there be than that? It wasn't something they made a big deal about, but it was the undeniable shining spot in their town.
"Oh, right. Us," Rainbow murmured.
Lyra piped up with an excited chirp. "How about the Harmonies, then? The Ponyville Harmonies!"
"I like it," Twilight said, and most of the other team members shared her sentiment. "How about you, captain?"
"Yeah, yeah!" Rainbow Dash said. She shot a quick glare to Snowflake before he could add anything. A wide grin pushed her cheeks outwards.
The entire team had been lined up by the mayor and her staff. They stood as eleven proud ponies ready to take on the rest of Equestria. Rainbow Dash understood why a warm feeling was lit inside her body and why she just couldn't stop grinning. Her wings itched as they wanted to spread out widely and proudly. With their name now solidified (and needed to be sent in to the EWE), they now really felt like one team, not a gathering of friends.
The mayor announced with a voice that clearly carried across the town center, "I present your Ponyville Harmonies!" |
Not*worthy: A Story of Sex and Introspection | pre | I stare at myself in the mirror. The greenish tint in my golden eyes has always disappointed me. Green eyes are beautiful, like Cheerilee's and Applejack's. Golden eyes are pretty too, like Lyra Heartstrings or even Derpy the mailmare. Mine are somewhere in between, like florescent puke. I hate them.
The water runs over my hooves while I study my own face in the glass. I look so tired. I'm not smiling, even when it feels like I am. I sigh. I blink several times.
I twist the knobs around the faucet and listen to it drip. As soon as the coldness of the water subsides, I'm reminded of the pain in my rear. I grind my teeth together briefly and hobble out of the restroom. I deserve it. I deserve this.
Cheerilee is at her desk in the classroom, grading papers. Her face is glowing; she's smiling even before she knows I'm there.
I poke my head into the room and knock on the doorframe. "Hey."
"Hey!" She smiles wider. "Everything okay?"
"Yeah." I jerk my head backward. "I think I'm gonna take off."
Cheerilee's smile fades. "Oh?"
"I'm sorry. I'd love to stay and be with you." I clear my throat and point to my own eyes. "But I need to sleep. I hadn't had the best schedule lately."
Her face falls even more. "Oh..." I watch her tongue the inside of her cheek before she says, "Um... can I ask you something, Noteworthy? Really quick, before you go."
"Sure." I take a step into the classroom.
She winces. "I know it doesn't matter... and I really shouldn't be asking, it's none of my business."
"Just say it."
Briefly, she bites her bottom lip. "Am I... am I the only one you do this with? Or are there―mmm―other mares in your life?"
I smile very gently. My eyes are locked with hers. "It's just you, Cheerilee," I say.
She takes in a light breath. "Really?"
"Really." I close my eyes. "I'm sorry, I really have to go. I'm falling asleep standing up."
"Oh! It's fine. It's fine." She quickly trots to me from behind her desk. "I'll just, um... I'll just finish up here, and, uh..." She smiles. "I'll see you later?"
"I certainly hope so."
She kisses me. Very softly. Right on the lips.
"Cheerilee!" I'm surprised, but I say it softly.
"Thank you, Noteworthy," she says. "I loved it."
I grin lopsidedly. "Me, too."
She giggles. It's so young, so foalish. She clears her throat, fixes her mane, and trots back to her desk. Her dimples are showing.
I leave the schoolhouse. Nopony notices me. Nopony ever notices me.
But I don't go home. I'm hobbling, limping, grinding my teeth. The pain is intense. She must have gone easy on me last time; this isn't the worst pain I've ever felt, but it's certainly the most annoying. I need to numb it. That's the only thing I can think, over and over. I need to numb it before I go home.
The solution is too obvious. I roll my eyes at myself for even considering it. But I'm really not good at ignoring ideas. There's only one thought, one beautiful face I can chase out of my head every time. Other impulsive ideas might as well be doctrine. I'm terrible at redirecting myself.
So I find myself trotting unstably to Ponyville's poorer districts. I take a left around a duplex, a right past a row of small apartments; my head keeps drooping from exhaustion, but the pain in my colon pulsates with a constant reminder that I will not sleep well, if at all.
The sun is shining high. It must be just past noon. I wonder if she'll even be home.
I reach a three story home. It must have been quite nice once; now it's divided into three mangy apartments, one per level. The grass around it is uncut and the roof is very saggy.
I sigh again, longer than ever. I glance around, but there's nopony on the street this bright Saturday. So I crack my neck and ring the middle bell.
A window opens above me. I back up a little and glance up.
She's squinting down at me. Her dark pink mane is messy, her light plum coat unclipped. Her eyes, squinting hard, are on violet on red.
I manage a bored smile. I wave up to her.
She sighs and drops her forehead in the crook of one foreleg. The other flops out the window and waves for me to come up. Then she retreats into her dark abode, slamming the window shut along the way.
I can't help but laugh. I open the door to a narrow hallway and climb the stairs at the back. They take me to her landing, where her apartment's front door is already open. I step into its darkness and shut the door behind me.
"So dramatic, Berry," I say before I see her. "You didn't have to let me up."
"I know," she drones from another room. "But I'm -hic!- horny."
I stumble through the dim front room, littered with pizza boxes and plastic sacks full of garbage. My hoof hits an empty glass bottle, which rolls past her couch and clinks against more glass.
"What time is it?" I ask.
"I have no idea." Berry sniffs loudly, guiding me into her tiny bedroom. "Sun's up."
"Excellent observation," I say.
"Shut up."
"I'm not judging you," I said. "In fact, uh... I could use a drink myself."
"Oh?"
I'm in her bedroom now. Curtains block all sunlight, and somehow it's even darker than the front room. My eyes find her outline eventually. She's curled up in a stiff wooden chair next to her own bed. There's a wineglass in her hoof.
"I, uh... I stubbed my hoof pretty bad this morning," I say. "It won't stop hurting. Mind if I have a drink?"
"Drink up." Her silhouette points to a nearby dresser where two tall bottles stand side by side. "One's empty. I dunno -hic!- which."
"Thank you." I trot closer to her and reach for the wine. "I owe you one."
She leaps up from her chair, glides around me like a cat, pushes my hindquarters with a strong hoof, and yanks my tail so that I spin around. I yelp, and end up sitting in her wooden chair with my legs spread wide and dangling to the floor.
"Ouch! Dang it, Berry..." I hiss. "I told you, I'm in a lot of pain."
"Shut up." She knocks one of the wine bottles into my hooves. "Start drinkin'."
I catch the bottle and raise an eyebrow. "Can I have a glass or...?"
"Just drink it." Berry drops to her belly right in front of me and arches back so that her face is in my crotch. "Ohhh yeah..."
"Oh, come on, Berry, let a stallion―hwup!"
She grabs the tip of my penis between her forehooves and stretches it out to its full, floppy length.
"Whoa! Ow!" I reel down at her. "Berry! What the heck?"
"Shhh... drink." She dips her muzzle under her own hooves and licks my penis from my balls all the way to the tip.
Blood flows into it immediately. She doesn't have to pull so hard. I shudder, roll my eyes, and take several liberal gulps from the sloshing bottle. "Hmm... this is actually pretty good."
"Was a gift." Berry doesn't put on any sort of voice. She drones everything she says, even while she licks the side of my growing cock like a popsicle.
"Jeez, Berry, just get in there, why don't you?" I shiver from hooves to ears and drink more wine. It's sweet and warm and I can feel it falling into my stomach. "Sitting up is weird..."
"Makes it easier." Berry runs her left hoof up and down my erection while her lips bathe its opposite side in wet kisses. She listens to me react with little whines, then switches sides. When my dick is as hard as it'll get, she grabs its base between both hooves, nearly pinching my balls, and closes her lips over the tip.
"Whew!" I shiver again. "Ah ah! That feels really good, Berry, but augh! Be careful! It's sensitive!"
She ignores me completely. Her tongue twirls and slides along the underside of my dick while her smooth teeth bump back and forth over the edge of the glans. She's gentle, but it's somehow very scary.
"Eegh! Urrgh!" My hips bounce off the wooden chair involuntarily. My penis pops deeper into her mouth. "Hey! Please, I'm here to feel less, not... whoa!"
She swallows my penis, pushing her lips all the way to my balls. She gags and moans and stays there for several seconds, squeezing her throat around the tip, before backing up and letting go with a loud smack. "Ahhhh!"
"Berry Punch!" It's like an expletive. "What was that!?"
"I've wanted to do that -hic!- forever," she says. "I'm jus' fine'ly drunk enough to try it."
"Well... be careful, seriously." I shift in the seat and bravely take another long swig of wine. "There's no need to try and impress me-heeee-heeee!"
She's at it again, burying my cock in her throat, wrapping her tongue as far up and around the shaft of my penis as she can. She pulls back, but doesn't let me leave her mouth, moaning louder as her lips play with the front half of my penis.
I'm squeaking. My back hooves are twitching, my forehooves latch onto the wooden armrests. I look at the black ceiling and breathe deeply while she sucks on my dick, sliding her mouth over its smooth surface again and again and again. I feel spit drip back onto my balls. My veins are pulsing in her mouth, and I wonder if she can feel it.
Her hooves feel the insides of my thighs, then reach around and stroke my Cutie Marks. I yelp again as my eyes roll back in my head.
Berry releases my dick from her mouth and climbs on top of me. I'm inside her before I know it. She does all the work, sliding her pussy up and down my long blue cock in the darkness. She barely makes any sound, grunting every now and then. I can't see her expression; I assume there isn't much of one.
It gives me time to think. She doesn't expect anything of me. She had been completely honest: she was horny. The smell of alcohol is everywhere, and I wonder if she'll remember this encounter. It didn't matter much. The wine is reaching my head, and the soreness in my rear had subsided.
Sex seems to be the answer to everything. As Berry Punch rides me in silence, my mind races an infinite track, like the moments before falling asleep. Perhaps that's exactly what's happening: in the darkness of her apartment, I can hardly tell if my eyes are open or closed.
The answer to everything... I feel lonely, so I go to Twilight. I feel nostalgic, so I go to Rarity. I feel guilty, so I go to Cheerilee. I feel sore, so I go to Berry Punch. Have I really strung out this much of a web? Have I found a mare for everything?
Everything but happiness, I realize. There's only one mare for that, and I certainly haven't caught her by any definition. It shouldn't matter. Seeing Princess Twilight's blush, receiving Cheerilee's smiles and kisses, helping Rarity see a truer reflection of her wonderful self... these things make me happy, right? They make me smile. They make me feel. How many mares is enough? How many cures is enough?
Am I sick? I'm starting to feel like it. I'm really not one for alcohol, especially not guzzling gulps from the bottle. At least my asshole stopped hurting... and Berry stopped moving...
I blink back into reality. Berry has collapsed on top of me. Her mouth is in my ear, her forelegs drape limply at my sides. Her breath is slow and even.
I swallow hard. Carefully, I use my hind hooves on the ground to push the wooden chair backward. It shifts enough for me to drop out of its seat, squatting instead on the floor. Balancing Berry on my shoulder, I awkwardly pull myself out of her pussy, wriggle sideways to my hooves, and lift the poor mare into bed.
I can't help it. I tuck her in. She shows no sign of waking up. I gather a few empty bottles around her room and add them to a plastic bag. I sling three full bags over my back and leave the apartment very quietly, taking them to the large receptacle across the street. The sun is incredibly bright and I grumble while throwing the garbage away, then grumble some more as I make my way home.
I'm not quite drunk yet, but my vision is blurring. I hurry through the back roads, farthest from the center of the city where most ponies spend their Saturday. I reach my little abode at the western edge of town and stumble inside.
My legs are shaky. I feel like I'm going to throw up. I don't give myself the opportunity. I make my way through my empty house to my own tiny bed. There are no crystal thrones here; no racks of cloth, no constellations, no bottles or bags or pizza boxes. I have almost nothing, and absolutely no one.
I drop my face into my pillow and instantly fall asleep.
I dream, of course, of wings. |
Not*worthy: A Story of Sex and Introspection | Derpy Hooves | I wake up in the middle of the night with a slight headache. I drink some cold water and go back to bed.
The next time I wake up, it's still dark outside, though I see the hints of a sunrise through my bedroom window. I lie still on my back and fold my hooves over my belly. I stare at the ceiling. My house lets in more natural light than Berry Punch's apartment. My eyes flick between shapes in the stucco, like finding images in the clouds.
I'm awake like this for less than a hour when there's a sharp rap at my door. I sit up, startled, and listen.
"Mail delivery!" calls a high pitched voice. "Mail delivery for Mister, uh, let's see here... Noteworthy?"
I drop my head and rub my eyes. "Silly mare..." I mumble. I slide off my mattress and plod through the house, opening the front door without circumstance. "Hi, Derpy."
Derpy beams at me, each of her eyes doing loopty-loops in her skull. "Hi, Notew-eerrr-Mister! I have a, um, a package for you!" She glances up and down my street. There's nopony around, but she bumps her saddlebag with a hoof and shrugs. "It's a real, uhh, a real special one. Like a secret. I have to come in!" She clears her throat. "To, y'know, get a-uhhh, signature! Yeah!"
My eyelids are half closed. "It's Sunday," I say. "What happened to no post on Sundays?"
Derpy clears her throat. "Umm... well, I can actually answer that." She kicks at the ground. "There are several deliveries from yesterday that we didn't have time to deliver, given that... oh, can I just come in?" She stomps her hooves and frowns at me.
I grin. "Come on in, Miss Mysterious Mailmare," I announce. I step to one side and usher Derpy inside.
She sighs visibly and hurries in. The grey feather of her wing accidentally brush against my face as she enters. I shudder, and feel a bit warmer.
I close the door behind her and shoot her a skeptical smile. "Really, Derpy? Why not just sneak in quietly?"
"I hope nopony saw me." She drops her mailbags on the ground and flicks a blue cap off her of her blonde mane. "I-I-I can't stay for long, y'know. We gotta do this quick!"
"Do what?" I ask, and I'm suddenly tackled by her passionate embrace. Derpy is kissing me harder than I've ever been kissed in my life. Her tongue is going wild behind my teeth. Our lips slide over and against each other. Say what you want about Derpy, but she's a fantastic kisser.
Even so, I push her away. "Whoa, Derpy, slow down! What's this about?"
"I need to let off some steam, Noteworthy," she says, tearing her uniform off and throwing it aside. It's strangely sexy. "You still down to fuck?"
"Heyo!" I let out a surprised chuckle and my eyes momentarily mirror hers. "Uh, what? What is that supposed to mean?"
"You don't remember?" The raw energy coursing through her starts to fizzle.
I hold out a hoof. "No, no, I remember, Derpy! I remember, it was about a month ago, you brought a package for me and you looked really sad and I asked you what was wrong, yeah?"
Her batteries recharge in an instant. She creeps toward me, spreading her wings at her sides. "Yes! And you complimented me like nopony ever has, and you stroked my wings, and we banged!" She jumps for me, hovering a few inches off the ground while she pulls my head into her chest. "Now let's do it again!"
"Why? I mean, yeah, that's great, let's do it! But... can I ask why?"
"You said I could come back anytime, remember?" She lands and presses our snouts together, staring sadly into my eyes. "I'm a busy mare, but I need this, Noteworthy. I need you inside me!"
"Woooow, okay!" I nod quickly. "Yeah, okay, umm... you wanna go back to my bedroom?"
"No!" She literally picks me up and flies us into the kitchen. "Here! Here, against the oven!" She stands up, turns around, slaps her hooves onto the stovetop, and spread her plot cheeks in my direction. "Shove it inside me! Now!"
"Where is this coming from?" I ask. I stare at her soaked, quivering pussy and feel my penis emerge between my legs.
"I'm so stressed!" She spreads her hind hooves farther and looks at me over her shoulder. Her wonky, golden eyes are pleading. "My daughter Dinky needs a tutor at school, my boss at Hoover's Movers is threatening to fire me, two ponies quit the mailforce this month and I'm working extra shifts, and I just. Need. Your. Dick!"
"Oh, so the Sunday thing is true?" I ask.
"Yes! I have to start my route! Go on and fuck me, Noteworthy!"
"Aye aye, cap'n!" I say. I leap onto her back.
Derpy is in fantastic shape: the muscles in and around her wings ripple through tight grey fur. Her waist is so thin, and her plot blossoms outward like a flower blooms from its stem. I put my hooves on the countertop on either side of the stove and slide my throbbing penis into her vagina.
"OOOOOHHH!" Derpy thrashes her head about. Her blonde mane layers over itself. Every second she gets sexier. "YES! Oh, hurry up, fuck me!"
I pull out and push back in, slightly deeper than before. Her pussy is wet and loose, but it's so warm and I love how excited she is.
"Yeah, Noteworthy, yeah! Hurry!" She glares at me over her shoulder through strands of her mane that have fallen over her eyes. "I don't have all damn day!"
"Yes ma'am!" Her passion is infectious. My heart beats harder as I move inside her. I run my hooves down her back, from her shoulders to her thick, round plot.
Her tail hangs to the left, shaking with pleasure. "Oh yeah! You're so much bigger than Dinky's stupid father! He didn't know how to treat me! Not like you―oh, Noteworthy, right there! Fuck me!"
"You are so amazing!" I say. "Derpy, holy crap, you're so exciting!"
"I am?" Her voice is suddenly scared.
"Yes! Gosh, you're butt is the sexiest thing I've ever seen! Your mane is so wild and hot, you're so cute and so naughty at the same time―"
"Thank you! Thank you, thank you, thank you! Oooohhh!" She tossed her head back and shouted at my ceiling. "You make me feel amazing!"
"Tell me more about―ngh―how I'm better than your husband."
"My ex-husband," Derpy growled. "My stupid lazy cheating whore of an ex-husband!"
"Yeah!" I nod. I thrust faster. My tongue is hanging out of my mouth. "I'm better than him?"
"He's nothing compared to you!" Derpy declares. She bumps her ass backward, knocking me toward the kitchen's small island. I'm suddenly squished between the island and her giant round ass, pounding backward into my groin again and again and again. "Ah! Ah! You're so long and thick compared to his tiny cock! You do me hard and fast, and he never wanted anything to do with me!"
"He's insane!" I laugh at the light fixture above us. "He's absolutely crazy! You're so hot!"
"He always called me stupid!" Derpy grunts. She pulls herself away from me for just a moment.
I watch her like an audience to her acrobatics. She spins around and, to my delight, uses her wings to hover in front of me. She lifts her hind legs up and to the sides, then aims and flies straight downward. My penis plunges inside her. We both shout as she swings back and forth, suspended by her wings.
"You're a real stallion, Noteworthy!" Derpy says loudly right into my ear. "You're so nice to me! And you're so good at sex!"
I grab her little waist and pull her as close to my body as our pelvises allow. She squeaks in delight as I use my forelegs to swing her quickly back and forth, in and out, plowing her mid-air, burying my dick in her dripping pussy while her legs spasm around my ribcage.
"This feels so good, Derpy," I tell her. "This feels so good for me."
"It feels ammmaaaazing! Oh! Oh! Oh!" Each shout gets higher pitched. "Oh! Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh, Noteworthy, I'm gonna―I'm gonna―!"
"Me too!"
We moan. We shout. We cum. I wrap my forelegs around her back and hold her close to me. Her entire body is shaking. My penis is spraying into her womb. We quiver and yell into each other's necks until the orgasms level out, and we drop together onto my kitchen floor.
"Yes... yes... yes..." Derpy keeps saying into my coat.
"That was incredible, Derpy," I whisper. "That felt so good. I'm sorry I came inside you."
"It's okay," she says, stroking the back of my mane with both hooves. "It's okay. I can't have any more kids. It's fine. It was perfect." She kisses me below the ear. "Let's do it again."
"Yeah," I say. I'm nodding fast. "Yeah, whenever you want. You're incredible. I love your wings."
She giggles and wraps the grey appendages around the both of us. I make a high pitched squeak and bathe in the sensation for as long as I can.
"Would you ever... run away with me?" I surprise myself with the question.
Derpy laughs again. "What?"
"Would you ever leave Ponyville? Just move away to somewhere else. I dunno, Manehattan?"
Derpy laughs and shakes her head. "Ponyville is my home, Noteworthy. I want to raise my daughter here."
"Of course. Of course, I'm sorry." I swallow air.
"We could... um..." She sits back enough for me to see her face and tucks her mane behind an ear. "We could maybe go on a date sometime, though. Right here."
I smile sadly. "I would really love to, Derpy."
Her uneven eyes grow wide. "Y-y-you would?"
"Yes." I touch her chin. "But I can't."
Her sad frown hits me hard. "Oh..."
"Not for any of the reasons that you're thinking," I say. "I don't care about your eyes. I think you're so attractive. And I don't care that you have a daughter. I'd love to get to know her, actually."
She looks away, toward the front door, toward her discarded uniform. "But... there's somepony else, isn't there?"
I put on a steely expression and shake my head. "No, Derpy. There's no one else."
She gapes at me. "Then... what is it?"
I shrug. "I'm afraid."
She leans closer. "Afraid? Of what?"
"Hurting you." I push my mouth to one side. "Becoming another ex."
"Oh, no, no, Noteworthy." She hugs me tightly. "I made a mistake with my ex-husband. I knew it from the start. You're nothing like him. You're so sweet."
"So I've been told." I clench my jaw. "I'm not that great, Derpy. I'm not worth your time. You said yourself, you're a busy mare, and I'd just get in the way."
"Don't say that." She smiles at me. "You make me happy."
I smile back. "Thank you."
"Just... just think about it, okay?" She gets to her hooves. "Whew! Heh... I'm shaking."
I stand up, too, and help her out of the kitchen. "You wanna clean up?"
"Nah, I'll fly through a cloud or two before my next deliveries." She puts on her uniform while I fetch her hat. "Will you... er, I mean, if you wanna think about it, y'know, going on a date sometime, will you, um... let me know?"
I nod once. "I promise, Derpy. I'll think about it."
Her wings flutter. She sticks out her chest, beaming once again. "Good. That's really good."
I drop the hat on her head. She giggles, straightens it, and kisses me on the cheek.
"Bye, Noteworthy."
"Bye, Derpy." I stroke her mane. "Thank you very much for the special delivery."
Derpy tries to wink at me. At least, I think she does. And then she opens my front door and flies away.
I watch her soar up into the sky and burst through a fluffy white cloud. Her wings briefly shimmer in the sunrise, and a shiver goes down my spine. I back up into my empty house and slowly close the door.
Run away with me? What was I thinking? Neither of us would be happy. Derpy is adorable and sexy and really exciting, but... I don't think we'd get along beyond the bedroom.
I had hardly lied to her. I don't mind her eyes, or that she has a daughter. I have a thing for wings, too. But she's quite a few years older than me, and she's a hard worker. I'm still living off of what my parents gave me. I don't much like to work, but I also don't buy much. I can live like this for years to come.
I'm not sure Derpy would like that about me. Nor would I particularly like raising her child. I know, it's shallow and petty, but it's true. And if I'm going to be honest with anyone, I might as well be honest with myself.
I tisk at myself and return to the kitchen for some breakfast. I nearly slip in a puddle of Derpy right in front of the stove. It makes me laugh more than anything, and I clean it up without complaint.
Wings. Maybe it's just the wings. Her mane is nice, too. And that plot... wow, there's the real kicker. I never thought of myself as much of a plot guy, but sweet Celestia, does that mare have a plot. I closed my eyes and imagined it bumping against my belly. It was enough to give me chills.
I'm a better lover than her ex-husband. She thinks I'm good at sex. It's hard to know if she's right; I refrain from asking any of my mares. Twilight wouldn't know. Rarity probably wouldn't tell me. Cheerilee had mentioned a past lover once, but they never explored her real desires.
Going through a list like this makes me think of someone in particular. I groan as a fresh wave of guilt washes over me. I stare at my kitchen and feel my stomach rumble. There isn't much food here anyway. I might as well―
No! That's going too far. I can ignore this. I can push it aside like her beautiful face. Nothing about this line of thought is exciting or intriguing to me. I will feel nothing but guilt, disgust, and fear of being caught. It's a worthless venture; the costs outweigh the almost nonexistent benefits by a hundred times.
I open a cupboard... and close it immediately. Next thing I know I'm on my way to Sugarcube Corner. I'm lucky they're open for breakfast on Sundays.
I guess I was right: I only have enough willpower to keep one mare out of my mind. |
Not*worthy: A Story of Sex and Introspection | Mrs. Cake | I'm reminded of how sore I am on my walk to Sugarcube Corner. I try hard not to limp or waddle, but every few steps the pain shoots up from deep inside me and I'm forced to alter my gait.
Still, it's a Sunday morning, and Ponyville's streets are occupied mostly by friends going for walks in small groups. They're all too engaged in their own lives to notice my awkward trot. Nopony sees me. Nopony ever sees me.
I enter Sugarcube Corner and a small bell rings over my head. Only a few of the restaurant's tables and booths are hosting ponies. They look happy. Lyra and Bon Bon are seated across from each other nearby. They both wave at me. I wave back weakly. Despite all my sleep, I still feel so tired.
There's only one group in front of me in line. I wait. I avoid looking at Lyra and Bon Bon. I start to wonder how I'm going to do this. Should I order something? I am quite hungry...
"Noteworthy, dearie!" I hear up ahead.
I snap out of my stupor and realize I'm the only one in line. The group has taken a booth. I clear my throat and trot up to the counter where Mrs. Cake smiles at me with bright pink eyes.
"Good morning, Noteworthy!" she says in a bouncy voice. "What can I getcha?"
"Nnnn-I don't know." I chuckle to myself and rub my eyes with the back of a hoof. "I know I'm hungry, but beyond that I'm too tired to think."
"Oh-ho-ho! Sweet Noteworthy, you ought to go to bed earlier, don'tcha know?" She winks at me. "Just wait til you have kids of your own, eh? You don't know what tired is yet, I'll tell ya!"
I smile. "I don't doubt that. I guess I'll just have a―"
"Uh-uh! It won't do to pick willy nilly, silly stallion." She trots along the counter and opens the swinging doors into the kitchen. "Come on back here and help me taste test some things, eh? That'll help you decide."
I gulp. I can see where this is going. In my mind, I steel myself. This is what I wanted.
"Yeah, that sounds great," I say, joining her. I keep my eyes forward, hoping that Lyra and Bon Bon aren't paying attention. "Thanks, that's really nice of you."
"Sure thing, dearie. We're only open for another couple of hours, anyway. Carrot!" she calls to her husband.
Mr. Cake trots from the kitchen wearing a stained apron. He beams at me. "Hey, Noteworthy! Good to see you!"
"Thanks, Mister Cake," I say. My voice cracks. "Good to see you, too."
"Carrot, will you switch me spots, honey bun?" She smiles sweetly. "I'll cook breakfast for the rest of the day if you take the orders."
"Sure thing, Cup." He squints at me. "And what did you need, partner?"
"Noteworthy wants to learn how to make Germane pancakes!" She waggles her eyebrows. "He's going on a date soon with a mare from Mulenich!"
"Oh, woooow, going after the foreign type, hmm?" Mr. Cake chuckles at himself and puts on a cocky expression. "A stallion after my own heart, it seems."
"Oh, Carrot," says Mrs. Cake, flicking a hoof in the air. "I'm hardly foreign."
"Caneighda isn't Equestria, is it, now?" Mr. Cake slides off his apron and steps past us, kissing his wife on the cheek. "You go on back, honey pot. I'll take the front til we close at eleven."
"Thanks, Cutie Carrot." She nuzzles him quickly and then ushers the two of us into the kitchen.
"Mulenich?" I ask when we're alone.
"Oh-ho! I think quick on my hooves, dearie." She turns to an order of Freignch toast on the stove and confidently flips over a few pieces with a spatula. "So, are you willing to help me today?"
One short laugh comes through my snout. "Yes. I'm always willing to help."
"Good! That's why I like you, Noteworthy." Her round face hardens a bit. "Just remember, it's nothing romantic between us. I love my husband. I just... have a hard time getting excited with him after all these years."
"I understand," I say. "You've told me this before."
"Yes, well, it deserves repeating, dearie." She breathes in deeply. "You come at a good time. I know Carrot's horny. He'll be wanting some sexy time when we put the twins down for a nap later."
"Rmm..." I hold in a cough.
"Any help would be appreciated," Mrs. Cake says. "Even if it's a few hours off, I'm sure whatever you're willing to give me will be a big help later. I don't have the most wild imagination, don'tcha know?"
"Mm hm."
"Right then, Carrot won't come back here while I'm cooking. It makes him feel insecure about his talent." She suddenly widens her hind legs and lifts her tail without turning away from the cooking breakfast. "Any time you're ready, Noteworthy. Just remember, no intercourse!" She tittered.
I swallow hard and stare at her light blue pussy. The swirling pink tail above it keeps me in the moment.
I rub my neck with a hoof. I hate this. It doesn't turn me on. I like Mr. Cake. I'm not in this to break hearts.
Then why am I in this?
I let go of my own jaw and reach for her vagina. She's humming to herself, as if nothing is about to happen. I close my eyes, silently sigh, and touch the top of her slit.
"Oo!" She shudders. "Noteworthy! Your hoof is so warm."
I don't respond. I slide the edge of my hoof down her pussy, all the way to her clitoris, and then rub up to her anus. It pulses at my touch.
"Oh-ho-ho, careful, dearie," she says. "Carrot would never go there."
Neither would I, I think to myself, and continue rubbing the outside of her privates, careful not to bump her asshole again. Mine stings enough for the both of us.
"Mmm, that feels great," she says. "Hold on a sec. This order's done." She moves about the kitchen efficiently, tossing the Freignch toast from a pan onto a plate, adding a few slices of fruit on the side, and then pushing the whole thing through a narrow slot above the sink where we heard it slide to Mr. Cake.
"Order for Blossomforth!" The voice sounds distant. Not much noise can pass between the kitchen and the restaurant proper. I feel a bit safer.
"Now go on, Noteworthy, you're doing great," she says. "And anytime you want to stop, you go right ahead. I'm not trying to force you into anything, you know?"
"I know," I say. She turns back to her job, and I bend lower, digging my hoof into the folds of her blue pussy. The closer I get, the easier it is to ignore her tail and focus on the bright blue color of her heavy plot.
"Oh my!" She stops scrambling eggs for a moment to steady herself. "Ohh, yeah... yes, that's very nice there..."
I run my hoof back and forth over the moistening flaps between her thighs. The whole area darkens in color while I stare at it. The closer I get to the bright blue pussy, the more I want it in my mouth.
"All right, dearie, slow down," Mrs. Cake says, giggling. "I won't be seeing Carrot for a long while yet, eh?"
My other hoof rises to focus on playing with her clitoris while the first applies more pressure, pushing it and out while I explore the soft, wet folds.
"Oo!" Mrs. Cake shudders and hunches forward. "Noteworthy! All right! Slow down a bit, why don'tcha?"
I ignore her, and she doesn't press me. My eyes are inches from the pussy now. My mind is racing. Why am I doing this? I wish she had wings. The blue of my hooves is so complimentary to the sky blue curves of her ass, the dark blue of her reproductive flesh...
I lap up her juices. They taste like syrup.
"Oohh my gosh!" Mrs. Cake gasps.
I lean down and lick her clitoris. I push my lips into the deepest layers of her, sucking lightly while my tongue explores the hairless skin within.
"Ohh, Carrot! Yes! Carrot, do it!" Mrs. Cake's imagination is better than she gives it credit for. "Get in there with your tongue! I love it, Carrot! You don't have to be scared!"
I'm not. My vision is foggy. I lick her and jam my tongue as deep as it will go. My mouth is doing all the work. I hold her flanks with my hands and trace my hooves over the wrong Cutie Marks. She's too enthralled to notice.
My brain is wrestling with itself. My tongue moves left and right over the bump at the base of her pussy. It moves with me, under her skin. She's trying not to scream.
She doesn't have wings. She doesn't have wings. She doesn't have wings.
I start to chew, very softly, but enough for my teeth to tingle. I hear Mrs. Cake swear to herself, but she pushes her ass harder into my face. I take a deep breath and envelope my own snout into her body, licking and slurping and dying inside.
"Do it, Carrot. Go farther." She arches her back downward; her pussy opens up wider. "Put it inside me."
I back up, breathing hard. "Are you sure, Missus Cake?" I ask in a whisper.
"It's not you, Noteworthy," she hisses back with her eyes shut tight. "This is all for my husband. I'm just getting excited. It has nothing to do with you."
"Right. Right." I rear up on two legs and rub my own dick. It's getting softer. I grab Mrs. Cake's swirly tail and push it straight up along her back. I don't look at it. I imagine more colors between my hooves and stare at her round, blue plot.
"Get inside me, Carrot!" Mrs. Cake moans. "Give me more children!"
I block out her voice. There's a raspy scream in my head instead, a husky pleading. I obey it, jamming my pulsing penis into her bright blue slot. It's so warm and bumpy inside.
"Yes! Yes, Carrot, I want it!" She's nodding. Her mane bounces at the top of my vision. It's too smooth. "I want it, Carrot! I want it hard!"
I begin to plow the baker. My erection fluctuates with my frustrated imagination. I have to keep my eyes open; I can't think of her, I can't think of her, Mrs. Cake doesn't have wings.
"It feels like the first time, Carrot!" says Mrs. Cake. "Remember the first time? Oh, we were so young!"
"Nnngggggh!" I stare at the ceiling. The bags under my eyes are twitching. My back teeth grind together.
"You can do it, Carrot!" Mrs. Cake says. "I can feel it. I know it's there! You don't have to wait for me, Carrot. Do it! Cum inside me!"
"NnnrrrrrrRainbow Dash!" I shout. In an instant, I pull out of Mrs. Cake. My penis slides between her plot cheeks, aimed straight upward. It shakes as I cum, shooting white semen in thick lines on her lower back. I watch some tangle in her tail hairs.
"I'm sorry," I'm already saying before the feeling goes away. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, Mrs. Cake, I'm so sorry..."
But Mrs. Cake turns around with a smile. She's breathing hard and shaking her head. "Don't be sorry, Noteworthy. That was perfect. I'll remember this tonight. I might even cum for him." She sighs heavily. "And I'm so relieved this isn't about me."
I blink. "Huh?"
She gently pushes me out of her. I land on four trembling hooves while she finds a hoof towel in a low drawer.
"Rainbow Dash, hm?" she asks. "You're a stallion of good taste, at least. She's really something, that one."
"What?" I'm shaking all over. "No! No, I don't... it's not about, I mean, it's not about you, I just want to help mares who are... I'm just trying to help mares feel the way they ought to feel, you know? Because they're good mares, like you, you're a good mare, and I just want to help―"
"Relax, Noteworthy!" Mrs. Cake runs the dishtowel under a stream of water from the faucet and begins to clean my cum out of her tail. "I won't tell anypony, I promise. After all, we both have a big secret here, eh?"
I glance at the food slot above the sink and gulp. "Y-y-you don't think he heard us?"
"Carrot? Ha!" She shook her head. "He's been going deaf since we got married. Look, Noteworthy, I adore my husband. I would never do anything to break his heart. Nopony can know about this, and nopony'll know about Rainbow Dash."
"You're wrong about that," I say, clenching my jaw. "I don't like Rainbow Dash."
"Clearly." She winks. "I think it's time you get going, Noteworthy. You really have been a big help. Carrot's in for a treat this afternoon."
I cough. "Yeah. Yeah, good. That's... good. That's what I want." My blinks are coming too fast. "That's all I want."
Mrs. Cake is still smiling, but something else flashes behind her eyes. "Y'know, dearie... what you just said, about helping good mares feel the way they ought to?"
I nod furiously. "Yes, yes, exactly. Mares can feel so much, but they don't get to because stallions are all―"
She raises a hoof to silence me. "I have a request, hon."
I raise an eyebrow in turn. "Huh?"
The blue hoof rises even higher, pointing over our heads. "If I understand right, you're doing this with lotsa mares, right?"
I shiver. "Don't... don't tell anypony, okay?"
"I won't, dearie! Why would I?" Her hoof jabs at the ceiling. "If you're any good at this, though, I have a request for ya."
My eyes follow her gesture. "What do you mean?"
"Pinkie Pie hasn't been herself lately," Mrs. Cake says. "Would you mind trying to cheer her up? However you know how."
My jaw drops. "Missus Cake, I... I-I-I don't think it works like that." My eyes scan the kitchen for an escape. "Besides, Pinkie Pie has never struck me as the, uh... as that type."
"Just go up and see her, won'tcha, dearie?" Her chubby cheeks squish in a smile and she tosses the soiled towel into a nearby hamper. "It doesn't have to have anything to do with making mares feel and all that. She likes making new friends. While you're here, just go up and give her a visit, hmm?" She looks at the floor. "She hasn't come out of her room for a quite a while, and that's very unusual for Pinkie. I'd appreciate the help, hon, but you're free to go if you wanna."
The conversation is suddenly over, and Mrs. Cake checks a loaf in the oven as if I'm not even here. I get the message.
I rub my eyes with my cleanest hoof and sigh. Against my better judgment, I slowly climb the stairs to Sugarcube Corner's upper floor. I've never had a conversation with Pinkie Pie that lasted more than ten seconds, and I very much doubt today will be any different.
But it's the least I can do for poor Mrs. Cake. |
Canterlot High Has A New What?! | pre | "Doesn't matter Skyrocket, she's shutting herself down again. Just once I would like her to actually make friends so she doesn't have to be alone." Her aunt cried.
Those words stung Breezy in a way she had never thought of. For years she had pushed herself to avoid being seen, for very good reason. Yet she didn't realize her actions were hurting the only two people left who actually loved her.
How can anyone be friends with you? Her mind spoke.
"But... they want me...." Breezy whispered back.
It doesn't matter... her mind continued.
However the sound of her aunt continuing to whimper, while her uncle consoled her, doused Breezy's thoughts. Like it or not, she was going to have to make a friend if not for herself, then for her guardians. And she had an interesting idea on what route to go. |
Canterlot High Has A New What?! | The First Proper What?! | Chapter 5: The First proper WHAT?!
The next day brought a gentle rain storm that cooled down the city of Canterlot. Most welcomed the rain, but not Breezy Kite. She rather preferred the warmer air rather than the cold water slamming against her clothing. Regardless of how hard she tried, her clothes always felt heavier when they were wet.
Still, the rain wasn't too heavy and she managed to get into Canterlot High without incident. And this day she came to CHS with a mission, find the girl who walked in on her. It was a crazy notion to be sure, but better to go to her first than some random person she had zero interaction with.
Sweetie Belle, meanwhile, had recovered from her disastrous meeting with Breezy the day before. Rarity's words of letting Breezy come to her had struck a chord and she was determined to at least let that happen.
Upon walking into the school, she happened upon Silver Spoon and Dinky.
"Hey you two, what do you need?" Sweetie greeted as she walked in-between them.
"Paperwork's cleared," Silver reported in as she and Dinky fell in step with Sweetie.
"Oh it did, that's great news." Sweetie smiled.
"Yeah but now we got another issue, we're gonna have to appear for the club fair." Dinky responded.
Sweetie giggled, "Afraid we're gonna have to skimp down on our attire?"
"Apple Bloom beat you to that," Dinky responded, "And kind of. We're gonna need to come up with something that won't arouse Principal Celestia's suspicion..."
"And in turn, the school board." Silver Spoon added.
Sweetie had to concede that point, "Alright, I'm open to suggestions."
"Well, we had one that AB came up with." Dinky responded, "Botany."
Sweetie stopped slightly ahead of Dinky and Silver, who also came to a halt. She looked back at them with a confused and shocked expression.
"Please say no," Silver muttered.
Sweetie didn't need to answer, as an awkward silence took over the trio, confirming that indeed it was a bad idea. Still she shook her head for good measure while Silver and Dinky looked at each other with slight concern on their faces.
Sweetie read the situation well, "Have a few suggestions ready for our first club hour."
"You know that doesn't start till next week, right?" Silver asked.
"Yes, but officers are allowed to meet this week during the designated times." Sweetie responded, "We'll meet then."
"Alright. We'll have something for ya boss!" Dinky responded as Sweetie walked off to homeroom.
As she got there, she spotted Apple Bloom waiting outside, "Howdy, Sweetie Belle!"
"Botany," Sweetie asked, "You know there's club for that already."
"Hey, they put me on the spot and that happened to be the first thing that came to mind." Apple Bloom grimaced, "Sue me."
"Gladly! For how much?" Sweetie smirked to which Apple Bloom just stuck her tongue out at her. Sweetie faked a scowl, "Oh very mature AB, I told Dinky and Silver to come up with an idea before club hour. Do you have Miss Cheerilee before that time cuz I don't?"
"Yeah I think I got her for Algebra II," Apple Bloom answered, "You want me to tip her?"
"Yeah and just text me her response, hopefully with her help we'll figure out something." Sweetie agreed.
Apple Bloom nodded and walked off towards her own homeroom while Sweetie walked into the classroom.
Breezy Kite witnessed the entire ordeal but was unable to even approach the girl, whom she now learned the name of. At first, the concept of her just going up to Sweetie Belle and saying hello was scary enough for Breezy. Then after she forced herself to try, she realized that she had no way to approach Sweetie Belle. Just going up to Sweetie would've been extremely awkward and a waste of time.
Then again, hoping for her to come to Breezy was going to be a poor idea as well, especially after their meeting in the gym. Besides what reason would Sweetie have for seeking Breezy out?
Why would she talk with a ghoul? Her mind asked her.
Breezy had to concede that point, as redundant as it was. But before she could dwell on the subject more the warning bell rang and she had to make her way to homeroom. As she walked, Breezy tried her best to come up with ways to meet Sweetie Belle. However little came her way.
Then, just as she walked into her homeroom class, the sight of her homeroom teacher made her realize a way. Her homeroom teacher was Miss Cheerilee, the same professor she had for Algebra and was the same class she shared with Sweetie Belle. Slowly, Breezy put a plan together.
For Sweetie Belle, the hours leading up to club hour went by rather uneventfully. The school year was still young and many were attempting to settle into the monotonous routine that would become normal for this time of year. Sweetie herself was slowly adjusting as well, but that meant that any excitement that could've been had would be a long ways away.
Still, club hour couldn't come any sooner. Unlike the previous Monday, as well as every odd day of the week, CHS had its club hours today. That meant that most classes would not convene so that students taking part in clubs could meet up and take part in club related activities. For those who weren't affiliated with any clubs, it was a nice time to socialize, so either way it was a win for the school's atmosphere.
Officially however club hour wasn't supposed to start until week two, so the current hour was nothing more than an over glorified free period. Regardless most clubs used this time to finalize any plans or upcoming event schedules. For the NLAC however, that meant figuring out what to do for Club Day.
Club Day, or the club fair to every student, was the day where the Clubs of CHS would hold a giant fair in the gymnasium to attract new members from the freshmen or any transfers. Essentially, it was one giant advertisement. Not entirely dissimilar from the Battle of the Bands two years prior. Yet, there was one gigantic problem for the NLAC: what they were about.
"How do we advertise the club when what we do is basically taboo?" Apple Bloom asked as she and Sweetie Belle made their way to the club room.
"If I knew that AB, I wouldn't be holding this meeting," Sweetie answered dryly, "Miss Cheerilee couldn't come up with anything?"
"She'd said she was coming, beyond that she just said 'We'll take care of it at the meeting.'" Apple Bloom answered.
Rolling her eyes, Sweetie sighed, "That's not much help."
"Tell me about it! I asked AJ for advice, but she couldn't come up with anything." Apple Bloom responded.
"Rarity was pretty miffed as well." Sweetie piped in as the duo descended the staircase.
"We could just not show up." Apple Bloom remarked.
Sweetie gave her longtime friend a look, "I don't think that'll work."
Before Apple Bloom could ask why, the duo arrived at the doors to the CHS Student Union Center. Sweetie gave the secret knock and was given the all clear to enter in. Upon entering, they saw the officers and members for this year's Natural Living Appreciation Club (all in the buff of course). Pinkie Pie and Sunset were playing a game of cards, which Pinkie was actually losing. Silver Spoon and Dinky were sitting around chatting with each other.
And club supervisors Sunset Shimmer and Miss Cheerilee were talking to a new comer: Vice Principal Luna.
"Greetings, Sweetie Belle," the Vice Principal shouted.
Both Apple Bloom and Sweetie were shocked to see Vice Principal Luna present, but Sweetie recovered quickly, "Um, hello Miss Luna what brings you here?"
Vice Principal Luna chuckled, "Just taking some time off to relax from the hectic few weeks we've had. Miss Cheerilee invited me. I hope you don't mind."
"Not at all," Sweetie answered, "But we are holding a very important meeting at the moment and I'm not sure what the rules are regarding principals attending club meetings."
"Just think of me as just another attendee. I'll do my best remain as quiet and unobtrusive as possible." The Vice Principal chuckled.
Re-assured, somewhat, that they weren't breaking any rules, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle discarded their clothes and the meeting began. True to her word, the Vice Principal did remain silent as she observed the entire proceeding: but Sweetie secretly admitted to herself that she wished she did speak up. Everyone had ideas ranging from the mundane to the downright impossible. Yet each idea was simply impractical within relations to what the club was all about.
After about ten minutes of round about discussions, the officers were nowhere.
Sweetie lay back letting out a deep sigh, "I've got nothing."
"Me neither," Apple Bloom sighed.
"Gosh, I didn't think coming up with ideas would be so tough," Pinkie mused.
"Indeed, especially when it comes to our club," Miss Cheerilee replied.
Finally Silver got an idea, "Why don't we just advertise the club the way it is?"
Silence took over as everyone looked at Silver.
"You do realize that'll mean we'll have to be naked right?" Dinky started.
"And that's... not something we should be advertising openly." Sunset finished.
"I know. But instead of attending the fair naked, we could go in our normal clothes and casually mention that this is a nudist club." Silver responded, "Since Diamond's not around anymore, I don't really see the need to keep it that muchof a secret anymore."
"Still, the PTA and the Board of Executives would have a stroke if they even caught wind of what the NLAC really is. Let's be fair and remember the taboo that is carried with nudism. We wouldn't want any bad reputation with the school." Miss Cheerilee responded for everyone else.
"Dinky's still got her network up," Silver tried again.
"Then that would defeat the purpose of being open," Sweetie responded.
Silver rubbed her chin, "It's not a bad idea."
"I agree." Apple Bloom piped in, "We're just not thinking about this properly...how about instead of going in our
normal clothes we just paint them on!"
Pinkie perked up, "OH THAT SOUNDS FUN!"
"That's even worse!" Sweetie exclaimed.
"Well," Dinky responded, "If the paint's good enough..."
"Are you both crazy?!" Sunset put in.
"We can be both naked and clothed at the same time!" Pinkie giggled.
Sweetie cut in, "What if we need to get close to people? "Paint can't hide the shape of certain body parts..."
"Why not," Dinky asked, "I mean how close are we going to get to people anyway? If the paint's good enough, we can easily fool anyone and everyone here."
Miss Cheerilee and Vice Principal Luna remained quiet, so Sweetie interjected, "What about the school decency laws? Hell, what about decency laws in general?"
"Sweetie, I think you kinda lost that argument when you agreed to found this club." Apple Bloom smirked.
"Point taken but still..." Sweetie conceded. Secretly, she did agree that the idea of actually being naked in school openly was an appealing one. Common sense and decency, unfortunately, were holding her back from outright agreeing.
Vice Principal Luna finally spoke up, "In the absence of any better ideas, let me at least interject some sense into this. Painting your bodies still counts as public nudity, therefore it violates school policy. There is also the argument that you are advertising a product and using your bodies to do so, which is also a violation. That being said: violations are only violations if you get caught."
A long awkward silence took over the room.
"Vice Principal Luna, are you suggesting what I think you are suggesting?" Miss Cheerilee piped up, now showing a smirk of interest.
"Think about it this way: during the summer, this club had free rein of the school as well as its outside amenities. The fact that we haven't been noticed now is a testament to the fact that our community either is non-observant or just doesn't care. Plus, my sister and I will be moderating the events and I can guarantee you that she's not the most observant of us." Vice Principal Luna explained, "Besides, it might actually be fun."
Sweetie's eye twitched but she really couldn't say anything, primarily because she was also sold on the idea. It was crazy yes, but the Vice Principal had a point. With Diamond gone the primary threat to the club was practically eradicated and all Principal Celestia could do was to focus on the fact that her students had painted on clothing.
Plus Dinky had a point, if the art was good enough even the most trained eye would struggle to spot the difference. If they kept moving or held flyers in specific locations they could easily trick the population at large. Even better, these were freshmen and transfers who probably didn't have that good of a trained eye.
Conceding the point Sweetie looked around, "Any objections then?"
If anyone had any, they didn't raise it.
Sweetie sighed, "Pinkie, see if you can find a decent enough artist who's willing to paint us."
"No problem!" Pinkie responded.
"I'll get the flyers together," Apple Bloom offered.
"Alrighty then, let's dismiss for now." Sweetie smiled.
And with that the club dispersed and after putting her clothes on, Sweetie made her way over to Algebra. Miss Cheerilee followed her but the duo said nothing to each other.
Breezy was already in the classroom waiting for Sweetie. When she finally entered, Breezy began steeling herself for the eventual encounter. But much to her shock, Sweetie barely registered Breezy's existence. At first, this both mortified and angered Breezy especially after yesterday when Sweetie sought out Breezy in the gym.
Then again Breezy slowly understood why. Much like she didn't have a reason to approach Sweetie earlier, Sweetie had no reason to approach Breezy. Breezy's response to the other's offering of friendship was a good enough reason in and of itself so bringing the conversation back up might be risky.
As the class progressed, Breezy bid her time. Math wasn't the hardest subject for her, she was actually not bad in it but she had no real interest. Still the class was interesting enough and Miss Cheerilee disseminated the information well. All the while, Breezy kept checking over by Sweetie Belle.
She was paying attention to the class as best she could but Breezy could tell her mind was someplace else. Breezy wondered what could be rattling around within Belle's head. From what she could tell, Sweetie seemed honest and somewhat determined should she put her mind to something. She also had an incredible fashion sense when it came to her attire, though nothing spectacular seemed very bright and open thus matching her well.
A far cry from the dark and wrapped up Breezy Kite. In a way, Breezy envied Sweetie Belle. She was beautiful, open, and very much within the world. Breezy was scarred, enclosed, and an outsider shunned by the day. Briefly, Breezy wondered what life would be like for her if she was like Sweetie Belle.
Finally the class ended and Breezy's plan commenced. After Miss Cheerilee handed out the homework assignments Breezy turned to Sweetie Belle.
"Um....excuse me, Sweetie Belle." Breezy spoke, her voice barely speaking volume.
Sweetie looked at Breezy, slightly shocked that she was talking to her, "Oh um yes, what can I do for you Breezy?"
"Um..." Breezy started, "I-I was wondering if I could ask for your help with the homework after school. Would...would that be okay?"
Breezy swallowed hard as she awaited Sweetie's answer.
Of course she'll say no, her mind told her.
But for the first time in a while, Breezy didn't listen to the voice. And much to her shock, Sweetie's expression brightened up.
"Sure thing, I'd be happy to help." Sweetie smiled. |
Canterlot High Has A New What?! | Music Of The What?! | Chapter 6: Music Of The What?!
Once school ended, Sweetie met up with Breezy out by the front entrance. Rarity had to stick around for some extra work in the school but Fluttershy was nice enough to give the duo a lift back to Sweetie's house. Sweetie originally wanted to go to Breezy's in order to make the girl more comfortable. But Breezy insisted that Sweetie's house was closer to CHS.
The duo barely spoke on the ride over. The situation was not at all helped by Fluttershy's tendency to stay quiet, and whenever they did speak it was nothing more than shop talk. Still, Sweetie reminded herself of the words Rarity had for her earlier: go slowly. She wasn't going to tell Breezy that she was a nudist at all, and also was going to keep her clothing on for the encounter.
Breezy meanwhile was a complete wreck. Asking Sweetie Belle to help out with homework was hard enough, especially since the questions posed were relatively easy to handle. But going over to this girl's house was absolutely terrifying. Breezy's mind raced trying to figure out all the possibilities and outcomes that might happen. And none of them were good.
Still, she remained composed when the duo got to Sweetie's house. Sweetie waved goodbye to Fluttershy and they made their way to the front door. Breezy was quiet impressed by the house, it was larger than her new home and had a very bright white and pink color scheme. At first Breezy thought that Sweetie's parents tried to make their house very much like a wedding cake.
When they got inside, Breezy was very impressed. The living room was very roomy and open; few walls connected it to the kitchen and dining room, the whole room just felt big. And the color was a cooling bluish color with pink and purple highlights. It gave a very calm feeling to her.
"Wow this is impressive." Breezy muttered.
"Well when you have a sister who's a fashion designer you tend to live in houses that look aesthetically pleasing." Sweetie said in a matter of fact tone.
Breezy looked at Sweetie, who was walking into the living room and over to a large couch in the middle of it, "You're sister is a fashion designer?"
"Yup," Sweetie Belle said proudly, "She's done work for Countess Coloratura and Sapphire Shores."
Breezy was taken back as she limped her way into the living room, "Wow, that's....amazing."
Sweetie brushed the comment off, "You get used to it. Have a seat."
Breezy nodded and sat down on the couch, dropping her backpack onto the floor, "Thanks." So far everything was working well. Still she was hesitant to lower her hoodie or even dare think about taking off her mask. Then again Sweetie Belle didn't seem to mind.
Sweetie smiled as she set her backpack down on the arm chair next to the couch, "I'm gonna head to the kitchen. Would you like something to drink or eat?"
Breezy shook her head, "No thanks."
Nodding Sweetie made her way to the kitchen, "Do you like Countess or Sapphire?" She walked up to the fridge and poured herself a glass of water.
Breezy tilted her ear to hear Sweetie better, "I'm sorry?" Sweetie repeated her question a little louder. "Oh not really, I mean I've listen to them but..."
"Yeah, they're not my taste either." Sweetie smiled poking her head out to look at Breezy.
"Oh..." Breezy answered.
"So what kinda music do you listen to?" Sweetie asked from the kitchen.
"Oh...um....ballads," Breezy answered.
"Really," Sweetie asked, "Love Ballads, sad ballads...?"
"Just ballads," Breezy answered.
She squirmed for a moment not sure of what to do. This was really the first time she had been over anyone else's house, and even trying to make small talk or start conversations was tough for her. Simply put she was very much out of her element. Still she felt she had to make the attempt rather than sit there and say nothing.
"What kind of music do you like to listen to?"
Sweetie chuckled as she walked back into the living room, "I prefer show tunes myself, though my friend Apple Bloom has gotten me into country music."
Breezy nodded, "That's...interesting. Um...what's your favorite?"
"Country songs?"
"No show tune."
"Oh," Sweetie smiled, "Well my favorite's Fiddler on the Roof."
Breezy smiled under her mask, "Oh I know that one, what's your favorite?"
"Tavye's Dream actually, though I pretty much memorized 'If I was a rich man.'" Sweetie giggled.
For the first time, Breezy chuckled, "Wait really?"
Instead of confirming Breezy's question, Sweetie set the glass of water down on the table. She cleared her throat and gave a gentle hum to find the right tune.
♫All day long I'd biddy-biddy-bum♫
♫If I were a wealthy man♫
Breezy couldn't help but smile at the sight she was seeing. The tune wasn't exactly normal, as Sweetie's voice was much higher than Tavye, but it didn't matter. Sweetie had a silly expression on her face as she continued the tune. What did surprise Breezy was how easily Sweetie was able to keep tune and rhythm despite no music being played.
♫I wouldn't have to work hard, ♫
♫Daidle deedle daidle♫
♫Daidle daidle deedle daidle dumb♫
Sweetie meanwhile was having the time of her life. The song may have been one man's dream of better time, but for right now she was only using it to be entertaining. Plus, despite the mask Sweetie could tell Breezy was actually enjoying the show. Sweetie always knew that signing came easy for her, but what she enjoyed most was making everyone smile by her voice. She threw both arms up in the air for the next part.
♫I'd build a big tall house with rooms by the dozen♫
♫Right in the middle of the town, ♫
♫A fine tin roof with real wooden floors below. ♫
What really blew Breezy away was the power of Sweetie's voice. Despite the song not really being a bombastic tune and Sweetie singing it fairly gently, it was still coming out of her with such force that it made Breezy sink back a bit.
♫There would be one long staircase just going up ♫
♫And one even longer coming down, ♫
♫And one more leading nowhere, just for show. ♫
Breezy applauded gently before realizing that she was actually laughing. Her cheeks hurt slightly from the big grin that had been placed upon her face. There was no denying it, any apprehension she had when she came over was now long gone. And that was not lost on Sweetie Belle, who took a gentle bow before sitting back down into the armchair.
"That was amazing," Breezy complimented, "I didn't know you could sing."
"It's a natural talent," Sweetie smiled.
"Have you ever thought about making a career out of it?" Breezy asked.
"Oh all the time," Sweetie Belle answered, "I've just gotten into...other things first."
Breezy nodded slightly but said nothing.
Sweetie took a sip of her water, "What about you, do you have a favorite musical?"
Breezy went silent for a moment as she thought about her answer, "Phantom of the Opera."
"Oh I remember seeing that play. I think I saw it when I was young but I don't have many memories of it." Sweetie smiled, "What's your favorite song from it?"
Breezy mused for a moment before answering, "Music of the Night."
"Wow, that's a tough song to sing." Sweetie grimaced, "Speaking from personal experience."
Breezy grimaced behind her mask, "I've never had a problem."
Sweetie leaned back in her chair with a gentle smile. So far everything was going well. Breezy seemed comfortable for the most part and not the least bit unnerved. So she decided to push her luck, "Well, can you sing it?"
Breezy looked at Sweetie with slightly horrified eyes. She wasn't sure what do next. There was no way she could dodge by saying she can't sing because Sweetie Belle had clearly heard her sing back in the gym. Then a stray thought entered her mind, it would only seem fair to do so.
"Wait why?" Breezy thought to herself, "What could I possibly gain?"
But as she mulled, the answer became a bit more obvious. Sweetie had gone out of her way to give an, albeit silly, performance of "If I were a rich man" so Breezy simply saying no to singing "Music of the Night" would be rude.
Are you crazy? Your voice is better than hers! She will be offended! Her mind bit back.
Then a random thought fluttered through her brain, a memory of something her mother once said, "Friendship is give and take as well as sharing the things you're good at."
Heed my instructions! You will be safe!
Breezy swallowed gently before giving Sweetie a nod. She took a deep breath in.
♫Night time sharpens, heightens each sensation♫
♫Darkness wakes and stirs imagination♫
At first her voice was weak and thin, a result of her not giving it her all. A mixture of nerves held her back as she had never sang for anyone outside of her family. Breezy's heart raced she took another deep breath in.
♫Silently the senses abandon their defenses...♫
Breezy squeaked out the final note of that first verse before glancing over at Sweetie. Her companion seemed a little uneasy, as if she was either concerned for Breezy or concerned that Breezy wasn't even trying.
Come on Breezy you can do it! A memory shouted at her. It was of the time she first sang to her parents long ago, in another life.
That was before your punishment...Breezy's mind told her. But she shut that out, using the memory to pluck up courage. She took a big breath.
♫Slowly, gently, night unfurls its splendor...♫
Slowly her voice gained its strength and she sensitively spoke, "Grasp it sense it."
As she returned to the song, her voice slowly became stronger and much firmer. Feeling some confidence build within, Breezy closed her eyes and focused.
♫Tremulous and Tender, ♫
♫Turn your face away from the garish light of day♫
♫Turn your thoughts away from cold unfeeling light.♫
♫And listen to the music of the night.♫
Slowly, Sweetie watched as Breezy rose from the couch without even reaching for her cane. But that wasn't what gave Sweetie her shocked expression. Breezy's voice was simply amazing! Unlike her own which was bombastic and powerful, Breezy's was angelic and smooth as if it was fluttering in from the heavens above to gently caress and hold anyone who heard it.
♫Close your eyes and surrender to your darkest dreams♫
♫Purge all thoughts of the life you knew before.♫
♫Close your eyes, let your spirit start to....soar! ♫
Breezy held the note of the last verse as long as she could to allow for the moment to resonate slightly. The world around her melted away and whatever objections her mind had given earlier were now drowned out by the excitement she was once again feeling. This was the last thing she had left outside of her Aunt and Uncle and she was going to enjoy it.
♫Slowly gently music shall surround you.♫
♫Hear it, feel it, closing in around you! ♫
♫Open up your mind, Let your fantasies unwind! ♫
♫In this darkness which you know you cannot fight. ♫
♫The darkness of the music of the night! ♫
Now Breezy felt herself free of the previous restrictions before her and put everything she had into the song. Sweetie's mouth nearly hit the floor, almost dethatching from her own jaw. Her eyes widened to the point of nearly popping out Outside of the Broadway theater run, she had never heard anyone sing as beautifully as Breezy was doing now.
♫Let your mind start a journey through a strange new world♫
♫Leave all thoughts of the life you knew before♫
♫Let your soul take you where you long to... ♫
♫Be!!!!♫
Then Breezy gasped as she heard the note for which she sung. It was at a height she hadn't reached in a long time. Upon hearing the range, she stopped as her mind transported her back to the moment when she reached it before. It was so long ago in her old house, during Hearths Warming Eve, in front of her parents whom were shocked, impressed, and amazed.
But then the memory changed, becoming distorted as it shifted to the night that the Goddess handed down her punishment. That snapped Breezy out of the musical trance she had placed herself in. Once again she found herself in Sweetie Belle's living room, this time standing without the assistance of her cane, and breathing rather heavily.
Her hands found her throat as she was stunned at the height she had just reached.
You have opened the door insolent child. Her mind spoke, the scorpions will now come.
Breezy began to softly hyperventilate as she wobbled. Sweetie, noticing her new friend's disposition, jumped from her chair and ran over to support Breezy.
"Breezy...Breezy are you okay?" Sweetie asked, "That....that was amazing. Why have you stopped...?"
"Bathroom..." Breezy whispered, gasping for air, "Where is your bathroom?"
Confused slightly, Sweetie acquiesced, "Down the hall second door on your right."
Breezy groped the air with her right hand, vainly searching for her cane. Seeing this, Sweetie let go of Breezy momentarily and picked up the item before handing it over. Now stable with the support of her cane, Breezy made her way quickly over to the bathroom leaving a stunned and bewildered Sweetie Belle.
Once she got into the bathroom, Breezy locked herself in and took off her mask to breathe easier, lowering her hood as well. She walked over to the sink, rested upon it, and began running the water before she washed her face. While it stopped her from hyperventilating it didn't fully calm her down.
Breezy looked at her face in the mirror and noticed tears forming within her eyes. It had been so long that she had sung for anyone other than her guardians that she was moved. But there was another problem facing her as well.
She had sang, she had sang for Sweetie Belle, a person whom up until recently was unknown to her. She had once again opened the door to a person who could easily turn things against her.
Shhh, breath Breezy, her mind consoled her, Deep breaths my girl.
"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry. I was weak..." Breezy whispered.
It's okay; you made a mistake nothing more. Her mind told her.
"But, she was so good, and then I...I just..." Breezy was almost about to break down in tears.
Indeed you did, next time you should remember why I tell you to be cautious. Her mind responded.
Breezy took several deep breaths before finally regaining some level of composure, "I just...wanted to make a friend..."
A noble goal yes, but with your punishment it is all but impossible. Now you best go back, that fool who invited you over may think you're being rude. Her mind told her.
Breezy was just about to agree when she heard the front door to the house open.
"Sweetie Belle I'm home!" a new voice called through.
"Oh hey Rarity welcome home," Sweetie greeted.
There was a pause before Rarity spoke again, "Sweetie you still have your clothes on what's the occasion?"
"Rarity! I have a friend over!" Sweetie screamed.
"Oh right, I forgot," Rarity said sounding genuinely surprised, "I'm sorry Sweetie Belle."
"It's okay," Sweetie responded.
Breezy took another deep breath before putting her mask back on, raising her hood, and taking her cane in hand before exited the bathroom. Upon exiting, she saw Sweetie's older sister Rarity. Rarity's expression was slightly shocked, but much to Breezy's surprise the shock seemed more geared that she didn't know company was over.
"Rarity, this is Breezy Kite," Sweetie introduced.
"Pleasured to meet you," Rarity smiled extending her hand.
Breezy however recoiled, still a little off put from what had recently happened. Undeterred, Rarity nodded and smile, "I just brought home some smoothie mix, would you like some?"
This brightened Breezy's spirits slightly, "Um...sure, do you have banana flavor?"
Rarity nodded and headed off to the kitchen to make some. Sweetie meanwhile escorted Breezy back into the living room. Sweetie still had no idea what had caused Breezy's sudden panic attack, if one could call it that, but she was sure that having Breezy finish the song was a bad idea. Still that didn't mean she didn't want to complement the performance.
"Are you feeling better?" Sweetie asked as they both sat back down.
"Yes, I just...you know how...." Breezy stammered trying to find the right lie, "I just didn't practice before hand."
Sweetie nodded, "Well for someone who didn't practice that was absolutely amazing!"
What? Her mind asked shocked.
"What?" Breezy repeated, equally shocked.
"I'm serious. I mean I know I'm good but I've never heard someone so angelic and soulful. And if you said you never practiced that's an amazing talent you've been given." Sweetie complimented, smiling ear to ear. Of course Sweetie had heard many great performers before, but as far as she was concerned Breezy was among the top.
Breezy was silent for a moment, her eyes watering in shock. This was unexpected. Neither her mind nor her heart knew what to do next but a warm sensation filled her. For the first time outside of her family, someone had complimented her. Sweetie wanted to be her friend. She was silent for a moment before replying.
"Thank you..." she whispered.
Sweetie smiled at that show of gratitude. If nothing else she at least made her first step towards connecting with Breezy. However what came next took her off guard.
Breezy shifted in her seat, "So...um...when you're sister asked about you still having your clothes on....what did she mean by that?"
Sweetie's face went beat red as she leaned back in her chair. That was certainly out of left field even for her. Breezy was now treading on territory that might push her away. At first she thought she'd play it off, say it was nothing but a joke between sisters.
But the more she thought about the more she realized something. Why was she going to hide this from someone who wanted to be her friend? Breezy may be unorthodox to say the least but she still was a friend, why hide? So she took a leap.
"Well, it's because I'm actually a nudist." Sweetie answered nonchalantly.
Breezy's eyes went wide as she looked disbelievingly at Sweetie Belle. She sat there silently for a moment not sure how to process that information.
"...Wait..." she stammered, "...So that means you...you hang out...without..."
"Clothes, yes," Sweetie answered, feeling surer of herself.
Breezy's expression didn't change for a moment. Then she squeaked out, "That's weird...you're weird..."
Instantly she wanted to take it back. She felt horrible for even thinking it. Who was she to comment about someone's lifestyle without taking her own sheltered life into consideration? But then Sweetie laughed. That was actually the line Sweetie was expecting Breezy to say.
"I guess it is actually, but I enjoy it so whatever." Sweetie smiled.
Once again Breezy was taken by surprise by Sweetie Belle, she wasn't offended at all at her comment nor was she being mean in anyway. Sweetie seemed to be making an effort to be very accommodating to Breezy.
"So, if I wasn't here you'd be...naked...?" Breezy asked.
"Yup," Sweetie nodded.
"Oh...I...um...well I don't want to make you uncomfortable." Breezy said with a hint of uncertainty.
But Sweetie waved her off, "Don't worry I'm actually fine right now. Besides I don't think you'd be comfortable with me full monty anyway."
That made Breezy giggle, "Yeah I suppose you're right. So is your sister also a nudist?"
Sweetie shook her head, "Actually no, I'm the only one of the family. But most of my friends are."
"Really," Breezy asked, "So you all hang out around each other naked?" After Sweetie nodded Breezy asked, "And it's not weird or anything?"
"Nope," Sweetie Belle answered.
"Wow, I can't imagine ever having friends like that or even being as brave as you...being so upfront about yourself in front of people and not afraid...afraid of people mocking you, calling you ugly or a hideous creature..." Breezy sighed, her heart starting to beat with pangs of sadness, "...chasing you."
Sweetie's expression went from one of assurance to that of concern. The thought of the terror's Breezy's been through humbled Sweetie. Diamond may have been a troublemaker in her own right, but she must've been nothing compared to those who hurt Breezy.
"Well, you won't have to worry about that at CHS," Sweetie smiled, "Now let's get back to work!" |
Canterlot High Has A New What?! | Exploring The Scars Of What?! | Chapter 7: Exploring the scars of WHAT?
Breezy left some time later on, allowing Sweetie Belle to finally ditch her clothing. Although, it didn't carry the same level of relief she normally felt. Sweetie certainly felt better now that she wasn't restricted by her clothing, but Breezy's words before had put her slightly off. She explained the situation to Rarity who was attempting to restart Countess Coloratura's dress from scratch.
"My word! What a tragedy," Rarity bemoaned, "I cannot help but feel sorry for that poor girl."
"I did promise her she'd get none of that from CHS, but I'm not even sure I would hold myself back." Sweetie sighed admitting a slight curiosity to see how badly scared Breezy was.
But Rarity shook that off, "I don't think it's the scars you need to be worried about, Sweetie Belle."
"What do you mean?" Sweetie asked.
"It's rather difficult for me to explain, as this shall have to be something you need find out for yourself. But... are you familiar with the saying: 'Beauty is only skin deep?'" Rarity asked.
"Yeah why,"
"Trauma works similarly, I suppose. You see, the physical scars aren't a complete summation of Breezy's condition." Rarity told her, "Fluttershy explained that to me once when I helped her rescue an abandoned dog."
Sweetie pondered for a moment. She thought about all the hardships she had once gone through and slowly came to realize how pitiful they were when placed in comparison to Breezy. If nothing else, it gave Sweetie a whole new appreciation of her own life. Then again, it made her feel even more pity for Breezy.
"Okay then, what exactly should I do then?" Sweetie asked.
"What are you planning to do?" Rarity asked in response. Then she paused and looked at Sweetie Belle, "You're not planning on introducing her to nudism, are you?"
Sweetie shook her head no, "Not unless she wants to. Why would that be a problem?"
"Well, ever since you've taken to this new lifestyle, you've been a bit...fanatical with your approach. Especially with all these crazy themed parties." Rarity explained.
Sweetie chuckled, "I guess it would seem that way. But outside of being without clothes there's really nothing to being a naturist. Those themes were only there to help entertain everyone. Besides, I don't want everyone in the school to be naked all the time. That would just be silly, like having magical powers."
"I see your point." Rarity smiled, "Still what exactly is your plan?"
Sweetie went quiet for a moment as she thought, "I don't know yet."
Rarity nodded, "Alright, head on upstairs and get ready. I'll make dinner in a bit."
"Can we order out?" Sweetie asked, "I've had a hankering for Chicken Nuggets"
"Sure. Are you willing to pay for it?" Rarity asked slyly.
Sweetie rolled her eyes, "Actually, let's wait on that." And then she headed upstairs to shower and wash up, leaving a smug faced Rarity to continue the dress.
As she showered, Sweetie thought about Rarity's question. What really was her plan for Breezy, if she had one altogether? Breezy was a burn victim, shy, and seemingly introverted. While the first part was tragic enough, Sweetie wondered if the other two had come naturally or were willed upon her by the scars she had.
If the former was true then getting through to Breezy was going to be easy. While Sweetie was an out and out extrovert, she did have a few friends who could classify as introverted, Twist being the best example. Becoming friends with introverts called for a more finesse approach, finding common ground to connect and being able to accept that they don't want to hang out every day of the week.
However if the latter was true then the situation was far, far different. Sweetie Belle had never known great tragedy; the passing of her grandparents may have been the closest she's had so far. And while she was thankful to not yet know that pain, she was hyper aware of how much pain affects someone. Apple Bloom was probably the best example of that. Yet Apple Bloom was never scarred by a fire, so that fact compounded matters.
What exactly was going to be the approach for Breezy? Surprisingly, the best way to handle that was the way Rarity had originally told her: go slowly. Breezy finding out Sweetie was a nudist was as far as Sweetie was prepared to take things. But there were other ways she could approach this situation.
As she wrapped up her shower, she put her mind towards the one clear area of comparison: Singing. Both were very good singers in their own right, Sweetie holding firm in the soprano range and Breezy a good mezzo. And it seemed both of them had a fondness for plays and musicals. So Sweetie affirmed to herself that she would try to connect to Breezy there.
Upon reaching her room, she found her phone buzzing. One message was left from Button:
Sweetie, got everything set up, you available? It read.
Sweetie beamed as she ran over to her room's computer and booted it up. Button may have been a world away but that wasn't going to stop either of them from seeing each other. But as the computer booted up, Sweetie was suddenly struck with a revelation.
She was still nude and about to go on a video chat with her boyfriend. It would be a rather interesting sight for someone who might have been bunking with Button, if one didn't count Rumble. Still, that was a one and fifty chance, a risk she didn't want to take.
She hastily threw on a t-shirt, sans panties, and powered up the video chat. In no time at all, Button Mash was on her screen looking tired and wearing the valentines themed pajamas Sweetie got him for his birthday.
"Hey Button," Sweetie smiled.
"Hey," Button smiled back, "Sorry, it's taken some time but I had to make sure I had everything."
Sweetie chuckled, "Oh, don't worry too much. Are you alright? You look exhausted."
Button sighed, "It's very early over here. Remind me next time to do this right after you get home."
"If that's the case, I might not be wearing anything." Sweetie giggled, "I don't want you to get in trouble."
Button softly chuckled, "Oh don't worry Rumble's bunking with me, so you'll be fine. Anyway, how have things been since I was away?"
Sweetie explained most of the events of the previous week and a day including Breezy Kite. When she was finished Button sat looking at her quietly.
"I think it's a good plan at least but do you have an end goal in mind?" Button asked.
"Why is that so important?" Sweetie responded.
"Simple, a game without a reward is just a simulation." Button smiled.
Understanding his statement, Sweetie simply nodded.
"Well I gotta get to bed, got classes in a bit." Button sighed.
"Same here," Sweetie responded, "I miss you."
"I miss you too. I love you Sweetie, goodnight." Button smiled.
"Love you too," Sweetie smiled and closed the browser. |
Canterlot High Has A New What?! | Behind The What?! | Chapter 8: Behind the WHAT?!
As the first week of school came to a close, things could not have gone any better for Breezy Kite. Despite a rocky start, she had made the first step to making a friend in Sweetie Belle, who seemed equally interested in friendship. Their time together in school was brief, but when they were together they made the most of it. Most of their conversations revolved around music and singing, which made Breezy feel more comfortable.
Through Sweetie, Breezy even met a blonde hair girl, named Dinky Hooves, and a redhead named Apple Bloom, who both had older sisters in their senior years. They both were very nice and accommodating, but Breezy wanted to handle one friend at a time. That being said, it was shocking when Breezy found out they were also nudists. Still, they were nice and friendly, so she had no regrets meeting them.
As the weekend came around, Breezy began to feel more and more confident being around Sweetie Belle, despite her doubts. Finally, once Friday came, Breezy worked up the courage to invite Sweetie over to her house on Saturday; something her Aunt and Uncle were all too happy about. When Breezy first told them about Sweetie Belle, they wouldn't allow her to have any peace until she told them everything, like eager school children awaiting the latest gossip.
So, undaunted, Breezy told them. By the time Saturday dawned, Breezy was relieved just to have her guardians meet her. Sweetie arrived just after one in the afternoon and Breezy was there to greet her at the door.
"Sorry I'm late," Sweetie sighed as she walked in, "Rarity had me help with a dress she's been working on all morning. I'm glad you invited me over."
"Nothing to it," Breezy smiled behind her white mask, "I hope you don't mind the chilly air, Auntie likes to keep the house a little cold."
Sweetie shook her head, "Nah, I'm good we generally have the A/C blasting at home anyway, so I'm kinda used to this. Where are your Aunt and Uncle anyway?"
"Oh, they're out at a local bowling club trying out for the town's team." Breezy chuckled, "Uncle Skyrocket did always like bowling, and they'll be back within two hours... I hope..."
"That's fine; perhaps you can show me around?" Sweetie asked sweetly.
At first Breezy took a step back, unsure of what to say or do next. But quickly she rallied her thoughts together and replied, "Sure follow me."
First there was the main floor; Breezy took Sweetie through the living room and into the kitchen. Much like Sweeties house, everything was connected; however the paint scheme and layout were dramatically different.
Rarity had always been a fan of cool color schemes, going for shades of purple and pink whenever possible. Breezy's home had a mixture of dark greens with bright wood furnishings, in contrast to the kitchen, which was white with tan furnishings.
The differences did put off Sweetie for a bit, but she quickly stashed the thought. She was far from the person to be commenting on home decor. As they walked through the hallway leading to the kitchen, Sweetie noticed something on the wall.
"Hey, cool," Sweetie commented, forcing Breezy to turn around and notice.
There were two masquerade masks hanging on the wall, not large enough to be worn, but large enough to be great decorative pieces.
"Oh yeah, Auntie Whistler collects those." Breezy smiled.
"I'm sure Rarity has this set hanging around somewhere," Sweetie added. "I think these are supposed to be good luck charms or something like that."
Breezy shook her head, "Nah those are for entertainment."
Sweetie raised an eyebrow, but declined to say anything as they resumed their tour. After the main floor was properly presented, Breezy took Sweetie upstairs towards her room.
"You'll be okay?" Sweetie asked as they reached the stairs.
Breezy nodded, "Stairs aren't much of a problem for me anymore."
"Okay then," Sweetie smiled.
True to her word, Breezy climbed up the steps with little effort, in spite of her cane. Once up on the second floor, Breezy opened the door to her room and held it for Sweetie to enter.
"Oh my," Sweetie commented, looking around, "You weren't kidding about liking ballads."
She was referring to the countless music posters that were plastered all over Breezy's walls, many of which depicted balladic singles that bands or singers had released over the years. But what she also saw were tons and tons of classical music posters and vinyl records strung about the place.
Sweetie picked one of them up, "Millie Warner, I never heard of her before."
"I wouldn't blame you. She's relatively new into the genre, but the way she handles a piano is amazing." Breezy gushed as she walked over and slumped onto her bed.
"I would imagine, though I never pegged you as a pianist." Sweetie gave a silly smile.
Breezy smiled in return under her mask, "Actually I am not. I like the violin... though I can't play it..."
Sweetie raised an eyebrow, "Why not?"
Breezy didn't answer, instead just pointing to her neck, which was covered by a turtleneck shirt. Then again, Breezy really didn't need to point; Sweetie could clearly see the scars on her hands.
But then Breezy added, "But I do have an instrument I can play."
"Oh really," Sweetie asked perking up, "Where is it?"
Breezy picked herself up off the bed and headed to the doorway, "Follow me."
She then led Sweetie Belle down from the second floor, through the main floor, and towards the stairwell leading to the basement. As they walked down the stairs, Sweetie noticed a gentle color change. Unlike the rest of the house, the basement had a mixture of blues and blacks as its color scheme, giving it a darker feel while still being welcoming and hospitable.
But when she got to the third step from the bottom, she saw the entire basement. On the wall furthest from the stairwell was a giant television that still wasn't fully connected. Slightly in front of it, there was a large, black couch that evidently had seen better days. Yet the real centerpiece within the room was a wooden piano.
"Oh wow, a Piano!" Sweetie exclaimed, walking down to look more carefully, "With 49 keys... um aren't we missing a whole range?"
Breezy chuckled, "That's cuz it isn't a piano." She walked over to Sweetie's right, bent down under the keys, and flipped a switch. Sweetie then heard the gentle hum of a motor running, while spotting several wheels spin inside the thing, tugging on its strings. Breezy then got back up and offered Sweetie to press some of the keys.
As she did, much to her surprise, the odd instrument sounded quite different than what she expected. The sound was very organ like, if the organ replaced its steam power with strings of a viola's bow. Playing some more keys, Sweetie found this piano to be very elegant and smooth in its transition from key to key.
Breezy seemed to enjoy the sight, despite Sweetie not being able to see the smile under her mask. Stopping her playing, Sweetie reached under the table and turned off the electric motor, before turning back to Breezy.
"So what exactly is this?" she asked.
"It's a Viola Organista; basically a piano with viola strings." Breezy explained.
"And why the motor?"
Breezy chuckled, "Well, usually a foot pedal is there to turn the wheels that play the strings. But since I've got... well, you know... my uncle put a motor in there as a supplement."
"Ah, so you play this for fun?"
Breezy nodded, "And when I want to write my own music."
Sweetie's eyes perked up, "You've written your own music? That's awesome."
Breezy nodded gingerly, "I... I mean, it's not great but..."
Surprisingly, her mind remained quiet as Sweetie gave Breezy a reassuring nod. At first, she still wasn't sure, feeling her self-doubt creeping back within her mind.
What good will it do anyway? Her mind told her. She's only humoring you, nothing more.
Despite this, Breezy remembered Sweetie's reassurance back when she sang, so she proceeded on in spite of her anxieties. Switching the motor back on, Breezy waited for a moment before she began to play a beautiful, yet mournful tune.
♫Like a song through the trees♫
♫You came to love me.♫
♫You'd always have a smile♫
♫To greet the day.♫
Instantly, Sweetie recognized the song as the same from when she heard Breezy sing in the gym. However, at the time of initially hearing it, it had only one vocal to it. Now that she heard the full backing of this... Viola Organista, Sweetie felt touched down to her soul. The pain behind it was greater and the loss more heartfelt than before.
♫But when the flames came♫
♫To torment me♫
♫Like a leaf on a breeze♫
♫You flew away! ♫
♫I always wondered♫
♫What you'd come to be ♫
♫Yet behind this mask♫
♫I am blind to see♫
As Breezy transitioned to the chorus, she could feel the bottom of the mask beginning to restrict her chin. For a moment, she contemplated taking her mask off.
♫Behind the mask, so far away.♫
♫Behind the mask, so safely encased♫
♫Behind the mask, I serve my sentence♫
♫Behind the mask, I am locked away♫
A few more keys played as Breezy switched to the part of the song Sweetie hadn't heard before.
♫You may never come♫
♫You may never see♫
♫How hard to run♫
♫How hard to flee♫
♫Yet rest assured♫
♫I will endure♫
♫For the memory♫
♫Will always be pure. ♫
♫Behind the mask, so far away.♫
♫Behind the mask, so safely encased♫
♫Behind the mask, I serve my sentence♫
♫Behind the mask, I am locked away♫
A tear formed within Sweetie's eye as she stood next to Breezy, listening intently to the song. Her mind thought back to what she had heard about the girl, having lost her parents and her home within the inferno. How hard was life for her? And what happened to leave her still trapped within that mask?
♫Someday may come for me♫
♫Where I might finally see you♫
♫Yet behind this mask♫
♫I'll just have to do! ♫
♫Behind the mask, so far away.♫
♫Behind the mask, so safely encased♫
♫Behind the mask, I serve my sentence♫
♫Behind the mask, I am locked away♫
With that, Breezy brought her song to an end. Sweetie wiped her eyes and looked down at Breezy.
"That was beautiful, Breezy," She said.
Breezy smiled underneath her mask, though internally she wasn't sure. But before she could further think on those ideas, the house's front door opened. Breezy's guardians were home.
"Breezy!" Her aunt called.
"Down in the basement!" Breezy replied, "Sweetie's over!"
"Are those your guardians?" Sweetie asked, to which Breezy nodded.
"Head up there and say hello, I'll be up in a bit. I just have to straighten up down here so we can hang out." Breezy said.
Sweetie nodded and headed upstairs, leaving Breezy alone at the Viola Organista. She slowly began to take some deep breaths as she contemplated everything that had just happened.
"Beautiful," she whispered, "She thought it was beautiful."
Insolent girl that slave of fashion! Her mind snapped. She's playing on your emotions and over-hyping your skill.
"But, she was crying..." Breezy whimpered.
A lie, like so many before she has fooled you into thinking she's a... her mind began.
But Breezy shook her head, "She's different, I know it."
And if you're wrong? Her mind asked.
"Then I will apologize." She responded, "But I'm not wrong."
That being said, Breezy still had doubts. She had been down this road before with some people, only to be devastated in the end. The possibility of Sweetie doing the same thing was indeed very prevalent, even with Sweetie's.... unique lifestyle quirk. And that made Breezy think for a moment. She never really had a friend who was a nudist, let alone anyone who remotely came within lightyears distance of that lifestyle.
Breezy certainly had ideas about what Nudism was like, but she wasn't sure. Certainly she could look it up on the internet, but then again she didn't want to run into the plethora of porn sites that could easily dissuade her from getting to the truth. Still Breezy wondered what would drive a person to take up that lifestyle. To put themselves on display like that, without shame or fear, that was simply amazing.
Slowly rising to her feet, Breezy could feel the weight of the mask upon her face for the first time since she started wearing it. She marveled at Sweetie's bravery and boldness, two qualities she herself did not possess. Breezy wondered if she'd be able to even attempt something like that.
Meanwhile, Sweetie had walked up stairs to meet the guardians of Breezy Kite. When she reached the kitchen, she saw Uncle Skyrocket and Aunt Whistler unloading shopping bags filled with food and drinks.
"Hello, I'm Sweetie Belle." she greeted.
"Oh hello, you're Breezy's new friend right? I'm Whistler Kite and this is my husband, Skyrocket." Whistler introduced.
"A pleasure to meet you," Sweetie smiled, "Would you two like some help?"
"Oh, such a sweetheart," Skyrocket smiled, "But no thank you."
"Okay, Breezy said she'll be up in a moment." Sweetie nodded.
"That's okay; we're used to her being delayed." Skyrocket smiled, "Still, welcome to our home."
Sweetie blushed a little, "Aww thanks, and it's nice to be welcomed."
"Did Breezy have ya downstairs looking at that organ she's so proud of?" Skyrocket grinned as he began unloading the contents of one of the bags.
Sweetie nodded, "Oh yes, it's sound cool by the way."
"It should, put that doggone thing together myself." Skyrocket said proudly.
"And you did a fine job, Uncle." Breezy said as she reached the top step.
When both of Breezy's guardians caught sight of Breezy, they're expression changed from relaxed enjoyment to muffled shock. As if feeling the change of tones deep within her bones, Sweetie shifted in her spot and rubbed her hands together uncomfortably. She was about to ask what was the cause of this change, when Uncle Skyrocket spoke up.
"Breezy, ya are still wearing your mask?" He spoke.
Breezy nodded but did not respond. Sweetie raised an eyebrow. If Breezy's mask wasn't for protection, then why was she wearing it?
Quickly, Uncle Skyrocket noticed Sweetie's discomfort and stifled his shock, "Uh Dearie, we have some stuff that needs to head up to the bathroom. Can you bring it up for us, please?"
"Sure," Breezy said evenly. She walked over and grabbed two bags her Uncle handed to her before departing towards the staircase. Seeing a moment, Sweetie slowly made her way over to the kitchen table and took a seat there.
"She still has her mask on," Aunt Whistler whispered to Uncle Skyrocket.
Sweetie bit her lower lip and shifted her eyes. The comment was obviously between the two of them, but it wasn't something Sweetie was going to ignore about her new friend.
"Um, excuse me," Sweetie interrupted, "But is that a bad thing?"
Aunt Whistler realized she had been heard and stammered for a moment, unsure of whether or not she should answer. But a reassuring glance from Uncle Skyrocket rallied her, so she finished unpacking before walking over to the kitchen table to speak with Sweetie.
"Well, see Sweetie, I'm sure you know about Breezy's..." she started. But a quick nod and understanding glance from Sweetie Belle finished Aunt Whistler's question for her. So she simply switched gears. "Alrighty, well, Breezy's road to recovery hasn't been a smooth one for her. Especially since we've moved around a lot, both of us were in the Military after all. And that put a bigger strain on our niece that she wasn't always ready for. However, the doctors have told us her skin has recovered enough so that she doesn't need the protection of..."
And instantly Sweetie understood the problem. If she wasn't in the presence of adults, she probably would have slammed her head on the table for not realizing it sooner. Especially with the line: "...People mocking you, calling you ugly or a hideous creature..." Sweetie felt her stomach twist into a knot. Her own struggles against Diamond Tiara now seemed trivial next to Breezy's struggle.
The angel that was Breezy Kite did not wear a mask because she had to, but because she wanted too. And that was distressing her Guardians.
"I understand, thank you." Sweetie said.
They wanted their niece to feel welcomed, to feel like she was going to be in an environment where she'd feel safe and secure. Essentially, they wanted what was best for her, as any true guardian should. And yet, the fact that Breezy had reached out to Sweetie Belle wasn't enough. Breezy was still hiding in the darkness, secluding herself from the outside world in an unhealthy void of darkness.
A moment later, Breezy walked back into the kitchen. Sweetie quickly hid her emotions and put on a warm and welcoming smile.
"I see you met everyone?" Breezy asked.
"Sure did," Sweetie answered, "They seem very nice."
"I would hope so," Uncle Skyrocket chuckled, "We do try our hardest to be good people."
"Oh I don't think you need to try," Sweetie laughed. "So Breeze, what would you like to do?"
"Head back downstairs and play some video games?" Breezy asked. When Sweetie nodded the duo headed back downstairs.
It wasn't until they reached the bottom step that Sweetie turned to her new friend, "They seem nice."
"Yeah," Breezy smiled, "They've always tried to have what's best for me."
Sweetie nodded, "I can see that. By the way how much do they know about me?"
"Oh everything," Breezy blushed behind her mask as the duo moved towards the couch and sat down.
Sweetie's eyes widened for a moment then returned to normal, "Really, I guess they took it well?"
"Well to be honest they didn't care so much," Breezy chuckled, "I mean they were kinda surprised but calmed down fast. Hell I didn't even have to explain much to them."
"I see," Sweetie smiled.
Then there was a brief pause as Breezy pondered on what she was going to say next. Her mind told her not to peruse the topic, but her gut was curious and as such won out.
"...What's it like?" Breezy asked meekly. |
Canterlot High Has A New What?! | Breaking The What?! | Chapter 9: Breaking the WHAT?!
Sweetie raised an eyebrow, "What's what like?"
Breezy blushed behind her mask, "Being naked...."
Sweetie kept that eyebrow raised, "Um...I'm not sure what you mean. You've never been naked before? Not even when...."
"No!" Breezy snorted, realizing the vagueness of her question and trying not to chuckle, "I meant, what's it like to be naked... around other people."
"Oh, you mean being a nudist?" Sweetie asked.
Breezy meekly nodded.
Sweetie took a moment to process the information. It wasn't surprising that Breezy would be asking about it, heck most of her new friends asked about it when she first started. Then again, asking now was slightly unconventional since Breezy had already inquired somewhat back at their first hung out. Still it never hurt to figure out the reason.
"Well that depends on why you're asking. Are you wondering why I'm a part of it or...?" Sweetie asked.
Breezy responded quickly, "Because you're so nonchalant about it. You act as if it's nothing, yet you're so confident about your body."
Sweetie snorted for a moment, "Well to be honest, that's because it really isn't anything."
Breezy froze and gave Sweetie a questioning look. But Sweetie leaned in slightly, "That's actually more apt than you realize. Yes it's weird, but we're not doing anything different from everyday life. We sleep, eat, go to the bathroom, and some of us even work just like everybody else. The only difference is that we do it without clothing on. For us it's only natural, hence the term naturists."
"But don't you get scared of what people think of you? Even if you have a deformity or don't...." Breezy asked.
"Don't look beautiful?" Sweetie answered for her, "Well, taking from personal experience, yes it can be very scary when you're first trying it out. Even more so for people who do have lots of scars or deformities. But there's one thing I remembered from a book I read: the only thing to fear is fear itself."
Breezy leaned back for a moment and said nothing.
"Once you get over the initial fear of doing something, everything else becomes a whole lot easier." Sweetie added.
This girl has never seen the world for what it truly is. Breezy's head told her.
Breezy simply sighed, "Sometimes, that's easier said than done."
She then bit her lower lip and pondered her next question. Breezy thought about how Sweetie was talking, she wasn't talking down or lecturing. It was more of a friend talking to another friend. And yet there was another part of that. While Sweetie was very accommodating, Breezy was restricting her new friend from being in her "Natural" state.
ARE YOU CRAZY!!! Her brain screamed, Don't ask her that! She'll hate you for it!
But Breezy forged ahead, "Umm... would you be naked... if I wasn't around?"
Sweetie blinked for a moment before starting to giggle, "Are you asking me to take my clothes off right now?"
Breezy blushed red behind her mask, "N-no, it's not like that! It's just... I...um.... it's not that I ....I just don't want you to feel...."
Sweetie's giggling burst out into full blown laughter. After a moment she collected herself and looked at Breezy, "Don't worry about me, I'm perfectly fine."
"But you're... fully clothed." Breezy pointed out.
"Point taken, but let me ask you this Breezy: Why?" Sweetie asked.
Breezy didn't need to ask for clarification, she just shifted in her seat. A cold emotion took over her as tears filled her eyes and she could feel her heart start to break at the realization of the answer.
"Well it's because I've... I've never had a real friend before." Breezy murmured meekly, "And you've been so nice and accommodating to me. I just want to try and do the same for you."
Sweetie leaned back looking at Breezy. That was certainly an answer she had never considered. Breezy had been on the move most of her life, and even with the constant changings of home, she's never been able to settle down with any friends. Plus there was the fact that she was, in fact, bullied for her scars. Even if Breezy didn't admit it flat out, the evidence was plain to see. And now she had the opportunity to make a friend in Sweetie, who was a nudist. In a weird way, Breezy was trying to fully build a bridge with Sweetie.
Leaning forward again, Sweetie looked at Breezy, "You sure it's not gonna be too overwhelming for you?"
Breezy raised a hidden eyebrow, "Define overwhelming."
"Most people, upon seeing a naked individual, usually either turn away in disgust or embarrassment. But sitting next to and being with someone who is naked can be a little weird for most people. It's just... well overwhelming. I really don't know how else to describe it." Sweetie grimaced.
Nodding, Breezy sighed, "That's a valid point. But... you're my friend and I want you to be comfortable. I don't want you to feel like you have to hold back for my sake..."
Sweetie Belle had heard enough. Although, if Dinky was here right now, Sweetie would've had a much better bearing on the situation. Trouble was, Dinky and Ditzy were busy with house chores, Silver Spoon was helping her mother with financial work, and Apple Bloom was on the farm. While Sunset was still available, getting Breezy over to Sunset's place was a tall order.
Even worse, having Breezy interact with someone she'd never met before, who was also a nudist, might erode all the efforts Breezy was making right now. Sweetie had a choice to make: she could either get naked and risk Breezy becoming overwhelmed by the situation or back off and risk hurting Breezy's feelings. Neither were very good options.
Meanwhile, Breezy was sweating slightly as her brain was going ballistic. She had literally just asked the first potential friend she had ever made to strip right before her, a question only the most perverted individual would even remotely think of. And yet, Breezy wasn't doing it for sexual reasons.
She wasn't gay, far from it, but in her mind the ideal friendship was compromise. However, the relationship Breezy had with Sweetie right now was more of give and take with Sweetie doing the lion's share of giving. So for Breezy, getting things back to an equal footing was to have Sweetie return to her natural element.
Still there was one nagging issue.
What happens if you do see her naked? Her brain asked, It doesn't look like she has any scars, and she'll definitely be prettier than you.
You don't know that, Breezy responded, and besides, I'm sure nudism isn't about beauty.
Everything is about beauty my child. Her brain responded, and what you're asking is to have her put her beauty on display.
I know that!
What are you going to do if she asks you to join her? Are you willing to put your hideous form on display as well?!
Breezy had to contend that point as the punishment the Goddess had bestowed upon her. She was left with few appealing features. Yet there was no turning back now.
I will cross that bridge when I get to it! Breezy snapped.
That seemed to end the conversation, for now. Breezy was sure of her choice.
And so was Sweetie as she turned to look at the stairwell, "Um what will your guardians think?"
For the first time in a while, Breezy laughed, "Oh, I did ask them about it and they said they wouldn't have a problem with it. My aunt and uncle are the coolest people around, I'm sure they understand nothing funny will go on. Besides, they won't bother us."
That calmed Sweetie's nerves, "All three of you can be assured that nudism isn't about sex. Not in the slightest! Still, I don't wanna just jump into this, is there a bathroom down here?"
Breezy pointed over the couch to a door placed behind the Viola Organista. Sweetie nodded and stood up, "One last chance, are you sure about this?"
Breezy took a deep breath and nodded, "I'm sure."
Sweetie nodded and walked over to the bathroom, "Are there any towels in here?"
"Yes and a robe," Breezy responded.
With that knowledge in hand Sweetie walked into the bathroom and closed the door behind her. In no time in all Sweetie had discarded her clothes and folded them neatly on top of the counter. She turned around and pulled off the robe before examining it. Thankfully, it was close to her size and slipped on rather easily. She tied it up and made her way to the door.
Just before she opened the door, she took stock of the situation. She was about to get naked in front of a traumatized and physically scarred girl who was afraid to even show her face in a private setting. This was odd. This was very odd. Yet, somehow, Sweetie felt it needed to be done. Breezy was calling out for normalcy, calling out for friendship, and calling out for help. Maybe in this weird way, this could help her break free.
Was this crazy? Yes. But Sweetie was going to do it anyway. She opened the door and walked back into the den. Breezy hadn't moved, and more reassuringly, hadn't lost an article of clothing. At least this wasn't a repeat of Sunset's house last Spring Break. Still, Sweetie found some comfort in this, Breezy was taking baby steps.
However when Breezy caught sight of Sweetie, she seemed disappointed.
Sweetie quickly understood why. "I didn't want to ambush you with my nudity." She said offhandedly.
"Oh, okay... um... thanks." Breezy said as Sweetie sat back down in her chair.
"Like I said, it can be a bit of an overwhelming experience." Sweetie answered.
"Was it for you?" Breezy asked.
Sweetie nodded, "Seeing my friends for the first time was. As well as attending my first nudist party, but I got over it fast."
Breezy nodded, "How did you?"
"By telling myself that everyone's the same naked." Sweetie smiled.
Everyone's the same naked... Breezy thought to herself.
Except for us,her mind added. But Breezy ignored it.
Then Sweetie took a deep breath, "Okay. I'm ready to lose the robe, are you ready?"
Breezy then felt a twinge of nervousness, "Um... can I close my eyes first?"
"That's fine. And if you want me to put my clothes back on just say so." Sweetie offered.
"Thanks but... I wanna do this." Breezy affirmed. She then closed her eyes as Sweetie stood up.
Nodding, Sweetie untied the robe and slid out of it. She placed it back on the chair she was sitting on, using it to act as a towel, and then sat back down. "Okay you can open your eyes." Sweetie smiled.
Breezy did so, and much to Sweetie's prediction, was slightly overwhelmed by the sight. There Sweetie Belle was, sitting in the chair; naked as the day she was born. She wasn't sitting in any revealing pose nor was she doing any lewd gesture, she was just sitting there naked. Breezy couldn't explain why, but it was overwhelming. Though she had wanted it, this is what she got.
After taking a few deep breaths to calm her nerves, Breezy smiled behind her mask, "Wow this is... really awkward."
"It is isn't it?" Sweetie chuckled.
"And you're not creeped out by this?" Breezy asked innocently.
Sweetie shook her head no, "Are you?"
Breezy pondered for a moment. Sweetie was naked in front of her yes, yet the world wasn't ending and nothing bad seemed to be happening. It was just, normal. "No, it's just.... now what?"
"Well we can watch TV or play some videogames?" Sweetie offered.
"Yeah let's do that, it'll help me adjust." Breezy joked. Then a thought entered her mind, friendship was compromise.
NO! NO, NO, NO, NO, NO THAT IS TOO FAR! Her brain screamed, I WILL NOT ALLOW IT!
But she is naked with me, I must do something! Breezy responded.
BY EXPOSING YOUR DEFORMED FACE!
Look at her! Look at how calm and confident she is! Don't you see she doesn't care!!! Breezy shot back.
SHE WILL IF SHE SEES YOUR FACE!
But Breezy steeled herself and turned back to Sweetie, "Actually, mind if I do something too?"
"No, but what did you have in mind?" Sweetie asked.
Breezy didn't answer directly, but asked, "Promise you won't freak out?"
Sweetie wanted to point out her current state, but thought better of it. "I promise." She responded.
Breezy took a deep breath and silenced her brain. Then she lowered her hood revealing her long dark hair. After pulling it out from underneath the hooded shirt she reached over to one of the buckles holding her mask on. It was then Sweetie realized what Breezy was doing.
At first, she wanted to object and ask Breezy if she was okay with this. But then she thought better. If she did object that might send the wrong message, or worse make Breezy crawl back into her shell. If this was the next step, then Sweetie was going to take it.
Breezy unclipped the first strap and pulled it off before unbuckling the second. Soon her mask was free and she tentatively pulled it away from her face before looking at Sweetie Belle. Sweetie's eyes widened slightly, but it was more in surprise rather than fear.
A pair of deep brown eyes peered out from magenta colored skin that had signs of old scars but barely noticeable. Most of them were on her cheeks and forehead, while her nose was practically one giant magenta scar. The scars themselves were magenta with blemishes all over that looked like freckles and sunspots more than burn marks. Traces of blue could also be seen on Breezy's face where the scars weren't, indicating what Breezy's original skin color used to be.
Her lips were also surprisingly normal, plump and red. The image was mismatched, but it wasn't horrible looking at all. In fact, Sweetie would even go as far to say that she was still beautiful despite all the damage.
Breezy's expression was a mixture of unease and fear, so Sweetie moved quickly to deter her emotions.
Sweetie smiled, "Wow Breezy, your face..."
"Stranger than you dreamt it huh?" Breezy asked.
"No, actually. I would call it pretty." Sweetie smiled.
Breezy's eyes widened and began to shimmer with tears. Pretty. That was a word she'd never thought anyone would say to her. And the tone: it wasn't cheap, hollow, or laced with lies. It was sincere. Breezy bit back tears as she looked at Sweetie Belle. Breezy had finally done it. She had made her first friend.
"Than... thank you!" Breezy said. Now reassured she smiled again, "Let's go watch some toons!"
"Sure, I'm game." Sweetie smiled.
And soon, the unlikely duo was watching television. Secretly watching from the steps, Uncle Skyrocket and Aunt Whistler looked on, proud and overjoyed for their niece. |
Canterlot High Has A New What?! | In For A Penny, In For A What?! | Chapter 10: In for a Penny, in for a WHAT!?
Breezy said goodbye to her friend at half past seven at night after a good day of hanging out. Sweetie had spent a good two hours in the nude with Breezy in her den as the duo watched TV, which helped to dampen the weirdness of the situation. It was only when her Guardians called them up for lunch that Breezy actually remembered that Sweetie wasn't wearing anything. And even then, Sweetie was more than willing to put a robe on to at least not upset matters.
But alas the day ended and Sweetie had to go home. And when she did so, the torment within Breezy's mind began. She had done something with Sweetie she had not done in years, at least willingly. In that moment, Sweetie had seen Breezy's true form and did not flinch. Or at least Breezy didn't see Sweetie flinch. The trouble with being mortal is that it is sometimes hard to read others internal thoughts.
What if Sweetie had indeed flinched or gasped internally at Breezy's horrendous appearance and was lying straight to Breezy's face? No Sweetie wouldn't do that, it was too cruel. She sat next to her naked what could possibly motivate her to lie? And yet those thoughts didn't go away. They pestered her all through dinner and even into the night.
Finally fed up, Breezy took the one course of action that she knew would calm her. Gently and carefully she made her way from her room to her Viola Organista. Tucked away in the den and surrounded by thick walls, Breezy would and could play the instrument without fear of waking her guardians. Even in her previous homes, Breezy always made sure it was in a place she could easily get to and play without disruption.
Only illuminated by one candle light over the keys, Breezy sat down at her seat and looked at the keyboard. Switching on the motor, Breezy began to play. She had no song, no tune, and no melody to go off of. She was simply going to play.
Play, for me. Her mind spoke.
And Breezy did so, pressing her fingers down on the keys creating a sharp echo that echoed into the night. Next came scales off that key, rising in a sharp manner that ended in a high ranging howl. She held the howl for a moment before repeating the notes in a lower tone. It was from there her fingers began to craft the music.
Play,
C sharp, A sharp, D minor, any and all keys that Breezy would play she did as she crafted a melody and song to ease her discomfort. With the house dark and no one around to spy, her mask was not needed. In fact Breezy was only in her pajamas as she played her melody, gentle white that comforted her scarred body without sacrificing warmth.
Play
Breezy let her thoughts slip as she played the notes. Soon a rough, sorrow filled melody began to form as Breezy ran her fingers up and down the board. The song became hypnotic and gentle despite the howls and growls she was working into it. Her eyes closed as she became absorbed by the music, allowing it to envelope her in its protective cocoon. It wasn't perfect yet, but it soon will be. This was the process Breezy took every night she was here, for in this spot she could be herself. It was here she could be free.
Play, my only friend.
Her thoughts drifted back into a dark void filled with a hazel mist that flowed like wispy waves reacting to the keys. Images began to appear before Breezy's closed eyes of days going back into her past. First she could see the fire and her mother's arms reaching out to save her. Then she was in the hospital, her weeping Guardians nearby. Soon she was in her schools, the mask once again covering her face. But then the images changed; flashes and memories, of the mask either being gone or violently ripped off, her flesh exposed to a cruel and mocking world. The pangs of her heart beat fused itself into the chords, causing the once gentle mist to become jagged and harsh.
Play for me!
Breezy's fingers danced on the keyboard, driving the song to a deafening crescendo. Finally she slammed onto the highest keys deemed worthy for this song, holding them there for mere moments that felt like hours. Her mind flashed a lasting image, that of Sweetie Belle holding out Breezy's mask in apologetic friendship.
It was then the song ended. Breezy snapped back into the world, her breathing heavy and her mind slowing down. She looked at her hands, magenta and scared, they were shaking as she raised them from the keyboard. Gathering her senses, Breezy shut off the motor and sighed.
You exposed yourself, her mind said, the words harsh yet distant.
"I know, but she's my friend."
She is not your friend.
"She's different."
They all were different, and then they became the same.
"No, you're wrong, I can feel it. Maybe she can..."
What, save you, pull you away from this life the Goddess has left you in? Do you really think she is capable of that? Who has protected you for so long, kept you hidden from this harsh world?
"You have."
And yet you turn from me.
"Because she can too."
Sweetie Belle awoke Sunday morning just as the sun broke over the horizon to illuminate Canterlot. Crawling out of bed, she walked over to her windowsill and looked out upon the neighborhood. These early mornings were perfect for her as she could look out front without the fear of being seen by bystanders. The painted sky looked gorgeous and the way the sunlight was slowly wrapping around the houses was a sight to behold.
Yet, as the nudist sat in her window looking out, her mind wasn't on the picture before her. No it was on Breezy. Yesterday was a big accomplishment for Breezy; she had shown her face to Sweetie Belle. Of course Sweetie had to get naked in front of her but it was an acceptable trade off. And for Sweetie, it was all that mattered.
Simply put, Breezy needed help and Sweetie was determined to give the girl the help she needed. Yet caution and slowness were the name of the game, as both Rarity and Button Mash advised. It stood to reason that Sweetie told Rarity about what had happened first, and then Button shortly before she went to bed, though ironically both ended up imparting different advice.
Rarity was all for the steps Sweetie had taken yesterday, saying that while they were unconventional it was a method that worked. Button however wasn't so sure and felt Sweetie was moving too fast and could easily screw up. Both had their merits. If Sweetie pushed too hard there was a strong risk that Breezy could regress or worse shut down entirely. Yet yesterday was a testament to things working out. Sure Sweetie might've gotten lucky, but it was a luckiness she was willing to test out.
The question was how to proceed. Taking Breezy straight to an NLAC party was out of the question right now. Seeing your best friend naked was one thing, but classmates including guys were different matters entirely. That being said, Sweetie did remember a line from the book she once studied; people respond better to seeing their similar genders naked early on. If that was certainly the case, the next logical step was to introduce Breezy to Sweetie's friends before they hung out with her naked.
But there was also the question, why would her friends get naked if Breezy wasn't going to? In fact why push that angle at all? Sure Sweetie getting naked at Breezy's was a good step to building a bridge on their friendship, but the same might not be true for Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, Dinky, and Silver. Maybe Breezy would feel the same about them, since she knew they were nudists too, but then again maybe not. Yet, what was Sweetie's end goal? Was she going down a road to make Breezy a nudist?
Breezy's introverted state and her mentioning of past torment seemed to put the kibosh on that idea right now. However there was the question of down the road, when Breezy's confidence was back. Would she want to join the group, especially if everyone was so blase about it? If that did happen, would Sweetie advise caution or stop it outright? Did she even have the right to do that?
And if Breezy did end up converting, would it help? Mental issues don't just go away with the wave of a magic wand; Sunset Shimmer was a good testament to that. Even after getting hit by that magic beam way back in the Fall Formal, Sunset was still very remorseful and guilty about what had happened. It had even led to her concealing her naturist lifestyle to her friends. What would happen to Breezy if she got struck by the hypothetical "nudist beam?"
Sweetie snapped back to reality with a chuckle. Once again she found herself in a familiar situation: asking questions. It seemed to be something she was doing a lot of recently, and yet she never had the answers at the moment she asked them. Of course this wasn't similar to the situations she had found herself in the past; but it was still interesting. In the past, going with her gut had given her all the answers she needed. Maybe going with her gut in this case was the right answer, if not now then certainly down the road.
And that meant expanding Breezy's horizons. Sweetie got off the window and walked over to her phone, which was sitting on her nightstand fully charged. What Breezy needed was friends, not a lot of them, but ones who could be there when she needs them. Dinky was a decent option but the big problem was Ditzy. As klutzy as she was there was a risk she might expose Breezy too soon, or overwhelm Breezy. So Sweetie quelled that thought. What about Silver Spoon? While she was down to earth now, the glitz and glam of her rich upbringing would be too much. Scootaloo, Rumble, and Button Mash were of course studying abroad.
That left one option, and thankfully she just happened to be awake at this hour.
Hey AB you inside yet? Sweetie texted after picking up her phone.
In no time at all the response came, Yup, just got back from doing my morning chores. What's up?
You wanna hang out today?
Sure. Your place or mine?
Yours, actually. Is Granny still away on scouting duty?
She got back yesterday, but she's gonna be at CHS for the rest of the day prepping tomorrow's meal.
What about your brother?
He's going out to chill with Sugar Belle in Canterlot Proper. She wants to take him to a bake off she's attending. Why're you asking?
'Cuz I wanna see if I can bring Breezy Kite with me.
The masked girl? You do know I'm gonna be naked right?
She knows, don't worry. Think you can throw on a robe until she gets settled?
Why...wait I can take it off afterwards?
I'll explain later. Mind if we come over?
I'll clear it with AJ first, but I don't see why not. Mind telling me what this is all about?
Like I said: I'll explain later. Thanks, AB.
No problem, SB. See ya in a bit. |
Canterlot High Has A New What?! | Might Have A Little Dirt On My What?! | Chapter 11: Might have a little dirt on my WHAT?!
When Sweetie first invited Breezy out a day after their first hangout, Breezy was naturally apprehensive. But after a good long conversation with her guardians, Breezy was sure she wanted to go. But being sure and actually following through were two different matters. When the time came for Sweetie to pick Breezy up, Breezy suddenly became apprehensive.
It wasn't the fact that she was going to a farm, it wasn't even about the fact that Sweetie's friend Apple Bloom was also a nudist, it was about her mask. Yesterday, Sweetie had seen her face and despite her brain screaming at her, the world didn't end. Breezy wasn't sure now if she should wear or not wear her mask to Apple Bloom's farm. If she was anything like what Sweetie had described, Breezy was sure she'd have no problem not wearing it in front of her.
But what about Apple Bloom's family, would they be okay? What if she actually did have a problem? Breezy sat alone in her room, mask resting firmly on her pillow waiting for her to put it on.
Do it, protect yourself. Her brain told her.
"But what will Sweetie say?" she asked aloud.
It doesn't matter you will be safe.
"But..."
No buts, do not argue with me! You know what will happen if you don't protect yourself!
"Breezy!" her aunt called, "Sweetie's here!"
That forced her decision. Breezy closed her eyes, gritted her teeth, and clenched her fists. Finally out of options, Breezy relented and grabbed her mask. As she was putting it on, Breezy could feel a small tear trickle down her face. Regardless she was out of time and she had to race out to Sweetie Belle. The sun was shining in between puffy clouds that gave the slight appearance of a possibility of rain but nothing serious. Even better, Sweetie didn't seem phased as she greeted Breezy with a gentle hug.
Soon enough the duo loaded themselves into Rarity's car and headed off to Sweet Apple Acres. The ride over was mostly quiet although Sweetie and Rarity did go into back-and-forth banter about a nearby house and its apparent "gaudy" color. Rarity seemed displeased while Sweetie classified the house as unique. In no time at all they arrived at Sweet Apple Acres. The sun was now shining down through much clearer skies despite big, puffy, white clouds still present, yet the humidity was surprisingly low.
That left the outside air to be remarkably comfortable, and Breezy was finally enjoying it. Despite having her mask on, she had decided to forgo her hooded shirts and allowed her long black hair to act like a hood. She even wasn't wearing long jeans either, instead wearing a pair of cargo shorts she had borrowed from Sweetie. For the first time in a long while, Breezy was not trying to hide her entire body. She couldn't explain why, but she felt remarkably more comfortable now that Sweetie was around.
Yet her mask still hung on her face like the permanent reminder of the punishment the goddess had cursed upon her. Breezy glanced over at Sweetie Belle as she waved goodbye to Rarity before turning back to Breezy and smiling.
"Alright ready to meet Apple Bloom?" she smiled.
"Yup," Breezy smiled back behind her mask, "Her house is just up there then?"
"Yeah it's a bit of a walk but don't worry I'm sure AB's waiting for us." Sweetie smiled and began to walk.
Breezy followed in close, "So is Apple Bloom a...nudist like you?"
Sweetie nodded, "Kinda my fault actually but yeah."
"Oh," Breezy nodded.
Sweetie looked back at Breezy, "And yeah she's a bit more brazen than I am."
"What do you mean?" Breezy asked.
Sweetie grimaced, "Well let's put it this way, Rarity and I have an understanding. I can be naked all the time unless we have guests at the house and as long as I am inside. However since Rarity doesn't subscribe to nudism, she stays clothed herself."
Breezy nodded, though she wasn't entirely surprised. She guessed that Sweetie had that sort of style back home, though she was amazed that Rarity wasn't a nudist as well.
"Apple Bloom meanwhile has a similar set up with her older sister Applejack; however it's a bit different. You see Apple Bloom's grandma wasn't exactly warm to the idea of her granddaughter being a nudist, so whenever she's out of the house AB is clear to be herself. However, as you can see, AB lives on a pretty expansive farm and she goes outside nude all the time." Sweetie continued.
"Wow, and she's not afraid of getting seen?" Breezy asked.
"Personally I think she gets off on the thrill of not getting caught, but you'd never get her to admit it." Sweetie chuckled, "But don't worry I'm sure she'll be decent by the time we get there."
"Oh...it's...it's okay..." Breezy stammered.
Sweetie smiled, "I know Breezy, but getting used to me being naked in front of you is one thing. Someone you've just met is an entirely different manner."
Soon they arrived at the Apple family house. Applejack was outside, loading some crates full with apple cider into her older brother's truck.
"Howdy Sweetie Belle, good to see you today," Applejack smiled wiping some sweat off her brow.
"Hey AJ, this is my new friend Breezy Kite." Sweetie introduced.
"Breezy Kite huh, think I might've heard of ya." Applejack grinned, but when she saw Breezy shudder at that statement she quickly corrected, "Good things I can assure you."
"Oh...okay....good to meet you." Breezy smiled meekly behind her mask and waved.
"Is AB inside?" Sweetie asked.
"In her room, and I'm sure she's decent." Applejack smiled before returning to her task.
Sweetie and Breezy took that moment to enter into the house. Unlike Sweetie's parlor, Breezy found Apple Bloom's home to be extremely rustic. There was nary an electronic device in sight, outside of outlets and phones connected to chargers. A strong smell of apples hung in the air, owing to not only the family's name but to their main job as well. As Breezy looked around, Sweetie called out to her friend.
From behind, Breezy could hear some footsteps scamper down stairs, stop halfway, and then turn around to retreat back up. She was about to turn around and ask when Sweetie raced over to the stairwell.
"Apple Bloom what are you doing?" Sweetie asked.
"You didn't tell me you were bringing company over!" a southern voice snapped.
"Yes I did, check your phone." Sweetie responded.
"Oh yeah you did," Apple Bloom responded, "Still you didn't tell me if..."
"She knows, it's okay, just put a robe on please." Sweetie snipped.
The other girl grumbled and ran back upstairs. Breezy chose that point to turn around and spotted Sweetie walk back over shaking her head.
"She'll be down in a moment." Sweetie commented.
"O-okay," Breezy stammered.
A moment later, Apple Bloom came downstairs wearing nothing but a pink robe that covered her body down to her knees. It didn't take Breezy long to figure out that there was nothing underneath. Sweetie seemed to be on point; Apple Bloom was very brazen with herself.
"Apple Bloom, say hello to Breezy Kite." Sweetie introduced.
"Nice to meet you finally," Apple Bloom smiled as she extended her hand.
Breezy timidly took that hand and shook it, "L..likewise, thank you for having me over."
"Oh it's no problem, I'm always happy when I got friends over, keeps me from doing chores anyway." Apple Bloom smiled as she greeted her.
Breezy nodded, "I see."
Apple Bloom turned to Sweetie Belle, "So you got any ideas to do something?"
"Not really, I just wanted to get out of the house for a bit. And introduce you to Breezy." Sweetie answered.
"You've ever been on a farm before?" Apple Bloom asked nodding.
Breezy shook her head no.
"I see, well would you like me to show you around?" Apple Bloom asked, "It's a beautiful day no point staying inside."
That brightened up Breezy's disposition, it was beautiful outside. But then Apple Bloom turned to Sweetie and gave a smirk.
"You know AJ's leaving right?" Apple Bloom smiled.
"Yeah so?" Sweetie asked.
"Well lemme ask this, is she in?" Apple Bloom asked.
"In where," Breezy asked, but Sweetie knew the answer.
"Yeah she knows, she's seen me already." Sweetie replied to AB, then turning to Breezy, "But, um...can I talk to you for a moment?"
Breezy nodded as Sweetie took her over to the front entrance.
"You know what she's asking you right?" Sweetie asked in a slight hushed tone.
Breezy nodded, "I know, I...I'm okay."
"I can get her to stop." Sweetie mentioned but Breezy brushed it off.
"I don't want to impose." Breezy smiled behind her mask.
Secretly however she was moved by Apple Bloom's bravery, finding it almost inspiring. Reassured of her friends will, Sweetie turned to Apple Bloom and nodded. Apple Bloom seemed to take a deep breath and relax herself before sliding out of her robe as if it was nothing. Initially Breezy was taken back with shock at this action, as Sweetie had taken a full few minutes to help her prepare. Yet Apple Bloom just undressed before her as if it was nothing.
Then again, after Breezy got over the initial shock of seeing Sweetie naked, things between the two of them went on as if it was nothing. Maybe that what was so appealing about this lifestyle for Sweetie and her friends, the fact that it didn't matter what they looked like when their clothes were off. Breezy silently sniffed back tears at this revelation. Then something happened.
After folding up her robe and placing it on the kitchen table Apple Bloom smiled at Sweetie Belle, "You know AJ is going to take the afternoon making deliveries right?"
"Oh really I didn't know that." Sweetie said.
"Yeah, and you know what that means..." Apple Bloom snickered softly.
Sweetie mused for a moment before glancing at Breezy. It didn't take a rocket scientist to figure out the thought process here, Apple Bloom wanted Sweetie to join her.
"It's okay Sweetie," Breezy nodded, "I don't mind."
"Are you sure, because...."
"It's okay," Breezy said, "I need to do this."
That seemed to reassure Sweetie before she walked over to the kitchen table. Breezy watched enviously as Sweetie took off her clothes. She was so comfortable with her body, so brave with her display, and so relaxed in whatever state she was in. And even Apple Bloom, who Breezy had only met for a few minutes, had no problems walking around her own very open property with no clothing. Yet here Breezy was, afraid to even show her own face to them.
She was scared; there was no denial of that. She was burned. For a time she needed the mask to help her recover. Now... Breezy looked away from Sweetie as her friend folded her clothes, envious and distant.
Do not deny me...I protect you. I save you from their garish words; I save you from the cold and unfeeling world. Do not deny me!
Her heart began to race; sweat started forming on her brow as Breezy considered her alternatives. Breezy took several deep breaths trying to ease herself. Meanwhile Sweetie and Apple Bloom walked over to the back door that led to the farm proper. Sweetie noticed Breezy's condition and placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Hey is everything okay?" she asked.
Breezy snapped back into reality, "Oh yeah, everything's fine. I was just a little short of breath."
"You don't have any allergies do you?" Apple Bloom asked.
"Just to fire," Breezy smirked.
Sweetie flashed an expression of surprise before chuckling. Even Breezy was stunned by that comment, as sarcasm and dark humor weren't her specialty. In fact she couldn't remember a time she had ever joked in front of anyone. Was she this comfortable now with Sweetie that she could do this? Yet she was still stuck behind her mask.
"Hey that was funny," Apple Bloom smirked, "Well let's get started, I'll show ya around."
"Sounds wonderful," Breezy smiled. But before they could walk, Breezy stopped cold. They were naked, she was covered. They were comfortable, she was not. She was still stuck. "Actually," she mumbled, "Is there somewhere I could leave this?"
"I'm sorry?" Apple Bloom asked.
DON'T DENY ME!
Breezy didn't respond but instead she took off her mask and held it out to signify her answer. Much like Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom didn't flinch at the sight while Sweetie showed a proud beam. Steadying herself, Breezy put on a smile.
"Alright let's go," she said.
Nodding, Apple Bloom opened the door and led the trio outside. "Do gotta warn ya, we did a lot of hard work this morning so it might be a little dusty outside. That ain't gonna be a problem right?"
"Shouldn't be," Breezy answered.
"Cool, we just got some sheep out in the pastures if you wanna see them first." Apple Bloom smiled, "Just passed the farmhouse."
"Why would apple farmers need sheep?" Breezy asked, walking one step behind Sweetie who was walking one step behind Apple Bloom.
Apple Bloom chuckled, "Well we don't just grow apples here, though that's our main source, we got sheep and cows to help make wool and milk if the town needs it."
Breezy smiled as she walked, "Sounds tough."
"Nah we usually get most of the work done really easily." Apple Bloom smiled.
After passing around the farmhouse Apple Bloom led the trio out to the pen where the sheep roamed, the pigs rested, and the cows grazed.
"Careful it might be a bit muddy around here." Apple Bloom warned as they passed the animal pens.
"I can tell," Sweetie giggled, "You just put stuff down?"
"This morning," Apple Bloom smiled, "Nothing to worry about."
"What, did you just add water?" Breezy asked.
"Something like that yeah, we use it to keep the mud fresh for the pigs. Trouble is the mud tends to get everywhere." Apple Bloom replied.
Breezy nodded. The situation she was currently in was simply amazing. Here she was the only clothed person of three, outside, and blatantly walking around a farm as if it was normal. Sweetie and Apple Bloom seemed none the wiser about it, to them it was just normal. Bravery and boldness drove them to do this, while Breezy was left behind hiding within her pain. Breezy wanted to ask the nudists about their current feelings, but she knew straight away where that conversation would go.
It wasn't a bother to them, so why was it for her? While she mulled, Breezy looked around at the animals about as Apple Bloom toured. Each one seemed to enjoy his or her life without a care in the world. None of the pigs, sheep, cows, or even the family dog noticed or cared about Breezy's horrid face. None of them noticed that Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom were naked. To these animals it didn't matter. Repetitive point aside, Breezy conceded something. She was hurt and she was scared, but was this truly a punishment of the goddess's doing, or hers?
A little while later they reached what was classified as the CMC clubhouse, what CMC stood for Breezy wasn't entirely sure but it had a nice ring to it. They went inside and Sweetie offered the duo a lovely drink of ice cold lemonade. In no time at all the idea of playing cards came up and the trio were happily engrossed in a game of Go Fish.
"Oh by the way Sweetie," Apple Bloom asked, "Have you gotten things sorted out for the club fair this Tuesday?"
Sweetie looked up from the cards in her hands, "Oh yeah thanks for reminding me! I managed to get our table and posters set up, now I just need to find a painter."
Breezy raised an eyebrow, "Painter for what?"
It was then that Sweetie blushed, having realized she still hadn't told Breezy about the NLAC. Apple Bloom noticed it too, but decided to be more forward about it, "It's for our club's advertising. We can't be blatant about the fact we're a nudist club so we're gonna skirt around it."
"Wait. What nudist club? There's a nudist club on school grounds?" Breezy asked completely stunned.
Both Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle nodded.
Really Breezy had no right to be surprised by anything anymore, but this fact shocked her. "How...how long has it been active?" she asked.
"This is our first full year." Sweetie answered, "I'm club president and AB here is VP."
"And how many attend?" Breezy asked.
"We have eight officers and one club advisor, everyone else are just party attendee's." Sweetie smiled.
"I see, they all go naked?" Breezy asked.
"Yup," Sweetie answered, "We hold meetings every Tuesday, and parties every Friday."
Breezy nodded again, "And you guys are going to be advertising at the club fair?"
"We'll be dressed," Sweetie responded and explained the full story of the NLAC.
After Breezy internalized the whole story, she looked at Sweetie, "What time Tuesday?"
"Club hour."
"And the officers will be naked there too?"
"Yup."
"Huh, well good luck then." Breezy smiled, "Let's play another hand." |
Canterlot High Has A New What?! | Sweetie Gathers What?! | Chapter 12: Sweetie gathers WHAT?!
A cold wind blew through Canterlot, chilling the bones of the students as they made their way into school for Monday classes. Sweetie was no exception as she clutched the sleeves of her light jacket. There were times during the summer that she regretted her choice of going full commando when she had to wear clothes, but those times were due to the humidity making her sweat to the point he clothes could be see through. This time it was because her undergarments would've provided an extra layer of clothing against this cold.
Still, once she got inside the confines of Canterlot High, Sweetie felt warmer and much more comfortable. Today was an important day. It was only twenty four hours until Club Fair Day, and Sweetie was determined to find a painter who'd be willing to body paint. Thing was, it couldn't be any old painter, it had to be an artist who was good enough to make the body paint look believable.
And that was going to be difficult. There were pitfalls of course but that was tomorrow's problem. Today was finding the painter. The first trick was she was going to have to find a painter who attended the NLAC parties. That one wasn't hard, as body painting was a popular activity with the NLAC parties regardless of theme or idea. Furthermore, Dinky had already prepared a firm list of those who might be interested.
Even better, Dinky was waiting outside Sweetie's homeroom class, list in her hands.
"Hey Dink," Sweetie greeted "That the list?"
Dinky nodded, "Had my agents work around the clock to produce this one. I even highlighted the ones who I think might fit the best."
"Nice," Sweetie said taking the list and reviewed it. Mercilessly, and also horrifyingly, it was a short list of only twenty names. Sweetie bit her cheek as she reviewed the list, "One question..."
"What if we don't find the one among these?" Dinky answered for Sweetie, "I've put feelers out to the artistic community. Hopefully we won't need them but we'll see."
Sweetie nodded, "Alright, I'll take care of this at my break."
"I'll be there too," Dinky responded.
"Don't you have class today?" Sweetie asked.
"I've got a good cover." Dinky answered and left.
Sweetie watched the blonde haired girl leave with a raised eyebrow. But any question she had was shaken off with the comment, "It's Dinky, let her be." So Sweetie went to homeroom.
A little while later her free period came and Sweetie found her way to the Student Union Center. Sure enough Dinky was already inside and passing some time on an arcade machine sans any clothing.
"You're late." Dinky smiled not turning back to face Sweetie.
"What you mean, I got here on time." Sweetie giggled.
"Not soon enough to challenge me in Portal Combat," Dinky smiled.
"Nah I'll pass, that game's too smart for me." Sweetie giggled as she walked into the office to stow away her backpack. As she unbuttoned her shirt she paused, "You think it's a good idea for us to be naked for these interviews?"
"How do you mean?" Dinky replied.
"Well I know the first round of people you're bringing have been to parties and all, but we're gonna be seeing them one at a time right? That might take a while and I don't want to have to go through the rigmarole of waiting for everyone to undress." Sweetie responded.
Dinky grimaced, "Yeah but it's more fun this way."
"I'm not gonna argue that, but I think for practical sakes I think we should keep our clothes on." Sweetie nodded re-buttoning her shirt.
Dinky sighed, "Alright you win boss. Let me just finish this game okay?"
"No problem." Sweetie smiled.
A little while later, the interviews began. Unfortunately despite Dinky coming through on her promise, none of the myriad of names she put together had panned out. Many didn't want to just repaint the clothes back onto the skin of the officers. And those who did weren't convincing enough. After wasting half the period Dinky and Sweetie were both rightly disappointed.
"Forty Seven applicants, zero recommendations." Sweetie sighed.
"Personally I'm amazed we managed to get through that many with five minutes left to spare in the period." Dinky nodded.
Almost dejected, Sweetie slumped back into her chair, "Why is it always difficult to get anything done in this school?"
"How do you mean?" Dinky asked, "We managed to get things done okay."
"Yeah but the amount of hoops we have to jump through in order to do it." Sweetie sighed.
Dinky laughed, "Eh I've learned to live with it. Besides I think we've got five minutes before the period ends, think it'll be worth it for some more...."
But before Dinky could finish, a knock came on the entrance doors. Silence took over the duo for a moment before Sweetie cleared her throat, "Come on in."
At first Sweetie was expecting Breezy to hobble her way through the door, as if to follow up on yesterday's revelation about the NLAC. However she quickly quelled the thought. While part of her did want to bring Breezy to a party, even that part knew it was impossible. Still Sweetie put on the best smile she had for the next arrival.
It was a second year student Sweetie had seen around school a few times despite her never once attending the party. She had lightish tan skin with blue, green, white, and black hair arraigned in a mosaic design along with purple eyes. The outfit she had on screamed closest artist, nothing bright or flashy but hiding the inner genius within.
"Um, excuse me, is this the Student Union Center." She asked.
"Yes it is, can we help you?" Dinky asked unsurely.
"Oh good, um I heard through the grapevine that a club which operated out of here was looking for an artist." She mentioned.
Sweetie's eyes widened, "Oh yes that's us, come on in."
Dinky leaned over to Sweetie and whispered, "Never seen her at a party, think we can trust her?"
"Kinda desperate right now," Sweetie replied in a hushed tone. She then looked back at the artist, "So what's your name?"
"Gentell Couth," Gentell responded.
"Nice name," Dinky murmured.
"And well, what have you heard about this club?" Sweetie asked.
"Not much, which interested me. What club on a public school would be so hush hush about its activities?" Gentell giggled.
Dinky and Sweetie exchanged smirks. If this was last year, Gentell would be dismissed with a lie that'd be so outrageous she'd might believe it. However with Diamond's transfer and no logical reason for the school board to be interested in the NLAC's operations, Gentell's sudden appearance could be now treated much easier.
"Well get ready for a shock, cuz this is a doozy." Sweetie smiled. And with that she explained the club and why they needed Gentell. Once she was finished both Dinky and Sweetie waited for the answer with baited breath.
Gentell sat there for a moment pondering the idea, "Why not, it sounds like fun." |
Canterlot High Has A New What?! | Discovering What?! | Chapter 13: Discovering WHAT?!
A Nudist club, an actual nudist club operating on school grounds? Breezy thought to herself as she walked towards her first class. The conversation she had with Applebloom and Sweetie Belle the weekend before was still ringing rather loudly within her ears. As if her best friend being a nudist wasn't crazy enough, now Breezy had to contend with the possibility that everyone in Canterlot High were nudists.
And as she looked around the school, the prospect was both disconcerting and heartwarming to her. The disconcerting part was obvious enough, as while she was okay with seeing Sweetie's birthday suit seeing one of her male classmate's wasn't. Breezy wasn't gay, in fact part of her was rather intrigued to see some naked guys, however her good sense and her prevailing fear kept her from outright wanting to peruse that front.
Yet, Breezy couldn't deny the heartwarming aspect of it all. Every school she had attended before were so judgmental, so horrible towards her and the scars left by the inferno. Bullies had tormented her, strangers shunned her, and even those she considered friends made her feel less than adequate. Yet Canterlot High was different. Sure there were the occasional cliques, but even then the prototypical animosity was nonexistent. Was this because many of these students had been naked in front of each other?
It was an interesting thought to have indeed, but for Breezy it meant something more. She had been so terrified to even show her face around the school and yet the majority of the student body had zero problems walking around naked in each other's presences. But for it to happen on school grounds? That was just a bit too far in the unbelievable levels.
She needed answers. At first she thought about going the traditional route, asking one of the professors or even the student council. But then she remembered Sweetie's story from yesterday. The club may have been an open secret, but it was still a secret. So going that way would've been difficult, even during her free period.
She could've found Sweetie Belle and gotten the truth from her, but on in search of the truth never relays on one source. So there had to be another route she could go. With that, Breezy began to trek around the school looking for any loose thread she could pull upon. While the prospect of actually going up to students and asking them directly was still a horrifying thought for her, Breezy figured out the next best thing: eavesdropping.
Making her way through the cafeteria, Breezy tuned her ears to listen into any and all conversations she could. Most were about trivial topics, gossip, or conversations relating to the groups clique. However there were stray conversations about clubs, the only problem was none of them were about the NLAC. The prevailing conversation topics were on club choices.
Yet one thing remained constant, tomorrow's club fair. Then Breezy found her answer, quite by accident. She suddenly came to a stop after bumping into someone. The other girl was older than Breezy, defiantly a senior, with red and yellow hair almost akin to that of a flame.
"Oh I'm sorry!" Breezy squeaked.
"Oh no it's okay it's my fault." The senior said, "I wasn't watching where I was going. Were you looking for a seat?"
Breezy stammered for a moment. If they were at the beginning at the year, Breezy would've gotten out of this conversation as fast as she could. Yet now, she felt more comfortable talking, "Not really, I was just walking around."
The senior chuckled as she looked at Breezy, "You're Breezy Kite right? I've heard about you."
That made the air catch in Breezy's throat.
The senior laughed, "Don't worry good things I assure you. I'm Sunset Shimmer."
"Oh hello, nice to meet you." Breezy smiled, "Um I was wondering if you could help me out with something."
"Sure what's up?" Sunset asked.
"I was looking for information about a club, and I'm not sure if they're gonna be at the club fair tomorrow." Breezy asked.
It didn't take long for the senior to figure it out, "Ah I see, follow me I'll fill you in." She then lead Breezy over to a vacant table, "So what exactly do you wanna know about them?"
"Well, I um..." Breezy paused for a moment, "...I heard about them in passing and I wanted to know if it was true."
The senior smiled, "I can guarantee they are."
Breezy's eyes widened, "Oh really? Is it just like they said?"
The senior nodded.
Breezy pondered for a moment, "Then will they be at the club fair tomorrow?"
Another nod.
Breezy smiled behind her mask.
"Can I ask you something?" Sunset asked, "What's your reason for asking?"
Breezy mused for a moment before she answered, "It's not morbid curiosity if that's what you're asking. I just...I really can't explain why yet. Maybe attending or figuring it out would help me answer you."
The senior nodded, "Well if you want a nickel's worth of free advice: something like the NLAC is a good place for accepting yourself, not trying to find answers."
"How so?" Breezy asked.
But Sunset Shimmer didn't answer, she simply smiled. |
Canterlot High Has A New What?! | A Flurry Of What?! | Chapter 14: A Flurry of WHAT?!
"Hehe, that tickles," Pinkie giggled as the bristles of Gentell's brush touched her skin.
"And if you remain still this will go by a lot faster," Gentell said trying to gently brush against Pinkie's skin.
Pinkie tried her hardest to stifle giggles and twitches, but it was nothing more than a losing effort. Thankfully she was the last one that Gentell had to paint as Sweetie, Apple Bloom, Dinky, Silver, and Sunset were already in their painted on garb. Taking her eyes off Pinkie, Sweetie surveyed the room. Gentell's work was nothing short of stunning, the clothing was so lifelike that even a detailed inspection would struggle to find the difference. It wasn't without obvious holes, but the girls were going to be carrying enough flyers to make a snap cover.
A smug smirk took over Sweetie's face as she walked over to Apple Bloom, "So how do you feel?"
"Uh...sticky," Apple Bloom responded, "That normal?"
"That's just the paint drying, just stay standing for a few more moments you'll be fine. Just try not to scratch when it hardens." Gentell answered.
"And a simple shower will help us get this stuff off?" Apple Bloom asked again.
Gentell nodded, "Recommend hot water with no soap."
The girls nodded.
"Gotta say Sweetie, this looks pretty convincing." Sunset smiled putting her hands on her now dry hips.
"Oh totally Sunset," Sweetie smiled, "I think this'll work."
"Pretty bold idea too," Sunset laughed, "Though I still think something's gonna go wrong."
"Don't worry we're prepared for that." Dinky piped in.
"How so?" Sunset asked.
"I got agents at or near every exit so they can rush us out quickly as soon as anything happens as well as some members who will be roaming near us to help deter any gawkers. Simply put we'll be good." Dinky responded.
"You sure?" Silver Spoon asked.
Dinky smugly smiled, "Come on Spoon, it's me we're talking about."
"Alright I trust you." Silver sighed.
Sweetie glanced up at the clock, "It's almost time everyone remember their assigned jobs?"
"Sunny and I are holding up signs that flanks the table!" Pinkie said between giggles.
"Dinks and I will be manning the table," Silver answered.
"And that leaves you and me walking around handing out flyers." Apple Bloom answered.
"Very good, Gentell do you need help cleaning up?" Sweetie asked.
"Nah I'll be fine," Gentell smiled, "I'll be joining you guys after I close up the paint cans."
"Join as in...?" Silver asked.
"Oh don't worry I'm keeping my clothing on. Don't want to risk it just yet. Besides before I go can I just say you guys are so brave I'm almost jealous?" Gentell smiled, "Good luck out there."
Sweetie nodded, "Alright Pinkie'll meet up with us when she's done, let's start heading over."
With that the girls, minus Pinkie, started headed out towards the school gym. The initial shock of walking through the school with painted on clothing faded fast as the sounds of students waiting anxiously outside filled the halls. As they walked, confidence swelled within Sweetie Belle. More and more she was sure that this was going to work out.
Then, out of the corner of her eye, Sweetie spotted Breezy Kite limping her way over to the gym.
"Hey guys I'll catch up with you in a bit," Sweetie smiled as she broke away from the group. She then walked up to Breezy and tapped onto her shoulder, "Hey Breezy what brings you out here."
Breezy turned and faced Sweetie, "Oh...hi Sweetie I thought you'd be inside already."
"Nope, just making our way over now." Sweetie smiled, "You going to go inside?"
Breezy nodded in reply, "I...I wanted to see what clubs were available."
"Oh good for you!" Sweetie beamed. In an almost kneejerk reaction she hugged Breezy.
And as soon as she felt Sweetie on her, Breezy figured something out, "Sweetie, are your clothes...painted on?"
Sweetie blushed as she let her friend go, "Oh, um, yeah...please keep hush about it."
"Why," Breezy asked.
Sweetie grimaced and explained.
"Oh, oh okay," Breezy chuckled, "That's...weird...."
"Yeah but we couldn't think of a better way to advertise." Sweetie smiled.
Breezy coughed, "Um...what if you get found out?"
"Don't worry we'll be fine, besides what's a little risk?" Sweetie giggled, "I'll see you inside okay?"
"Uh before you go," Breezy said grabbing Sweetie's arm, "Do you know what types of clubs there will be?"
Sweetie raised an eyebrow, "Any particular reason why?"
Breezy stammered. She wanted to ask exactly where the NLAC's table would be, but going straight into that route might have Sweetie turn her off the path. Plus she was genuinely interested in what other activities there were, which was strange. In her previous school ventures, she didn't really care about clubs. Now...
"Just curious." Breezy answered.
Sweetie smiled, "Don't worry I'm sure you'll find something to your tastes. Now if you'll excuse me I have to go get the booth ready."
And with that Sweetie Belle left. With envious eyes Breezy watched her go. "She's so brave," she whispered, "If only I was so..."
That is not bravery, she is a display nothing more. Her mind spoke.
"But she's..." Breezy started.
She can only get away with that because she is perfect. Not a scar upon her body, not a deformity for anyone to mock. The Goddess blessed her, and she punished you.
Breezy felt her heart pound heavily against her chest. Her mind had a point and a good one. Her skin was scared, charred, and deformed. The beauty she would've loved every minute of robbed of her by the goddess for a punishment she did not know the cause of. Sweetie was comfortable in her own skin because she could be, no one would mock her for being that way.
If you tried that, what would the world think? Her mind reminded her. If you think they mocked you before...
"But...but this place is different..." Breezy pleaded softly, starting to clutch her chest.
Because they want you to feel that way! Have I lead you wrong before?!
Normally, the answer would be no. Yet this time Breezy wasn't so sure. Sweetie had been so genuine with her friendship and her support of Breezy. Even in the short time she had met Apple Bloom Breezy felt more at home and comfortable than ever before. Was it because her friends were nudists, or was it because her friends genuinely wanted to be her friends. Was it both?
A warm feeling took over Breezy as she thought about that. Friendship was such a foreign concept for her, and yet here she was in the middle of it. She looked back towards the gym. Sweetie had done so much to get Breezy to open up and be comfortable, even if it was just for one person. And that had resulted in a genuine interest in checking out clubs at Canterlot High.
DO NOT DENY ME!
But Breezy did so. Taking a deep breath she straightened her posture and looked at the gym. With determination she walked towards it. The noise of the crowd filled her ears and making her heart pound harder. Yet she soldiered on undaunted. Finally she walked through the threshold of the gym doors and into the gym proper. Instantly she was overwhelmed by the myriad of students and booths that were crammed within.
However after taking a deep breath to steady her nerves, Breezy rallied. As she made her way through the crowds, she could hear conversations of students either talking with clubs or about the clubs. At first she really wasn't paying too much attention, but after a few moments she began to look around at the booths and those running them. Many were the clubs that one would find normal in High school: mathletes, drama club, A/V club, and even the wide range of sports clubs.
It was then however that Breezy spotted the Glee club. Instantly she was drawn to the club, her inner songstress longing to be let out. But then her breath caught her throat, she was still in her mask and moreover her burns hadn't gone anywhere. What if they rejected her before even getting a chance to hear her voice? Fear taking over, Breezy backed off and kept walking around.
Much to her surprise, there were students walking around handing out flyers and/or pamphlets to anyone that wanted them. Breezy took a few but mostly kept to herself as she walked. Yet she found herself glancing back towards the general direction of the Glee club. Was Sweetie having more of an impact than Breezy realized?
As if on cue, when Breezy turned her head back forward she spotted the NLAC's table. True to form, all of the four club members present had their clothes painted on like Sweetie although it took Breezy a few seconds to process that information.
Outside of Sunset Shimmer, Breezy didn't recognize any of the other girls there and was very timid in approaching. That didn't stop others from approaching and inquiring about the seemingly plain looking club. Breezy wondered how they were going to divulge the true nature of the club, but soon chalked it up to information that was provided within the pamphlet.
Rallying, she approached the club desk, and to a very pink girl who was beaming ear to ear.
"Hello there do you want a flyer?!" She shouted at Breezy.
The sudden approach made Breezy a bit timid but she gulped that back, "Um...um...yes please..."
The girl handed it over, "So you interested?"
"I've...I've heard Sweetie talk about it..." Breezy answered. Instantly she wanted to retract that statement because the pink girl's face suddenly grew a bigger smiler, her eyes shimmered, she took a very large and deep breath in, stood up, and her body almost looked like it was about explode in a vibrant display of lights and laser.
Thankfully a calming, friendly hand grabbed Breezy's shoulder before wrapping around her neck and pulling her into a soft embrace, "Oh good you finally made it. Pinkie Pie this is Breezy Kite, the girl I told you about, Breezy this is our club's public relations officer and baker Pinkie Pie."
Instantly Pinkie Pie shut everything down and returned to a very gentle and controlled smile, "Oh hello there, it's a pleasure to meet you."
That made Breezy calm down, "Likewise, I hope to be seeing more of you."
Pinkie nodded, "Don't worry, and hopefully I'll have cupcakes next time. I didn't think we'd be getting this many guests."
Breezy chuckled, "It's okay I don't mind, thank you though." Breezy then turned to Sweetie as the duo backed away from the table, "Thank you for that."
"Yeah Pinks can be very upfront about her meet and greets. If I hadn't warned her about your timidity she would've pulled out a massive song and dance for you."
"Somehow I'd believe that." Breezy smiled.
Sweetie giggled, "So how did your club hunt go?"
Breezy was about to answer, but her gaze caught the general direction of the Glee Club causing her to meekly say nothing.
Sweetie noticed it, "Do you want someone to go with you?"
"No! No, no its fine I just..." Breezy mumbled.
Sweetie nodded, "Take your time, today's just us getting our names out there people can join up at any time."
Breezy sighed as she looked out towards the glee club, longing for the day when she could propel her voice to the school. This was a new feeling for her, for so long she had locked herself away trying to hide from a world that wanted nothing to do with her. But maybe, just maybe she could find her footing.
Then a thought entered her heart, "Sweetie, you said you guys meet Wednesday right?"
"Uh huh," Sweetie answered.
"Mind if I come by tomorrow to visit, I...I wanna sample something." Breezy said.
Sweetie's eyes widened with shock, "Breezy...are...are you sure you're..."
"Oh no not that," Breezy responded turning to face Sweetie, "But I...it's hard to explain right now..." She sighed and looked back towards the Glee Club.
Sweetie shifted her eyes towards the direction Breezy looked. Somehow she understood, "Alright, Student hour tomorrow." |
Canterlot High Has A New What?! | The Madness Of What?! | Chapter 15: The Madness of WHAT?!
The incessant ticking of the clock nearly drove Breezy mad as she sat at her Viola Organista trying to put the final touches on her presentation. She had the melody ready to be recorded and saved, she had the song's theme and rhythm, but she did not have the full lyrics. For Breezy this was usually the easiest part of song writing yet tonight she was finding it hard to focus.
Tomorrow she was set to attend a club meeting and preform for Sweetie, Apple Bloom, Pinkie Pie, and the other nude friends of the NLAC. Thankfully it wasn't a full party, just the officers meeting up to plan the weekend's party. But for Breezy tomorrow meant something more. Her doubts over joining the Glee club had skyrocketed to full on regret and she was now hell bent on removing them. In order to do that she would have to sing...on stage, in front of people, that were also naked.
Normally, that fact alone would be a massive turn off for Breezy. More so than actually being on stage in front of people. Her mask would keep her safe on that front, but unfortunately it would not save her from the sight of naked people. Seeing Sweetie was okay, seeing Sweetie and Apple Bloom was okay, but seeing multiple girls naked in front of her was very off putting. Granted she had seen all of them with painted clothing on, but now that wasn't going to be an option.
Then again her position on nudity and nudism hadn't changed. The fear that was brewing within her came down to mere vanity than anything else. The usual statements of proud and comfortable within one's skin rang in Breezy's head like an annoying earworm. And yet there she was all day with her mask and hood on, afraid to even approach a club whose members she hadn't even met. Simply put, her fear had taken over.
And now she was left in solace, sitting at her Viola Organista, getting rattled by the clock ticking the seconds away. As if transfixed by the sound, Breezy drew her eyes towards the clock. The face read twelve past midnight, Breezy was way away past her bedtime on a school night. She needed to go to bed, but she also needed to finish her song. Looking back at the music notebook she had open over the keys, Breezy felt herself get discouraged. She wasn't going to get anywhere so she got up and made her way over to the couch.
It wasn't rare for her to fall asleep near the Organista if she had stayed up too late creating music, but she did need to set an alarm so she wouldn't over sleep. As she took off her mask she slumped over onto the couch, her muscles ached and her body begged for sleep. But as she lay her head down upon a pillow and drew some blankets that were once covering the couch over her, her brain kept racing for a solution. Breezy closed her eyes, trying to force the issue.
Then as she looked at the inside of her eyelids and tried to imagine a dream, she thought. Sweetie hadn't flinched too horribly when she saw Breezy's burned face for the first time. So why should she flinch preforming in front of a few people who were naked? As she thought more on it, something insidious popped into her head, or rather returned into her head: the clock's tick. Back and forth, back and forth, back and forth it went over and over and over never ceasing never stopping.
Breezy stuffed a pillow over her ears hoping to get the sound out but it was too little avail. Giving up she simply let the clock tick away while she lay on the couch wondering. But then as she wondered about tomorrow and what it will bring, Breezy allowed the clock's tick to turn into the tick of a metronome. Once its rhythm became melodic instead of annoying, she drifted back into a memory...
"...yes it can be very scary when you're first trying it out. Even more so for people who do have lots of scars or deformities. But there's one thing I remembered from a book I read: the only thing to fear is fear itself."
Nudists needed no protection, no secrets for them to hide, it must've been so comforting for them to have a safe environment in that regards. And then, it hit Breezy.
"Safe..." she whispered, "Safe and...secure."
Yes my friend, you are....with me... Her brain spoke.
Breezy was safe, even with her new friends, and they wanted her to be safe as well. Maybe....
"That's it!" she exclaimed as softly as her emotions would allow.
Not bearing a second's thought she leapt off the couch and raced to the Viola Organista. Turning it and the recording material on Breezy began to play the melody she had written earlier. Yet this time words raced through her mind and into her mouth before being sung to the microphone. Everything was within the moment nothing fully thought out, for that would come later with polish and proof reading.
What she put together was raw, unvarnished, and yet safe for her. Much like "Behind the Mask," Breezy found herself singing about her life and her surrounds more than any abstract thought or world shaking event. As she had come to know this was much easier and more expedient. And now she was on fire, blazing away a perfectly tuned and well written song that she would present for her friends tomorrow.
For if they would not be afraid of presenting their naked forms to her, why should she be afraid of singing for them.
They will hate you... Her mind whispered, As they have all done before.
"No," Breezy spoke aloud as she finished the song, "They will not."
Can you be so sure, hasn't history repeated itself before?
"Sweetie would never, and besides its a few people what harm is there?" Breezy smiled as she shut everything down.
That is how it starts! A few people here and then a few people there until before you realize it you will be a sideshow act for Sweetie Belle before the whole school!
"I am not a sideshow!"
Yes you are, we both know that. The goddess has bestowed this punishment upon us both and here we are. Every time you push for a change you get hurt what good will it do for us if you hurt yourself again!? They are using you! They will betray you! It happened before it will happen AGAIN!
Breezy bit her lower lip, somehow she knew her conscious was right. But tomorrow was set and for the good of her friendship, she would go on. Because maybe, just maybe, this time things would be different. |
Canterlot High Has A New What?! | A Song For What?! | Chapter 16: A song for WHAT?!
"79 signatures..." Silver Spoon smiled as she went over the list for the fifteenth time, "79 whole signatures, this week's party is going to be something."
"So that's another 79 added on to a total of 110?" Apple Bloom asked, "You sure we can fit them all into the center?"
"Never stopped us before," Sunset giggled, "Though it does bug me that we no longer have the full run of the school."
"Vice Principal Luna told us flat out that it was only a summer time thing. Now that the school year is in play we're going to have to be more careful." Sweetie reminded.
"You do realize we walked around naked yesterday with nothing but body paint on." Dinky asked.
"And that's as far as I wanna push my luck this year," Sweetie said.
"Was still fun though," Apple Bloom giggled.
"Regardless, let's focus on the next party." Sweetie reminded the girls.
The officers, including Miss Cheerilee, were relaxing within the NLAC enjoying the club hour. Of course they were naked, but a slight chill was in the air so both Sunset and Sweetie were wrapped in towels fully. Miss Cheerilee kept her bottom covered with towels while Apple Bloom and Silver Spoon had the towels draped over like Blankets. Only Dinky and Pinkie seemed immune to the chill, which Sunset had promised would go away in a moment or so.
As mentioned the club fair was a smashing success. A few keen eye students caught on to the fact that the NLAC presenters weren't dressed but kept it too themselves. Outside of that, and a decent dodge by Pinkie Pie to keep Principal Celestia from figuring things out, nothing bad happened at all. It was surely a far cry from last year where every member seemed to keep an eye over their shoulder for Diamond Tiara. At points Sweetie felt like she missed it, but then she remembered that times were better now.
So that left planning for Friday and the first party of the new school year. While the theme motif had carried the club through the summer months, the idea pit had run very dry for the upcoming semester. The officer's ideas ranged from the impractical to the downright ludicrous, which constantly compounded the fact that this year the NLAC would not have the run of the school.
Still, the show must continue and ideas were continuously thrown out. As the impossible were thrown out one by one, Sweetie kept glancing at the doorway. Breezy was due any minute and Sweetie wasn't entirely sure if it was a good idea if they all should be naked when she arrived. Then again Breezy now knew what she was getting into so all pretense of dodging was gone from the word go. So regardless of the scenario, Breezy was going to sing in front of naked people.
And it was at that moment an idea struck Sweetie's head, "Oh! What about a musical theme?"
Silver Spoon raised an eyebrow, "A musical theme? Like Broadway or..."
"Both," Sweetie responded, "I mean we don't have to break out into song every ten minutes but the feeling is there."
Even Miss Cheerilee smiled, "It would be nice to indulge in some classical performances for once."
"Any objections or better ideas?" Sweetie asked. After a moment of silence, a flurry of 'no's' came from the collective group. Sweetie smiled, "So it's settled then."
Around that exact moment, a gentle knock came at the front door.
"Oh good," Sweetie smiled, "That's Breezy!"
But just before Sweetie got up, Sunset took Sweetie's arm, "Wait a second Sweetie, are you sure it's a good idea to bring Breezy here?"
"What do you mean Sunset?" Sweetie asked.
"Look I know she wants to learn about the club and all but, I think it might be better if Miss Cheerilee, Pinkie, and I get dressed." Sunset explained.
"Aww why do I have to get dressed?" Pinkie whined.
"Because we're older, and slightly more developed too. It might be too overwhelming for her." Sunset explained.
"Sunset's right, even though Breezy's made strides seeing all of us might be off putting. Even if we had towels on." Miss Cheerilee added.
Sweetie pondered a moment. It was a valid point and Sweetie remembered the first time they all hung out naked and how off put she felt. Then again, part of her felt she would be doing a disservice to Breezy's wonder about the club.
Sighing, Sweetie nodded, "If it's for the better. I mean she's already seen me and AB naked so seeing Dinks and Silver won't destroy her."
"Well to be fair," Silver Spoon interjected, "She did see all of us naked yesterday."
"We were covered in paint and trying to not get fully noticed," Sunset said leading Miss Cheerilee and a reluctant Pinkie back to the locker rooms, "There's a difference."
Conceding that point, Silver stood down. Sweetie then walked over to the CHS doors, making sure to wrap a towel around her in case it wasn't Breezy, and opened it partially.
Outside, Breezy had been doing her hardest to steady her breath as she clutched her CD and lyric sheet. She was about to walk into a room full of nudists, and she was the only one who was gonna remain clothed. That prospect alone was difficult but she also was going to sing in front of them. The term scary was too mild for her.
Yet when that door opened and Breezy's eyes met Sweetie's she relaxed, "Oh hey Sweetie."
"Breeze you made it!" Sweetie exclaimed, "How are you feeling?"
"Anxious...but ready!" Breezy smiled behind her mask.
Sweetie nodded and opened fully to let her in. Breezy walked in and stopped immediately when her eyes caught the others. Apple Bloom, clutching a towel in her hand, was standing up and walking over to Breezy. And much to her surprise a blonde hair girl Breezy assumed was Dinky Hooves was present too, a towel covering her like a cloak. Though the most surprisingly of all was the last person present, the high society girl Silver Spoon. The funny thing was, they were all naked aside from towels.
"Ah Breezy good to see you." Miss Cheerilee said walking in from nearby rooms. Following her was Sunset Shimmer and a very dejected Pinkie Pie.
Breezy's eyes widened as she saw the sign "Women's Locker rooms" from the door they had just exited. Instantly she put two and two together. At first she was stunned beyond all reasonable understanding. Then she quickly recovered and secretly chuckled at herself for being surprised by this.
Breezy cleared her throat as Sweetie closed the door behind her, "Hello everyone...my name is Breezy Kite." A flurry of greetings responded to Breezy's introduction. Gathering her nerves, Breezy looked around the room, "I hope I'm not interrupting."
"Not at all, we were just wrapping up actually." Silver Spoon responded.
Nodding, Breezy felt a slight chill, "It's a bit cold down here isn't it?"
"Yeah heat's broken, I hope that's not a problem," Sweetie smiled.
Breezy shook her head, "Oh, Sweetie said it was okay if I...um...I would see if this song I wrote was..."
Sunset giggled as she rejoined the others, "Don't worry Sweetie already explained. It's just we don't have any instruments to play."
"Uh not that's okay," Breezy responded trying her hardest not to sound defensive, "I made a recording."
"Oh cool! I knew there was a good reason I brought this CD player!" Pinkie shouted pulling a CD player from out of nowhere.
Trying to not be surprised, Breezy nodded and accepted the player before Sweetie ushered her over to the stage. As Sweetie set up a mic for Breezy, Breezy put the CD player on the floor behind her and popped in the disk. Her nerves began to take hold of her, but she was too far in now to back out.
Then she had a revelation. She was about to sing, and her mask was still on. Usually whenever she sang, she would take the mask off to allow her chin to move with her mouth. However, the obvious problem was she was about to reveal her gruesome face to the club officers.
Yet four out of the seven were naked in front of her, and the other three only dressed because of the chill, so really Breezy's fears were unfounded. If they were comfortable with being naked in front of her, why should she be afraid?
They will hate you! They will fear you! You know it as well as me! You are a monster!
Breezy shook it off, took a deep breath, before standing up and turning to face the microphone, "Um...is it okay if I...take off my mask."
After the crowd agreed, Breezy quickly revealed her face. Much to her comfort, no one seemed scared or off put. With that done, Breezy nodded at Sweetie, who promptly pressed play on the CD player. Slowly, the mournful sound of Breezy's Viola Organista began to play. It was a gentle music, one filled with sadness and timidity, yet as if reaching out from the deepest of chords there was a firmness, almost like a helping hand.
Taking a deep breath, Breezy began to sing:
♫I Remember there was mist♫
♫Shadowy fog, thicker than a cloud♫
♫I remember candles lit♫
♫Broken voices screaming without sound♫
The tone of the music matched Breezy's voice, which seemed scared and alone, crying out for someone to help. Then the music slowly rose, as if the helping hand was pushing its way through the thick, sad music, to grab the outstretched hand of Breezy's voice.
♫I was lost and lone, weakened by terrible pains♫
♫I was dismayed and broken, alone in the flames♫
♫But then you came to find me♫
♫To help and set me free♫
In a split second, the sad music became uplifting and angelic. Breezy's own dispositions changed slightly as well and her gaze seemed to be directed not on Sweetie but on something no one could accurately explain.
♫My angel my savior♫
♫I sing for thee♫
♫Always by my side♫
♫To guide me♫
♫My angel my freedom♫
♫I entrust to thee♫
♫Come to me♫
♫My angelic key! ♫
Slowly the music rounded off and came to a gentle end. The small crowd stood in applause for Breezy who simply blushed at the act. Sure the song wasn't very long, in fact it was one of her shortest ever, but it still got the point across. Even more so was the look on Sweetie Belle's face.
Breezy had come so far, now Sweetie was going to make one final push to get Breezy back into the real world. |
On The Rocks | pre | "I haven't thought about it in years. And I was real young, so the memories are a little fuzzy. But just the words 'Red Arrows' bring back so many happy thoughts. Nothing but good vibes and long days out in the sun with the cousins from my Dad's side of the family."
"How did you like the aerial displays?" Allegra asked.
"Errr..." I fidgeted sheepishly in my seat. "Well, see I don't really remember much about the shows themselves. I was young last time we went, like six or seven, and... yeah, all the stunts just kinda blurred together. But they were brightly clothed so I could easily spot them in the sky, and doing all this cool stuff I could have watched all day."
Allegra gave what Trottingham society would probably call a 'polite chuckle'. "Well I suppose it's not entirely fair to expect a pre-teen to memorise an entire flight show."
"Well, I can say this much," I said, as the most important memory hit me like a tonne of bricks. "There was one show, I think it was the last one we did before that side of the family moved to Whinnyapolis. And instead of the rock music they normally played in the background, they tried something different. They played some electronic music, I think some real early era drum and bass? Just... the moment I heard the music, I knew that was what I wanted to do with my life. Make music."
"Is that when you got your cutie mark?" Allegra asked.
"You got your cutie mark trying out a set of turntables in a music shop near your home, as I recall you telling me," Octavia said.
I nodded. "And the only reason I begged Dad to take me was because I'd heard that music at the air show. Apparently I was talking about it the whole train ride home, and they took me there just to shut me up, but once I got my mark they couldn't not buy me the turntables. Jeez, I can't believe I forgot all about that."
"Well what a marvellous way to discover oneself," Allegra gushed. "And a most excellent choice on the part of your parents to take you."
"Yeah, I definitely owe them for that."
"Indeed. Please, tell us about them. What do they do for a living?"
I cleared my throat. "So, my mom Arpa, she's kind of... freelance, I guess? She's generally viewed as an expert in Mexicolt culture, specifically traditional musical instruments. A lot of universities across the country hire her to give lectures and performances. And if there's any community centres nearby, while she's there she'll try and go do free workshops for local residents, just share her love for her heritage, y'know?"
"She sounds like a delighful mare," Allegra said eagerly. "And your father?"
"Oh Dad is awesome, he helps so many ponies. He's one of Manehatten's most respected..."
Huh?
Did Staccato just tsk at me?!
Just brush it off, Scratch. Octy's counting on you to keep the peace, stay polite, don't rise to anything that he does. If he wants a fight, he's just cast out a net, and you'd be insanely dumb to throw yourself into that net.
"You got something you wanna say?" I asked, tilting my head towards him with one eyebrow tactically raised high above the other one.
Yep, right into the net. He got me.
"Oh no, nothing of any significance," he replied with a roll of his eyes. "Only, confirmation of what I already expected to be true."
Eerie quiet filled the room. I was only vaguely aware of the rain drumming against the window, and of Octavia and Allegra's rigid postures. Which, in hindsight, was probably as loud a warning of danger as I could have expected from them at that moment in time. But unfortunately right then, I wasn't really able to process anything besides Staccato's words.
"And what, tell me, exactly is it you had expected?" I asked, slowly and quietly.
For the first time, an actual smile formed on his face. But not a happy smile, no no no, this dude wasn't going to give me that level of decency. I've seen the kind of smile on his face before. This was an 'I was right the whole time' kind of smile. In one word? Smug.
"I had expected," Staccato said, leaning forward and playfully resting his head on his hooves. "That my child would present to me a suitor of ill repute. The famed DJ Pon-3, in my very own home, what an honour indeed! A foul mouthed... 'homosexual' of little class and prone to violent tendencies. She is easily provoked, has poor table manners, and would act aggressively towards somepony generous enough to open their doors and shelter her. And finally, she lets slip precisely why she is predisposed to act the way she does. Because in a kennel of pure-breeds, she is a mutt. Her mother hails from a land of savages and in-breds, and her father is highly respected in his field, only in a city of ingrates and peasants so the accomplishment is hardly one to brag about. So I ask myself, is it nature or is it nurture? And the universe seemed to reply to me with great clarity, that it is equal parts one and the other. Oh, I had expected you, Vinyl Scratch. And you have not disappointed me one iota."
In the silence that followed, the rain thrashing against the window seemed to intensify. Honestly, I kinda mentally clocked out. I don't know for how long. It could have been seconds, it could have been minutes. Fuck, it could have been an hour for all I knew. I can only remember the most basic of sensations. My mouth wide open in a gawp, the vein pulsing on my forehead, the adrenaline racing through my heart as I held back with all my willpower against the overwhelming urge to beat this dude into a fucking pulp until his face was an unrecognisable chunk of bloodied flesh.
But if he'd been baiting me before, he'd just played his best card.
However, if I stayed in that room for just one minute longer, I would beat him to within an inch of his life. And then keep beating for a few more metres. His smug smile had evolved ever so slightly into a sneer, one that seemed to be saying 'alrighty then, your move' to me. So against impossible odds, I came back to myself and decided I could rise above this. At least, for now.
"Please excuse me," I said, trembling as I pushed my chair back and rose to my hooves. "I need to use the bathroom."
In my state of... well, trying to maintain composure, I only got the slightest look at the other two ponies at the table. Allegra was wide-eyed, one hoof covering her mouth as if she was trying to process what was happening. And Octy... oh, poor Octy... her eyes were practically bulging out of her head, her jaw was hanging low, and she had a long streak running down her face. Like a single tear had smeared her makeup as it left her eye and slid down her cheek.
But, I couldn't stop. I had to get out. Even when the waiting staff started carrying trays of food through the door, I just politely stepped out of the way and made a quick escape once the doorway was clear.
What the fuck had just happened?
Like, I knew the dude didn't like me that much. He'd made it pretty damn clear from the moment I got here. But that was just... brutal. Did I piss this guy off in a previous life or something? I wish I could have been trying to rationalise everything that had just happened as I wandered aimlessly through identical looking corridors, but honestly, my inner monologue was in as much of a stunned silence as I was.
Oh yeah, identical looking corridors. Which meant I got lost pretty much immediately.
After... actually, I don't know how long I was walking. But after some time, I had to stop and take some steadying breaths. I'd come here to try and understand her family, her upbringing, why she'd never had the courage to tell me about the fact that she was transgender until I stumbled onto it by chance. And while I was starting to figure out exactly the level of hostility she must have had to deal with when she was growing up, I couldn't begin to unpack why her dad was throwing so much hostility at me. And the attacks aimed at my parents as well? That dude had never even met them, so who the fuck was he to judge?!
Yeah it's becoming cliche at this point, but again, I don't know how long I was stood there just focusing on my breathing. I just needed to calm myself down, then I could work out how to get back to that dining room. Once back in there I could apologise for excusing myself while food was being served, and for any hostilities on my part today. I was just nervous. Yeah, nervous. Then I could ask him to explain what caused him to have prejudices for both Mexicolt and Manehatten, and methodically break down why my parents break away from those molds and excel as members of society. Maybe if we talked things out, I could look past the things he'd said about them.
Okay, I had a plan. That helped.
As my slow breathing began to bring me back down to reality, I became more aware of my surroundings again. The samey-same sections of corridor in the crazy house apparently had one single exception. When I'd stopped to gather my thoughts, I'd rested my hoof against what I'd thought was a section of wall. Now I saw it actually the side of a huge, wooden cabinet. I stepped around it to get a better look. Inside, behind glass doors, were dozens and dozens of photos, sat in frames on the shelves.
Now, admittedly out of curiosity, I stepped forward for a closer look. The photos were all of Octy. Young Octy, as she'd grown up. There were so many pictures, and while I recognised some from her album, there were even more that... well, I understood why she hadn't wanted to keep hold of. Because she was clearly still a colt in them. But as I walked past shelf after shelf of the complete history of her life, I could see that they'd been arranged with love and care regardless of the change that happened when she was seven. Maybe she viewed everything before that as a period to forget, but whoever had arranged these had clearly wanted to commemorate Octy's journey from downhearted colt to happy, confident mare.
So, it was definitely her mom who'd set up this display.
There was even an MRI scan framed there. Yeah, seriously. Her mom had printed and framed an ultrasound image of an Octavia who was still in the womb. I couldn't help but be impressed. Her dad may be a piece of work, but her mom was all kinds of awesome.
And that's when I spotted what was wrong.
There, in the scan. Literally, as I went to step away and keep looking at the photos, I saw it. At least, I thought I could see it. It didn't make any sense to me, but there it was. For a moment, I wondered if it could be somepony else's scan mixed up in Octy's pictures. But there, clearly marked, was a timestamp dated three months before Octy was born. So why were there...
I yelped in surprise as I heard a well-spoken voice say 'excuse me please'. Turning around, I saw the stallion from the waiting staff, the one who'd escorted me and Octy to the dining room. He was carrying an empty serving tray. Maybe on his way back to the kitchens? I was stood in the middle of the corridor, right in his way. And for a moment, instinct took over and I stepped aside. I got a 'thank you, ma'am' in return. But as he was halfway down the corridor, I called out to him.
"Hey, wait a sec!"
He stopped and turned back to me. "Can I help you, ma'am?"
"Yeah, yeah you can. Come here a sec." Without hesitation, he walked back over to me. As he approached, I gestured to the MRI scan. "This is Allegra's, yeah?"
"Yes ma'am, I believe so."
"So why are there two foals?"
He raised both his eyebrows. "I... I'm deeply sorry ma'am," he stuttered. "I assumed Miss Octavia would have informed you? When Lady Allegra was expecting, she was carrying twins. Two colts, Philharmonic and Symphonic. But unfortunately, Master Symphonic passed away before the pregnancy came to term. Allegedly, the doctors said it was a miracle that Master Philharmonic managed to survive."
I felt my heart plummet into my stomach. Allegra had lost a child during pregnancy... Sweet Luna, nothing I've ever felt before could even begin to compare to how I felt at that moment. And that was just me being told about it. How it must have felt being there, being her, having a young colt that never even had a chance... just gone. Before even getting to see daylight. And Staccato, losing a son and probably having to support Allegra through it all. Suddenly, I was feeling something for him that up to that point, I never would have expected. I felt sorry for the guy.
And Octy... she'd lost her twin brother. Fuck, I didn't even bother wondering why she'd never mentioned it. I know I'd never want to talk about it, if the pony who was supposed to grow up alongside me had never even lived long enough to get out of the womb.
The stallion gave me a look of sympathy. "I'm terribly sorry to be the one to inform you, ma'am. The situation is difficult to wrap one's head around."
"Yeah, it is," I replied. My voice sounded alien to me, almost hollow.
"And to think," he added. "Losing young Master Philharmonic only a few years later... one can't begin to imagine the pain they carry with them every day."
Huh?
"What? They... they lost Philharmonic?"
The look in his eyes was startling, and for a few moments he just stared at me, his mouth wide open as his jaw bobbed up and down, trying to produce words that never made it out. His ears drooped as he made to walk away, but I grabbed his hoof before he could.
"Ma'am, I..."
"Just tell me what you mean, why did you say they lost Philharmonic?"
"Miss Octavia was adopted by the Lord and Lady after Master Philharmonic was killed in an accident."
My entire body felt like it had turned to solid ice. "What accident, what happened?"
"I'm terribly sorry ma'am, I don't know," he jabbered as he wrenched his hoof free from my grasp. "The whole incident happened long before I was hired, young Mistress Octavia had already left to attend university when I started here."
"But.. but that's..."
"Ma'am I cannot apologise enough," he added, backing away from me. "But I must return to my duties."
I was only consciously aware of watching him turn to scurry back down the corridor before I whited out completely.
The next thing I knew, Octavia's face was inches from mine, her eyes wide and full of tears as she was desperately calling out my name.
"Vinyl, please, answer me!"
"Octy," I gasped. Why did it feel like I'd been suffocating? "What... what's going... on?"
"Oh thank Celestia, I think you were having some sort of panic attack. I came looking for you a few minutes after you left the dining room, and I found you here. You were hyperventilating, I was calling for you but it was like you couldn't see or hear me. Oh... oh Vinyl, what happened?"
"I... I... uhh..." I stuttered. My mind fumbled for an explanation. And then my eyes fixed on the framed ultrasound picture in the cabinet behind her. "Octy, were you adopted?"
Her face... oh mare, when I'd started coming back to her, her expression had shifted to one of relief. But asking that question, the shift from relief to absolute horror was instantaneous. She let go of my shoulders, which I hadn't even noticed she'd been holding onto, and took a step back. In her panic, she bumped up against the glass door of the cabinet behind her.
"Wh... why would you ask that?" she asked, her voice trembling.
I recounted everything that the stallion had said to me, and watched her carefully as I did so. The look on her face, the subtle shaking of her head, her eyes looking at pretty much anything but me... I'd say we were onto a subject she'd been desperate for me not to find out about. And once I'd finished explaining, I just had one question for her.
"Is it true?"
"Vinyl..." she whispered, biting her lip as her eyes locked onto a spot on the floor between my front hooves.
"Octy," I sobbed, my voice breaking. "I need to know what's happening here. Please, I'm sorry if it hurts to talk about, but can you just give me some damn decency and not lie to me?!"
Her eyes locked with mine. Her tears were flowing freely now, and I could feel them rushing down my own face too. I hated seeing her like this, her lips trembling and her eyebrows creased. But I couldn't stand it any more to have her keep me in the dark. When she spoke, her voice was strained, like she was carefully examining every word before she said it, as if one wrong step would set off an unstoppable tsunami of tears.
"Yes, I did lose my twin brother before we were even born. But no, I am not adopted. The adoption story is a cover-up that Father came up with, rather than admit his child was transgender. Philharmonic Melody was run over and killed by a carriage while out on a family excursion, and in their grief, they visited a local orphanage where they found a little filly who resembled their lost child almost exactly. That was the official version of events that Father told everypony. Mother was strongly against it, and would have preferred we stuck to the true story. But Father deemed it better to have ponies think his surviving son had been stricken down by cruel fate, than admit I was besmirching the family name by transitioning from male to female."
My mind reeled as she finished talking. The words she'd said... I understood the words themselves, but when combined, the finished sentences just didn't make sense to me.
Her dad... had told the world his child had died, rather than openly admit that she had been born in the wrong body. Put on a pretence of adopting a young filly who miraculously resembled his lost son, instead of just being honest and celebrating Octavia's commitment to transitioning and becoming her true self. He'd made her live her life with the pretence that she hadn't been born to them, because he didn't want ponies to think his child was transgender.
I am a very tolerant mare. But it was at this point that my mind snapped. |
On The Rocks | Part V ~ Closing Time | My head... ow, my head.
As I drifted back into consciousness, the blinding lights in my face became unbearable, so I had to bring my hoof to my eyes to block it out. But all my muscles felt disjointed and weak, and did I mention my head? Oh dear Celestia, Luna and whatever other horses they might have rode in on, my head hurt. But not like... it's kinda hard to describe. Not like painful kinda hurt, more like... everything was floating around and feeling spacey, and it hurt to try and process this? It was super weird.
"I think she's coming to," said an echoey voice with a funny accent.
"Vinyl! Vinyl! Wake up," called out a similarly echoey voice with an accent that was just as weird, but this voice was more familiar. Something about it made my heart flutter.
"Mamá," I groaned. "Me duele la... la cabeza..."
"Vinyl," said the familar voice again. "Oh Vinyl..."
"Por favor... apagar las luces..."
"Miss Melody, do you understand what she's saying?"
"Exactly as I've been trying to tell you, the lights are too bright, give me her glasses."
"Now listen here, we've explained this to you but..."
"No!" shouted the familar voice, a little too loudly for my comfort. "I've told you exactly what she needs three times now, the lights are too bright and her eyes are sensitive. Now give me her glasses right now before I shove that stethoscope up your arse and tell you exactly what your damn heartrate is!"
Damn... this pony had moxie...
I let out a low moan as something moved my hoof away from my face, and for a moment there was nothing but my eyelids barely blocking out the bright light shining down on me. But then some weight pressed down on the bridge of my muzzle and around my eyes, and the light dimmed a little. Not completely, but enough for it to no longer be painful to me. So, I dared to open my eyes.
It took a bit of blinking to clear the gunk out, but eventually things faded into view. The room I was in was white, giving strong impressions of being frosty and sterile. Slowly my senses started coming back to me, enough for me to put the word 'hospital' at the front of my mind. Several tubes and wires were hooked up to my forelegs, connecting me to a large machine that was being examined by a mare in white uniform. A mask covered her entire muzzle, which was causing the lower part of her own glasses to fog up slightly.
Feeling a weight press gently on one of my forelegs, I looked down to see a grey hoof had come to rest there. Turning my head to get a better look at its owner, I felt butterflies in my stomach as I saw her. Brain fog is a bitch, of course her voice was familiar. I love this mare.
"Oc...ty?" I muttered, fighting the haze my mind was bogged down in.
She gave me a series of small shushing noises that was... actually kinda soothing. "It's okay Vinyl, you're okay. I've got you." She cracked a huge smile that made my stomach start doing barrel rolls as tears rolled down her face. Or was it rain water? Her mane was soaking wet, like she'd just gotten out of a shower.
I looked around, confused. This... this wasn't the Ponyville hospital? And the nurse, assuming that she was the pony that Octavia had just been arguing with, her accent was not a common one in Ponyville. Like, at all. Where the heck were we? There was a strange tightness wrapped around my forehead, that it took me a moment to realise was some kind of bandage.
And then... as the nurse starting checking me over... it all started flooding back as my brain began to root itself back into place. The floaty feeling faded away as memories resurfaced. Train. Butler. Mansion. Gazebo. Dress. Dinner. Photographs...
"Octy..." I muttered, trying to keep my breathing under control. "What happened?"
She shifted uncomfortably in her seat. "How much do you remember?"
"Everything up until you told me about your dad, how he... he..."
"Okay, okay," she said gently.
I couldn't finish the damn sentence. Just... what her dad had done... it fucking broke me just thinking about it. But Octavia not only had to live through it, she had to live with it. Her whole life, she's carried the weight of that on her shoulders. I don't know how she could stand it.
"Well, after... that," she began, talking slowly. I realised at this point, she'd changed out of her white dinner gown, and had washed all the makeup off her face. "I think something just broke, inside you. I've never seen you that angry, ever. It was rather intimidating, to be quite frank with you."
Well I guess if I was ever gonna be the angriest I had ever been, having it be on behalf of my marefriend isn't the worst way to go about it.
"Then you just stormed off. And I followed you. I don't think you were thinking rationally at all, you kept going down random corridors, getting lost, doubling back on yourself. Blinded with rage, I suppose."
"Yep. Rage, hehehe, that's why I kept err... getting lost. Yeah."
She gave me a knowing smirk. "Yes, no doubt. But eventually you found your way back to the dining room. Mother and Father were just finishing their first course of dinner and had been wondering where we were. I was astounded that Father had the nerve to carry on in such a blase manner, considering the awful things he'd said to you, but you were rather quick to deliver some karma."
"What'd I do?"
"You strolled right over to him, turned him to face you and... umm... well, to use the word ponies around Trottingham use to describe it, you... you nutted him."
I gagged. "Ew, gross! What... how did... why?!"
"No no no," Octy exclaimed, waving her hooves dismissively. "Cultural differences, Vinyl. The Trottingham use of the word is not remotely sexual. Here it means 'to headbutt'."
"Whuh... I headbutted him?!"
"Mmmhmm. Pretty hard too, it knocked you both out cold. Though it seems even in your fit of rage, you had enough sense to turn your head slightly at the last moment. Otherwise Father would have ended the evening skewered like a kebab. Unfortunately your logical reasoning must have already been skewered, as you turned your head so that you hit him with the bump that you recieved from Bleathman this morning."
"How long was I out?"
"Not terribly long, about half an hour. Just enough time for us to summon an ambulance and get you both here. They tried to throw your glasses away, but luckily you've got me here, I wouldn't let them. You started rolling around and moaning just after they hooked you up with all the tubes and wires."
"And er..." I went to scratch my elbow, but some of the wires caught on the frame of the bed. "What about your old man, how's he doing?"
She shrugged. "I can honestly say that I don't know right now. He was still unconscious in the ambulance, Mother accompanied him away and I insisted that I was to stay with you."
A pang of guilt hit me. 'Don't rise to anything', that was the only damn request she'd made, and I couldn't even pull that off. Jeez... talk about muddying the water. Sure, Staccato did a good job of that himself, but I sure as shit hadn't helped.
"So, what now?" I asked.
Octy scratched her chin. "Well... the way I see it, you've put yourself in a favourable position with Father. By which I mean, favourable for you."
"Huh? Whadda ya mean?"
"Well, in Trottingham high society, secrets are a second currency, and scandal can tear an entire family tree up from its roots. While we were in the ambulance, I informed Mother of exactly what it is you've found out, and no doubt she will pass this on to Father when he wakes up. You stumbled onto something he's kept secret for twenty years, and if news broke about it, his reputation would be in tatters. He'd be a social pariah. And currently, the power to bring him down like that is entirely in your hooves."
Huh.
"And... what do you think I should do?"
Her eyes met mine. "Vinyl, I want you to do what you think is best."
This was... huh. Yeah. A pretty weird situation. After feeling like I'd been on the back hoof with Staccato all day, being suddenly thrown into a position of power was not at all what I expected.
"But, if the news broke, everypony would know about you. How could I expose you like that?"
"I don't care," she said simply. "This isn't my home, so I really don't care. My home is back in Ponyville with you. So what if a few pampered pricks find out I was assigned male at birth? Their judgement means nothing to me."
That's my mare. Screw what everypony else thinks.
"But honestly," she continued. "If you've currently got leverage on your side, you'd be wiser to think about how you could use that as a defensive tool, not as a weapon."
"Meaning what, exactly?"
"Let's not mince words Vinyl, you just assaulted Father."
It took a few seconds for the implications of what she was saying to really hit home. Yeah, the thought of Staccato being torn down and suffering the consequences of his shitty actions was pretty sweet. And very tempting. Or, I could go home peacefully with Octavia, back to Ponyville. Back where we both belong.
"Okay," I said. "I want to go see him."
This... turned out to be a hassle in itself. You see, it ain't like the movies at all, when you get a bonk on the head. In the movies, the hero gets knocked unconscious, wakes up, kills all the bad guys and saves the girl. But in reality, even being knocked out for a short amount of time can carry with it some serious risks. My mind was still a little hazy, and apparently the only reason my head wasn't throbbing like a bitch was because of the high strength painkillers they were feeding me through a tube. The doctors didn't want me going anywhere until they ran some tests.
Luckily, Octavia is real good at diplomacy. The doctor who... I don't know the technical terms, but basically, the one who knows the most about head injuries? He wasn't going to be available for another couple of hours. So Octy managed to negotiate a wheelchair that she'd use to escort me to Staccato's room, with all my drips and beep boop machinery on this little wheeled platform that could be pulled along behind. I don't think this was strictly allowed, like at all, but Octy's scarily good at her 'can I speak to your manager' voice. The other room wasn't that far away, and even though I was holding all the cards, I still felt real nervous sitting there in my standard issue blue hospital gown as Octavia knocked on the door. Apparently the medics had no choice but to cut me out of the red gown Allegra had lent me...
"You ready?" Octy asked.
I just nodded.
The door cracked open an inch. "Oh, Octavia dear," gasped Allegra, who threw it open the rest of the way. "And Vinyl, oh my poor darling, you're awake."
"Hi... Allegra," I grinned. I hadn't expected to feel this awkward, especially as somewhere in the back of my mind I couldn't stop wondering about the price tag of that now-shredded gown. "If err... if it's okay, I'd like to talk to Staccato."
"Oh..." Allegra's face took on a serious note that I'd yet to see from her. "Yes, I think that would be a good idea. Please, come inside, he's awake as well."
She stepped aside and Octavia pushed me into the room. And sure enough, there on the bed was Staccato. Like me, his forehead was wrapped up in a bandage. His eyes widened as he noticed me, and then his face took on a new expression. Which made it a grand total of four expressions I'd counted from him so far, at least I think. I've had a few pummels to the head today so my counting might be off.
Staccato was wary. He leaned ever so slightly away from me as Octy pushed my wheelchair right up to his bed, and looked me up and down like I was some kind of dangerous weapon. Like, in his head, he was trying to make a decision between fight or flight. At that moment it looked like flight was winning, but like me he was hooked up to all that usual hospital garb, so he wasn't going anywhere. Allegra went round to the other side of his bed and stood by his side. She was still wearing her purple dress, and her makeup was patchy and rain-damaged.
"Relax dude," I said. "I ain't here to finish the job."
"Ah," he replied, the tension ebbing out of his shoulders, but he still looked uneasy. "Good."
"So firstly," I continued, looking back and forth between Staccato and Allegra. "I just wanted to tell you, I am so sorry about your son, Symphonic. I can't begin to imagine how hard that must've been for you guys."
Yep, that caught them both off-guard. Tears welled up in Allegra's eyes as a hoof shot to her mouth. She was trying to suppress a sob. And Staccato, he just looked surprised. Then he gave a small nod that might have been in gratitude, but was equally likely his way of saying 'please continue'.
"Secondly, I would like to propose a deal. I know something that you don't want anypony to ever find out. In exchange for my sworn silence on that subject, you agree not to press charges against me for our little err... altercation over dinner."
Not even a moment of hesitation. "Agreed," said Staccato, who held his hoof out towards me. Which I wasn't expecting, at all. But... never leave a pony hanging, right? So I reached out, and tapped my own hoof to his. Which apparently was not what he was trying to do, because he scoffed indignantly, Allegra let out a small chuckle, and Octavia sighed loudly behind me.
"Vinyl dear," Octy whispered in my ear. "Hoofshake, not hoofbump."
Oh. Duh.
I reached out again, grasped his hoof firmly in mine, and we both shook. He seemed more satisfied with that, and Octavia let out another sigh, though this one was of relief. At least I wasn't gonna end up in a jail cell.
"Well," Staccato said, his voice taking on some of the normal smug drawl I'd so grown to love over the course of the day. "I'm pleased that we can put that matter to bed. Was there anything else pressing on your mind, while you're here?"
"Yeah, actually. Thirdly, I want to have a straight up honest conversation. No psychological warfare, no loaded comments, no trickery or subterfuge. Just a conversation where everypony says exactly what they mean."
Subterfuge? Where'd I pull that word out from? But it was true, I was tired of all the tiptoeing around. And Staccato looked taken aback by that.
"Tell you what, since you were so nice to make the first move towards that at dinner, I'll lay out all my cards for you. My name is Vinyl Scratch, known professionally as DJ Pon-3 but I leave that title at work. I'm a lesbian, and I am head-over-hooves in love with your daughter. I have photophobia and ADHD. I'm impulsive, loudmouthed, and probably a little too quick to jump into a fight. But ponies take all this and assume they know everything there is to know about me. I'm not an idiot though, I like to think I'm kinda smart when I need to be, but ADHD is the enemy of focus so my academic scores are nothing to brag about. But what I do have is good insight and observation, and you've told me everything I need to know about you."
"Oh indeed," he scoffed, going to cross his forelegs but, like me, got the wires caught on his bedframe. "And what information have you gleaned from me during your observations?"
"Your name is Staccato Melody. Given your domineering personality, I'd say you were an only child, very used to getting your own way. And you probably had a very traditional upbringing, 'the stallion of the house is the head of the house, what he says goes'. He brings home the bread and his wife and children grovel at his hooves. In fact, grovel is probably an understatement, I'd say you and your mom were probably terrified of your dad, so why shouldn't your wife and child be scared of you? You spent some time in the military, naturally, serving your princess and your country. And you bury yourself in your status and your work to hide from the fact that you perpetually mourn the loss of one son to cruel fate, and the other to the fact that she had her own plans for life that didn't align with yours."
His face during my spiel was a pretty damn spectacular sight. It jumped from indifference, to surprise, to shock, but as I wrapped up, it devolved back into his favourite, the cold emotionless stare. Allegra could barely look at me, her ears folded back in stunned silence as she examined the sheets on the bed.
"And how, pray tell, did you deduce that I spent 'some time' in the military?"
I shrugged. "Easy, it never leaves you. Your stiff posture, the way you carry yourself, even your military standard short mane that you'll never bring yourself to grow out. It was definitely a position of authority, I wanna say you made it as far as a colonel? And one of the perks of the rank of commissioned officers is a personal slave... sorry, an 'orderly' as you would call him. So you were never left wanting for anything, even in the armed forces. And who knows, maybe you even grew fond of your new assistant, enough to offer him a position in your family home after your honourable discharge. A position as a butler, maybe? How am I doing, am I in the right ballpark?"
"More or less, yes." The scowl on his face said everything I needed to. "So how precisely did you surmise all of this?"
"I'm not as dumb as you seem to think. Just... observation. Insight, and one or two educated guesses."
"Is that a fact?" he asked, his eyeline wandering aimlessly around the room. "It appears I have underestimated you then."
Oh, I couldn't keep it up any longer. "Of course I didn't guess all that, you idiot," I laughed. "Octy told me all about you, weeks before we came here. I didn't need to 'observe' it. But for a moment, you thought I had. And that's the point, even if I ain't got the smarts to actually try and deduce stuff like that, I still got you to doubt your judgement. And if you thought you could be wrong about me, don't you think you could be wrong about other stuff too?"
"I don't follow."
"Your daughter, dude."
His wandering eyes froze, and he turned his head to look over my shoulder, where Octavia was stood. Ugh, dios mio, again with the unreadable facial expressions. But his eyes seemed... I dunno, unfocused? He looked her up and down, and whatever he was seeing, all his energy seemed to be going into processing the visual inputs. Oh, and keeping his face stoic, of course. Luna forbid he let an emotion slip out right now.
"You lost a child, dude," I pressed on. "And I cannot overstress that I sympathise with you on that. But you still have one, right here. One that you chose to tell the world isn't actually yours. Why?"
Staccato's face twisted into a snarl. "Why?! Because he was supposed to be my heir! Oh I was overjoyed when Allegra's scans came back to show she was expecting twins. Two strapping young colts, an heir and a spare, to continue my bloodline. But no, one of them couldn't survive the rotten pustule she calls a womb, and the other chose to turn his back on his intended path to mutilate himself and parade around under the pretence of femininity. You ask me if I could be wrong about other things? My bloodline ends with a half-formed fetus, and a freak against nature, and I am certain of that."
Okay, so he really is a rotten piece of shit. And he's damn lucky I was confined to a chair at that moment, as he earned a hoofslap at least three times during that rant. Allegra had gasped in horror at the comment aimed at her, but Octavia hadn't responded to anything. I tilted my head slightly, to try and look round at her, but all I saw was a stony calm on her face. A well-rehearsed veil, like she's heard this kind of stuff a million times before. Oh... Octy...
"Alright," I said, maintaining my composure as best I could. "So now your priorities are out in the open, it was all about having an obedient little colt to carry on the family name. So when Octy came out, why didn't you let her do her own thing and you could just, I dunno, try again?"
"Vinyl, dear," Allegra began. "I wish it was that simple, but..."
Whoosh. Thud. It happened so quickly, I didn't have time to process it until Allegra stumbled backwards, clutching her face as she let out a wail. I couldn't believe it. One swift movement of Staccato's foreleg, a sickening crack as his hoof impacted Allegra's muzzle, and then my body flooded with adrenaline. I understood now, I'd been right. And damnit, I'd prayed I was wrong, in fact I would have given anything for it to just be an overly active piece of imagining on my part. But the flinches from both Allegra and Octavia made sense now. Staccato was an abuser.
As Allegra slumped against the wall behind her, Staccato adjusted himself in bed to sit slightly more upright. By the way he looked, you'd think he'd have just dealt with an inconvenient problem. Hitting his wife, to him, seemed no more inconsequential an act than swatting an annoying bug.
"Leave us," he said, softly.
With a whimper, Allegra scrambled to her hooves and dashed to the door. Her movement was awkward as she held one hoof to her face, and she seemed to fumble with the door handle for a few moments before she finally got it open. When it slammed shut again, I gave another glance backwards at Octy. Her calm veil was still holding strong, with only the glassy look in her eyes betraying any emotional distress.
"You ask me," Staccato growled. "Why I did not simply make another attempt to impregnate my wife?"
I turned back to face him, and felt my ears droop as the look on his face turned into one of seething hatred.
"Well, Miss Scratch. Clearly your powers of deduction far exceed my own, if only I had thought to attempt such a thing. But I daresay my attempts would have fallen short, as unfortunately my wife's first endeavour towards pregnancy left her womb unsuitable for any further attempts. Had I known she was not fit for breeding, I assure you I would have courted somepony else. But as a wretched homosexual, I'm hardly surprised that the intricacies of copulation are a mystery to you."
"She... what... but..."
"And what else could I do? Yes I had sympathy on my side when we lost Symphonic, but the scandal that would have broken after Philharmonic... ugh. Maybe I could have courted a mistress? Oh the tabloids would have just eaten that up, poor Staccato Melody, deranged and in grief after the loss of his second son, finds solace in another mare but brings a bastard child into the world. No amount of sympathy to my plight would salvage the damage to my reputation."
I found my hooves again. "Alright, you'd claimed Octy was adopted, why not just adopt a colt instead if having a male child was that damn important?!"
"Because I'd already backed myself into a corner you fool," he shouted back at me. "To think how I'd be viewed by my peers if I admitted that I'd allowed my son to debase himself in such an affront to nature. And to add insult to injury, my wife insisted that I bankroll the entire process?! If I have one regret in my life, it's that I didn't put my hoof down and stop that nonsense before it got too far. I was too soft when Philharmonic was a child, I wish I had the backbone back then that I do now. No, the adoption story was the only way. But the cover-up was that we only adopted a filly because we were touched by how strong a resemblance there was to our lost son. A story which would fall apart if we adopted a colt."
"Listen to yourself," I gasped, not quite able to believe what the dude was saying. "You care more about what other ponies think than you do your own daughter's happiness and well-being. Yeah you paid for her to transition, but you didn't give her an ounce of moral support. Fuck me, you made her feel like it was something to be ashamed of. And for what, all in the name of tradition?"
"Tradition is all we have!"
"Tradition is just peer pressure from dead ponies!"
"Oh will you both shut up!"
Both me and Staccato jumped as Octavia thrust herself right into the middle of the fray. I hadn't even realised how loud we'd been shouting until the quietness of the room deafened me. And for a few moments, the only sounds were the steady beeping of the various pieces of hospital machinery, and the heaving breaths of Staccato and me.
"Vinyl," Octy said, facing me. "Please, allow me."
"No, Octy I..."
"Please. Let me say my peace." Her gaze pierced me like a knife, but... that look of determination on her face. She had to do this for herself.
"Okay," I conceded.
"Father," she began, turning to Staccato. "Firstly, I feel like I should clarify something on Vinyl's part. I gather that in a similar vein to how you thoroughly research the background of anypony wanting to do business with you before you sign into a contract, you had your underlings gather information regarding Vinyl as well?"
"Naturally," Staccato replied evenly. He had returned to old faithful stoic-mode, but there was no hiding the rise and fall of his chest as he regained energy after our argument. "I don't allow anypony into my home without thoroughly researching them."
"So would I be right in assuming that among those research materials there was included a newspaper clipping, a few years old, regarding an altercation with another pony named Neon Lights?"
"That is correct."
"Aw fuck."
"Vinyl, hush."
"Sorry."
"What the newspaper fails to mention," Octavia continued. "Is the provocation that led Vinyl to lash out and attack Neon Lights in the first place."
Staccato raised an eyebrow. "And what provocation was that?"
"Neon Lights was incredibly inebriated that night. And there may have been more illicit substances involved, but that's purely speculation. Regardless, at one point in the evening, his inhibitions dropped and suddenly I found myself squarely in his crosshairs. Vinyl and I weren't formally together at this point, but we'd... ermm... experimented together, shall we say?"
I think at this point Octy was too wrapped up in remembering the details of the story, because if she caught the look of pure disgust that Staccato wore in response to that sentence, she didn't react to it.
"Regardless," she said. "I found myself to be the subject of his desires, and he wasn't overly receptive to being told 'no'. In fact after repeated attempts failed, and despite my efforts to inform him that I simply had no interest in stallions, he proceeded to force himself upon me. It was during this that the performance Vinyl had been giving drew to a close, and when she saw Neon Lights atop me and my desperate attempts to get away... well, the headlines explain everything else."
Yeah... it's not my proudest moment. Neon had to get stitches after that, and you can still see the scar to this day. Looking back, I don't remember much about the actual assault. I think I had another 'seeing red' moment and just... all I remember is coming to and wondering why my hooves hurt. I never expected it to happen again, but tonight was an extreme case. Perhaps I need to think about anger management therapy.
"So," Octavia concluded. "Do not judge her too harshly for that incident. She was defending me. End of story."
Staccato seemed to be mulling that over. "Okay then, child. Anything else?"
Octy sighed. "Yes. I can't keep the pretences up any longer. The weight is too much. I thought I had accepted my lot in life, but the way you talk about me, like me being myself is such a burden on you... it's not something I can bear any longer."
"Stuff and nonsense, child," Staccato chided. "I thought I raised you to have more backbone."
"Vinyl is right though, tradition is just peer pressure from dead ponies. And it's that tradition that made you put up walls between us, when I started to live my life as the pony I truly am. Please Father, let us break that wall down together. Tell everypony who I really am. I am your child, your daughter. I am transgender, and so, so proud to say it. That should never have to be a point of shame for you. I know there'd be a lot of work into rebuilding our relationship, but I'm willing to put in the effort if you are."
My jaw dropped. After everything that had happened, everything Staccato had done, Octy was giving him a chance to clean the slate. Damn, this mare was too pure for this world, way too willing to forgive and forget. This stallion was single-hoofedly responsible for her seeing herself as some freak of nature for almost her entire life. The reason she'd never had the courage to tell me that she'd been born as a colt. And here she was, throwing him an olive branch.
A shaky hoof slowly rose up from the bed, moving towards Octavia's face. My heart stopped for a moment, but it came to rest gently against the side of her muzzle. And just... held her there. Could... could her words have gotten through to him? She let out a sob, and leaned into the hoof as tears started flowing down her cheeks.
"Octavia..." Staccato whispered.
"Yes, yes Father," she laughed, her voice bordering on hysterics as the fur on her muzzle began to darken with tears. "We can start again, I just know we can."
But Staccato pulled his hoof away, resting it on the side of his bed. He stared up at her, and gave the most barely perceptible shake of his head. "I lost one son," he muttered. "And then you took the other one away..."
His hoof twitched. Time seemed to stand still as I saw what was coming, just a fraction of a second before it happened. Adrenaline surged through my system as I tried to push myself up out of my wheelchair, to stop it in any way I could. But I wasn't fast enough. Up, his hoof swung.
THWACK!
I stared in silent shock. Staccato gasped. Octavia sobbed. In mid-air, she'd intercepted his hoof with her own. Now she was pinning it back down on the bed, trembling furiously as she held her other hoof high above her head, readying a strike of her own in reply.
"I didn't take anypony away from you," Octy said, her voice shaky. "Philharmonic Melody never existed. He was simply a mask I was forced to wear for the earliest part of my life. If I am guilty of anything, it is purely that I had the audacity to remove that mask."
Staccato looked in disbelief from her face, to her hoof pinning his own down. "How dare you?! You... you insolent wretch!"
Octavia cackled maniacally. "Oh, oh I dare, Father!" She leaned in so her face was inches from his, her teary eyes wild and feral. "I dare to free myself from the shackles you imposed upon me from birth! Even before I found out who I truly was, my life was never really my own, now was it? Oh it was all set out for me, everything was written, your perfect son would go on to inherit your vast fortune. Well you know what!? Fuck your fortune, fuck your perfect little story, and fuck you!"
At this point, Octy was even scaring me. This was a side of her I'd never seen before. And Staccato... oh, that dude definitely pissed himself as his wild-eyed daughter got right up in his grill. So much for being the all-knowing, unconquerable head of the household. No, he was getting some much needed comeuppance now. I liked the words she was saying to him, even if the way she said them was damn terrifying.
"And your bloodline?" she continued, practically foaming at the mouth. "Your bloodline dies with you. Oh Father, you have my gratitude for financing my transition, don't ever doubt that. But you get nothing else from me. Not now, not ever again. When the history books look back on Staccato Melody, all that there shall be is a footnote calling him a miserable, abusive twat whose pathetic desire to keep himself relevant in high society cost him his family."
She turned and stormed towards the door, leaving both me and Staccato in stunned silence. I mean, good for her, she really did say her peace. There was a lot to unpack from her words, and they'd definitely been a long time coming. The only problem was, these words came from a broken heart. As she pushed past me, I got a look at her face. Her eyes. Those little diamonds... they'd shattered.
"You lost one son," she cried as she stopped at the door. She wasn't even trying to hide the fact that her anger had made way for just... unrelenting pain. "Most ponies would use that as an eye-opener to what really matters. We could have been a happy family. And you threw it away. You did that. Change your ways, or you will die a very lonely stallion."
And with that, she threw the door open and left. Echoing hoofsteps faded away as she ran down the corridor, with the unmistakable sound of hysterical crying mixed in just to wrench my heart out of my chest.
When I could no longer hear her, I turned back to face Staccato. Oh, his face... this was the best expression of the day. Utter disbelief and horror. How dare he be spoken to in such a way, right? Well she dared. She gave him exactly the verbal assault he deserved. And I didn't want to spend another minute in a room with him.
Yeah, it was probably pretty stupid, but fuck everything. I started unhooking all the wires and tubes connected to my forelegs. The machine beeped at me in protest, but screw it. I didn't care. I just had to get out of there. After I very carefully removed a needle several inches long from my wrist, I looked myself up and down to make sure I'd gotten them all. Then, I rose to my hooves and glared at the stallion in the bed. As I ripped off my hospital gown, I had a moment of clarity. The only thing that had been scary about Staccato Melody was the hold he'd had over Octavia. With that gone... he was just a pathetic old stallion with bigoted views and too much money.
He grunted in surprise as I threw the blue gown in his face. Oh there was so much I wanted to say to him. There weren't enough words in existence for me to stress enough to him how much of a piece of shit he was. How he deserved everything that had just come to him. And that I seriously hoped he spent the rest of his life in misery, squalor and loneliness. But, I settled for one of my abuela's favourite insults.
"Que te chingue un pez espada," I said, just about keeping my voice steady, and then I left. I didn't look back.
On the bench outside, Allegra was waiting. She looked up at me in confusion as the door clicked shut. Oh, her eye... there was already a giant bruise forming, and everything around that eye was swollen and puffy.
"What's wrong?" she asked.
"Just... karma," I explained. "You should go get that eye checked out, y'know."
"Oh err..." she seemed to stumble at the suggestion, like the idea hadn't even occured to her. "I shall do, darling, I just wanted to make sure you were both okay first. But then Octavia just went careening off down the corridor, crying her eyes out."
"We're both fine," I said. "Well... not fine but, we'll be... I don't know, okay. Just, which way did Octy go?"
Allegra pointed. "That way."
"Thanks," I said, breaking into a run down the corridor. I made it a few metres before I stopped. "Hey, Allegra?" I called back.
She looked at me, puzzled. "Yes dear?"
"Your whole family was in on the moonshining, right? So how'd you end up meshing into the high society stuff?"
"Oh, umm..." she leant back in her chair, bemused by the question. "Well, once the prohibition era ended, they continued running the distillery they'd set up on the outskirts of Trottingham. Except, they didn't need to be so 'cloak and dagger' any more, as it was no longer illegal, so they brewed scotch whiskeys instead. It was a profitable venture, they purchased parcels of land to open a vineyard as well, expanding into wine production. By the time my father was born, they were an established fixture of Trottingham culture."
"So, your whole family is wealthy?"
"Err... a somewhat impertinent question, but yes."
"Did you and Staccato sign a pre-nuptial?"
"I say Vinyl, this is getting somewhat..."
"Please! Just... I don't have time, just answer the question."
She paused. "Yes, we did. Our family fortunes were to remain separate."
"Okay," I said, breathing a sigh of relief. "Run. Divorce him and run. He is pure scum, and you'll be better off without him. I think it's fair to say Octy just cut him out of her life, and please, for your own sake, you should do the same."
I didn't wait to hear what she had to say in reply. All I could think of at that moment was catching up to Octavia. So I just... ran. I figured she'd want some fresh air after her face-to-face with her old man, so I followed the signs for the exit. Some of the hospital staff in white uniforms must've recognised me, as they shouted for me to stop. They told me I needed to go lie down, they needed to keep me for observations. So I just shouted back that they could observe my asshole as I went out the front door.
Mature? Not really. But I didn't care, I had no time to stop for anypony that wasn't Octavia right now, and it felt good to vent a bit of frustration too.
Smart? Again, not really. With the whack on my head, leaving the hospital right now was probably the dumbest thing I could do, but I was on a roll with the bad decisions tonight, and at this point it was a sunk cost.
As I ran, I noticed blood trickling from the spot on my wrist where I'd pulled the really big needle out. As soon as I was sure there was nopony chasing me, I dove into a bathroom door. Very quickly, I ripped the bandage off of my head and tied it around my wrist and hoof. Hopefully that'd stay in place long enough to stop the bleeding. And with that, I poked my head out the door to make sure the coast was clear, and continued running.
Eventually, I burst through a set of glass double doors into the night. The very rainy night. Octy stood just a few metres away, facing outwards into the darkness. Her whole body shook violently as she wailed and sobbed. And my heart fucking ripped in half.
I raced to her side, pulling her in tight. She almost seemed to act on instinct as her hooves clamped around me. The fact we were both getting soaked with rain went unnoticed by her as she buried her face in my chest and howled, letting all her pent up pain and frustration out in one horrible symphony of heartbreak that felt like icicles in my heart.
I didn't know what to say. I didn't know what to do.
Here we were, hundreds of miles from home, with rain drumming down on us, and we had nowhere to fucking go. As I'd left Allegra behind, I only had one objective in my mind: catch up to Octavia. But then I realised, it was like a dog chasing a carriage. I'd caught her, so now what?
And then the universe must've looked down on us and figured we'd been through enough shit for one day, because it threw us a lifeline. Funny how I'd thought about dogs chasing carriages, as one with a familiar sign lit up on its roof started passing us by at that exact moment. A carriage, not a dog. Obviously.
"Hey, woah. Taxi!" I shouted.
True to my expectations, I don't sleep a wink. Octavia manages it, and I figure of the two of us, she's probably the one who needs it more. Exhaustion creeps up towards me, and my rational thinking comes and goes in waves. The dark room begins to light up as the sun starts to rise, and I think the painkillers they had me on at the hospital are starting to finally wear off. Though, weirdly, my head doesn't hurt as bad as I thought it would. Maybe my rain soaked scalp helped cool the swelling? I dunno, I ain't a doctor.
I watch, almost transfixed as the dying potted plant in the room begins to brighten. Shadows form behind it as the light gradually intensifies. The deep blue light fades slowly to orange, and when sunlight finally breaches the decaying room, it instantly warms me.
Octy stirs slightly as the room lightens around us. However, the warmth only spreads. I don't know what time the storm finally passed us by last night, but from where I'm sat I can just about see the sky outside as the sun makes its relentless climb upwards. It's a clear and cloudless day today. Huh. It couldn't have been a day earlier?
Exhaustion must have been dragging me down, because I barely even reacted when the door opened and a stallion stepped in. Judging by his uniform and the whistle hanging from his shirt pocket, he probably worked for the rail company.
"Oh bloody hell," he exclaims when he sees us on the bench. "Bloody vagrants, you couldn't have found somewhere else to kip last night? You'd best be getting on the first train out of here, you mark my words, else I'll be ringing the coppers. You hear?"
I give a limp nod in reply, and he steps through a doorway into the information booth to start sorting though leaflets.
If he's here starting a shift, then that must mean the first train will be here soon. What time is our train again? I don't know where I put the timetable, but I vaguely recall the number seven being significant, so more than likely, it's a seven o'clock train. I manage to sum up the energy to ask the clerk what time it was, to which he grumpily points to the old clock on the wall (which I'd totally forgotten about) and says it is half past six.
Hehehe, somepony hasn't had his morning coffee...
The thought of coffee is enough to stir me. I turn to eye up the machine next to one of the benches, but... nope. Not gonna move Octy just yet. She's able to disconnect from everything enough to sleep, and I damn well ain't gonna deprive her of that until I actually have to. Time marches slowly past, and I briefly allow myself to bask in the comfort of the gradually-warming room.
And then my ears flick. Is it my imagination or was that... nope, that is definitely a train whistle in the distance. Chugging noises accompany it, and at the information booth the clerk starts busying himself even more with his organising of all the leaflets. I'll admit, I'm not looking forward to what lies ahead. There is so much me and Octy have to unpack from the last twenty-four hours. But I love her. And she loves me. Together, we've got this. I know we do.
"Octy," I whisper, giving her the gentlest shake I can manage. "Wake up, it's time to go home." |
On The Rocks | Epilogue | Dear Diary,
At the time of writing, it has been a little over eight months since we were in Trottingham. At present, Vinyl and I are visiting her parents in Manehatten for a couple of weeks, a little getaway ahead of my birthday in a few days. They have the most delightful loft just a few blocks away from the Manehatten Park, something we have made good use of for morning walks. We are deep into the the threshes of autumn, and winter is imminent, so the weather most days is brisk and frosty. But there is an excellent selection of coffee shops and cafes within walking distance, so we make do quite well. On the clearest of days, you can just about see the tops of the buildings in the West Manehatten University campus, just off in the distance from our bedroom window. It is nice, being back here, a stone's throw away from where we first met. Like things have come full circle.
Those first few weeks after we got home from Trottingham were... awful. Just awful. In fact I had to fend off a great many dark thoughts and contemplations... but having Vinyl by my side? Sincerely, that made all the difference in keeping me from slipping off the deep end. After the end of the second week, I was surprised to find that Vinyl went to answer a knock at the door, and her parents were there. Her father Quill is a therapist, as it turns out. You know, come to think of it, I had many a chance to inquire about his occupation over the several times we had visited them before, but I never thought to. It turned into a happy little surprise for me, one that Vinyl's parents had arranged with her. I daresay Quill Scratch was rather instrumental in my psychological recovery.
I shall not go into too much depth about my one-on-one discussions with him, as that would be improper. However I can say that over the course of the next few months, Arpa and Quill would visit every other weekend, so Quill and I could spend a few hours doing more private sessions. He refused to charge me a single bit for these. He paid out of his own pocket for trains to and from Manehatten, twice a month, taking up time and energy he could have put towards paying clients. And he did it for free. I rather adore him for that. In fact, he was the one who went out today and purchased this diary for me. He said he thinks I am at a good point of recovery to start putting things down on paper, good and bad. Apparently it is a method that has helped him in difficult times before, and he says that since he sees a lot of himself in me, he hopes it will help me heal in the same ways it helped him heal. It is nice to have a father figure in my life.
So, what else has transpired in the time I have spent healing? Well, blank pages, allow me to transcribe some events into you. Some of it is not especially wonderful, but it does get better.
Mother writes to me occasionally. She was the one who arranged for my trunk to be sent back to Ponyville. It seems she is torn between her duties as a wife, and as a mother. A slight disadvantage to the very traditional upbringing she had, is she was raised to be utterly loyal to her husband, no matter how much she disagrees with him. I can not say I entirely hold her to blame for this, but my energy to direct towards sympathy for her is rather limited. Still, she makes the effort to check in on me, and even asks after Vinyl despite the altercations. It is hardly an ideal situation, but maybe with time, things will improve. She always supported my transition in spite of my father, so I feel I can proceed with cautious optimism.
But Father though, he sent a single letter. Well, only one as far as I am aware. And he did not even write it himself, it was addressed 'from the office of Staccato Melody', which to my best guess means it was penned by his secretary. I did not read it. It went straight in the bin. If he wishes to initiate conversation, he can do it by his own hoof. Since then I have requested that Vinyl check the mail before I read it, and if any similarly formatted letters arrive from Father, that she ensure they also end up in the bin so I do not have to see them. Bless her heart, she seemed hesitant at first. She said she did not wish to put herself in a position where she might appear to be controlling of what information I receive from home, and that she would not forgive herself if she came between me and Father if he was trying to make amends, in his own twisted ways. She still feels guilty about striking him, and how everything snowballed from there. I personally am honoured to have somepony in my life who would stand up for me so defiantly. And eventually she agreed to be my postal-intercepting-mare-on-duty, following the very simple request: when Father finally sends something by his own hoof, allow me to see it. Nothing yet, but the ball is in his court on that now.
Life at home now is actually better than it ever was. After a few weeks of therapy, Vinyl's father had tentatively suggested that I come out to my local friends, merely as a possible option to start building a local support network. It had been quite plainly that: a suggestion. He made it under the strict understanding that it was entirely up to me, and he would understand if I felt uncomfortable about it, given the intolerance I had grown up around. But he knew about our friends Lyra and Bon-Bon also being a couple, and reasoned that being LGBT themselves, they would probably be a safe place to start. He was entirely correct, even if it took me a few more weeks to gather up the courage. I told them, with Vinyl at my side the whole time. They were elated that I had made such a commitment to my own happiness despite the bigotry that had surrounded me in my youth, and they made it quite plainly clear that not only did it not change how they saw me, but they were also honoured that I trusted them enough to tell them.
And... things just escalated from there. One-by-one, I told more and more friends about who I really was, and every single one of them was nothing but supportive. One of them even told me that they had another friend who had transitioned. It turns out, a member of the local weather team named Thunderlane is trans-masculine. He had been assigned female at birth, and had transitioned in his teens as well! We got together for drinks, one thing led to another, and now the two of us hold a support group at the town hall once a month. It turns out quite a few ponies in this town also identify somewhere under the transgender umbrella, which is a marvellous thing for a small community. They are all incredibly grateful to me and Thunderlane for running the group, and Vinyl tells me every time I get home from a session how proud she is of me.
Then things took another turn for the downright amazing. Walking though town one day, some younger ponies stopped me to see if they could ask me some questions. One of them, a young unicorn colt named Snails, opened up to me over some feelings he had been having. We had a bit of a back and forth, I answered some questions from him and asked him some of my own. In the end, I put forward to him what had been suggested to me when I was younger than him: maybe he is not really a colt, maybe he is actually a she, and that she is really a filly. And... she seemed so happy to have an adult pony suggest it to her. Since we had that conversation, she has spoken to her parents about her feelings, and they have reached out to local services to enquire about how to proceed with her transitioning. Glitter Shell, that is the name she goes by now. She is such a sweetheart, and I wish her all the best in the world.
And then there was Scootaloo. A young pegasus filly, one of those darling Cutie Mark Crusaders. I must say, I was caught somewhat off-guard by some of her questions, and some of her responses to my own questions. It took a bit longer for me to figure her out, as I should elaborate that her perspective was not quite lining up with my own experiences. But in the end, I realised what she was saying. She did not feel like a filly, but she did not feel like a colt either. I realised, she was really a they. I explained, as best I could, what non-binary meant. Well, to say their face lit up would be an understatement. It is not something I was especially familiar with, but I promised them I would accompany them to Princess Twilight's library... oh wait, that was blown up by Tirek. Ahem. I promised them I would accompany them to the newly built library to help them with research into what entails being non-binary. Long story short, they are out, open to all their friends, and happy.
Though we are fairly late into this year now, Thunderlane and I have had several meetings with Mayor Mare. Until recently, Pride Month in Ponyville has been a rather subdued affair, but the recent outpouring of other ponies expressing their love and commitment to who they are has been something that has warmed the mayor's heart greatly. Next summer, she would like for us to head the organising of Ponyville's very first Pride Parade. She hopes it will become an event that everypony enjoys year after year, and that the whole town can be united in love. I agreed, on one condition: that the procession begins on Melody Boulevard.
The most marvellous of events though, that transpired the very evening I write this. We had a clear, cloudless day today in Manehatten. Vinyl and I spent the afternoon having a picnic in the park, watching the little boats sail around on the lake, and indulging ourselves in each other's company. Being so late in the year, we spent much of it huddled together for warmth, but it was a very pleasant day. As afternoon waned into evening, we left the park, returning to the loft apartment. I had a hot shower to warm up, and was about ready to don some fluffy pyjamas and curl up on the sofa, but then Vinyl suggested we go up onto the rooftop terrace and watch the sunset. I was skeptical, but she insisted.
She brought her boombox up, as she said she wanted me to hear a song she had been working on. 'Little Diamonds', she has titled it. It is unlike any other music she has ever written. It is a slow ballad with a wonderful orchestral accompaniment, and her lyrics are heartfelt and profound. She is actually singing on the track, you know? She lip synced along to it as she played it for me, but on the recording itself, she is the one performing the vocals. I told her she should sing more often. She has a beautiful voice.
It was a gorgeous evening, the verdant canopy of the Manehatten Park clawing upwards towards the brilliant orange that filled the entire sky as the sun slowly began to dip towards the horizon. Twin plumes of steam rose from Vinyl and I with every exhale in the cold weather, but that only seemed to add to the ambience. Not many ponies can truly appreciate the hidden beauty nestled in the mundanities of the world around them, but with the music playing in the background, it made for a spectacular sight.
And... Vinyl wasn't watching the horizon. In my periphery, I saw that she was only watching me. So I turned to face her. She reached up with her hoof and removed her glasses, and in a display of vulnerability she rarely shows, she locked eyes with me. And we held our gaze, our noses practically touching. It was frighteningly intimate, but not in a particularly lewd way. Her carmine irises radiated intensity like I have never known before. The faintest smile tugged at the corner of her lips. My heart was pounding relentlessly, and her exhales tickled at my nostrils. Her cheeks were flushed red in the bitter cold, and mine felt like they were doing the same. Though I do not entirely hold the low temperature accountable for that. Here she was, showing me the most beautiful skyline I have seen in many years, and the only thing she had eyes for was me.
So when her question came, I was moved, I was astounded, heck I was downright ready to burst into tears. But I was not entirely surprised. You see, many of her fans would die to know her better. To know the mare behind the sunglasses. To even spend just a few minutes in her presence, and glean from her the secrets of her music. Vinyl Scratch is an enigma to many, but nopony knows her better than me. So I knew what she was about to say, when she bent ever so slightly down, and asked me to marry her.
And there was nothing else I could say but 'yes'.
With hopes for a wonderful tomorrow,
Octavia |
For a United Equestria | pre | "I don't know Twilight, don't you think it'll be safer if you had us tag along? I mean, you'll have the Elements of Harmony with you, right?"
Twilight started scribbling away at a scroll, "No, Spike. This is something that I'll need to do on my own. I just need to grab everything I need from here. After that, I'll get to the rooftop and teleport right outta here!"
"The rooftop, huh?" said Spike, "Question: how're you gonna leave your room, let alone get to the rooftop, unnoticed?"
"Easy" said Twilight, neatly placing a note on her pillow before heading towards her door, "To get to the rooftop, I'll need your scouting skills, but to leave my room all I need is a little...magic."
And with that, Twilight opened her door.
"Your highn-" began Stronghoof, before getting cut off by a beam of light hitting him squarely in the forehead, causing him to drop limply like a marionette detaching from its strings.
"Twilight! What're yo-?" was all Flash could say before meeting the same fate.
"TWILIGHT?!?!!" cried Spike
"Shhhhh!!" said Twilight, "It's okay, Spike. They're not dead. It's just a simple Snoozing Spell. They'll be up in a couple of hours. Now come on. We need to get to the castle archives, and fast!"
"For a map, I'm guessing?" asked Spike, hopping onto Twilight's back.
"Exactly!" said Twilight, "now hold on, Spike!". And in a flash of Twilight's Teleportation Spell, they were gone. So fast that Twilight didn't notice the 5 rolls of parchment disappear amidst Spike's emerald green flames. ***
"OW!!" yelped Rainbow Dash, nursing her pained hoof. "Whadja do that for, Applejack?"
"Stop yer complainin' and maybe ah'll stop kickin' ya!" whispered Applejack angrily.
"But it's 3 AM! Whaddya expect?!"
"I do understand, darling" said Rarity, brushing the tangled off her well styled mane, "While I do agree that a decent night's beauty sleep is very much a necessity, sometimes one does need to sacrifice it in certain situations. Now, Twilight sounded pretty distressed in those letters she sent us. She most certainly needs our help! She wouldn't have called us to the rooftop for no reason, you know."
"Speaking of whom, where is that pony? We're been waiting up here for HOURS!"
"Actually!!" chirped Pinkie Pie, "Twilight's letter was received by all of us about 17 minutes ago, and we arrived here precisely 8 minutes ago...except for you because you were the one who volunteered to go grab the Elements of Harmony, so you've been here for about 7 minutes and 15 seconds."
"How did y-?" started Rainbow Dash, awestruck.
"It's just a rough estimate," shrugged Pinkie.
"Ugh, nevermind. She'd just better hurry up is all." said Rainbow, crossing her forelegs.
"Oh don't worry, Rainbow Dash, she'll be here soon" assured Fluttershy.
"Sooner than y'all think" said Applejack, gesturing towards the rooftop's entrance, where Twilight stood bearing an expression of pure and utter shock.
"OH TWILIGHT!" gasped Rarity, leaping over to embrace Twilight, "We were ever so worried! Are you okay? You sounded ever so desperate in that letter. I feel so bad, we haven't had a chance to talk about eve-"
Twilight shook her head. "Wait, letter? What letter?"
"You know, he letter you send all of us? The one that said you had a plan to help is solve all this and that we had to meet up at the rooftop with the Elements of Harmony ASAP?" summarised Rainbow.
"I didn't send any let-" Twilight began, before slowly glaring at Spike. "Spike, you wouldn't have anything to do with this, would you?"
Spike hid behind Rarity, "ALRIGHT, I SENT IT!" confessed Spike, "It was only because of your plan had any chance of succeeding, you needed each other. Just at least tell them where you're off to!"
"Nevermind that, Twi." said Applejack, "Might as well tell us since we're all here and ready to leave at a moment's notice."
"Bu-but, no! I can't let you guys risk your lives like that on my behalf!" pleaded Twilight.
"And we can't let you just run off into harm's way, darling. Contrary to what you currently believe. You don't have to do everything on your own and you can put your trust in us! Now, go on, tell us the plan." said Rarity.
Mumbling intangible words of protest, Twilight gazed at their attentive, eager faces. Spike just gave her a 'just do it' look.
Twilight sighed, "How do I start?" ***
"Is that it?" said Rainbow.
"Twilight, do you really think this is going to work?" asked Fluttershy anxiously
"Yes, absolutely," replied Twilight.
"So, say we go on this little road trip and head to each of them nations out there. How do we know that they won't kill us on sight thinking we're Changelings disguised as ponies?" asked Applejack.
"The Elements of Harmony" replied Twilight, "Changelings are like bees so to speak. All that they are and all that they do depend on and are done for their Queen, and King in this case. They don't possess any of the qualities of the Elements of Harmony like Honesty, or Kindness for example. If a changeling were to wear one of these necklaces or this crown, they'd be rejected. And by being rejected, they'd pretty much just die more or less. So as long as we have the Elements on us at all times, we're fine."
"What about me?" said Spike indignantly.
"Like I said before; dragon magic is very powerful, Spike. Changelings just can't disguise themselves as dragons."
"Okay, so even if they believe we're genuine ponies - I know for a fact that many of their relations with ponies haven't been great, despite Princesses' efforts. For example, you said you wanted to head to Zebrica to visit the tribes. I'm pretty sure they'll join our cause in addition to those in Saddle Arabia. Then there was the Gryphon Kingdom, who will probably be more hesitant due to past tensions. And then there's the Dragon's Nest, which I do not even want to touch upon because I think it's that insane. How do you expect to convince them to join our cause by the end of the week?" said Rarity, concerned.
"I don't know a lot of things, Rarity, but I do know this" said Twilight, "The Changeling Army far outnumbers our own. And from what I've heard from the surviving scouts is that they've established Canterlot Castle as well as most of central Equestria as home base, and are still expanding!! We won't be able to survive another attack, despite the Crystal Heart's power. Whilst I do believe that there's more we need to learn about the Changelings and Sanctus, and that there might be a way to defeat these guys without going to war, it doesn't hurt to have better numbers - in the case of both defence and offence should the need arise. And besides, I'd think the fact that they're losing population numbers by the day themselves would make them desperate enough to put differences aside and join our cause. If not, well, I guess we'll just have to wing it?"
"Spoken like a true politician" said Applejack.
"I'm sure the key to getting us out of this mess and defeating Sanctus and Chrysalis is by Uniting Equestria, so to speak. It's what Princess Celestia would've wanted" continued Twilight.
All of a sudden, their whispering was interrupted by the shrill laughter of none other than Pinkie Pie.
"Shhhhhhhhhhhhh!!" they all chorused.
Pinkie wiped away a tear as she regained her breath, "I'm sorry, hehe. I couldn't help myself. But don't you see? You're a princess speaking like a "true politician" and you're saying we might need to wing it? Get it? Because the wings you have make you a princess?"
"And that's not the only thing that makes her a princess" said Applejack, putting a hoof around Twilight, "it's also her outstanding leadership qualities"
"...and her limitless devotion to her country..." said Fluttershy.
"...and her bravery..." added Rainbow Dash
"...her smile?..." said Pinkie Pie
"...not to mention her absolutely gorgeous poise..." said Rarity, batting her eyelashes
"...and most importantly, her love for her people and sense of responsibility" finished Spike.
Twilight blushed: "There's no way to convince you guys to stay, is there?"
"No siree!!" chirped Pinkie Pie
"How'd you guess?" asked Applejack, chortling.
"Excessive use of flattery" answered Twilight
"Ughhhh. Come on, guys!! If we're going to try and sneak outta here, we'd better do it fast! Before we know it, daytime'll come!" said Rainbow Dash.
"Where to, Twilight?" asked Fluttershy.
"First off, Zebrica!" said Twilight. But her friends just continued giving her expectant looks.
"Oh, heheh, it's that way" she added, pointing her hoof to the West. |
A Year in Equestria | pre | "Hello, Bones," she said brightly.
Unlike me, she's kept her original accent, and still sounds like someone hailing from the Black Country in the Midlands. Not what most people think of when they think of an 'English' accent, although I'd argue, given the vast number of accents and dialects, that there's no such thing. Best description, think Peaky Blinders, but tone it down a little. Dad's is a lot less pronounced compared to hers, being a bit more neutral, which is how I used to sound. Lizzie meanwhile, well she picked up a bit of a South Wales twang after we moved out that way when she was still quite young.
Sorry, I'm rambling again.
"Hey, Mom," I replied. "I was just in town and thought I might stop by to see you folks." She smiled at that.
"Oh, that's sweet of you," she said as she stepped to one side to let me in. "Come on in. Your Dad's up in Canterlot until five today. Apparently there's some big hush-hush business going on up there I'm not allowed to know about. How have you been? I've been spending all morning tidying up the kitchen. You wouldn't believe how expensive that Barnyard Bargains has gotten over the winter. Why, I've half a mind to give Filthy a right earful."
In case it isn't apparent, my mother talks. A lot. I just politely nodded along, not that I ever really had much of a chance to get a word in until she finished her wittering. Eventually, she had to pause for breath and I actually got a chance to answer the half dozen questions she'd put to me.
"Well, I've not been too bad," I said, taking off my hat as we headed for the kitchen. "Mac and I spent most of the early mornin' cuttin' up firewood, just sold a load off to Burnt Oak at the market. Should get us a nice tidy sum. Though Celestia knows I'll be glad when this frost finally thaws when Winter Wrap Up rolls around."
"I know what you mean," my mom said as she put the kettle on the stove. "It's been biting cold this past week. Roger saw Lizzie a couple days ago though. She said Rainbow Dash is planning to start thawing things out soon." I remembered my own brief meeting with my little sister.
"Yeah, I ran into her this morning on my way into town. Silly mare was trying out some stunts RD's been showin' her. She nearly crashed right into me." The kettle began to whistle.
"Oh come on, you have to let her have her fun."
"Hey, there's fun and there's dangerous." Mom smiled at me for a moment.
"You know, I don't remember you being half as worried about your little sister when we were back on Earth," she commented. "And from what I've learned from my time here, nothing bad ever happens that affects the long term. Apart from the odd monster attack or another baddie trying to take over the world for the umpteenth time, Equestria is pretty safe. I mean, how many times has Rainbow come barrelling through somepony's window and walked away without a scratch. You want milk and sugar?"
While we'd been talking, she'd poured the tea and had just fished out the teabags with a teaspoon.
"Er, just milk please," I replied. "That is true I guess."
"And you could say the same thing about the little extra-curricular projects that you get up to. I don't know much about magic, but I know dark magic is something to stay away from. Yet you keep poking and prodding at it to find ways to stop it. If I remember rightly, dark magic also has a habit of making you lose your marbles. I'd say that's a lot more dangerous than the odd victory roll every once in a while."
Mom now joined me at the kitchen table, setting a steaming mug of tea and a couple digestive biscuits in front of me.
"Anyway," she went on. "How's life on the farm been? Applejack and the others still keeping on?" I nodded.
"Yeah, sure," I replied. "We did another walk around the farm a couple weeks back. Big Mac's been workin' on fixin' up the cider press while we still have the time. Apple Bloom's been with her friends and dealin' with cutie mark problems, and Granny's been keepin' us all fed and watered. At this point though, we're all just looking forward to the spring. Winter on the farm can get pretty quiet and can make you go a mite stir crazy. That's kinda why I agreed to haul the wagon down here when Mac asked me to. It's nice to get a change of scenery every now and then. These days, so much of my time is spent either on the farm or at the school. How's the elementary school anyway?"
"Oh, about the same," Mom said. "There's another week until the kids go back, and we've got a couple new students starting this year. Plus I'm due to get inspected again to keep my credentials. I'm hoping that since that Neighsay chap turned over a new leaf, the EEA won't be quite as critical of me not being a pony."
When my mom had first started teaching at the school, she did run into a couple problems. While she's been a teacher almost as long as I've been alive, her qualifications from Earth didn't exactly carry over into Equestria, so she had to have a few supervised lessons with inspectors before she could teach full time. It was okay more or less, but one of the three inspectors was a right jackass and seemed to have a right bee in his bonnet about her not being a pony. Luckily, the other two were more reasonable, as was Cheerilee. Still, it showed the problems that ultimately bubbled to the surface last year in the wake of the attack by the Storm King.
The two of us stayed and chatted a little while longer, catching up. Mom had a few interesting stories to relay to me from my dad. Where he can, he likes to tell us about interesting or funny cases he hears while helping out Princess Celestia in Day Court. Eventually though, it was time for me to be off. Burnt Oak would have finished unloading the wagon by now, and there was no sense leaving it there in the market. Before I went though, my mom had a request.
"You know, it's been ages since you and Applejack came over for dinner," she said. "We'd love to have the two of you over some time."
I was about to reply with a yes, when a better idea popped into my head. We'd been here a few times; both my parents got on really well with AJ. But the two had never come over to Sweet Apple Acres. It might be a little tight, but we could make room for two more at the dinner table.
"Why don't you and Dad come over to the farm some time? I'm sure you'd love Granny Smith cookin'," I suggested. "Plus it'll let you spend some time with the rest of the family."
"Alright," Mom agreed after a moment. "I'll see what your father says and drop by to work something out."
"Okay then," I said, getting up and levitating my hat back onto my head. "Thanks for the tea, Mom. See you round."
Heading back into town, I made for the market and found Burnt Oak just finishing up. The firewood Mac and I had spent the morning chopping up was now all neatly unloaded and tied up ready for sale. Burnt Oak would probably be able to get by with this one last shipment for the remainder of the week, even if March remained cool. Remember, a lot of buildings in Equestria, particularly out here in the boonies, don't have central heating, so winter isn't the only time you need good quality firewood.
He was even starting to get a few sales out of it as he handed over a bundle to Derpy Hooves, the town's mailmare. I had to restrain myself from chuckling a little as the grey pegasus took off into the air with the bundle 'balanced' on her back.
"I see you're already making some bits then," I said to Burnt Oak as I walked up.
"Well, that's what happens when you've got good quality firewood to sell to ponies that need it," he replied with a grin.
He briefly disappeared behind the small wooden stall, appearing a moment later with a small cloth bag. I could hear the bits jingling inside. The old frontiersman set my payment down on the counter.
"There we are, as agreed," he said.
I'd lived in Ponyville, and known Burnt Oak, for long enough not to bother counting the exact amount. Ponies around these parts trusted each other, and I wasn't about to bite my proverbial thumb at him by doing a count then and there. By the same token, he hadn't checked the exact weight of the firewood I'd sold him. There's an unspoken trust between ponies here, all kept in a delicate balance with the knowledge that you can trust your fellow pony.
Picking up the small bag, I stowed it under my hat for safe keeping. That pretty much concluded our business. Now it was time to head on home.
"Thanks, Burnt Oak," I said kindly. "I'll get the wagon out of the way for you. See you round!"
"See you, Bones!" Burnt Oak called back as I trotted around to the front of the wagon and hitched myself back up.
The trip back to Sweet Apple Acres was a lot easier, what with the wagon being significantly lighter. Although, as it was now getting into late afternoon, the temperature was starting to drop as the sun began to set. It was definitely going to freeze again tonight.
Heading back the way I'd come, I crossed the small river out of town and soon found myself crossing back onto the farm. The wind was fairly calm now, but I picked up the sound of laughter and barking on the breeze. As I came over the next rise, I caught sight of Apple Bloom playing with Winona, the Apple family's faithful border collie. The little filly had gotten hold of a good sized stick and was playing fetch with Winona. It wouldn't be too long before Winona would be helping us herd the sheep and cattle that were currently sheltering in the barns back out to their normal pastures, where they could safely be left to themselves.
As the wind changed, Winona stopped her excited barking and looked up as she picked me up from downwind. Apple Bloom spotted me at around the same time, and the two came running over to greet me.
"Hey, Bones," Apple Bloom called out as Winona barked excitedly and jumped up in an effort to be friendly. "How did it go at the market? How many bits did you make?"
"Never you mind, little missy," I replied in a slightly paternal tone. "Enough to keep Winona here out of the stewing pot for a couple days at least."
Gently taking the stick from Winona with my magic, I gave it a good throw and sent it flying off into the wild blue yonder. The collie quickly tore off after it, leaving Apple Bloom and I to continue on our way to the farmhouse.
"You lookin' forward to goin' back to school in a couple weeks?" I asked her.
"I guess so," Apple Bloom replied, clearly not meaning it. "I kinda wish the holidays would last just a little longer."
"I know what you mean, AB," I said with a smile. "Still, you gotta admit, it has been gettin' kinda borin' around here. The farm's pretty quiet in the winter after all. And you'll get to see all your friends again, and I know Mom and Miss Cheerilee always look forward to seein' you."
At that point, Winona returned, with the stick in her jaws, still raring to go. Fun fact for those who've never met or owned one. Collies don't get bored or understand the concept of futility. Winona would keep playing fetch until the end of time if someone stuck around to keep throwing the stick for her.
"Oh, I am lookin' forward to goin' back, Bones," she reassured me, brightening up a little. "Still, it means we've got less time to spend helpin' other ponies with their cutie marks."
I had to resist the urge to let out an audible d'aww at that. AB could be really selfless at times. She'd certainly taken her special talent to heart, as had her fellow Cutie Mark Crusaders.
"There'll be plenty of time for that," I said to her. "And school is just as important."
A little while later, we got back to the farmhouse. After parking up the wagon, I stepped into the kitchen to make myself a late lunch. Apple Bloom wasn't the only one coming to the end of the holidays. Before too long, Sweet Apple Acres would be getting very busy.
Winter Wrap Up was upon us. |
A Year in Equestria | Chapter 3 - March | Today was the day. Today, we said goodbye to snow, to the frost, the cold wind and everything else that winter entailed. Today was Winter Wrap Up, and tomorrow would be the first day of spring. I found myself getting up even earlier than usual. It would be busy as all hell today. I mean, we have to completely alter the season in a scant twenty four hours. Even with the help of Twilight "Checklist" Sparkle as the much vaunted All-Team Organiser, it was still quite an undertaking.
Fortunately, having lived and worked on this farm for a few years now, I've learnt to overcome that little voice in my head that tells me to just lay in bed for five more minutes. With some effort, I pushed off the covers and got out of bed, feeling a slight chill in the cold morning air. Shivering for a moment, I quickly trotted over to my wardrobe and fetched out my light green Plant Team vest. I was tempted to throw it straight on to ward off the cold, but figured that a hot shower would probably do a better job. So after making my bed, I laid out the vest on it, and went across the hall to have a quick shower and brush my teeth. I found Applejack on her hind legs at the sink doing her own teeth. She still looked a little tired, and like me, had only just gotten up. Although her wet, and currently let down mane, told me she'd just gotten out of the shower.
"Mornin', AJ," I said blearily. Applejack did her best to reply 'good morning', but the toothbrush in her mouth didn't do much for her diction.
Pulling back the curtain, I stepped into the shower and started the water, which was still warm. It really helped to push back the cold, although I knew that before too long I'd have to go back into the cold, cold world. As we both came to, we talked through the curtain. I honestly don't know why ponies even have shower curtains. It's not like we're any more naked than we are normally. So why was there a need for privacy? For a moment, I toyed with the idea of asking AJ to join me. I may be asexual, but I'm not above letting AJ have some fun. But given that the rest of the family would be up soon and queuing to use the facilities, I decided against it. There was too much work to do today. Maybe I could suggest something later tonight if we weren't all knackered. As I finished up washing my mane and tail, AJ called out to me through the curtain.
"I'm gonna head downstairs and help Granny start on breakfast. Okay, Bones?" she said, keeping her voice just loud enough to be heard.
"Sure, AJ," I called back. "I'll be done in a minute, and I'll come and help you."
With that, I heard the bathroom door open and close. I quickly finished washing the suds out of my mane and shut the water off. Hot water is a luxury on Sweet Apples Acres, and I wasn't about to be accused of wasting it. Hell, I remember when there was something of a minor drought last summer due to a weather mix up, we had to follow old Navy style, have the water on to wash yourself, turn it off, soap yourself up, and then turn it back on again to wash off. At least on this cold winter morning I could indulge in a Hollywood shower. Or would that be Applewood here?
Hoping out of the shower, and back into the cold, I quickly brushed my teeth and gave my face one more good wash before heading downstairs to join Applejack.
Heading downstairs, I found Applejack hard at work already. Even by our standards it was far too early for anyone to be up and about, and the poor girl looked haggard. So, falling back on traditional gender roles, I offered to take over making breakfast for her. But this was Applejack.
"Oh, quite your fussin', Bones," she said with more venom than she probably intended. "I can manage just fine. Ain't no need for y'all to swoop in."
"Okay, okay," I said placatingly, holding up my two front hooves in a gesture of surrender. "I ain't your papa. Just tryin' to help. At least let me make you some coffee." AJ relented at this.
"Sure," she said, pausing to yawn. "And sorry, Bones. It's just too early for anypony to be up right now."
"Yeah, ain't that the truth," I agreed as I started on the coffee. I think black would be the order of the day; get the caffeine full force.
A short while later, the rest of the family joined us. Firstly, Big Mac, who also tried and failed to pry his little sister away from the stove, and then Apple Bloom and Granny Smith, the latter of whom did manage to convince AJ to let her at least help.
"Consarn it, Applejack," the old matriarch said. "Y'all can be one real stubborn filly sometimes. We're all gonna be busy today. Ain't no sense in tryin to do everythin' by yourself."
As we all sat down to breakfast, which consisted of generous helpings of warming porridge and seemingly infinite cups of coffee, we all slowly began to wake up properly. Apple Bloom was considered too young to have coffee and had to make do with sweet cider. The house was warming up a bit too with the stove on, and Big Mac had thrown a few logs on the fire in the other room. We had a little bit of time yet before we needed to head out to town to all get our assignments. I think Applejack was a bit touchy this morning, partly due to the lack of coffee, but also because she acts as the Plant Team leader during Winter Wrap Up. That's a whole lot of responsibility when you get right down to it, and she rightly takes such matters very seriously.
Still, at least we had an hour or so of peace and quiet before we had to head into town.
Or so I thought. The only explanation I can think of is, at some point, I must have said 'Well, it's not like things can get any worse' or words to that effect. Not long after we sat down to breakfast, we had a visitor. We were all startled by a sudden rapping on the door.
"Now who in Equestria could be that?" Apple Bloom asked in surprise.
Today, it was the same all over Equestria. Everypony would be working hard to wrap up winter and move on into spring tomorrow. There was no time to pay call on friends or relatives. And we always all met up in front of Town Hall for our assignments. So who could it be? My first thought was maybe Twilight, with some new, even more complicated schedule for us all to follow. Even as the organiser, Winter Wrap Up does cause Twilight to go Twilighting, as ponies have come to call it. My guess though, as Big Mac got up to get the door, was dead wrong.
The unfortunate stallion had barely opened the door when it was all but thrown back on its hinges by our new visitor. Big Mac was sent stumbling backwards, and only just managed to avoid a door in the face.
"Good morning, Big Mac!" an all too familiar voice shouted. Pinkie Pie was upon us. May Celestia have mercy on our souls.
Now, let me be clear. I love Pinkie Pie. She is, with the possible exception of Fluttershy, the nicest pony in all of Equestria. She did all she could to make us feel welcome when we got here, threw us all parties on our birthdays, pitched in to do something nice for Mom and Dad on their wedding anniversary, and in general, will stop and drop everything she's doing if she sees somepony in need of help or cheering up, sometimes even to the detriment of her own well-being. While that may be the case, I was in no way prepared to deal with the hyperactive party pony this early in the morning. Not that that was going to do anything to stop her as she quite literally bounced into the kitchen like Zebedee. She was well prepared for the cold weather, with her own team's vest on, along with a yellow and baby blue bobble hat, earmuffs, and boots on her hooves.
"And good morning to you, Applejack. Good morning, Granny Smith. Good morning, Apple Bloom. And good morning, Bones!" She continued to excitedly bounce in place and I resisted the urge to grit my teeth and forced a smile.
"Mornin', Pinkie Pie," I replied kindly. "What brings y'all here this early?"
The party pony reached behind the fridge, and in a move that as point only slightly surprises me, produced several sets of ice skates. I swear that she's part draconequus or something. Discord is the only other creature who can seemingly bend reality like that. But even he can't explain Pinkie Pie half the time.
"It's you and me Bones!" she declared excitedly. "We're going full on Blades of Glory!"
"Er, come again, Pinkie?" I asked, wondering to myself how on earth she knew about that film.
"You and me, Bones," she repeated, now in a more subdued volume. "Twilight assigned you to work with me this morning on cutting up the ice on the lake here on Sweet Apple Acres." Applejack set down her mug of coffee.
"How the hay do you know that?" she exclaimed. "Ain't nopony supposed to know any of the assignments before we all meet up at town hall."
"Oh, Twilight wanted to do a bit of a trial run this year with a few of the jobs. Something about how much time was wasted getting everypony gathered in Ponyville. She sent me and a few other ponies to meet up with the ponies doing the first set of jobs today."
It wasn't like we'd all just be doing one thing today. We'd all get our assignments, and then work through a steady and tightly controlled timetable, going from one job to the next until the day was done. It sort of made sense in hindsight, but at that moment, my brain didn't have the spare processing power to appreciate it.
"So we have to get started right now?" I asked forlornly. Pinkie, oblivious to my despair, nodded excitedly.
"Yes indeedy!" she replied. "You help me cut up the ice on the lake, and then we head into Ponyville for the rest of our jobs. Come on, Bones! There's no time to lose!"
With that, I found myself yanked from my seat by her earth pony strength and all but dragged out of the house. I barely had time to grab my plant team vest and my stetson before we were out the door. The last thing I saw before I was dragged from the house was my loving marefriend sniggering behind her hoof at my fate.
The lake was a fair distance away from the farmhouse, but Pinkie wasted no time in getting there. She gleefully bounced along the still frost covered path, still holding my hoof in her iron grip. I swear, she has to be almost as strong as Applejack, or even Big Mac. Still, the walk there, and her constant chattering did help complete the long, slow process of me waking up that had been going on from the moment I woke up. Most of it, I'll admit, I tuned out as white noise. Pinkie Pie does have an amazing ability at times to talk so much and say so little. But from time to time, she comes out with some seriously deep stuff, enough to make the likes of Kant or Nietzsche take notice.
Arriving at the lake, we found it still frozen over like the Thames. A thick layer of ice covered it completely; thick enough for a pony to walk on it seemed, as we weren't the only ones out here this early. Sitting not too far from the middle of the lake, having drilled a small hole to dangle a fishing rod, was Zecora, Ponyville's resident zebra. She and I get on well enough. I buy the odd potion off her at the market from time to time, as well as some of her herbal teas. I also sometimes take Apple Bloom into the Everfree Forest so Zecora can give her some lessons on potion making. She was sitting contentedly, focussed on the task at hoof. And judging by the small bucket full of fish next to her, she'd had quite a good expedition. I was awake enough now to be friendly, so I called out to her.
"Hey!" I called out to her. "Drift Ice Station Zebra!" Pinkie Pie chuckled at my reference to the old film. Zecora looked up from her work. Pulling her fishing line in, she packed up her supplies into her saddlebags and trotted over to us.
"Good morning, you two," she said. "I assume you are here to help melt the ice? As much as I enjoy fishing, it would be better if the weather was a little more nice." I was always amazed at how Zecora could just rhyme on the fly like that. If I had to speak in rhyme I'd probably only say something once a month.
"That's right, Zecora," Pinkie replied. "How come you were out there fishing though? I didn't know zebras ate fish." Zecora chuckled.
"It's not for eating, my excitable friend, but to go in a potion that will cause headaches to mend."
Ah, so she was working on Equestria's answer to paracetamol. You always had to do a bit of translating with Zecora, even if she did rhyme in Ponish. I was probably going to need some of it by the end of today, or in the next few minutes. The wise zebra shaman then took her leave, heading back for her home in the Everfree. She was wise enough to avoid Pinkie at this time of the day. Meanwhile, I turned back to Pinkie, who was already doing up her skates.
"Pinkie," I said carefully. "You do know I've never done any ice skating before, right?"
One thing that has carried over from my human body to my equine one, is my at times poor coordination and balance. I tried rollerblading when I was a kid and just ended up falling on my arse a lot. The same could be said for when my parents took us all skiing at the snow dome. I knew jack about skating except that I was probably not going to be very good at it. Pinkie however, had other ideas.
"Oh, don't worry, Bones," she reassured me. "It's easy as pie! Just put your skates on and follow me."
Resigned to my fate, I did as I was asked. Picking the skates up in my magic, I began to put them on, doing the laces up tight. Before too long, all four hooves had a skate on, and I was hobbling out to join Pinkie on the ice.
"Okay," I said as I did my best to avoid falling over where I stood. "How do I do this?"
And so, Pinkie began to teach me the basics of skating. If you ask me, it is somewhat easier to do it as a pony. Four legs are far more stable than two. By degrees, I began to grasp the basics. After all, it wasn't like I was training for Olympic figure skating. All I had to do was skate back and forth across the ice, cutting it into smaller chunks so as to speed the melting process. It actually was quite a lot of fun as I began to get the hang of things. Okay, at first, I did indeed fall on my rear end a few times. But Pinkie kept encouraging me and before too long, I was able to skate and stay upright without too much effort. I might not have looked all that graceful, and I certainly didn't hold a candle to Pinkie, who gleefully pirouetted and twirled around on the ice while I practised just skating in a straight line and controlling my speed, but it would do for the task before us.
And so, about forty five minutes later, having briefly paused for a cup of hot cocoa that Pinkie had brought with her in a thermos, the two of us put on the thicker skates that were meant for cutting up the ice, and set to work. Pinkie trotted over to the other side of the lake. We'd be skating in a fairly precise pattern. I would go up and down on the lake, while Pinkie would skate left to right. This way, we could cut the lake up more quickly, and without risking either of us falling in as the ice gave way. Still, for it to work, we had to be pretty close to perfect with our timing.
"Okay, Pinkie!" I called out. "Whenever you're ready." Pinkie waved back, and on the count of three we set off.
I was at the bottom of the lake on the right hand side. Pinkie meanwhile, was on the right hand bank near the top. We both started at the same moment. If we did everything right, there'd be no need to worry about having to avoid each other, or deal with collapsing ice. We both quickly built up speed as we glided across the lake. The specialised skates cut deeply into the ice, compromising its integrity. As we both skated, the cracks we were making would begin to join up, causing the previously solid mass to separate into smaller chunks.
As I neared the opposite bank, I kicked out the two skates on one side to slow my speed and leaned to the left to begin a sweeping left turn. At the far left hand side of the lake, Pinkie was doing the same. We criss-crossed with each other on the way back and the first parts of the lake ice began to give way.
The two of us repeated the process several times, moving slowly across the lake, and cutting up more of the ice. All in all, I'd say it probably took no more than four or five minutes. But I was concentrating more on keeping with the rhythm we'd set up and not accidentally falling into the icy water. While falling in wouldn't have me end up like Sir Ranulph Fiennes and losing half a hoof to frostbite, it was still plenty cold.
Eventually, we both came to the end of our runs, at more or less the same time. We were both now at the opposite position to where we'd started. I was at the top left hand corner of the lake, and Pinkie was diagonally opposite from me. As we retreated back to the safety of the bank, our handiwork began to pay off. I watched with amazement as the arrow straight paths we'd carved began to all connect. There came a tremendous cracking sound as the fractures spread out like a spider's web. And then finally, the ice began to break apart into nice neat little squares, that floated atop the freezing water. Once the grey clouds above us were moved out of the way, the bright, warming sun would make quick work of the smaller chunks of ice.
Taking off the skates and, in typical style, knotting the laces and throwing them around my neck, I headed over to join Pinkie Pie. The snow might still have been thick on the ground, and it might still have been cold, but we'd just started to loosen winter's grip on the landscape.
"Well, that went better than I expected," I said to her. Pinkie chuckled.
"Oh, come on, Bones," she said encouragingly. "You've got to be more self-confident. You did great out there."
"If you say so, Pinkie," I replied. "You were great though too."
She was right though. I remember the first time I helped Applejack out on the farm. I had nowhere near the strength or endurance I had now. By the end of the day, I thought my limbs were going to fall off, while she'd barely broken a sweat. But I'd kept at it, slowly built myself up, and now I was just as capable as her or Big Mac. I'm sure, with time, I could probably become just as good at skating as Pinkie was. Too bad all the ice was melting now.
"Aww, thanks, Bones," she said, pulling me into a one armed bear hug for a moment. "C'mon though, we better head to Ponyville. Twilight will be handing out the rest of the jobs for everypony."
And so, I once again found myself on the road to town, only this time I had a good friend along for the ride.
Ponyville was packed when we got there. Were it not for the fact that the sport doesn't exist in Equestria, I'd have thought there was a football match on or something. The crowd was concentrated around Town Hall, where Twilight had set up shop on a stage specially set up for her. Everypony present was decked out in their particular team's colours. As part of the plant team, most of my work would be focussed on Sweet Apple Acres and the other farms, ploughing, planting new seeds and so forth. Pinkie meanwhile would continue to deal with more weather related matters on the Weather team. Ponies like Fluttershy and Rarity meanwhile, on the animal team, were responsible for helping the many animals that called Ponyville home adjust to the change. Hibernating animals, including Rainbow's pet tortoise Tank, would need to be woken up, the birds from southern Equestria needed to be guided back home, and the sheep and cattle needed to be herded from their farmyard shelters back out onto open pasture. With so much to deal with, Twilight was the natural choice to organise everything into a well oiled machine. Once upon a time, Ponyville had gotten a bad reputation for finishing Winter Wrap Up behind schedule.
As we made our way through the crowds, Pinkie and I parted ways as I met up again with Applejack and the others. She'd also picked up Caramel on her travels. Caramel's a nice enough guy. He actually kinda reminds me of me when I was younger. He's got a good heart, but can be a little nervous and forgetful at times, to the point where his losing some of the seeds became something of a running gag come Winter Wrap Up. Still, he was usually assigned to Sweet Apple Acres to help out the Plant team.
With everypony assembled, Twilight began dividing each of the teams into sub-teams, giving each various jobs to do in and around Ponyville. I was assigned a job I was more or less familiar with at this point; snow clearing. Before the fields could be ploughed and have the new seeds planted, the vast amounts of snow needed to be cleared away. And while Equestria doesn't have access to motorised snow ploughs, they do have the next best thing, relying on pony power instead.
I was assigned, along with several other ponies, to clear several of the fields on Sweet Apple Acres, as well as a few on other farms. The snow ploughs we had were essentially a small cart, with a snowplough fitted at the front, and two flanges at the side to funnel the snow into the bed at the back. This way, you gathered up the snow, instead of just pushing it around. The only downside was that they were a right beggar to move, particularly as they filled up with more and more snow. I smiled to myself as I remembered the scene from the first season where the then unicorn Twilight Sparkle tried to use a Come to Life spell on the plough, that sent it hurtling all over the place, and ticking off the somewhat anti-magic Applejack in the process. Luckily, as time has gone by, my marefriend has come to relax that policy a bit, particularly when shown the advantages, never mind the fact that her own strength comes from magic. Still, I do consider it something a point of pride to be able to work on the farm without having to 'resort' to magic as it were.
Along with myself, I had Caramel, Doc Hooves, and my own old man helping out with the section of fields I was to work on clearing. Dad of course, being human, and not exactly suited to a snowplough built for equines, arrived with the more homo sapiens sapiens suited shovel and wheelbarrow. The four of us quickly set to work in earnest. Me, Doc and Caramel would man the snowploughs, while Dad, at intervals, would empty the beds of each one as they filled up and cart it away. It made the best use of our resources according to a certain alicorn princess. Dad just grumbled about how the unicorns up in Canterlot used their magic to do everything in twenty minutes flat.
Still, we soon set to work, with the three of us dividing the fields between us and slowly working our way across each one, somewhat like how Pinkie and I had worked our way across the ice. Unlike that though, this job took a lot more effort, and I soon found myself wishing for my marefriend's superhuman strength. The plough alone is heavy enough, but pushing it against tightly packed snow made it even more difficult. The Doc did come up with something of a fix though, applying a coat of oil and diesel fuel to the plough, which helped stop the snow clumping up and blunting the plough.
As we worked, building up quite a sweat that soon saw off the previous cold, I watched the landscape slowly change. The landscape was now no longer a sea of unbroken white. Plenty of patches and green and brown were now beginning to appear as the snow was cleared away by the teams. And by mid afternoon, the snow was all but gone. In a way, I was a little saddened by the change. As I said before, the world looked so beautiful under a blanket of snow. But then again, I wasn't going to miss the cold, or having to scrape off my hooves every time I went into the house. Soft grass underfoot was far more pleasant.
High above us, the weather was also being changed over. The local Weather Patrol, including my little sister Lizzie, and Rainbow Dash, along with the vast majority of the pegasi in Ponyville were busily clearing away the grey clouds that had been more or less hanging about continuously since early January. The warming sunlight soon began to shine through, first as thin rays of light, and eventually as a pleasant spring sun. Celestia had turned the heat up just enough to be pleasant and melt the snow. It was nice to see the sunny blue skies again, and to feel the warmth of the sun on my coat. The snow we'd all helped clear away soon began to melt into mush, and very shortly into water, that drained into the nearby lake and river running through town. I liked the speediness of Winter Wrap Up. The worst part of snow, if you ask me, was the halfway point of melting, when the ground was covered in horrid mush that mixed with the mud and made everything look horrid and stuck to everything. Thanks to controlled weather and careful management, you didn't get that in Equestria.
With the snow ploughing done and dusted, we all moved onto our next jobs. In my case, this saw me working with the plant team leader for a bit as we both turned our attention to Sweet Apple Acres' apple trees.
As we moved from winter into spring, there were plenty of jobs that would need doing around Sweet Apple Acres. One of those involved pruning the apple trees. Most plants respond well to a trim in the spring. It keeps the trees in the orchard neat and in line, and stops an individual tree growing out and intertwining with its neighbours. It also helps stimulate growth in the tree down the line as it ages, and helps produce a greater crop yield. And while it might be nice to sit under the shade of an apple tree in the high summer, that wasn't what they were for. Good apple trees didn't give too much shade. The idea was to create a conical shape to ensure that the entire tree got plenty of sunlight and nutrients. We'd trim off any dead or diseased branches, anything that was pointing downward, anything that wasn't showing any shoots, and possibly a few of the larger 'scaffold' branches as they were known, which could potentially block sunlight. The remaining branches were usually trimmed by around a third to encourage strong regrowth over the year. It also clears out the dead growth that is a fire hazard.
As you would back on Earth, Applejack and I would mainly use hand tools to prune away the branches. Although I could also use my magic, in the form of a finely focussed fire spell to prune back thicker branches that would otherwise require a saw. After all, there were a lot of trees to prune. We would only be doing a section of the orchard, with Big Mac and dozens of other ponies working on the rest, so as to finish in time for the start of spring tomorrow.
"Y'all ready for this, Bones?" Applejack asked as she grabbed her pruning shears and a few other odds and ends, along with a ladder to help get at the higher branches. As I saw her lugging that along with her, an idea popped into my head.
"Sure, Applejack," I replied. "But I think you may be able to leave that here." I gestured to the ladder. The farm pony pushed her stetson back for a moment and gave me a puzzled look.
"Say what now, sugarcube?" she said. I explained my idea.
"Why don't we use my magic instead?" I suggested. "Instead of you havin' to climb a ladder, I can just use my magic to levitate you up there. I can move you around each tree and even help you get right up to the top branches."
Applejack considered the idea for a moment, clearly not too convinced.
"I don't know, Bones," she said after a moment. "That sounds mighty dangerous."
"No, I can do it, AJ," I reassured her. "My magic is plenty strong enough. I've got good fine motor control too. I certainly won't drop you or anythin'. Tell you what; how about we do a little test. If you ain't comfortable with it, we'll just use the ladder."
This seemed to sway her. To her credit, Applejack has done her best to try and be open to new ideas and new ways of doing things ever since she had to leave Twilight briefly in charge of the farm, and realised how many of her chores could be easily simplified. She'd just gotten into habit and routine.
"Alright," she said with a nod, setting down her stuff. "Just promise me y'all are gonna be careful." I smiled.
"Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye," I replied, doing the requisite motions.
Focussing for a moment, I activated my magic. Levitation, and telekinesis in general, isn't that difficult. After all, it's one of only a few spells that pretty much every unicorn is capable of, regardless of their magical power. But as with physical muscles, the amount that one unicorn can lift differs between ponies. Now, I'm no Twilight Sparkle, and you certainly won't see me levitating an Ursa Minor through the air any time soon. But I am reasonably strong; strong enough to lift Applejack at any rate without too much effort.
She let out a short cry of surprise as the dark blue hue of my magic surrounded her and her hooves left the ground. I tried to be as gentle as possible. Having flown several times, I knew well the uneasy feeling of being in the air, particularly when you weren't in control of what was happening.
"You okay, Applejack?" I asked as I suspended her a couple of feet off the ground. Applejack looked a little startled, but soon adapted to her new situation.
"Sure," she replied, looking down at the ground as it slowly moved away from her as I lifted her up more. I decided to be a little cheeky.
"Kinda a role reversal, ain't it?" I said. "Usually you're the one who's throwin' me around like a rag doll, at least in the bedroom."
Like I said before, with AJ's strength, intimacy with her is er...interesting. Particularly when she gets really excited and forgets just how strong she is. While I had no trouble lifting her, to AJ, I'm light as a feather. The comment made her blush up to her ears.
"Bones!" she exclaimed. I let out a laugh, while AJ fumed good naturedly at her inability to retaliate. In the end, she settled for hurling her stetson at me.
After that, we slowly went through the process of getting Applejack used to being held in my magic. I carefully manoeuvred her around an apple tree, and she practised pruning some of the higher branches, and the two of us worked out a proper way to communicate where she wanted to go. In a sense, I was making the task more difficult. But at the same time, it also made things a lot easier, and there was far less chance of anypony falling and hurting themselves.
After about ten minutes or so of practice, the two of us headed out into our section of orchard, sans ladder, to start pruning back the apple trees. We still had plenty of time left, but there were also many other jobs to do after this. It wasn't even lunchtime yet. Applejack would take charge of actually pruning back the trees, and I would help collect up the cut down branches. After all, while I was using my magic, I didn't have to necessarily keep still, so I could move around underneath and catch the trimmings as they fell.
The two of us soon arrived at the first tree in our section. These were all reasonably young trees, a few years old now, having matured some time ago. Effective pruning here would greatly improve their crop yield in the autumn.
"Ready, AJ?" I asked as we both got into position, her with the shears, and me with a large apple basket.
"Ready, Bones," she replied, taking a moment to adjust her hat one more time.
Activating my magic, AJ was soon encased in my magic. With now practised care, I gently lifted her off the ground, pausing for a moment to give her a chance to get used to the sensation of being suspended in the air. After that, I levitated her up to the highest part of the tree, with the intent of slowly lowering her down in a sort of spiral fashion.
Applejack soon got to work, picking out unnecessary or obstructing branches, as well as any that weren't showing any buds. We called back and forth to each other as we worked around the tree. While I had to concentrate to keep Applejack steady and get her where she wanted to go, I couldn't help but reflect on how much trust she'd put in me. Were the situation reversed, I'm not sure I'd have been as easily convinced. Heck, even if it was Twilight, or Celestia even, I might still be a little uneasy. Applejack clearly had a lot of trust in me, and I do consider her, amongst other things, an excellent judge of character, so I was pleased by the unspoken endorsement.
I was quickly brought back to reality though, as my marefriend cut down a larger branch on the tree, and sent it landing in the basket I was holding, also with my magic, with a sharp crash. I quickly got my mind back to the task at hand. Now of all times, was not the time for daydreaming or deep introspection.
After we finished the first tree, we soon fell into a comfortable pattern. Applejack even suggested we do this sort of thing for a few other jobs. It also sparked a question from her.
"So just how strong is your magic, Bones?" she asked. I thought for a moment before replying.
"I'm not that too much above the average according to Twilight. I certainly don't hold a candle to her or Starlight," I replied.
"Still, this is mighty impressive, sugarcube," Applejack replied. "Y'all have been holdin' me up here for nearly an hour now, and you still don't look all that tired. I don't think I could hold you over my head for this long."
"Maybe," I called back up. "But I don't think I could lift an entire apple tree. And I saw you do that with just your back legs that one time."
"So which would you rather have?" AJ asked. "Physical strength or powerful magic?"
Well, that was the question wasn't it?
On the one hoof, superman strength was quite a tempting option. If nothing else, it would put me and AJ on more equal terms. Although I have to admit, being pinned down by a mare does have its charms. Still, it would make farm work a whole lot easier, and I'd love to be able to empty a whole apple tree with one kick. But on the other hoof, magic offers so much more diversity. With magic I can lift and move objects at a distance, my horn can serve as an impromptu torch, and in a pinch, I can even teleport short distances, although that is a rare act, since it leaves me pretty much drained. And of course, magic can also be used for defence, as in my cutie mark, shielding me and others from harm more than simple physical strength ever could.
"I reckon I'd stick with magic," I eventually replied. "Sure, I wouldn't mind being as strong as you or Big Macintosh, but at this point, my magic is like another limb. I'd feel lost without it."
"I suppose I'd feel the same," AJ agreed. "Well, that and I reckon I'd look mighty strange with a horn." That made us both laugh.
And so we steadily worked our way through our section of the orchards, occasionally passing bemused ponies working on neighbouring trees. By the time we were done, the trees had all been neatly trimmed back and now resembled their more recognisable rounded shape, although it was a little hard to see with the trees still being virtually bare.
With the last one done, I carefully lowered AJ back to the ground. Deactivating my magic, the blue glow that had surrounded her, and the familiar tinkling bell sound that unicorn magic produces, dissipated and she was able to move under her own steam again.
"Thanks for your help, Bones," Applejack said, adjusting her hat and coat. "That was a real bright idea ya had today."
"Don't mention it, AJ," I replied kindly. "Just don't expect me to be able to pick a dozen apple trees at once come Applebuck Season." Applejack laughed.
"Well, the farm's all ready to start up again," she said as we both looked over the orchard, which was quickly turning green again as the last of the snow melted under the warming sun. "I'd say winter's been well and truly wrapped up."
One week later...
School was now back in session, and that meant that things were really on the up-tick. As the farm returned to life, Applejack had to split her time between farm work and teaching at the school, to say nothing of the occasional friendship mission the map in Twilight's castle might send her on.
The same could somewhat be said for me. While I'm not a full time teacher, in the aftermath of the incident with Cozy, I came to an arrangement with Headmare Twilight. In exchange for using their extensive academic facilities to further my own research, I acted as something of a supply teacher, helping cover classes for any of them as needed. I'm not one to boast too much, but several seasons of MLP, and a couple years living it, has given me a pretty solid groundwork to teach the subject of friendship and harmony, and I do enjoy it too. The other positive was that it gave Applejack a bit more free time. As I said before, at times, she could be run pretty ragged by her schedule, so it made sense to share the workload where we could.
And of course Apple Bloom was now back at school as well. And while the filly may be perfectly old enough to get there and back on her own, a certain overprotective big sister insists that the little filly be escorted by somepony, just to be safe, so that was another task split between me, AJ, Big Mac, and Granny Smith.
Yes, all in all, life on the farm was fast becoming busy. And we weren't even near the high water mark yet. Just wait until Applebuck Season rolls around in the autumn, with the cider making right on its heels. Before too long though, we'd get used to the routine. I found myself finding my feet as it were about a week or so after Winter Wrap Up, which saw me covering a lesson for AJ.
"Honesty," I was saying to the assembled class, which included the now well known exchange students from outside Equestria. "Is about truth. But let me ask you this; what is truth?"
I paused and turned around to face the class, having written the word 'Truth' in large, mostly neat letters on the classroom chalkboard. The students were all listening and paying close attention. Twilight's told me before I have a natural talent for lecturing. Maybe I should have tried to do one of those TED talks before we wound up here. Around the classroom, a smattering of hooves and claws went up.
"Yes, Ocellus," I said, calling on the school's only changeling student. She reminds me a lot of Fluttershy, and I've found her to be extremely intelligent, certainly the most academic of her little group of friends.
"It's an absolute," she replied in her somewhat quiet voice. "Something that is inherently right and correct, that any creature can see and agree with." I nodded.
"Yes, that's scientific truth; the absolute certainty; something that has been hypothesised and tested by the scientific method. But let's go a little deeper. Scientific truth is true because it can be proven by experimentation. But what about truth itself. How can truth be true?"
"That's a tautology," Gallus, the resident griffin, called out from a couple rows back. This set the students muttering to each other and going over their notes. Eventually, a couple more hooves and claws went up. One surprised me.
"Yes, Silverstream?" I said calling on the excitable hippogriff.
"Well, there can't be," she said, answering my question. "Everycreature has their own version of the truth. It builds and defines their view of the world. It's like...the lens through which they view it. It's our truth that the Storm King was an insane megalomaniac. But I'm sure he genuinely believed he wasn't the bad guy, even after all the horrible things he did. That was his truth."
"That's belief though, Silverstream," Sandbar said. "Believing that you aren't the bad guy doesn't change the truth that you are."
"Very good, Sandbar," I agreed. "You are somewhat right though, Silverstream. We all do have our own personal truths that colour our view of the world. And societies in general have their own truths, influenced by the times they exist in, changing the truth as it goes. Yesterday's good may be tomorrow's evil, and both points of view are 'true'."
"Well then, nothing can be true then," Gallus said. "All our laws and beliefs come from temporary truths that change over time. If there's no underlining absolute truth to the world, then they're all meaningless."
"Now there's a scary thought," I said as I nodded in agreement. "But in a way, you are right, Gallus."
Turning around, I picked up the chalk and jotted a few lines on the blackboard. My Arabic is a little rusty, but being a lefty, it was much neater than my English or Ponish. All the students looked on, uncertain what the alien writing meant. After putting in all the proper grammar notation (written Arabic doesn't actually include any vowels, you know) I turned back to the class.
"La shay' sahihun. Kula shay' musamuwhun," I said. "Nothing is true. Everything is permitted. If there is no absolute truth, as Gallus suggests, then there is no basis for morality. The notion of honesty is null and void in the absence of a truth to be honest about. But, of course, that assumes there is no truth to be honest about."
"But you just showed us that it can't exist," Silverstream said.
"No," I gently corrected. "I showed that our understanding of the truth changes and varies. The truth itself is another matter altogether. Truth is beyond ponies, griffons, yaks, changelings, dragons, hippogriffs, or any other creatures on this world or others. It is separate from us, existing entirely independently.
"You said earlier, Gallus, that the notion of the truth being true was a tautology. And we've argued now over whether or not truth is real. By doing so, we prove truth's existence. Logically, you can't argue about anything without there being a truth existing. To say there is no absolute truth, is itself a statement of an absolute fact, an absolute truth. So, as much as our own truths may change and warp with time, the truth itself, as an absolute, continues to exist. And in turn, an absolute truth allows for a creature to be honest, or dishonest when it comes to that truth."
I watched with a small amount of mirth as the students tried to process this interesting proposition. Maybe next week I can talk to them about perception, Plato's Ideal Form, and the different worlds we all see and exist in. I certainly seemed to have triggered a bit of an existential crisis in poor Yona who was now staring off into space with a thousand yard stare.
With that, I ended the lecture and spent ten minutes or so doing Q&A with the students. Some ponies might mock this school and its subjects, but as you can see, we deal with some pretty heavy duty philosophy. As the bell rang, the students all filed out for the day. Most would now split their time between the library and their dorm rooms.
As for me, I had to head over to Ponyville's other school to pick up Apple Bloom. Still, it beats grading term papers.
Ponyville's other, more long standing school, is a much smaller affair than the grandiose Hogwarts-esque School of Friendship. It's a small simple schoolhouse, mostly built out of wood, and painted a soft red colour, with a small bell perched in an equally small bell tower. Given the small population of Ponyville, there's only really one main class at the moment, covering a few years of school. You see similar setups in far flung places like Alaska, where there can often be only a couple of pupils in a single year group.
At the moment, Ponyville's school had around twenty students in it, and two teachers; Cheerilee and my mum. Once upon a time, it was just poor Cheerilee all by her lonesome, running the classes, dealing with the CMC and their feuds with Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon, taking part in governors' meetings, running parent teacher conferences; it was a lot for one mare. When we ended up here and realised we could be stranded here a while, we all started to look for work. Mum, being a semi-retired teacher, offered to help out at the school, and was gladly accepted by Cheerilee. The pair have since become good friends both in and outside of work.
I got there just as school was letting out. The little brass bell was ringing out at the end of the day, and the students were tearing out the front door, with Mum and Cheerilee following behind. I meanwhile joined the assembled group of parents, older siblings, and other guardians who ritually gathered to collect the newly freed students. As we waited, the pony next to me struck up a conversation.
"Hey there, Bones," Derpy, Ponyville's resident mailmare, said. "I haven't seen you since Winter Wrap Up. How have you been?"
Ah yes, Derpy. Back when all this was just fictional, she was the fandom's adorable mascot. She's certainly one of the uppermost benefits of being in Equestria. Like Pinkie Pie, she has an almost innate ability to cheer you up. She's also, however, mother to the smartest filly in Ponyville, Dinky. The unicorn filly at first seems like any other eight year old. But if you spend five minutes with her, you quickly find that she's smart as any adult, maybe even smarter.
"Oh, not too bad, Derpy," I replied, touching the brim of my hat. "How have you and Dinky been?"
Derpy now got very excited, understandably so, considering the exciting news she had to share with me.
"My little muffin's put in her application to Princess Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns," she said excitedly, brimming with pride. "Twilight says there's a really good chance she'll get invited for an assessment in a couple of months."
"Well, that's great, Derpy," I said, meaning it too. "I'm sure she'll get in. That filly's as smart as Twilight. She'll thrive there; they'll really push her, way more than the school here can."
No disrespect to my mum or Cheerilee, but Ponyville school isn't built to cope with a pony that's half Time Lord. You can thank Doc Whooves for that one. The guy's retired these days, but he still has that wonderful blue box squirrelled away in the basement of his shop. And Dinky is more than capable of flying it.
"How's Apple Bloom been?" Derpy went on. "She and her friends have been a real help working with Dinky and trying to find her cutie mark."
"Believe it or not," I said. "I think she's glad to be back at school. I don't know why, but winter really seemed to drag on this time around. I think we were all just glad for a change in routine. Having it be all quiet on the farm gets a mite tedious after a while."
At that moment, I picked out Apple Bloom, along with Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo, in the crowd. The three were together, as they so often are; the now famous Cutie Mark Crusaders, boasting branches in Manehattan and Griffonstone. The three of them were chatting, but getting ready to part ways for the day. Scootaloo peeled off when she spotted her aunts who looked after her while her parents were away (trust me, that one came as quite a shock when I first found out), jumping on her scooter and buzzing her wings to shoot off, complete with the sound of a moped engine. Sweetie Belle meanwhile, cantered off toward Rarity, who I think was taking care of her this afternoon until their parents got back from Canterlot.
As for Apple Bloom, her sharp amber eyes soon picked out my stetson in the crowd, and along with Dinky, she galloped over to join us.
"Bones!" she exclaimed gleefully.
"Hey, Apple Bloom," I said as she all but ran straight into me for a hug. "You have a good day at school?"
"Uh huh!" she said with a nod. "We're all startin' a project on hobbies. So I figured I could do somethin' on potion making."
Ah yes, Apple Bloom does have quite an interest in potions, having spent a fair bit of time around Zecora. The little filly's creations have more than once helped with the crop yield this past year, as she's learned to make some pretty decent fertiliser and growth supplements. She even, with help from Zecora, made up something to help Granny Smith when she came down with a bad case of the flu a couple months back.
"Oh, so what are you fixin' to make then?" I asked. Apple Bloom pondered that one for a moment.
"I was thinkin' about maybe one of those fast growth potions like I made last fall," she said as we headed back towards home. "But I'll need to get some stuff from Zecora to make it."
"Alright," I said agreeably. "Tell you what. We'll drop your school stuff off back at the farmhouse, and then I'll come with you to see Zecora. You know how AJ feels 'bout you goin' in that place by yourself."
Although if you ask me, Applejack was quite right on that one. Hell would freeze over before I'd let AB into the Everfree without a guide.
So, after saying goodbye to Derpy and Dinky, we both headed back to the farm, and after dropping off her school stuff and saddlebags, the two of us set off into the Everfree, bound for Zecroa's hut.
I must admit, it does seem like the Everfree Forest has slowly become less dangerous as time's gone by. Back when I was first introduced to the place, when Twilight and her five new friends trekked through the place to reach the old castle and confront Nightmare Moon, it was dangerous as all Hell, filled with a multitude of dangerous monsters. But more recently, the place seems to have become a lot less threatening. I mean, Twilight and the others went on a merry little camping trip in there not too long ago.
Of course, this is partly due to some of the more dangerous creatures being dealt with. Celestia, SMILE, or somepony, has been busy filling up Tartarus with some of the nastier beasties of the Everfree.
The place though, is by no means safe. It's still the Everfree, operating on a completely different set of rules than the rest of Equestria. It's still filled with wild magic, and only held in check by the Tree of Harmony. I still actively avoid going in there unless I have to, but it's a lot better than it was. I certainly felt a lot better about taking Apple Bloom in there these days, compared to when we first arrived.
That didn't mean though I was going to let her go in there on her own. Even if she knows the way to Zecora's like the back of her hoof, the forest is still full of cockatrices, cragadiles, timberwolves, never mind the ursa major. It is still the Everfree Forest. So after Apple Bloom had dropped her schoolwork back in her room at the house, the two of us set off through the fields for the edge of the forest. It wasn't too far to the hut that Zecora called home, and it's fairly easy to find, using the somewhat well travelled path to the old castle. Still, as we crossed the boundary and entered the darkened canopy, I couldn't help but remember how unsettling it had been when I first woke up and found myself in this place.
Apple Bloom, for her part, in spite of the bravado she might put on, holds a similar view of Equestria's answer to the Wild Wood. While she wasn't outwardly scared, I noticed that she was sticking much closer to me than normal, and her ears were on a near constant swivel. I was doing the same. Ponies, being prey animals in the grand scheme of things, are constantly watchful and wary of their surroundings. My own ears and nose were giving me a lot of information about the world around us, and I was keeping a sharp eye on the trees.
The one good thing about the Everfree's denizens, was that they were a lot like many dangerous creatures on Earth. People are careful around wolves, bears, cougars, coyotes and the like, but most of the time, if you don't bother them, and they can't get the drop on you, they'll give you a wide berth and figure that you aren't worth the effort. I kept my horn glowing as a light source to help reinforce this. Many creatures are fearful of magic, just as they are of fire.
Eventually, as we got further into the woods, with no sign of anything coming to cross our path, the two of us began to relax. Apple Bloom stayed close to me, but was no longer almost pressing herself up against my side.
Unfortunately, it didn't last long. About ten minutes later, when we were about a half mile from Zecora's hut, we ran into trouble. I first became aware of an odd feeling; the kind that makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. I couldn't see anything nearby, but I got the distinct impression that we were no longer alone. Apple Bloom seemed to feel the same way, and a moment later, the two of us stopped in our tracks.
"What is it, Bones?" the filly asked in a quiet voice. I looked around, trying to find whatever it was that was out there.
"I'm not sure, AB. Just stay close to me for now, okay?" I replied, wrapping a reassuring foreleg around her.
In my head, I was doing my best to recall all the important creatures that lived in this forest, and the best ways to keep them away. If worse came to absolute worst, I could probably pull off a short teleport, at the cost of my magical reserves. First though, we needed to know what we were up against.
Finally, I spotted something. Off to one side of the trail, hidden in the darkness of the deeper woods, I caught a pair of eyes glinting in the darkness. The eerie green glow didn't fill me with confidence. Our gazes locked for a moment. Whatever it was seemed to start, realising that it had been spotted. But it didn't retreat. Instead, it did quite the opposite.
An ominous howl now rang out, making it very clear that we'd encountered a timberwolf, and he was calling for his pack. And when I say timberwolf, I mean literally, a wolf made of wood. There strange creatures are formed out of the wild magic that exists within the Everfree. It isn't evil by any stretch of the imagination, but like everything in the Everfree, it is beyond pony control. Like their flesh and blood counterparts, they were predators that hunted in packs. The only good thing was that, while impossible to outright kill, a solid hit from a rock or anything else would temporarily break them apart.
At my side, I heard Apple Bloom let out a soft whimper as the howl rang out. She was most likely the reason they'd decided to pick on us. A foal was much easier to pull down than a full grown stallion. Now they'd look to try and separate us so they could get at her. Well, I wasn't about to let that happen.
As I said before, the best way to see off encounters like these was to convince the wolves that we were more trouble than we worth. If it became plain that it would take too much effort, they would most likely withdraw and look for other sources of food. I took a look around. There were seven pairs of eyes, arranged on either side of the trail, but they hadn't encircled us. In fact, at the moment, they seemed more curious than anything else. They were sizing us, or more likely me, up. Time to show them I wasn't worth it.
Reassuringly patting Apple Bloom, for a moment, I did my best to scare the timberwolves off. I didn't stare at them; next to running, that's the worst thing to do. They'd take that as a challenge, and you then just go from 'food' to 'threat'. Instead, I made as much noise as I could, roaring like a horse, rearing up and down, pawing at the ground, tossing my head, as well as bringing my magic in on things. I fired off a couple simple light spells over the wolves, which detonated like little fireworks. Due to the risk of starting a forest fire, I kept any real fireworks as a last resort.
At first, the pack stood their ground. They ignored the shouting and roaring and the general display I was putting on. But the moment I used magic, and sent it in their direction, they took off. The eyes vanished and we heard the sound of wooden paws hurrying away. At least for now.
With the immediate threat over, I turned to Apple Bloom, who, despite her best efforts, looked visibly shaken.
"It's okay, Apple Bloom," I said, briefly leaning down and pulling her into a hug. "They're gone now."
After that, the two of us hurried to Zecora's hut. Having lived in these woods for as long as she has, all the animals know to give her a wide berth, and the area around her home is pretty much safe. I kept my eyes and ears open, but the timberwolves showed no sign of returning, I was worried that they might just circle back after the initial shock and begin stalking us again, but I saw nothing to suggest that.
Before too long, we reached Zecora's hut. After helping Apple Bloom gather supplies she needed for her school project, the zebra shaman was kind enough to join us on the journey back to the farm. Needless to say, we weren't bothered by the timberwolves on the return trip.
That weekend saw us engaged in something far less stressful than wandering through the Everfree Forest. While winter had been wrapped up for a couple of weeks, there were still a few things to do on the farm as spring truly took hold. One of those involved the cattle that reside on Sweet Apple Acres.
The farm, you see, doesn't just have apples. In addition to the various other crops, we also have a modest cattle herd and sheep flock, in addition to the chickens and pigs. While the latter are part of the farm; the chickens for eggs and the pigs for fertiliser and disposal of spoilt crops, the former are in a more unusual position. Both cattle and sheep are somewhat sentient, capable of speech and rational thought. As I've said before, they occupy a bit of a morally grey area in Equestrian society, at least by human standards. Of course, they aren't slaughtered for meat; the cattle provide milk, while the sheep provide wool, with both species helping to keep the open grasslands of the farm in check through grazing. I suppose you could say there's a sort of symbiotic relationship; in return for their milk or wool, ponies provide them with food and shelter in the colder winter months, as well as offering help whenever they need anything in the way of medicine. They also work as day labor, helping to pull carts and the like. While they might be able to speak, they are still animals if you will. They don't build houses, and their society is just the same as any cow herd or flock of sheep you might find on Earth, only they can talk.
Anyway, I'm rambling. Moral quandaries aside, we look after these animals. That meant for the last few months, the sheep had been moved down to lower winter pastures, which were sheltered and offered better grazing, while the cattle had been moved into the sheds, both to protect them from the cold and to stop them poaching the ground and turning half the farm's open grassland into a quagmire. With the onset of spring though, it was time to change that. The cows would be led back out onto the open range, and sheep would head up to their summer grazing pastures.
In short, we had ourselves a good old fashioned cattle drive. And by God was I looking forward to it. Okay, it wasn't like we were taking 3,000 head of two year old steers up the Chisholm Trail, but it was still a proper cowboy cattle drive. This herd was more like fifty, and given their nature, would be a lot easier to herd, considering you could just tell them where you wanted them to go. We were more of an escort than anything else. Still, I was looking forward to it.
We'd lead the cattle out and once they were all set out, they'd be turned loose to do as they pleased. With fifty cattle to move, we needed all the help we could get, so everypony was getting involved; me Applejack, Big Mac, Apple Bloom, Granny Smith, and Winona, the family's beloved Border Collie. We even had a little bit of extra help this year, as Sugar Belle; Big Mac's girlfriend, had offered to lend a hoof.
And so, that morning we all gathered to start the drive. The cattle had been turned loose out of their winter sheds, and were presently milling about and grazing. Applejack would be in charge of the fairly short drive to the grazing pastures, acting as trail boss, to use the parlance of the exercise. I, along with Big Mac, would be up near the front of the herd, where we would help steer the herd as point men. Sugar Belle and Apple Bloom would be further back, keeping the main body of the herd from straying as swing men, while AJ and Granny would be at the rear, helping to drive the herd forward.
It was certainly quite a sight that morning. I couldn't help but think back to that famous scene from Red River. At the start of the cattle drive, all the cowboys let out a yeehaw to get the cattle moving. We were no exception. As the morning sun rose above the eastern horizon, we heard Applejack call out.
"Alright! Move 'em out!" she called from her spot at the rear of the column.
Apple Bloom started it, with her own, high pitched and excited yeehaw. Big Mac soon picked this with his own much deeper version. Sugar Belle took after her boyfriend, letting out a good approximation of a buffalo war whoop. Granny Smith let out an oddly Australian cooee, while Applejack gave us her own signature yeehaw. As for me, well, like Sugar Belle, I harkened back a little further in history, and let loose my best go of the ancestor of the yeehaw, the old Rebel Yell. The noise was more than enough to get the herd moving and we were soon underway.
Heading away from the barns and cow sheds, we threw the herd onto the trail. It would probably take most of the day for us to get the herd to pasture, but the only real obstacle was the river, which ran from the Everfree, through the farm and on over to Ponyville. But there was a serviceable ford for us to use, although given how much snow had melted since Winter Wrap Up, it might now require a bit of swimming.
To start with, the herd strung itself out, becoming a long, flowing column of cattle, which moved along at a steady pace. As I said before, we were more a guide or escort than anything else. You see, while they might be able to talk and hold a conversation with you, to the point that you wonder why they're still treated more or less as we would animals, the cattle still retained many of their basic instincts. A sudden start could set them stampeding. Confronted with the river crossing on their own and they would balk. And if left to their own devices, they'd wander all over the place, doing all sorts of damage to the orchards and fields. That was why we were herding them as we were.
Still, for the most part, it was an easy enough undertaking. Big Mac and I effectively steered the herd along their course, keeping the leaders up front on the right track. The cows were friendly with the both of us, knowing us both well from their time in the sheds over the long winter.
"So, you lookin' forward to gettin' back to greener pastures Mooriel?" I asked one of the lead cattle.
"Oh, we sure are, Bones!" she replied in that oddly Wisconsin accent all the herd seem to have. "Being cooped up in those sheds is nice enough when it's so cold outside. But now that it's so much warmer, it'll be great to have an open range again."
"I bet," I agreed. "I gotta admit, this winter really did seem to drag. I'm glad it's over now."
At this point, we heard the sound of hoofbeats coming up as AJ cantered up the column.
"Pay attention, you two," she said to Big Mac and me. "Some of the youngsters are startin' to stray off the trail."
Cattle are curious beasts by nature, and so when they see something interesting, they do have this annoying tendency to wander off. Further back, the job of getting them back would fall to the swing men, but this far up, it was my job.
"You okay to keep the lead, Big Mac?" I called across the herd.
"Eeyup," came the reply.
So I peeled off with Applejack, headed after five or six head of cattle that had wandered. We had been passing by the apple orchards at this point, and several of the youngsters had gathered around one of the trees, nibbling at the young shoots on the lower branches. AJ came at them from the right, and I from the left.
"Alright y'all," our trail boss called out. "C'mon. Vamoose! Back to the herd with ya!"
The calves all looked up in surprise and, startled, started away from us. But as we had come wide from two different directions, we were able to check their flight and get them turned around. Presented with the sight of the herd, they soon rejoined their worried mothers, allowing us to return to our usual posts.
That pretty much set the tone for the day. A cattle drive, at least back on Earth, meant long hours in the saddle. Here it meant a long day on your hooves with little rest. Still, it was nice to make our way through the farm like this. It wasn't too often that I went up to the open grasslands of the farm, apart from when we went out to check the fence line. The steady drive was punctuated by occasional strays, but other than that, all was quiet. It was mid afternoon when we came in sight of our one major obstacle; the river.
As we'd feared, melting snow had turned the normally fordable river into a torrent which would need to be swam across. The cattle all instantly balked at the state of affairs and the column quickly turned into a large mass gathered at the water's edge. A couple of them tentatively dipped their hooves in the water, but quickly thought better of it. All of the ponies had also gathered to try and work out what to do.
It would take a good couple of weeks for the river to subside, and we couldn't turn the cattle loose here so close to the orchards. Truth be told, the river acted as a sort of natural barrier between the orchard, the seeded fields, and the grazing pastures. Nor could we camp out here and wait for the river to subside. In the end, Granny Smith came up with the first suggestion.
"Why don't we get Bones to use his magic to carry the cows across?" she suggested. We'd told everyone about the little stunt we pulled during Winter Wrap Up, and this seemed like an opportunity for a second application. However...
"I don't know, Granny," I said, taking a look at all the cattle. "Lifting one pony is one thing. There's no way I could move the whole herd. Even if we did it in batches or one at a time, by the time we got about half way, I'd be exhausted, and then we'd have the herd split up on each side of the river."
"What about building a bridge or a raft?" Sugar Belle offered.
"Nnope," Big Mac replied. "The ground's too soft on the river bed. We tried it a few years back. Any posts you put in the bed wash away, no matter how much you dig them in."
I thought back to what little I remembered of old western stories of cattle drives. Water bound herds were a common problem on the trail. At least we didn't have to worry about other herds behind us intermingling with our own. Although I did recall one, albeit somewhat unkind way of getting a balked herd to move.
"Why don't we rope one of the calves and swim it across," I suggested. "If anything will move these cattle, it'll be a crying calf. They'll just follow after it, forgetting their own concerns."
"No way, Bones," Applejack said firmly. "These cows are our friends, and I sure as hay ain't gonna put some little calf in danger like that."
In the end, it was little Apple Bloom who came up with the idea. Turns out those old Bible stories I'd sometimes tell her were paying off as she remembered a certain miracle from Exodus. While my magic wasn't powerful enough to move the cattle, it was powerful enough to move the water. We couldn't stop the flow outright, as that would flood everything upstream, but I could use my magic to channel the water over us. In effect, I could create a tunnel for the cows to pass through, although I wouldn't be able to hold it for long. After much deliberation, it was agreed that this was the best option, and after putting it to the herd, they were equally agreeable, if not entirely cognisant of what would be happening.
So, having prepared the herd, I stepped into the river. It was reasonably easy to ford, despite the fast flowing water. While the water was constantly trying to push me over along with the current, given that it was reasonably shallow, I was able to dig in with my hooves and keep a firm footing.
The spell I'd be using was mainly a shield spell, something that I'm particularly good at, in light of my special talent. Just don't go asking me to throw up a shield around Canterlot any time soon. Essentially, I'd create a semi-circle barrier around myself, forcing the water up and over me. I'd also add a channel on the top to keep the water from simply spilling off to the sides. The only opening would be at either side of the river, allowing the cattle to pass through.
Standing in the middle of the river, which let me say was bloody freezing cold, I began. I figured the best way to do this was to start behind me, and then bring the shield forward until it completely blocked the flow of water. Steadily, a dark blue arch began to form over me. For a few moments, the water rose as it had nowhere to go, and I got a brief soaking as the water channelled up the half finished barrier. But a few moments later, I was able to look up and see the perplexing sight of water rushing straight over my head.
It wasn't an easy spell to pull off. I could feel the weight of the water pushing against my magic, and it was taxing to hold the flow of water aloft like this, so I quickly called out to Applejack.
"Okay, AJ! Bring the herd through. One at a time!"
Applejack and the others quickly got the herd moving. While a little uneasy about the situation, they did begin to move through my improvised archway. The river bed underfoot was muddy and slippery, but they showed no signs of bogging. Apple Bloom and Sugar Belle followed the leaders through, helping to guide them away from the river's edge and stop the herd crowding. We needed to keep them moving. Celestia knew I couldn't keep this up forever. By the time we were about two thirds of the way through, I was flagging.
"AJ!" I called out over the sound of the river. "You need to hurry this along. I can't hold it much longer!"
In response, AJ did her best to hurry the herd. As we hit forty, my magic was starting to flicker and fizzle. I was getting near the limit of my endurance. Magic may be a muscle of sorts, but pushing yourself beyond your natural reserves, more often than not, does more harm than good. 'Just ten more head' I tried to tell myself.
As the last heifer cleared the river, I ran out of juice. My magic faltered, sputtered, and finally stopped, and with that went the arch. I'd planned to slowly ease it back, so as to reduce the effect of the water hitting me again. As it was, the water that was going over dropped on me like a tidal wave, and combined with the return of the strong current, knocked me off my hooves. For a few sickening seconds, I was under the water, too disorientated to swim. Luckily, a moment later, I felt some strong hooves grab my own, and I was bodily pulled from the river and back onto the bank.
Landing on the soft grass, I let out a cough as I did my best to get my bearings again. I was lying on my front, having been pulled from the river. Behind me, the herd, along with Granny, AB and Sugar Belle had gathered on the opposite bank. In front of me meanwhile stood Big Mac, who oddly, looked a little displeased. I assumed he had pulled me out.
"Thanks, Mac," I said, too exhausted to notice his expression. "Did the herd all get through? And where's Applejack?"
"Down here," she said as her brother snorted in disapproval.
That was when I realised I wasn't resting on grass, I was straddling a somewhat amused looking Applejack. I guess that explains why Mac looked a little annoyed; big brothers for you. Our eyes met.
"Oh...hey," I said awkwardly.
"Hey yourself, sugarcube," she replied with a grin. "As much as I like bein' the one pinned down for a change. I think you might wanna get off me before Big Mac loses his cool."
Blushing up to my ears, I scrambled back to my feet and did my best to put some distance between me and Big Mac.
From there, the three of us crossed the river to join up with everypony else. They were all impressed by the feat I'd managed to pull off. And Sugar Belle managed to get her boyfriend to ease off, pointing out that it was just physics and his sister's incredible strength that left me and AJ in our uncompromising position. Still, I'm no better with Lizzie around Dewdrop, so I've no right to throw stones. And Mac is a lot more accepting of me now than when AJ and I first started going out.
With the herd across the river, they were turned loose to do as they pleased. They'd still provide milk to the farm of course, but we'd only be seeing them every now and then, instead of being around them in the sheds every day. The large creatures even jumped in excitement at being out on the open range again.
With the herding complete, the six of us recrossed the river again and headed back for home, the warm spring sun helping to dry our coats. |
A Year in Equestria | Chapter 4 - April | April brought on two things. First of all, April Fool's Day, which was effectively the start of open season as far as Rainbow Dash was concerned. From the moment she got up until the town clock struck twelve, we were all bombarded by pranks. Still, at least they were a little more tame this year, instead of being something close to mean. I think she might have learned her lesson after the whole cookie incident. I must say, it was rather fun to play a zombie for a day and scare the living daylights out of her.
She certainly seems to have learned her lesson from that experience in any case. Whereas on previous occasions she'd hidden an occupied bee hive in one of the apple trees I was harvesting (and for the record, I was, and remain, utterly terrified of bees, wasps, and hornets. My response to all of them is to begin casting as many fire spells as possible), which resulted in the nest full of angry insects landing right on my head, splitting it open, and saw me chased all over the farm, to say nothing of what it did to my pre-existing phobia. This year, she went for the much more simple, and actually more impressive act of filling my wardrobe with apples from the barn. When I opened it to grab a few things, I was bombarded with a bumper crop. I still have no idea how she did it without waking me, although something tells me she and Pinkie have teamed up this year. And it was funny enough, not taking that much effort, well not for a unicorn such as myself, to clean up. A quick teleportation spell had them back where they belonged.
Beyond the humorous practical jokes though, April also saw a somewhat unwelcome change in the weather. While March had been reasonably mild, with most days being clear, and actually quite warm, April was set to change that. It was time to bring on the April showers. We'd had the sunlight now we needed the rain to properly kick start the germination process and get all the crops on their way. That meant several days of heavy rain and occasional high winds, neither of which were particularly fun.
While weather might be 'controlled' in Equestria, in that the pegasi are able to manipulate clouds and so forth to create rain or thunderstorms, or snow showers, as well as moving them away for clearer weather, they don't really control the actual storm as it happens. They start it up and shut it down, and make sure it stays where it's supposed to, but little else. That means that sometimes, a storm can be more powerful than the weather team intended, and that was precisely what happened one Wednesday night.
It was raining heavily again as we all gathered around the fire for warmth. The constant rain had brought a couple of leaks too, meaning my room now had two pots on the floor catching dripping rainwater, AJ had said she was going to take a look at the roof tomorrow when the storm had died down. For the moment though, I had to put up with the sound of the water dripping all night long. Along with the rain though, the wind was really getting up. I'd run into Rainbow Dash the other day in town, and she'd warned me that things really would kick off tonight, with forecasts of gale force nine across the whole valley. Not weather you'd want to be caught out in.
What concerned us though, was that the strong winds would probably fell a few of the trees in the orchards. You get a blustery day, and we normally spend the next day or so gathering up loose branches that have been blown away, but this was getting up to the level of that storm back in the '80's that flattened half the Home Counties.
The one Michael Fish assured us wasn't coming. That turned out to be the most powerful storm in two centuries they reckoned. At least I knew weather pegasi couldn't miss the mark by that much.
Still, it was a worry. Felled trees meant a lower crop yield, which meant a reduced profit come harvest season, which meant less in the way of savings to get us through the winter. Like I said, farms both here and on Earth operate on a close margin. I'd seen a bad thunderstorm storm devastate a cattle herd back home that left the farmer all but bankrupt.
The upside was though, that this early in the year, we could still plant new apple trees and have a hope to get something out of them by autumn instead of two or three years. As crazy as that sounds, remember, we have a certain filly who's spent a lot of time learning about potions, including ones that can induce rapid growth. Apple Bloom's hobby had inadvertently become a nice safety net for us.
As another powerful gust of wind hit, roaring down the fireplace, I took a look out the window at the driving rain. There'd been no thunder or lightening yet, but it looked like it might go that way before long.
"Hellfire, it's really comin' down, ain't it?" I offered to the rest of the family, who were scattered on the sofas and chairs around the room.
"Eeyup," Big Mac agreed, also looking out the nearby window.
"I ain't see it this bad for a long while," Applejack agreed.
"Ah phooey!" Granny Smith countered. "You young'uns don't know what a storm is. Why, back when I was just a filly, the whole of the Canterhorn valley got hit with a storm straight out of the Everfree Forest. It tore clean through the farm and took half of Ponyville with it before the pegasus ponies got it under control."
Applejack decided not to mention that, about a year ago, she'd been clinging on for dear life amidst an actual tornado brought on by that insane monkey, the Storm King, misusing the magic of four alicorns. At least this wasn't that, and I was certainly glad that that stupid staff of his had, after careful study, been returned to whence it came, the Tree of Harmony, so that nocreature could misuse it again.
"I just hope it stops soon," Apple Bloom said. Her head was low and her ears splayed back, mimicking Winona, who was sitting right up in front of the fireplace. Neither of them liked storms.
"Don't you worry, Apple Bloom," AJ reassured her little sister. "This'll all be over soon. I just hope the trees stand up to all this wind."
After that, the six of us fell into silence again. There wasn't really too much to do this evening. We'd all had dinner, but this storm seemed to have put a real dampener on our spirits.
"Say, why don't we play a game?" I suggested.
Ponies, like humans, have plenty of board games specifically designed to pass the time on rainy Wednesday afternoons. However, just as with humans, they also have the same flaw.
"I don't know, Bones," AJ said. "I don't think anypony here wants a repeat of that Monopoly fiasco."
Ah yes. Monopoly is now banned in this house due to some...unpleasantness. It wasn't my fault though. Big Mac was the one who decided to 'rob' the bank when he went bankrupt. The set was now safely buried out on the farm somewhere.
"Well, there must be something else we can play," I persisted. "Mac, how about you teach us that O&O game you play with Discord and Spike?"
"Nnope," the large stallion replied. "Takes too long to set up, and all the rulebooks and dice are at Twilight's castle."
"There's gotta be somethin'," Apple Bloom said.
In the end, it was Granny Smith who came up with the idea. While we were throwing ideas around, she'd walked off, only to return a minute or so later, with a dealer's visor, a pack of playing cards, and a small case full of poker chips.
"Come on, you four," she said. "Gather round. It's 'bout time y'all learned to play Poker any how."
We were all a little caught off guard. I always figured Granny used those cards to play Bridge with her fellow OAPs. But instead, here she was, setting out the chips for five around the round dining table that sat in the living room.
I myself knew how to play poker, mainly due to too many hours spent playing Far Cry 3 and Red Dead Redemption. And luckily for me, Granny called the game as Dodge City Hold 'em. Of course, this was still my first time playing against real people.
Mac too was familiar with the game, having picked it up from Braeburn when he last went down to Appleloosa. Applejack and Apple Bloom though weren't too familiar with the rules. So, for the benefit of them, and any of you who don't know how to play Texas Hold 'em, I explained.
"It ain't too hard," I said. "Everypony sits round the table, and the dealer gives everypony two cards that they keep secret. Then there's a round of bettin'. You have to match the current bet to stay in the game. But if ya think your hand ain't worth it, ya can fold and lose any money ya put in so far.
"After the first round of bets, the dealer deals three cards in the middle of the table that everypony can see. The idea is to use your two cards, and the cards on the table to make the best five card hand. After another round of betting, the dealer deals another card, the Turn, then everypony bets again, then there's one more card dealt; the River. After one more round of bets, everypony still in the round shows their two cards. Whoever has the best hand wins the pot."
I, along with Granny, then went on to explain the various hands and their value, the small and big blinds, checking, side pots, and the other minutiae of poker. Granny also reassured them both that they'd learn through playing and, with the chips she had, they could re-buy a few times if they busted out. And of course, it would be with just chips, rather than any money changing hands. Just a nice friendly little home game.
And so, with everything explained, we all took our places, gathered our chips and made a start, with Granny Smith serving as dealer for the first round. After having me use my magic to shuffle the cards, she dealt out the hole cards to us. Folding up the one corner, I took a look at mine. Two and jack, off suit. Applejack and Apple Bloom meanwhile posted the blinds.
"Call," I said, pushing a couple of chips forward to match the big blind. No sense kicking things off too early and unsettling the new players.
"Eeyup," Big Mac said, pushing his own chips forward.
"I'll see that," Granny said, already giving a good poker face as she pushed her own chips forward.
"Nah, I'll fold," Applejack said, pushing her cards forward with a look of disgust that can only be seen when you draw a seven and two off.
"And I'll check," Apple Bloom said, tapping her hoof twice on the table.
Granny now dealt the Flop; the first three community cards to help us build a winning hand. Out came a ten of spades, three of diamonds, and a ten of hearts. A pair, but not much to work with.
"Check," Apple Bloom said again, frowning slightly. The turn passed to her first, since AJ had folded.
"Check," I agreed.
"Check," agreed Big Mac. It seemed none of us had gotten much out of the Turn. Or at least, that's what we wanted everypony else to think. Things now turned to Granny again.
"Hmm...I'll bet," she said after a moment. That was too much for Apple Bloom.
"I'll fold," she said, her cards joining her big sister's. I however, didn't scare so easily. Let's see if we can't rattle old Granny.
"I'll raise," I said, putting double the last bet forward.
"I'll see that," Mac replied.
"Me too," Granny said. She then dealt the Turn, which was a two. Nice, two pair! It was my turn again.
"I'll raise ten," I said, putting a few more of my chips in the pot. Mac met my eyes for a moment.
"Your ten, and ten more."
"Macintosh Apple!" Granny Smith scolded him. "Your mama taught ya better than to re-raise."
"Sorry, Granny," he said apologetically. She then looked at the cards and her own.
"Ah, fiddlesticks! Fold."
Now it was just me and Mac as the River came out. I hoped for another two to make a nice full house. What I got was a scary looking king. Mac didn't seem to be rattled by it. Still, I'd come this far. In for a penny in for a pound. I could still try to bluff my way past him.
"Call," I said in a calm, low voice.
Mac and I locked eyes as we stared each other down across the table. Friendly game or not, a showdown was still a showdown. I did my best to keep my expression neutral, which was exactly what Big Mac was doing, only I expect he was doing a much better job.
"Call," he said finally.
With that, I flipped over my cards, showing a jack and a two.
"Two pair, tens over twos," Granny declared before turning to Mac.
With a somewhat smug grin, Mac showed his cards, another ten and a four. Sod it!
"Trip tens," Granny said. "Big Macintosh wins the pot."
Big Mac chuckled as scooped up the chips.
Luckily for me though, he wouldn't be laughing for too long. A few hands later, which saw me win a couple of hands, along with Apple Bloom and split one pot with Granny, Mac and Applejack were locked in a showdown. At the flop, there was a two, a five, and a queen down. At the turn, it was joined by a six, and at the river by the ace of spades. Mac, having drawn pocket aces, had been quite bold in his betting, but Applejack had matched him at every turn. After seeing the river, and knowing he had three aces, he went all in, which Applejack reciprocated. I can't tell you how enjoyable it was to see his face when AJ revealed her three and four, giving her a nice straight that busted Mac out and forced him to re-buy.
The game continued all through the evening, and really helped to take our minds off the storm. We all chatted as the game worked its way around. We celebrated and lamented our changes in fortune, and in general just had a good old time. I suggested to Mac that maybe he could do this next Guys' Night. The red stallion replied they'd tried it once, and Discord kept cheating by making the hole cards tell him what they were.
We went to bed that night, after wrapping up the game, a lot more relaxed than when we had started. Now it was just a case of seeing how bad the damage was tomorrow morning.
The next morning, after breakfast and a couple mugs of strong coffee, Big Mac and I headed out, along with Applejack, to take a look at the damage. Leaving the farmhouse, we set off into the orchards. Unsurprisingly, the place was covered with branches that had been blown loose from trees in the storm. We'd gather this all up later, once we'd gotten a good look around and checked for any major damage. Initially though, apart from a few large branches, the trees seemed to have survived the maelstrom.
However, when we reached the outskirts of the west orchard, we came across quite the scene. Several of the older apple trees in this section, some of which were quite old by apple tree standards, had been felled by the high winds. It had evidently been quite a gale. While most had at one point or another snapped at the trunk, leaving an ugly, jagged half behind, some had been completely pulled up, roots and all.
"Sweet Celestia!" I exclaimed. "Those winds must have been blowin' at a hundred miles an hour! You ever seen anythin' like this, Mac?"
"Eeyup," Big Mac replied. "Back when I was a colt; a bad winter storm blew in when Applejack was still livin' with Aunt and Uncle Orange in Manehattan. I reckon the same thing happened here; a regular storm got out of hoof."
"I sure hope so," Applejack agreed. "Or else me and Rainbow Dash are gonna have words about the way she runs her show up there."
I took a look around, counting the felled or otherwise destroyed trees. It was a real mess and provoked a strong feeling of sadness, seeing how these ancient patriarchs that had stood for so long had been so callously cut down. The only sadder image I could immediately bring to mind was a photograph my grandad had shown me from the last war, of a downed Spitfire that had crashed in a field near his house. It's engine shot to bits and it's propeller twisted around the cowling. The poor thing had looked like a fine racehorse that had taken a bad fall. Still, as sad as it was to see these dead trees, there weren't too many. In the grand scheme of things, we'd gotten pretty lucky.
"What do you want to do with all this then, AJ?" I asked, turning to her. The cowpony pushed her stetson back as she thought for a moment.
"I reckon," she said. "We take these out of the ground, stumps and all, and plant some of the older saplings in their place. At least we ain't too far from the fruit bat reservation. We'll see if Fluttershy was right about those trees bein' stronger."
Ah, of course! Just across the way from here, was a somewhat wild looking orchard, which had been given over to a swarm of vampire fruit bats. These little beasties had turned up a few years ago. In fact 'Bats' was one of the last episodes I saw before I wound up here. While Applejack had initially tried to drive the bats away, she and Granny Smith had ultimately been convinced to allow one section of the orchard to be given to them. They'd eat the apples on the trees, and pass the seeds. These would then, according to Fluttershy, grow into stronger apple trees that would offer a more bountiful harvest.
The section of the farm, which I'd jokingly dubbed, The Rez, was pretty much sealed off so as not to disturb the bats, who don't exactly like visitors. Directly next door was a sort of nursery, where saplings from the seeds on the Rez were planted. Right now, a lot of these saplings were old enough to no longer be considered saplings, but not quite full grown either. In any case, they were big enough to transplant into the now vacant spots here, and would offer a reasonable yield come autumn.
"Sounds like a plan," I agreed. "I'll go fetch some rope and some tools along with the wagon." AJ turned to her older brother.
"You okay to pull the stumps out, Mac?"
"Eeyup," came the reply. This is what Mac is best at. Even Applejack has a time pulling out stumps on her own.
"I'll go take a look around the Rez and pick out a few of the stronger saplings to transplant, then I'll go find Apple Bloom. You boys haul out the dead trees, and we'll plant the new saplings."
"Okay, AJ," I said.
With that, the three of us parted ways. Applejack headed for the fruit bats, I headed back to the house to get the necessary gear, while Mac took a closer look at the trees in question in order to get an idea of how we were going to get them out.
Heading back to the farmhouse, I found Granny Smith washing up after breakfast and Apple Bloom, since it was the weekend, sitting at the table doing some homework. I let the two of them know what we'd found after taking a look around, and AJ's plan.
"Ah, it's always a cryin' shame when one of the older trees goes," she said sadly. "But it's a necessary process. Gotta make room for the new young saplings to step up. Can't go keepin' around old trees forever. Especially when they start producin' less and less apples each season. Still, at least we didn't lose too many. Those vampire fruit bat varmints really seem to come in handy though, since those trees will be much tougher to take down when the wind gets up. When you and Big Macintosh have gotten them all cut up into lumber, bring 'em back here and I'll make a start on firewood. Might even sell a bit to those arts and craft fellas at the art gallery in town."
"Yeah, it is sad, Granny," I agreed. "But like you say, at least they're still useful. You sure you're gonna be okay doin' the firewood though?" That got the old matriarch to give me her signature look, one that Applejack has inherited.
"I may be gettin' a little long in the tooth, but that don't mean I can't pull my weight, Bones," she fired back. I kept my distance when she shouldered up the axe.
"AB?" I said, turning to the little filly, who'd kept her eyes on her maths homework. "You alright to head on out to the Rez and help Applejack pick out some saplings?" The filly's ears splayed at the mention of the Rez. Just as I don't like insects, she doesn't like bats.
"I gotta go in there?" she said, a little fearfully. "With all them bats?" I smiled and did my best to reassure her.
"Bats are like bees, Apple Bloom. If you don't bother them, they won't bother you."
To be fair, as much as I was afraid of bees, I'd found this to be the case. To this day, I've never been stung by one, after all, for bees, that's a kamikaze move. It was the only way I'd found to reduce my fear and take steps to getting past it. Now wasps on the other hand, they're more of the "you don't bother us, but we'll fuck you up anyway" type of guys. Hence why I abhor the horrid little insects and make sure to get rid of any nests as soon as I find them. As to bats, I'd actually found the vampire fruit bats to be remarkably civil, considering all the unpleasantness they'd dealt with from ponies in the past. They're not sapient like cattle or sheep, but they're not mindless animals either. Hence how we struck our current deal with them; they kept to the Rez, and we didn't bother them, except to take new saplings.
"If you say so, Bones," she said, still sounding a little uneasy.
"Hey, c'mon. They ain't timberwolves," I said. "Besides, AJ will be there with you. Ya ain't got nothin' to worry about." Apple Bloom pondered that for a moment.
"Well, Scootaloo said that the best thing to do with a fear is to face it. That's what Princess Luna told her to do." I let out a laugh.
"Yeah, I remember," I replied. "And she's right too."
With that, Apple Bloom trotted off towards the orchards. I meanwhile, headed out of the house and around the other side to the barn entrance to pick up the wagon, as well as a few saws, axes, and some heavy duty rope.
Having collected everything together, I returned to Big Mac with the wagon. The two of us first set to work cutting down the remaining husks of the trees. While the trees had been felled, many had split at the trunk, and it would be much harder to remove the remainder of the tree if this wasn't tended to first. Mac and I worked together to cut them down until only seven neat stumps remained. Still, that was the easiest part.
The trees cut down, we now turned our attention to removing the stumps. First of all, we had to dig around the stump to expose the roots of each tree. The two of us set to work, Mac using his mouth, and me utilising my magic. Given the age of these trees, the root systems were extensive, and once exposed, these had to be cut away from the stump. To save time, instead of using axes, I again resorted to my magic, this time using a simple enough fire spell as a cutting beam to neatly cut through the roots. With that done, the two of us hitched ourselves up to a length of rope each, wrapped it around the stump, and used good old fashioned pony power to finally pull the stump free. With that done, all we had to do was fill in the hole. Sound easy? Try doing that six more times in one sitting.
While we were working on tree number five, Applejack and Apple Bloom returned from their expedition, along with Winona. Mac and I were busy working to ensure all the old tree's roots had been dug up and removed, so that the new tree, when it was planted in its place, would have plenty of nutrition, and wouldn't struggle to find room to grow its own system. The pair arrived, with AJ towing a small cart behind her with seven young saplings, each held in a large pot.
"Hey, AJ," I said as I looked up from my work. "Are those the new transplants?"
"Sure are, Bones," she said. "Picked 'em myself, with help from Apple Bloom of course." The little filly beamed at that. She's rapidly starting to take up more of the workload on the farm these days.
"Well," I went on, pausing to wipe some sweat of my forehead. "These four are all ready for you to plant. We've fetched out the stump and pretty much all the old roots, so they should have no trouble settlin' in. We're just about finished with this one, but it's gonna be a while until we're done."
"No worries, sugarcube," she said, unhitching herself from the cart. "Me and Apple Bloom can help out too."
Winona too seemed inclined to help, for she quickly started digging at the tree roots that Mac and I were working to expose. The collie's paws quickly tore through the soil, almost as fast as a shovel. Grabbing some spare tools, the two Apple sisters joined in as well; AJ helped dig around the roots, while Apple Bloom helped expose the smaller ones so that I could cut them away.
"So how was the Rez anyway?" I asked, making conversation as we worked.
"Not so bad," Apple Bloom said. "You were right about them bats, Bones. This time of day, they're all pretty much asleep. They didn't bother me or Applejack none, or Fluttershy either."
"Fluttershy?" I asked curiously. My little sister's roommate, and bearer of the Element of Kindness, as well as animal care expert was normally to be found in her cottage, tending to her many animal friends. It was odd to hear of her coming over this way, although given how she had previously championed the cause of the vampire fruit bats, it wasn't unexpected.
"She's been checkin' on the bats," Applejack explained. "Makin' sure that they're stickin' to their part of the farm and ain't over huntin'. Apparently they can start going through their food supply real quick when they get whipped up into a feedin' frenzy. And of course, she made sure we kept quiet as mice while diggin' up the saplings. No sense in wakin' them all up."
Yeah, ain't that the truth," Mac agreed. A couple years ago, he'd inadvertently disturbed a group of bats that had been nesting in one of the trees off the Rez. Needless to say, he hadn't much cared for the cacophony of noise, or the resultant swarming of bats.
"Is she still out there?" I asked as I finished cutting away the last of the roots and helped Apple Bloom sling the rope around the stump.
"I think so," AJ replied. "Why?" I shrugged my shoulders
"Oh, just though I might go and say hello when we're done here," I said.
With the extra hands, or rather hooves, we soon had the old trees uprooted and had installed their successors. The young saplings looked out of place right now but with time, and just a little bit of help from Apple Bloom and her love of chemistry, we should be able to get a reasonable crop out of them by the tail end of Applebuck Season.
Applejack then declared it her intention to take a look around the fence line near the Everfree, and also check on the cattle to ensure that they'd not suffered any mishap during the unusually strong storm. Apple Bloom headed back to the farm to resume her homework, while I went in search of Fluttershy.
While Sweet Apple Acres is usually picturesque enough, the vampire fruit bat reservation is the exception that proves the rule. Contained behind a large chain link fence, and accessible by only two gates, both of which are covered with numerous warning signs to keep ponies out, the place is overgrown, dark and foreboding, looking more like somepony took a chunk of the Everfree Forest and dropped it into the farm than anything else.
I suppose it makes sense though. After all, the orchards are carefully maintained by ponies. This was nature being given a free rein, and what is the Everfree but a wild place? I found the padlocked gate still unlocked, with the key in the brass lock, so I knew Fluttershy was still in there. Opening the gate, which just to add more to the mood, decided to let out an ominous creak as it opened and closed, I headed inside, following the somewhat overgrown trail to the centre, where I figured I'd find Fluttershy.
As I made my way through the Rez, I began to feel as though I was being watched. While I couldn't see them in the trees, I had no doubt that dozens of beady little eyes were trained on me right now. I tried to remember the advice I'd given to Apple Bloom; don't bother them, they won't bother you. It didn't work particularly well though, and before too long, my heart was going like a drum.
"Don't bother them, they won't bother you. Don't bother them, they won't bother you," I kept repeating to myself in a comforting mantra. Not that it did much to calm me as I heard an eerie shriek close at hand. I started in fright as I tried to track the sudden fluttering of leathery wings.
Still, I pushed on. If nothing else, I'd never be able to face Apple Bloom if I chickened out. And after all, this place was perfectly safe, and if Fluttershy was willing to come here, clearly not as scary as I thought.
"Calm down, Bones," I said to myself. "You're lettin' your mind play tricks on you. Only thing out there is fruit bats and your friend. And even if there was somethin' else, you've dealt with worse. You stood up to Tirek, fought the Tantabus to save Luna, you even got caught up in that mess in Canterlot. You're not some horror movie extra."
This line of thought lasted right up until I entered the next clearing. It was here, according to AJ, that I'd find Fluttershy, and indeed I did. However, what I found was a little...unusual, to say the least.
Walking into the clearing, I found it filled with fruit bats, all suspended upside down from the tree branches. A little unsettling perhaps, but nothing out of the ordinary. What was out of the ordinary was the butter yellow, pink maned pegasus also hanging with them, her tail wrapped around the branch above her.
As I walked into the clearing, the bats, and the pegasus began to stir, and Fluttershy turned to look at me, the drained husk of an apple in her mouth. My mind instantly went back to one fleeting moment of MLP, the ending of 'Bats', where it was shown that the whole 'Flutterbat' issue hadn't quite been resolved. I'd occasionally wondered about that, since it was never referenced again, and nopony since had made mention of it.
This unnerving sight however, brought the memory back with a vengeance. And a resulting response, which was me screaming like a little filly.
Instead of leaping at me to devour me though, this horrifying apparition instead giggled and then burst out laughing. The two noises were more than enough to disturb the sleeping bats around us, who promptly awoke and took off in a swarm for quieter quarters.
For a moment, I stood there in shock and surprise, until one key detail clicked in my head. The manic cackling I was hearing wasn't Fluttershy's soft chuckle. It was...
"Discord!" I roared as I recovered myself. "I know it's you!"
'Flutterbat' remained in her tree for a moment, howling with laughter and rocking back and forth with her tail. Shortly thereafter though, there was a flash of bright light and Flutterbat turned into Discord, who quickly uncoiled his tail from the tree.
As he landed on his mismatched feet, I glared at the draconequus. Discord's strange mismatched form mirrored his unstable mind. Still, at least, thanks to the real Fluttershy, and one small mistake on his part involving a centaur, he's reformed these days, and the worst he'll do is...well, that. Between fits of laughter, he greeted me.
"Oh, you should have seen your face, Bones," he said as he doubled up with glee. "In fact, here it is."
With another snap of his eagle talons, his head turned into an approximation of mine, and let out a decidedly unmasculine scream.
Discord and I have a bit of a complicated relationship. I wouldn't exactly call us friends, but nor do I consider him an enemy. At one time or another though, he's been both. With my knowledge of MLP, I sort of knew what to expect from him when our paths first crossed. And being from another world and all, he does seem to find me interesting. The result of that is I have to put up with a steady stream of pranks, stunts and occasional misguided attempts at friendship. He's friendly enough really to be honest, it's just that he's an omnipotent trickster and the closest thing Equestria has to a god entity. Still, I do try to be receptive to his more friendly jokes, and as scary as it might have been a moment ago, I had to give credit where it was due.
"What the hay was that for?!" I exclaimed, doing my best to hide the relieved smile that was forming on my face. Discord meanwhile, recovered and paused to wipe a tear from his eye.
"What can I say?" he replied. "I saw an opportunity and I took it."
Ah, now here's the thing with Discord. Everything he does, he does with some sort of motive. I've never known him to do anything just for fun. And while pulling a prank on me no doubt amused him, I was fairly certain that our meeting here was no accident. I said as much to him.
"Discord, I've known you a few years now. And I've never known you to be annoying, just for the sake of it. So out with it."
"I'm serious," he replied, putting his paw and talons up defensively. "I just wanted to say hi. You are a paranoid little pony aren't you."
"Only when it comes to you," I replied. "You haven't seen Fluttershy anywhere around here have you?"
"Why, yes, now that you mention it. She and I were just checking on all these adorable little apple suckers. She should be back before long if you fancy sticking around." He then paused and chuckled to himself as leaping back literally stuck himself to the tree, clinging to it like some kind of mismatched spiderman.
I rolled my eyes at that. Celestia once said that Discord is like a six year old child; if you indulge him, he'll just repeat the bad behaviour. Although to be honest, at this point, I think this is as reformed as he's going to get.
Still, before I could fire back a retort at my erstwhile friend, Fluttershy did indeed appear at the opposite end of the clearing. Held in her mouth was what looked like an old fashioned doctor's bag. While she isn't a vet in the truest sense of the word, she does have some skills at looking after animals. After all, unlike most vets, like Dr. Doolittle she can simply ask the animal in question what the trouble is. Spotting Discord and I, she quickly set this bag down to let herself speak.
"Oh, hello, Blade Star," she said in that sweet voice of hers. She's one of a few ponies who prefers not to call me by my nickname. "What are you doing here?"
"Applejack said you were in the neighbourhood, Fluttershy," I said kindly. "I thought I might drop by to say hello, that's all. I see you brought Discord along to help you too." The little pegasus nodded.
"Oh yes," she said. "The two of us are checking up on all the baby vampire fruit bats, making sure they're getting enough to eat and growing properly."
"Discord, I didn't know you cared," I said, with just a slight hint of smugness. Reformed or not, Discord likes to project the air of aloofness and hates to admit that Fluttershy's love of animals is rubbing off on him.
"Of course I care, Bones," he replied hotly, folding his arms indignantly across his serpentine chest. "After all I invented them." I borrowed Applejack's often used dubious look.
"You 'invented' vampire fruit bats?" I asked, my tone making plain what I thought of such a statement. "Right, and I designed the bomb ketch."
"It's true!" the draconequus persisted. Before he could argue the point further though, we were interrupted as Fluttershy burst into an adorable fit of giggles.
"Oh, Discord. You're so silly," she said with a chuckle.
It was only visible for a fleeting moment, but I saw a subtle change in Discord. If it was visually possible, I'd say I saw his heart skip a beat. One of these days he's going to have to fess up. Still, at least now I know how everypony felt when me and AJ were still dancing around each other like nervous teenagers.
Since I was there, I offered to help the pair with their work. Fluttershy was indeed checking up on all the baby bats, feeding them a refined apple sauce to help tide them over until their fangs grew in. The three of us chatted, and the conversation soon turned towards Fluttershy's brief transformation, brought on by a botched spell of Twilight's.
"So what was it like?" I asked curiously as the pegasus flittered from tree to tree like a house martin. "Were you conscious of what was going on?"
"Not really," Fluttershy replied with a shake of her head. "It was more like a dream really. I only remember bits and pieces."
"Still, must have been a pretty interesting experience," I said.
"Well it certainly gave me a deeper understanding of what it's like to be a vampire fruit bat," she replied with a giggle. "And it does make for a good costume on Nightmare Night."
I fondly remembered how last year, Fluttershy, with the help of her evil pet rabbit, had staged an elaborate scare for her friends in the corn maze, disguising herself again as the Flutterbat, complete with bat wings, fangs and red eyes. Luckily, Fluttershy doesn't much care for doing it, and she hasn't done anything like it since.
"You were certainly right about the bats helpin' the trees in the long run," I said as we worked our way through the small colony. "They might be guttin' the older trees like fishes, but these saplings sure do look stronger than any of the other trees on the farm."
"Yes, short term loss for long term gain," Discord said. "That and this eyesore on your pretty little farm."
"I thought you'd love all the chaos these bats brought," I replied, turning to him.
"Chaos, yes," Discord replied. "But this isn't chaos, this is just...disgusting. All I can smell is rotting apple cores." I chuckled.
"That's nature for you, Discord," I replied. "Go ask Dr. Fawn. I'm sure she could tell you some stories."
Chuckling to myself, I remembered how we'd had to call her out a few weeks ago to help with the delivery of a calf. She'd been up to her shoulder in cow at one point trying to pull it out when it became clear it was breached. Suffice it to say, nature isn't all about cute adorable animals, there's puss, goo and horrid smells, to say nothing of the whole circle of life business. Leaving the draconequus to turn green, I turned my attention back to Fluttershy.
"How's Lizzie been anyway?" I asked, asking after my little sister, and Fluttershy's roommate, although Rarity's rumour mill had it on good authority that she was planning to move in with Dewdrop soon.
"Oh, the poor thing's been really worn out this past week, what with all the weather work over Winter Wrap Up. Still, she's helped me look after my chickens, and she's planning on doing a course for advanced weather patrol next month." I showed my hand now.
"I heard scuttlebutt say that she was thinking of moving in with Dewdrop," I offered. Fluttershy nodded at that, a little sadly.
"Yes, they've been thinking about it for a while. In a way, I'm happy for her, she'll get to have a place of her own. The cottage does get quite crowded at times. And in a way, I'll be glad to have the extra space too, but I'll still be sorry to see her go. Although she has promised to stop by and help me with the animals whenever she can. Celestia knows Sweet Feather Sanctuary keeps me busy."
"Well, you've got Discord here," I suggested. "I'm sure you could spare a few hours a week, right?"
I turned to the draconequus and hoped he'd catch what I was driving at. The guy loves spending time around Fluttershy, pining after her so. Maybe some time alone would eventually get him to crack and open up to her, or she'd confess to him. I have it on good authority from a certain rabbit that the feeling is mutual. His response however, caught me off guard, as it was decidedly out of character for the Spirit of Chaos.
"Would that I could, Bones," he said rather plainly, causing Fluttershy to look ever so slightly hurt. "But I have a couple of other irons in the fire at the moment, so I'm afraid I simply don't have the time."
For a moment, silence prevailed, and I stared at him as if he'd just announced that the sun was the centre of the universe and the planet moved around it in an orbit, instead of the sun being moved around by immortal alicorns. He liked Fluttershy, and I'd just set him up for a regular opportunity for the two of them to be alone together, and he'd turned it down flat. Of course, with Fluttershy there, I couldn't exactly say much.
After that surprising refusal, the conversation turned back to the apple trees around us. The orchards here were a strange mix of ancient trees that had been taken over by the bats, and the young saplings growing hither and thither as they spat out the seeds. In effect, the place was something of a nursery for the new trees. And while most of these would be going to take root elsewhere on the farm, a few were bound to head further afield.
"Applejack was telling me about your plans to take a few of these stronger saplings to her cousin's orchards in Appleloosa."
Ah yes, we'd been planning that for a couple weeks now, ever since Braeburn wired us. While winter had been harsh up here, further south had been hit a lot harder. The poor stallion had lost more than a few trees to the inclement weather, uncontrolled by pegasi, drifting over from the badlands being the main reason, along with a severely dry winter. As such, we'd agreed to lend a hoof. The apple orchards were just as vital down there as they were up here, and having lost the better part of two dozen trees, Braeburn was desperate to make up for the deficit.
We were planning, that is me and Applejack, to head down there to make the delivery ourselves, as well as to take the rare opportunity to catch up with Braeburn. I've met him a few times now, and we get along pretty well, to the point that, while slightly drunk one night in the saloon down there, the apple stallion made a pass at me, and a good one too. If I was so inclined and wasn't off the market, I might have taken him up on his offer. Luckily, he doesn't seem to remember the incident, or hopes I don't for he's never spoken of it since. That aside though, we both have a keen interest in apples and the goings on down on the frontier and we share a love of history.
"Yeah, AJ and I are gonna head down there in the next couple weeks once everything's set to go. It'll take a couple of days to get everything worked out. Poor Braeburn really got hit hard by the winter."
"I wonder what it's like down there now since they've made peace with the buffalo," Fluttershy pondered.
To be honest, I didn't know much either. Of course, I was aware of the treaties Equestria had made with the Buffalo Nations, and the resulting cooperation between the two peoples, but I had only a dim idea of what it was like down there now. Actually, I was far more interested in the idea of me and Applejack sharing a hotel room for a couple of nights, several hundred miles away from Big Mac.
"Yeah, it's been ages since any of us have been down there," I agreed. "Maybe I can hunt up...what's her name...Little Strongheart when I get there. I've been doing a bit of reading about the Buffalo, and I wouldn't mind learning a little bit more about their culture. Might make for a good lesson at the school some time."
I chatted a little while longer with Fluttershy. Discord took his leave not too long after, vanishing as he always does to Celestia knows where. It still rankled me how he'd been so unwilling to help Fluttershy out. Honestly, if I could I would myself. But between the farm, the school and my own research, like everypony these days, I simply don't have the time. He on the other hand, being above such petty concerns as gainful employment and financial stability, was not so restrained. So why in Equestria had he refused? 'A few other irons in the fire' is what he'd said.
He was up to something, that much I was sure of. Had I known precisely what the idiot was planning, I'd have knocked him senseless then and there. It would have saved us all a lot of bother. But how was I to know what was going on in that head of his? I suppose he was trying to be helpful, in his own twisted way, and he genuinely meant well. Still, I do wish he could have just helped Fluttershy out at the sanctuary, confessed his love to her, and we'd all have jumped straight to the happily ever after with a slightly less confident Twilight, instead of what was looming on the horizon.
Hindsight though, as they often say, is twenty twenty, so I returned home later that afternoon simply puzzled by Discord's actions. Beyond that though, I soon let the encounter drift into memory. A few days later, I had more important things on my mind, such as the four day trip I was taking down the Appleloosa.
Applejack and I got up fairly early, but after having breakfast, we broke from our usual routines. Granny Smith took Apple Bloom off to school, the both of them saying goodbye, for we wouldn't be here when they got back. That left us alone with Big Mac, who would come with us to the station to see us off, before returning back to the farm to get started on the morning's work.
AJ and I had spent the previous night packing, and making sure the dozen or so trees that would be accompanying us were all set to go. It's never a good idea to keep a tree potted longer than necessary, and the three of us were keeping a careful eye on each of them, making sure they got enough water and nutrients to cope with the long journey south. As for ourselves, since ponies don't normally wear clothes, the pair of us were able to travel fairly light. We each had the one suitcase with us, holding essentials. But beyond that, our only luggage was the trees.
With breakfast done, the three of us loaded up the wagon with the dozen or so saplings. Big Mac kindly offered to pull this for us on the way to the station, to save either of us the trouble of unhitching from it once the trees were all loaded up.
Leaving the farm, Applejack took to her signature pre-departure jitters. She can be a lot like Twilight at times. Especially when it comes to her leaving the farm. You'd never guess we were leaving the place in the capable hooves of her older brother and grandmother.
"And don't forget to check on Wilbur," Applejack was saying, referring to one of the pigs. "Dr Fawn says he's still got some indigestion, so make sure you mind what you feed him."
"Eeyup," Big Mac replied, for what seemed like the twentieth time.
"And," Applejack went on, remembering another trifle. "Make sure you spray those new pesticides on the grape vines tomorrow. I don't want a repeat of last year, with half the vines getting sick."
"Eeyup," came the reply again, now a little more bored in tone.
"And make sure you take a look at the water pump in the farmyard. That things been actin' real funny since one of the cows accidentally kicked it." Big Mac snorted in annoyance.
"Eeyup," he said, now through gritted teeth. Applejack paused for a moment, and I thought she'd picked up on the hint. Until...
"Oh, and make sure..." she didn't get to finish her final point.
"I know, Applejack!" her big brother exclaimed. The sudden shout caught the nervous mare off guard. Luckily, he quickly cooled down. Plus it had the effect of showing her how irrational she was getting. Still, I never miss an opportunity to tease my marefriend.
"I think he gets it, AJ," I half whispered to her, causing me to bat me behind the head, knocking my hat over my eyes. I chuckled to myself at her indignation.
A short while later, we arrived at the station. The train had come down from Canterlot, and was now on its way through Ponyville before heading further along the line. After here, it diverged into several routes, heading all over the country, from Manehattan to Vanhoover. We'd be riding in one of the passenger cars, while the trees would be safely stowed in one of the boxcars further back. Having bought our tickets, AJ and I quickly set about unloading the wagon and transferring the trees over to the train. In this case, my magic came in most handy, being more delicate than moving them all by hoof.
Applejack hopped aboard and checked the trees were all safe and secure. We'd brought a couple extra with us, just in case anything did happen, but it would be nice if we could arrive with trees to spare for Braeburn. After talking things over with the guard, or conductor I should say (I've never quite been able to loose my BR vocabulary when it comes to railways), we slid the freight car's door shut and latched it. The two of us then jumped aboard with our own luggage.
As we did so, the whistle blew, a green flag waved and with slow, steady puffs, the train set off after the right away. The both of us leaned out the window and waved goodbye to Big Mac, and Ponyville in general as we started the journey south to Appleloosa. We soon picked up speed, leaving the station far behind, and after rattling over a few sets of points, we were on the line that would first take us to Dodge Junction, and then on to Appleloosa.
We pulled into Appleloosa about five hours later, having chatted, napped, read books, eaten a light lunch, and generally done all we could to while away the time. The sloping grasslands of Ponyville and the Canterhorn Valley had been replaced with the far more barren desert landscape of the frontier. Cacti jutted out across the landscape which, as we got closer to Appleloosa and civilisation, gave way to the prairie and open plains of the West.
As we pulled into the noticeably sparser Appleloosa station, we saw Braeburn waiting on the platform for us, looking more than a little relieved at the sight of the freight car. As usual, he was decked out in his faux leather jacket and a stetson of his own. Out here, it was pretty much the norm all around. Back in Ponyville AJ and I were easy enough to pick out with our hats. Here, you'd have a much harder time. Jumping down from the train, Braeburn greeted us as old friends.
"Applejack! Bones!" he cried. Hugging each of us in turn. "It's great to see you. How's things in Ponyville?"
"A darn sight better now that winter's wrapped up," AJ said. "It was much tougher than usual."
"It sure was," Braeburn nodded. "Here. I'll give you a hoof unloading the new saplings Best get them planted as soon as we can. It'll give me a chance to show you round the orchards as well."
The three of us quickly set to work unloading the freight wagon and stowing the saplings in a large wagon Braeburn had brought along for us, as well as a couple of hands, or is that hooves here, from the farm. While they took the trees off to the orchards. Braeburn led us to the hotel in town where AJ and I would be staying.
Appleloosa was very much your classic cow town, sans the cattle. It was made up of a single main street that split off at the end, forming a T shape. Heading up from the train station, which also contained the post office, the telegraph office, and the overland freight company, on the left you had the local watering hole, followed by the doctor's office, undertakers, a blacksmith, farrier, and metal work shop, and a few other small town amenities. On the opposite side of the wide, dusty street, you had the general store, which sold foodstuffs, farming supplies, and anything else a pony might readily need. Then you had a tailor shop, specialising in what Rarity would no doubt call rustic chic. After that was our hotel, which had five or six rooms. The place also, according to the painted advertisements outside, also offered warm meals, a barber and hot baths. Beyond that was a small souvenir shop (Appleloosa is becoming something of a tourist trap, slowly but surely, for those looking to get a taste of life on the range) which was operated by some of the buffalo, selling little trinkets and so forth. And finally at the end, was the town's bank. Unsurprisingly, at the other end of the this street, a short jaunt across the way from the bank, stood the small sheriff's office, and Sheriff Silver Star was currently sitting out in front of the place, keeping an eye out for anypony stupid enough to try and rob the place. Finally, on a little knoll diagonally across from the sheriff's office stood the small schoolhouse, which reminded me a lot of Ponyville's own schoolhouse.
All in all, it was a modest little town, and a classic example of a place right on the frontier. If you headed much further south, assuming you missed the Badlands and the now much smaller and less dangerous Changeling Kingdom, which itself proved quite a windfall for Appleloosa in terms of commerce, you'd hit the southern mountain ranges, which stood proud against the otherwise flat landscape. Beyond there lay...well, nothing nice, apart from those hippogriffs, who I honestly can't stand.
Braeburn led us up the main thoroughfare and over to the hotel. Applejack and I, both to save cost and space, would be sharing a room. At least, that was the line we'd told everypony. Truth be told...well, we're both ponies, we both love each other, and while physical intimacy for me isn't as important as an emotional connection, I was not about to deprive Applejack of anything. As much as the Apple family have accepted our relationship, it is still difficult to be...intimate, when you have Big Mac across the hall and little Apple Bloom next door. If youth is wasted on the young, privacy is wasted on the old. So the two of us considered this to be something of a romantic getaway.
That, of course, would come later. Right now, we had more pressing matters to attend to. After checking in and grabbing our keys, we dropped our bags off in the room and quickly rejoined Braeburn, who led us out of town and on to the orchards.
The orchards in Appleloosa were, of course, nowhere near the size of Sweet Apple Acres. Still, the operation was very impressive. The Earth Ponies here had managed to cultivate the trees, despite the much drier soil and a much greater variety of pests. Back on Earth, people in the fandom had said to me how Earth Ponies didn't really do much, when compared to pegasi or unicorns, lacking either flight or impressive magic. But just as pegasi fly through their own innate magic, Earth Ponies also have magic of their own. In addition to giving them superior strength and stamina, they also have a remarkable connection to the land. And yes, while unicorns could use spells to grow crops, my own research has shown, even when using Twilight Sparkle herself, who is nothing short of a magical prodigy, as a test subject, unicorn magic will not produce as high a crop yield when compared to the efforts of Earth Ponies.
The farm was not too far from Appleloosa itself, and Braeburn had quite a nice farmhouse on the smallholding. Like everything else, it had a frontier feel, and like a lot of the buildings here, the occupants had also been the builders. The cabin, while modest, had been built by Braeburn with his own hooves, and it now had the homely look of a ranch house. He himself lived alone, but the farm also had several other houses, cabins and bunkhouses on it for the others who call the place both their home and their livelihood. The farm even had its own general store stocking the essentials.
"This is mighty impressive, Braeburn," I said, pushing my hat back on my head a little as we took a look around. "I ain't never seen a farm with its own store before. You folks have really expanded since we were last down here."
"We sure have," Braeburn replied with a smile. "Once the conflict with Buffalo died down, ponies really started flocking to Appleloosa, mainly looking for work, but we get plenty of tourists too. They stay in the town and go visiting the Buffalo country. Now that we're working together, we're all making more than a few bits off of both businesses."
"How's that?" AJ asked curiously. "I get folks stayin' in the hotels, but what about the farms?"
"Remember how the buffalo didn't like us plantin' trees because they were on their stampeding grounds?" Braeburn asked. Applejack thought.
"Er...yeah, kinda," she replied. "I remember they wanted the land for somethin', and it weren't apple trees."
"Well when we all came to an understanding," Braeburn explained. "One of the agreements we reached was that we could plant the trees here, but much further apart than usual. See how the trees have been planted?"
Braeburn was right. In contrast to Sweet Apple Acres, with its narrow, straight rows of apple trees, the ones here were planted much further apart, and not always in straight rows, although I imagine that was partly due to the prevailing soil conditions as well as other factors.
"Well, the idea," he went on. "Is to make it so that the buffalo can stampeded on through when they want to, without knocking down the trees. The vibrations from their hooves, well, it's just like the Running of the Leaves, only much more powerful. They can actually shake loose the apples. We cleared this entire orchard in just a day."
"That's genius!" I exclaimed. Braeburn however, now turned melancholy.
"Of course it's not like there's much to harvest right now. And the weather's cost us so many trees."
Like farmers back on Earth had genuine connections to their livestock, even those destined for the slaughterhouse, ponies have a connection with their plants. I remembered when one of the local farmers near me had nearly twenty head in his sixty head milk herd test positive for foot and mouth during the outbreak in the '90's. They all had to be culled and the bodies burned. He was devastated, and while the herd survived that terrifying disaster that swept through the English countryside like a scythe, he never truly recovered from the loss. He knew each of those cows, knew their personality, their likes and dislikes. It was almost like losing family. And that's ignoring all the financial implications. There's a reason farming has such a high rate of suicides.
I put a comforting hoof on Braeburn's shoulder as he looked out over the orchards. One farmer to another, I had a good idea what he was going through.
"Don't worry, Braeburn," I said reassuringly. "These new trees are the toughest thing either AJ or I have ever seen. Hay, once the orchard gets a little bigger, I reckon you ought to consider settin' aside some of it for the fruit bats. It's a short term loss, but a great long term gain."
Braeburn was about to speak when we were interrupted by a new arrival.
"Wise words, little grey pony."
Turning around, I found myself nose to nose with an intimidating looking bison. He stood far taller than Big Mac, and could probably even give Princess Celestia a run for her money. Atop his head was a large headdress, made of feathers, held in place by a blue cloth band, while two other feathers, one on each side, hung down along the sides of his face.
I must confess, having grown up and spent most of my life in Britain, and at most Europe in general, I knew very little about the buffalo, and the Native American tribes on which they were based. I figured, at least based on what Dad had told me from his meetings with them, that they had some similarities to the Lakota or Cheyenne tribes; Plains Indians to use the catch all term; the guys who cut the 7th Cavalry to pieces at Little Big Horn and for the first time since 1812, put the Yanks in their place.
But beyond this passing familiarity, I knew very little, and what little I knew came from stereotypical portrayals in the media. Consequently, being the part time academic that I am, I was looking to change that. And it wasn't like I was short of information out here either. While much of the Native American culture had been damaged, outright destroyed, or was now held by those people as a closely guarded secret, the same could not be said of the Buffalo Tribes. Since ponies understood what was meant by the phrase 'for all of time' and didn't see it as their role to go wandering around committing genocide and calling it God's Will, the peace between the two nations had fostered a major cultural exchange. Ponies were learning about the Buffalo and vice versa.
And who better to educate than the chief of the tribe, for the bison standing before me was none other than Chief Thunderhooves, the leader of the buffalo in this part of the world. While once upon a time he had called for war against the ponies to oust them from Appleloosa and the territory in general, he was now a peace chief and favoured co-existence.
Still, when you're standing nose to nose with him, peace chief or no, he was quite the intimidating character. Luckily, Braeburn was there to bail me out.
"Well howdy there, Chief Thunderhooves," he said in a welcoming tone. "What brings you down this way?"
"I saw the train from Ponyville pull in," he explained, his voice a deep baritone. "I am glad to see your orchards are recovering from the harsh winter we have endured."
"I'm just glad that we were able to share our supplies as we did," Braeburn replied. The Chief's tone then became more grave.
"You have healed the physical wound to your orchards, but I cannot help but sense a deeper wound in your spirit. The death of any creature is a painful burden. I would like to offer my people's help."
"How so?" AJ asked curiously.
"We are preparing Inipi, what you may know as a sweat lodge," he explained. "With the return of Spring, it is time to renew ourselves, just as the world does. It will help you heal from this experience, and connect you again with the world around you. Your friends too, are welcome to join."
Braeburn readily agreed to attend the ceremony. And while I was a little hesitant at first, Applejack and Braeburn got me on board. After all, I'd said to Applejack how interested I was in what it was like down here. What better way to learn about buffalo culture than to experience it for myself?
And so, after the new saplings had all been planted, we followed Chief Thunderhooves back to the buffalo village to take part in the ceremony. As it turned out, for me at any rate, it would be a most unusual experience, and a harbinger of things to come.
Chief Thunderhooves led us away from the orchards and to a fairly isolated spot, a fair distance both from Appleloosa and his own village. It was here we found several other bison working on the lodge. It was a fairly small, squat affair, standing not much taller than than the buffalo themselves. It would certainly be quite snug in there.
The structure was primarily made out of a wooden frame, which was then covered with several large blankets of various designs. At one end, facing to the east was a large opening, created by pulling a couple of the blankets back. Beyond that though, there were no door or windows. I suppose it would do a poor job of keeping the heat and steam in otherwise.
Directly in front of this was a large fire, which was being tended to be a 'firekeeper' as Thunderhooves called them. Within this inferno were a number of large, smooth stones. It was these that would be brought into the lodge. Pouring cool water on them would create the steam needed for the sweat. Right now, they were glowing red hot.
"You ever done this before, Braeburn?" Applejack asked with a note of trepidation in her voice.
"Sure, once or twice," he said with a nod.
Not too far away was a small table with several water bottles on it. Braeburn grabbed one of these and promptly downed it.
"I'd get plenty of water before we start," he advised. "It gets real intense in there with the heat; best to drink as much as you can now."
Following his example, Applejack and I drank a bottle each. It was cool and refreshing in the warm afternoon sun. The air smelled of sage or maybe tobacco, which had been put into the fire, giving it an unusual scent. As we stood talking, another bison joined us. He was much older than Thunderhooves. But the one thing that stood out was his colour. In contrast to all the other buffalo I'd seen, his hide was a pure white. I knew little of Native American culture, but I did know that the buffalo was sacred in many of their religions, and a white one more so. If I remember right, the gene giving the colour was expressed in 1 in 10,000, making a white buffalo a truly rare sight.
"Greetings, my friends," he said, his voice softer than Thunderhooves. "I am White Eagle."
"White Eagle is a 'medicine man'," Braeburn explained. "He leads the sweat lodge and makes sure everypony is safe."
"Indeed I do," White Eagle said with a nod. "I see young Braeburn has shown you the importance of keeping hydrated before joining us in the sweat. It does require a great deal of endurance, but if you push through, the grandfathers will have much to teach you."
"Grandfathers?" I asked. White Eagle gestured to the stones that rested in the fire.
"These are the grandfathers," he said. "Everything in this world has a spirit, even stones. They have been around far longer than any of us, even the pony princesses, and so they have much to teach us. That is why we sweat; to confront our problems and discover ways to overcome them. Anyway, I think they are warm enough now. It is time we make a start."
And with that, this slightly odd old man led us all into the lodge and we began to ceremony.
White Eagle went in first, then Braeburn, then AJ and then me. The first thing I felt, unsurprisingly, was heat. It hit you with a genuine force to the point that I almost staggered at the doorway. I'd been in a sauna once or twice in my life. This was nothing like that. It was far, far hotter than any sauna, and that was just from the small pile of pebbles in the centre of the lodge. Pushing on, I followed the others inside.
Our medicine man took his place near the entrance flap, while the rest of us gathered around the fire pit. I found myself further from the entrance in what I later learned was the most difficult spot. We'd all removed our clothing before we came in. Braeburn had shed his jacket, and all of us had taken off our hats, since even they could reduce the heat we lost. Applejack had even taken down her mane, which now hung loosely around both shoulders. In front of White Eagle sat a small ceremonial drum, as well as a few herbs which would be burnt as the ceremony went on.
As we all settled down, I tried to take a look around. There wasn't much to see. Apart from the glow of the fire, it was entirely dark thanks to the thick blankets surrounding us. I could make out the ponies besides me, but little else.
The ceremony began with the first few stones being brought in, carefully held on a short of pitchfork by one of the firekeepers, who carefully passed it to White Eagle. He then carefully placed them into the pit, before handing the pitchfork back. Now the temperature really started to climb as the last of the fresh air became heated. I was already sweating like a literal horse as the entry flap was closed and we were encased in the darkness and heat of the symbolised womb. White Eagle now began to speak.
"There are four rounds to the inipi ceremony. This is the first. The East. Each round of stones represent one of the four directions. We pass from the east, where the sun rises, and travel west, until the thunder beings decide it is our time to leave this place. The drum here, is the heartbeat of our mother. It is here to guide you, and help focus your mind. You will experience many things here, some of which you will not understand. Know that, while some of these things may seem frightening, they cannot harm you, and the good spirits we have called forth here will protect you."
With that, he began to beat the drum in a steady rhythm that was indeed, not unlike a heartbeat. As he did this, he began to sing in his native tongue. My body meanwhile, slowly began to adjust to the temperature and the heated air. It was no longer quite as stifling, and I figured I could probably endure it for the duration of the ceremony.
That lasted right up until the moment White Eagle poured water on the grandfather stones. There was a hissing sound and a column of steam shot up from the rocks. Instantly, the temperature seemed to double. Now the place felt a little more like a sauna. This continued for I don't know how long. The heat and darkness seemed to distort time. All I was really conscious of was the steady drumming and White Eagle's singing. That and the sweat that was quickly matting my mane.
Eventually, the first rounded ended, and the flap to the outside was opened again, letting some cool air rush in while the next round of stones were placed in the pit. I took a look around with the better light. Like me, Applejack and Braeburn were drenched. The latter was even panting a little as his body tried vainly to regulate its temperature. White Eagle too was sweating like a hog, but having undergone the better part of eight years of training for this role, he was well equipped to handle the heat.
The reprieve was short lived however, as it was quickly closed again and the next round began. This was the second round, or the second door. White Eagle began to sing and beat the drum again. I was really suffering now, as the heat began to mess with my head.
As White Eagle poured more water onto the stones, my vision began to swim. I felt somewhat like I was about to pass out, but at the same time, I felt as steady as ever. The lodge around me began to fade out as darkness crept in. On some level, I knew this to be an effect of the heat, but on the other hand, I wanted to see if I really would experience some kind of vision here, so I simply did my best to relax, ignore the feeling that I was inhaling fire, and listen and see what the spirits wanted me to see.
What happened next is...difficult to describe. I've had dreams, day dreams, nightmares, night terrors, and one ketamine induced hallucination and out of body experience when I got badly scalded as a kid. None of those fitted with what happened next. I was both fully aware of where I was, and yet I wasn't. I was awake and dreaming, there and not there, and alive and dead. I suppose the closest description would be that I went into a sort of trance state, with my brain caught in some weird heat stroke induced loop.
White Eagle had told us that we would see things during this sweat. But I assumed he meant 'see' as in a revelation, not as in a literal vision. It came to me in flashes, out of focus and out of context. It was both literal and surreal, some things made sense, others I could barely comprehend.
First, I saw the sun and moon, both setting in the sky as a solitary bat flittered from apple tree to apple tree in the orchards. Beneath them were two large deer. These two watched the bat as it flew between the trees for a moment, before they lay down, and seemingly went to sleep. As they did so, the sun and moon rose up again from the horizon, seemingly tied together by a band of energy that was linked to this bat. The bat then changed into a butterfly and flittered away.
I then saw a coyote, with red and yellow eyes stalking through the trees, keeping its distance from me, but slowly drawing nearer to the sun and moon as they hung linked together in the sky. It barked excitedly, in an almost friendly way, at the two celestial bodies, and from its mouth spewed an inky darkness, like liquid shadow. For a moment, this darkness seemed to engulf the sun, moon, and the bond between them, including the small butterfly, which now flittered to and fro in a frightened state. A moment later though, there was a flash, and the butterfly changed again, this time into an eagle. The strange shadows relented and were pushed back towards the coyote. The coyote too underwent a transformation. For the first time, I saw something that made sense; I saw Discord who was cheering and clapping like he'd just seen the end of a good buckball game, seemingly to applaud the eagle as it flew, pulling the sun and moon together across the sky.
I was, for my part, both an observer, and a participant in this strange apparent battle. As sweat continued to pour down my face, and the drum continued to beat its steady rhythm. A moment later, I saw the eagle again, still pulling the two bodies across the sky. At the ends of my vision though, the same shadows persisted.
These were the only things I couldn't see through. They were ice cold, and yet as blazing as the sweat, filled with anger and rage. Within this blackness was another coyote, but this one had cruel dark green eyes, and lacked the vague friendly demeanour of the previous one, yet they seemed somehow familiar. The land around it was dead and lifeless, seemingly sad in and of itself. It growled and snarled, but seemed somehow held back, restrained, and as the shadows receded, it seemed to become more and more fearful of the eagle, until finally it vanished in a flash of white light.
As the light receded, all that remained was the eagle, guiding the sun and the moon. The two deer stood by, watching, seemingly content to rest under the light of the sun and the moon, as did all the other animals of the world.
With a sudden start, I regained my senses. I was breathing heavily, sweating more than ever, and felt a sudden wave of exhaustion wash over me. It suddenly became a struggle to stay upright. My rational mind tried vainly to process what had just happened. The images, while I've done my best to write them down in the order they happened, were all out of focus, coming thick and fast. It was difficult to make any sense of what I had seen, apart from a menagerie of transforming animals.
I couldn't speak though, my throat was parched from the heat, and I barely had the strength to keep my eyes open, never mind formulate a coherent sentence. As the sweat went on though, and we now entered what White Eagle told us was the final round, my strength seemed to return. The sweat went from a pain to endure, to something that was almost comforting. The old bison had said the sweat was to help heal and rejuvenate us, as well as to help us solve problems in our lives. What problem all those animals were meant to solve, I had no idea. Luckily, that was why we had a medicine man on hand.
Eventually, the final phase of the sweat came to an end. The entrance flap was again reopened and we were all let out into the cool refreshing air of a blazing summers day. In comparison to what we'd just gone through, it might as well have been the dead of winter.
White Eagle told us that, after a sweat, it was customary to eat a meal together, and from there ,we could discuss with him anything we might have seen that needed explanation. However, he also reminded us that anything that was said in the sweat, prayers, hopes, fears, were to remain with the sweat, and should not be discussed outside of the lodge.
I honestly don't remember anyone saying anything, but apparently we all spoke at length, including me.
After we all took a dip in the nearby river to cool off and make it so that we could stand within a hundred paces of somepony without killing them, White Eagle led us back to the buffalo village, and here we would all sit down to a dinner. On the way though, as we were walking, White Eagle came up to me. Applejack was walking along with Braeburn, seemingly none the worse for wear. I could hardly say the same for myself.
"You look troubled, my friend," he said in that low, soft voice of his. "I have seen many like you before. Your mind is full of questions; trying to understand that which cannot always be understood."
"I...saw things, in the lodge," I said after a moment. "I don't know what you'd call it. A vision? Insight?"
"The spirits spoke to you," White Eagle said, nodding sagely. "That is good. Now we must discover what they were saying. What did you see?"
So I told him, as best I could recall. I haven't always had the best visual memory. I've got most of the original Star Wars script up here, along with Celestia knows how much MLP lore, to say nothing of Star Trek and other half remembered TV shows. But remembering images has always been harder for me. I was never very good at Kim's Game for instance, or those stupid memorise the pattern games. Still, I did my best. I told White Eagle about the animals I had seen, how I'd seen Discord. He listened with silent interest, and only spoke when I came to the end of my story.
"Hmm, that is a powerful vision, young one," he said sagely. "It is just possible that the spirits may have shown you what will be in the future."
"But what does it all mean?" I asked. "A bat that turns into a butterfly that turns into an eagle that fights a coyote that is really Discord and then another coyote that isn't, all for everypony to lie down and relax."
"Well," White Eagle began. "The bat can symbolise change, and the need to let go of old habits. The butterfly too, is a creature of metamorphosis, and an important one too. The eagle though is a powerful creature, a symbol of courage and strength, which explains how it vanquished the coyotes."
"And what do they represent?" I asked. "I'm guessin' somethin' bad?"
"The coyote can be a symbol of bad things, yes," White Eagle agreed. "But he is also a trickster, a clown. He is not always an evil thing."
That summed up Discord alright. Sort of evil, sort of good, always the trickster. So much like Q. Still, it unsettled me the way he seemed to be in some way acting against the princesses in my dream.
"The other coyote though," White Eagle went on. "He is bad medicine, what you ponies would call dark magic; an evil force. You may face trouble before long."
White Eagle didn't know how right he was. Change was coming, and changes are rarely smooth. |
A Year in Equestria | Chapter 5 - May | My breaths came in sudden starting gasps. The brown paper bag wasn't helping much, and I was acutely aware of the worried looks I was getting from, well, pretty much everypony around me. Apple Bloom, being the youngest, looked the most worried, but both Big Mac and AJ looked concerned, with the latter tenderly rubbing my shoulder and doing her best to calm me down.
"It's okay, sugarcube," she said soothingly. "Just breathe and you'll be fine." I managed to pull my head up for a few moments and get a few words out at a time.
"Fine?" I asked, before resuming the huffing and puffing. The crinkling of the paper bag was getting irritating.
"The princesses know what they're doin'," AJ went on. I wasn't about to let that side.
"Celestia," I said breathlessly.
Another drag on the paper bag.
"Has completely."
Another.
"Lost her."
And another.
"Mind!" I exclaimed. "Only explanation!"
That stringing of words together caused me to start feeling more than a little faint, and I was soon back to happily hyperventilating.
I'm not normally one given to panic attacks. Don't get me wrong, I get scared plenty, to the point that I'd say, much to my discredit, I can be quite cowardly at times, but I hadn't been like this since I was a little kid. What was causing it you ask? Well, allow me to turn the clock back about a few hours or so and I'll tell you.
It all started early that morning. Applejack and I were going on a sweep around the farm, checking the fences, as well as checking in on the new saplings that we'd planted to replace those lost to that storm back in April. As we rolled on into May, the weather had really begun to warm up as summer bore down on us. Back home, this was when I'd need to start taking my hayfever medication, as I prepared for about nine weeks of moderate to massive discomfort thanks to a malfunctioning immune system. Here though, I could quite happily enjoy the smell of freshly cut grass, help with the hay cutting, and even pick flowers for my marefriend, without reducing myself to a snot nosed and all but blind mess.
Above us the birds were tweeting their songs, a soft wind flitted through the trees, complimenting the sound of the laughing brook nearby. All seemed right with the world.
At least until Twilight Sparkle teleported directly in front of us. She had that look in her eye. She was 'Twilighting'. Pinkie came up with the term, and at this point, it's all but in the Oxcolt Ponish Dictionary. Twilighting describes the time whenever Twilight gets herself stressed about something, usually fairly minor, be that sending a friendship report, returning a library book late, going out on the town with her friends, or being asked to help Shining and Cadence save the Crystal Empire. Whenever Twilight is Twilighting, the only thing you can do is pray to Celestia that it's not you she's interested in. And as luck would have it, I might as well have been invisible to her; Applejack was her target. We both stopped dead in our tracks as the manic looking alicorn appeared in our path.
"Applejack!" Twilight exclaimed, grabbing her by the foreleg. "Quick. We have to get to Canterlot! The princesses need us! Come on! There's no time to waste!"
Applejack however, is not a mare to be rushed. Using her superior strength, she managed to extract herself from her excited friend's grip.
"Now just hold on a minute here, Twilight," she said, keeping her voice calm and even like she was talking to a frightened deer. "What did the princesses say they needed?" This served to only further unsettle the already unsettled Twilight.
"The letter doesn't say," she said in a worried tone. "It just said that we all need to come to Canterlot right away. It could be anything. What if they only had time to send that short message before whatever danger they were facing attacked? Canterlot could be burning at this very moment!"
Applejack raised an eyebrow at that. You could after all, see that Canterlot wasn't burning, or under any kind of attack of any kind. The city was peaceful as ever. But when Twilight's Twilighting, logic doesn't really tend to work on her.
"Alright, I'll be with you in ten minutes," Applejack said after a pregnant pause. "Let me and Bones just finish up repairin' the fences and then..."
That was as far as she got before Twilight snapped.
"There's no time! Come on!" she bellowed in her own version of the Royal Canterlot Voice.
She then grabbed Applejack again, and the pair vanished in a teleport. I, despite having been barely two foot away, had been unaffected by the proceedings, apart from being damn near blinded by the flash of the teleport. I gave it a moment or two, but it soon became clear neither Applejack or Twilight were coming back any time soon.
"Alright," I grumbled to myself. "I guess I'll mend the fences on my own then. Thanks, Twilight."
I knew that they'd be back in about twenty minutes or so. That's usually how long these things took, for obvious reasons. Although having said that, I couldn't help but be slightly worried. Ever since we got here, at least ever since Starlight was reformed, I've tried to 'count the episodes' as it were. I doubt I'm in the show, or even mentioned for that matter, but like it or not, I am in the world of My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, and every now and then, we get a friendship problem or some incident involving Twilight and her friends. Even less frequently, we get some yahoo trying to take over the world. I've taken to counting these events, and when I get to twenty four, I know we're probably in for a finale. Well, that had come and gone with Equestria's most adorable sociopath. Now I was waiting for the start of the next season.
And this may well be it.
I decided to wait until AJ got back from wherever she was going. Typically, opening episodes weren't too rough. The bad guys tended to come out to play at the finales. Still, depending on what my marefriend had to say when she got back, it might well be time to batten down the hatches for a while.
Applejack actually wasn't gone too long, and got back to the farm a little after lunch. And boy did she have some news. She came and told me when I was checking some of the apple trees for any sign of disease. I looked up as I heard her hoof-beats on the ground.
"Oh, AJ, you're back," I said with a little relief in my voice. "How was Canterlot? You find out what the princesses want?" Applejack nodded with an amused grin.
"You ain't gonna believe this, Bones," she said. "But the princesses called us all up there, because they're retiring."
My world came to a screeching halt. Applejack then delivered the knockout.
"And they want Twilight to take over."
With that, my world shattered.
I won't bore you too much with the embarrassing details of what happened next. I cantered through the five stages. Firstly, I denied it, saying that it had to be some sort of joke or trick on Celestia's part. She had done as much not so long ago when Pinkie put on a show to celebrate her 1,111th year of raising the sun. She wouldn't just step down like that. Then I got angry, saying that Celestia had gone mad, demanding to know what in Equestria she was thinking, giving the throne to someone so neurotic? Then came bargaining, as I decided to head up there myself, to talk to both of them, and help them see reason. Then there was depression, and the general belief on my part that we were all doomed. Finally, acceptance. Well, acceptance that I'd lost my mind, because with that, I started hyperventilating.
Applejack had gotten me back to the farmhouse, draped over her back no less, since I could barely walk. The whole Apple family had gathered around, with Granny Smith giving me a paper bag to try and re-regulate my breathing. Ten minutes or so had passed and I was beginning to calm down.
"So when...when is this whole thing happening then?" I asked. "How long before Princess Celestia and Princess Luna abdicate?" Applejack tried to redirect me.
"Don't worry about that right now, sugarcube," she said soothingly. "Just relax for a bit. They didn't say when we were up there. But these things take loads of time."
I was seconds from calming down and coming back to Equestria. But then Apple Bloom, like all small children entrusted with an important secret, piped up.
"I thought you said they were doin' the ceremony at the end of the week, Applejack?" she said.
There was a moment of silence while my brain processed this fascinating new titbit of information.
"I thought you were the Element of Honesty", I said bitterly. Then I went back to inhaling a bag, only this time, much faster.
A few hours later, I was in bed, trying to somehow get to sleep. But the knowledge I now had was doing a brilliant job at preventing that. My stomach was in knots, I felt like I might throw up at any moment. My mind was running a mile a minute, trying to find some way to explain what was going on, or to work out what to do about it. But there was nothing.
It didn't make sense! Celestia and Luna had ruled in one way or another for over a millennia. They couldn't just up and leave in one week; there'd be chaos! And what had caused this sudden decision. I know they'd been through something of the wringer, subjected to the Worf Effect as they were when evil reared its ugly head. Did they doubt their ability to lead Equestria? That was nonsense! Anypony would tell you the princesses were fine rulers who had led Equestria into an age of harmony. How could Twilight possibly replace them? Sure she'd saved Equestria more times than I care to remember, and yes, she is remarkably intelligent and magically gifted. But given that we'd had pretty much identical reactions to the news, how could they possibly think she was qualified?
Twilight, you see, is a bit like Churchill. Through the war, he was a great leader, who led us through our darkest hour. But the second the Nazis hauled down their colours, he was given the boot. Twilight was good at defeating the bad guys, wielding the Elements of Harmony with her friends, and teaching others the magic of friendship. But I couldn't imagine her dealing with all the court intrigue, diplomacy, and all the social graces that came with running a nation. She lacks the experience of Celestia, Luna, or even Cadence when it comes to politics.
And then there was the effect it would have on all of us. She'd have to move away to Canterlot. What about the school and her castle here in Ponyville? What about the map and the friendship missions? There was so much that I simply couldn't find an answer for.
Irritably, I tossed and turned in my bed, vainly trying to will myself to sleep. But my mind just wouldn't stop whirring, my stomach wouldn't stop twisting itself, and I couldn't stop worrying about what the morning might bring.
Oh God. How the hay was Twilight going to raise the sun and the moon?
With that final straw, I threw off the covers and began to pace around irritably. Maybe walking I could tire myself out.
Thirty minutes later, at about half past two, I found that that didn't work. Well, there was only one thing for it.
Crossing the room to my desk, I reached up with my magic and took down a modest size tome. Turning to the relevant section, I soon found what I was looking for. Sleep spells do exist. They're meant to only be used by properly licensed medical practitioners. But I needed sleep now, and didn't fancy tramping all the way down to Ponyville General. The spell didn't look too difficult, although it was a bit unorthodox to perform it on yourself. Still, as a wise orangutan once said; 'how hard can it be?'.
Powering up my horn, I weaved the spell around myself. It should work a bit like taking a sleeping tablet. You use the spell, then you have a minute to climb back into bed. That didn't happen. What happened was I overcooked it like a moron, and pretty much flashed my brain's BIOS. It was more like getting sapped on the side of the head. My vision went white for a moment, and the next thing I knew, I was a heap on the floor, out cold.
When I came to again, I found myself still splayed out in a heap, only I'd gone from being on my face in my own room, to being on my face in the amazingly beautiful world of the dreaming realm. Around me was a never ending, mesmerizing pattern of stars, nebulae, and a strange road of stardust underfoot. That however, wasn't of too much interest to me, although I have always found the place to be beautiful. What was more interesting was the pair of dark blue legs in front of me, clad in glass horseshoes. Looking up, these legs led up to an obsidian metal chest piece, emblazoned with a crescent moon, and finally, above that, was the face of Princess Luna.
She had something between a smile and a look of mild concern on her face; the look somepony has when they've seen someone in the same state more times than they care to remember. As I regained consciousness, such as it was, considering I was sleeping, she broke out a somewhat teasing smile.
"I don't recall you attending the Royal College of Medicine, my friend," she said, with an 'I told you so' tone in her voice. "Sleeping spells are awfully easy to overpower, particularly when one only has a passing knowledge of the spell."
"Yeah, well, I couldn't sleep," I replied in an informal tone. While she might be princess in the waking world, here, Luna was, to everypony, more of a confidant and friend.
With some effort, I hauled myself back onto my hooves. While I might be dreaming, my brain helpfully simulated the effects of waking up after being knocked out cold. Eventually, I got into something that mirrored the sitting position Luna had adopted.
"So tell me, Blade Star," she went on. "What precisely caused you to desire sleep so much that you were willing to risk putting yourself in a coma from which you might never awaken to do it?"
Her tone wasn't angry, or even disappointed. She was concerned, worried even, with a gentle undercurrent of maternal protectiveness. Like Celestia, Luna does care deeply for all her subjects, hence why she patrols their dreams every night, helping them fight off nightmares and confront the problems that face them in the waking world. If Celestia was Equestria's mother, then Luna was the big sister everypony looked up to for advice.
"I couldn't get to sleep," I repeated. "My mind's been going a mile a minute ever since Applejack told me what you and Celestia are planning. What in Equestria is going on, Luna? Why are you abdicating?"
"Why does it concern you?" she asked. Her tone wasn't accusatory; it was a genuine question.
"It concerns me," I replied. "Because you are the rightful rulers of Equestria, and you're talking about handing things over to a mare that's terrified of quesadillas! The pair of you retiring will cause massive political upheaval. For goodness sake, Luna, who's going to protect ponies' dreams, or raise the sun and the moon? Twilight is many things, including a good leader, but she's not up to ruling a country."
"Is that all?" Luna asked, again in a neutral tone. "You don't think there might be something more basic behind your fear?"
"I'd say fear of having no leader is basic enough," I replied.
Luna got to her hooves and turned around before gesturing for me to follow her.
"Come," she said. "Let's you and I take a walk together."
Getting to my hooves, I followed her, walking alongside the taller mare. She led the two of us along the winding path of the dreamscape.
"Blade Star," she said, after a moment. "Do you remember how you felt when Twilight announced her intention to open a school?"
"Sure," I replied. "I thought she was nuts."
"And when she decided to take on young Starlight Glimmer, her former nemesis, as her pupil?"
"Again, I figured it was a bad idea."
"And you feel the same way about my and my sister's decision to abdicate the throne, naming her our lawful successor."
I paused for a moment. I am honoured to call Luna a friend, and I am permitted certain liberties that she does not extend to other ponies. But I wasn't about to call her crazy.
"I feel that it's...ill advised," I said after a moment. "Particularly only allowing a single week for the transition of power."
"I see," she said calmly. "But tell me, Blade Star, do you still think that Twilight was wrong to take on Starlight as her pupil, or open the School of Friendship?"
"No, of course not," I replied.
"Is it not possible then, that you may be just as inclined to change your opinion regarding my retirement?"
"It's not that same, Luna!" I said, a little crossly.
"On the contrary, I think it is exactly the same. All these views are linked to a common denominator, and a perfectly common one amongst ponies; fear of the unknown. You do not know what will happen, and that unsettles you."
I couldn't help but agree with that statement. Humans, like ponies, naturally fear the unknown and that which they do not understand. Luna continued.
"I've known you for some time, my friend. I know that accepting change does not come easily to you. And I understand how such a drastic change might be alarming, even upsetting for you."
Again, she'd read me like a book. One of my biggest faults is that I don't cope with change well. I'm a creature of habit, of routine. I like having a set routine, knowing what I'm doing and what's going to be happening. Disruptions to that routine annoy me, and can sometimes cause me a bit of anxiety. It's one of the reasons that I enjoyed living the quiet life I did on Sweet Apple Acres; where everything was reasonably predictable, with just enough variety to keep things interesting. While others might find it tedious, I enjoyed the comfortable routines of the days, weeks, and months. And now, that pleasant routine was going right out the window and down the toilet.
I let out a soft sigh as we walked together. A moment later, I looked up at my friend and sometimes mentor.
"I don't want things to change," I said softly. Luna said nothing, so I continued "I found myself living this peaceful, idyllic life. And for the first year or so, I lulled myself into this fantasy that it would always be this way. I'd live on Sweet Apple Acres, spend time with my folks and little sister, help Apple Bloom with her schoolwork, all these silly little things.
"But one day it's all going to be over. Mom and Dad will pass, so will Granny Smith, Winona, Angel Bunny. Everypony will get older. Apple Bloom will grow up, maybe move out. It will all change, everything will be different, and never quite the same. The only constant, the one thing that I knew, knew beyond a shadow of a doubt, was that you and Celestia would always be around, looking after us all and guiding us. Now, even that's gone. And I just don't want that change."
Luna smiled and gently laid a comforting wing over my back. Sitting down, she pulled me into a hug, my head resting softly against her chest. A comforting foreleg wrapped around me.
"We cannot stop change, my child," she said softly. "And the world would be a far duller place without it. The world you seek to preserve is a product of a thousand changes. Your parents were once children themselves. Granny Smith was once but a young mare starting her own family. There was a time when Applejack and Fluttershy did not know of their beloved pets. If there was no change, the world you know would not exist, nothing would. The world would just be a dull, still life, hardly worth living.
"Think of it, if nothing changed again from now on, how long would it be before things grew stagnant? Children going to school year after year, the same ponies seeing the same ponies day in day out, nothing new, nothing exciting. I would call that Tartarus.
"But I understand how you feel, Blade Star. When I first returned to Equestria, everything was different. The cities, the ponies, the language; everything had changed, and I felt like a stranger in my own kingdom. For the longest time, I sought to turn back the clock. I kept on using the royal we, the Royal Canterlot Voice, and living as I had done a thousand years ago. But no matter what I did, I couldn't turn back time, and my actions only served to isolate me from my fellow ponies. It wasn't until I once again crossed paths with a certain young unicorn that I finally began to embrace this new world. And do you know something? I liked it. It was not the world that I once knew, true, but nor was it anything to fear. In fact, it was my own fear that brought me misery."
She stopped walking as we came to a sort of rise in the terrain, overlooking the dreams of dozens of ponies.
"So, I should just 'go with the flow' you think?" I asked. Luna nodded.
"It will cause you far less distress than what you are doing now," she replied. "You are basing all your thoughts on the assumption that change is inherently bad. Why not approach the situation from the opposite angle?"
I pondered what Luna had said. She had hit the nail square on the head. I had had a sort of knee jerk reaction. It had been the same when Twilight took on Starlight, when she got her new castle, or even, if we turn the clock back to before I came here, to when she became an alicorn. And she was right. I was coming at this by assuming that all change was bad. Still, it was difficult to set aside the feeling of the world dropping out from under me that the news of the abdication had brought.
"Why did you decide to abdicate anyway?" I asked Luna curiously. "You've only been back from exile for a few years. Ain't it a bit early to throw in the towel?" Luna tittered at that.
"If you recall, Blade Star," she said. "I did rule Equestria for a little over a century before that alongside my sister . And she has held the reins for over ten centuries now. When one is immortal, a life of duty can seem like an endless tunnel. We have been rulers for long enough. We would both like to be ponies again."
It was good to get that straight from the horse's mouth, if you'll excuse the pun.
"You know, a part of me thought that it was just Celestia that wanted to step down, and was just dragging you along with her." Luna smiled.
"Actually, I was the one who first brought the subject up a couple of months ago. I assure you, Blade Star, the both of us have carefully weighed our decision, and have been just as careful in choosing a successor. Besides, it isn't as if we shan't be on hoof should Twilight Sparkle ever have need of us. I can assure you we won't be throwing her to the lions and jetting off to some tropical island. It will be a drastic change, but I know we can all come to terms with it."
The world now shifted slightly as my dream began to destabilise.
"Ah, it looks like morning is upon us," Luna said. "Remember what I said, Blade Star. I guarantee you, that in a month's time, you will be perfectly content with the new state of affairs. Now please take care, waking up from a magic induced sleep can be rather uncomfortable."
And with that, the world went black, and I found myself waking up. Little did I know how soon I was to wish that I'd gotten that guarantee in writing
Luna wasn't kidding about waking up. I'd never gotten particularly drunk in my life, but I figured this was what a bad hangover felt like. Having fallen asleep on the floor, my whole body now had a dull ache to it. Stretching my hind legs a touch, I felt a sharp pain shoot up them as the cramped muscles tried to move. The same thing happened with my forelegs. I'd been drooling too, and one side of my face now had a sticky mess on it. I didn't feel particularly rested, although looking at the clock, I'd gotten a good eight hours of sleep.
I let out a low groan as I took on the difficult task of getting up. Again, my muscles throbbed and my joints clicked and cracked. I took a look around. My bed needed making, and the room was pretty dark with the curtains still drawn. Calling on my magic, I managed to get my bed in order. I then made the fatal mistake of opening the curtains.
Whether by design or just cruel fate, the sun was perfectly positioned this early in the morning, to stream sunlight right into my eyes. There was one terrible moment as my pupils desperately contracted, before the pain kicked in again.
"Argh!" I exclaimed, clamping my eyes shut and looking away from the morning light. "Dammit!"
Blinking a few times, my eyes slowly adjusted again. I did my best to rub the sleep out with a hoof. I had no doubt that I looked like Hell right about now. So rather than startling everypony else and make them think I'd died and reanimated in the night, I headed across the hall to the bathroom for a much needed shower, shave, and to brush my teeth.
The warm water helped bring me back to life, and made me look a little more presentable. After drying myself off and bushing my coat down, I also did my best to trim back my beard. As weird as it sounds, stallions do grow beards, the hair grows through your hide around your mouth and chin the same colour as your mane and tail. So I currently had a dark blue five o'clock shadow. I did consider a while back actually letting it grow into a sort of muzzle or goatee, but Applejack didn't much care for it and it didn't really fit my face. Besides, the iron rule when it comes to cowboy stories is that the guys with beards are evil.
After that, I brushed my teeth and managed to get my mouth to feel like something other than sandpaper. Plus I'd hate to kill anypony at ten paces with bog breath. Taking a look at myself in the mirror, I took one last stab at getting my mane in order. I was getting due for a trim anyway. Maybe later I'd head down to the spa and see Aloe or Lotus. Satisfied that I looked equine again, I headed downstairs, running into Applejack in the hallway. She too had just gotten up. She still had her mane down, and it hung loose around her shoulders. I found myself thankful that I wasn't a pegasus.
"Oh, mornin', Applejack," I said in a now more chipper voice. "How are you doin'?"
"I'll let you know when I've got some coffee in me," she replied tiredly. "How 'bout you? You seem less...er..."
"Neurotic?" I offered. "Had a chance to talk with Princess Luna last night; helped me get some things a bit straighter in my head. Still can't quite believe it though."
"You and me both, sugarcube," AJ agreed.
"Want me to get started on breakfast?" I offered. Granny Smith was still snoring, and I hadn't seen any sign of Big Mac.
"Well, that's awful nice of you, Bones," Applejack said, in a tone of pleasant surprise.
"Least I can do after all that nonsense I put you folks through yesterday," I replied, now feeling a touch embarrassed at my near mental breakdown."
Applejack headed into the bathroom, and I heard the shower start. For the briefest moment, I considered being a bit spontaneous and following her inside. After all, nopony else was about, and last time she'd been the one to walk in on me. In the end though, I decided against it, given how tired AJ had looked, and trotted downstairs to make breakfast. And before you call me an idiot that's either blind or dead inside, trust me, unless you have a deathwish you don't come between Applejack and her morning coffee.
My morning was looking to be reasonably busy today. As we rolled around into May, it would soon be time for the apple trees to shed their blossoms and start producing the beginnings of apples for the autumn. Already the trees were a beautiful mix of greens and the soft pink of the apple blossoms.
But with all this beauty, there also came some dangers. Caterpillars and moths were the big worries at this time of year. These insects, particularly the former, could do real damage to the trees, particularly damaging the leaves. You also had to check the trunks for signs of insects burrowing in to do damage internally. To combat this threat, we'd hang pheromone traps in a number of trees. These would be covered in pheromones designed to lure insects to the traps, usually ones that involved mating, or encouraged an aggressive response. The moths would then find themselves caught. It wouldn't stop the problem completely; no amount of trapping can do that, but it would reduce their numbers and also stunt any potential offspring. It would do enough damage to ensure that those that did survive wouldn't be able to do any major damage to the apple trees.
Of course, Sweet Apple Acres is a pretty large place, and that meant a whole lot of pheromone traps to hang. My magic would make things a bit faster, but a few thousand trees is still a few thousand trees.
In addition to that, we also needed to start training the limbs of young trees, that is to say, cutting them in such a way as to ensure they grew to have more fruit bearing branches and spread out enough to ensure all the trees got plenty of sunlight. And we grafted tree branches of the best fruit bearing trees onto trees that were sturdy but didn't produce enough fruit. (It's why there were different colours of apples on the same trees).
All it all, a lot of work to do, so it was a case of all hooves on deck. AJ and I would take one section, Big Mac another, and Granny Smith and Apple Bloom would take the last third of the farm. Well, that was the plan at least, as it turned out, barely two hours in, we would find ourselves a mare down.
Things first started to kick off when we were about a third of the way through our section of the orchards.
It was getting on for lunch, and I'd promised Apple Bloom that I'd teach her to make sloosh; an odd cornbread sort of food whose recipe I'd picked up when I dabbled in battle re-enactments, spending time in the camps of the Army of Tennessee. I'd had to modify it a little to compensate for equine tastes. The original recipe called for cornmeal, which was one of the few things readily available in a country that was compelled to stretch limited coffee supplies with chicory or peanuts, along with the fat from frying bacon or pork rations. You then mixed these into something resembling a dough, rolled it into a snake, wrapped it around the ramrod of your rifle and cooked it over a fire.
Obviously, I couldn't get my hooves on bacon. Quite against my social obligations as a millennial male, I couldn't stand the stuff even before I became a pony. Instead, I used a mixture of butter, water and an egg to help bind the cornmeal together. And while Equestria has yet to develop true firearms outside of muzzle loading cannons (yet paradoxically still has the concept of a tank), I was able to substitute the rifle and attendant ramrod for a solid stick. Cooking was but little different from toasting marshmallows, albeit a little more tricky.
That however, could wait until lunch time. Right now, we had traps to hang. Applejack and I were working methodically through the orchard, when I picked up the sound of a jet engine, signalling that a pegasus was in close proximity. AJ heard it too, and looking skyward, we soon spotted the source. Rainbow Dash was tearing Hell for leather across the skies, and all but screaming her friend's name.
"Applejack! We need to go! Now!"
"Down here, Rainbow!" AJ called back, cupping her mouth with both hooves to throw the sound further.
Rainbow quickly side slipped down and landed with a near bounce. She looked more than a little rattled. Here we go again...
"What's the trouble, kimosabe?" I asked her. Her next words actually caught me by surprise.
"King Sombra's attacking the Crystal Empire!" she exclaimed. "Princess Cadence managed to get a letter to Twilight, but he's taken over the castle and the whole city. He's keeping them all prisoner."
My mind instantly flew to Flurry Heart.
"He's what?!" I exclaimed. "He's dead! I watched that son of a..." I remembered a long forgotten Chekov's gun. "Of course, that damn horn fragment! AJ, go! I'll tell you later. I'll find the others and let them know what's going on."
Applejack didn't need telling twice, and she quickly set off at a gallop, with Rainbow flying alongside her as fast as Applejack could run.
I meanwhile, as is often the case, now had little to do. Well, there wasn't anything I could do really, was there? A part of me, quite possibly my ego, wanted to go with AJ and the others, head up to the Empire, kill Sombra, properly this time. I had a good theory about how he'd come back, but my mind, as when AJ had told me the news about the princesses was now filled with questions. How had he brought himself back? Why didn't the Crystal Heart stop him? What did he want with the Empire? What was the condition of Shining and Cadence, to say nothing of Flurry Heart? My mind came to a dark conclusion. Could he be after Equestria's youngest alicorn? The trouble with Sombra is that we never learnt much about why he did what he did. His motivation was, and remains to this day, a mystery to me.
This was what annoyed me; being unable to act, not knowing what was going on. I felt...well...helpless. And I don't like feeling helpless.
Of course, on the bright side, Sombra was as good as defeated already. Right now, Twilight and the others would be rushing to the Everfree to get the Elements of Harmony. I don't care what dark magic Sombra has access to; nopony, not even Discord, survives a rainbow to the face. His unexpected comeback, while it would undoubtedly be traumatic for all concerned, was still fated to end in his downfall. The only question was how long he'd last.
That knowledge helped to reassure me. Whatever might happen, nopony is going to die, and by the end, everything will be back to normal, or maybe even a little better. Who knows, maybe they'll even have a go at reforming him. As vile and twisted as Sombra is, I still wouldn't mind having a chat with him. Provided he has a bite mask on and comes wheeled in on a dolly wrapped in a straight jacket, so that as soon as he steps out of line I can tell the boys to 'take this thing back to Baltimare'.
So I set myself the task of finding Big Mac, Granny and Apple Bloom and letting them know what was happening. I was fairly confident that this would all be wrapped up pretty quickly. I was even planning on having some sloosh ready for when Applejack got back.
Yeah, turns out things would get a little more tricky than that. I should have realised that it all seemed too easy. I should have paid more attention in the sweat.
I was right in that it didn't take Twilight and the others too long to put Sombra in his place. He'd managed, by virtue of a surprise attack, to catch the crystal ponies off guard, and prevented them from uniting to fire off the Crystal Heart. His revived form also made him a lot more dangerous, and neither Shining or Cadence alone were much of a match for him. Worse still, he made use of those mind control helmets Twilight had seen during her brief exploration of various alternate timelines. He used these to turn their own guards against them. Shining and Cadence had little choice but to surrender. If nothing else, to protect Flurry Heart. That sick bastard broke into her nursery and threatened her as a final coup de grace. He then proceeded to sit himself on the throne, build a little cell for the rightful rulers, and then gloat like the generic twit he is, with a compromised Crystal Heart suspended above him.
That lasted right up until the moment Twilight and the others burst in. Just as he had nigh effortlessly overtaken the city, the girls now subjected him to a curbstomp battle. He was dumb enough to actually try and pull the same trick twice, trying to pull them all into their worst fears to stop them from using the Elements. That however, didn't work for long. Twilight in particular easily overcame the bland deception. And while Sombra was busy gloating and cackling his head off, Spike sneaked around and freed Shining, Cadence and Flurry. With them out of the line of fire, the girls hit him with the Elements. The resultant wave of harmony annihilated Sombra, this time seeming to vaporise him, with no horn fragment flying off screen, as well as destroying all the mind control helmets, freeing the captured ponies, and destroying the odd obsidian crystals he seemed compelled to throw up everywhere.
With that, the Crystal Empire was saved. Even by normal episode standards it was a quick turn around. Real time, Sombra only held the Empire for about an hour or so, basically however long it took the girls to get up there. I knew it was all over when the Crystal Heart fired off again, sending the beautiful rainbow streamers; Aurora Amorealis, to use the proper term, as far south as Dodge Junction.
The whole affair was so damn short that I didn't actually have a chance to find anypony else to let them know what was going on. I couldn't help but chuckle and shake my head. Sombra, by far and away, with the exception of perhaps Cozy, was the least actually dangerous villain in MLP. Menacing, true, but he posed a very limited threat.
That mindset lasted right up until Twilight and the others returned, and placed the Elements back in the branches of the Tree of Harmony. It turned out Sombra wasn't as stupid as he looked, and somehow, managed to dodge the Elements' fire. What appeared to be disintegration, was actually cleverly disguised teleportation. Even Celestia couldn't pull that off.
How did I know he was still kicking? Simple, I felt the effects of his actions. When Twilight replaced the Elements in the Tree, Sombra made his move, stabbing the tree with one of his own crystals, destroying it, and the Elements outright.
As a unicorn, I have the ability to sense magic, just as I can smell, hear, and taste things that are otherwise invisible. My own studies in magic have heightened this sensitivity. So the death of the Tree of Harmony...well, it was like a hammer blow. I felt as though the wind was knocked out of me and I staggered where I was, eventually having to lean on a nearby tree just to stay upright. In other words, I felt a great disturbance in the Force. I hadn't seen what happened, but I still knew. That was when I started to worry. Without the Elements, we were in deep trouble.
And as before, my mind began to fill with questions. It should be impossible to destroy the Tree. It was omniscient. How else could it provide information on friendship problems or have provided that clever little lockbox? It surely must have known what was going to happen. But what I felt wasn't some feint or trick. I felt that ancient magical being in its death throes.
Things quickly got worse. Sombra announced his new, equally mental plan to invade Equestria proper, starting with Ponyville. Above me, the sky turned an acrid brown as the dark magic began to take root. I needed to find the others, warn them. With luck, I might just have a fighting chance to protect them. I'd studied changeling mind control spells in the past, and developed workable counters to them. That meant I ought to be able to resist Sombra's mind control spells. I just had to avoid showing him fear; fear gave him power. I had to push my panic and alarm down, turn grief into anger.
Of course, that was easier said than done, and like it or not, I was panicking. Sombra had gone from an annoyance to a serious threat in one fell swoop. But as I galloped along in search of my friends, I still held onto the hope that he would be beaten. This was going to be a rough ride, sure, but Sombra still wouldn't last.
Of course, I had little concern with Sombra. His downfall was in the hooves of Twilight, her friends, and the princesses. I was looking more to just ride out the storm. However, as I came out of the orchards and into one of the open fields, I found myself curiously thrust into centre stage.
With little warning, the acrid clouds above me began to spew out a thin column of dark, smoke like shadow. It touched down on the ground in front of me, about ten feet or so from me. The column quickly coalesced into a sphere, and a moment later, receded entirely, leaving me face to face with Sombra. He was around Luna's height, maybe a little taller, mainly due to having longer than average legs, which gave him a sort of lanky appearance. He looked much the same as I remembered from the show; grey coat, black mane, iron chest piece, and a dark red robe. The only thing that was a little different, was that his eyes currently didn't have the odd purple vapour pouring from them, nor were the whites of his eyes a light green. Instead, he looked a little more equine, with deep red irises. He smiled at me in a cruel way, showing off fangs that would be considered odd even on a thestral. It was then that he first spoke to me.
"Well, if it isn't Roger's little colt," he said. "I think it's time you joined the ranks of your new king's army."
His voice surprised me a little. I remembered with no small amount of dread the deep, malevolent voice that he had previously. And though he was a stallion of few words, that had not left my mind. Now though, he sounded different. I'd almost say...petulant, cocky, arrogant. He sounded younger, reminding me, believe it or not, of Blueblood. In a way it made him almost comical. His mention of my dad though unsettled me plenty. How could he know him, never mind me?
I later learned that he and Dad had cultivated a Hannibal/Will Graham style relationship. Sombra didn't die when he was defeated the first time. Instead, he wound up in Tartarus, where my Dad met him. He escaped when Cozy drained Equestria's magic.
Now, I'll be the first to admit that I'm not brave. I'm no coward either though, and by this time, I was remembering just how Sombra had screwed himself. He was a dead stallion walking really. At best, he had another twenty minutes left to live. So you'll forgive me if I too, got a bit cocky.
"And if I say no?" I asked bluntly, standing my ground and taking a fighting stance, something which only made Sombra smile.
"Oh, come now, don't you want to join the rest of your friends?" he asked.
The same shadows as before now appeared behind him, and from them did indeed come my friends. He had Granny, Big Mac, and even little Apple Bloom. But worse, I saw my mother and little sister. Their eyes were all the same; an unearthly green, with blank expressions. It was clear that they weren't in control of their actions. Sombra was just using them as puppets. I felt anger flare up inside me, overwhelming the fear I was feeling. I snorted and narrowed my eyes at Sombra.
"Or do I have to force you?" he went on with a cruel smile.
When you threaten my mother, my little sister, and a filly who is like a daughter to me, to say nothing of the ponies I call family, my mind tends to flip a switch somewhere. My fear suddenly began to evaporate, replaced instead by a quiet fury. Sod show canon, TV-Y, Twilight's destiny, and anything else. I was going to kill him. Slowly, I began to close the distance between us. If I knew one thing about Sombra, it was that he had an ego, and I could goad him into a mistake.
"You come in strength," I said coldly. "Do you need all these to overcome me?"
Sombra let out a snarl. I'd touched a nerve and thrown down the gauntlet. Now we'd see if he'd pick it up. A moment later though, he recovered himself, and let out a dark chuckle.
"You really think a little colt like you can stand against the likes of me?" he asked incredulously.
"Seems that way," I replied, flashing a grin back at him.
"Very well."
With that Sombra made his move.
He first tried to entrap me, summoning several dagger-like crystals from the ground. I half jumped and half rolled out of the way. This seemed to be his primary method of attack. He relied on his magic. Skidding on the soft grass, I let fly with my own magic; a simple stun spell. It hit him square, but he easily shielded himself. This wasn't a fair fight. I was definitely at a disadvantage. The only thing in my favour was that he hadn't employed his new minions against me. My friends and family simply stood by, watching us without emotion.
The two of us closed with each other and began to circle, like two lions looking for an opening. He had every advantage over me, in both power and skill. But while I might be out-manned, outgunned and out-equipped, I still had guile. I had to fight smart, not hard.
Activating my magic, I performed a quick teleport. I can just about do them, but it's a rare spell for unicorns to know. And Sombra wasn't expecting it. Appearing behind him and to the side, I went to grab him around the neck with one hoof, and pulled on his horn with another, disrupting his magic. Sombra however, quickly rolled and threw me off. I barely had time to get out of the way of his own magic blast.
"Good try, boy," he snarled. "But not good enough." He was trying to rattle me.
"I'm just getting started," I snarked back.
I hurled another bolt of magic at him, which he again easily deflected. His magic, as much as pains me to say it, was far stronger than mine, and I had no hope of breaking his defence. However, I've always been a great believer in that old phrase 'if it bleeds, you can kill it'. His shield might stop magic, but I knew such things couldn't always stop physical attacks. Why not turn his favourite weapon against him.
I'd studied crystal magic myself. The variant he was using was based around dark magic, hence the black obsidian colour and the effect they had on the world around them. But Cadence had also used something similar, summoning crystals to shut off a water main in Canterlot during the Royal Summit. That was entirely within my ability. And crystals do make for a fine dagger.
We countered and parried each other, and I was beginning to tire. If I was going to make a move, I needed to do it soon. Charging at Sombra, I dodged two blasts from his horn, and then dropped onto my knees and slid under those gangly legs of his. He pivoted on the spot as I did so, but the act caught him off guard, so I made my move. Summoning up a shard of crystal, I had it pierce the earth and go straight into his underbelly. It rooted him to the spot as I lost momentum.
Getting to my hooves, I let out a few ragged breaths and took a look at my handiwork. The crystal had gone straight up through his stomach and now protruded out of his back. The damage to his internal organs would be catastrophic.
A moment later though, to my horror, I heard the dark king laugh and turn around where he stood. There was no blood coming from his mouth, and he showed no signs of pain. The answer lay in his wound. There wasn't one. At both the entrance and exit points, his body had turned back to intangible shadow. Doing the same to the rest of his form, he simply stepped out of my trap, quite unhurt.
"Well," he said as he strode towards me. "You want to play rough? Then I think it's time we take the gloves off."
With a snarl, he forced more energy into his horn. It was clear what he was going to do; summon his own crystal and do the same to me. I was too tired to leap clear, and there wasn't time anyway.
But there was time to fight fire with fire. I knew the spell he'd used. Yes, it was dark magic, but desperate times call for desperate measures. Summoning up the spell, I did just as Sombra had done, and rendered most of my body non-corporeal for a moment, allowing the dark crystal to pass harmlessly through my chest. Seeing him surprised, I tried the same trick one more time, as did he.
"Well, this could get tedious," I quipped. We were both now in something of a stalemate.
We continued to exchange fire for a couple more minutes. While we were by no means equally matched, I was managing to hold my own. I wasn't doing much to him, but nor was he doing anything to me. Stalemate, in order words. I knew Twilight and the others would be working too to save the day. He'd been unable to get into their heads before, and I hoped he hadn't done the same now. If nothing else, we had Celestia and Luna still. They put Sombra in his place before, without the Elements I might add. Maybe if I could just keep him busy like this, I'd be able to help in the long run.
I had, however, neglected to consider one thing. Sombra didn't hypnotise ponies like changelings did, for which I had a counter spell. He rather forcibly took control of their bodies. Changeling hypnosis was built on suggestion and misdirecting the mind. With Sombra's variant, the victim had no choice. It was this that allowed him to so easily attack the Crystal Empire. He just had to look at a pony and he could control them. And he and I had been staring each other down since we first met.
He could have used that twisted magic on me at any time. So why had he allowed this little contest? It served no purpose, in fact it was impeding his plans. So why, and more to the point, why was he fighting fair? I'd lasted against this fruitcake far longer than I had any right to. I had some training in combat and defensive magic was my special talent. But this made no sense. I'd done something equally stupid when Tirek had gotten loose. I'd lasted all of fifteen seconds before he ripped my magic from me.
So how had I been fighting Sombra for getting on for seven minutes?
Well, since we had been trading barbs as we fought, I figured the simplest explanation was to ask him. Dodging another crystal shard, I barrelled at him and tackled him hard. I might be smaller, but I was able to throw him off balance and get him on the ground. And stranger still, I managed to briefly pin him.
"I have a question," I said as my breaths came short and ragged. "Why am I still alive?" Sombra looked surprised.
"What do you mean?" he asked.
"I mean I know you. You overtook an empire in minutes, and it took two alicorns to remove you once, and the Crystal Heart a second time. I find it hard to believe that one measly unicorn is giving you this much trouble."
And this was where Sombra showed his cards. He let out a low chuckle. A moment later, he turned to shadow, sliding out of my grip, and reappearing a moment later in front of me. Our positions were now reversed; him standing over me.
"It doesn't make sense, does it?" he replied with a smile. "Tell me, 'Bones', how do I control the minds of ponies?" I thought for a moment.
"You show them their worst fear," I replied. "The despair overwhelms them, leaving them vulnerable." He chuckled again and shook his head.
"Not quite," he replied. "Evidently your studies in dark magic still have a long way to go. No, my magic simply occupies the conscious mind. It traps a pony within their own mind, allowing my magic to take over their subconscious actions; movement, speech, magic, and so on. In essence, the pony has no idea they are being controlled. I may show them anything; terrifying nightmares, fond memories, or just give them a good little distraction. Fighting their hated foe, for instance."
And with a sickening clang, the penny dropped.
"I'm not really here, am I?" I asked, a note of fear in my voice.
"No," Sombra shook his head sagely. "Right now you are fighting your dear friends as they try to retake Canterlot from me. They will fail, of course."
"I think you'll find it's the other way round, Your Majesty," I snarled. "I don't know how, but they will defeat you."
Defeat me?" Sombra asked. He burst out into dark laughter. "How? I have destroyed the source of their power. Their precious princesses have fled. And I now sit atop Celestia's throne, while your home is overrun by a rampant forest. How can they possibly defeat me?"
"I don't know," I repeated defiantly. "But they will. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll be on my way. As fun as it's been, I'm a Briton; I shall never be a slave."
That little retort was entirely lost on Sombra.
"You cannot escape," he said plainly.
"If this is my mind," I replied. "Then I can break the illusion you're weaving, just as I can break a dream and become lucid. I just have to jolt my brain; shock it enough to break this reality you've created."
I began to look around the fields we stood in, now somewhat marred by jagged obsidian crystals, and burnt by stray blasts of magic. I needed to do something so outlandish, so illogical, that it would force my mind, conscious and unconscious to reject the reality; cognitive dissonance. That would give me an opening to break his hold over me. Of course, that meant I had to do something truly horrible. Horrible even by human standards. My eyes fell upon Apple Bloom.
Luckily, before I could consider doing something that would, dream or not, leave me with lasting mental scars, the real world began to have an effect on our little battle of wills. It began with Sombra laughing like a loon.
"Even if you do escape," he said. "There is nothing you can do. I just felled Discord himself. Something even your precious princesses couldn't do." He burst into mad laughter again. Seriously, it was hammy as all Hell.
His words did ring alarm bells though. Discord was the single most powerful magical creature known to exist, dwarfing even the combined might of all five alicorns. If Sombra had been able to knock him down, then we were really in trouble, and running out of options. I'd figured that Discord would be a last ditch fallback option, but that he'd still step in and win the day if needed.
Sombra's gloating was short lived though. I saw him start and freeze where he stood. Twilight and her friends were about to deal a coup de grace of their own.
"That's...that's impossible!" he said, his voice now subdued. "No! I destroyed their precious tree! How can they still... No! No! No!"
With that, the world shattered, as for the second time, Sombra bit the dust. And from what I hear, it was very painful. As in Applejack swears she saw his hide burn off and his skin melt before the rainbow finally annihilated him.
The next thing I knew, I was standing in the middle of a road in Canterlot, just down the road from the castle. My side hurt like hell, and it was clear that at some point I'd taken a good kick in the ribs. Sombra not only used everypony to attack Canterlot, but also as a way of defending it from Twilight and the others when they launched their counter attack.
Around me, everypony else was also coming out of a daze. None of us remembered anything after Sombra locked eyes with us, which I think is undoubtedly for the best. I have no desire to remember being unable to control my body as it was used to attack my country's capital. I think Star Trek TNG, when Picard revealed what he remembered of being assimilated by the Borg, showed us the effects of such memories well enough.
I was soon approached by a medic from the Royal Guard. While they too had been subjected to the same effects of Sombra's attack, once free of his spell, they'd been able to organise pretty quickly. In all fairness to those boys, faced with an opponent who can screw with your mind just by looking at you, they'd put up a decent fight. The medic checked me over, ensuring that there were no lingering effects from the spell, before moving on to his next patient. Remember, they had pretty much the entire population of Ponyville and Canterlot to triage.
Knowing that Applejack would probably still be up in the castle, I headed up that way. Ponies were milling about hither and thither, but amongst the crowd, I soon picked out friends. I first spotted Mum, who was sticking out like a sore thumb amongst the crowd of ponies. She quickly scooped me up in a hug, while I explained to her just what had gone on. After all, she didn't have any memory of events any more than I did.
The two of us soon found Lizzie as well, who was with Dewdrop. They'd both been in the air when things kicked off, and were surprised to find themselves not only in Canterlot all of a sudden, but now sporting a few minor injuries, including a sprained wing in Dewdrop's case.
Finally, we met up with the Apple family, minus Applejack. Like pretty much everypony else, none were the worse for wear, apart from Big Mac, who'd busted his shoulder. Sombra had apparently used him to bust down the drawbridge and gain access to the castle. Beyond that though, everypony had had a brief shock seeing Sombra, but little else. It was like waking up from an unsettling dream, temporal displacement aside, which was honestly more disconcerting.
"Have any of you seen AJ or the others?" I asked our little group as we headed down towards the train station.
Everypony was being shuttled back down to Ponyville by train, and everypony from Ponyville had been asked to congregate at the station to keep the streets clear, while Canterlot residents had been advised to either return to their homes, or go to the city hospital if they'd been hurt in the brief skirmishes.
"I think I heard one of the guards say that they were all still up in the castle with the princesses, looking after Discord," Lizzie said as she and Dewdrop fluttered alongside us.
"I'll catch up with you folks on the next train," I said, turning around. "I'm just gonna drop in and check they're all okay."
"Oh I'm sure they're fine," Mum replied. "I'm more worried what your dad must be thinking. He was in Manehattan when all this started."
"Okay, just give me five minutes," I pleaded.
Mum was about to reply when we saw all six of them trotting down the road towards us.
"There they are now," she said.
There was a rush of hooves as everypony ran to meet each other. I quickly found myself pulled into one of Applejack's infamous bone crushing hugs. When she's excited or worried, she really forgets about her earth pony strength. Luckily, my choking served to remind her.
Twilight gave us their version of what happened, from the relief of the Crystal Empire, the destruction of the Tree and the Elements, Discord's apparent defeat, and most crucially, the girls' apparent ability to manifest the power of the Elements, the magic of friendship, without the actual Elements themselves. The princesses, with the help of Starswirl, had also been able to get the Everfree back under control. After all, he was the one who had kept it in check in the past. Still, it hurt to think that that fascinating, and more importantly, living, magical being, was gone.
There was one moment of comic relief. Discord, at the height of their fight with Sombra, was seemingly struck down. This emboldened the crystal loving moron, but also motivated the girls to action. Previously, they'd been running on a wing and a prayer. Seeing their friend hurt, and comforting him had allowed them to unlock the power within them, and manifest the Elements to defeat Sombra once and for all. What was funny about that? Simple; he was faking.
Sombra could no more harm Discord than I could harm Celestia. So really, his attempted conquest of Equestria only kept going for as long as Discord found it entertaining. It made me laugh, knowing that, in the end, I'd gotten one over on the crystal loving tyrant. I wonder if he remembered what I'd told him in those final moments.
So, with everything back to normal, or as normal as it ever gets here in Equestria, we all boarded the train together and headed home.
We still had those pheromone traps to hang after all.
The next week was rather difficult for me. True, Sombra had been soundly defeated, and for good this time, and Twilight had more than proved herself still capable of banging villains' heads together. It also had the happy side effect of convincing the princesses to delay their retirement for a few months, so as to give Twilight more time to prepare. The young alicorn now made frequent trips up to Canterlot, once again taking lessons from the princesses.
However, as good as that all might seem, there was one dark shadow hanging over everything; the destruction of the Tree of Harmony. This was the second time a tree I admired dearly had been destroyed by an idiot. But unlike the library, the Tree of Harmony was not just some place to keep some books or your Elements. While unknown to most, this ancient magic construct had developed sentience over its long life. Growing far beyond what Starswirl intended. It could think, feel, and plan. It had deliberately acted, or refrained from acting when it was needed, thinking with a rational mind, instead of simply responding with animal-like instinct. So the idea of this creature being so callously cut down hurt me.
I still to this day remember the feeling I picked up when Sombra stuck. It was, to paraphrase Obi-wan, as if a voice cried out in terror, and was suddenly silenced. But nopony else knew that. Twilight was worried about the loss of the Elements, but this was overridden by the fact that they had been able to manifest their power anyway. I seemed to be the only one mourning for what is perhaps Equestria's oldest protector.
So I set myself a little project. It is a well known fact that magic cannot be created or destroyed. Like any other form of energy, it merely undergoes a change. As such, there had to be some way of restoring or resurrecting the Tree of Harmony. And I intended to do just that. It would mean skirting close to things like necromancy, but I knew that no form of dark magic would be able to restore something created from pure harmony.
With some free time following the incident, I took several trips into the Everfree to visit the remains of the Tree. It was a sorry sight. The dark crystal that had killed it was long gone, destroyed itself by the wave of harmony, but the sight of all that shattered sapphire crystal, and the small shards that were once the Elements of Harmony all but broke my heart. There had to be a way to undo this damage; I was sure of it.
Unfortunately, for me, results weren't exactly forthcoming. Even Starswirl, who I briefly corresponded with, only had a vague understanding of how his creation had worked. He had only ever known it when it was in its infancy, little more than a simple construct that could respond to basic commands. I began pouring through books, first in Twilight's library, then the archives in Canterlot, and then anywhere else I could think of. I spent day after day all but barricaded in my room, researching some new theory.
Naturally, before too long, this began to have negative consequences. I was spending less and less time with the Apples, hardly leaving my room. I neglected both AJ and Apple Bloom, even snapping at them once or twice when they tried to talk me round. I hardly went out, stopped taking care of myself, and by the end of the second week, I looked a right mess, and I was still no closer to finding a way of restoring the Tree.
Luckily, on both counts, help was at hand. Firstly, the Tree, which while destroyed, was not dead, as I had hypothesised, had sent out a signal in the form of a dream to Twilight's six top students, summoning them to its remains. These children would be the agents of its recovery. And second, for me, Applejack finally ran out of patience with my own version of Twilighting, and enlisted my dad to try and snap me out of my funk.
He arrived the next day. Coincidentally, that was the same day the students all turned up. Like me, they knew what the Tree was, but had been sworn the secrecy by it. While I sought to undo the damage though, they simply sought to honour it, accepting the loss, as painful as it was. The only trouble was that they all had various ideas on how to go about doing that, from the interesting, to outright grotesque.
I, of course, had no knowledge of this. I was still cooped up in my room, going over an old monograph from some Baltimare scientist from around two hundred years ago. I had hoped that it, along with some information I'd gathered from when Sunburst helped restore the Crystal Heart, would be able to kick start a sort of regeneration process. Based on what I'd found at the actual site, only the Tree's above ground component had been destroyed. It's roots were still intact and potentially viable.
However, I was interrupted from further postulating this new theory when there came a sharp knock on the door. Startled for a moment, I scowled as I got up. I'd told AJ to stop bothering me while I was working. I was so close now, I could feel it. This was no time for interruptions! Opening the front door, I was already halfway through telling her off.
"Dammit, AJ. I told you not to..."
It wasn't Applejack. Standing there, his head not too far from the top of the door frame, was my dad.
"Oh, sorry, Dad," I said, checking my tone. "Didn't realise it was you."
He looked at me for a moment, and he didn't look best pleased by what he saw. Understandable I suppose. I hadn't shaved for days, my eyes were bloodshot, and I looked like death warmed up, and not so damned warm, at that.
"Your mother's worried about you, son," he said sternly. "She heard from Applejack that you were holed up in your room, but I didn't realise you were this far gone."
Oh please. I rolled my eyes.
"Dad, I'm fine," I insisted, although a sudden yawn didn't help my case much. "I think I'm onto something now anyhow. Just give me another day or so, and I should be ready to try and undo what the crystal obsessed snake did to the Tree."
"Bones. I know the Tree was important," he said in a fatherly tone of condolence. "But Celestia, Twilight, even Starswirl, who knows more about that thing than anypony, says it's gone. You can't bring it back."
I shot him a scowl at that. Can't lives in a house on Won't street.
"We need that thing," I replied, being careful not to let too much slip. "And we need the Elements of Harmony. Sombra might have been the first round, but I'll bet you anythin' we're in for somethin' far worse soon."
From there, we fell into something of an argument. Dad pointed out how the girls had manifested the Elements on their own, and how we consequently still had access to the ultimate magic. Eventually we both wound up sitting on my bed, and revealed to each other our knowledge of the Tree's true nature. Still though, he tried to sway me.
"Bones," he said, laying a hand on my shoulder. "You're many things. A gifted unicorn is one of them. But not even Celestia can bring the Tree back. We barely understood how it worked in the first place."
"And that's why I'm studyin' it," I shot back, gesturing to the admittedly messy desk, that was surrounded by old tomes and texts on magical anomalies. Still though, Dad wouldn't listen.
"Look, I know you don't deal with death well, son," he tried in a little more gentle tone. "And I understand your grief. But you have to let go, like you did with your Uncle George."
That was below the belt and he damn well knew it. My great uncle had Alzheimer's disease towards the end of his life. It's not a fate I would wish on anyone.
With that, I began to relent. He'd almost talked me round and gotten me to accept the Tree's death, except for one small detail he gave me, right at the end. As he was explaining his understanding of the Tree and his encounter with it, I realised that it had happened after its supposed destruction. That changed everything! I wasn't now trying to bring something back from the dead, I was trying to help it claw its way back from the brink.
This new information completely changed my approach. One constant in my research had been that any kind of restoration would require a vast amount of magic. The sort of levels the Elements themselves fired off; ancient magic far beyond our understanding. What I did understand though, was that the magic of friendship operates on the same energy band. In theory, a strong enough pulse would be enough to help the Tree recover its own reserves and just maybe restore itself.
I explained as much to an utterly bewildered Dad as I grabbed my stuff and bolted downstairs to make for the Tree.
In moments, my previous ennui had been forgotten. I had a plan; it was possible to save the Tree! Rocketing out of the house past a startled Granny Smith, I went tearing across the farmyard heading straight through the orchards, bound for the Everfree and the ancient castle. In my excited haste, I forgot I was with a man just reaching sixty who avoided exercise like the plague. Getting up to a full gallop with my head down, I leapt at the farmyard fence, clearing it without too much trouble. It was only then I heard him cry out.
"Bones! Wait for me!" he implored desperately. I checked my mad flight and skidded sideways on my hooves.
I watched with a mixture of pity and annoyance as my father lumbered his way across the farmyard and slowly clambered over the fence.
"Come on, Dad!" I called encouragingly, waving a foreleg as I did so. "We've gotta get to the Tree!"
"I'm not a young buck any more, Bones," he grumbled as he rejoined me, doubling up as he tried to get his breath back. "Give me a minute."
A minute turned out to be a lot longer, and in order to avoid running the poor man to death, I was compelled to check my headlong gallop. The two of us ended up walking, well, trotting in my case, to our destination. The Tree could wait a little longer.
As we walked, Dad struck up a conversation. Curiously, he asked me about Grogar of all things. I was a little surprised he knew the name. Apparently some nutjob in court had threatened to somehow revive him or other such nonsense. I told him what I knew, about G1 and his apparent position here as a foal's tale. It completely slipped my mind how Discord had been just as curious back when I returned those books to Twilight's library. He too had mentioned the evil goat.
After that, we lapsed back into silence. I wasn't a hundred percent sure how I was going to do this, but I had a start. And that was all I needed.
Well, actually, it turned out I wouldn't need anything as events overtook me. As we neared the castle, we were hit by two separate phenomena. Firstly, the ground shook in a noticeable earthquake. We both felt that. The second thing though, was only perceivable to me, due to it's magical nature. Just as I felt the supposed death of the Tree as a tremor in the Force, it's return was also tangible. Although whereas it's destruction prompted feelings of anguish and pain, it's return was just the opposite. I felt joy, elation, relief, all hit me at once. I knew it could only mean one thing.
"What the Hell was that?" Dad exclaimed, referring to the earthquake. To be honest, I wasn't entirely sure myself.
"No idea," I replied, putting on a burst of speed. "But whatever it was, it was charged with mighty powerful magic. I'll bet you anythin' it has somethin' to do with the Tree. Come on!"
I broke into a gallop again, briefly leaving Dad behind. Luckily, we weren't too far from the castle, so he didn't have too far to run to catch up.
I ducked and dived through the undergrowth, heading straight as the crow flies for the castle and the tree. Breaking out of the forest, it soon became clear what caused the earthquake.
The old castle had no roof, as it had fallen in long ago. Now though, the once magnificent structure was utterly dwarfed by a new arrival protruding from its foundations. An absolutely massive crystalline tree, with sapphire boughs and light pink foliage. The Tree was back, and apparently better than ever. I was right in my theory. The six kids had tried to honour the Tree in various ways before eventually using its remains to build a simple treehouse for themselves. The ancient entity then underwent a strange transformation and turned into what was essentially a giant version of the Golden Oaks library; a clubhouse for the next generation as it were, to meet up in.
I wasn't the only one who felt what happened either. Twilight and Spike quickly arrived on the scene via teleport. Like me, she was overjoyed to see the Tree return, alive in some form. She, Spike and the students headed inside to explore, while I waited for Dad to catch up, which he did a moment later. I just took a moment to revel in the relief. As he rejoined me and Twilight and the others exited stage left, there was a brief flash of light and what seemed to be Twilight appeared before us. I quickly deduced though, judging by the serene expression and glowing appearance, that this wasn't Twilight, but the Tree.
"And he cried in a loud voice; 'Lazarus, come forth!'" I exclaimed joyfully. I'm not normally one for waxing biblical, but it seemed appropriate. In any case, she who was dead, did indeed, come forth, smiling at both of us.
"You kept your word," Dad said to her, referring to the prior meeting that had inspired me to come out here again. "What will you do now?" The Tree just smiled.
"I shall do what is needed. No more, no less," it replied. It seemed The Tree spoke fluent Enigmatic Sage. I was too happy to even be very annoyed.
With that, the construct vanished again. The Tree was alive, that was all I cared about.
Dad I headed inside to join Twilight for a while. The little alicorn was a little repulsed by my unkempt state, but was glad to see the positive effect events had had. The both of us were fascinated by the Tree's new form. There was still so much we didn't understand about harmony magic.
Study though could wait, as according to Twilight, I needed a wash and a shave. She was even kind enough to teleport me directly to the spa. Dad couldn't help but laugh. |
A Year in Equestria | Chapter 6 - June | Spring slowly transitioned into the summer as June rolled around. The cold days of January and February were now but a distant memory. The same could almost be said for what had happened just a few short weeks ago. Ponies have this remarkable ability to cope with traumatic incidents, such as Sombra's brief return. His death, which this time had been properly confirmed, while not celebrated, didn't exactly trigger any great show of mourning either. Ponies instead looked to the positives. Spike was once again hailed as a hero in the Crystal Empire, as he was the one to free Cadence, Shining and Flurry, while Twilight and the others had Sombra distracted. Their old ruler's brief return, far from damaging their confidence, had only strengthened it. Even at the height of his power, Sombra had lasted less than a day after making his return.
I was inclined to feel the same way. No great damage had been done, now that the Tree of Harmony was restored in its new form. Nopony really remembered much about being controlled, so there were no frightening memories, no nightmares. In fact, I'll go on the record here, given Discord's presence, Sombra was, at best, an inconvenience. For one day, he caused havoc, but beyond that, he was little more than a footnote.
As to the other matter; the abdication of the Two Sisters, while it had caused quite a stir when first announced, things had settled down with the announcement of a longer transition period. Twilight's part in defeating Sombra, along with all the other villains she's seen off over the years, did a lot to help cement her as a promising successor. For my part, I was still sorry to see Celestia and Luna go, but they would still be around, it wasn't as if they were forfeiting their immortality or anything like that. And, as Luna had said, there was no harm in seeing this change as a good thing. I was certainly no longer so worried about the future as I had been.
The future though, could wait. Right now I was more concerned with focussing on the present. As summer began, the apple blooms, with AB's namesake, began to blossom into the beautiful flowers that appear before the fruit begins to grow. For a couple of weeks, Sweet Apple Acres was covered in a tapestry to pinks, reds and whites.
I also had a fair bit to do at the School of Friendship, covering the odd class here and there. Right now though, I was taking advantage of the institution's vast academic and scientific resources to pursue one of my pet projects.
Sombra may have been able to control the minds of others with magic, but he also used that magic to create helmets, which accomplished the same function, which could operate without his direct supervision. I'd managed to secure one of these, which had somehow survived the blast of the Elements when it was knocked off its owner's head in Canterlot, and was now busy studying it in my office. The one thing that had irked me about what happened, was how easily I had been compromised. So I sought to create a countermeasure of some sort to defeat this more direct style of mind control. And to create a countermeasure, you first need to understand how the whole thing works.
Of course, there was the obvious countermeasure; simply have a third party remove the helmet. That though, was easier said than done. As a magical construct, it was not designed to come off. In fact the one I had here had only failed due to a very violent mid air collision. I'd tried all sorts of kinetic based attacks, from physically striking it with hooves and weapons, up to magic based attacks. But so far, while a few very powerful attacks could break the seal around the helmet, I'd not been able to find a way to deactivate the controlling process.
Rather than hope for somepony to come and pull the damn thing off, which would be quite difficult, considering how belligerent ponies could be with the infernal contraption on, I was looking to find a way for either a ranged attack to neutralise the influence, or find a way for the pony within to overcome or override the spell. So far though, I'd had little success.
The problem was this wasn't anything like changeling hypnosis magic, or even hypnosis as humans understand it. In that school of thought, the control is through suggestion, rather than coercion. Shining Armor, for instance, wasn't forced to do what he did. Chrysalis kept his mind off balance, leaving him open to very subtle suggestions. This kind of technique has the flaw that you cannot force a pony to do something they don't want to. You can't just hypnotise someone to rob a bank if they think it's wrong. To do something like that, you'd need to first condition the mind to accept that the act of robbing a bank isn't wrong. Chrysalis had plenty of time to build up this kind of rapport, hence why Shining was so neglectful of certain security measures, when he typically wouldn't be. This kind of hypnosis is a two way street, and relies on both parties consent, or at best, ignorance. Once Chrysalis was unmasked, her control over Shining quickly faded as he snapped out of the trance she'd induced.
Sombra's version though, was much more literal mind control. The conscious mind was cut off from the physical body, with Sombra's spell interrupting the connection. As a result, they had no control over their actions. I for instance, at one point became fully aware that I was under his control, but I still couldn't break free of the spell. Replay the same situation with Chrysalis, and her hypnotic magic would have failed as my mind overrode it, since it is impossible to hypnotise somepony against their will. If changeling hypnosis was like NLP in true hypnotherapy, Sombra was more like Killgrave, and just as much of a smug prick who deserved to get his neck snapped.
But back to my original point, I was stuck; unable to find a way to either break or overwrite the programming in the helmet. I snorted irritably to myself and was about to go back to the drawing board when there was a knock at my office door.
As a teacher of sorts, I do keep office hours for students to drop by. But typically, they prefer to go to some of the more experienced professors, or to Starlight's office, when they need advice. Still, I wasn't about to turn anypony away.
"Come in!" I called out.
Turning around as the door opened, I was surprised to see Gallus, the school's resident griffon. I have to admit, he is one of my favourite students; fairly smart, with a wonderfully dry wit, and he doesn't take flak from anypony. And from what I saw at the last parent teacher conference, he's been dealt something of a bad hand when it comes to parenting, if his bastard of a grandfather is any indication, making his dedication that bit more impressive. He's hoping to go into the forces some day.
"Gallus," I said brightly. "What brings you here?" I gestured for him to take the spare seat across from my desk. The aqua blue griffon ruffled his wings for a moment before doing so.
"Hey, Professor Star," That does have a nice ring to it. "I just wanted to ask a couple of questions about that essay you gave us on..." His attention was drawn to the helmet resting on my desk. "Isn't that one of King Sombra's mind control helmets?" Gallus always was the curious type.
"That it is," I replied, leaning back in my own chair for a moment. "I'm studyin' it. Tryin' to figure out what makes it tick, and maybe find a way to protect ponies from it in the future. Unfortunately, without much success. Even in death, that egomaniac causes problems."
"Well, can't you just... you know...pull it off?" Gallus suggested.
"With some effort," I agreed. "But you're liable to get beaten six ways from Sunday before you do, assuming of course, it's just one on one. And even then, it's difficult. I've tried all sorts of magic to try and deactivate it or turn it off. Even hitting it with a fire spell and heating the damn thing up to a thousand degrees doesn't break the construct."
"How about hitting it with something solid?" Gallus suggested. Like Rainbow Dash, and like griffons in general, he looks for the simplest approach to problems.
"It took a collision at twelve hundred knots to break this one off," I replied.
Now, I'll be honest, I was humouring Gallus a little here. He was a teenage griffon with no experience in magic, never mind advanced dark magic that even Twilight and Celestia knew little about. But the last thing I was going to do was shut him down and discourage curiosity. It was a good thing I did too, because it was then that he struck upon a point I honestly, and rather stupidly, hadn't considered.
"Well, if you can't knock out the helmet controlling the pony," Gallus said. "Why not knock out the pony?"
"What do you mean?" I asked curiously.
"Well, from what I understand," he explained. "These helmets control a pony's mind and make them do things against their will. But if they're unconscious, then the helmet could send all the commands it wanted to. They wouldn't be received. Then you could get close enough to pull it off them or break it."
I considered the idea for a moment. It had merit. When a pony, or any creature for that matter is unconscious, the mind is still active, but it has no control over motor function, just as it didn't when we're asleep. The conditioning would still be there, but the body wouldn't respond.
It could work. 'Shoot the hostage' I thought to myself.
"Gallus, you're a genius!" I exclaimed, half surprised myself.
"Yeah, I get that a lot," he replied smugly.
"No, I'm serious," I said. "That's real outside the box thinking there. I've been plugging away at this thing for two weeks trying to find a way to disrupt things on the helmet's end. I never even considered attacking it from the other side. Of course, it would still be difficult, and you'd probably have to injure the unfortunate pony in some way, but they'd survive and it would get the helmet off them, so I don't think they'd be complaining."
I realised I was babbling away, getting lost in the fascinating science of magic again. Poor Gallus had come in with an actual question he wanted an answer to. I awkwardly stopped myself and took a moment to clear my throat.
"Sorry about that. Anyway Gallus, you said you had some questions for me about an essay I'd assigned?"
And so the two of us went over a few things from the essay I'd set. I'd been covering one of Rainbow's lessons, so I was teaching about loyalty. I'd asked the kids to write an essay looking at two examples of loyalty, one where it was merited, and one where it was misplaced. For Gallus, such things came up quite a lot in his homeland's history. A couple hundred years ago, what is now the stable and staunch ally of Equestria, the Griffon Kingdom, was a collection of squabbling states that were more often than not at war with each other. Even today, the scars of these conflicts can still be seen, both in the country and its society. With such a wide variety of potential case studies to choose from, Gallus wanted some advice on selecting ones that showed the two ends of the scale as clearly as possible.
The pair of us actually ended up chatting for quite a while. I'm not that much older than a lot of the students, Gallus included, so you don't always have that clear teacher/student relationship. And I do like to consider him a friend. By the end of our talk, he had plenty of ideas to use for his essay, and I had a nice, simple way of countering mind control spells. A win-win situation.
A week or so later, and the first petals were beginning to fall from the apple trees. Light winds created a beautiful, almost sea like, image of petals floating in the air. And petals weren't the only thing floating through the orchards either. Now was the migration period for the Breezies; small, adorable, apparently Danish, or at least Scandinavian, creatures that helped spread the pollen around Equestria each year. The small creatures relied on the wind to activate their magic, helped in part by the pegasi of each region they passed through, before ultimately arriving back at the portal to their world, which was only open for a short time each year.
Lacking wings ourselves, Applejack and the rest of us couldn't do too much to help out. But it was quite the sight to see. Certainly it was on par with the butterfly migration I'd seen with Fluttershy last year. The small creatures, with their large, transparent wings slowly floated across the country, passing through Sweet Apple Acres on their way.
As we all watched the creatures go by, I reflected on one of the key differences between my old human body, and the pony one I now had. Back on Earth, I'd suffered from pretty bad hayfever. It had gotten better over the years, but around this time in early June, I'd be a mess, on prescription meds just to function. I certainly wouldn't have been able to stand out here and watch the Breezies go by. And luckily, this time, their progress was without incident.
Pollen of course, meant that everything really spurted as far as plants were concerned. Whereas before there had been a few parts of the farm that were little more than mud, now the whole place was awash with grass. Where it had previously been just a couple of inches, the grass had now grown to come pretty much all the way up my legs on some of the more open grasslands. Even with the sheep and cattle grazing, the farm was looking more and more like a jungle every day.
In addition to making it a bit tricky to get about though, the long grass had another effect. Just as if you planted trees too close to one another, grass getting too close to trees could put the two organisms in competition with one another, which would ultimately affect the crop yield. Each tree had a good collar of mulch around it for this very reason, but it was always a good idea to keep the grass in check.
Beyond that, letting the grass grow too much, particularly in the hot summer months, put us in a danger all farmers fear; fire. Long dry grass needs only the smallest spark, such as a lightning strike in a summer storm, and it will go up in seconds. Even in Britain, a country that doesn't typically have to concern itself with forest fires in the same way our American or Australian cousins do, every year, swaths of land were lost to grass fires, all too often started through carelessness or outright malice. A fire on Sweet Apple Acres, even if tackled at once, would be horrifically devastating. We'd lose arable grazing land, and if it couldn't be stopped in time, we could lose trees, or Celestia forbid, even the farm itself.
As such, as soon as the Breezie migration was complete the first order of business was cutting this grass down as quickly as possible. In addition to possibly saving the farm, the grass would also be used, given how dry it was already, for hay. After being cut, it would be allowed to dry out a little, and then baled up.
Once upon a time, this was the worst part of the year for me. Hay baling stirs up all sorts of dust and pollen, driving my hayfever, if you'll excuse the pun, to a fever pitch. Now though, I didn't have to worry about that. What I did need to worry about though, was that, with only basic internal combustion technology, such as the steam engine used in trains, Equestria hadn't yet developed a motorised lawnmower. That meant doing things the old fashioned way, either with a push along, pony powered mower, or going at the grass with scythe.
Luckily for me, and everypony else, Sweet Apple Acres has a few good pony powered grass cutters. There were two variants available. One was essentially the same wheeled frame that I'd used during Winter Wrap Up. The snow plough and the funnelling system that channelled the snow away was removed, and instead replaced with a rotary mower connected to the main wheels by a series of gears and cogs. Set at a ratio of 16:1, that is 16 rotations of the mower to every one rotation of the main wheels, the machine could make light work of large areas of grassland, particularly with its roof which protected the operators from the glare of the summer sun. We'd use this for the large open fields where the cattle grazed.
As for the orchards themselves, where there was less space to work with, there was a small variant available. This was more like your typical push along mower, only more suited to operation by a quadruped. It was lighter and easier to manoeuvre in the occasionally tight confines of the orchards, particularly as it had to get fairly close to the trees without damaging them.
This was what we'd all be doing for the next couple of days. It would take that long at the very least to cut all the grass. As it turned out though, we'd already waited too long, and were about to find ourselves in a very perilous situation.
It all started the following afternoon. It hadn't rained on the farm for getting on for three weeks now, apart from perhaps the odd passing shower, and that did little to give the ground any moisture. All done by the weather pegasi of course. After all, we needed a dry spell to dry the grass out. There's no sense trying to cut wet grass. We were all working hard cutting the grass in the orchards in order to keep the trees clear. The grass would also help produce a good supply of mulch for the trees too. I was working my way around the last row of trees, having spent most of the day out here.
Pausing for a moment, I removed my stetson and used it as a fan to try and cool myself down, and wiped my forehead with the back of my hoof. It was sweltering hot now, having just gone past midday. It was wonderful, come nightfall, as the nights were now a balmy twelve to fifteen degrees, and while the humidity made for poor seeing for stargazing, it did let me comfortably spend a night or two outside just looking up at the moon, and enjoying the beautiful lunar shadows.
Right now, I was half hoping Luna would once again try to usurp the throne from her sister and move the moon into an eclipse. It was too damn hot! Maybe Celestia had finally snapped and was now planning to slowly cook the annoying ponies that had driven her round the bend over the last thousand years? Taking a swig of water from my canteen, which itself was now becoming almost too warm to count as refreshing, I prepared to start up again.
It was then though, as the light breeze shifted a little, that I picked up a scent on the wind. I haven't got the sort of nose Winona has, but my sense of smell is quite superior to humans. And what I was smelling now was far from pleasant. It was acrid and foul, and it took only a moment to work out what it was. Something was burning.
With a start, I forgot all about my humdrum chores and bolted, throwing myself into a canter, and from there into a headlong gallop. Following my nose, I tried to locate the source of the smell. If something had caught on fire, it needed to be found and put out yesterday.
Tearing past the pond, and regretting that I didn't have time to jump in and cool off, I forced myself up one of the knolls that dotted Sweet Apple Acres' more open grassland. And it was there that I first caught sight of the smoke.
It was grey, not black, and there wasn't too much of it, but something was definitely alight. And judging by the amount of smoke, it had definitely caught the brush.
Well, there was no time to lose. This wasn't something we could deal with on our own; the emergency services were needed. Turning tail, I galloped back to the farmhouse. Apple Bloom was still at school, thank goodness, and the fire still had a fair way to come before it could pose any serious threat. Some of the nearby cattle, who also helped out by running some of the pony powered grass cutters had also clocked the danger and were quickly moving off. Luckily for us, the wind was almost non-existent today. That at least would help reduce the spread of the flames. I planned to gallop back to the farmhouse, alert Granny Smith, and then make for Ponyville to turn out the retained brigade.
I can recall a few moments where I've run as fast as I possibly could. As a pony, I can probably get close to something along the lines of twenty five to thirty miles an hour if I really push myself. And I was doing that now, tearing the ground up as I went. The heat now got even worse as my body desperately tried to cool itself down, despite my exertions. By the time the farmhouse came into view, my limbs were shaking and I was at a dead run.
And I still had to get to Ponyville after this. I pushed that thought from my mind, and did my best to push through the pain.
"Granny!" I bellowed. "Granny Smith! Fire! Fire!"
That brought the apple matriarch out in seconds. She'd fixed up a pair of saddlebags and had two buckets connected to them, along with a shovel across her back.
"Where is it, Bones?" she asked quickly. "And how bad?" I drew up and my strength instantly gave out. It took effort just to stay standing as I doubled up and tried to get my breath back.
"On the grasslands by the north orchard," I explained. "Grass fire. Don't know what started it. There's no wind, so I can't see where it's headed. I'm gonna head for Ponyville. Try and find Rainbow Dash or any other pegasi, and get the firefighters out here."
"Alright," Granny said, she too prepared to head out. "I'll go and find Applejack and Big Macintosh. We'll take a look at this thing, see what we're dealin' with. If we can, we'll try and get a control line up. With any luck, we can put a lid on this thing before it gets too big."
Granny was referring to a long standing fire fighting tactic for dealing with brush fires. They're as dangerous as they are because they have pretty much limitless fuel and can go wherever the wind takes them. You need only look at how the Yellowstone forest fire took out nearly half that national park to see just how dangerous one small fire can be. A fire line was designed to stop the spread, rather than putting the fire out. You deprived the fire of further fuel by digging a sort of trench, turning over the earth in front of the fire, so that when it reached it, there would be no more fuel. It would then have nowhere to go and would burn out, or could be doused. As farmers, we had plenty of soil tilling equipment that, in a pinch, could fashion a good control line. And it was better than doing nothing while waiting on the retained brigade. Ponyville doesn't have a fire station standing 'at watch' as it were. Instead it's made up of volunteers, like the lifeboatmen, who work normal jobs until a shout comes.
All that though, was still a long way off. It would take time for Granny to find Mac and AJ, more time for them to start cutting a control line, and even more for any assistance from Ponyville to arrive. I considered going back and lending a hoof with my magic, but even that was risky. Magic does give off some heat as it's used. Using my magic to burn a control line could just as easily start a second fire, and then we'd be in even more trouble. Backfires are a technique that is strictly for trained professionals. So instead, I got my head down and dug deep, galloping hard toward Ponyville.
I made the six miles to Ponyville in a matter of minutes. I might have been going at a dead run, but I was still going. I guess, what with my home and livelihood in mortal peril, I got access to a bit more of my stamina than normal. I certainly felt sore all over for the next couple of days due the damage I'd done to my muscles from pushing them beyond their normal limits.
Sprinting to Town Hall, I burst through the doors and quickly found Mayor Mare. As the mayor of the small town, it was her responsibility to sound the fire siren, which you might have seen going off back when Spike had his unexpected growth spurt. It had the same effect as firing off maroons or ringing church bells. She looked more than a little surprised as I barrelled up to her, with my sides heaving and stained with sweat.
"Goodness, whatever is the matter, Blade Star!" she exclaimed.
"Fire!" I replied hoarsely. "On Sweet Apple Acres!"
She took action instantly. Running into her office, she unlocked the control panel that controlled the sirens. There were different tones depending on the emergency. For this she turned on the 'alert' tone; a single steady note, as opposed to the 'danger' signal, which was your classic air raid warning.
The effect was almost instantaneous. Ponies began scrambling in town. Derpy, Roseluck, Caramel, Noteworthy, Nurse Redheart, Cranky, and Rainbow Dash, now all converged on Town Hall. Towards the back end of the building was a large shed, where the fire engine was stored. It was a specially modified cart, designed to be pulled by two ponies, with water tanks, hoses, and all other sorts of firefighting equipment. As I struggled to get my breath back, I watched them all arrive, don their gear, and a moment later, with its own bell ringing shrilly, Equestria's version of Jupiter tore out of its berth and took the road to Sweet Apple Acres.
Not wanting to sit idle while my home was in danger, I forced my heart and nerves and sinew to serve their turn long after they were gone, and so, as Kipling said, held on when there was nothing left within me, except the will, which said 'Hold on!'. I cannot describe how tired my limbs were, my breath came in short sharp gasps as I tried to gulp down air. The only solace I had was that when I got back to the farm, there wouldn't be too much running involved.
I followed the route the fire brigade had taken, forcing myself back up the hill I'd previously charged down. Before too long, I was back on the farm again, only now, the plume of smoke was much larger.
The fire was spreading.
I found the farm house empty. Apple Bloom wasn't due home for another couple of hours, but Granny looked to have left. I hoped she'd managed to find Applejack and Big Mac, although, between the engine and the smoke, you'd be hard pressed to miss the fact that we were alight.
Following the tracks laid down by the heavy wagon, I soon found myself back on the scene of action.
The fire had indeed gotten a lot worse since I'd left. There was still very little wind, but the fire had quite happily made for the area of the thickest brush. Angry orange flames licked a good ten feet into the air, rolling like some terrible sea. The heat, even at this relative distance was intense, and the smoke stung my eyes as the gentle breeze shifted one way and another.
Redheart had taken charge of things on the ground, along with Granny Smith. She was both the medic and incident commander, to borrow British fire brigade terminology. The Apples were on the scene too, and Granny Smith had gotten both Big Mac and AJ working on control lines, using ploughs and tillers to upend the earth. With so little wind, while the fire had grown, it hadn't yet spread too far, nor was it particularly fast.
"Granny! Redheart!" I called out as I cantered up.
"Bones!" Granny greeted, quickly pulling me into a hug. "Glad to have you back, sonny. We're gonna need everypony's help if we're gonna get this under control."
"How much is contained?" I asked Redheart, who had now swapped her nurse's outfit for full firefighter gear, including a red helmet with the words 'Fire Chief' emblazoned on it.
"About forty percent," she replied. "Applejack and Big Mac are covering this end. I've got Cranky and Noteworthy on the other. Rainbow Dash and Derpy are filling up as many clouds as they can over the lake for an air attack. Whatever we can't block by fire line, we'll have to soak. If we let this thing get much bigger, it's going to turn into a real firestorm, and then it'll have enough wind to move fast. If that happens, Dash is keeping her Weather Patrol on standby. We should be able to get a rainstorm in here in less than fifteen minutes."
That was still, I reflected privately, an awful long time to have a fire raging out of control.
"Anything I can do to help?" I offered. Redheart thought for a moment. She was already uneasy about drafting in Big Mac and Applejack.
"See if you can lend a hoof on the pump," she suggested. We've got enough water for most things, but this fire could go right through our reserves. Rainbow's using the lake for air attack. If you can get a length of hose down there, we'll have more than enough water to keep control of this thing."
"On it," I replied.
The lake was only a few hundred meters away, and also provided an excellent natural barrier, protecting the orchards nearest the fire. Heading over to the fire engine, I found Caramel manning the pump, which fed the hoses Noteworthy and Cranky were currently using to try and check the blaze.
"Hey!" I called up to him. "Redheart wants me to hook you guys into the lake to refill the tender. Which hose do you want me to use?"
Caramel, still going like the clappers, gestured to a very large, heavy looking hose, that was presently curled up like a snake on the side of the wagon. It was already hooked into the large oil drum like tank that held the engine's water supply.
Activating my magic, I took a hold and lifted the large assembly up. I wasn't that much smaller than me like this, and as heavy as you might expect. I was certainly glad that I'd taken time to hone my magical abilities.
Taking the hose, I quickly headed for the lake, while the hose spooled out behind me, growing lighter with each step.
The task of fighting the blaze dragged on, well into the afternoon. To chronicle the affair blow by blow would probably fill up this entire account of my days on the farm, and be far too technical. Contrary to what you might think, fighting a brush fire isn't half as exciting as it sounds.
A few hours after the blaze first began, it was contained in an area of about a mile square, 600-650 acres or so. And just think, that was with no wind. Had there been even a light gust, I honestly think that the whole farm could have been threatened. Between the control lines dug by the Apples and the firefighters, and the liberal use of water sources by Redheart, the fire was left with no place that it could readily spread.
With the risk of total destruction averted, we now turned our attention to actually putting the fire out. To that end, Rainbow Dash and Derpy brought in several pony sized clouds, filled to the brim with water from the lake, and began to unload them onto the blaze below, while Caramel, Redheart and the others attacked with hoses from the ground. Slowly but surely, the noose around the fire tightened. By the time a deeply alarmed Apple Bloom returned home from school, the fire was under control and well on the way to being put out.
Still, it took a fair bit of time for the firefighters to accomplish this difficult task. The fire wasn't going down without a fight, and the ground had to be constantly hosed down to prevent flare ups, which happened more than once, pushing the firefighters back several yards at a time. But it only forestalled the inevitable.
With the fire contained and controlled, and well on its way to being extinguished, Redheart released Applejack and Big Mac from service and asked them to keep clear while they finished up. While they had been invaluable in cutting the initial control lines, and in that sense had greatly helped to limit the spread of the fire, Redheart still preferred not having civilians in her area of action. As such, we all adjourned back to the farmhouse. There was no question of trying to get in any more work today. We were all exhausted as it was.
The only task now, would be to assess the extent and scale of the damage when the fire was out. We'd been fortunate that the fire had broken out on open grazing land, a fair distance away from the orchards or any other crops, as well as the sheep and cattle herds. If it had hit an orchard, we'd have lost it all, a devastating financial blow. However, losing a good square mile of land to the flames meant we had that much less grass to turn into hay to get the animals through the winter. Everything that happens on a farm affects everything else. The lake too, was now noticeably lower than normal, meaning that we'd have to be careful with irrigation, and ration the water as best we could until Cloudsdale and the Weather Patrol could organise some fresh rainfall. And of course, we couldn't have that until the hay was cut and dried, else it would all turn to mush. Just because we hadn't lost trees or crops didn't mean this fire hadn't affected things.
There was one simple question on everypony's mind, though, one which Applejack voiced that night over dinner.
"I still can't work out how that dang thing got started in the first place!" she exclaimed.
"Simple," I replied. "The grass got too long and too dry. The stuff would have been like a tinderbox. A hundred and one things could have set it off; lightning strike, sunlight refractin' off somethin' in the sky, heck, even a stray ember from the funnel of a passin' train could have set it off. We're certainly never gonna know for sure. The only thing Redheart said she could be sure of is that it weren't nopony settin' it deliberately, magic or otherwise. The more important question is what we do now." Now Granny, who was sitting at the head of the table, spoke up.
"Simple," she said. "We get out there tomorrow and work as fast as we can to get the grass cut and dried. The sooner we do that, the sooner Rainbow Dash says she can request more rainfall to fill up the lakes. Celestia knows the river's startin' to get mighty low, even for summertime."
She was right. There was little else we could do, but the best solution, and the best way to prevent a fire in the future, was to deprive it of potential fuel. Short, cut grass, was far less likely to catch, regardless of how hot it got.
"I just hope this don't hold up our plans for the Summer Sun Celebration this year," Applejack said. "I promised Twilight that we'd pitch in to help up in Canterlot."
"We will, AJ," I reassured her.
I too was rather keen on being able to attend. Considering recent events, most notably, Celestia's impending departure from the world stage, this would most likely be the last proper Summer Sun Celebration. It would be held in Canterlot, and both Applejack and I had volunteered to help out on the catering side of things, along with Pinkie Pie. But we could hardly do that if we were behind on our work. At the end of the day, the farm, and by extension our livelihood, came first.
Still, I was confident that if we all dug deep, particularly over the weekend, we'd be able to get the hay friend up and the baling done by Wednesday.
By the time the sun set, the fire was almost virtually gone. The blaze as a whole had been put out, and all that remained down was to check for hot spots that could potentially flare up again. Given how much water had been thrown around though, turning the site of the fire into something reminiscent of the Somme in 1916, there was little chance of that. And by eight that night, Redheart finally declared the fire officially out, and she and her team departed.
All that remained was the charred section of field, and the dull glow of a few faint embers, that created what looked like a second sunset to the north. I found myself watching this slightly ominous glow as I sat outside. It was a full moon tonight and, in a somewhat odd tradition, I always try to spend some time outside, enjoying the night Luna had given us. Apple Bloom had joined me as well. She'd missed all the excitement of turning out the fire brigade, and she'd been kept well away from the fire itself even after she got home from school. But like all kids, she was keen to hear about what had happened.
"And so you ran all the way back to the house, then to Ponyville, and back again?" she said.
"Yep, and all in under twelve minutes," I replied. "Honestly, it was lucky I was near enough to see the smoke when I did. Redheart said another twenty minutes or so, and it might have ended up spreadin' to a couple of the orchards."
"I'm just glad it stayed away from our clubhouse," Apple Bloom replied.
"And the farmhouse," I added.
"Have you ever seen a fire that big before, Bones?" she asked.
"Not personally," I replied. "But I've heard of forest fires destroying thousands of acres back on Earth. They do the same thing we did; contain them, and let them burn out, only it's a lot harder."
Apple Bloom fell silent for a moment, and looked at the faint glow on the horizon. I was planning, once I'd gotten her off to bed, to go and take one last look around, just to be sure.
"Do you think it'll happen again?" she asked nervously. I looked down at her and saw the worry on her face.
I sometimes find myself forgetting that Apple Bloom is just a filly. Of course something like a fire would scare her, particularly one as big as that. I remember when I was little, a neighbour's house five or six doors down went up; total loss, and their littlest and the family dog didn't make it out. For weeks afterwards, I unplugged everything electric in the house and made sure every single door was shut in case fire broke out in the night. I even put my poor parents through almost daily fire drills. It wasn't until my dad took me to one side that I got over that fear.
"Let me tell you something, Apple Bloom," I said softly. "Fire is very dangerous. It can hurt, and even kill you if you aren't careful. But that only happens if you don't respect it. When treated properly, fire is a tool, and a very useful one at that, nothing more. As long as you're knowledgeable and prepared, you can protect yourself against any danger.
"Look at today. Yes, a fire broke out, but I knew what to do, and so did Granny Smith, Big Macintosh, and Applejack. As dangerous as it was, we all stopped that danger by being prepared and acting promptly. And so the fire only burnt up the one field."
Apple Bloom still looked a little uncertain. I laid a comforting hoof on her shoulder.
"Tell you what," I said. "When we're all done with the grass cutting tomorrow, we'll go and see Nurse Redheart, and she can help teach you a thing or two about fires. You can bring Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo along if you want to. I think y'all are old enough to learn about it and be responsible."
That seemed to sway her. It's a clever little psychology trick I've picked up from my parents. If you treat kids like they're a little bit older or more mature than their peers, it encourages them to try and do new things, even if they're initially a little unsure.
With Apple Bloom soothed, I led her up to bed. It was getting pretty late, and we all had an early start tomorrow. The only good thing that came out of this long heatwave was, with the grass as dry as it was, it would be ready for baling almost as soon as it was cut. At the thought of all that freshly cut grass, my treacherous mind helpfully decided to remind me of my old body, and I let out a sudden sharp sneeze.
Luckily, my hayfever didn't decide to reassert itself, and we all set to work the following day in earnest. We'd managed to make quite a sizeable dent in things the day before. Until the fire had broken out, we'd been making good progress. I found myself again using the small pony powered mower and working my way through the orchards, cutting the grass down and keeping it all away from the trees.
Across the way from me, Applejack was working on one of the fields that had managed to dodge the fire. Working her way back and forth with one of the larger combine harvester style machines, she too was making rapid progress. The field, which had previously been something of a veldt, with grass that came up to the average pony's shoulders, was now cut short again, with the cutting piled neatly in long rows through the field. If you bale it too damp, the hay will turn into compost or even spontaneously combust. These rows would now be left to dry for a day or two at most, in light of recent events, and then we'd get them baled up and hauled away into storage for the leaner months.
For my part though, I had both less and more work to do. Working in the orchards meant there was far less actual grass to cut, but at the same time, we weren't leaving this out for hay baling. Instead, every now and then, when the bag of the mower filled up with cuttings, I'd have to stop and empty it all into the large wheelbarrow I'd brought along with me. From there, the grass would be added to the large store of compost we had, which in turn could be used to help feed the younger trees.
The downside of this was that, whereas Applejack or Big Mac spent all day cutting grass, I was going back and forth, slowly filling the barrow up and then taking it back to the farm and adding it into the large compost bin. Combined with old leaves, rotten fruit, manure, and whatever food waste we ourselves had, the grass would turn into useful fertiliser and plant food, rather than catching fire on a hot summer day.
Still, the work wasn't too taxing. Were I my old self, I'd no doubt be knackered by now. But as it was, while I was sweating a fair bit, it was mainly due to the heat, rather than physical exertion. I was certainly making steady progress through the orchards.
A couple of days later, and we were all sorted at last. Where the orchards had once been bordering on overgrowth, the grass was trimmed nicely, well back from each of the trees. The open fields meanwhile, had had the same treatment, and were now dotted with large cylindrical bales of hay, which would continue to dry out for a couple days more before being loaded up in a wagon and stored away in the barn. Come winter time, there would make a good food source for the cattle and sheep. We might even have a bit of a surplus, and with luck, I might be able to convince Granny to make us all some hay fries.
The main thing though, was that with the grass now trimmed back, the danger of another brushfire breaking out had passed. With far less fuel available, it would be much harder for any natural phenomena to start a fire. The grass however, did continue to grow, and by early autumn, the ground had healed pretty well, with the ugly charred scar of burnt ground vanishing. It served as an important lesson for all of us, and Applejack said that, next year, we'd definitely start things earlier by a week or so, instead of putting it off as we had this time.
With the hay making done, things briefly quietened down a bit. Zap Apple Season was only a few weeks away, and beyond that came the always hectic Applebuck Season. But for now, we had a couple of weeks to catch our breaths. It was fortunate that this time also marked the occurrence of the Summer Sun Celebration.
I don't think I need to explain one of Equestria's most important holidays, now do I? Celebrated for just over a millennia, marking the anniversary of Celestia's victory over Nightmare Moon. The holiday was always something of a double edged sword for me. On the one hoof, it marked the day Princess Luna returned from her exile and at last threw off the shackles of Nightmare Moon. But at the same time, it was also the day, over a thousand years ago, when Luna, lost in the throes of jealousy bordering on madness, had fallen and become that same vile creature. I can still remember from Twilight's flashback to that day, the look of fear on her face as the shadows enveloped her. At the last moment, she saw what she was doing was wrong, but by then it was too late.
I must confess, if made to choose between Celestia and Luna, I'd come down on the side of the night every time. And yes, I may be just a tad obsessive towards Princess Luna, and at times even paradoxically protective of the phenomenally powerful alicorn. So celebrating the day she was banished to the moon, a memory even Celestia admits she would rather not recall, was a little uncomfortable for me, although in a way, you could say the same for Nightmare Night, which remains one of my favourite nights of the year.
Of course, since her return, the celebration has changed to reflect the newer triumph, both Luna's and Celestia's safe return and the rediscovery of the Elements of Harmony. Now though, I suppose it would be changing again, or rather, stopping altogether. With the two sisters abdicating the throne, it was expected that the holiday would be abolished. Just as the celebration of Empire Day had faded into history with the passing of my mother country's imperial era, so too would the Summer Sun Celebration end, as the ponies at the centre of festivities would no longer raise the sun or moon.
I have to be honest, it was that change alone that really rankled me. Nopony but Luna should have dominion over the moon and the night, just as nopony but Celestia should over the sun and the day. Each pony had forged a powerful connection with their respective celestial body. In one of the last vestiges of my obsession towards Princess Luna, the idea of anypony, or anyone, else having control over the moon was somehow...offensive.
But I'm rambling, and possibly sounding just a touch unhinged no doubt. Long story short, the Summer Sun Celebration was upon us. The last one was to be held in Canterlot, and was expected to be the biggest celebration of the event in recent memory. Ponies from far and wide were pitching in to help, and that included yours truly, and all of Twilight's friends, to name just a few.
Applejack and I, along with Braeburn and a good chunk of the extended Apple family, would be helping to feed the vast numbers of ponies that would flock to the capital to see the sun rise at the princess' command. There were plenty of other jobs of course, unicorn specialists would be creating a grand fireworks display in the early dawn hours, and half of Cloudsdale, including the Wonderbolts themselves no less, had been drafted in to ensure that the skies around Canterlot were kept clear of everything from stray clouds to airships, so that everypony's view of the moonset and sunrise from our mountaintop perch would be entirely unobstructed.
It was a massive undertaking and I figured we probably would run into a few snags along the way. But I didn't quite expect what was going to happen that night atop the Canterhorn. I was about to find out that Sombra's return had been the symptom of a much larger problem that was looming on the horizon, and that we were now facing perhaps one of the most serious threats to Equestria since the attack by the Storm King. And the part? My own father was in on it, as was Equestria's least trustable ally.
Needless to say, things were about to get interesting again. I suppose that's what I get for enjoying the peaceful serenity of life on the farm. To have harmony, one does, after all, need just a little bit of chaos. And boy were we about to get chaos.
It probably didn't help that everything happened at two in the morning. Had it been in the day time, when I was awake, alert, and at the height of my mental powers, I might have been able to somewhat modify events. As it was though, I missed out on key clues, the consequences of which wouldn't come to light until much later.
It all began when we were making pies. And I say we, because I had a couple of companions with me in the ad hoc outdoor kitchen that had been set up a little ways away from the main square where the celebration was being held. You couldn't exactly have a bunch of civilians wandering the halls of Canterlot Castle, now could you? If nothing else, the risk of violent, and possibly deadly attack by geese; a new and frankly brilliant security measure implemented by Shining Armor, as well as the resulting litigation, made it too big of a chance. So instead getting to use the high end kitchens in the castle, we were set up using more basic outdoor cooking equipment.
There were several of these kitchens set up, churning out everything from pies, to cakes, and even the odd pretzel. There were dozens of earth ponies cooking ,carrying ingredients, delivering the food, and so on. Helping me out, I had Braeburn as well as my dad. Despite his role as Princess Celestia's legal advisor, he wasn't above rolling up his sleeves and pitching in. Applejack was, sadly, away with Pinkie Pie, overseeing everything to do with the catering side of things. All of Twilight's friends were playing a major role in this final celebration, with AJ and Pinkie n foodstuffs, Rarity overseeing the unicorn display team, and Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy lending a hoof with the vast and highly complex weather control operation.
All was going perfectly smoothly, and I was taking the chance to catch up with Dad as we worked, until Braeburn briefly departed to get a couple more sacks of flour. The chore should have taken him but a few minutes, and when he didn't come back after six, we began to get concerned.
"How's that flour coming, Braeburn?" Dad called out, leaning slightly around the corner to let his voice carry more.
Silence.
"Braeburn, you about?" he tried again.
Still nothing.
I was just about to suggest we go and look for him anyway, when we heard a low groan close at hoof. Fearing that Braeburn might have met with some accident, we temporarily left our little kitchen and headed across the courtyard to look for him. It didn't take us long.
We found Braeburn, himself quite unhurt, but doing his best to care for another earth pony who seemed to be ill with something. At least, that was what it looked like at first. The both of us rushed over to his side.
"Braeburn! What happened?" I exclaimed as I went to the injured pony's side.
I'm no certified medic, but I still remember my St. John's training, and plenty of it carried over to ponies. The pony had evidently collapsed suddenly judging by the position of his limbs and was more than a little delirious. I couldn't get him to focus his eyes on me for love nor money. What was up with him though, I initially couldn't say. It could be a hundred and one things, from a heart attack down to a bad stomach bug. Still, at least I had some experience, which was more than could be said for Braeburn.
"What the hay's wrong with him?" he asked worriedly. I could hear the panic in his voice; that was the last thing we needed, and his question, whilst understandable, wasn't exactly one I could answer. Add that to being a little sleep deprived, and you got the response which earned me the nickname I have now.
"Dammit, Braeburn," I snarled irritably as I tried to answer that same question. "I'm a unicorn, not a doctor!" Close at hoof, Dad let out a slight laugh, which he quickly hid.
Quickly recovering himself, my dad flagged down a couple of guards who fetched out one of the doctors from the castle. It took them a few more minutes to get out here, along with a stretcher party, which gave me a bit of time for an amateur diagnosis.
As I said, a pony collapsing can be triggered by a hundred and one things, from genetics, infections, environmental factors, or anything else you could think of. I had neither the equipment or medical training to make an accurate diagnosis. However, as I continued to try and bring the still delirious pony round, I noticed something; his eyes. They looked glossy, unfocussed, and seemed to have a sort of clouded effect over them, mimicking in some way the signs of advanced cataracts. But my basic tests showed that the pony, whatever else might be wrong with him, could see, as he followed my hoof left to right, up and down. So it couldn't be cataracts.
I tried to think and recall what little medical knowledge I had. Could it be a stroke? He couldn't speak or move with any coordination. That didn't explain the eyes though. In fact, the only time I'd seen anything like this, the only time I'd seen a pony so dull and utterly out of was when...
Oh crumbs!
I turned to Dad, now more than a little worried.
"Quick! Roll him over onto his side!" I instructed him.
"Bones?" he asked curiously.
"Now dammit!" I barked crossly.
Between me, Dad and Braeburn, we managed to roll the pony into something close to the recovery position, which was probably a good thing anyway. But I wasn't particularly worried about him aspirating all over us. If he had, I might have gotten the chance to use that wonderful phrase from Top Gear's brief stint as ambulance men; 'Stop vomiting, you idiot!'. No, I needed him on his side so I could take a look at his flank.
With some effort, we got the poor stallion onto his side. I'd prepared myself for the worst, and was expecting to see nothing, but instead, there it was; a cutie mark plain as day. It certainly put a big old hole in my theory. Clouded eyes and weakness, if I was right, was accompanied by loss of one's cutie mark as the innate magic from a pony was forcibly removed. But this pony still had his cutie mark. Could I be wrong?
I certainly hoped I was, and it seemed that way. After all, if this pony was a victim of having their magic drained, their cutie mark should be gone too. And more to the point, the only creature capable of such an act was presently locked away in Tartarus, under far greater security than he'd previously been subjected to. And it didn't tally with the remote draining that Cozy had tried to pull. And besides, that had only affected unicorns.
So what else could cause the symptoms of magic draining? This couldn't be the big finish already could it? It made sense, it was a rare thing for the Summer Sun Celebration to go off without a hitch. Did this mean we were facing someone new; someone well versed in dangerous and long forgotten dark magic. The Pony of Shadows maybe? It couldn't be Sombra; he was definitely dead. And it couldn't be Tirek or Cozy; the Tree of Harmony itself had woven their bonds. Chrysalis was still in play, but she didn't have the skills needed to do something like this. Conversely, could we be looking at a case of love starvation caused by excessive feeding? No, Chrysalis was weakened, she wouldn't strike somewhere so exposed.
As my mind continued to come up with increasingly outlandish theories, the Royal Guard's physician arrived on the scene, along with two medics with a stretcher. He quickly tended to the unfortunate stallion. After examining him for a few moments, he pronounced his diagnosis.
"Looks like a bad case of food poisoning," he declared, wrapping his stethoscope around his shoulders again. "Let's get him to the infirmary."
The two guards carefully got him on the stretcher. Of course, this new diagnosis, while not only not sitting quite right with me, also had the effect of, you know, causing a minor panic. Ponies quickly began to scatter hither and thither crying to high heaven that some of the baked goods had turned into baked bads. We pretty much lost half the catering staff for the celebration, and nopony in all of Canterlot would be willing to touch anything we cooked.
But, as a wise man once said; 'Still, could be worse'.
A short while later, the guards came back and told us to clear down and hold off on cooking until the source of the contamination could be identified. So we were left with very little to really do, apart from clean up and, in true British fashion, hurry up and wait. Since we were more or less alone though, and away from more anxious ears, I decided to voice my concerns to Dad.
"Did you see his eyes?" I asked him as I put away a couple of trays. Dad turned back to me, setting aside his own work.
"What about them, Bones?" he replied, sounding only half interested. I explained the unusual symptoms the pony had had. But he shrugged it off, at least at first.
"Well, he was delirious," Dad countered "It's a common enough symptom with a bad case of food poisoning."
"Food poisonin' wouldn't lay a pony out in less than five minutes," I countered. "Besides, we've both eaten this stuff too, remember? If this was a case of Baked Bads, that feller wouldn't have just passed out like that. He'd have felt unwell before, started sweatin', then gotten woozy. Instead he just fell down almost out cold. And did ya see how weak he was; poor guy could hardly lift his head."
"What's your point?" Dad asked me.
"Ah'm sayin'," I shot back. "That there's only one thing that can knock an earth pony down, cause glazed eyes and severe weakness, and that's having their magic drained."
Dad went silent for several moments as he considered what I'd said, and the resulting implications. At first he tried to downplay what I'd said, putting it down to paranoia. I countered that I'd done plenty of work to try and beat magic draining spells, so I knew what the damn thing looked like. Still, he remained unconvinced. It wasn't until three more ponies went down, with identical symptoms that he began to come around.
After all, none of them had eaten anything for the last hour. He quickly told me to follow him. We'd go and find Celestia and Luna and sound an alarm. We were already in trouble if Tirek had enough magic to drain earth ponies. Presumably, he'd be able to do the same to pegasi, to say nothing of unicorns. But alicorns, maybe not just yet. Tirek is like a fire, tackled in time, he presents no threat. And it was time to switch on the halon.
Getting to the castle however, proved no easy task. We were down in the lower half of the city at the moment. To get to the castle, we'd have to go through the main square, where the ceremony would take place, past the second stage ,where the unicorns would be performing their light show, and then finally up through the public gardens to the castle itself. Ordinarily, I'd say it would take ten minutes, less if we ran. Tonight though, it seemed as though we were to face one disaster after another.
It was bad enough that Tirek was somehow out and on the loose. How I still had no idea. The cage they threw him in was crafted by the Tree of Harmony itself. Nothing just blows through that. Tirek had taken pretty much all the magic in Equestria, and the Elements had still blown him away. So how, with only his own miniscule magic to call on, had he managed to get free, never mind how he'd managed to get strong enough to be dangerous. No disrespect to the steroid freak with rage issues, but if Discord hadn't helped him, I'd have given him, at most, ten minutes. If he thought he could pull the same trick twice, he was stupider than I gave him credit for.
It was while I was trying to work all this out, that the weather changed. Given how this whole celebration was built around watching the moon set and the sun rise, the skies were, by order of the princesses themselves, to be kept clear. As I said before, a whole squadron of weather patrol ponies had been drafted in, including the Wonderbolts, who'd be giving a display after the sunrise. So how, with all that pony power on hoof, was I suddenly now finding myself getting soaked in a torrential downpour?
The wind quickly picked up too, gusting hard enough to cause problems for the pegasi above us, who were now scattering and trying to get the storm under control. The wind howled and tore at us both, and I had to press my hat down on my head with a hoof just to stop it blowing away. In the end, to try and avoid drowning, I threw up a basic shield spell around the two of us that kept most of the weather out. They might not work against petrifying gasses, but they worked just fine against heavy rain. The wind was another matter, but it was better than nothing. As we made our way up the hill, the rain turned to thunder, and a bolt of lightning struck a nearby lamppost, sending the glass shattering everywhere.
"You think this is Tirek too?" Dad asked over the wind. I shook my head.
"No!" I replied. "Even with pegasi magic, he never tried controlling the weather. This feels more like a rogue storm, like during the Storm King's invasion."
Now there was a bad guy who I knew, like Sombra, was definitely dead. I'd seen his remains and 'verified' him myself. At least we didn't have to worry about that psychotic twit coming back.
High above us, we saw Rainbow Dash, along with the lead elements of the Wonderbolts, go charging into the maelstrom to try and regain control. I figured that they'd be able to do it, assuming whatever had caused it wasn't still active. I quietly hoped that it was just a bad coincidence.
As we reached the showgrounds, where the unicorn display team was supposed to be performing, the rain eased off. The storm, as severe as it was, seemed to be confined to a fairly small area of Canterlot. As we entered the place though, I was surprised to see the team themselves coming the other way, with their bags seemingly packed. While I did my best to dry out my poor weather battered stetson, Dad went to talk with them to see what the crack was. He got quite the surprising response when he asked them where they were going. Apparently, they were buggering off.
"As if we unicorns are going to waste our potential giving some humdrum little light show to a gaggle of dullard earth ponies," the one in charge, Fire Flare I believe her name was, said haughtily.
Now, you might recall, my girlfriend is an earth pony, so are many of my good friends. And to hear some stuck up precious little bitch come out with that, particularly after all the progress that had been made with interspecies relations after the Storm King incident...well, it just rubbed me the wrong way. Stepping in front of my dad, and pushing him one side, I got in her face and made my displeasure known.
"And just what is that supposed to mean?" I demanded, bristling.
Fire Flare replied with something that could have come straight out of the mouth of Chancellor Neighsay once upon a time. Had she been a stallion, and my dad not been there to stop me, there would have been no question of my giving her a smack on the mouth then and there. As it was, it took a great deal of effort to restrain myself and remember the old maxim that an officer and a gentleman doesn't strike a lady. Even if this particular example wasn't very lady-like in her manners. The trio brushed their way past us and stalked off, leaving the both of us stunned.
Now where in the name of Celestia had all that come from? The three tribes have worked together harmoniously for millennia, since before the reign of the Two Sisters. Okay, you got the odd pony who didn't care for one tribe, or maybe held his own in a higher regard. But why would these ponies, unicorns or not (I know they can be the most stuck up of the three tribes), suddenly start acting as if Hearth's Warming had never happened.
This was getting stranger and stranger, first someone, possibly Tirek, attacks ponies, but doesn't take all their magic. Then the weather goes haywire. And now the very bonds between the three tribes seemed to be breaking down, and ponies who normally got on fine with one another were developing superiority complexes.
This was definitely more than just a minor hiccup. This felt like a damned finale episode in the show. Were we facing some new threat? Or was it all just a strange coincidence? Either way, the princesses and the Elements needed to be alerted to the danger. The two of us pressed up up the hill and soon made our way into the castle.
Things only got worse as we made our way inside. While nothing seemed to have disturbed Twilight and the other princesses, it was clear from the get go that something was seriously wrong. The first guard post we came across, which ought to have stopped us and done a security check on us, was deserted. A quick check around soon explained why, as I found the both guards unconscious not too far away; out of sight and out of mind. It looked like whoever, or whatever, had grabbed them had done so by the classic tactic of drawing one guard off to investigate, leaving his companion vulnerable, and then doing the same to him when he returned. Oddly though, their magic was still perfectly intact. They were just unconscious.
"Ya know," I said as I tried to rouse one of the guards. "This don't feel like Tirek at all. This kind of cloak and dagger work reads more like changeling."
Tirek was many things, but subtle he was not. If he was powerful enough to drain earth ponies, he was capable of taking on a couple of guards. Why would he use stealth and then just knock them out? Waiting in the shadows until your opponent had his back to you was how those bugs operated, or at least how they used to.
That threw up another possible theory. Tirek was locked away, sure, but Chrysalis wasn't. To my mind, she's the only villain still out there, and remains one of the most dangerous we've ever faced. Even without her army to call on, her own magic was impressive and had enabled her to elude any attempt to track her down.
Could it be she'd managed to somehow augment her abilities? Draining love wasn't too different from draining magic. Both were a form of energy. From what we understood of her species, it would certainly be possible. Sweet Celestia, could that be what was happening? Could it be that Chrysalis had been in hiding all this time, plotting her revenge, learning new magic? If so it made her doubly dangerous. Feeding on love as she did could vastly increase her magical power. And as we'd seen with the second incursion, it was possible to forcibly drain somepony of their love. What if she combined the two spells somehow? What if she'd found a way to drain a pony of their love and their magic? If true, I'm not sure even all the alicorns combined could stand against her. Tirek might have been dangerous, but there was still a limit to his abilities. With that much power, Chrysalis would be like a goddess.
Luckily, before I could truly start panicking, my dad chipped in with a different, and ultimately correct, theory.
"They're working together," he said softly as he tended to the other guard. I thought him absurd.
"Right," I replied. "Because Tirek plays so well with others."
That was after all what had finally brought him down. Betraying Discord might have temporarily given him more magic, albeit magic that he couldn't properly access without losing his marbles, never mind use with any design or intent, but it had also turned his former ally against him. After all, it was Discord who put the girls on to their Rainbow Power which sent him packing. He certainly seemed to have learned from that mistake with Cozy, although he still clung to self-interest when push came to shove. Could he have learned a thing or two; somehow convinced her to bust him out?
But what were they planning? He helps her get the hive back, she helps him take down a common foe, maybe go after the minotaurs? Dad however, just dropped another bombshell.
"It does if it serves his agenda," he said gravely. "And Chrysalis and Cozy would be able to help him get into the city. He's the muscle, they're the brains."
That threw me for a loop, and he was just getting started. In as condensed a form as he could, he explained it all to me. This was all told to him partly by the Tree, and partly by a certain somepony who was about to become the first draconequus in history to have his balls ripped off if I had anything to say about it.
Discord, in the guise of the pretty much mythical Grogar, had broken Tirek and Cozy out of Tartarus, plucked Chrysalis from her hidey hole, and brought Sombra back from oblivion. He proposed an alliance; they all work together to defeat Twilight and destroy Equestria. Sombra didn't bite and went solo, and we saw how that turned out. The others all agreed to work with Grogar and each other.
Now, why was Discord betraying Equestria and everypony he cared about? Didn't he learn his lesson the last time he tried that crap? Well, as he saw it he wasn't actually betraying us. In his own twisted way, he was actually trying to be helpful. His plan was to use these three insane nutjobs to pose just enough of a threat to give Twilight a real challenge. When she defeated them, she'd have renewed confidence in herself and her ability to lead. And if anything did go wrong, as the undisputed master of chaos, he had a ready kill switch if things did start to get out of hoof.
I listened to my old man's story in stunned silence and quietly boiling rage. After all, that meant that Discord was at least partly responsible for Sombra doing what he did, mind controlling me and all my friends, destroying the Tree of Harmony, and putting all of the princesses in danger. Putting Luna in danger! Depriving us of our greatest defence! All to help give Twilight more 'confidence'!
On the other hoof, it was interesting to learn that Grogar actually was real, rather than the myth I'd previously thought him to be. But that was beside the point.
"Okay," I said with false cheerfulness. "You go find the princesses. Ah'm gonna go find Discord and see how long he can survive without a head."
Luckily, Dad stopped me and talked me down. Ironically, he had to use my own logic and reasoning against me. While we could step in now, and alter events from what would be depicted in the show, that would also have the effect of removing the guarantee of a positive outcome. We'd be breaking canon. Good only triumphs over evil if we follow the story. Sometimes, that meant sitting on the sidelines, when it was possible to intervene, and allowing the bad guys to flaunt a bit. Just as with Starfleet's Prime Directive, my own decision not to intervene has often been a difficult one to stick to. Celestia knows I'd have loved to have taken Chrysalis down a peg before all this. Then again, one on one, Sombra did wipe the floor with me.
The only upside is that there was nothing stopping us from alerting the princesses that something was going on. We were still the only ones who knew, at least roughly, what was really happening. I later learned from Applejack that each incident was put down to far more mundane causes; bad ingredients, a falling out, miscommunication with the weather teams. They wouldn't know what happened until months later, when Dad and I finally broke our omerta.
Still, the two of us ended up arguing. I wanted to tell at least Celestia and Luna what was going on, to enable us to prepare a fallback option. Dad however, insisted on radio silence, and only telling them that something was up in the city. As we continued to go around in circles, we were joined by the cause of the current crisis.
"Ooh," Discord said in excitement, having materialised behind the two of us. "Can I help?"
For once, Discord's sudden appearance didn't send me rocketing skywards in fright. And as much as I may love Equestria's Q, I was still furious with him. This wasn't the first time he'd done something this stupid.
Several moons ago...
I stood in the empty fields, glaring at Discord, an equally mad Twilight and my dad along with AJ and several other disgruntled ponies standing either side of me. Around us were all sorts of metal and debris, as well as several curious bits of technology that glowed an ominous green colour. This was all that remained of the terrifyingly large, cube shaped vessel that a certain draconequus had decided to conjure up, or rather, pull from its own reality, taking in from one supposedly fictional universe to another.
It was partly my fault and partly my dad's fault. I said how much Discord could be like Q from Star Trek at times, right down to his voice actor in the show. That then led Discord to talking with my dad about Star Trek; both of us are big fans of pretty much all of the shows. That in turn led to discussions about the Q, Klingons, Romulans, and the various other hostile races of the galaxy.
Including the most dangerous one, which Discord decided to bring in in order to let us see one up close and fight them like we were playing one of his O&O games. Luckily, Twilight had been able to get things under control before we were all vaporised, or worse. That left my dad to do the telling off.
Pulling Discord's head down so that he was nose to nose with him, he looked him straight in the eye.
"Discord," he said softly, letting his anger boil over. "If Celestia and I have told you once, we've told you a thousand times. DON'T! PROVOKE! THE BORG!"
Back in the present...
The two of us looked at Discord with no small amount of disdain. I might like him sometimes. In fact, at times he can be a genuinely nice guy. But then there were times he was like this. He still has a ways to go when it comes to understanding friendship, but at least he was heading in the right direction. Still, he didn't quite seem to get why we were both giving him the evil eye.
"What?" he asked in confusion.
"Discord," my dad said. "Your little psychology test and Twilight confidence building exercise is running around out there causing havoc. Any idea why?" Discord simply shrugged his shoulders and utterly failed to convince either of us.
"How should I know?" he replied. "I haven't told them to do anything ever since I sent them off to try and find that bell thingy. Now I have to find some other ancient artifact for them to use to make them actually dangerous and pose some degree of threat."
Discord's plan had undergone a few modifications since he started. When Sombra refused to fall in line, as most megalomaniacs tend to do, he used him as a test case, letting him run amok, while still keeping a weather eye on how things were going, stepping in at the last moment when Twilight needed one more little nudge. After that though, he'd come up with something even more stupid. Even together, Tirek, Chrysalis and Cozy weren't much of a threat. Tirek had virtually no magic, Chrysalis was no match for two alicorns, and Cozy was nothing but a pegasus filly. He needed to make them more dangerous, and a credible threat.
So he'd sent them off to Mount Everhoof. As far as I knew, the forbidding looking mountain was pretty much deserted, apart from the odd occasion some overconfident mountaineer tried to climb it. As it turned out though, it was also used as a vault for the Bewitching Bell; the enchanted object Grogar used to both store and augment his own already powerful magic. It had been his downfall, as when Gusty the Great stole it from him, he lost virtually all of his magic and was easily defeated. If the stories about Grogar were true, that magic held in the bell was almost as powerful as chaos magic, certainly a match for anything but a blast from the Elements of Harmony.
The quest though had ended in failure, or so Discord thought. He really ought to have kept a closer eye on his little team of a sociopath, a lunatic and a retard. As far as he knew, they'd been unable to retrieve the bell. Thinking the same, Dad and I came to the same conclusion; they were looking for some other source of power. To describe his scheme as cavalier was a great understatement.
"So you set those three loose on Equestria, and ya don't even know what they're planning?" I exclaimed.
"Well, if I knew it would spoil the surprise," he replied. "And even if I did, if I tell you, you'll just go and run off to tell Tia and ruin the whole thing."
Well he was right on that front. And if he'd bothered to keep an eye on his little project, his plan might have crossed the line from insane to brilliant. Still, it seemed more than a little risky, considering how dangerous any of these were if given time to plan, never mind the fact that they would probably try to stab 'Grogar' in the back the first chance they got. Villains after all, don't do friendship. Both Chrysalis and Cozy had been offered it, only to reject the notion.
"Discord, this isn't safe," Dad said sternly, like he did when he was telling me off as a child. "Any of those villains on their own are dangerous enough."
"But not a match for me," he replied cockily.
That was true, Discord's magic could put even the likes of Celestia and Luna to shame. While they took a conscious effort to raise and lower the sun and moon, he could do it with a snap of his talons, and at a mile a minute to boot. He reinforced this by snapping into existence one of those flying pigs of his, which quickly fluttered off to go and make friends with the geese, who now, rather strangely, acted as security for the castle. The hallway soon filled with a terrible mixture of oinking and honking.
"Even if they do get out of hoof," Discord went on, "I can have them back in Tartarus in moments. And that's assuming they don't turn on each other first. They really do hate each other, remember."
I started to come around, at least to this part of the scheme. There was no way we could convince the idiot to put those fruit loops back where he found them, and even if they did, they now knew of each other and might very well try something in the future if left unattended. It certainly didn't make sense to turn Chrysalis loose again.
"He does have a point there, Dad," I agreed a little reluctantly. "I still think what he's doin' is dangerous, but he's got a kill switch ready, and we've both seen how well Tirek handles alliances, never mind Chrysalis."
"So what, you think we should just let this play out?" Dad asked me in surprise.
"I say we keep tabs on 'em, but yeah," I replied with a nod. "This is Equestria, Dad; they were screwed from minute one. Worst case scenario, they end up in Tartarus. Who knows, this whole mutual cooperation thing Discord has them doin' might even prompt reformation. This could all end with the last three outstanding bad guys either on our side or dealt with permanently."
After all, it had worked out fine with Sombra. He was genuinely dangerous, but with Discord on our side, he'd only lasted for as long as the draconequus found him amusing. This was, partly, what Celestia had wanted when she suggested reforming Discord. This was something along the lines of him using his magic for good. Dad however, despite being alleged best friends with Discord, remained less than convinced.
"I still want to know what they were doing," he persisted. "I can take letting Discord's plan play out, but I want to know every move. I certainly don't want my wife or children subjected to mind control or worse."
Actually, that was a good point. It was alright knowing that whatever was going to happen would turn out our way, but it would be even better if we had a play by play script on hoof. And it would make everything just a little less terrifying. Fictional or not, children's' villains or not, Chrysalis and Tirek were still pretty damn scary in person.
"Well then," Discord said, that teasing tone coming back into his voice.. "In that case I suggest you direct your attention to the archives, in particular the restricted section. Ta!"
And with that, he snapped his talons and vanished a la Q. Well, at least it wasn't a riddle this time.
Discord's hint turned out to be right on the money. I just wish he'd kept a closer eye on them. Then he might have realised what was coming his way. I honestly sometimes wonder if he did and let things go the way they did for the sheer chaos it would cause for everypony. After all, his confidence building exercise would be useless if Twilight ever found out about it. As events turned out, it certainly did boost her confidence in the end, albeit more by luck than judgement.
Heading deeper into the castle, Dad and I soon made our way to the archives. I've been here a couple of times myself, with Twilight vouching for me. They don't let just anypony in here; you need direct consent from the princesses to enter the restricted section. All sorts of texts on outlawed dark magic, long dead foes, dangerous spells and artifacts were in here, under lock and key.
Or at least, they were supposed to be. Arriving on the scene, in what could be only a few scant minutes behind our foes, we found the lock burst, and the place turned upside down. Somepony was looking for something, and had gone right through the archives to find it. The question was what. There were any number of dangerous spells, artifacts, or other phenomena chronicled here that would give those three an edge. But we needed to know what it was.
Well, there was only one thing for it, and that was to try and identify what, if anything, was missing. I hunted around for the catalogue, pausing to take a look outside as I did so. The situation outside seemed to have stabilised. The weather was under control, the ponies that had lost their magic or rather 'suffered severe food poisoning' had recovered (Tirek had returned their magic in order to prevent his new master becoming suspicious, and the unicorns had been half talked and half strong armed back into their show.
If gaining access to the archives was their true objective, then the random actions outside the castle now made sense. They were distractions, keeping everypony off balance while they broke in and made their move. Now if only we knew what that was. I was startled out of my thoughts when Dad called over to me.
"Hey, Bones," he called out. "See if you can find ' On the Bewitching Bell' anywhere. Given what we know, there's a good chance that's what they may have been after."
I'd not seen it so far, and made a quick check of all the books I'd gathered up. It wasn't here.
"No sign of it, Dad," I replied. "You think they took it?" Dad nodded.
"Makes sense they would," he said. "Discord said they couldn't retrieve the bell when he sent them to Mount Everhoof. Maybe they'll use this as a way to overcome whatever it is that's protecting it. In any case, we better report this to the guard and Celestia. But keep quiet about this whole Grogar business until I say otherwise."
Damn this sodding non-interference. Even with the limited information we had, we were in a position to stop whatever mess was on the horizon. But the risk of unforeseen consequences was just too great. Nothing would give me greater pleasure to blow the lid off this whole affair, have all three villains, and the one insane psychopath, stopped before they could do any more damage. It nearly drove me mad knowing those three had been skulking around the nation's capital undetected. It was like watching 'A Canterlot Wedding' all over again, knowing that love stealing whore was disguised as Cadence. At least then I had the luxury of a screen blocking my way.
Still, at least he had an idea (albeit a wrong one) about what they were up to, and before we went to Celestia to report what had happened, we paused to watch the final Summer Sun Celebration. Or, as Twilight now renamed the holiday, the first Festival of the Two Sisters.
I just hoped it wouldn't be the last. |
A Year in Equestria | Chapter 7 - July | I came to with a start, woken from my peaceful slumber by an unsettling wail. After coming to for a moment, I threw the covers off with my magic and got up to investigate. I had a pretty good idea what was going on, but it pays to be sure.
Squinting for a moment, I let my eyes adjust to the dark. There was a decent crescent moon tonight, which was streaming moonlight into my room. It was enough to see by in any case. Just to be safe though, and to avoid tripping up over anything that I might have left lying around (I'm not exactly the tidiest of ponies when I get caught up in one of my little projects), I lit up my horn, adding a bright, light blue glow to things, and casting shadows throughout the room.
As I got myself situated, I heard the eerie wailing again. It was coming from outside, somewhere off in the orchards. But indoors, with the windows shut, even my more sensitive equine ears couldn't pinpoint the source, or clearly identify it. So, trotting over to the window, I pushed the lower half up, letting in the cool night air and causing me to briefly shiver as my body adjusted from being in my nice warm bed. For a moment, everything was silent, and I thought that I might have just been dreaming, but then it came again. My ears quickly pivoted around, searching for the direction. It was coming from the Everfree alright, and it was a howl, several in fact.
I smiled to myself, feeling like the kid who'd stayed up all night waiting for Father Christmas and having actually managed to catch sight of him. The timberwolves were howling. Those strange, malevolent wooden wolves, held together by the dark magic that was prevalent in the Everfree Forest. Usually, they gave the farm a wide berth, only very rarely coming out of the woods when food was scarce. They usually only howled to communicate. This though, with all of them howling, it was excitement. Their innate connection to magic was whipping them up into a frenzy.
I could feel it too, albeit only faintly. It was a bit like standing around when a thunderstorm rolled in. You could feel the energy in the air, and knew that before long, lightning was going to strike somewhere close. To the wolves though, it was like catnip, or whatever the equivalent is to wooden canines. No doubt now they were all racing through the woods in excitement, howling as they went.
Now, why was I so interested in wolves howling at two in the morning? Well, it was simple, the howling of the timberwolves was the first sign that Zap Apple season was upon us. We'd all been waiting a couple of weeks now, looking and listening for the first sign that the trees were preparing to bear fruit. The strange rainbow coloured apples made a fine jam, which due to its rarity, could earn us quite a tidy profit, thanks to the long standing deal between Granny Smith and Filthy Rich's forebears.
It turned out though, that I wasn't the only one who'd been woken by the noise. Sweet Apple Acres' venerable matriarch, the expert on Zap Apples, had also stirred and was now determined to make sure everypony knew that the season was upon us.
Cue the sound of pots, pans, and spoons being banged together like some unholy orchestra. My ears went flat against my skull in an effort to try and blot out the sound. Outside my door, I heard her running back and forth in the hall, and a moment later run down the stairs and out into the farmyard.
"The timberwolves are howlin'! The timberwolves are howlin'!" she exclaimed like an Equestrian Paul Revere.
To be fair, there was a method to her madness, a phrase that can be applied to most of the seemingly odd things Granny Smith does. With the zap apples and the magic whipped them up into a frenzy, the timberwolves could sometimes get a little cocky. Usually, like their flesh and blood counterparts, they give civilisation a wide berth. I've run into timberwolves when I'm out near the Everfree on more than a few occasions, and nine times out of ten, if they spot you, they'll maybe size you up for a moment, and then decide you're not worth the trouble and run back into the brush. But when they were in this condition, they were much bolder. So, you needed to do something to startle them out of their high and ensure they didn't come too near the sheep, cattle, pigs, or chickens, never mind us. That was what Granny was doing; making as much noise as she could, waking us all up, and also spooking the wolves and convincing them to continue giving ponies a wide berth.
As I continued to listen, I heard the window to my right open up; Big Mac's room. A moment later, the red stallion appeared, a night cap perched atop his head, and Smarty Pants perched between his shoulders. He quickly spotted Granny Smith running about the farmyard. A moment later, the opposite window opened; Apple Bloom's room, and both Apple Bloom and AJ appeared, the latter having gone to her sister's room to check on her when she heard the commotion.
"The zap apples are comin'! The zap apples are comin'!" Granny Smith continued to holler as she banged the saucepan and spoon together making loud clanging noises.
Meanwhile, the howling of the timberwolves began to die away. They were still howling their heads off, but were now moving off, deeper into the Everfree. The innate magic in the trees would go dormant again before long, and they'd calm down, at least until the second sign some time tomorrow. For us though, the excitement was just starting.
"Alright! It's zap apple season!" Apple Bloom exclaimed excitedly.
"It sure is, sugarcube," Applejack agreed. "You lookin' forward to it, Bones?"
"As long as I don't have to wear another bunny costume this year!" I called back. "I reckon Big Macintosh and I will stick to harvestin' the trees once they're ready."
"Eeyup!" Big Mac concurred.
"Come on, y'all!" Applejack instructed. "It's too late to think about goin' back to bed now. We'll get Granny Smith back indoors and then we can start preparin' for the harvest."
And so we did. Applejack was right anyhow. Considering that life on the farm usually has us getting up at around five in the morning most days, there was little point in going back to bed. More to the point, from now on, until the end of the zap apple harvest, we needed to make every second count. We now had only a few days before the zap apples would be ripe and safe to harvest. From there, we had only a couple of days to complete the harvest, before any remaining zap apples would vanish just as they had magically appeared.
Now, I'm many things, but a botanist is not one of them. However, given my interest in magic, I had made a small study of this unusual bit of Equestrian flora. The trees, for the most part, bear a strong resemblance to the common or garden apple tree. But unlike their less magically imbued counterparts, zap apple trees remain bare throughout most of the year. While the rest of the orchard blooms, and while the other trees are ripe for harvesting, the zap apple trees remain bare, except for perhaps two weeks in the middle of summer.
From what I gleaned from Granny Smith, the zap apples were first discovered by her forebears when Celestia first gave them the land that would eventually become Sweet Apple Acres, as well as Ponyville. They grew on the periphery of the Everfree Forest, and some wild zap apple trees continue to grow there. As luck would have it, the Apples arrived and planted the strange seeds just as they were reaching the peak of their growth cycle. Trees sprouted and matured in mere moments, and in a few short days, they yielded fruit. But just as quickly, they would vanish again, remaining dormant for another year. Originating from the Everfree meant that their magic was wild magic, as I've come to call it; undirected and unpredictable. Their most likely origin is the mixture of such wild magic with the common apple tree, creating a new magical subspecies. However, I still have no clue about why their growth cycle has been both accelerated and condensed so greatly when compared to a typical apple tree.
But, as the saying goes, you don't look a gift horse in the mouth. Zap apple jam is second only to cider in terms of popularity. To be fair, it does taste delicious and goes great with pretty much everything. Mum even made a fantastic rainbow Victoria sponge cake last year with it. In fact, by the time Granny Smith came on the scene, the stuff had become so popular, and the Apples had so established themselves in the area, that they were able to set up quite the beneficial contract.
Now, just to be clear. I don't dislike Filthy Rich per se. I did despise his daughter once upon a time, and I remain steadfast in my opinion that his wife is a complete and utterly irredeemable bitch, and consequently that he has an appalling taste in mares. But he himself I have no problem with. He runs his modest business; Barnyard Bargains reasonably well, hasn't become quite as stuck up as his wife is and his daughter once was, and is a genuinely caring father. And if nothing else, every year, in exchange for a fair portion of the zap apple harvest, and in particular zap apple jam, the stallion gives us a shed load of bits that helps see us through the winter. Having said that though...well, as Frank Pentangeli said;' Your father did business with Hyman Roth. Your father respected Hyman Roth. But your father never trusted Hyman Roth!'. And so it is with Filthy. Celestia knows if he could get his hooves on some zap apple trees, he'd terminate our little standing agreement double quick. He tried it once apparently, many moons ago, when Bright Mac was still around. Needless to say, he's never tried it since.
But back to the present. We all had work to do, and as of now, we were on the clock. There was a lot to do, and only twenty four hours in the day to do it. After a quick breakfast and plenty of strong coffee we headed out. The first job was fairly simple; set up the baskets around each of the zap apple trees. This was, when it came time to harvest, we could just start bucking away at each tree. The zap apple orchard is fairly small, so we had enough baskets to cover all the trees in preparation.
As ever we split up to cover more ground. Although in the dark, I couldn't help but feel like we were walking into a horror film. In the darkest hours before dawn, Sweet Apple Acres, and particularly the bare trees in the zap apple orchards, can look quite foreboding. Still, at least I was with Applejack. And in every horror film, the blonde always survives, so I figured I was fairly safe. AJ and I would set up one part of the orchard, Big Mac another, and Granny Smith and Apple Bloom the last one.
My being on hoof allowed AJ the luxury of leaving the lanterns for Mac and Granny. My own horn gave of plenty of light, although here, the light blue colour of my magic only increased the eeriness of our surroundings. And this wasn't just me being paranoid either. There were over excited timberwolves out there after all.
Still, as time wore on, the coming dawn became more and more evident as the reddish glow on the horizon increased, slowly giving us more light to work by. By degrees, it was soon light enough for us to see without me using my horn. Soon enough, the trees around us looked far less unnerving. We'd made decent progress too, considering we were working in the dark for the most part, with only a bit of moonlight and my horn to light our way.
With the baskets all set up around the zap apple trees, we now moved onto the next set of jobs. One of the few disadvantages that comes with making zap apple jam is that you invariably ruin whatever cookware you're using, so new pots and pans need to be bought specially for making the jam. We also needed to stock up on fresh honey, which was a key ingredient. To accomplish these tasks, Granny Smith took Apple Bloom into Ponyville to buy some fresh cookware, as well as stop by the local apiary to collect honey. Now, Sweet Apple Acres does have its own hives as well mind you. But they don't produce enough for us to use for the zap apple harvest. Not without starving the hives at any rate. So we supplemented it with honey bought from other apiaries in town. And while Granny Smith was there, I had the task of collecting the take from the farm's own bees.
Now, just to be clear, I have nothing against bees. They're a key part of our ecosystem, I love honey, and I always found it alarming how casually people took the alarming nosedive in the bee population back on Earth. However, I've never been particularly comfortable around them. It mainly comes down to an incident when it was a child. I saw a bumble bee in my grandma's garden and was about to poke at it, when she stopped me and told me that bees sting people. The lesson, while intended to teach me that it isn't a good idea to antagonise bees (after all, in contrast to wasps, who are a nothing less than a shower of bastards, bees rarely bother you if you don't bother them. Remember, stinging for them is a kamikaze move) instead left five year old me with a strong association with bees and being stung by them. I've never been stung in my entire life, but I still get pretty scared around bees. As in I tend to leg it if I see one. So you can understand why I wasn't too keen on going near the apiary; something I usually left to Applejack.
This year though, I had determined to face up to this groundless fear. After all, in Equestria, bees were far more sapient than their Terran counterparts. I'd be wearing a full beekeeping suit too, and would have a good smoker on hand to calm the bees while the strange white suited giant pinched some of their honey. And, of course, I had Applejack on hoof to help me.
The beehives were effectively a series of pallets, stacked vertically in a small, raised shed, which had openings for bees to fly in and out. At the top of this, which was where you gained access, were the workers and drones. The deeper you went into the hive, the closer you got to the queen. As it was midsummer now, we'd only be taking enough for the jam, and certainly wouldn't be disturbing the queen.
As we approached the hive, I saw a few bees buzzing around, and could hear the dreadful buzzing from within. I felt more than a little apprehensive. Applejack was quick to reassure me.
"Don't you worry none, Bones," she said encouragingly. "This time of day, most of the bees are off lookin' for nectar. Now I'll lift the lid on the hive, and you give 'em a good blast from that smoker you've got there."
The smoker was a small metal can, not unlike a watering jug, with a small hose coming from the top leading to a hand pumped nozzle. Inside the can was a bunch of old newspapers. I'd light them on fire, creating smoke, which I could then pump out into the hive. This would do two things. First, it would calm the bees and stop their natural defence response. When you see bees out on their own or around flowers, they're actually far less likely to be aggressive; they only get like that when they're protecting their hive. But in addition to stunning them somewhat, the smoke would convince them that there was fire near the hive, and thus they needed to flee, so they would gorge themselves on honey, making them more docile. All in all, it would make them far less hostile towards us while we' borrowed' some of their honey.
Lifting the lid on the smoker, I briefly set off a small spark from my horn. It was more than enough to light the newspapers within. I quickly closed the lid to reduce oxygen and make for a more smokey fire. With the done, AJ and I pulled the veils down on our hats and she removed the lid from the hive.
At once, the buzzing, which was previously only a dull background noise, turned into something that clearly said 'angry'. The bees knew that something was invading their hive, and quickly went on the attack. I felt the urge to run at the unsettling noise, never mind the modest swarm that now began to buzz around us trying to figure out what we were. Luckily, before I lost my nerve, I felt Applejack at my side.
"It's okay, sugarcube," she said softly. "Just give 'em a whiff of that smoke and they'll calm down."
And so I did. Pumping the handle a couple of times with my hoof, I let the smoke fill the air above the hive. The angry buzzing from the swarm around us died down a little, and the bees began to return to the hive. Following up on this, I sprayed the upper layers of the hive too, and before long, the bees, whilst still an unsettling mass of black and yellow that were making a modest racket, seemed to calm somewhat as they began to feed on their stores of honey.
"There we go," AJ said. "Good job, Bones! Now let's get to work."
Carefully, we began to remove four of the six frames. The other two would be left for the bees. We could hardly let the little blighters starve, now could we? Each frame, on both sides, was covered in a white coloured wax. The bees only applied this when they'd filled the area up with honey. And speaking of the bees, they now had to be gently shaken off the frames and returned back to the hive. A few continued to buzz around us, but I felt fairly safe with a full suit on, covering all my exposed hide, as well as a veil stopping them from getting too close to my face. The only bit of me exposed was my horn, and while I could occasionally feel one of them briefly land on it, given that it was solid, they couldn't sting it even if they wanted to.
With the frames removed, AJ and I first began to scrape away the white wax covering, exposing the golden honey underneath. We had to shoo the odd bee away every now and again, and I made sure to regularly give the hive a bit more smoke to keep them chilled out.
With the wax removed, Applejack brought over an extractor. This large steel, drum shaped contraption, was essentially a centrifuge. You placed the honey laden frames inside, and then, by way of a crank, spun the frames inside. The centrifugal force would extract the honey, without damaging the wax honeycomb itself, saving the bees a lot of work when we replaced the frames. The two of us loaded the four frames inside. Each was stocked to the gills with honey, and would provide more than enough for the zap apple jam we planned to make. Placing the lid back on, AJ began to work the crank, and slowly but surely, fresh honey began to flow from the spout at the bottom. I quickly got a jar in place and slowly but surely we filled up around a dozen or so jars with honey.
After exhausting the supply, we removed the frames and repeated the whole process in reverse. Returning the empty frames to the bees, they quickly now began to crawl over them, eating what honey the extractor missed. As I watched the squirming mass of insects, I couldn't help but see how similar they were to changelings. After all, size and intelligence aside, they did both originate from the same genus. I wonder, would smoke, properly applied to a changeling hive produce a similar calming effect? While we may be allies now, it has been one of my pet projects to find a way to defend against changeling incursion, and particularly a means by which to locate and neutralise the renegade Chrysalis. Even after all this time, mass screening was not viable with the equipment and magic at our disposal. I wonder, would blasting her in the face with smoke render her drowsy? Or would it send her into a rabid feeding frenzy, draining the love from everycreature around her?
There's a horrifying thought.
But back to bees. Having replaced the frames in the hive, Applejack and I watched the insects return again. The effects of the smoke were beginning to wear off.
"Not too bad, Bones," Applejack commended. "For somepony who was scared silly of bees not so long ago, y'all sure have come a long way." I smiled as I placed the lid back on the hive and removed my hat and veil. It was damn stifling in this heat.
"Yeah, well, I was wearin' a full protective suit," I replied, "And we'd got 'em doped up like anythin'. Really it weren't....ow!"
I was startled by a sudden sharp pain on my foreleg, the one part of me that was always exposed. Pulling my hoof up, I saw, just above the fetlock, a small little welt, and in the centre, a black stinger. One of the little buggers had stung me. I guess the smoke was starting to wear off and he was pissed that we were so close to the hive.
AJ quickly grabbed the small first aid kit she kept on hoof and set to work carefully removing the stinger. As she did so, I couldn't help but realise something. It had hardly hurt. My grandmother's warning had made a bee sting out to be a most painful affair. She'd described it as being the most painful thing she'd ever felt (this was only a few weeks after I got out of hospital after I got badly scalded), so my mind had played it up to be the worst thing imaginable. But it was more like a nettle sting or pin prick. Perhaps a little more painful, but not by much. As Applejack pulled the stringer out, I couldn't help but chuckle at the idea that I was ever afraid of such a trivial thing.
As the two of us loaded the jars into a small cart to take back to the house, the sky suddenly turned overcast, and the both of us looked skyward as we heard a rumble of thunder.
We weren't too far from the zap apple orchards right now. We were close enough to see what was going on at any rate. The trees, flying in the face of basic physics, began to spark with electricity as the air filled with static, instead of charring or burning like they ought to. As the electrical energy raced over their trunks and began to arc between the branches, the first stage of their rapid growth cycle commenced.
Seemingly in an instant, dark green leaves appeared all over the trees. Only a few at first, but in a matter of moments the trees were covered, looking not unlike their cousins, albeit a far darker colour, and in need of a good pruning. Due to their odd nature, the Apples of yore had discovered that Zap Apple trees didn't take kindly to pruning, or any other maintenance.
"There's the second sign," Applejack declared. "C'mon. We best get a move on. Granny and Apple Bloom should be back soon with the new pots and pans. We best get to painting."
Ah yes, the temporary painting we had to do, all over the kitchen. A lot of the zap apple process is based on the notion that "it worked the last time". The reasons why zap apples like polka dots, considering they lack higher brain function, or a brain at all, and thus ought to be incapable of liking or disliking anything, is seen as somewhat besides the point. What is important is that when the kitchen is painted all over with polka dots, the zap apple jam tastes better, and we get a better harvest.
I did try to do a full study on zap apples a few years back, with a view to producing a monograph on them. I endeavoured to study their potential origins, their biology, and in general, find out what made them tick. But outside of the harvest time, zap apple trees are most unaccommodating to the budding scientist. Any attempts to run tests of the trees were met with mild electric shocks, and they appeared to not even react to changes in their environment. Like a lot of things born of the wild magic of the Everfree, they were difficult, if not outright impossible to understand. I experienced the same problem when I tried to make a study of Poison Joke. The infernal flowers when subjected to chemical tests would throw out different results each time, and just as with the zap apple trees, appeared to have a will of their own to not be studied.
So, with time, as with Pinkie Sense, I've learned to just accept the world as it is presented to me. I cannot explain why zap apples like polka dots, how they like polka dots, or even why polka dots in particular. All I know is that they do.
Hence why, AJ, Big Mac, and I found ourselves busily painting away in the kitchen, covering the walls with polka dots of varying sizes, covering the table with a polka dot table cloth, and even getting Winona to wear a special polka dot coat, so that she looked more like a Dalmatian than a collie.
"Careful, Big Mac," I said as the stallion inadvertently splashed a dollop of paint on me. "Y'all are gonna have me covered in polka dots if ya ain't careful."
Luckily, for obvious reasons, the paint wasn't waterproof. Once the zap apple jam was made, we'd wash the emerging modern art off of the walls.
"Ya never know," Applejack replied. "Might be the zap apples like ponies covered in polka dots."
"No way!" I exclaimed
"Nnope!" Big Mac trumpeted, fully agreeing with me.
"Oh I'm just messin with y'all," Applejack reassured us teasingly. "You gotta learn to laugh at yourself a little more, Bones. Maybe this year you can help out by singing to the water."
Oh sweet Celestia herself, no!
"Not in a million moons, Applejack," I said. "Ain't no way, no how, y'all are dressin' me up in a bunny suit and makin' me hop over waterin' cans while I sing the alphabet song."
I don't usually consider myself a stereotype, but I do fit the bill when it comes to British stuffiness, something I inherited from my dad. I have a Hell of a time letting go, having fun, and laughing at myself, as does he. I remember once, when my dad first started working for Celestia, she hugged him. The old man lightly rebuffed her with the phrase. 'No hugs please. I'm British. We only show affection to our dogs and our horses'. That made Celestia giggle.
"I don't see why ya get so wound up about it, Bones," AJ went on.
"AJ! It's embarrassin'!" I replied.
"Yeah, so?" she replied. "It's not like anypony here's gonna laugh at you. Besides, it ain't like ya gotta do exactly what Granny Smith does. Singing to the water is meant to give it a bit of music magic. It don't need to be the same song every time."
Ah, that was interesting. I had thought that that was where the need for singing came from. Music in Equestria, in case you hadn't figured it out by way of the synchronised, unrehearsed musical numbers, is a form of magic. Singing to the water gave it a bit of that magic, just as it did ponies. I suppose that helps the zap apple trees grow stronger by giving a boost to their innate magic.
Applejack's point that the song and consequently costumes didn't need to be the same though, struck a chord with me. I'm not adverse to performing or acting. Back in high school, I was even in a few plays. I just never could stand stuff that got the audience to laugh at you. Call it partly the national stereotype, and partly the result of childhood bullying. I didn't fear public performances, I just preferred not to do them.
Well, I'd gotten over a far worse fear earlier today. Perhaps I could use the momentum to break free of another. Celestia knows I would like to be able to cut loose a little more often. It's certainly one of my more major flaws. Because of it, I don't dance at Pinkie's parties, could never get into drama or acting, and in general can come across as having a bit of a stick up my rear end, at least Rainbow Dash thinks so. While there is a time and a place for a stiff upper lip and all that, there was also a time for opening up and learning to laugh at yourself.
And this was one of those times.
Work halted for dinner. We were doing pretty well so far. With Apple Bloom and I helping to boost our overall ponypower, we were well on our way to being ready for the harvest in a couple of days. Tomorrow, we would no doubt see the third sign, when the blossoms would appear on the trees. Tomorrow, our main task would be watering all the zap apple trees, and ensuring they got plenty of nutrition to help them with their rapid growth.
But while watering all those trees on its own would take up most of the day, the dozens of watering cans, all filled to the brim, needed to be imbued with magical energy too. Music magic, as I've come to call it, dissipates very quickly, having a very short half life as it were. So it wasn't as if we could slowly build up reserves in preparation. We needed to energise the water and use it on the day, by sundown at the latest.
Now, normally, I help out watering the trees, but draw the line at singing and dressing up. However, Applejack's suggestion that we could use different songs and music had given me an idea. While dressing up with rabbit ears and singing the alphabet song was a bit beyond the pale, there were several alternatives I was willing to settle for. It's not as if I have a bad singing voice either. While I would never make it on the stage, I was quite capable of singing lullabies to Apple Bloom, and routinely would come out with songs while we were working in the fields. That's what being forced to attend church and sing hymns for fifteen years gets you I suppose.
While I was willing to sing my heart out, Granny Smith however, had pointed out the zap apples also liked the costume side of things. How that's possible, I have no idea. But as I said before, zap apples are like Pinkie Sense; you just have to accept them.
So, that afternoon, I headed into Ponyville to ask a favour of a friend.
Making my way through the quieter town, as the sun hung low in the sky and ponies retired to their homes, I soon found my way to Carousel Boutique, the home and business of Rarity; Equestria's foremost fashion designers. While she may typically design for mares, I know in a pinch, she's willing to expand her horizons. In the past, she's made me a rather dashing grey shell jacket as part of a Nightmare Night costume. It was getting near to her usual closing time, and I would be quite happy to set the matter aside if she was too busy. The last thing I wanted to do was take advantage of her well known generosity.
Coming to the door, I headed inside, the bell above the door letting out a soft chime as I passed through. I found myself on the shop floor, surrounded by ponyquins (at least I think that's the right term) wearing some of Rarity's latest designs. Of the fashionista herself though, there was no sign.
"Just a minute!" I heard her call from somewhere in the back of the store, which also doubled as her home. A moment later, she appeared in the doorway.
She was evidently working on some design or other, since she was sporting those red framed glasses, which have always reminded me of the fiery secretary my dad used to have at his office. She was well known for keeping clients in line. Even some of the nastier regulars, convicted for violent offences, knew not to cheese her off. Luckily, Rarity is rarely that irritable, even when her work consumes her. She looked a little surprised to see me, no doubt expecting a more typical customer.
"Oh, Blade Star," she said, a small note of surprise in her voice. "What brings you to my humble establishment."
"A small commission," I replied kindly as I removed my hat. "If y'all have the time that is. Applejack's got me roped into singing to the watering cans for the zap apple harvest, and I need a costume."
"Really?" Rarity said, nonplussed. "I must confess I never understood those strange zap apples. Although the jam is simply divine. What sort of outfit are you looking for?"
"Something reminiscent of the navy, from a couple hundred years ago. A navy tunic, with gold buttons and epaulettes, and a black bicorne hat. I've got a jacket you can adapt for it." Rarity paused and thought for a moment.
"Hmm, ordinarily, I'd be happy to lend a friend a helping hoof," she said. "But as luck would have it, an old friend has dropped by who might be of even more help. Oh Elusive?"
She turned back to the door she had come from a few moments ago. I recognised the name; Elusive was my dad's tailor, from Canterlot no less. He operates a fairly well to do, if fairly small, store in a quieter corner of the city. His customers have included Royal Guard officers, nobles, and of course, Equestria's only human government minister. There's also a rather peculiar rumour going around that once upon a time, he worked for shadowy GSB, the Griffon Security Bureau; the Griffon Kingdom's infamous secret police, and may have even been involved with the allegedly non-existent SMILE organisation.
But allegations of double agents and nonsensical hearsay aside, he is renowned as an excellent tailor as shown by my old man's many impressive suits. What caught me off guard, as he walked in to join us, was his appearance.
He was an older stallion, older than me and probably Rarity, but younger than my dad. I'd say he was probably around Mr Cake's or Filthy Rich's age. What surprised me was just how similar he was to Rarity herself. They looked almost like siblings. As with Rarity, he was a unicorn and had a pure white coat, with a purple mane and tail, although his mane was done up in a far more masculine style and had the odd tinge of grey. Even his eyes were somewhat similar, being a striking grey blue that reminded me of a husky dog. His cutie mark, in contrast to Rarity's though, was a coiled length of measuring tape. Like a lot of Canterlot ponies, he wore clothes as a matter of course, at the moment sporting a deep crimson waistcoat with black velvet at the back ,which offset quite nicely against his white coat. Around his neck was a tape measure, hanging like a stethoscope. Our eyes met as he walked in.
"Yes, Rarity...oh! I didn't realise you had a guest."
"Elusive, darling," Rarity said formally. "This is Blade Star, one my dear friends here in Ponyville." The stallion came over to shake my hoof.
"Ah yes, you're Roger's son, aren't you?" he said. "You often crop up in conversations when I'm doing alterations for him."
"Good things I hope?" I replied kindly.
"Oh, but of course, young man. He's told me quite a bit about your magical studies." Rarity now gently interjected.
"Blade Star here has something that I think would be suited to your services," she said.
I briefly summarised the reason for my visit and held up the navy blue coat that I'd selected. Elusive looked it over carefully.
"Hmm, yes," he said after closely inspecting it for a few moments. "I ought to be just about able to do something with this. I couldn't perhaps trouble you, Mr Star, to just step in here and let me take your measurements?"
"Sure," I agreed.
The three of us headed back into Rarity's work room. Elusive quickly went to work, measuring me all over, taking measurements for my shoulders, forelegs and hind legs, my barrel, chest, and even my collar. He was very quick in his ways though, the tape measure floating through the air in his magic, while a small notepad and pencil in the same jotted down my measurements. A few minutes later, he delivered his verdict.
"Yes," he said, partly to himself. "I should be able to whip up something suitable for you. Would you be able to come back tomorrow morning? Rarity here has been kind enough to put me up for the night while I'm in town visiting."
"Sure," I replied. "It'll take a while to get everythin' set up anyway. I'll swing by as soon as I can."
With that, I left the apparent twins and headed back up to the farm.
The following morning, I repeated my trip down to Carousel Boutique. Elusive, to his credit, had stayed up a little later than he would have liked, altering the coat, and modifying it as I'd requested it. He was even kind enough to furnish me with a bicorne hat, and standing in front of the mirror on the small dais in Rarity's shop, I looked every inch as though I'd just stepped off a 38 gun frigate that had pulled into Portsmouth after a long period stationed with the Channel Fleet.
Returning again to Sweet Apple Acres, I found everypony hard at work manning the pumps, to slip into naval parlance, and filling up all the watering cans. There were probably around two dozen or so all together; more than enough for the zap apple trees.
As I returned, Big Mac trotted up to join me. As our resident member of the Ponytones, I'd enlisted him in my little sing song. One of Big Mac's many good qualities is that he has an undeniably brilliant baritone, and an excellent ear to boot. He provides the bass to every number in the Ponytones, while altos like Rarity provide the high notes. He too had dressed himself up, with a similar blue jacket over a red and white horizontal striped shirt. Atop his head was a straw brimmed hat. All in all, he looked very much like a midshipman of the period too.
"Well, Mac," I said as I met up with him. "Don't we both look ridiculous?"
"Eeyup," he agreed. "But if the zap apples like it, I ain't gonna complain. I'm just glad I'm not dressing up like a rabbit or something."
Like me, Big Mac has staunchly stayed well away from singing to the water in the past, neither of us wanting to risk our masculine pride.
"What are we singing anyway?" he asked. I answered his question, with one of my own.
"Have you ever heard of Gilbert and Sullivan, Mac?" I asked. The red stallion paused and thought for a moment.
"I don't think so," he said after a moment, shaking his head. "Are they new ponies in town or somethin'?"
I gave Mac a look that could only be described as half pity, and half disgust. To be fair, how could you expect a pony, with little knowledge of another world to know two relatively obscure figures from two centuries ago?
"They're composers, Mac," I explained. "From the nineteenth century. This is some music from one of their plays."
Mac just eyed me and the music suspiciously. Just like me, at times he could be a very reserved kind of pony, and while he had no qualms about public performances, he was a little worried about potential teasing from his sisters and grandmother in the future. Still I brought him up to speed, taught him the lyrics and harmonies. We'd be singing together, and his baritone would come in very handy.
The two of us returned and joined Applejack, Apple Bloom and Granny Smith just as they were finishing up. Applejack had been on the hand pump, while AB and her grandmother carried the watering cans. As we walked up, Applejack, in that wonderful blunt way of hers that comes with being the Element of Honesty, passed judgement on our outfits.
"Land sakes!" she exclaimed with a chuckle. "You two look like you've escaped from some high society froufrou party." Mac snorted.
"Do you want us to sing or not?" I countered. That got her to be quiet.
Granny and AB had lined the watering cans up for us. Since we weren't playing rabbits, we didn't need to hop over them, and instead treated them more like an audience.
I'd picked a decent number. I may be a citizen of Equestria these days, but it was still close to my heart and stirred just a touch of patriotic fervour for the old mother country. Plus, I hoped the happy, celebratory sounding tune would please the zap apples. If they like the alphabet song, they ought to love this. As we prepared, unseen instruments began to play as the strange music of magi kicked in. And so, doing my best to look the part in my uniform, I began to sing, with Big Mac helping out.
The positive energy from the music would charge up the water with magic, helping to feed the zap apple trees. It also, I dare say, provided some amusement for AJ and the other mares in the family. She was right though, it is nice to be able to laugh at yourself from time to time.
With the water now ready to go, it was time to fall back to more familiar work and water the trees. Heading briefly back into the farmhouse, I changed out my naval attire and emerged a minute or so later as Blade Star the farmer again, with only my stetson for clothing. A good thing too, since it was getting hotter and hotter as the day drew on.
We all picked up as many watering cans as we could carry. I managed five myself; two slung in the saddlebags, one with the handle held in my mouth, and two floating along in my magic. Between us, we had plenty to water the trees.
The zap apple trees still looked unusually bare for this time of year. Most of the normal apple trees were beginning to form fruit on their branches now, with the blossoms long since having blown away. These trees though, continued to only have a few leaves so far, looking as if it was still early spring. Of course, this didn't mean anything was amiss with them. This was just how the zap apple trees grew and matured. It was just strange, and perhaps a little unsettling, to see these comparatively bare trees when we were not all that far from Applebuck Season. Still, the leaves they had did at least give us some shade as we made our way through the orchards.
"You know, AJ," I said, as I used my magic to gently pour water onto the roots of one of the trees. "We ought to consider investin' in some sort of irrigation system. It sure would make this a whole lot easier."
Sprinklers and such were a perfectly common occurrence in Equestria, and with the nearby lake, we had an ideal water source. We could run hoses and pipes all through the orchards, maybe even set up some sort of remote control system or timing device to control it all. It would mean a lot of work, but it would be a great help in the long term. It was certainly better than what we were doing now; pumping water at the farmhouse and then carrying watering cans all over the farm.
"That sort of thing's real expensive, Bones," she replied. "And it takes an awful lot of work to keep it all goin'. One leak somewhere and we could lose a whole lot of water. And ya know this time of year, that's real precious resource."
"I just think it would take up less energy than what we're doin' here," I replied. "I know the Apples value tradition and so forth, but even with five ponies, it's a whole lot of work just to water the zap apple trees. Think of all the time we'd save with a proper irrigation system."
"Feller does have a point," Granny Smith agreed. "Celestia knows I ain't gettin' any younger. Only problem is trying to find time to build somethin' like that. Applebuck Season comes almost right after the zap apple harvest, then we're onto cider season. Come winter, the ground's too hard to dig and install all that stuff without riskin' a pipe burstin' somewhere from the frost. And by the time Winter Wrap Up rolls around, we're back to gettin' everything ready for the summer again."
"Why not just get a few ponies to help out in the spring?" Apple Bloom suggested. "Or get some of the Apple family down here to help. We could maybe make it somethin' to do at the reunion."
"Now there's an idea!" I agreed.
The reunion happened between the zap apple harvest and Applebuck Season. It was only a short affair of a couple days, but if those ponies could completely rebuild the barn in that time, why not do this. At the very least, with their help we could get the hard part of digging the ditches and laying the main pipes done. After that, we could work on it as and when, having it ready for the next spring.
As we continued to chat about this latest improvement to Sweet Apple Acres, and Granny Smith went off on a tangent about how watering cans were once seen as black magic, we were interrupted as a storm began to brew overhead.
Seemingly out of nowhere, dark storm clouds gathered, covering the sky in an endless grey. A strong wind kicked up too. It was unusually chilly for this time of year and made me steel myself against it. The branches of the zap apple trees bowed and rocked in the wind, while the leaves rustled around us. Up in the sky, we saw a flock of crows fly overhead, crowing ominously. All in all, it was a very Gothic scene, reminiscent of something Edgar Allen Poe might write.
A moment later, and the trees all buzzed with that same electrical energy as before. Here we are; this was the third sign. A moment later, the apple blossoms appeared in the branches, as if spring had suddenly returned in the middle of July.
"There's the third sign!" Applejack declared as the storm clouds vanished as suddenly as they had come. "We ought to see the fourth by tonight I reckon. Well, at least we're pretty much ready now for the harvest. What do y'all say to takin' a break?"
"Eeyup!" Big Mac said solemnly.
That evening found me perched on the edge of Apple Bloom's bed, the little filly herself tucked in and fairly tired, but still demanding a bedtime story from yours truly. I think she likes just how removed they are from Equestria, so different, and almost alien, and yet can at the same time be so familiar. I'd switched out Bible stories this evening for something a little different, albeit still with morals and messages.
I'd told her a few stories of El-ahrairah before, and she'd loved them. Even more curiously, Fluttershy's evil pet, on interview, seemed to recognise them, suggesting that they were another point of overlap between our two worlds.
Now, for those of you unfamiliar, allow me to explain. El-ahrairah (pronounced ella-hrare-rah, with hrair rhyming with fair and the emphasis on syllables following the phrase 'never say die') is a rabbit folk hero, at least according to Richard Adams in his book Watership Down. In the rabbit creation myth, El-ahrairah was the first rabbit, and hailed as the prince of all rabbits. His people overpopulated the world, prompting the sun god, Frith, to create the enemies, or elil to use the Lapine, of rabbits, such as foxes, dogs, badgers, hawks, and stoats. His name is a contraction of the words elil (meaning enemy), hrair (any number beyond four, in this context a thousand), and rah (a suffix denoting authority, such as Lord). Translated into literal English, or Ponish, he is the Prince with a Thousand Enemies. And he's always one step ahead.
To rabbits, El-ahrairah is like Robin Hood, and through clever tricks and cunning schemes he has saved his people time and again. He continues to inspire his descendants to this day with tales of his many adventures, from the ludicrous, such as The King's Lettuce, to the downright terrifying, like El-ahrairah and the Black Rabbit of Inle.
That particular story, along with The Hole in the Sky, I reserve solely for Nightmare Night. But there are plenty of others that are far less scary and make for good stories. Tonight though, I let Apple Bloom pick, since she was the one who'd asked for a tale of El-ahrairah.
"Okay, Apple Bloom," I said as I made myself comfortable. "What story do you want to hear? Rowsby Woof and the Fairy Wogdog? Or maybe The Trial of El-ahrairah?"
"The Blessing of El-ahrairah" Apple Bloom replied, yawning a little.
Ah, the rabbits' creation myth. The story of how El-ahrairah and his people overpopulated the land and angered Frith, the sun god, prompting him to bring forth the elil; the thousand enemies of rabbits. Settling down, I began to retell the old story to Apple Bloom.
Seeing the danger he had put himself in, and fearing for his people, El-ahrairah fled and began to desperately dig a hole to hide himself in, when Frith appeared. Frith said how every other creature in the world had come before him to be blessed with a unique gift. The cat had been given eyes that could see in the dark, the dog was given sharp teeth, the owl was given silent wings, and to all of these, Frith gave the desire to hunt and slay the children of El-ahrairah. Only El-ahrairah had not appeared.
But El-ahrairah wasn't giving up just yet. Even though he knew he could not outwit Frith and knew that he had angered him, and that he could kill El-ahrairah in an instant, he was determined to try, and as he continued to dig, he replied that he was far too busy, and that if Frith wanted to bless any part of him, he would have to bless his bottom.
Frith, of course, obliged. El-ahrairah's tail grew shining white to confuse his foes, his back legs grew long and powerful, giving him speed, and his ears stood up tall on his head, letting him hear for miles around. Armed with these gifts, El-ahrairah took off across the hills with his people, evading the elil at every turn. I felt a smile on my lips as I related the final verse, which to this day stokes the fires of courage in any rabbit, and the odd pony or human.
"El-ahrairah, your people cannot rule the world, for I will not have it so. All the world shall be your enemy, Prince with a Thousand Enemies," I said solemnly to Apple Bloom, who was listening with close attention. "And whenever they catch you, they will kill you. But first, they must catch you. Digger, listener, runner. Prince with the swift warning. Be cunning, and full of tricks, and your people shall never be destroyed."
This was the ancient promise made by Frith. As much as, at times, he found El-ahrairah irritating and annoying to the point that he seemed to set the entire world against him, he had a need for him. He needed someone to jest and play tricks to confound all the other creatures, and he admired him for his determination to survive, despite the odds. So he would never kill him. I watched as Apple Bloom's eyes began to close, just as I came to the end of the story.
"And when Frith's has done his day's work, and he lies calm and easy in the red sky, El-ahrairah, and his children, and his children's children, come out of their holes and feed and play in his sight, for they are his friends, and he has promised them that they can never be destroyed."
With that, the little filly fell fast asleep, snoring softly. I smiled to myself.
"Y'all have a real knack for storytellin', Bones," a voice said quietly, close at hoof.
I jumped with a start, fortunately not waking Apple Bloom up again. Turning to the doorway, I found Applejack, minus her hat and with her mane down around her shoulders. I relaxed at the sight of her. She likes how good I am taking care of Apple Bloom. I suppose it is a good way to judge character. I just sometimes worry that I'm treading on Big Mac's hooves a bit. After all, there's no way I can replace him, to say nothing of the venerable Bright Mac.
"Oh I'm just repeatin' somethin' written by somepony on my old world. Ask me to tell my own story, made up on the spot, and y'all will soon find I ain't much of an author."
"Still," AJ replied. "You're the one she asks for when it comes to bedtime stories." I blushed shyly at that. According to Rarity, one of the things that got Applejack interested in me was how good I was with Apple Bloom. 'Husband material' as she put it.
"What are y'all still doin' up anyway?" I asked her as she leaned languidly against the doorway.
"Granny reckons the next sign might come tonight. She wanted me to keep an eye out. Fancy stayin' up with me a bit?"
Ah yes, the fourth sign was a meteor shower, and the burst of magic that followed would prompt the zap apples themselves to appear. After that, there was only one more stage, and then they were ready to harvest. Not that you could harvest a zap apple before it was ripe. One of my little projects last year was to try and get the unripe fruit for testing. Everything I tried resulting in an increasingly severe electric shock, as if I was genuinely testing the tree's patience with my repeated efforts.
But enough about zap apples. I had a chance to stay up late with my marefriend and relax underneath the starry skies. What idiot would say no to that?
"Sure," I said, keeping my voice low so as to not wake the sleeping filly.
The two of us carefully extricated ourselves from the room and gently closed the door behind us. Apple Bloom didn't make a sound.
Trotting down the stairs, I found that Applejack had pretty much closed everything down for the night. The kitchen was dark now, with everything put away and the stove fire banked. In the moonlight that streamed through the windows, you could easily make out the polka dots though. The living room was dark as well, with only a few small embers of an earlier fire remaining. Heading out through the stable style door, we found the world once again calm and quiet. The moon, which hung high above us, gave enough light to see by, but there was hardly any sound, apart from a slight breeze, and the babbling of the nearby stream. I took a breath, breathing in the cool night air.
"And to think," I said softly looking up at the stars. "Most ponies just sleep through this every night."
"Well, not everywhere gets the view we do," AJ replied. "Remember when we were up in Canterlot for the Summer Sun Celebration? All night long, you could see the moon, but hardly any stars."
"That's light pollution for you, AJ," I replied. "The lights from the city drown out the starlight. It used to be like that for me when I lived in a town. It wasn't until my family moved out to the countryside that I really started to appreciate the night."
"I can't imagine livin' like that," AJ replied. "Manehattan taught me to leave big cities well enough alone. They're noisy, bustlin', and the ponies in 'em aren't exactly friendly a lot of the time."
"Eh, they're not so bad," I replied. "Everythin' a pony needs is on your doorstep, shops, doctors, school. You don't have to walk miles just to get the paper or visit the library. And they actually run buses near to where you live."
Applejack looked at me perplexedly.
"What the hay are buses?" she asked, as if I'd just started nattering on about quantum theory. I couldn't help but laugh.
I was about to explain the idea of a very large motorised wagon, filled with strange people, driven by other strange people who have no concept of mirrors or checking them before pulling out into traffic, that you use to travel around at a slow pace and in general discomfort, with a good chance of catching something off of one of the passengers. Before I could do that though, luckily for AJ, our attention was once again drawn skyward.
While the night sky is a beautiful thing to look up at for hours on end, it is largely a static piece of artwork. Of course, when you get right down to it, everything in the universe, including this planet was spinning at thousands of miles an hour, but you didn't exactly notice that most of the time. However, from time to time, you do catch the odd bit of movement, and that was what we were seeing now. Streaking through the sky, we saw dozens of little white dashes of light; meteors burning up in the atmosphere. We both let out gasps of amazement as the show began. I'd seen the odd shooting star before, but never this many. It was better than the old Windows screensaver.
As the meteor shower intensified, the magic in the zap apple trees once again activated. As a strong gust of wind blew through the trees, the zap apples began to appear in their branches one by one. We watched as the trees lit up with occasional flashes as each new fruit appeared. Of course, they weren't ready for harvest yet. If you went out to the orchards for a look, you'd see that the apples, while fully formed, lacked their signature rainbow colouring, instead being various shades of grey and black. By tomorrow though, that would change.
Just as suddenly as it had come, the amazing meteor shower over the farm ended, and the sky returned to just a deep blue filled with shimmering stars. AJ and I stayed up a while longer, sitting on the cool grass, picking out constellations. Eventually, as I found myself yawning, I figured it was time to hit the hay.
"I reckon we'll be harvestin' by noon tomorrow. Come on. We'd better get some sleep."
Applejack though was one step ahead of me. The mare was now softly snoring on the soft grass. Stifling a chuckle, I got to my hooves and activated my magic. Gently lifting her up, I got her draped over my back and, taking the strain, headed inside. Heading upstairs with my unusual load, I took her to her room and got her tucked into bed, before I retired to my own.
The following morning, I found myself waking up even earlier than usual. There was no doubt in my mind that today would be the first day of the very short harvest. Any time now, we'd see the final sign. We'd get one more rogue storm front appear over the orchards, and then an incredible rainbow would race through the trees, giving each of the zap apples their signature colour, while at the same time, making them safe to harvest. If you tried to kick one of the trees now, the best you'd get would be a nasty electric shock.
Throwing off the bed covers, I quickly set about my usual morning routine. Throwing open the covers, I took a look out at the world. It was still pretty early yet. The sun had probably only come up about an hour or so ago, and the grass still had a fine coat of dew. At first, I was content to just take in the beautiful scene. I figured we'd have a few things to do before the harvest. The chickens would need to be fed, the pigs too. With any luck, we might even get a chance to milk the cows before the final sign arrived.
This nice, easy going little plan lasted right up until the moment the cockerel, already irritated by the lack of food for his hens, jumped up on top of the chicken coop and made his displeasure known. Letting out his well practised crow, which would no doubt wake the whole farm, I was startled out of my early morning sleepiness.
You see, at this time of year, the apple trees were all starting to bear fruit. Amidst the green leaves, you could see little splashes of red, orange, green, and yellow, as the fruit slowly formed in the branches. It wasn't until I took a closer look at the zap apple trees that I realised something.
They were multicoloured!
The last sign must have come very early this morning, just after sunrise! The zap apples were ready to harvest now. And more to the point, the clock was now ticking down to when any remaining apples not harvested would vanish again. We should have been up and harvesting a couple of hours ago.
With no time to waste, I forgot about making my bed or making myself in any way presentable. Instead I rushed out of my room and into the hall. Going back and forth banging on each door as I went, I endeavoured to wake everypony.
"Wake up, everypony!" I hollered. "The fifth sign's been and gone! We need to get harvestin'!"
Eventually, my efforts brought a slightly weary looking Applejack to her bedroom door. My brief panic and alarm was checked for a moment as I got a look at her with my mane down around her shoulders. I've been tempted to say she should wear her mane down more often.
"Bones," she said, wiping the sleep from her eyes with a hoof. "What in the name of Celestia are ya goin' on about?"
"It's the zap apples, AJ," I said urgently. "They're rainbow coloured. They're ready to harvest!"
The realisation hit Applejack in pretty much the same way as it hit me, and before long, we were both doing our best to wake everypony else up.
A very hurried breakfast later, and we were all out in the orchards. We hadn't even gotten up and we were already behind schedule! We'd have to really pull our non-existent fingers out to get the whole harvest done in time. By itself that wouldn't be too hard. The problem is, not all the apples ripen at the same time. We kept having to redo the same trees. So this was a marathon, not a sprint. We had five days now to harvest the entire zap apple orchard. From there, we'd have plenty of time to make them into zap apple jam. But like it or not, the next five days were going to be tough.
It was me, Applejack and Big Mac out in the fields bucking away at the trees, while Granny Smith and Apple Bloom collected the filled baskets and took them back to the farmhouse. Come tomorrow, we'd be down a filly, with the school week beginning again. And that was forgetting everything else. Just because it was zap apple season didn't mean any of our regular duties stopped. Someone still needed to feed the pigs, collect eggs from the chickens, maintain the fences, fix the water pump that was acting up, mend the hinge on the barn door, and keep an eye on all the other trees as their fruit matured. All in all, we were in for a tough week.
The three of us stuck pretty close to each other, working our way through one row at a time in sections. I was just glad that the baskets were already set up. Come Applebuck Season, we'd have to drag these around as well, loading carts and hauling them back and forth to the storage barns scattered around the farm. I did my best to keep a measured pace, but before too long my legs started to ache. As in shape as we all were, applebucking is still back breaking work when you get right down to it. More so with the hot July sun rising in the east.
"Say, Bones," Applejack called out from across the way. "How about ya strike up one of your songs for us?"
As I've said before, I'm not a bad singer, and I know plenty of songs that can make work on the farm just a little bit more tolerable. After thinking it over for a moment, I started up, the magic around me providing the suitable musical accompaniment, striking up into the tune of 'Auld Bessie'.
Let Bacchus' sons be not dismayed
But join with me, each jovial blade
Come, drink and sing and lend your aid
To help me with the chorus
Instead of spa, we'll drink brown ale
And pay the reckoning on the nail;
No man for debt shall go to jail
From Garryowen in glory.
We'll beat the bailiffs out of fun,
We'll make the mayor and sheriffs run
We are the boys no man dares dun
If he regards a whole skin.
Our hearts so stout have got no fame
For soon 'tis known from whence we came
Where'er we go they fear the name
Of Garryowen in glory.
The song did a fair bit to lift our spirits. The last time I'd heard it had been a little over a year ago, just after the cessation of hostilities between Equestria and the changelings. Thanks to Starlight and the others, Chrysalis was overthrown, all that remained were the infiltrators in Canterlot who had taken the guises of the princesses, the Elements, Spike, and Shining. The pair in Canterlot had been apprehended, in part thanks to my dad, who first realised something was amiss with Celestia. When what had happened came to light, the trio in the Crystal Empire surrendered. But the seven in Ponyville, including the...thing...that impersonated AJ, which to my unending disgrace I didn't spot, holed themselves up in the castle.
A siege ensued, with the seven bugs refusing to haul down their colours or recognise the new government or the cease fire. In the end, the Royal Guard staged their own version of the Iranian Embassy Siege and dragged them out kicking and screaming. The resulting celebration as the guards marched the captives away had used the old tune. To my mind, it seemed appropriate, with the guards driving the bugs along like captured Indians before the federal cavalry.
Sorry, that comes across as just a bit harsh, doesn't it? Even with the peace, I still have to watch myself sometimes, lest I slip back into bad habits. Once upon a time, I just blindly hated all changelings. But slowly but surely, I've managed to change that, with help from a few good friends, and one traumatic incident involving time travel and unexpected wish fulfilment. They're right you know, what they say about being careful what you wish for. In any case, I'm reformed now. It's just that it's an ongoing process. So I guess you could say I'm more of a work in progress.
Anyway, back to farming. We spent the whole morning catching up with our schedule, and by the time lunch rolled around, and it was almost unbearably hot, we were more than glad for the respite.
The first batch of harvested zap apples meant that Granny Smith could now swing into action making the zap apple jam. The fresher the apples, the better the jam was, and the more Filthy, that old miser, would pay for it. By the time we came in with the first load in carts, Granny was all set to go. The stove was crammed with pots. She had a couple potato mashers, jars of honey and jam sugar, and plenty of jam jars, all freshly sterilised from being in the oven for the last hour.
She started by washing and then cutting up the zap apples, removing their cores and dicing them into cubes. The chopping board soon became a multicoloured palette of rainbow coloured apples. From there, placing them into one of the large pans, she mashed them up into a near puree. She then added both the jam sugar and the honey, which would help thicken the mixture The resulting thick mixture looked a lot like liquid rainbows, which are indeed a thing in Equestrian weather manufacturing, being not too dissimilar to axle grease, and according to Rainbow Dash at any rate, it also makes for a great hangover cure.
As she stirred away at the bubbling mixture, which now made everything smell like zap apple jam, she would occasionally test the mixture's consistency, making sure that it was thickening properly. After all, nopony wants watery zap apple jam, or jam that's just thick ooze. It takes a real knack to get it right, and Granny Smith is the only pony around here who has the magic touch.
Seriously, it's the one thing I don't know about the process, which she keeps a closely guarded secret. I've tried it, as have others, and our jam invariably comes out wrong. But, it's the only way we can ensure nopony else can steal the recipe. Whatever it is Granny Smith does, it works, and nopony else can replicate it.
Once the jam had thickened properly and it had been brought to a rolling boil, Granny eased the heat down and carefully used a ladle to get the jam into the prepared jars. You had to be careful, putting the hot jam in could, if you weren't careful, cause the glass jars to crack, so it was vital that they'd only just come out of sitting in the oven. From there, both jar and jam were left to slowly cool down and were sealed airtight. And as the mixture cooled, the jam took on its recognisable striped rainbow colour, instead of being just a wash of various colours.
And there you had it, the first batch of this year's zap apple jam. Every year was always a little different from the last, as is the case with any natural produce. Like a good wine, certain years of zap apple jam were prized for their taste and colour. The vast majority of these though would more than likely be gone before winter rolled around again.
After we'd had a quick lunch, it was back out there again, albeit, now that we were back on schedule, at a slightly less fractious pace.
There's not really too much to say beyond that. As interesting as it was, I seriously doubt you are interested in a buck by buck of the next five days of harvesting and jam making. So, let us skip ahead to the end of the harvest.
After five days, we'd done all we could. Sadly, we hadn't managed to harvest absolutely every single tree, but we got a good chunk of the orchard cleared out before the magic of the zap apple trees went dormant again, sending the unharvested apples, leaves and blossoms all back from whence they came.
We had a sizable harvest at any rate. It was more than enough to fulfil our annual contract with Barnyard Bargain, which called for five hundred jars. In total, we had that, plus twenty over for ourselves. I was now taking these over to the store by wagon. Ordinarily, this would have been a job for Big Mac, but he was currently off on other business. It seemed that, like me, he was interested in a career in teaching.
With Twilight's impending coronation, and all the duties and responsibilities that came with it, she would no longer be able to look after the school full time. Like Princess Celestia, she planned to teach when she could, and possibly take on another personal student, but somepony else would have to take over the day to day operations and management. To that end, she had promoted the current vice-headmare, Starlight, to the position. That left a gap in the roster that needed filling. Starlight had quickly set to work on this and put out a want ad. Job hunting in Equestria is wonderfully easier than it is on earth. For starters, your best skill is plastered to your hindquarters, and even if it can't be a vocation, it helps guide you to what you love. More to the point, the job market is a whole lot better. While jobs do require certain qualifications, they're far less restrictive. You certainly don't see the infamous, must have at least five years experience with a computer program that only came out last year, or the chicken and egg problem of experience. Most places are willing to hire provisionally and train you. Even if I hadn't started working for Applejack, I think I would have found my feet alright here.
Anyway, Big Mac had gone after the job. He is quite the smart stallion when all is said and done. In all honesty, sometimes I think farming is a waste of his intellect. He's not a genius or anything, but I certainly think he could lecture on some subjects at a university level. So he'd put in and been taken on provisionally, along with a couple other candidates to let Starlight see how they did at the role. It was good too that she was hiring outside and not just promoting one of the professors. My mum had always said brilliant teachers all too often make for terrible heads, since the skills required are so different. So with him away, that left me to haul the goods over to Filthy.
Barnyard Bargains is Equestria's answer to Tesco, or Walmart, but with the important addition of morals and respect for the Geneva Convention. Filthy isn't too bad really when it boils right down to. It's just you judge him by Ponyville's much higher moral standard. And to be fair, he's looked after the family store well, expanding it to have a modest chain. Now if only he'd ditch that horrible cow he calls a wife.
Hauling the wagon around to the loading dock at the rear of the store, I found Filthy and a couple of stock clerk ponies waiting for me.
"Howdy, Mr. Rich," I said, touching the brim of my hat. He understandably hates being called Filthy.
"Good morning, Mr. Star," he said, sounding every inch a southern gentleman that he tries to be. "I take it this is the yield for this year's zap apple harvest."
"Sure is," I replied, unhitching myself and chocking the wagon. "Five hundred jars, as promised."
"Excellent!" he said, clapping his hooves together in a well practised act of good cheer. "You don't mind if I try one of these myself do you?"
He does that, Big Mac had warned me. Every year, he picks a jar at random and checks the quality. In a way, it's more than a little insulting. Apples don't go back on a deal and after all these years he should know that. Then again, he's never really stopped trying to find a way to make it himself either. So I suppose there's mutual distrust as well as detente.
"Well go right ahead," I said congenially. "Which one do you want?"
Filthy picked one of the jars out, which I levitated over to him. Opening it up, he stuck a spoon in and had a taste of the rainbow coloured jam. It quickly met with his approval.
Of course, if I was bent and selling him jars of liquid rainbow at twenty bits a jar, I'd fill the whole first rack with genuine jars. If he wants to be a discerning businessman, Filthy should learn to ask for a taste from the other side of the brick.
But he was satisfied and his staff quickly set to unloading the wagon. A couple were, naturally, refused due to damage here and there, but that was why we had a few more than needed. These things happen after all. And it left me with my own couple of jars which I could give to my parents and Lizzie. Perks of the job, you see. If nothing else, Dad did love to joke how these jars did 'fall off the back of a wagon'.
Speaking of my old man, he had some interesting news from Canterlot. He'd brought back home a collection of postcards from when Celestia and Luna went on their little vacation. They gave Twilight a little trial having her hoof on the tiller, and got a taste of what retirement might be like. There was a bit of squabbling at one point, but they had a good time. And luckily they came back promptly when Twilight knackered the little trinket they gave her to move the sun and moon.
In addition to that though, I heard from Mum about the recent Trivia Trot fiasco. Applejack had told me all about it of course, but it was still a funny story to hear. More to the point, Sunburst was in town because of that little affair. Perhaps later I could pop by and see him.
As it turned out, I'd be seeing him a lot. While Big Mac had ultimately realised that being vice-headstallion was not for him, the school did have a couple new members of staff. Sunburst, and I'm not going to cry nepotism or affirmative action here, was picked to take the post. It made sense to be fair, and it gave the stallion a chance to reach his full potential, particularly now that Flurry was getting older.
What terrifies me though was who Starlight picked to replace her role as student counsellor. You think having an ex-cult leader as the pony in charge of students' mental health is bad?
Try the Great and Powerful Trixie.
As a wise Scotsman once said; 'we're doomed!' |
A Year in Equestria | Chapter 8 - August | There was quite a hubbub going on in the class as I walked in that afternoon. It was understandable. It was the last class of the day, but more importantly, it was the last class of the year. Today, a good portion of the students would be returning home to their families and enjoying a well earned vacation until September. Needless to say, this was the only topic of discussion.
"Alright, simmer down," I said as I walked in, catching everycreature's attention. "I know the day's almost over and you're all looking forward to summer vacation. But we've got one more lesson before that."
"Oh come on, Professor Star," one of the pony students moaned. "Can't you let us out early or something? We've been looking forward to summer vacation all year. I can't wait to head home and see my family."
I was about to respond, when another student, rather brusquely, spoke up.
"Speak for yourself," Gallus said scathingly. "And just because it's the last lesson doesn't mean it's not important."
Gallus, of course, was what you might call a long term boarder at the school. He didn't go home for Hearth's Warming or for any other vacation, unlike most students. There was good reason for that, his grandfather notwithstanding. Because of this, Twilight had made special provisions to allow him to stay in the school dorms until he graduated. The downside of that was, while he didn't have to spend any time around his charming relatives, he did end up spending a lot of the holidays alone. Being surrounded by students all chattering about going back to home and hearth just rubbed salt in the wound.
Still, at least last Hearth's Warming wasn't too bad for him, petty vandalism aside, with his friends sticking around to celebrate the season with him. But it must be hard for him at times. Perhaps that's why he throws himself so deeply in friendship studies, since family has all but failed him.
"Thank you, Gallus," I said, glad to have the griffon on side. "And you are quite right. This may be the last class of the year, but this class on kindness will be looking at one of its most important facets; mercy and compassion."
The lesson was quite an interesting one. After all, at times, it can be deeply difficult to take that moral high ground, and can prove quite dangerous in the long run. But at other times, it can be the catalyst for forming new relations. I used an interesting encounter from the Great War, when the infamous Red Baron crossed paths with an equally skilled French ace. The two pilots circled each other, looking for weakness, each finding the other to be an old hand. At the critical moment though, Richthofen's guns jammed, worse still, the Frenchman saw him desperately trying to clear the jammed shell.
"Now, of course," I said as I slowly walked back and forth in front of the large chalkboard, thoroughly in Twilight's lecture mode. "The logical thing for the pilot to do would be to shoot. He knew Richthofen was helpless. But instead, he drew alongside, waved a greeting, and then retired from the fight. You see, in those days, there was a code of honour amongst pilots. And it was seen as wrong and cowardly to shoot an enemy who couldn't shoot back. Now, had the Red Baron been shot down that day, dozens of pilots might have lived. But tell me, would it have been right?"
That got quite a lively debate going between the students on the value of kindness, in a world that sometimes isn't particularly kind. I Thought back to the first time Rarity visited Manehattan, and how her generosity was abused. These days, chivalry and honour all too often make you an idiot, a dead idiot, rather than a gentleman. Then again, mercy was often the first step in reformation. Look at Starlight or Tempest. Things could have ended very differently for both of them. But ponies are kind and merciful creatures, sometimes to their detriment. You know the old saying; 'no good deed goes unpunished'. But in all honesty, I'd rather get stung a few times for being kind than avoid harm through cruelty.
Although having said that, there are a few occasions where even ponies will show no mercy. And one of those was coming up faster than I realised.
As the debate wound up, the students were delighted to hear the bell ring for the last time. They all quickly began packing away their things, and since I'm neither petty, nor a control freak, I didn't pull that whole 'the bell doesn't dismiss you, I do' crap on them.
"Alright, and with that, enjoy your vacations. I'll see you all again in September."
The students all hurriedly filed out, heading straight for the dorms. From there, it would be a short matter of grabbing their bags and then heading to the train station. Some of them, like Silverstream, had pretty long journeys ahead of them. Even by train and airship, getting that far south would take a couple days. That probably explains why the scatterbrained hippogriff elects to ship most of her luggage and fly home under her own steam.
Gallus however, lingered. I know his friends do their best to stick around with him as much as they can, but Twilight's School can't be expected to make exceptions for everyone. It had taken a fair bit of work to convince the EEA to allow him to stay at the school, particularly as his grandad didn't much care for the idea. According to him, it was better than going 'home' but not by much.
Gallus and I are virtually nothing alike. But at the same time, I think he considers me a friend. Like everywhere in Equestria, the school of friendship's population is skewed more towards the fairer sex, and sometimes, a guy wants to talk to a guy about what's bothering him, especially about certain things. I've nothing against Starlight, mind. That's just the way it is. And so I've found myself sort of taking him under my wing. Well, more like just supporting him and being a listening ear. One thing I'll never do to Gallus though, is pity him. That's the one thing we have in common.
As I tidied up my own desk, I saw the griffon staring out the window as his friends headed off.
"How you holdin' up, Gallus?" I asked. The griffon just shrugged.
"Okay, I guess. Headmare Twilight agreed to let me help out here over the summer to earn a few bits. And the other professors said they'd drop by when they could."
In a way, Gallus reminds me a lot of Rainbow Dash. Occasional boastfulness aside, neither is particularly in touch with their emotions, preferring to keep things beneath the surface. Only trouble is, eventually, they bubble over. Gallus was hiding it well under the veneer of disinterest that he so often put on, but you didn't have to be a genius to see how down he was. I mean, I can't imagine how hard it is for him, having only his grandad as family. His friends act as his support network, but they can't always be around. Maybe I could do something to take his mind off things?
"Say Gallus?" I said, catching his attention again. "Do you like apple fritters?"
"Do I...what?" Gallus said, slightly bewildered.
"Apple fritters," I repeated. "Do you like them?"
"Er...sure, I guess so. Why?" Gallus replied, tilting his head and looking at me in a very bird like fashion.
"The Apple family reunion is goin' on over on Sweet Apple Acres. I was goin' to head over there now. Y'all are welcome to tag along if ya want." Gallus brightened up a little at that, but soon covered the surprise with his usual mask.
"Really?" he said. "I thought that was just for Professor Applejack's family."
"True," I agreed, levitating my stetson over from the coat rack and placing it atop my head again. "But Granny Smith has never been known to turn away a guest. Plus I've been goin' for a few years now and nopony's told me off yet. Come on." I gestured with my head.
Gallus got up out of his seat and quickly joined me and the two of us headed off for the farm.
The Apple family reunion; the annual gathering of pretty much the entire Apple clan. Every year, without fail, the dozens of Apples, spread across Equestria and beyond, like salmon, return to their old family seat just outside Ponyville. There they reconnect with old friends, swap stories, play games, enjoy good food, and even work on big projects together. In that sense, it reminds me a lot of the conventions I used to go to when back on Earth.
Now, technically, yes, it is an affair for the Apple family. In fact, my first year here, I'd figured that I wouldn't be exactly welcome. However, the definition of Apple, like the definition of sister at the Sisterhooves Social, can be stretched from time to time. Hence how I was normally to be found in attendance. I saw no reason why young Gallus here, with little family of his own, could not also be an exception.
Leading him up along the old road to the farm, we soon saw evidence of the festivities being in full swing. There were wagons parked all over the place, and even a few aeronautical contraptions, from small helicopters and auto-gyros, right up to that mad Da Vinci inspired flying machine that Apple Seed arrived in, to say nothing of the airship currently moored. Gallus looked around in astonishment.
"You guys do this every year?" he asked in amazement.
"Every hundred moons, come rain or shine," I replied. "Come on. We're almost there. I'll introduce you to Granny Smith and get ourselves into the swing of things."
Arriving at the farmhouse, we found that the reunion was indeed in full swing. It looked like they were just about ready for the seven legged race around the farm. Ponies were milling around, chatting to each other, foals were playing, food was cooking, and a little ways off, I could see Granny Smith, along with the other older mares in the Apple family working on their infamously never ending quilt. Leading Gallus over, I quickly introduced him.
"Hey, Granny," I said, catching the old girl's attention. "This here's Gallus. He's one of the students over at Twilight's school. The feller's stayin' in the dorms over the summer break and feeling a mite lonesome. I was wonderin' if he could join in with the reunion."
Granny looked up, being a little caught off guard by the sight of the bright blue griffon, but soon recovered herself and studied him inscrutably.
"Ain't ya got kin of your own ya ought to be getting back to, whipper snapper?" she asked, causing Gallus to flinch for a moment.
"Erm...not really, ma'am," he said hesitantly, rubbing the back of his head with a claw. Granny remained quiet for a moment longer.
Just as quickly though, her previous inscrutable expression vanished and was replaced by the welcoming look I was familiar with.
"Well then of course y'all are welcome!" she exclaimed, taking his claw in hoof. "I'm Granny Smith Apple, but folks round these parts just call me Granny, and you should too. Now come on, first things first we need to get some vittles in ya!"
She quickly dragged him off in the direction of the apple fritters. I couldn't help but enjoy the expression on his face. It's easy to forget the unconditional love of family at times. And it was nice to give Gallus some time with a grandparent who wasn't an abusive asshole.
I would have stayed with him, fancying a couple fritters or twelve myself, but Applejack, the master of ceremonies for the past few years, came trotting over to me to rope me into some duties.
"Bones!" she greeted, running up to me and pulling me into a hug. "I've been lookin' everywhere for ya! Was that Gallus with you just now?" I nodded.
"I figured the poor guy deserved a bit of quality time with a family," I replied. "It ain't right, him havin' to spend so much time on his own. I figured this whole reunion might perk his spirits up a bit."
"Aww, that's mighty kind of you, sugarcube," AJ said approvingly.
"What do you need me for anyway?" I asked. There was so much going on in the reunion and so many jobs to do.
"I figured you could help out with the seven legged race," she said, holding up a couple flags. "I've gotta go help Braeburn with the work on that new irrigation system for the south orchard. But I ought to be back in time for the finish."
"Alright, fair enough," I agreed, taking the props in my magic. "I take it your little sister and a certain filly from Manehattan are the favourites to win?" AB and Babs Seed had placed first for the last couple years.
"They should just count themselves lucky you and me ain't competin'," she replied with a chuckle.
With that, the two of us parted ways, with me heading over to where the course, far toned down from the infamous endurance course AJ made back in Season 3, had both its start and finish line. There were around a dozen or so teams lined up, mainly siblings or parents and their kids, but also friends who rarely got the chance to see each other outside of the reunion. This included Apple Bloom and Babs Seed.
It always surprised me how Apple Bloom became friends with her. I know her earlier bullying was down to insecurity about her own lack of a cutie mark, but even so, I have a bit of a hard time getting along with the little filly myself. Maybe it's a clash of cultures thing? I may sound like an Apple, complete with accent and syntax, but I still retain plenty of my old British self, including cultural traits. While I occasionally clash with AJ or the others over a few cultural norms, Manehattan is the antithesis of everything I hold dear. Still, underneath her rather brusque nature, she is a good filly really.
Anyway, enough about that. It was time to start the race. Both the competitors and the crowd were raring for the off.
"Okay, starter's orders, everypony!" I called out.
The ponies lined up all tensed, making one last check to ensure they were all tied together and psyching themselves up for the friendly, if somewhat competitive, race. Before I dropped the flag, I gave them all a quick word of warning on fair play.
"Fillies and gentlecolts," I said. "This will be a fair race. No shooting, stabbing, cliff-pushing, rock-throwing, cactus-grinding, neck-lassoing, setting fires, or other acts that causes a team to unfairly lose their way, bleed heavily or black out."
"Buzzkill," somepony muttered from the line up. I let it slide.
"Alright, on your marks, get set." I dropped the flag. "Go!"
And with that, the teams went staggering off towards the first obstacle.
After the race ended, I sought out Gallus again to see how he was faring. While Granny Smith was no doubt welcoming him, I figured that, as one of his teachers, I had a duty of care to save him from overexposure. After all, it doesn't take too much to get her to fall into one of her infinite rambles.
Luckily, it seemed that Big Mac had intervened already, as I found Gallus with him, as well as Braeburn, happily chatting away while they worked on mending one of the barn doors. The hinge had been getting on in years and become badly rusted. It was only a matter of time before it gave out altogether. And just because it was the reunion didn't mean that work on the farm stopped. Unlike school, farming knows no holidays, breaks or vacations.
Gallus was currently using his ability to fly to their mutual advantage, saving the trio the need for a ladder to replace some of the higher up hinges. He was quite changed from the melancholy teenager I'd seen not so long ago. It was nice to see him having fun and getting along with ponies.
Big Mac noticed me as I walked over.
"Hey, Bones," he called out with a wave of his hoof.
"Hi, Mac. Hey, Braeburn," I greeted. "I see you two have met Gallus."
At that point, Gallus dropped down a few feet to interject.
"Er, you do know I've met Big Red here before, right. Back when he applied for the vice headmare job."
Oh, of course. I'd almost forgotten about Big Mac's own foray into teaching. While it turned out the job wasn't for him, unlike a lot of people, he'd been smart enough to see and admit it, withdrawing his application on his own terms. Conversely, he had gotten on pretty well with the students, and I've heard plenty of scuttlebutt from the female students and what they thought of the quiet red stallion. Him being a pony of few words though, meant he didn't exactly have the communication skills to deal with parents at times.
"Oh, of course," I said, as Gallus flew back up and out of hearing range. "You had a trial run there around the time they had the teacher parent conferences."
"Eeyup," Mac agreed with a nod. "Met Gallus' grandpa too." He looked up at the young griffon, who was now using a screwdriver to fasten the new hinge in place.
"I sure can see why he prefers stayin' at school," I said a little sadly. Mac nodded.
"It ain't right," Mac said crossly. "I always thought I had it rough when Ma and Pa left. But at least we had Granny Smith to look after us. Gallus just has...that." I smiled.
"Not a fan of Grandpa Gruff then?" I said, with just a hint of sarcasm. Mac looked up at Gallus again for a moment.
"Feller was lucky I was actin' vice headstallion," he said darkly. "If I saw him now..." he let that thought trail off.
Big Mac may be a gentle giant, but there are a few exceptions; things that make him see red, or fly into a furious fraternal rage. Harming his family or his friends is one of them. And having seen what the stallion is capable of when he puts his mind to it, I can't help but feel slightly sorry for Gallus' sorry excuse for a grandfather if the two were ever to meet again. Think back to the Sisterhooves Social where he all but ploughed through the obstacle course. Or when the Crusaders accidentally gave him and Cheerilee love poison, and he dragged a house clear off its foundations. Even as a unicorn, with magic to call on, I wouldn't like to fight him.
But enough about him, and enough about Grandpa Gruff. That sorry excuse for a grandparent doesn't deserve to get written about. I turned my attention back to Gallus. He'd finished replacing the upper most hinges and now glided back down to the ground, landing between the three of us.
"Thanks for letting me borrow your toolkit, Mac," he said, returning the screwdriver.
"Any time, Gallus," Mac replied.
"You know, this was meant to be givin' you a chance to relax and enjoy yourself, Gallus," I said with a smile. Gallus shrugged his shoulders.
"Eh," he replied. "I enjoy building and repairing stuff. Plus it's the least I can do for you for letting me swing by. I can certainly see why you like it out here. Everypony is so friendly, it's almost weird."
"Yeah, I felt that way for a while when I first moved here," I agreed. "You're used to being distrustful of someone who's just nice for the sake of being nice. These folks though, they mean it. I mean, look at Applejack and Big Mac here. They took me in, gave me food and a bed when they had barely any idea who I was. They didn't ask me to start helpin' them out on the farm, I all but insisted on it.
"You know, if you want to, Gallus," I went on. "We could use a few extra hooves, or claws, helpin' to get the new irrigation system installed. It'll give you an excuse to stick around until supper time."
"Now that I'll take you up on," Gallus agreed.
It had taken a lot of planning on our part, and a lot of work beforehand to get everything ready, but Sweet Apple Acres was finally going to get the proper irrigation system that it sorely needed. Instead of having to water the trees and crops by hoof and rely on rain storms, we'd have a system to ensure everywhere got enough water, mainly through use of the ample reservoir we had in the lake. Even now, on the tail end of summer, it was still pretty full.
Of course, there was a whole lot of work still to do; far more than five ponies could do on their own. Once it was up and running, maintaining it wouldn't be too much trouble, certainly not when compared to all the time we'd save. But installing it was quite another matter. In a testament to the bonds of the Apple family, just as they had all pitched in to rebuild the barn a few years back, many of them were now hard at work on getting this irrigation system set up.
Once complete it would work like this. Pipes and pumps near the lake would draw water into the system, filtering it and adding fertiliser or other nutrients as needed. From there, it would be pumped all around the orchards and fields into dozens of sprinklers that would coat the whole area at regular intervals. This would ensure that the trees, and all our other crops, would have enough water and nutrition to thrive. We could adjust settings as needed based on prevailing conditions. That meant that we could devote more time to caring for the trees, and maintaining them, preventing disease and other problems flaring up. After all, at times, we were all run ragged. This would take some of the pressure off.
Of course, we first had to build the damn thing.
I led Gallus over towards the large lake that would serve as our primary water source. Small, shallow trenches had been dug along the route the system would take, and most of the sprinklers, which would soon be all but buried, were in place. At the lake itself, we found Applejack working on the water pump that would draw water into the system, along with the generator to drive it. It was this she was currently tinkering with.
Applejack knows more about engineering that you might expect. She's quite the handymare after all and has taught me pretty much all I know about DIY, apart from a little I learned from my dad. She was currently working on some of the gears in the generator. Around her barrel was her tool belt, and she currently had a wrench help in her teeth as she tightened a bolt. The two of us watched her for a moment, until she set down her tools and looked up, spotting us.
"Well are y'all just gonna stand there like idiots or are ya gonna lend a hoof?" she demanded.
For a moment, I forgot I had Gallus with me.
"What can I say?" I replied teasingly. "I was mesmerised by how sexy you are with that tool belt on."
Gallus blushed up to his ears at that. No student wants to be around when their two teachers are flirting with each other. Applejack just grimaced as she realised Gallus had heard that.
"Just ignore him, Gallus," she said apologetically, no doubt plotting to kill me later. "He thinks he's bein' all suave and clever. Unfortunately, he doesn't seem to realise it just makes him sound like a dang fool."
"Oh I realise," I replied. "I just don't care." Applejack chuckled at that.
With that, the two of us set to work helping her get the generator running. Gallus knew a surprising bit about engines and between the three of us, we soon got it working. Once connected to the pump, it would bring water into the system. That was a fair ways off yet though. The rest of the afternoon was spent steadily laying the underground pipework and burying them, until only the sprinkler heads were left above ground.
By late afternoon, the work was pretty much finished. From the air, according to a passing Rainbow Dash, Sweet Apple Acres was now covered in a spiderweb of criss cross patterns marking where the ground had been disturbed. In time of course, the grass would grow back, covering the work. But for the time being, it was quite useful, at least until we got used to where all the sprinklers were, as it stopped us tripping over the exposed heads.
Still, with the hard work done, all that now remained was to prime the system. Applejack, in recognition of Gallus' help and hard work, gave the honour to him.
"Alright, Gallus," she said as she got the generator going again. "Switch on the main pump and we'll prime everything."
Gallus flipped a couple of switches and turned on the pumps. A low, steady droning note filled the air as we all waited with baited breath. We didn't know if the system was properly watertight. This priming would help expose that, and members of the Apple family were stationed all over the farm, keeping an eye for leaking water from underground.
But no such leaks were forthcoming, and the pressure slowly began to rise. In a way, it was a lot like the air brake systems you saw on big freight trains. Eventually, as the entire circuit was filled, the pressure levelled off and Gallus switched the pump down to its lowest setting.
"Okay. Now set of the sprinklers," AJ commanded. Gallus flicked another switch.
There was a sharp clicking sound as the heads all sprang up from their stowed position, followed by a brief grinding noise as the heads moved back and forth. For one heart stopping moment, there was no water, and I feared that there might be a problem with some of the valves. But a moment later, the heads properly came to life as water gushed out in a steady stream, as the sprinkler heads steadily rotated around.
The assembled ponies all cheered as the sprinklers did their job, soaking the grass and trees all across the farm in one fell swoop. The system was rigged on a timer, so that once the switch was thrown, a minute later, it would shut off. And that was just what happened. The sprinklers stopped and promptly retracted back out of the way, leaving behind a fine layer of dew and a faint rainbow that glittered in the afternoon sun before slowly fading out.
"Brilliant!" I declared. "No leaks, and all the sprinkler heads seem to be working fine."
"Eeyup!" Big Mac agreed.
"Alright, ya can turn off the pump, Gallus," AJ said as she did the same with the generator. "We sure appreciate your help on all this, partner."
"Oh anytime," Gallus said in his usual nonchalant way. "I'm always happy to get a chance to actually practice my friendship lessons."
He didn't show it too much, like I said, a lot like RD, he keeps his emotions and true feelings under the surface most of the time. But I could see a certain mistiness in his eyes. He'd spent the day with the Apple family, getting to know everypony, making new friends, and generally just feeling accepted for a change. He even got something of a replacement grandparent in Granny Smith, who said he was more than welcome to drop by the farm any time. She even offered him bits under the table for some light work over the summer if he wanted. On that front, Gallus' griffon nature perked up, and he quickly jumped at the chance.
Later in the evening, the Apple family reunion was once again drawing to a close. We'd all reconnected, swapped stories, traded, played games, enjoyed good food and drink, and even built a fully functioning irrigation system. Now it was time to slow things down a bit. Big Mac was taking the foals and a few of the parents of the hayride, at the requisite steady pace. Building the irrigation system was enough work. Nopony wanted to have to rebuild the barn again.
The rest of us adults were enjoying ourselves at the dance. The Apple family has quite a few talented musicians in their number, most notably Fiddlesticks, who is an excellent violinist. She, along with a small band, were currently gathered in the barn, playing a number of country airs and dance music.
One of the many things I learned since I got here is how to dance. Back on Earth, I hadn't the faintest clue where to start. I wasn't half as bad as Twilight, but I could just never get the footwork down, or rhythm for that matter. My grandad had taught me a passable foxtrot, but that was about it and I only did it once at a wedding. Fortunately, at my first reunion, Applejack was there to fix that. She taught me some of the more complicated country dances, acting as my partner.
I still felt ridiculous doing it, mind. Dancing isn't something I especially like, but it was the reunion, and tradition is tradition. Plus I had AJ along with me to make sure I didn't make a complete fool of myself.
Still, what I preferred was the slower dances. I have nothing against the country and western style, but doing it, even with a good partner like Applejack made it feel like work more than play; constantly counting steps and beats in my head, thinking about where I needed to move next. I know with time and practice that would fade out, but for the moment, I preferred it when things were a bit more intimate.
And luckily for me, such a dance was coming up now. With the kids away, there was a chance for the husbands and wives that made up the Apple family to indulge in a spot of romance. Now, while neither I nor AJ are overly romantic, I still enjoy dancing with her. As the slow, soft, haunting music began to play, I took AJ's hoof in my own, put the other on her barrel and gently began to lead.
I love doing this," I said softly as we danced. "It ain't often you and I have the time."
"You're not wrong there, Bones," Applejack agreed quietly as she nuzzled against my chest. "And it's only gonna get busier once Applebuck Season starts."
She was right. Another week or so after the reunion, and we'd be going full steam ahead with the busiest harvest of the year. Forget zap apples, cattle drives, building projects, ploughing or logging. Even Winter Wrap Up didn't hold a candle to how busy Applebuck Season was. Granted, we did have some extra help, insofar as hauling the apples back to the barns in the form of the cattle herd. Just as they might be used to haul heavy wagons back on Earth, the cows lent us a hoof at buddy times. Still, it was a mammoth undertaking. The saving grace though was that, this year, we were going to have a bit of help.
Ever since Applejack's ill fated attempt to do the entire harvest on her own, her friends have usually pitched in in some way to help. Of course, unlike that year, we've got Big Mac on hoof, as well as Apple Bloom. But Twilight and the others would stop by whenever they could to share the load a bit. And according to Spike, Twilight has even more reason to lend a hoof this year. After all, helping out us commoners is a good look for the new Princess of Equestria. Not that I'd imagine Twilight would ever truly buy into such nonsense. She's helping because she has the time, and because she's a friend, not to build her PR status.
But that, along with everything else that came with Applebuck Season could wait for another time. Right now, all I wanted to do was dance with my marefriend.
"If I came up with a spell that let us live in this one moment for the rest of our lives, would you be mad?" I asked shyly as we continued to sway. I expected Applejack to shoot back her usual playful counter. But instead, she just replied;
"No. That would be kinda nice."
Little did I know that this would be the last truly peaceful moment for a while. Looking back, this was Luke sitting out watching the twin suns set on Tatooine. There was something looming on the horizon. I knew what it was, of course. Thanks to Dad back during the Summer Sun Celebration, I was aware of Discord's plan, and the fact that three card carrying villains were on the loose. But I never expected things to spiral out of control just as badly as they did.
A couple weeks later found me in Twilight's castle, spending some time with the alicorn princess herself. She'd been compelled to spend more and more time in Canterlot, getting important lessons from Celestia and Luna to prepare her for her new role, which wasn't that far off now.
Privately, I didn't like to dwell on that. I know what Luna said about me dealing with change was right. And yes, Twilight has saved the day, along with her friends, time and time again without fail. I just can't help but feel as if we're going to lose the adorable book loving neat freak I got to know over the last few years. Then again, wings and title hadn't changed her, now had they? Still, I always took a chance to spend some time with the mare who had taught me pretty much all I knew about magic.
The two of us were currently doing something we both loved; reading. I was contentedly working my way through Admiral Lord Cochrane's biography; 'Memoirs of a Fighting Captain', his stories of his time in the sloop HMS Speedy having gone on to inspire the exploits of the more fictional Jack Aubrey and his own HMS Surprise. Twilight meanwhile was happily going over a history text that had come through the rift some time ago; 'Europe Since Napoleon', a chronology of major affairs on the continent and in Britain following the Corsican upstart's defeat at Waterloo.
She was deeply engrossed in the text, fascinated by the goings on in nineteenth century Europe. And her distraction, and habit of ignoring the world around her allowed me to have a little fun.
I consider it a point of principle to have a good eye for details, and I try to improve my observational skills whenever I have a chance. I'd been watching Twilight all morning we'd spent together. I knew roughly where she was in the book too. She was presently reading about Italian unification, and the war between Piedmont-Sardinia, backed by the Second French Empire, against Austria, which at that time held dominion over much of the north of Italy, while the Papacy held lands further to the South, along with other smaller states. It was a bloody war, not intended to create Italy at all, and in the long run it achieved little, even when the country was fully unified. After all, even today, there is and was a strong divide between the various parts of the country. Garibaldi himself even said that while they had created Italy, they had yet to create Italians. The creation of Italian national identity was made even more difficult by the fact that most of the fighting was done by the frogs.
Eventually, Twilight set down her book. Looking up from my own text, I carefully watched her eyes move about the room as she sat back, no doubt pondering what she had just read. They moved hither and thither as the alicorn thought about the affair. Eventually, she shook her head slightly to herself, and I tried my hand.
"You're right, Twilight," I agreed. "There must be better ways for people to settle their differences."
Twilight smiled and nodded for a moment until the implication of what I'd said hit her. Then she jumped with a start.
"Ahh! What the hay?!" she exclaimed, jumping up and nearly falling out of her chair as her wings flared out. I couldn't resist chuckling.
"Jeez. Careful, Twilight," I chided. "You're gonna hurt yourself."
"But...how...how did you know what I was thinking?!" the alicorn demanded furiously as she got a hold of herself. "Have you been messing around with dark magic again? I thought we agreed you'd stick to theory only."
I was quick to reassure her that no magic was at play here.
"Relax, Twilight," I said. "I haven't used any magic except to turn the pages of this book."
"Then how did you know what I was thinking?"
"Simple," I replied with a shrug of my shoulders. "Observation. Something I picked up from one of those Sherlock Holmes stories."
"But how?" Twilight asked, now more curious than anything. I took her through my process.
"Well, first I saw when I went to get some coffee you were reading about Italy's war of independence," I began. "When you set the book down, I saw from your expression that you were troubled. Your eyes drifted over to that photo of your brother and Cadence. I saw your eyes linger on him. You smiled to yourself, thinking of how brave and noble he is, and how gallant the cause you'd just read about was.
"Then your expression changed. You remembered how Shining had been hurt in the course of his duties as captain of the guard, and pondered how the same had happened to so many Frenchmen and Italians. Then your face fell as you turned your attention to the small photo of Tempest Shadow nearby, and you pondered how not all soldiers were as lucky as your brother, and how not all causes are noble, and how some can lead to disaster.
"That of course, led you to think of Tempest herself, a mare forever crippled, to never be entirely trusted for having fought on the wrong side. She might have been just another happy unicorn, instead, she is a scarred ex-soldier, her life forever marred by war. And from there, your thoughts returned to the book as you glanced over at it, and you drew parallels with that war, thinking of all those who were injured or killed over two different ideas.
"And so, seeing you so saddened, I chose that moment to break in on your thoughts, agreeing with you that war was indeed a foolish way of settling disputes."
Twilight listened to my little explanation with no small amount of interest. However, my little lecture actually brought out some criticism from her.
"That's not just observation though," she retorted. "I mean, you followed where my eyes went. But your analysis of what I was thinking was all supposition. You were guessing most of the time. When I looked at the photo of Shining and Cadence, I could have been thinking about how long it's been since I've seen them. And when I looked at the one of Tempest, I could have just been wondering what she's up to now outside Equestria. Pretty much all of your deductions came from knowing me and knowing how I think. If you repeated the same experiment with a stranger, there's no way you'd be able to do the same thing."
"Twilight, you thought I was using magic to read your mind," I said, feeling a little put out. "You can at least acknowledge that I was right."
"You were, Bones," she agreed, brightening up a little again before adding. "But it was still a guess."
"Ten bits says you can't do it though," I replied teasingly. Twilight just blushed at that.
We both ended up laughing about it. In hindsight, I think Twilight was right to take me down a peg. On the other hoof, it was fun seeing her freak out a little. We ended up chatting a little about deductive and abductive reasoning over lunch. I even dug out the relevant story for us to read together. Twilight was just as scathing of Holmes' analysis of Watson's thoughts as she was of mine, but did admit that it made for a good party trick.
As with all things, Twilight also proved a quick study too, something I quickly learned when I prepared to leave. I was planning to drop by Sugarcube Corner on my way home to pick up some cakes for the Apple family, and was still torn between cupcakes or a single sponge to share. Twilight walked me to the door.
"Thanks for stopping by, Bones," she said kindly.
"Anytime, Twilight. I suppose I'll next see you when Applebuck Season starts." Twilight giggled.
"I wouldn't miss it for the world," she replied.
I turned to go, but just as I got down the steps, she called out to me again.
"Oh, and Bones?"
"Yes?" I said, turning around.
"I think you're right. Cupcakes would be a better choice."
With that, she went back inside, leaving me suitably stunned. I hadn't even said anything to her about my little errand.
As the summer holidays ramped up, Ponyville was fast becoming a busy, bustling place. While some ponies regard the small town as a bit of a backwater, a lot of ponies also enjoyed the typically slower pace of life the town offered. While the town never saw the same tourist numbers that were caused when Twilight and her friends published their friendship journal, you'd often come across a few tourists, mainly from Canterlot.
And that, as I made my way over to Sugarcube Corner, was exactly what I encountered. As I was making my way through the market square, I was approached by a fairly tall and rather pretty unicorn. She had a light green coat, almost sea foam in colour, with a two toned ginger mane that hung loose about her shoulders, rather like Fleur de Lis. Her cutie mark meanwhile was a ladybug with three leaves underneath it. What caught my attention though were her eyes. They were an odd greenish colour with varying shades in the iris; quite unusual for a pony. There was something familiar about them too, something I couldn't quite put my hoof on. You know that feeling where you think you recognise somepony but can't quite remember where? That was what I was getting from this mare. Had we met before?
I couldn't place her, but she was clearly a tourist judging by the camera hanging around her neck. And at the moment, she seemed to be in a bit of difficulty, looking around like she was lost.
"Excuse me," she called out as she trotted up. "Could you help me please?"
Her voice was a little shrill perhaps, but not unpleasant. Despite that, I suddenly found the hairs on the back of my neck standing up. Again, I had this strange feeling as if I knew this pony from somewhere. But for the life of me, I couldn't recall where. Now, on its own, this was odd enough, but what was stranger was my reaction to her. For a brief moment, only a split second, I felt fear, followed by a flash of anger. There was something in that voice, the body language; something hidden underneath. My ears couldn't hear it and my eyes couldn't see it, but my subconscious knew something was up. I felt my muscles tighten as a fight or flight response kicked in. By the time she was standing next to me, my subconscious was screaming one simple command; 'kill'.
For whatever reason, this cute enough, and apparently lost unicorn had gotten me on edge like you wouldn't believe. On the one hoof, I was tempted to trust my gut. After all, you do hear stories of people being unsettled on first meeting someone, and then later finding out they're a wanted murderer or something. But on the other hoof, at least as far as my memory knew, I'd never met this mare in my life. It was quite possible that my mind was mixing her up with somepony else. After all, little things like a laugh of a particular scent can be powerful ways to recall a memory. Maybe that was it, and this mare just reminded me of something unpleasant.
So, burying my odd feelings on the matter, and ignoring the subconscious instinct I was feeling to go utterly postal, I put on my best friendly face and turned to the mare.
"Sure, miss," I said kindly, touching the brim of my hat. "What's the problem?"
"Well, I'm trying to find my way back to the train station," she explained. "But none of these dullard earth ponies will help me." She gestured to the various ponies around us going about their business.
I bristled at her rather off colour remark. She was most definitely from Canterlot alright. While it may be the home of the two sisters and the seat of power for the Equestrian government, it was also home to a, admittedly small, minority of rather self-important unicorns. The same thing had cropped up when I was in Canterlot for the Summer Sun Celebration. Fire Flare and her skilled troupe of performers, who were supposed to use their magic to create a fireworks display, randomly stormed off and threw a fit shortly before the ceremony. When me and Dad called them out, she went on this tirade about not wasting her time with dullard earth ponies and feather brained pegasi. Since then, every now and then, there had been a number of little incidents between ponies from different tribes. Just little squabbles really, but more and more of it seemed to be about which tribe you came from. Dad had said he'd been seeing more and more of it at Day Court too.
Well, I wasn't about to stand for any of that. My marefriend, and a good many of my close friends were earth ponies. I wouldn't hear of them all being tarred with the same brush. True there were earth ponies who were jackasses, (no offence) but that didn't mean you could apply the same label to all of them, just as I don't consider all unicorns stuck up and boastful.
"I'd be happy to show you the way," I replied, my tone a little stern. "But I can assure you, none of the ponies here are dullards, and I would thank you not to use such language."
"Oh, I know it isn't their fault. It's just the way they are," the mare said in a condescending tone. "It's worse the way they hoard the harvests every year and keep the best for themselves."
Okay, what?!
"What?!" I exclaimed. The mare tittered.
"Oh, come on, every unicorn worth their magic knows that," she said. "Just as how the pegasi always make sure to tend to their own towns first before bringing anypony else the weather they need."
What was this mare on?! I didn't know Equestria had conspiracy theorists. Were chemtrails a thing here too? Still, I guess it explained my reaction in a way; I was having a flashback of an encounter with a couple of teenage Mormon girls when I was on holiday in the States. For one brief shining moment I thought I'd won the lottery, and then the book came out.
"That's nonsense!" I rebuffed harshly. "The three tribes work together. It's how Equestria functions." Still, the pretty whack job beside me kept it up.
"Oh I know they pretend to," she said. "But let's be honest. They wouldn't last a week without us unicorns and our magic. And who tells them all what to do most of the time? Unicorns. Sure, we all pretend it's an equal partnership, but deep down, I think we all know who is in charge."
"That would be Princess Celestia and Princess Luna," I cut her off with a snarl, my patience running out. "Now, you'll find the train station if you go to the end of this street and turn left. Have a nice trip."
And with that, I left the stuck up proverbial Canterlot snot to her ramblings. What a load of horse apples! It was bad enough last year when Equestria was swarming with xenophobes. But ponies against ponies? Honestly. Did Hearth's Warming happen, or was it just some bloody fever dream? It certainly seemed like it of late, the way some ponies were acting. What worried me was that some ponies, of all tribes, were actually listening to that nonsense. But it seemed there was little I could do about it though. After all, as Mark Twain said; 'Never try to argue with a stupid person. They will drag you down to their level, and beat you with their experience.'. I just hoped her behaviour didn't make earth ponies or pegasi think that all unicorns were like that.
Still, at least they weren't all like that. I caught a glimpse of Bon Bon and Lyra as I headed back home. Those two are adorable together. Or look at me and AJ; it's the same thing, a unicorn and an earth pony. It didn't matter which tribe you came from. Now if only that strange mare could be so enlightened.
It certainly explained why I'd felt so uneasy when she walked up to me, Mormons aside. Maybe I have a subconscious horse apples detector? At least, that was what I'd thought at the time. Looking back, I should have clocked those eyes. I still can't believe I didn't see it, didn't hear that smug, superior tone in her voice, never mind that sickly green glow of her magic. Turns out I should give my subconscious more credit. It seems, unlike me, it can spot a changeling a mile off.
Luckily, with the start of Applebuck Season a few days later, I got to see the other side of ponies. In reality, while vocal, those who, for whatever reason took issue with another tribe, were few and far between. While once upon a time Applebuck Season was something undertaken by just two earth ponies, Applejack and Big Mac, these days, in order to lighten the load her friends pitched in whenever they could. As I said before, Twilight was on hoof on the first day, even turning up at six in the morning to start. Her alicorn magic, which Applejack is now far less hostile about her using, allowed her to clear lots of trees at a time, levitating dozens of apples from their perches and neatly placing them into the baskets.
It certainly made life easier for us on the first day. A unicorn I may be, but my magic is only really useful for quickly collecting stray apples. I still kick away at the trees to harvest them. And even then, I didn't hold a candle to Big Mac or AJ. Still, we made good progress that first day, with Twilight putting us well ahead of schedule. The only downside was the paparazzi who briefly rocked up to take their photos. Twilight's presence here was something of a political move, after all. I wasn't the only one to notice rifts beginning to form. Over the next few days, she'd be helping us out, teaching foals basic magic at the elementary school, and helping the Wonderbolts with some major weather work. Celestia hoped this would reinforce the idea of ponies all working together under the guidance of their new princess.
Twilight's brief spot of help actually made the rest of the season much more tolerable. All year long I half looked forward to this, because of all the apples, but also dreaded it because of all the work, and crawling into bed each night exhausted. This year though, while the work remained tough, was nowhere near as back breaking as it used to be. I still can't believe Applejack tried to do it all herself, nor how far she got before she finally ran out of steam.
The next few days saw a steady stream of help from our friends. Dash swung by a couple days later, and promptly got goaded by a clever Applejack into a competition to see who could clear the most trees in a day. AJ won, but it was a close call, but the two also got pretty much all of the west orchard done and dusted.
Fluttershy too stopped by, enlisting the help of her animal friends, with the promise of proper compensation, of course, to help load up the carts with apples. The birds in particular were helpful, flying up to the tops of trees and dislodging particularly stubborn apples.
Pinkie Pie, being an earth pony herself, brought plenty of raw strength to the game, as well as her unique ability to seemingly bend reality. After somehow getting her hooves on coffee when she stopped by for breakfast, the mare went utterly berserk and tore across the fields and went right through the orchards, bouncing off the apple trees like a pinball. The impacts dislodged the fruit by the cartload. Now if only I could explain how or why the trees lit up when she hit them, and made the distinctive metal pinging sound as she bounced off.
And finally, Rarity dropped by. For once, she came without her dragon companion. Turns out the little drake may finally have come to his senses. Apparently, he's been hanging around with Gabby, that griffon the Crusaders made friends with a while back. Rarity suddenly found herself no longer the sole subject of Spike's affections, leaving her without her normal servant. Serves her right too, if you ask me. She did rather lead him on a bit and take advantage of his crush on her. Mind you, she's tried the same with a lot of stallions, including me a couple of times.
A few moons ago
I was in Carousel Boutique, having been asked by Rarity to drop by. Having picked up more than a few of AJ's DIY skills, I occasionally moonlighted as a handyman for a few extra bits if things were quiet on the farm. Rarity had asked me to stop by to help her fit a couple of replacement glass panes in one of the upstairs windows. Those knuckleheads Snips and Snails had been playing nearby, brushing up on Snails' buckball skills, when the ball missed the mark and crashed straight through Rarity's upstairs window. She'd bought replacement panes, paid for in part by the two foals, and just needed me to help remove the damaged one and fit the new one in its place.
She'd called me when the incident happened, and I'd put a good chunk of plywood in place to cover the hole until a more permanent solution could be found. I was now removing this so I could start the work. Rarity was more than grateful.
"I really can't tell you how much I appreciate you helping me out with this, Bones," she said sweetly, standing at the doorway as I worked.
"It's no bother, Rarity," I replied. "I'm just glad the new glass is here. It didn't look right seeing your shop with this wooden panel across the window."
"Quite," she agreed. "It was most unsightly. I was worried that it might start to drive away my customers. After all, who wants to come to such a ramshackle looking store?"
"Oh, I doubt anypony was discouraged by just that," I replied as I scrubbed out the putty from the frame and began to prepare the new glass pane.
"You'd be surprised, darling," Rarity countered. "First impressions do count after all. And if the first thing ponies see is a smashed window, they may very well make judgements on the business as a whole."
As I started setting the new pane in place, I resisted the urge to chuckle at Rarity's worry. If this was a downstairs window, at the front of the shop, I'd understand. But this was one window, on the upstairs floor at the back of the building. Still, valid or not, she wouldn't need to worry now as I finished setting the frame in place.
"There we go," I said, getting back to my hooves. "Give it a day or so to make sure the putty is set before you open it. Otherwise, you should be good to go."
"Oh, thank you, darling," Rarity said, briefly hugging me and somewhat draping herself over me. "Whatever would I do without you?"
"It's no bother, Rarity," I assured her, gently trying to pry her off. She tittered at that.
"Oh and so modest too," she went on. "I don't suppose I could call on your services again, could I?"
Ah, here we go. While I'd been able to do this quick job for her, I still had plenty I needed to do on the farm today.
"Depends," I replied. "I've got a lot of chores to do today. So if it's a big job, it'll have to wait for another time."
"Oh it's nothing really," Rarity assured. "Just a couple of leaky pipes in the basement. I'm sure a stallion of your skill could have it mended in a jiffy."
As she said that, she fluttered her eyelids at me. I knew that look well. It was supposed to make me roll over with all four paws in the air, and it would work on more than a few stallions too. Rarity may be the Elements of Generosity, but she isn't above using her looks to get what she wants. Fixing water pipes though could often turn into quite a big job, depending on what was causing the leaks.
"Sorry, Rarity," I said kindly. "But I'm afraid I won't be able to tackle something like that today. Plus, you're better off hiring a professional for something like that." Rarity however, wasn't about to give up that easily.
"Please, darling," she pleaded. "I'm sure there's something I can do for you in return." Again, she fluttered her eyelids and ran a hoof up my chest, trying to turn up the heat.
A pleasant side effect of Spike somewhat getting over his boyhood crush meant this behaviour would ease off later on. But for now, I had to put up with it. Or rather, I had to remind her who she was trying it on with. One advantage of not being interested physically in either gender, although my love for Applejack, romantically speaking, could probably keep a changeling hive going for a decade, meant that Rarity's charms had very little effect on me. As she looked up again, expecting to see me putty in her hooves, I just looked down at her with slight disinterest.
"That doesn't work on me, Rarity," I said plainly.
The unicorn, suitably embarrassed, promptly dropped her attempt at flirting. Not that she would ever do anything serious. After all, she knows how much AJ and I care for each other. Still, it is her greatest character flaw, although it does have its uses at times.
Anyway, back to the present, Rarity did indeed drop by, sans Spike, who came along with Twilight instead. She too used her magic to help out with the harvest. I have to admit, even though I am glad to see it, it was odd to see her without Spike following at her heels. I'd always thought that there was some reciprocation on her part, but until Spike started, in a platonic way I might add, hanging out with Gabby, I didn't realise how much. True, she did take advantage of his attraction, but it seems that there was indeed some love in there too. It's certainly an interesting reversal of roles to see the lady doing the chasing. I guess absence really does make the heart grow fonder. I just wonder what will happen in the long run, and if the two of them, when Spike is a little older, will ever hook up.
The most unusual help we got though, was from my own family. It was a rare thing that we all had a chance to get together, and despite the hard work, both my parents and my little sister managed to spare some time to help out on the last couple days of the harvest when the work was beginning to ease off.
It was another bright and clear day in late August. Summer was starting to wind down now as we made our way towards autumn. Before too long these trees would be turning shades of red and gold, and losing their leaves, as well as their apples.
We were nearly done with Applebuck Season, and the barn was fast filling up with produce. Some of this would be taken to market for sale, while others would be kept back for cider season, the next big event on the calendar. That would be after the coronation too. It was going to be a busy autumn.
We'd split into teams for today. Applejack was working with my mom and Apple Bloom, Lizzie, who was no doubt very happy with the situation, was with Big Mac, leaving me to work my section of the orchards with Dad. While he lacked the muscle power to buck a tree like a pony could, he still did a decent job. Instead of kicking, he'd shake the trees to make the apples fall, occasionally shimmying part way up the trunk to use his hands to pull down some of the more stubborn ones. Given how we weren't in too much of a rush, what with all the help we'd had over the last couple weeks, the two of us were chatting together. At the moment, Dad was telling me a funny story about a recent case he'd had up in Day Court.
It involved the Friendship Express of all things; the train he uses to get to work up in Canterlot. The bright pink, heart covered steam engine was a familiar sight in Ponyville. He'd actually been on the train when the incident happened. Apparently, there was some work being done on the line, and the signals indicated that the driver should slow down and come to a stand a little ways up the switchback climb up the Canterhorn while the workmen finished up. But being so familiar with the route, and distracted by nattering to his fireman, he'd ploughed through the distance signal at full tilt, and committed a SPAD when he blew through the home signal, which was set to danger. It was only that the repair crew had the good sense to put detonators up the line from where they were working that the driver realised his mistake and slammed on the anchors.
The investigation got kicked up to Day Court due to how serious it was. After all, had it not been for those three detonators on the track, he could well have crashed right through the repair crew and possibly killed someone, or even derailed the train. Now, what was funny about all this you ask?
"And so," Dad said, still giggling to himself as he recounted the story. "Celestia is standing there giving the engineer a right telling off for being so reckless and not watching the signals and gumming up all the network behind him. I'm standing next to her just minding my own business, and then all of a sudden, just as she's winding up, she goes and says 'Steamer, this is a very serious matter; you have caused confusion and delay'."
I chortled at that, recognising the line from one of my favourite TV shows as a kid.
"Naturally, Tia turns to me and looks at me like I've grown two heads. And that just made it worse. I ended up having to step out for a minute and she gave me Hell afterwards."
"I bet," I said with a chuckle. "What happened to the driver anyway?" Dad now became serious.
"P45, son," he replied. "It if wasn't for the workmen on the line he might have gotten away with it. But another three hundred feet and he could have killed somepony." Harsh, but you could see why."
"I'm surprised they don't have something like AWS on those trains," I said. "Especially since they still use those old semaphore signals."
"What's that then?" Dad asked. "You know I'm not a train nutter like you. I thought ponies were odd enough."
"Automatic Warning System. It's that sunflower dial they have in the cab. A couple hundred yards up from a signal, you go over a box. If the signal is at caution or danger it blows a horn and it switches so that the dial looks like a sunflower. You press a button to reset the system, and it reminds you you're not running under a green. If you don't hit the button in time, it puts the brakes on like a dead man's pedal would. When you pass a clear signal, it rings a bell as a reminder, and turns the sunflower black. It's not perfect, but it's better than remembering to stick your head out the engine."
"Oh, I see," Dad said, somewhat interested as he put more energy into shaking the last few apples from one of the trees. "I might mention it to Tia tomorrow. The investigation is still ongoing at the moment. Maybe they can get it in as a recommendation."
A little while later, we all returned to the farmhouse for lunch, giving us all a chance to talk together. It was while we were all sitting around the dinner table that the subject of the growing disharmony came up.
"You've noticed it too then?" Mum was saying. "At first I thought it was just a one off, but some of the kids have been getting really mean about it. Little Twist even had a go at Apple Bloom the other day for hanging around with her friends, what with them not being earth ponies."
"Seriously?" Lizzie said incredulously. "Something screwy is definitely going on. When Dewdrop and I took that big storm system from Cloudsdale down to Appleloosa, we got stared at the whole time we were in town. We were pretty much the only pegasi there."
"It's pretty strange. I'll say that," Dad agreed, casting a quick glance my way. "There seems to be all these madcap conspiracy theories flying around at the moment. Things like 'earth ponies are hoarding crops', or 'unicorns are plotting a takeover and need to have their magic limited'. It just makes no sense, and for the life of me, I can't figure out what's brought it on, neither can Celestia or Luna. All we know is that it started after the Summer Sun Celebration."
"Could it be somethin' to do with the princesses retirin'?" Applejack suggested.
"Makes sense," I added. "A big change like this, uncertainty, and you start looking out for yourself."
"They're not just lookin' out for themselves, Bones," Big Mac said. "Some ponies are gettin' real distrustful of the other tribes. I even saw it when I went to see Sugar Belle last week."
"I'd just like to get my hooves on that pear brained idiot who started all these insane rumours. That's all they are. And why is it ponies are suddenly so willin' to believe such nonsense?"
"Well, at least we can say none of the Apple family ascribe themselves to such tomfoolery," Granny Smith said as she brought in dessert. "And with any luck, the coronation will help bring folks to their senses."
I certainly hoped so. I just wished I knew what was causing it. Like Applejack said, it was all just mud slinging. Confronted with facts, none of it stood up to scrutiny. What worried me though was how divisive it was becoming. Equestria depends on the unity of the three tribes. While we were nowhere near the pre-Hearth's Warming level of distrust and discord, if this kept up, it could cause serious problems. More to the point, it was clear that someone was doing this to foster distrust. Could this be Discord's little experiment? I wished I knew, but I hadn't seen him for a while. Even with Dad he'd been oddly absent and distant.
That moron was planning something, and he had an idiot, a child, and an ex-queen who I consider to be extremely dangerous, alone or otherwise helping him. Three sociopathic scoundrels. But what good could it do? Was he trying to drive a wedge between Twilight's friends so they couldn't use their powers? No, their friendship was too strong for that. And when they made their move, surely ponies would rally together against a common foe. Besides, the three of them, combined with Discord wouldn't need such divisions; they were dangerous enough on their own.
I went to bed that night, as the last day of the harvest drew to a close, still trying to figure things out. Discord had some plan in the works, and he would no doubt set it in motion when Twilight was crowned. I half-trusted his assurance that he could act as a safety net, but still, not knowing what was in the works gave me pause.
If I had known what was really going on in that little hideaway of his, I wouldn't have slept a wink that night. |
A Year in Equestria | Chapter 9 - September | "You know, ever since I came to Equestria, I've gotten myself caught up in a fair few adventures. I've trekked my way through the Everfree Forest, I've found myself caught up in monster attacks and enemy invasions. I've even crossed paths with some of the most dangerous creatures in Equestria and beyond. But none of these adventures hold a candle to one my good friend, Big Macintosh, is embarking upon today. May Celestia help the poor soul."
The audience chuckled at that. Dad had told me to throw in one joke early and then not push my luck.
I was standing next to Big Mac, who was sitting down in the middle of a long table, all facing the audience. And next to him was Sugar Belle, his new wife. Yes, the day had finally come. After much courting, dating and romancing, Big Mac had finally got down on one knee and asked Sugar Belle to marry him. It didn't exactly go smoothly, mind you, but the important thing was that the mare said "yes". And so, after a short engagement, the two had gotten married right here on Sweet Apple Acres, in front of the same tree where Mac's dearly departed parents had tied the knot all those years ago.
Mayor Mare, as the resident justice of the peace, presided over the ceremony, which was a strictly civil one, given how Equestria, in perhaps one of its biggest deviations from Earth, lacks any form of organised religion. And yet somehow morality still exists without magical sky people. Funny that. I'd been asked many times by certain Bible loving nutjobs where my value system came from without reference to God, and was even told that I must be without a moral compass due to my lack of belief. Anyway, it was a reasonably simple ceremony, but still a wonderful thing to watch. With the exception of Shining and Cadence, I can't recall ever seeing two ponies so much in love.
But we were past that now. The wedding was done, the knot tied, the photos had all been taken of the happy couple, and the attending single mares had all but scratched each others eyes out in an effort to catch the bouquet. Believe it or not, Pinkie caught it. We were now at the reception, still out in the open air, for it was a beautiful day in early September. The weather was warm, the wind calm, you know, pretty much perfect. And I had been given the singular honour by Big Mac of being his best man. And so, here I was, giving my speech.
"I remember the first time I saw Mac in the flesh," I continued after the laughter had subsided. "It was my first night in Ponyville and I needed a place to stay. Applejack had offered me a place, so I came up here to take her up on the offer. So I'm standing at the door, knocking on it, and a moment later I'm staring straight at this wall of deep red. I look up and this building with eyes is looking down at me. And so I squeak out 'Erm...I'm looking for Applejack...is...is she in?'. And he pauses for a moment, thinks about it, and then looking me straight in the eye says in this deep booming voice 'Eeyup'. And I damn near fainted." Again came the laughs.
"I quickly learnt that Mac was a stallion of few words," I went on. "He'd quite happily go the whole day without saying two words to you. Not from malice or shyness or anything like that; he just chooses his words carefully. If there's no point in saying something, he won't say it. He doesn't feel the need to fill a silence. And at first, I found it a little strange. But as time went on, I began to come around to see how it made sense. We all spend our lives talking and talking, but so often, we don't say much of any meaning. But with Mac, everything he says had a meaning, a purpose. When he saw that Sugar Belle was upset one day, he didn't start chattering away saying 'it's alright, it's okay'. Instead, he hugged her, comforted her, and then he went and fixed the problem. He didn't need to say anything; his actions did all the talking that was needed.
"I have to admit, I find myself feeling a little jealous of the happy couple beside me. To have that closeness, that almost unspoken bond. Every Hearts and Hooves day, I see ponies going on and on about how much they love their partner. But these two, they didn't need to. It doesn't need to be said. You just look at them and you can tell instantly. There's no need for affirmations, reassurances. They just know. Their bond runs so deep that it transcends the spoken word. We should all be so lucky."
I paused for a moment to dab my eyes. I'd promised myself I wouldn't cry doing this. I'd spent days and days working to get this all perfect for them. Luckily, I was near the end. It was time for the toast.
"Would you all please raise your glasses?" I asked, as I picked up my own champagne flute in my magic.
I turned to look down at both Mac and Sugar Belle. Mac looked positively dashing in his suit, while Sugar Belle was the envy of every mare in Equestria, sporting a dress of Rarity's design, modelled after the one she made for Cadence. I smiled at the happy couple as I began.
"Big Mac. You have been the pillar that supported this farm and this family for over twenty years, through disaster and through triumph. I cannot think of a better foundation for the new life you are about to embark on. Sugar Belle. You have endured hardship, loss and pain, and yet emerged all the stronger for it. Combined together, there is no force in all Equestria that can stop you. For there is nothing that can stand in the path of true love. And so, in the best traditions, I wish you both all the best. To Big Mac and Sugar Belle!"
"To Big Mac and Sugar Belle!" the audience echoed as the applause started.
I guess I hadn't made a complete hash of it.
With the speeches done and dusted, the party got into full swing. Pinkie Pie had all but insisted on offering her services and had taken great pains to ensure that all went smoothly and everypony had a good time. After all, you only get married once (well, for the most part, I certainly doubted anything short of death would cause Mac and Sugar Belle to split). And the two did deserve a day where everything went off without a hitch. After all, Mac's proposal hadn't exactly gone as he would have liked.
To his credit, he'd thought long and hard about how to propose to Sugar Belle. He spent weeks planning it, not just finding the right ring, but also coming up with the right way to present it. His plan would have astounded even Princess Cadence . He planned a sort of treasure hunt in a way, taking inspiration from the way Shining and Cadence told Twilight they were going to have a baby. He planned to set up a trail of apples all around Ponyville, starting at Sugarcube Corner. On the stem of each apple would be a clue to find the next. This would ultimately lead Sugar Belle to Sweet Apple Acres, ideally a little before sunset, where Mac would be waiting with a picnic. And there, in the light of a golden sunset, he'd get down on one knee and ask the mare he loved to marry him.
Even as an asexual with only a limited interest in romance myself, I had to admit, it was a beautiful thing and wonderfully romantic. Unfortunately, Big Mac forgot that old adage; no battle plan survives first contact with the enemy. All it took was one ill timed moment for Sugar Belle to be distracted, and she walked right out of Sugarcube Corner, completely missing the first apple. And without that, there was nothing to set her on the trail.
Now, this on its own could be remedied. The next problem came from who Big Mac asked to help him. I myself was out in the fields with AJ, finishing up the last few jobs of Applebuck Season. I'd say Mac's closest friend off the farm has to be Discord. The pair bonded ever since Mac and Spike introduced the spirit of chaos to Ogres and Oubliettes. And, to Discord's credit, he did genuinely try to be a good friend. The key word there being try. Even when he legitimately tries to help he can be remarkably disruptive. All across Equestria there are ponies that still have nightmares about the time that Discord "helped" them. Just look at his bonkers plan to 'help' Twilight.
He'd found out, and accidentally told pretty much everypony except Sugar Belle by screaming it to the heavens, that Mac was going to pop the question. It should be noted that this news seemed to send half the mares of Equestria into a pit of despair, particularly Cheerilee, Marble Pie, and strangely both princesses up in Canterlot. And of course, he wanted to help. So Mac, like so many comedy movie protagonists before him, gave Discord one simple job. All he had to do was finish setting up the little treasure hunt by setting out the remaining apples, since Spike, who was previously helping Mac out, was now busy helping the Cakes with baking.
When Sugar Belle missed the first apple, Discord did what any sane pony would do. He used his chaos magic to bring the apples to life and told them all to go to their requisite positions and give their messages. Oh, wait, no sane pony would do that, would they? And why? Because it resulted in the market being terrorised by around two dozen sentient apples all screeching in demonic voices their romantic messages to anypony who came within a mile of them. Better yet, when two of them bumped into each other, they merged into a larger entity.
Big Mac meanwhile, quite unaware of the Hell he'd inadvertently unleashed on Equestria, was waiting on the hilltop back on the farm for Sugar Belle. When she didn't show however, he realised that something had to be wrong and headed into town. And in a never ending comedy of errors, Discord, realising the apple treasure hunt wasn't really working, used his magic to teleport Sugar Belle to the farm, with Big Mac no longer there. When Big Mac returned to Sugarcube Corner, to find out what was going on, Discord teleported her back and also blindfolded her. There was a slim chance things could be saved.
And that chance went hurtling off into the depths of the universe, never to be seen again until the end of time, when Discord's sentient apples, now turned into a horrifying eldritch abomination, lumbered into town and all but screamed out Big Mac's request for Sugar Belle's hoof. I think the phrase that describes everypony's feelings at that point rhymes with "clucking bell". Big Mac's plan was utterly ruined.
Even better, it wasn't only his plan that got turned upside down. Sugar Belle had also been planning to pop the question to her boyfriend. Equestria apparently doesn't require men to propose to women, and allows either gender to be the one to make the first move. She and Mrs. Cake had cooked up twenty one different desserts, with similarly romantic messages hidden inside them. She planned to have the Crusaders bring Mac to Sugarcube Corner. But seeing Spike and Discord outside, they all hurried past to avoid giving the game away, which is how Sugar Belle first missed the starting apple on the trail.
It's amazing isn't it how one little mistake can result in a town almost being overrun by a giant apple monster that screams out romantic love poetry?
Luckily, Discord was able to at least somewhat redeem himself and used his magic to undo the damage. There was little he could do though about the ruined proposals. Spike was understandably furious with his friend as was Mrs. Cake.
Big Mac and Sugar Belle meanwhile, went off on their own for a while, eventually coming to the tree Bright Mac and Pear Butter planted so long ago. While Big Mac was embarrassed and ashamed of how he'd once again managed to make a fool of himself, Sugar Belle reflected that the path of true love wasn't always smooth. And, if nothing else, neither of them would forget this day for the rest of their lives. With that, Big Mac proposed. And, rather unsurprisingly, Sugar Belle said yes.
And so, here we are, a couple weeks later at the wedding reception. As a way of forgiving Discord, or recognising the trouble he'd caused, Mac and Sugar Belle had invited him to the wedding, and he'd joined me alongside the other groomsmen. He even used his magic to once again bring some of the apples to life, though without being quite so destructive this time.
And of course, there was one job that Discord was perfectly suited to, and the one duty that I had delegated to him, despite my own position as the best man. That was planning the stag night. Because, let's be honest, who wouldn't want to go on a stag party planned by the closest thing Equestria has to Q? And more to the point, who'd want a sexually repulsed asexual like me to plan theirs? So, we gave Discord the job, setting the limits as no permanent physical or mental harm and that Big Mac had to be capable of attending the wedding afterwards. Other than that, we invited him to let his chaotic talents take flight.
Now, I'll admit, wild as Tartarus stag nights aren't my cup of tea. Even back on Earth, a lot of people were put off by my apparent lack of vices. I don't drink much, I never smoked, never tried any kind of drugs in college, seldom made love, rarely went out at night, and in general appeared to deprive myself of life's pleasures. In short I'm a downright boring old sod who's idea of a fun time consists of watching a good film with a few friends, and maybe playing some video games. The notion of going out on a pub crawl and ending up handcuffed to a lamppost is nothing short of repulsive to me, never mind some of the more lairy activities expected of a stag night. But I could hardly bow out as the best man, now could I? And Twilight is always saying I should get off the farm more.
So I went, not exactly with my heart and soul in it, but willing to let Mac have a fun night. Of course, you could say the same thing about the groom himself. Big Mac isn't exactly a renowned party animal. Like me, he's fairly restrained, something that I know drives Discord to distraction. Still, the draconequus was determined to show him a good time. And so, a week before the wedding, we all set out for Las Pegasus.
Now if only I could remember any of it...
Given that Discord was running the show, I think that's probably for the best. Still, whatever he did must have been pretty wild, since one of the few souvenirs of my visit to the city of sin, aside from a sizeable stack of winnings from the casino and a few dozen photos of us all having a good time, is a document stating that I am forever banned from all casinos in the city, along with a warning that I will be arrested if I ever try to come back. I guess that, amidst the drinking, I must have found my way to the blackjack tables. Card counting, contrary to popular belief, isn't that complicated, nor is basic strategy. And while it isn't illegal and you don't need to be Rain Man, casinos don't like it when you win consistently, and after forcing the issue, will tell you that they no longer want your business and invite you to cash out your chips and be on your way.
Either that, or the pit boss and his goons take you to The Box and break a few bones to teach you a lesson. So I guess that put an end to any prospective gambling career for me here. Although I suppose I could always dust off my tuxedo and hop on the train down to Monte Coltco. I wouldn't mind a shoe or two of chemin de fer some time.
Mind you, by all accounts, Sugar Belle had an equally wild hen night courtesy of Pinkie. The following morning, Sugarcube Corner looked like a twister had hit it and the place was filled with semi-conscious hungover mares. So I think we can call it a case of Even Stevens.
We were done with all that now though. The vows had been made, the licence signed, and the reception was in full swing. Big Mac was happily dancing with his new wife while I took a break at one of the dining tables and listened to the music. As I began to drift off, my dad sat down to join me, having danced the afternoon away with Mum.
"You ever think about it, Bones?" he asked, catching my attention.
"Think about what?" I replied.
"Marriage," he elaborated, gesturing to the happy couple across the way. "You know your mother has been circling like a vulture waiting for you to pop the question to dear Applejack. She is rather hoping for grandkids at some point." I rolled my eyes at that. What is it with mothers and grandchildren?
"I don't know," I said honestly. "Maybe someday."
"Well you better be careful," he said jokingly. "You two have been living together long enough. Before you know it common law will kick in." I rolled my eyes.
"Dad, you're the legal advisor to the princesses. You of all people should know that common law marriage is a load of horse apples."
"Yes, boy," Dad said with a slightly sad smile. "I was just joking. But seriously, you two have been together for a couple years now. You clearly love each other. Why not get down on one knee for the girl?"
See, this is where my relationship with Applejack is a bit different than most. I love her, of course, and she loves me. But our relationship is often...well, it's more like very close friends. I mean, in the time I've known her, I can, or rather could if I still had hands, count the times we've been intimate on one hand. Yes from time to time we cuddle together and share romantic moments, and yes I do very much love her. But we still sleep in separate rooms most of the time. We don't follow the norms of couples. Applejack is just the same as me, not being overly romantic, and certainly a far cry from the likes of Rarity. Yes, she too does, from time to time, do something intimate with me, but it isn't a regular thing.
I remember once I tried to explain to a good friend in college, back when I was first discovering my asexuality, the concept. I could form romantic attachments, but it took a lot of time. And even if I was in love with someone, while that love could be extremely strong, I still wouldn't feel the need to sleep with them. They looked at me, puzzled for a few moments, and then said I was kind of like The Doctor and his companions. It was a decent comparison, after all, he cares for them, in some cases more than friendship or family, but he never did anything physical with them. It simply didn't interest him.
That's basically how I feel about Applejack. I love her, of that there is no question. But at the same time, I didn't love her as most would expect a stallion to love a mare. And while she has never openly objected to that, I know that AJ isn't like me, she is attracted to me physically and to a degree needs that intimacy that I can't give. To ask her to marry me, even if I did accommodate her own needs, just wouldn't be right. I don't experience sexual attraction. I've never been lost in the throes of passion. I've never looked at a mare and wanted her in that way. No matter how much you love someone, between the two of us, there would always be a gap. I love her, and for that reason, I would never ask her to marry me.
"It's more complicated than that, Dad," I said, still watching the two dance. Applejack was up there too with Apple Bloom. "I know ponies say how we're all in love but, honestly, we're more like really close friends most of the time. To be honest, I've been thinking about havin' a talk with AJ about what we are." To my surprise, Dad let out a short laugh.
"What do you think me and your mother are, Bones?" I looked up in surprise as he continued. "Yes, she's my wife and I love her. But most of the time, we're not being all romantic and such, we're just close to each other. It's like your grandad told me when I got married. He said 'You done good, Roger. Cause, you know, your missus, she should be more than just your wife, she should be your best mate and all'. And I can see you two are that close. I know you've got your own hangups, and I'm sure Applejack has hers. But speaking as a man who's been successfully married for over twenty five years, and who saw you two idiots were sweet on each other in the first place, I'd say you've got a decent shot at something with her."
I pondered his words as the dance before us ended. He was right in what he said, but so was I in what I knew. And hey, it wasn't like this was a ticking clock affair. We both had plenty of time to think about it. Maybe once the whole business with the coronation is over and done with, we can talk about it. It wouldn't be long now, only a couple weeks to go. Maybe if I explained, he'd understand. But, like most people, I'd rather die than discuss my sex life with my parents.
As the band prepared to start up again, Apple Bloom scurried off to join her friends, leaving Applejack alone on the dance floor. Like any good coltfriend, I got up and trotted over. Whatever else you might say about our relationship, odd as it is, you can never say that I'm not romantic. I led Applejack in a dance just as I had at the reunion.
But while I was doing that, far away, cruel, twisted minds were regarding Equestria with envious eyes, and slowly but surely drawing their plans not only against us, but against their supposed master. Before Twilight could take the throne, Good would have to clash with Evil one last time.
It was the day of the coronation. Today, Twilight Sparkle, that adorable little bookworm who not so long ago arrived in Ponyville solely to oversee preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration and wanted to return to Canterlot as soon as possible, would be taking the throne, having become a wise, if at times a little anxious leader, who had saved Equestria more times that I cared to remember. In a way, I was feeling a little sorrowful. I would certainly miss having her and Spike around, and being able to just drop in to see her at the castle to chat about some new book or spell she was working on, or the latest friendship mission. On the other hoof though, this day marked a huge turning point for Equestria. Now if only the wider populace reflected that.
The growing disharmony had been getting worse. It still wasn't all out strife, but even in Ponyville it was beginning to affect life. Earth ponies and pegasi I had called friends now refused to speak to me. Hell, I had to stop running the market stall because whenever I did, no earth pony would come and buy anything, believing that I was a rich, snobby unicorn who would cheat them out of their hard earned bits. Everyone in our little family was feeling the strain. Apple Bloom and the Crusaders had seen a major drop off in business for their cutie mark consultancy because of each individual's race putting other ponies off. We were even having trouble from other earth ponies, who were, in some cases, trying to force an embargo on free trade in town, with special taxes for non-earth ponies. It was like sitting in some mad Indian throwback, with castes and laws governing who could talk with whom. And more alarmingly, it seemed there were only a few sane ponies left. The Apples and our friends, particularly the Mane Six all thought it was nonsense, as did the princesses. My own family too, although less affected by it, were equally alarmed and baffled. And what was worse was that while it had started as rumour and insane hearsay, some of what ponies was saying was coming true. Unicorns were getting more greedy and distrustful, pegasi tended to their own towns first, and earth ponies were hoarding their crops. In all honesty, I figured it would take just one little spark to set off a full scale civil war.
The worst part was that there seemed to be nothing I could do about it. I tried to talk to the unicorns I knew around, but everypony was so wrapped up in the conspiracies and wracked by mistrust that they wouldn't listen. Some even called me disloyal to my tribe. It was a fine sodding way for Twilight to begin her reign, and I was sorry to see Celestia and Luna step down with the realm in such a state.
School was no better. While the non-pony students were no longer having to put up with racism, they now found themselves in the middle of another argument. The students of each tribe were dividing up into cliques, and trying to drag as many of their non-pony friends in with them. It made for more than a few Sophie's Choice type scenarios. It pissed me off. I mean, these students were meant to be learning about the magic of friendship, and here they were all but tearing each other's eyes out. As I tried to get on with my lesson on magic, I ran out of patience. When the students filed in, the non-pony students sat in their normal seats, but the ponies seemed to segregate themselves. I frowned as everypony sat down, casting distrustful glares at each other.
"Right," I said with something of a snarl. "How about we try this again? Let's pretend for a moment that we all come from the same land, speak the same language, and apart from a few minor differences, are the same species. I will not have this Jim Crow horse apples in my classroom! Now all of you, get up! I want everypony sitting next to somepony of a different tribe! Now!"
The pony students did as they were told. But almost instantly the arguing began.
"Eww! No way! I'm not sitting next to some revolting dirt pony!" A unicorn mare sneered.
"And I'm not sitting next to some dumbass feather duster!"
"Why are we even listening to this horn head anyway?" A pegasus student shouted, pointing at me. "It's their fault there's all this disharmony in the first place!"
And with that, Bedlam returned. Gallus, and the other non-pony students, particularly our resident yak Yona, did their best to calm things down, but it soon turned into an all out and out brawl.
A brawl! Here! In the School of Friendship! Between ponies! I'd had enough. I had no more patience, no more fucks to give, no more diplomatic niceness. Seeing no other option, I resorted to the Starlight Glimmer method of teaching.
"That is it!" I bellowed.
Activating my magic, I poured all my strength into a levitation spell and, in a move that by my standards was pretty close to impossible, picked up all the ponies in the room in my magic. I was about to forcibly stick them in assigned seats, to Hell with the consequences. Luckily, at that moment, Starlight arrived to tell me the world was ending.
Short version; Discord's plan had come unstuck. Turns out his three little apprentices had been able to find the bell after all. Their break in at the archives gave them the knowledge of how to use it. They'd taken his magic, though luckily couldn't use it yet, and were now planning to attack Equestria and divide the place up between themselves.
Shorter version; in the words of James May, cock.
But, like all good, and some bad leaders, Twilight had a plan. She was calling for a networked defence around Canterlot. With her and the princesses there, excluding Cadence, it would be their most likely target. After all, she was the one who had always bested them, or had a hoof in it. Twilight, the princesses and her friends would defend the city. On the outskirts, around the Canterhorn, the Pillars of Old Equestria, pulled out of retirement, would act as an outer line, and finally, here, Starlight and Trixie would help to protect the school and Ponyville. If needed, one could fall back on the other, giving early warning at the same time. If there were three villains, it made sense to have three branches of heroes to put them down with.
Naturally, there was no way I was sitting on the sidelines for this one, and I quickly volunteered my services.
"I need you to help Trixie get all the students to shelter," she explained. "We'll use the caves under the school. If Chrysalis, Cozy or Tirek come here looking for me, they'll be safe down there."
Chrysalis and Cozy did rather have it in for Starlight. After all, she humbled and dethroned the changeling, and it was her removal from Cozy's little incantation that caused the draining spell to collapse. To Tirek, she'd probably just be more magic. Still, there was no time to waste.
"Alright, you heard Professor Starlight," I barked. "Everycreature follow me down to the caves. Leave your stuff here, just like a fire drill."
The upside of this sudden turn of events was that the inter tribe squabbling was, for the most part, forgotten. Not entirely, but the nonsense seemed to lift a little.
We all headed out of the classroom and into the corridor, which was already full of students evacuating to the basement. We didn't know how much time we had. After all, with no magic, Discord had had to walk to sound the alarm. Still, I, as did Starlight and Trixie, did my best not to panic. Panic and fear, I knew, were contagious things. But so was courage. So I kept calm and kept buggering on as Churchill would have put it.
The evacuation went pretty smoothly. There was some understandable panic, but for the most part, the students did as they were told, trusting their teachers. Once the last of the students were down the manhole, that left just Starlight, Trixie and myself above ground.
"You two head on down," Starlight instructed. "I'll stay up here. If any of our old friends do come calling, I don't want any of the students in harm's way."
"Well I'm not leaving you up here alone!" Trixie said defiantly.
"Agreed," I added. "If there's going to be trouble, I plan on being here to give it five rounds rapid." Starlight however, was having none of it.
"No!" she said. "I need you two to stay and look after the students in case I..." she trailed off for a moment before she recovered herself. "They need someone to look after them. The both of you are to protect them at all costs. Understand?"
"Trixie...Trixie understands," the showmare said tearfully, before hugging her friend.
"Good luck, Starlight," I said. "Give 'em hell, and we'll do the same."
With that, Trixie and I started to head down into the caves.
And that was when the whole building shook.
"Get in there! Now!" Starlight ordered.
With one last look as the mare turned to fight, I did the difficult deed of closing the hatch behind me.
Heading down the passageway, deeper into the cave system, I soon found Trixie again, who was doing her best to calm the now frightened students. They'd all heard and felt the shockwave. For all I knew, the school above us was a smoking ruin by now, with the rubble piled on top of us. Luckily, the caves let out a fair distance away outside of Ponyville, so it wasn't like we were trapped here.
Still, it seemed that Starlight had indeed engaged the enemy. Who that was I didn't know, it could be all three of them, or just one. That though, wasn't really at the forefront of my mind. Starlight and the others would deal with the bad guys. My job, along with Trixie, was to look after the students. As much as I wanted to turn around and help Starlight, I knew that I would most likely be more a hindrance than a help. After all, look at how Sombra wiped the floor with me when I tried to face him one on one. From what I understood, this ancient magic that our old foes had taken was originally Grogar's, stored in his ancient bell. It was on par with an alicorn, but with far more reserves, meaning they could cast spells that would tire even the likes of Celestia. I wouldn't have a chance.
More to the point, while a part of me wanted to help, another part of me was quite happy to stay here in these caves and wait for things to blow over. After all, who knew what Discord's former apprentices were capable of now? I certainly didn't fancy the idea of getting captured, or worse.
So, I joined Trixie in ushering the students deeper into the cave. Our biggest concern right now was detection. Yes, these caves provided shelter, but their main defence was that whoever was attacking didn't know we were here. I mean, I doubted we were of much concern to them, but if they figured out we were down here and launched a concerted attack, we'd be screwed. So we needed to get deeper into the caves.
That was easier said than done. While getting them down here was easy enough, once the proverbial shooting started, panic began to set in. Worse still, despite all that was going on, the pony students were still bickering over tribal nonsense, splitting into groups. Instead of the spirit of the Blitz I was hoping for, it seemed to be a case of every pony for himself. United, we'd be able to weather this storm. But like this, we were less than helpless. As Trixie and I herded the students into one of the larger open caverns, I tried to calm things down.
"Alright, everypony. Settle down!" I called out over frightened shouts. "We're quite safe down here. Just keep calm. Princess Twilight will soon put a stop to this."
"Princess Twilight?!" one of the students parroted in exasperation. "Oh yeah, sure, let's all get the mutant unicorn to come save us."
"Stow that horse apples!" I barked angrily. "She and her friends, from each tribe I might add, have saved Equestria time and time again, including each of the foes we're currently facing."
"Maybe if they did a better job at it, we wouldn't be in this mess!" another pony piped up.
"They probably would have if they didn't have those stupid pegasus ponies with them," said another.
"As if," a pegasus retorted. "Without us, you'd all have no way to water crops or end winter."
"Yeah, you really showed that when the Storm King covered Canterlot!"
"At least I don't come from a species that repeatedly abuses their magic for their own gain!"
"And at least I'm something other than a strong back and cheap labour!"
This was hopeless, and I was about to try and shut them all up again when the cavern shook with another impact. Some very powerful magic was at play out there. Dust and a few pebbles fell from the ceiling. I felt Trixie standing beside me as I looked up.
"That doesn't sound good," she said warily.
"Yeah," I agreed. "But it depends on who's doing the blasting. What in the name of Celestia are we gonna do with these kids? It's bad enough we're all but at war, and they're still keeping up this racist nonsense."
"Trying times can force ponies apart as much as it can bring them together," Trixie replied. "Especially when the seeds of discord have been planted beforehand." I snorted and nodded in agreement.
"So how do we dig them out?" I asked. "We've both tried reasoning with them for the last month or so. But they just don't listen." Trixie thought for a moment.
"It has been the observation of the Great and Powerful Trixie," she said, theatrically rolling her r's. "That ponies react more to actions than mere words. Telling ponies you can vanquish an Ursa Major is one thing. A certain irritating unicorn turned alicorn levitating an Ursa Minor through the sky however, produces very different results."
"Actions speak louder than words, eh?" I summarised.
"Precisely."
But what could we do to help unify the students and get all three tribes working together again. The caves we were in, whilst subterranean, were not strictly underground. Around the school, there were several gorges and chasms. The caves let out into these through several pathways, but there were also a few breaches in the walls of the caves here and there, which let light in and let you see out. Not that there was much to see at the moment. Plus, Trixie had instructed the students to gather against the stronger walls for added protection, so nopony was looking out at the moment. Well, nopony that I'd spotted.
As we tried to deal with things, we heard another loud crash, albeit a little further away from us. This time the caves didn't shake with the impact. Was the battle moving further away? Wanting to try and find something out, I trotted over to the outside wall to take a look. To my surprise, I found Gallus already there, his sharper eyes peering out.
"Gallus!" I snapped. "Get back with the others. You heard what Counsellor Trixie said." Gallus did indeed back away, a look of utter terror on his face.
"Er...I think you better take a look at this, Professor," he said shakily. That didn't bode well.
Going up to his porthole, I closed my one eye and squinted through with the other. What I saw made my blood run cold.
The sky, previously clear and bright, was now overcast with thick dark clouds that seemed to stretch on forever. From those clouds, in the middle of September, came snowflakes, falling thick and fast. A wind was now howling too. There was already a faint shade of white as the snow began to stick. And worse still, that wasn't the only thing in the sky. Swirling around the clouds, endlessly circling like wolves waiting out their prey, were large ethereal beings. Their heads had a vague horse like quality to them, but they were no equines.
"Oh dear Celestia," I whispered in horror. "The Windigoes"
It made sense of course. With the three tribes divided as they were, the fire of friendship that had banished them had dwindled down to but an ember. There was now nothing to stop them returning, and with them, endless snow and cold, which would only grow stronger with the disharmony. If it wasn't checked soon, the snow would fall, rivers would freeze, uncontrollable winter weather would cover all Equestria. And then...well, we might last a month, maybe two. But as the temperature dropped, eventually the inevitable would happen, and we would all freeze to death.
"It never rains, but it pours," I said to myself.
Here we were, with Twilight and all of Equestria's heroes fighting to protect us, and we'd just gone and made things a thousand times worse. Even if they would defeat Chrysalis, Tirek, and Cozy before things got too serious, there was no way to stop the Windigoes bar reuniting the three tribes. The last time this happened, at the first ever Hearth's Warming, they survived with only seconds to spare. And that was assuming a lot too. The truth was, beyond ancient stories, we knew next to nothing about Windigoes. Hell, even I honestly thought they were either fictional or long dead.
I found myself getting angry. Angry at all the ponies who had just seemingly forgotten everything Equestria stood for; honesty, loyalty, generosity, kindness, laughter, magic. Even amongst these students, specialising in Friendship Studies, it seemed to have all flown out the window. Every man has his breaking point, and I just reached mine. A wave of magic washed over me and my colour faded as the hopeless magic that once overtook Twilight and her friends, and at one time afflicted the pretty hamlet of Hope Hollow, did a number on me. I turned back to Trixie and the huddled mass of students.
"Brilliant!" I exclaimed, a half mad look in my eye. "Well done, everypony. Great job! Thanks to you, and others like you, we are all, in all likelihood, going to die shortly. Out there, it's snowing, and Windigoes circle the skies. You, each and every one of you, are responsible. Distrusting your former friends, just because of their race, spreading rumours and lies, listening to nonsense gossip. Equestria is now so divided, that it has all but fallen! I hope you are all proud of yourselves, you students of friendship!"
The students, and Trixie, took my ranting and raving with a mixture of silence and fear. Before too long though, they were rushing to the portholes to look out at the scene outside. They were all suitably terrified and were asking both me and Trixie the same single question. What did we do now?
"Don't you get it?" I replied. "There's nothing we can do! Unless the three tribes reunify and the disharmony ends, the Windigoes have an infinite supply of hatred and mistrust to feed off of."
Now, in my heart of hearts, I knew that good would somehow prevail. We might not have had a plan, or in fact any idea of what to do. But I knew something would save us. Others however, were not so passive in their approach.
"Then we need to take away that fuel!" Ocellus said defiantly.
"Ocellus is right!" Silverstream agreed. "If Headmare Twilight and the other professors are busy fighting, then we need to do something to stop this!"
"Like what?" Gallus observed. "You heard Professor Star; everypony is so distrustful of each other. Plus, you know, insanely powerful villains running amok."
"Exactly!" the hippogriff replied. "We take out one, we can defeat the other. If ponies can work together to defeat one evil, then the magic of friendship would be able to stop the other."
"But ponies are all barricading themselves away from each other," Sandbar pointed out.
"And they're not exactly in a talking mood," Smoulder added.
"Then we get help from elsewhere!" Silverstream declared. "Equestria and the ponies have helped out all of our homes at one time or another. I think it's time we repaid the favour! Those villains may be tough. But not even they could defeat everyone. When the ponies see all their allies coming to help them, it will help them realise their own unity. I say we get as many allies as we can and head for Canterlot!"
"Trixie agrees!" the resident magician trumpeted. All eyes now turned to me.
"Well," I said, now sounding a little more like myself as my previously lost colour returned as I found a new source of hope.. "It's better than my idea of letting the Windigoes take down the three villains and then trying to save the world."
And so, the non-pony students, along with Sandbar divided themselves up. They would all return to their homes and endeavour to raise some sort of counter strike force. An army of dragons, changelings, yaks, hippogriffs and griffons, to say nothing of the other species that called Equestria home, would more than likely tip the balance of power in our favour. There was however, one small problem.
While we had been sitting here nattering away, Starlight had been busy fighting Chrysalis. And it was not going well for the unicorn. She'd nearly had her foe a couple of times, but they were very evenly matched, possibly even tipping the scales in Chrysalis' favour. Above us, very close at hoof, we heard and felt a powerful magic blast. Something was blasting its way into the caves. If our plan was going to work, we needed to move now.
"Right, the six of you. Head down along this passage and turn left. That will lead you to a door that will take you out to the edge of the Everfree. From there head for your homes and don't look back. Don't stop for anything. Trixie, you take the rest of the students the other way and try to get them to Ponyville."
"What about you?" Trixie asked, half suspecting the answer. The magical blasts were getting closer. Whatever it was was now in the caves with us.
"I'll use my magic to cave in the tunnel behind us. We'll still be able to get out the same way as these six, but it should stop whoever is out there from getting to us, at least for a while. The energy in the crystals here inhibits teleportation and other complex spells, so they won't be able to follow. Get the kids away first in case the cave-in goes further than I plan it to." Trixie nodded in understanding.
We quickly began to get the students moving again. Gallus and the others who'd previously helped stop Cozy took a left for the exit out into the canyon. They would scatter as soon as they were away and do their best to call in the cavalry. This bell might have made our old foes more dangerous, but even they couldn't take on everyone. An army of ponies, griffons, dragons, changelings, yaks, and hippogriffs, to say nothing of the other species that called Equestria home, would be more than equal to the task of stopping these lunatics.
I lingered a moment, picking out the best place to bring the ceiling down. It would be simple enough. My magic could destabilise the structure and bring the whole ceiling down, blocking up the tunnel with tonnes of rock. I almost waited too long.
All of a sudden, just as everypony else moved out of sight, there was an almighty bang as the opposite wall was blasted away. I ducked and shielded my eyes to avoid debris. And when I opened them again, I got my first glimpse at an old foe, for there stood Chrysalis.
The bell and its magic had done quite a number on her, evidently having to change her body to accommodate the magic. Just as Tirek grew when he gained more magic, and why Celestia, Luna and Cadence were taller than the average pony, Chrysalis had been altered. Her wings were a little larger than I remembered, and she seemed to have acquired some new horseshoes and regalia. The most striking thing though was her eyes. The whites were now a sickly yellowish green. Curiously though, the magic hadn't filled in the holes in her legs as had happened when other changelings reformed. Maybe before she tried this stunt she should have remembered just who gave her entire species those holes.
Our eyes met at almost the same instant, and I was instantly overcome with fear. I'm no coward, sure, but when confronted with a creature who has the better part of two feet in height on you, and has powers than was on par with alicorns, common sense tells you to at least be careful. Don't get me wrong, a part of me wanted to fight her. Hell, a part of me wanted to lunge straight at her and tear the filthy whore's throat out with my teeth. As much as I don't like to admit it, there is, and probably always will be, that dark facet of my personality that holds a grudge. But saner heads pointed out that I wouldn't last long against her even if she was at her normal strength. To try anything now would be a fine way to get myself killed.
A sick smile fell over the changeling's mouth when she saw me. That was more than enough to spur me to action. Tilting my horn skyward, I blasted away with desperate abandon at the rock above. A cave-in soon started, albeit hardly the safe, planned one I wanted. It ended up bringing down the roof throughout pretty much the entire chamber, protecting me from Chrysalis as it created a nigh impenetrable barrier between us. And on the other side, Chrysalis turned her attention back to Starlight.
With some protection in place, I hurried to catch up with Trixie and the others. The good news was that the six students had gotten away without trouble. The winged members of their team had carried the ground dwelling Sandbar and Yona out of the gorge. The rest of us would now head for Ponyville. Still, things looked bleak, and soon became far worse.
The Windigoes were getting stronger and now covered most of Equestria in a grey cloud. The snow wasn't thick yet, or sticking, but if something wasn't done soon it would.
As our little column came into Ponyville, we saw a scene that was being played out across Equestria, while Canterlot Castle, heavily damaged, smouldered. Ponies were holed up, isolating themselves from the other tribes. Despite all that was going on, they couldn't bring themselves to trust one another, simply acting to protect themselves. It was very human in a way.
We all arrived in Ponyville just after Applejack and the others left to look for Twilight. The earth ponies were holed up around Town Hall and in a state of panic. Canterlot and Cloudsdale had also sealed themselves off, an act which only further strengthened the Windigoes.
I might not be able to fight villains and monsters, but I wasn't about to stand idly by while my home crumbled around me. The six students were off gathering allies from beyond our borders. It was time to recruit some home grown talent. Leaving Trixie to look after the kids, I sought out Mayor Mare.
"Mayor!" I called out, catching her attention. She was standing on the steps of Town Hall talking with my dad. Mum was not too far off. "Thank Celestia you're here. I need your help. I need all your help. We have a plan to stop what's happening!"
"Not now, Bones!" she exclaimed crossly. "I've got enough problems here as it is. With no weather pegasi, there's nopony to control these storms, we're at risk of being snowed under. We need to get everypony into shelters."
"Mayor, listen!" I persisted. "Those storms are being caused by the Windigoes. They're feeding on the disharmony of ponies. We need to stop them to help Princess Twilight and the others. You know all these rumours are nonsense. The reason we're losing now is because we're divided. If we all act together, we can still win. Some of the students have gone to other cities, and even beyond Equestria for help. But we need the earth ponies too. Unless we all act together, we have no hope."
"See, Mayor," Dad chimed in. "It's just as I've been telling you. Someone has been deliberately undermining ponies for months now, specifically for this moment. We need to get ponies together to fight this."
Luckily, Mayor Mare showed why I'd voted for her every election since I got here. Back on Earth, in contrast, every general election I'd stayed home, thoroughly disillusioned with the democratic process.
"What are you proposing?" she asked as ponies started to gather around.
"That we all join forces," I explained. "Set aside our differences, and unite to defeat perhaps the greatest evil we've ever faced. Working together, the three tribes founded Equestria. Alone, we will only be agents of its destruction. I ask you, all of you, to help to defend your home."
And wouldn't you know it, little by little, ponies began to come around. Big Mac was the first to step forward.
"Bones ain't never steered us wrong," he declared in a booming voice. "And I'm willin' to do anythin' to save my friends and family!"
"Big Mac's right!" Dr Whooves agreed. "A house divided against itself cannot stand!"
"It sure as anything beats cowering in hiding like this!" Cheerilee agreed.
Voice after voice joined them. We had the earth ponies on our side. I looked up at the sky. The Windigoes didn't look quite as intimidating now.
About an hour or so later, we had our army. The students had returned with hundreds of their kin, along with pegasi, unicorns, even buffalo and kirin, never mind my human parents who also volunteered to help. Literally everycreature in Equestria was coming to help. The disharmony was fading fast. Old friendships rekindled as did the fire of friendship. Ponyville was filled with dragons, changelings, yaks, griffons, hippogriffs, to say nothing of the ponies. Even old friends like Tempest Shadow had come to the party as had Shining and Cadence, who brought us news of Twilight and the others. I don't care what magical malarkey you have to hoof, nothing would stop this. All that remained was to march the troops out. As Prince of the Crystal Empire, and the only pony on scene with any real military experience, Shining took charge. Activating his magic, he picked up a megaphone, and he and Cadence walked up to the balcony of Town Hall. As the creatures below prepared themselves, Shining began and flipped on the megaphone. It squealed a little with feedback before he got it working right.
"Good morning," he began, catching everycreature's attention. Hundreds of eyes were now on him and Cadence, myself included.
"In less than an hour, forces from here will join others from all around the world. And you will be launching the largest battle in the history of Equestria." he paused for a moment and smiled. "Equestria, that name should have a renewed meaning today. We can't be consumed by petty differences any more. Our three tribes will be united in friendship."
As he continued, I felt my courage building as I looked out at the dazzling array of creatures who had been helped by friendship over the years. A testament to the most powerful magic.
"Perhaps it is fate that today was to be the day of Princess Twilight's coronation. The same day so long ago when the Two Sisters first raised the sun and the moon over a unified homeland. And we will once again be fighting for that same cause, not for land, or honour, or glory, but for friendship. To bring the light, and to banish the darkness and the cold. We are fighting for everything that Equestria stands for. Honesty, loyalty, generosity, kindness, laughter, and magic."
His voice grew louder and more confident as he drew his little speech to a point.
"And should we win the day. Today will not be just an Equestrian holiday. But the day that the entire world declared to evil, in one voice...
"We will not bow down to you!"
"We will not be driven apart!"
"We're going to fight you. We're going to defeat you, at every turn."
"For friendship is magic!"
The crowd cheered, unicorns fired their magic into the air, and pegasi flew little loops in excitement. Okay, it may have borrowed from and slightly tweaked a speech from an old but gold action movie, but it worked nonetheless. Our vast column set out for Canterlot. Unbeknownst to us though, Twilight and the others had already made their move.
And to think I was worried about making a best man's speech.
I think we all know what happened next. Twilight and the others were backed into a corner when the villains, in a cowardly move, took Spike hostage, and threatened to tear his wings off. But just before the worst could come to pass, we all stepped in. Every unicorn channelled their magic together, creating a barrier that not even their ancient magic could penetrate.
From there, the battle was brief as Twilight regained her confidence, friendship returned for good and all, and the magic of friendship came into play.
I can't quite describe what it was like. I'd seen Twilight and the others use it, but I had no idea what it would feel like. The positive magic, full of hope, love, closeness, and virtue flowed through me and everyone else like a wave of warm water. United together, we channelled it all into the Elements, and from there, Chrysalis, Tirek, and Cozy, once again took a rainbow to the face. It stripped them of their magic, returning Cozy to being just a pegasus, and leaving Tirek an emaciated frail old man. Only Chrysalis remained defiant.
We did actually have one scare. While the magic was sent back into the bell, it briefly fell into Pinkie's hooves, and she almost went mad. Well, madder than usual. She actually stopped Chrysalis' threats mid sentence by summoning and dropping a huge cupcake on them all with her briefly acquired chaos magic. Luckily, Discord stepped in and took his own magic back and returned Celestia's and Luna's magic. That just left us with three helpless and hapless villains.
I expected Tartarus. I was kind of hoping for reformation somehow. Whatever else I might say about Chrysalis in particular, I do respect her. If she could reform, I would take no issue with her goal of leading her people again. Cozy, with a sufficient amount of electroshock therapy could probably be brought around. And even Tirek might be fixable, if we could locate his brother and help them reconcile.
Celestia however, as it turned out, had run out of patience. Tirek had been a threat for over a millennia and despite having had four defeats by now still hadn't learned. Cozy wasn't as bad, but had never for a moment shown any remorse for her actions, and had even been helped by others in the past to no avail. And Chrysalis...she had been a thorn in our collective side for so long. She too had tried and failed time and again without learning her lesson. Heck, I later discovered that she even found the magic of friendship up on Mount Everhoof and coldly cast it aside, despite the fact that, without it, they would never have gotten the bell in the first place. As a result, the alicorn took a more emphatic approach, and finally, if you ask me, got revenge on Chrysalis for knocking her down back at the wedding.
Celestia, Luna and Discord used their combined magic to replicate the effects of the Elements, and turned all three villains to stone. Tirek was frozen begging, Cozy was cowering. Only Chrysalis remained defiant to the end, screaming promises of revenge with her final breath as her form was frozen as the stone encased her.
And so, that was that. Evil was vanquished, the Windigoes were driven away as the three tribes reunified. All that remained was for everycreature to take their leave. Well, that and mend the damage to the castle. That opening battle had pretty much destroyed the throne room and a couple of the towers too. Twilight decreed that her coronation would be held off until repairs were completed.
It was only then, after what felt like forever, that I finally managed to meet up with AJ again, as well as my own family. We all returned to Ponyville for a huge party to celebrate our victory and the renewal of our bonds.
In the end, there were so many ponies, griffons, yaks, changelings, dragons, and any other creature you can think of, that not even Pinkie Pie could find a single place to hold the party. But with the help of Cheese Sandwich, perhaps the only pony quite as mad as her, they got a party going right across Ponyville, and even on Sweet Apple Acres; a street party, but taken up to eleven. Sugarcube Corner churned out food, as did all the other cafes in town, Sweet Apple Acres helped out with apples, juice, cider, and anything else we had on hoof in surplus. There was even music being played through gramophones and phonographs ponies hauled outside. Bunting and streamers decked the skyline, hanging from almost every building.
"God, this reminds me of how Dad described VE Day," Mum said, referring to my granddad.
It was certainly a fitting comparison. The war was over; every single baddie was now either defeated or had seen the error of their ways. Evil had genuinely been conquered and good had prevailed at last. All of us had come together, as one, and channelled the magic of friendship to save the day. I was reminded of a book I'd read in university, Fukuyama's 'The End of History and the Last Man'. Published at the end of the Cold War and the collapse of communism, he postulated that there was now nothing to impede the spread of Western liberal democracy across the world.
Of course, not too long later, we all heard three loud bangs and the world changed. But that was besides the point. Equestria didn't have any insane Wahabist whack jobs with access to flight simulators. As of today, the only evidence of evil was a new statue to stick in the castle gardens. Of course, there would still be friendship problems here and there. As Luna said when we talked about her retirement, the world would be a rather dull place otherwise. But there would be no more near world ending events.
"It's better than VE Day, Mum," I said, clinking my cup of punch with hers. "That was just the day one evil was defeated. Today, Evil itself bit the dust. This is the lion lying down with the lamb."
"I wouldn't be so sure," Lizzie said as she joined us. "For all we know there's another Storm King hiding out somewhere, or some other monster from a thousand years ago. I don't think we'll ever come across any villain as dangerous as those three were, but I don't think we won't ever see a villain again either."
"Well, I can live with either of those realities," Mum said happily. "Say, you haven't seen your father have you, Lizzie?" The pegasus shook her head.
"Not since we got back," she replied. "I saw him talking with Discord and the princesses before."
Ah yes, now that you come to mention it, there was that one fly in the ointment. Positive in the end or not, Discord had, intentionally, set three very dangerous villains loose on Equestria. And his overconfidence had very nearly brought ruin to us all. Add to that the fact that Dad and I were somewhat complicit, given how we both knew what he was doing and kept silent, albeit under orders from the Tree with the best of intentions, and for me at least, it rather put a dent in the party atmosphere.
"I'll go see if I can find him," I said, politely excusing myself as Lizzie and Mum were joined by Dewdrop and a few of their other friends.
Leaving the party, and heading outside of town, I found my Dad, still chatting away with Celestia and Luna, along with Discord. We'd all been in too much danger to really address the results of Discord's antics, although Twilight and the others did forgive him. I mean, let's be fair for a moment. His plan was sound to look at. He figured the villains wouldn't team up due to how much they hated each other, and his own experience with Tirek. He didn't consider the idea that they would lie about finding the bell, because why would they if they were all working together under him? Ironically, it was their near discovery of friendship that brought it all down. And he figured that his own magic, which outclassed all of them, would be a perfectly suitable safety net if push came to shove.
I joined them just as Dad was explaining himself to Celestia.
"And so the Tree's avatar forbade me from interfering with the course of events. God knows I wanted to. Hell, I had half a mind to take Discord's head off. The choice was keep quiet, knowing that ponies would suffer but ultimately triumph, or interfere and set us on an unknown course. I figured it was a case of better the devil you know." Celestia stood, pensively chewing on her cheek.
"You could make the argument, Roger," she said, in a stern tone. "That you deliberately deceived me, and that you are just as much responsible for all this as Discord is."
"Fair," he agreed with a slight nod.
"But on the other hoof," she went on, now looking at him again. "You do make a convincing argument. As trying as today has been, I cannot remember a single moment in my life when the bonds between ponies have been so strong."
"Indeed," Luna agreed. "Evil has been vanquished and my sister and I can step down knowing that we are leaving Equestria in a safe pair of hooves. While I would have much preferred to have had this whole mess averted and a more peaceful coronation take place today, we are still better for it. Every trying time for us has ultimately been positive."
"You're right there," I agreed as I walked up. "Say Chrysalis was caught before the wedding. Twilight and her friends would never have learned the important lesson of having faith in each other. Simply stopping Starlight before she became a threat would have prevented her eventual reformation. Even your return, Luna. If Nightmare Moon had not returned to seek vengeance, then Twilight and the others would never have had an opportunity to free you."
"Clouds and silver linings," Discord summed up with a smile. I looked to Dad, and then to both princesses, particularly Luna though.
"It still doesn't make what we did any better. We both still lied by omission."
"Bones is right," Dad agreed. "I still violated your trust. I'd understand if you said you wanted me to step down as your advisor, Tia." Celestia and Luna smiled.
"Both of you," the elder alicorn said. "Were faced with a difficult decision. You did what you believed to be in the best interest of everypony, while you suffered ceaseless emotional anguish for it. I can imagine that it must have been quite the burden to carry, knowing what was on the horizon. In truth though, I would have done the same as you, and have." We both looked up in surprise at that.
"You forget," she went on, smiling a little now. "All the time I spent with Twilight. I didn't just take her on as my personal student. I was always preparing her for the day she would take the throne. I never told her outright. But I watched her slowly grow up, learn, become more than she was. Eventually, I helped her ascend to become an alicorn. I always planned that this day would come. But if I told her, do you think she would be the mare she is today?"
Very true I thought. Dad agreed, and so we found ourselves, him in particular, tacitly forgiven. Discord on the other hoof...
"Does that mean I get a pass as well?" he asked hopefully. Both alicorns now turned to him.
"A part of me thinks that you ought to be joining your former apprentices in stone for the mess you caused," Celestia said harshly. "But at the same time, you also helped set things right, and for once your intentions were not to cause chaos." Discord relaxed a little as Celestia took a breath.
"Just don't do anything like it again," she eventually said with a smile and a shake of her head. "Besides, Luna and I are all but retired. Princess Twilight is the one you need to be talking to, and she forgave you."
I've always thought that Celestia had something of a soft spot for Discord. I mean, she was the one to suggest releasing him and reforming him in the first place. I'm not sure if it's romantic, although there have been odd hints from both sides on that front. In any case, the two do seem to have something of a complicated relationship. Luna now spoke up.
"Now, enough with this," she said with a smile. "It is time we adjourn to the town and join our subjects in the celebration."
Dad too seemed to be of the same mind as the two sisters passed out of sight and hearing range.
"Come on, Discord," he said. "We'd best be on our way too. You too, Bones."
We only took a few steps when Dad stopped in his tracks, paused and then turned around with a questioning air.
"Oh, there's just one more thing," he said in a very Columbo like way. "Come over here a minute, Discord." He crooked his finger as he gestured for his best friend to come closer. Discord looked a little nervous.
"Er, this isn't the part where you go postal on me on behalf of Celestia is it?" he asked, sounding slightly nervous. Dad smiled and shook his head.
"No, no," he assured. "I just want to talk. Come on, I ain't gonna hit you." And so Discord did indeed walk closer.
And as soon as he did, Dad nailed him with a solid right hook that sent the draconequus sprawling. He obviously wasn't too hurt, not that a punch could hurt Discord, since his eyes changed to show a cartoonish 'no sale', and a trio of tiny flutterponies circled around his head for a moment.
"I thought you said you weren't going to hit me," he lamented as he got back to his feet, rubbing his now tender jaw.
"I thought you said you had those three screwball nut jobs under control," Dad countered crossly. "Honestly, Discord, you're thousands of years old. How did you not see it coming?" Discord now grinned knowingly.
"Who says I didn't?" he asked coyly.
Dad paused for a moment, and, after helping him back to his feet, promptly punched him on the nose again.
"You're a dick," he said good naturedly.
"Yeah, and you love me for it."
Discord, you just can't stay mad at him.
The party dragged on into the wee hours, slowly dying down as day turned into night. The various species from beyond Equestria's borders eventually headed back to their homes. As the sun set and the moon rose, I found myself heading back to the field of battle. The statue of the three villains, after having been carefully checked, had been deemed quite safe. According to Twilight, the stone sleep spell, which is what the princesses and Discord had used, did just what it said on the tin. It turned you to stone and put you right to sleep. Our old foes wouldn't be aware of the passage of time, or affected by it. Celestia and Luna had experienced the same effects during the attack on Canterlot. Only beings with exceptionally powerful magic, like Discord, could remain conscious and attempt to resist the spell.
Not that you would want to remain conscious in such a state. If Discord wasn't mad when he went in, he certainly was when he came out. It would be like Locked In Syndrome, but so much worse. Although a part of me felt it would be a suitable punishment.
We couldn't be sure either way without doing the obvious and waking them up to ask, and nopony fancied doing that. As for the statue itself, as with Discord, the plan was to take the trio back to Canterlot and stick them in a quiet section of the gardens. A part of me couldn't help but disagree with that. After all, while they would no doubt be kept at bay for a long time, spells do fade, and Discord had eventually managed to break free of his confinement. It wasn't unreasonable to assume that these three might achieve the same some day.
But who knows, maybe a millennia or so like this will convince them to change their ways? It honestly did sadden me the way things turned out. Discord himself had said that he planned, acting as Grogar, to go beyond the pale and try and convince the trio to turn against him and side with the ponies. It would have been interesting to see if that plan worked, and I'd have been a lot happier knowing we had a safety net. But, as the saying goes 'Life is what happens when you've made other plans'. As I said before, Chrysalis was the one I was saddened by most. She seemed the most redeemable of the three. And as much as I may dislike her, I could still sort of empathise with her reasoning, at least to begin with. Changelings after all, needed to feed like any species. I just never could understand why she refused to change. Starlight told me, in the aftermath of the second incursion, that there was a moment, between her and Chrysalis, where she saw the queen see, understand, and grasp the idea of sharing love, and never needing to steal love again, and making peace with the ponies. She saw how it would make the changelings better. And yet, despite that, she pridefully refused and started down the path that led here.
It was as if she genuinely could not comprehend the idea. Her mind was so twisted that she couldn't see all the advantages. The fact that she referred to herself as evil and a villain spoke volumes. At that moment, she could have proved herself a noble and honourable queen, who only ever acted in the interests of her subjects. But in the end, she revealed herself to be nothing more than a vicious, sadistic warlord, with the courage and cunning or a pirate. Still, she'd come damn close to winning on several occasions, and I couldn't help but admire her for that. Milton had Satan saying 'I would rather rule in Hell than serve in Heaven'. Perhaps Chrysalis felt the same.
The same could not be said for her two compatriots. I mean, let's be honest, Chrysalis was the unifying force with those three. She came up with the plan to hide the bell, and to try and divide the pony tribes. Tirek was an idiot with daddy issues, obsessed with magic and with few plans beyond acquiring it and thus more power. Cozy was even worse; a pathetic little child with delusions of grandeur. They had far fewer redeeming qualities. Heck, Cozy had been shown the way, offered friendship, and even seen how it could help her. Even as a psychopath who treats others solely as a means to an end, she ought to have been able to see the benefits to herself. And Tirek, well, his own brother had tried to enlighten him, and he only viewed him as a traitor. All three of them were just driven by their hatred, be it of Twilight, or ponies, or even just the idea of friendship.
I remember something I said to Apple Bloom once. She and I had been talking before her bedtime and we ended up discussing Luna's fall to Nightmare Moon. The little filly, having met the night princess, and knowing her to be a kind and loving person, couldn't understand how she could become somepony that was evil and how she could still have that same anger when she returned a thousand years later. As is often the case when it comes to matters of morality, I found myself recalling one of the many speeches of Jean-Luc Picard.
"Apple Bloom," I said to her. "I think, when one has been angry for a very long time, one gets used to it; it becomes comfortable, like...like old leather. And finally, it becomes so familiar, that we can't ever remember feeling any other way."
And so, it was the case with those three. They were so desperate to get their revenge on Twilight, or on Equestria, or even friendship in general, that they could think of nothing else. They couldn't see past it, couldn't stomach the idea of walking away or doing something different. In that case, I think all three of them deserve pity, if nothing else. What else can you give to an evil who genuinely cannot comprehend good?
I sat a little while longer, looking up at the unsettling faces of the three of them, and wondering what the future may hold, before eventually heading for home again. The future would very soon be upon us. Before too long, we would finally have to face up to the changing of the guard, and Equestria would enter a new age.
Now I just needed to wait and see what it held. |
A Year in Equestria | Chapter 10 - October | It took a couple of weeks, but life in Equestria returned to normal. At this point cleaning up after a big villain incident had almost become routine. In this case though, the only real work that needed doing was repairing the damage to Canterlot Castle, which included the throne room being remodelled for the third time. I have to feel sorry for the architect of the first remodelling, it's barely finished and gets smashed to bits during the Storm King's attack, gets repaired, and then barely a year later the whole thing gets blown to smithereens. At least the original castle didn't take too much damage, apart from Tirek melting a couple of windows. In any case, the castle was indeed repaired and the throne room rebuilt. They even added new stained glass windows depicting this latest triumph, showing all of Equestria nailing the villainous trio with a rainbow.
But while the repairs went well, the long awaited coronation was entirely another matter. Now, in case I haven't made clear just how monumentally important this coronation was, allow me to reiterate. This was the first coronation Equestria had seen in over 1100 years. While there had been a ceremony to officially crown Luna as the Princess of the Night for a second time upon her return, since Celestia had taken the title following her banishment, it was a return to normalcy, not a voyage into the new. Equestria was once again transitioning into a monarchy, and more to the point, a new house was taking over things. This wasn't a direct descendant of the reigning princesses after all, or even the next in the line of succession, which would be Cadence. It represented a fundamental shift in Equestrian politics and government, albeit one that was accepted by the masses.
The ceremony was intended to be this incredible, ornate affair. Taking place in the castle, the crowds would gather in the courtyard and gardens, and from their position on the throne room balcony, Celestia and Luna would jointly crown Twilight and Princess of Equestria. The Royal Guard would be turned out on full parade, the crowds would be huge, Dad even dug up and painstaking transcribed, with the help of several members from the Canterlot Symphony Orchestra, the sheet music for Zadok the Priest; the ancient coronation anthem that had crowned kings and queens of England since the time of George II. All in all, it was set to make anything else look mediocre beside it. But, as with everything in life, there were a few hiccups.
First of all, Twilight and the others arrived late, then you had the fact that half the special effects didn't quite work, and then, of course, there was the one moment everypony who was there remembers; the moment Princess Twilight Sparkle overbalanced on the balcony and went tumbling to the earth below, before awkwardly reappearing, flapping her wings and returning to her proper place before an equally bemused Celestia.
In short, you could describe the entire affair as one big, unmitigated disaster, and a far cry from the elaborate and dignified ceremony that hundreds had spent months painstakingly planning. And, while I would have liked to see Twilight ascend to the throne with perhaps a little more decorum, I have to admit, it was memorable. It harkened back to her first time attending the Grand Galloping Gala, and the disaster that followed that, or her brother's wedding, her niece's birth, and pretty much every other important event in her life going right back to being accepted into Celestia's school.
And in a way, it was reassuring too. Whatever else might happen, it was clear that Twilight would still be Twilight. She was taking Celestia's place, but she wasn't becoming her if you see what I mean. I think that was what unsettled me most when I first heard the news. I didn't want to lose that adorkable little unicorn I first met on a computer screen all those years ago.
And so, amidst all the havoc, we watched with no small amount of pride as Celestia and Luna removed their crowns, fused them together with magic, and crowned Twilight as princess. The crowds cheered as the two alicorns bowed to Equestria's new ruler. I couldn't help but wipe away the odd tear though as we all applauded.
But with the ceremony complete, the official celebrations could begin in earnest. As we had done a few weeks earlier in Ponyville, a huge street party had been set up in the courtyards and gardens of the castle. It was getting on for a little past lunch when the ceremonies concluded and the various restaurants of Canterlot, including the now very famous Tasty Treat, were on station to feed the hungry crowds. I found myself sitting with Applejack, who'd spent most of the celebrations with her friends. One of the many dishes on the menu happened to catch my eye and made me smile.
"Rainbow Stew?" I said to myself with a little surprise.
"Ooh, I ain't had that for a while," Applejack said earnestly.
"What is it?" I asked, now more curious. My thoughts briefly turned to a half remembered, deeply unsettling piece of fanfiction.
"Just a vegetable stew for the most part, but with a few spoonfuls of zap apple jam stirred in to give it that rainbow effect. You normally get it with a cool drink too, like lemonade or cider."
I couldn't help but chuckle at that. Well, it seemed appropriate to have it, on today of all days.
"I guess I'll have that then," I said with a smile.
"What's got you smilin' all of a sudden, Bones?" AJ asked.
"Oh, just an old song from Earth," I explained.
I was about to just let the conversation drift, when I felt something well up inside me. I'd felt it when the battle had ended and we'd all had a blast at the last party. This notion that evil was beaten, and that we would now move into bright sunlit uplands, and into a wonderful prosperous future of harmony without end. I'm not given to overt displays of emotion most of the time, I'm British, but this little humorous note, and the wonderful state of affairs we found ourselves in, prompted the magic of music to kick off in me. After all, the worldwide war was over and done, the dream of peace had come true, and here were, drinking free Bubble Up and eating Rainbow Stew.
Other ponies joined in as I reflected that with magic, we had found a way to burn water, the gasoline car was gone, aeroplanes flew without any fuel and a pony controlled sun warmed the world. The air was clear, and the sun shone through as yet more ponies joined in.
Yes, we could all now look forward to the future and think about what was in store. Ponies, and all other creatures were doing what they ought to, and there was no more disharmony. Heck, we even had a new princess who, unlike pretty much any other politician, would stick to her promises.
As the singing died down, I found that same feeling of happiness hadn't left me. In fact, it seemed to have multiplied, and now everypony was feeling it. I'd had pretty much everypony up on their feet, even Mum and Dad, who usually don't get too affected by musical numbers in Equestria. It had even attracted the attention of two very important ponies.
"That was a real nice song there, Bones," Applejack said as she leaned over to hug me across the table.
"Indeed, Applejack," a well recognised, motherly voice said. "It was certainly a fine way to sum up the wonderful new world we found ourselves in." I spun around and quickly got to my feet.
"Princess Celestia!" I exclaimed, promptly bowing, which elicited more than a few giggles from the alicorn.
"Not quite, my little pony," she said with a smile, tilting her head down slightly to make the absence of a crown more obvious. "I'm just Celestia now."
Now that was going to take some getting used to. I couldn't help but notice how strange she looked without her crown on. She was still wearing her horseshoes and regalia, but that tiara was now atop Twilight's head.
"I think it will take more than a little time for ponies to grow accustomed to that, sister," Luna said as she joined her.
She was right there. While I did think of Luna as a princess, I found it easier to think of her as a pony. Celestia in contrast, was so closely tied to Princess Celestia, that it was difficult to see her as anything else. It's like...like meeting your old high school teacher a couple years after high school. I remember I ran into my old primary school headmaster and I still called him sir out of sheer habit.
"So what is next then for the two of you?" I asked curiously. "Do you plan to stay in Canterlot?" Celestia shook her head.
"My sister and I plan to live, for a while at least, at Silver Shoals. But if anything, I plan on going back to our roots and adventuring as we both did when we were fillies. While we may have done a fair bit of Pinkie Pie's bucket list when we went on vacation, there's still a great deal we'd both love to do in Equestria and beyond."
"Fear not though, young Blade Star," Luna added. "We shall still be on hoof to aid our new princess should she have need of us. And I shall continue to keep watch over the realm of dreams. If not only to protect ponies from nightmares, but to let me spend time with good friends."
"Now that I am glad to hear, Luna," I said, still feeling a little bold at addressing a princess so informally. "And I'm sure we'll all be glad to know there are two alicorns out there keeping the odd monster at bay."
Sadly, though, the two former rulers couldn't hang around too long. Even in retirement, they had a few responsibilities to tie off, mainly involving a last few statements and political manoeuvrings with the nobility here in Canterlot. AJ went to rejoin her friends to spend a little more precious time with Twilight, and I went to hang around with my parents and Lizzie for a while.
But let's move on from the coronation now, shall we? As happy a day as it was, it was also deeply bittersweet for all of us, and truth be told, I don't like to let my mind linger on the memory too much. So instead, let's go a little further into October. Just because the world nearly ended and Equestria underwent a massive political change didn't mean life on the farm came to a grinding halt. In fact, we were now entering probably the second busiest time of the year, just behind Applebuck Season. It was time to make cider!
With October, came autumn proper. The apple trees now stood minus their fruit, and the once green leaves now turned into a million shades of red and gold. At the end of the month, the Running of the Leaves would once again strip them bare for the winter until the whole cycle began anew after Winter Wrap Up. The temperature began to drop, little by little, and sunny days became less frequent. It was the perfect time to enjoy a glass of good quality apple cider. And when the truly cold weather arrived, hard cider would do plenty to warm you up.
Just as the apples themselves are consistently regarded as some of the best in all Equestria, Sweet Apple Acres cider is second to none and every year we deal with massive demand that, even with the huge number of trees and apples available, outstrips our supply. The farm however, had slowly been expanding over the decades, and we were getting closer, little by little, to making enough for everypony. Of course, properly rationed, there was enough to give everypony a mug as it was. But given its popularity, ponies tended to buy as much as they could afford and then hoard it like water in the desert.
Hence perhaps the unusual scene I was confronted with a good three days before we started selling. In fact, we were only starting production today, building up a good backstop before opening sales. All along the road to the farm, stretching perhaps a quarter of a mile, ponies were camping out in preparation, hoping to keep their spot in the inevitable queue. At the front of said column, somewhat unsurprisingly, was the biggest fan of our cider; Equestria's fastest flier, Rainbow Dash.
"You know, cider season doesn't start for three days, Rainbow," I said as I walked up to the mare, who was putting the finishing preparations on her tent, hammering one last peg into place.
"Exactly!" she exclaimed, with all the enthusiasm of someone who has mixed blue and yellow paint together for the first time and christened their new creation blellow. "This time I'm gonna get all the cider I can drink. I'm right by the gates to the farm, so nopony can get past me, and I've got plenty of bits."
She produced a sizable sack of currency that, personally, I'd be a bit uneasy about taking out in public. Then again, Dash does have a fair bit of disposable income, at least if her house is anything to go by, never mind that cookie prank she pulled off that must have cost a fortune.
"Remind me to explain 'The Tragedy of the Commons' to you sometime," I said, shaking my head. "And don't you have weather work or Wonderbolt training to go to?" Dash shook her head.
"Nope," she assured. "I always keep some leave time back for cider season, but Spitfire said this year I have to keep it under ten days."
Now, I'm not saying Rainbow Dash has a problem when it comes to cider...
But she has a problem. I remember last year she only got a couple of mugs before we ran out. When a stray mug happened to spill onto the ground, she leapt at it, even growling aggressively at Winona, who had also come over to lick up the spill and intimidated the collie into backing off. That's just not healthy.
Then again, if you want to list all of Rainbow psychological problems, we'd be here a while. At least she's more or less functional and she had the forethought to request leave from her jobs before she came here.
"Just try not to hoard it so much that other ponies don't get any, Dash," I asked gently. "You know how disappointed you were when you didn't get any cider."
"Yeah, yeah, I will," the pegasus replied noncommittally. "When are you starting anyway? I know you've finished harvesting all the apple trees."
"Today," I replied. "Well make as much as we can and then open up shop and keep on making fresh cider until we go through the apples. We should be able to get a little more done this year with the extra set of hooves."
Ah yes, we did have some new help this year, and the farmhouse had gotten just a little bit fuller. Having been married just before the coronation, Big Mac and Sugar Belle had taken a week away from the farm in snowy Vanhoover skiing as their slightly delayed honeymoon. When the two had returned, Sugar Belle had moved in to live with her new husband. As a result, the farmhouse was beginning to feel a little cramped with Granny, AJ, myself, Apple Bloom, Mac and his new bride, plus Winona, of course. I'd been chatting with Mac on that front and we were toying with the idea of building an extension to the existing farmhouse to make some space, while still letting everypony live under the same roof.
Sugar Belle had settled into her new life pretty well. She'd helped us out before, of course, during the cattle drive in spring, and during Applebuck Season. She'd adapted to the farming life and now frequently helped Granny Smith with her culinary skills. The addition of her apple pie recipe to our market stall has made one Wonderbolt very happy. She was also set to help us out now with selling cider, taking some of the strain off Granny Smith.
Leaving Rainbow Dash to continue establishing her little base camp, I headed back towards the farmhouse, where I found Mac busy hauling the cider press out into the open air, holding one of the straps in his teeth to pull it.
"How's she lookin', Mac?" I called out, prompting him to let go.
"Not too bad, Bones," he admitted. "I reckon those repairs I did are still holdin'. As long as we don't push her as hard as we did with those Flim and Flam fellers, we should be fine."
The cider press was a fairly simple contraption. It was essentially a treadmill which, through connection to a belt and flywheel, plus a few gears, turned a large stone press. You simply dumped the apples in, ran on the treadmill, and it pulverised the apples, with the resulting cider then being deposited through a small tap. It made for a fairly quick production, without too much labour.
Of course, it wasn't perfect, and I know more than one pony has suggested we buy a magic operated or automatic press like that infernal contraption that Flim and Flam used. Plus, as Mac had said, it was something of a labour intensive machine, requiring frequent maintenance. Yes, the competition had out produced the Apples with only two idiots running it, but Sweet Apple Acres cider is known for quality. If we increased quantity by sacrificing quality, then we were just cutting off our nose to spite our face. Don't get me wrong, it would be nice not to have to run on a treadmill all day long, but if it makes good quality cider, and that infernal contraption, when push came to shove, in contrast had spat out something closer to applesauce mixed with dirt, then I'll stick with the traditional method.
Granny Smith took a more blunt approach when it came to buying such a machine or not. She told each and every one of us, if we ever bought a Super Speedy Cider Squeezy 6000, she would burn it. And if we replaced it with another one, she would burn that too. She did however, after helping Big Mac on the treadmill that year, change her tune a little. She said that now, if we ever bought one, she'd fully understand...
And then she'd burn it.
It's your classic argument of modernisation. Yes it might make things more convenient and easy, but our cider is what it is because of the way it's made. You need only look at some much loved favourite products on Earth that, when they had their production methods slightly altered, dropped massively in quality. And of course, when it comes to ponies from the more urban areas, as on Earth, they do buy into that whole farm fresh deal. So, long story short, we'd be keeping our cider press, our pony powered cider press, for a good long while yet.
Seeing how Mac was struggling with the heavy contraption, I stepped in to lend a hoof. There were two straps for just such a reason. Activating my magic, I took a hold of the spare one and took up the strain.
"Argh!" I exclaimed at the heavy load. "Remind me when this is all over to fit wheels on this darn thing!"
"Ah just don't get why we have to move it out so everypony can see it," Mac complained. "We could do the same job in the barn, out of the sun, and just move fresh cider barrels by cart."
As we continued to haul away at the heavy contraption, the load suddenly became a little lighter, as we were joined by an extra set of hooves.
"Because ponies like to see the cider being made while they're waiting," Sugar Belle explained as she helpfully pushed from behind. "Well that, and you running on the treadmill gives us mares something to look at."
She tittered at that. Poor Mac. You'd have thought now that he's married he wouldn't have to put up with the whole female gaze issue. Then again, he once admitted to me that it was quite the nice ego boost to know he'd managed to catch the eye of so many mares, including, I might add, both the royal sisters. Still, his wife's teasing made him blush.
"Thanks for lendin' a hoof, Sugar Belle," I said as we finally got the press into position.
"No problem, Blade Star," she said, now it was my turn to chuckle.
"Sugar Belle, please, you're part of the Apple family. The least ya can do is call me Bones like everypony else." Sugar Belle smiled at that, turning her attention to the cider press.
"So this is what you use to make the cider then?" she asked.
"Eeyup," Big Mac replied sagely. "I'll keep the press turnin' and Bones loads the apples into the press."
"Doesn't that just make apple sauce?" she asked.
Walking over to the other side of the press, where the fresh cider came out through a tap, I opened up the side and showed that it was a little more complex than that.
"Once it's been turned into a puree," I explained. "It all gets strained through these filters to get the cider. A bushel gets you about three gallons. It can either then be drunk as regular cider, or we can add a yeast mixture and use it to make hard cider."
"Impressive," Sugar Belle commented.
"Well, the way ponies line up every year, I reckon we must be doin' somethin' right," agreed Big Mac
"So what do you do with all this then, Bones?" she asked me, gesturing to the press.
"Well," I said, taking a moment to push my stetson back on my head as I leaned against the large machine. "Mac and I usually share the work. He'll take a turn on the treadmill while I load up the apples, and then we swap to make sure neither of us gets too tired. Remember, if ya don't keep the speed up with this thing, the puree will be too thick. Sometimes I help Applejack and Bloom with sellin' the cider too. Celestia knows we sometimes need good crowd control. Ponies go ape for this stuff."
"You don't think I could lend a hoof, do you?" Sugar Belle asked, smiling at her husband. "I know I'm still learning the ropes, but I know you need all the ponies you can get this time of year. How about I help you out with the press. I may not be as strong as Mac, but I can still pull my weight." Mac certainly seemed into the idea.
"With Sugar Belle helpin' out, you could help Applejack instead, Bones," he suggested. "With me and Sugar Belle on the treadmill, you could shuttle the cider barrels to the stall." Now there was an idea.
So we all agreed. I certainly wouldn't mind not having to run on that press this year. I think I did all my running for the year when that brushfire broke out back in June. Plus, it would give me a bit more time with Applejack, and it let Big Mac and Sugar Belle spend their day together.
We all spent that evening after dinner preparing for the start of work tomorrow. Since we wouldn't be selling the cider just yet, we'd also have Applejack, Granny Smith, and Apple Bloom on hoof to help as well. Mac and Sugar Belle would man the treadmill, AJ and I would load the apples into the press, and Apple Bloom and Granny would serve as quality control, checking the apples before they went into the press. They had been given the once over beforehoof of course, but just to be safe, we always gave each bushel a thorough once over before tipping it into the press.
And so, over the next couple of days, we slowly built up our supply of cider. The barn, just as it was previously stocked to the gills with bushels of apples harvested in the last couple months, now slowly filled with barrel upon barrel of cider. This year, we were looking to produce more than ever, to try and hopefully come close to satisfying demand. The hardier trees born in the vampire fruit bat reservation had given more than their fair share of crops, and with the added help of Apple Bloom's forays into potion making, we had far more apples available. But it was Sugar Belle's simple suggestion that helped ensure everypony got a share.
"Ya know some ponies are gonna riot when we tell 'em," Applejack said as she and Sugar Belle watched Mac gallop along on the treadmill. "Limitin' how much one pony can buy don't exactly feel right."
"But it's so unfair how some ponies get here early, buy as much as they can afford, and then leave those who arrive a little later with nothing, after they've queued for hours. Plus it would stop that whole thing with ponies camping outside the farm a week ahead of us opening."
"She's right, Applejack," I agreed. "Look at Rainbow. She's taken over a week off of work just for some cider. I know this stuff is like liquid gold, but we need to change something. If we don't then the ponies who never get any cider are gonna stop comin' next year, and from there it could snowball. The cider may be good, but that doesn't mean anything if you can't get any."
"Well," AJ said, her ears splaying back a little. "I guess as long as it ain't too harsh, say four or five mugs each, ponies should be alright with it."
And so, the following day, Cider Season as it was known, officially opened. As dawn broke, ponies were lining up on the road to the farm, even before we had the stall set up. Dash managed to keep her rightfully won spot at the head of the queue, taking down her tent as the sun rose. It kind of reminded me of the butcher's shop in the run up to Christmas. If you had any sense, like my mum, you'd reserve a bird with them back in mid-November, be given a chit, and then pick it up a few days before the big day. Other people though didn't seem to have the same ability to think ahead, and would queue round the corner as far back as the top end of Ash Tree Road hoping to get something before they sold out.
Everypony though quickly took notice of the change in our usual routines. Big Mac and I had set up the stall, affixing to the front a large sign that read 'five servings maximum per pony'. Dash didn't take this too well as Applejack opened sales.
"Oh come on!" she exclaimed, hovering a foot or two off the ground. "I camp out here all night to get to the front and the most I can get is five?!"
"It's a fair share, RD," Applejack said staunchly. "Everypony should be able to get at least one mug considerin' how long they queue for it."
"But I need more!" the pegasus whined pitifully. "I can down five mugs of that stuff in ten seconds flat."
"Maybe if you tried savouring it a little instead of necking it like cheap whiskey, you could appreciate it more," I suggested as I pulled on the tap and filled up a mug.
She does too. Watching Rainbow with cider is like seeing anypony else down Yeager bombs, with similar effects. Our cider was a sipping drink. The apples were of the highest quality, specially picked to give the right balance between sweet and tart. Chugging it down robbed you of enjoying all that.
"But it's so good!" Rainbow persisted.
"So enjoy it," I said with a smile as I finished pouring. "Here, try this. But don't chug it, just take a sip."
Rainbow quickly grabbed the German style tankard out of my magic, and promptly started downing it as if it were a keg, and everypony around her was chanting 'chug'. I quickly snatched it off her again, by which time she'd managed to get through most of it.
"You have no self control, do you?" I said rhetorically, tapping her on the head with the mug. Rainbow just chuckled awkwardly. "Now, try again, and actually enjoy it."
This time, Rainbow did manage to restrain herself. Taking a still fairly generous sip, she paused and actually tasted what she was drinking. Unsurprisingly, she found the experience far superior to just necking it like cheap whiskey.
"See, Rainbow," Applejack said. "If you actually stop to enjoy the experience, it lasts a whole lot longer. And you've still got four more mugs left."
Now placated, Dash quickly bought her remaining four mugs and went to sit down at one of the many bench tables we'd set up. Other ponies soon joined her. Some, like her, bought their maximum allowance all at once, others opted to only get one or a couple at a time. As a result, the queue, while still large, moved fairly quickly and our supply of cider didn't deplete at quite such an alarming pace. Not that Big Mac or Sugar Belle slowed down. The pair made a pretty good team on the press, and I have to admit I much preferred working the stall with AJ, backing her up and keeping an eye on the bits.
As the day wore on, we steadily worked our way through our stock, and come the early evening, the queue had all but dispersed completely. For once, everypony had gotten their fair share. And better yet, we found, contrary to what we thought, that our supply of apples was actually sufficient to have a bit of a reserve. Granny suggested talking with the old scoundrel Filthy Rich. Considering how ponies were willing to pay through the nose for this stuff, it would probably make him a nice little profit to sell it in his stores as a speciality, seasonal item. It would certainly help us make a little more money and give ponies another chance to get their hooves on some cider.
And that's how we inadvertently introduced Black Friday to Equestria.
Luckily, after causing something of a riot at Barnyard Bargains, things soon calmed down. As soon as the cider was gone, the motivation went and ponies returned to their senses. Well, it wasn't quite gone. Yes, we'd sold all of our stock, (over 48,000 mugs worth of cider). but the Apples do keep back a few barrels for themselves. The main reason for this is to make hard cider.
Now, I must be honest, as an Englishman, this is the only form of cider I know; the sweet, tangy gateway to alcoholism that you buy in what seems so much like a 2 litre bottle of cola. Back home, even before they turned eighteen, teens would be downing the stuff on a Friday night. Personally, I never much cared for it. But then again, I'm more of a social drinker, who'll happily nurse a pint of stout for half an hour rather than a 'drink until you vomit and urinate all over yourself, fight everyone, and then move your bowels when the ambulance comes' type of guy.
Anyway, cider as most ponies knew it wasn't really something you had back in Britain. In fact, if I remember rightly, Hasbro had to make some minor changes to that episode when it was broadcast, removing all mentions of the word 'cider', due to the alcoholic connotations. This was what the Apples were making now.
You see, as in most places, you need a special license to sell alcohol. You look in any pub and you'll see their plate up somewhere, often near the door. Outside of pubs and bars, you needed something similar to sell booze too. The problem was that it cost a fair few bits, so, even if we did get it, it wasn't really cost effective, compared to just selling regular cider. But there were no regulations about making hard cider for yourself, provided it wasn't too strong. Fire water is still very much illegal in Equestria, but the law recognizes that even on farms with ice houses, unfermented cider has a very limited shelf life. There is the scurrilous rumor that a few folks leave barrels of hard cider outside on cold nights, freezing out the nonalcoholic liquids and making a form of homemade apple whiskey called "applejack". But that would be wrong. Almost impossible to detect, but wrong.
So, as a little celebration following the hectic few weeks of Applebucking and cider making, we make up a few barrels of hard cider to treat ourselves. Once the winter sets in, served warm, it makes for a very soothing drink on cold nights. Hot mulled cider on Hearth's Warming Eve is an earth pony tradition that predates Equestria.
We started out with a few barrels of cider that we'd kept back in the barn. From this, we took a little bit of fresh cider, and added yeast to it, to kick start its growth. That would take a day or so. That gave us time to get everything set up in the kitchens the following day. Granny was the expert, and we all deferred to her when it came to making good quality hard cider. We'd be making a few batches, simply because we didn't have the kit to do much more, and because we were already pushing our luck when it came to making cider for our own use. We all gathered to watch her work over the stove. First, she emptied the cider into one of the largest pots we had, which had previously been used for making zap apple jam. Apparently, the fine residue gave the cider that little extra kick.
"It's mighty important not to boil the cider," she was saying as she heated the pot up to just below. "You want to make sure you get rid of any wild yeasts in the cider, or anythin' else that might contaminate it. Otherwise who knows what it'll taste like?"
She then proceeded to add a fair amount of brown sugar into the mix.
"Sugar?" I asked curiously. "Ain't apple cider sweet enough already?" Granny smiled wryly.
"Ya said ya wanted a hard cider, didn't ya, Bones?" she replied. "A good helpin' of sugar and honey makes the cider that little bit harder. Now, we can leave that to simmer away. It's high time we got started on the fermentation bucket."
Said bucket was actually in the barn half of the house. So you had to go outside, through the kitchen door and round the farmhouse to the barn doors. And it was a fair bit larger than what you might think of as a bucket. It was a large, pottery drum, standing on four legs, and slightly taller than Big Mac was, giving it quite a narrow appearance, with a tap at the bottom for drawing the hard cider out.
At the moment, a step ladder was perched against one side, and Applejack was leaning over the edge, cleaning the inside of the vat. Not too long ago, the whole thing had been filled with a mixture of water and bleach to get rid of any contaminants. Now, for obvious reasons, it was being washed out.
"How's it looking, Applejack?" Granny asked as the two of us walked in, having left Apple Bloom to watch the bubbling cider.
There was a groan that echoed off the vat as AJ pulled herself up and over the lip again. Taking a moment, to wipe the sweat off her brow, she climbed down the step ladder she'd been perched on.
"Clean as a whistle, Granny," she reported. "Big Mac and I have washed it out four times to make sure there's no trace of the bleach."
"Doesn't exactly help with the flavour," Granny joked, making me chuckle.
"Where is Mac anyway?" I asked.
"He's gone to fetch the yeast starter," AJ explained. This concoction of yeast and cider had been bubbling away for a couple days now, and was ready to be mixed.
"Well in that case, you'd best go fetch the first batch of cider, Bones," Granny told me.
Heading back to the kitchen, I arrived just as the timer dinged at the forty five minute mark, with Apple Bloom dutifully stirring away. Taking the pot off the head, I put the lid on for safety.
Returning to the barn, I used my magic to levitate the pot up to the top of the bucket and poured it out. Two more steaming pots soon followed, filling the vat almost to the top. We had to leave some room to stop it bubbling over as the yeast reacted and gave off carbon dioxide. The steaming mixture cooled as we all looked on. Big Mac arrived not long after with a modest saucepan that held the reacting yeast, our starter as Granny called it. Once the cider had cooled down a little; too hot after all would kill the yeast, we mixed it all together, before finally fastening the lid and sealing it up, except for airlock.
Now all we had to do was wait and watch out that the cider didn't turn into vinegar.
We repeated the process several times over the next few days, filling up several fermentation buckets and vats with the mixture. By the end of the week the barn, which was previously stocked to the gills with apples from the harvest, was full of barrels of cider, slowly fermenting into hard cider. We actually had to be quite careful going in there, since the carbon dioxide given off by all the brewing could, given enough exposure, render a pony unconscious.
But in terms of actual work, there wasn't much to do once it was all sealed away. There was no way to speed it up or hurry it along, it was just a simple matter of waiting it out and making sure that no air gets in (that will turn it into vinegar). Of course, we still had our own store of regular cider on hoof. Amongst other things, I've found that it gives my morning coffee quite the pleasant kick, and softens the impact of getting the caffeine full force when I have it black.
Beyond cider though, there was plenty going on in October to occupy my attention. It certainly wasn't quiet outside of the farm. As the first month of Princess Twilight's reign, the papers were regularly filled with stories about the transition. New ministers were being appointed here and there, although on the advice of Celestia, Twilight retained my Dad's services, though he was getting close to retirement age now. Interestingly, the Royal Guard underwent a change too, with the long standing separation between the Royal Guard and the Lunar Guard coming to an end. With the departure of Princess Luna, who did, as Celestia had, retained a few trusted guards for security, the notion of a Lunar Guard seemed rather unnecessary, and there had for some time been calls for the two sections to be unified. Thus, in the paper that day, I read the account of the laying up of the Lunar Guard's colours, as the regiment was officially disbanded and merged into the Royal Guard. Photos showed the thertral guards marching off the parade square, and into history.
The officers and men would, of course, be retained. While the regiment was disbanded, they were not being demobbed. They would just be integrated into the Royal Guard, which itself was born out of Celestia's original Day Guard, following the Lunar Rebellion. The idea was to create a new Royal Guard, in order to reflect the unifying force of the new monarch. There were even calls now for the guard to accept applications from non-ponies, in light of the extra-Equestrian help rendered by our allies.
My attention however, was soon diverted from the riveting world of Equestrian politics when I heard a knock at the door.
"I'll get it!" I called out, before shaking my head at my own foolishness. Big Mac and Sugar Belle were in town, AJ had a class, AB was at school, and Granny was minding the stall at the market, leaving just me to hold down the fort.
Throwing down the paper I'd been reading, I hauled myself off the sofa and trotted through into the kitchen. It was a fairly rare thing for us to have visitors. It was too late in the afternoon for it to be Derpy making her rounds. I wondered who it could be.
Well, there was only one way to find out. Opening the door, I was pleasantly surprised to find my little sister, Lizzie, on the other side. I hadn't seen her since Twilight's coronation, and then we'd only talked briefly. As much as she might try my patience at times, it was always good to see her.
"Lizzie!" I exclaimed as the pegasus pulled me into a hug with her wings. "What brings you here?"
"What?" she said as she released me. "I can't say hi to my big brother?" I chuckled at that.
"Come on in," I said, stepping back a little. The two of us were soon sitting down in the living room again. I was quick to catch up on what was going on in her little slice of Equestria. She had some pretty interesting news.
"The cottage has felt really small since Discord moved in," she was saying.
"What? Full time?" Lizzie nodded.
"Yeah, it's kinda funny really. The two of them are acting like a couple, but neither of them will admit to anything."
"Kinda like how I was with Applejack," I added.
"It's almost painful to watch," she went on. "Fluttershy's too...well, shy to force the issue, and Discord won't make a move either. Angel thinks it's because he doesn't want anypony to know that he's in love. Honestly, he's like a seven year old at times. Somepony really needs to tell him fillies don't have cooties.
"But with him living there, and my and Fluttershy taking up both bedrooms, it's getting pretty tight for space in there. I was talking with Dewdrop though, and he suggested I could move in with him."
That got my attention. Dewdrop was Lizzie's coltfriend. The two, like AJ and I, had been going steady for a while. They got on well, and having met him myself on several occasions, he seems like a decent guy and a good fit for my little sister. Frankly, I was surprised they hadn't done this sooner.
"Well that's good," I said brightly. "You talk to Fluttershy about it?" Lizzie nodded.
"She's pretty much all for it," she said. "Not that she's kicking me out or anything. But between the two of us, Angel, a horde of miscellaneous animals,and now Discord, the place is just getting too full."
"Yeah, it's been feeling a bit that way here too," I agreed. "With Sugar Belle staying here now, that's six ponies in one house."
"Maybe Mac and Sugar Belle could move out," Lizzie offered. I shook my head at that.
"No way," I said quickly. "I don't think Mac could ever bring himself to leave this place."
"I'm not talking about leaving the farm," Lizzie reiterated. "I just meant that he and Sugar Belle could maybe live somewhere in town. Mac could still come to the farm to help out. But it would free up some space. And Celestia knows it must be awkward for those two, having Granny Smith on one side and Applejack on the other. There's things no family member wants to hear in their house at night."
"Ain't that the truth," I agreed, having experienced the awkwardness myself first hoof.
The two of us chatted together a little while longer after that. I even, after making Lizzie Pinkie Promise not to tell anypony, let her have a mug of our reserve of cider. Her visit also gave me a fair bit to think about. It was certainly nice to hear that things were going well for her and Dewdrop, and Fluttershy and Discord, but her suggestion of our own love birds possibly flying the coop was what really got me thinking. She'd suggested that Big Mac and Sugar Belle could set up somewhere on their own.
Why not myself and Applejack?
A few weeks later, and the fermentation process was now almost complete. Granny said she would look in on the large vat in a few days time to check that bubbles were forming as the mixture gave off carbon dioxide. As for actually drinking the stuff, we were looking at a good two to three weeks. Granny would then bottle it up for us to drink. Well, I say we, but the cider being alcoholic, and us not being Prench, Apple Bloom wasn't allowed any, not for a few years at any rate. Trust me, after seeing what one sip of coffee did to that filly, I do not want to see what a sip of strong liquor will do.
Besides, there were other things to take up our attention. While life on the farm was now starting the gradual process of winding down as we crept towards winter, there was one big event still left on the calendar, and that was Nightmare Night. While Luna had stepped down from her position, the holiday was based around her dark alter ego, and continued despite her decision to quit the throne. More to the point, since she now no longer had to tend to her royal duties, the former princess now had a great deal of free time on her hooves to spend with her former subjects. It is a well known fact that, ever since the first time she celebrated the holiday shortly after her return, she has always taken some time off every year to enjoy it. Each year, without fail, she would drop by as many towns as she could, playing the part of the terrifying Nightmare Moon. The foals loved it. In a way, I suppose it was quite therapeutic for her too; being able to turn the most disturbing part of her psyche into a more positive aspect of herself and bringing joy, instead of spreading fear.
I must confess that I loved the holiday too. Halloween never really caught on in Britain, not in the same way it did in America. At best, you had a few parties and a few houses would get egged. Honestly, more often than not, it was more trouble than it was worth, and too many kids seemed to use it as an excuse to become vandals. That and, being so close to Bonfire Night, it was overshadowed by all the fireworks a scant six days later.
Here in Equestria though, it is very much the American interpretation, minus the trick or treating. Rather than a candy based protection racket, Nightmare Night is all about ponies desperately disguising themselves to hide from a terrifying physical goddess, and frantically going house to house to beg for candy to placate her so she doesn't consume you.
Yeah, most holidays are pretty disturbing when you stop and think about it. Christmas is just a creepy old man watching all the kids in the world, constantly (not creepy at all), judging them all, then breaking into their houses in the middle of the night and leaving presents made by his midget slaves.
Disturbing implication aside though, it is a fun holiday. The only question was what I should pick for my costume this year. The fair in town over Nightmare Night was always a fun night out for Applejack and I, while Big Mac would run the hayride around the farm, and give candy to any of the foals who came knocking, and Granny Smith would keep watch over Apple Bloom and her friends as they went house to house for candy and go with them to the Nightmare Moon statue along with Zecora. This year however, there was going to be a bit of a change.
"What do you mean I've gotta say home?" I demanded, sitting bolt upright on the sofa, and slightly knocking my marefriend, who had been resting her head on my shoulder, off balance.
"I know it's not what ya wanted to hear, Bones," Applejack said placatingly. "But stayin' up so late and lookin' after all of them foals is just gettin' too much for Granny Smith. So Big Macintosh is gonna take care of Apple Bloom this year. That means somepony's gotta stay behind to hold down the fort. I'm not askin' ya to run the hayrides or nothin'; Mooriel's volunteered to do that for us. You've just gotta hand out candy to the foals is all. Now, I'm happy to stay right along with ya."
I smiled at that. I might have been annoyed about this turn of events, but I wasn't about to let Applejack spend the whole night in too.
"Nah," I said, putting a hoof on her shoulder. "You go and have fun with your friends."
"It sure is gonna be weird not havin' Twilight around. But she's tied up with the festival up in Canterlot."
"You could head up there for the night instead?" I suggested. "Stay overnight and catch the train home in the morning." Applejack shook her head.
"No," she said. "We probably wouldn't get to spend too much time with her, what will all the fancy frou frou ponies around. One of the downsides of bein' a princess I suppose."
"I don't know. As I recall, Luna always had a fun time. Besides, it's still early days yet. I'm sure that as soon as Twilight's got everything runnin' smoothly she'll be able to come and see us."
"I sure hope so," Applejack agreed. "So, you sure you're gonna be okay givin' out candy all night?"
Were I Discord, a lightbulb would have appeared above my head at that moment.
"I'll do more than that, AJ," I said. "I'll even make it."
Okay, I might have been overestimating my abilities there. I can make sweets, to a degree. Back in my Sixth Form days when Breaking Bad was all the rage, I learned how to make the faux meth candy they used on the show. It actually made me quite a few quid back in the day, since I sneaked a bit in at lunch one day, and a few of the other kids tried it and loved it. So, like any good capitalist, I started charging for it. In the end, I had quite the successful not-drug empire going among the Year 7s, some of whom were dumb enough to grind the shards into powder and snort it.
Several students, who became my not-drug dealers, also got in trouble for having drugs on them, because the teachers refused to believe it wasn't meth or taste test it, but that's neither here nor there. Not long after, somebody else got a hold of the recipe and the school promptly banned the stuff wholesale, because that's what schools do to enterprising young entrepreneurs. I made the better part of a hundred and twenty pounds before things got too hot.
Anyway, we wouldn't encounter that problem here in Equestria. As far as I can make out, besides salt, there aren't any restricted substances, and I rather intend to keep it that way. Still, there was no harm in making what was essentially just rock candy that you'd get at the seaside. And since, apart from Discord, who'd binge watched the whole series with my dad at his house, nopony knew what Breaking Bad was, I felt safe in the knowledge that nopony would have a go at me making the stuff again.
So, enlisting Apple Bloom, the Apple family's budding chemist/potion maker, as my assistant, I set to work on making a few batches of the stuff. It isn't really complicated. You just mix water, sugar and some light corn syrup in a 1:4:1.5 ratio, add some blue food colouring and flavourings, then heat it all up to around 300 degrees before leaving it to cool down, and once hardened, you smash it apart into shards. I have to admit, the batches we made turned out quite well, looking very much like Heisenberg's famous blue sky product.
As for taste, well, that was a different kettle of fish altogether. At Apple Bloom's suggestion, we tried a few different flavours, from the usual cotton candy, to blackcurrant, and naturally, apples. Though only God knows how deadly the stuff was to your teeth. Eat more than a bite or two, and you could actually feel your teeth dissolving. It certainly ought to placate Nightmare Moon at any rate. If not, hopefully she'd be too toothless to harm us.
Speaking of, well, after a fashion anyway, I was rather hopeful that Ponyville might have a guest again this Nightmare Night. While Luna had visited Ponyville a couple of times for the occasion, she also did the same with other towns and cities across Equestria, as part of her way of reconnecting with her subjects. It would certainly be nice to see her again, and in person was an even rarer treat. I actually hadn't spoken to her in a while, my own dreams having been peaceful as of late.
Of course, even if she did stop by, having to hold down the fort as it were, it was unlikely that our paths would cross. It would still be a fun evening though, and I planned to while away the night star and moon gazing, and occasionally fobbing off kids with candy. On the plus side, staying in meant I didn't need to get a costume this year. I'd actually been struggling to think of something as it was, plus costumes could get pretty pricey. So in a way, it was a good thing that I had the job this year.
Still, it would be a shame that I'd not see Luna if she stopped by. As it turned out though, I'd underestimated just how much free time Luna had on her hooves.
Nightmare Night was soon upon us. Foals all over Equestria were allowed to stay up long past their usual bedtime and wandered around in all sorts of costumes. The farmhouse and outbuildings were decked out with holiday decorations, with cobwebs hanging from the rafters, spooky fake tombstones set up on the lawn and even, at my suggestion, a jack-o'-lantern sat out on the porch, it's unnerving smiling face shining out into the night.
The Apples too were all decked out to utterly befuddle Nightmare Moon with their costumes, and were sure to rake in a good haul of candy to placate her. I gave Apple Bloom, who had helped me cook the stuff, a bit of the candy we'd made, and wondered how long before either Mum or Dad got suspicious. The little filly, quite unaware of what the shards of blue candy were meant to represent, eagerly wolfed down a few pieces. If I strained my ears, I could probably have heard the sound of her enamel screaming.
She, along with Applejack and Big Mac, set off for Ponyville where, as ever, a little fair had been set up for foals and grown ups alike. I'd done something similar on the farm too. Given how out of the way we are, I figured a combination of top hole candy and a few games would be enough to tempt foals to come out all this way. In addition to all the spooky decorations, I'd set up a few games for the foals to play. The obvious choice was your classic apple bobbing, a game that to this day I don't quite see the appeal of. Along with that though, with the help of Big Mac, I'd turned one of the more deserted barns into a haunted house, and thanks to Fluttershy and the vampire fruit bats, had a swarm of the flying rodents to dive bomb unsuspecting foals.
And Rainbow Dash. If I was going to do anything this Nightmare Night, it was going to be to get one over on her for that lightning strike gag she's pulled on me every year. Not only is the prospect of 1.21 gigawatts of electricity striking the ground mere inches from you terrifying, but she also had the uncanny ability to catch you when you were most relaxed. I mean, I knew she was going to try it at some point, and every time, without fail, I'd scream like a filly and leap a foot in the air. This year though, I'd get her back.
With everypony except Granny Smith gone, and the matriarch herself fast asleep, I was left alone. And despite being a pony who'd grown well beyond childhood with a rational mind, I soon found myself feeling just a tad unsettled in the empty house. I all but jumped out of my skin when the first group of foals knocked on the door.
"Nightmare Night! What a fright! Give us something sweet to bite!" the little kids chanted adorably.
I found myself confronted by Dinky, Diamond Tiara, and Twist, with Derpy chaperoning them. The latter two had fairly typical costumes. Diamond Tiara, who is a lot nicer these days, but can still be a bit spoiled at times, was a ballerina, while Twist had a sort of Willy Wonka outfit. Dinky however took the cake, being covered in a very well made leather like costume that was quite clearly a Xenomorph from the Alien films. I never thought the universe's most perfect killing machine could look adorable, but she somehow managed to pull it off.
"Alright, you three, you got me," I said good naturedly as I powered up my magic and floated over a candy bowl for them and scooped a decent amount of my own candy, plus some store bought stuff into their bags.
"Thanks, Mr. Star," Dinky said sweetly.
"You're welcome, Dinky," I replied with a smile. "Now, there's plenty to do around the farm tonight. Mooriel is gonna be doing a hayride in a little bit. The barn over there is a haunted house, we've got apple bobbing, and a coconut shy just around the corner, and if you're feelin' really brave, you can venture through the vampire fruit bat reservation to try and find the hidden candy treasure."
The foals quickly scattered to go exploring and were soon joined by others as more and more kids with their parents paraded up the farm track. Before too long, the farm was buzzing with activity. It was nice at least that I got to experience some of the fun of Nightmare Night. It was just a shame AJ and the others weren't around too.
Having said that though, there were a few familiar faces acting as chaperones for the foals. Chief among these was one of the newest transplants to Ponyville, who was looking after the Cutie Mark Crusaders, who had evidently gotten away from Big Mac at some point. While we may have had to give up Twilight, we had gained something of a replacement egghead in the form of Sunburst. His duties as Royal Crystaller in the Crystal Empire being all but complete, he had taken up Starlight's offer of a job as vice-headstallion at the school. I'd met him a while back on a visit to the Empire, and the two of us had become friendly acquaintances. But with his move down south to Ponyville, he and I have become pretty close. Truth be told, Sunburst reminds me a lot of me. Heck, he even looks a lot like I did as a human, aside from the goatee. His experience dealing with the at times terrifying Flurry Heart were evidently standing him in good stead with the Crusaders.
"Evening, Sunburst!" I called out as the three fillies disappeared inside the haunted house.
"Oh, hey, Blade Star," he said, a little nervously.
Despite the fact that he's technically my boss, he's still a bit of a shy guy. He'd dressed up for tonight as well, and was disguised as, I think, an ancient Crystal Guard knight. The armour certainly reminded me of the set Dash and Fluttershy had worn at the Crystal Fair. Frankly, it was quite unusual to see him without his normal cape.
"I see the Cutie Mark Crusaders latched onto you," I noted. "Is Big Macintosh okay?"
"Oh, yes," Sunburst assured me. "He and Sugar Belle were going around some of the fairground games with the Crusaders and he asked if I could watch them while they got some time together. I let him know I was taking them up here. Apple Bloom was actually really insistent, something about some new candy you'd made."
"Oh, right," I said with a nod. "Yeah, I taught AB how to make some simple rock candy for tonight. The kids are really loving it."
A little ways off, we heard the Crusaders and a few other foals let out an ear piercing scream and come barrelling out of the haunted house. Each one quickly glued themselves to their parents or guardian, meaning I got all but assaulted by Apple Bloom when she plastered herself to my leg. Of course, it didn't take long for them to calm down, and it was the fun kind of scared. Before too long they were laughing with each other and preparing to go in again for another try, leaving me and Sunburst to chat some more.
"So how's Starlight been anyway?"
I know for a fact that those two are in something of an early stage relationship. It seems like everypony is at this point; Applejack and me, Lizzie and Dewdrop, Maud and Mudbriar, Fluttershy and Discord. Even Sandbar and Yona at school. The list of couples just goes on.
"Oh, it's been okay," he replied. "It was really nice of Twilight to let me have a room at the castle when I moved here."
"Must be a pretty sweet deal having access to Twilight's old library," I commented. Sunburst was after all, an academic, and far beyond an amateur like me when it came to the study of magic.
"Oh it is," Sunburst agreed. "But...even since I moved in, Starlight has been acting...kinda weird."
Ah yes, I'd seen it, and every mare in Ponyville had seen it too. Like Big Mac, with his shy, sensitive nature, to say nothing of being somewhat adorkable, Sunburst is actually quite the eligible bachelor. And when he first got here, a couple mares had tried to put the moves on him. This failed for two reasons. Firstly, Sunburst, like all males of any species, is utterly tone deaf when it comes to mares' 'hints'. And second, any mare who came within a hundred yards of him when Starlight was with him, got stared at until they left and never came back. She was just a tad possessive of him, with a few shades of yandere thrown in. And with Starlight's less than stellar record when it comes to mental stability, I must confess I was a little concerned for Sunburst's welfare. Remember, this was a mare who sought to remove the concept of cutie marks and almost undid all of time over him moving away. But who knows, maybe Sunburst could give her some stability; it has been some time since the last incident after all.
"Yeah, that's Starlight for you," I agreed. I considered saying something, but figured it was best to let things play out and the chips fall where they may. "Where is she tonight anyway?"
"Over at the school looking after the party there," he explained. "She wanted me to stick around and go around the mini fair at the school, but she and Trixie had things under control, and I didn't want to be a third wheel between them."
Oh my sweet summer child. I may be an asexual, at times aromantic male, who is about as likely to spot romantic interest, as I am to find Hitler's gold. But since it wasn't me we were talking about, I guess I had a more dispassionate view of things. I dug a little to see if my suspicions were correct.
"Was Trixie with her as well?" I asked curiously. Sunburst shook his head.
"No," he replied. "She was keeping an eye on the party in the main hall. The two of them are really good at..." I cut him off there.
"Sunburst, that's a date," I said plainly, bringing our conversation a screeching halt. The stallion looked at me in bewilderment, blinking a couple of times as he processed what I'd said.
"A..a what?" he said perplexedly.
"Starlight was asking you out on a date," I said. "Mares either can't or won't say what they mean. Her asking you to go to the fair with her was a date."
"What...?" was all he could repeat, now slightly alarmed.
There was a brief moment of silence before the already nervous stallion started panicking. He was actually pretty much in the same boat as me when it came to the fairer sex; totally inexperienced. At least though he hadn't gone through that BS in high school of girls pretending to flirt with you or ask you out as a joke, causing you to question every interaction with a woman for the rest of your days. He thought Starlight was just being friendly with him, just as I had with Applejack, and as it turned out, she'd now tried a few times to make it plain, at least by her standards, that she was interested in him. Why women and mares can't make the first move is beyond me. Anyway, he had absolutely no idea what to do, was worried that he'd upset her by seemingly coldly rebuffing her, and fearing for his life a little. This was Starlight after all.
"Look, look, calm down, Sunburst," I said reassuringly. "Just head on back and take her out to the fair. It's probably not too late. I'll keep an eye on the Crusaders while they're here, and I'm sure Mac will swing by before long."
"Are you really sure about this?" the academic asked, still a little unsure. Just as I would he was now trying to rationalise and was letting his mind convince him that what he thought might be signs were just all in his head. "I mean, Starlight never really seemed interested in me before."
"Sunburst," I said with a smile. "That mare fought Twilight Sparkle to a standstill because you 'left' her as a foal. I think she likes you."
That seemed to spur him to action, and with an excitable whinny, he took off in the direction of the school. I smiled to myself, wondering if Dad felt the same way when he did the same thing for me. I still laugh when I think about the rocky start to my own relationship. Just as Sunburst had, I'd managed to miss several obvious hints from AJ, and she was a lot more forward than Starlight. For goodness sake, she'd kissed me under the mistletoe at a Hearth's Warming Eve party at Golden Oaks library and I still couldn't quite accept it. With any luck, Sunburst, as I had, would overcome his doubts and the childhood friends could become something more.
With Sunburst's departure though, I was left alone again. A few foals came by every now and then for more of the candy, which was selling like hotcakes, and the odd parents would chat for a while. But I couldn't help but feel a tad lonely holding down the fort like this. Before too long, Zecora came on the scene and announced that it was time for the foals to make their offerings to Nightmare Moon. She and Mayor Mare set up a rather nice one out near the Everfree each year for the occasion. Once they'd done that, things tended to start winding down for the night. So, as the foals all scampered off, I took a moment to indulge in a spot of stargazing. There was a lovely full moon out tonight too.
I know I've said it before, but to this day I cannot understand why or how ponies could just ignore the night sky to the point that it caused Luna to fall to darkness. While she might have only moved the moon, rather than all the stars in the sky (although her alter ego did quite cleverly use them to break free of her confinement), the end result of her contribution was something to behold. Just as a beautiful sunrise courtesy of Celestia was dependent on clouds, temperature, and an unbroken horizon, Luna's night was enhanced by all sorts of factors, and it would be unfair for any judgement to detract any merit because she merely moved the moon and had no or limited control over other factors.
Ponies often thought the night to be a time of danger, with scary predators lurking about in unsettling shadows, ready to lunge out from the darkness. And tonight of all nights, those fears were magnified, albeit in a fun way that brought Luna much enjoyment. But standing as I was, alone on the open grassland of the farm, it was hard to evoke such a fear. The full moon gave plenty of light, casting silvery lunar shadows all around. The night air was cool, and you could hear little but the babbling of running water on the wind. And up above, in spite of the moonlight, stars glittered against the sky. I really fail to see how such things can be spooky. Okay, throw up some thick clouds and some storm clouds, then maybe. But the night itself wasn't scary. In fact, it was the absence of things that made it so. You see people just as unsettled by an eclipse. It's the absence that brings the fear; darkness, not night.
It was as I was pondering this, that dark clouds did indeed begin to swirl around the sky, blocking out the light of the moon. Lightning flashed for a moment, and I caught sight of a sleek looking chariot speeding through the sky.
If you're going to say anything about Luna, it's that the mare knows how to make an entrance. I must ask her some time how she made that hooded cape that turned into bats.
As the chariot, pulled by two intimidating looking thestrals, sailed over the woods where the Nightmare Moon statue was, I saw a winged figure leap gracefully off and swoop down towards the waiting foals. Against the flash of lightning, I could just make out the bat wings and elongated horn. On the wind, I even picked up the sound of an ominous evil cackle. I guess there are some things that you never forget, even as a reformed villain. Nightmare Moon had come back from the void one more time to terrify the ponies.
At least, the foals seemed to think so. Not too long later, I heard the gleeful, not in danger type screaming coming from the same place. I never could quite wrap my head around the whole enjoying being scared thing myself, but I was hardly going to take that away from them. As the storm clouds cleared, courtesy of Luna's magic, I figured she would probably head to Ponyville proper to partake in the festivities. I was tempted to sneak away for a little while, just to say hello. But I ended up resisting the temptation. Somepony had to stay to keep an eye on things here. Mooriel was still pulling the hayride with a few kids on, and there were still plenty of foals playing around. It sucked, but it was hardly the end of the world. Perhaps I could do the obvious and write Luna, get a whole pen pal thing going. She might like that given her fascination with the postal service.
I found myself gazing up at the moon again as the clouds finished clearing.
"A beautiful night, Luna, as always," I said to the natural satellite.
"Why thank you. It's always nice to get compliments from stallions," a voice said close at hoof.
I probably jumped a foot in the air in surprise at that. But of course, the voice was a familiar one. Turning around, I found myself face to face with a smiling Luna.
"Luna!" I exclaimed as I found myself pulled into a hug, courtesy of her wings. "What are you doing here?" The alicorn chuckled as she released me. It was still a little odd to see her with no crown, regalia or glass horseshoes.
"What?" she asked. " Can I not visit a friend when I happen to be in the neighbourhood?"
"Well, of course," I replied. "But I figured you'd want to spend your time in town with the foals and everything."
"I was planning to," she admitted. "Until I saw you were not there. Applejack and her friends explained why you were up here. And while it is kind of you to assist them by tending to this marvellous collection of fun and games, I did not think that that ought to exclude you from friendly company. After all, it has been far too long since we saw each other last. And, as you may have heard, I do rather make my own hours now." I smiled at that.
"And of course," she went on. "I was also told that you have a supply of good quality hard cider on the premises."
Very true. We'd made up a couple barrels of the stuff earlier in the week. More to the point, both Luna and Celestia were very familiar with the stuff. Just as every year, as thanks for giving the Apple family this land all those years ago, we set a few jars of zap apple jam to the castle (Celestia has a sweet tooth, but she usually tries to have a little toast with her jam), we also always made sure to send a couple barrels of hard cider as well. And according to Dad, both princesses were quite fond of the stuff. And while they were now no longer princesses, I was hardly about to deny Luna. After all, who would say "no" to having a drink with her?
And so the two of us adjourned to the barn, where all the barrels were stored. There was one barrel already open, with cider on tap, and after grabbing and carefully filling a couple of mugs, the two of us went back outside into the cool night air. I could hardly leave the foals and Mooriel unsupervised after all. Cider was perfect for cool nights like this; the alcohol warms you right up, even if it was served cold.
"So, how have things been, Luna?" I asked as I nursed my cider. "How's life as an ex-princess treating you?"
"It is strange, I must confess," she admitted, doing the same. "Initially, I found it most unsettling to wake up and find myself with no work to do. While I am partly glad to no longer have to attend my court, or meeting with those infernal nobles, I do notice the absence of such things. Above all, it was most disconcerting to see the moon moving seemingly on its own, without my magic to guide it. Though having watched for a few nights now, I can see that Twilight Sparkle treats my former charge well.
"But at the same time, the peace is most welcome. Not having to worry or plan and to just be able to relax makes retirement feel like an extended holiday."
I knew the feeling myself, sort of. While I was nowhere near retirement, I'd gone through a few bouts of unemployment. It's the same thing, minus the cash. Initially, particularly coming from a stressful job, the lack of work was somewhat welcome, until the need to keep the lights on became more pressing at least. Luna of course, having quite the sizeable stash of personal savings, had no such worries.
"Have you made any long term plans yet?" I asked. "I know you prefer to relax compared to Celestia, which, truth be told, surprised the hay out of me. But surely you aren't planning on spending the next millennia in Silver Shoals." Luna shook her head.
"Indeed not, my dear Blade Star," she replied assuringly. "I can't imagine spending more than a few years there. Celestia and I plan to stick together though, getting the time together that being rulers so often deprived us of. Both of us are rather keen to see the realm and indeed beyond." She leaned in and whispered conspiratorially.
"And you didn't hear it from me," she said in a hushed tone. "But my dear sister is even planning to go about the world incognito. Keep your eye out for a young white pegasus with a light pink mane. She wishes to get an experience of life for the average pony. Just because we have stepped away from centre stage does not mean we will not still take an interest in the lives of ponies. Between you and me, it has always been one of her greatest concerns that she would fall out of touch with the common pony."
Now there was an interesting titbit of information. Celestia wandering the kingdom, disguised. What could possibly go wrong?
"And how about you, Luna?" I enquired. "You fancy playing King Henry and walking out amongst your troops too?"
"Why do you think I've come here tonight, my friend?" she asked. " Although, unlike my sister, I have plenty of such experience. While she stayed up in Canterlot, I spent every night getting to know my subjects in their dreams. It's a nice little bit of experience I get to hold over her head."
We both chuckled at that. Luna took another sip of cider, relishing the taste.
"Hmm," she said, carefully regarding her now quarter full mug. "An impressive concoction, although I must confess it doesn't hold a candle to my own moonshine."
"Moonshine?" I asked curiously. Luna chuckled.
"If you cast your mind back to our first meeting," Luna said. "You'll recall that the two of us shared a bottle."
I grinned awkwardly at that as I remembered. Contrary to the name and the negative connotations associated with it on Earth, Luna's variant of moonshine was a far less dangerous drink. Distilled from moonlight through a process I don't fully understand, the drink was similar to Japanese sake, being a clear liquid, with a slight white sheen, reflecting the moonlight from which it was made. Luna had indeed given me a snifter of the stuff when we first met and fell into conversation in her tower.
"Oh I remember," I reassured her. "And I also remember the hangover the stuff gave me the next morning."
Just like sake, it is very easy to get drunk on moonshine. It is a very light, easygoing drink, and you can go through a few glasses of the stuff with no ill effects. Then, with little warning, the alcohol hits, and hits hard.
"You never told me how you made it either," I went on. "And as I remember, Celestia had been hoarding the stuff for dignitaries and couldn't make more herself. So how do you make it?"
"Like so," Luna replied with a smile.
Casting her horn alight, I watched as the air in front of us began to shimmer. Slowly, it began to coalesce, going from transparent, seemingly empty, space, to a small sphere of white light. This steadily formed into something less ethereal, as if the light itself was somehow becoming liquid. Luna then carefully levitated an empty mug and held it underneath, allowing the strange apparition to drain into it, not unlike how a bar tap would. She then offered me the mug.
Taking it from her in my own magic, I examined her creation. At a first glance, you might mistake it for water, but the occasional flicker of white liquid light showed that it was something far stronger. It didn't have any particular odour to it either, and there was no smell of ethanol to it. But a quick sip confirmed it to indeed be moonshine, with a taste similar to white wine, albeit a little sweet.
Luna soon made herself her own mug of the stuff and we got to comparing notes on cider and moonshine, as well as just catching up as friends who hadn't seen each other in a while. From her, I also learned why moonshine had such an intoxicating effect on ponies.
"While your own cider relies on ethanol to induce its effects," she explained. "My moonshine is quite different. In fact it is quite non-alcoholic. Hence why my sister was quite happy to serve it to the Saddle Arabian ambassadors, despite their aversion to such things. The effects of the..." she paused to giggle to herself, the effects already taking a toll on both of us. "Of the drink, are a result of lunacy. If you recall your Ponish lessons from school, my own name, while being that of the moon, is also associated with instability of the mind; lunacy, lunatic. Many cultures see the moon as having such an effect. And to an extent it is true. Moonlight can, at times, cause ponies to behave quite oddly. Even today, my guards used to insist that they encountered more bizarre incidents when the moon was full. Moonshine is made of that same moonlight, condensed to intensify the effect. Hence how, while both being quite sober, I think you would agree, we are both being quite merry."
That was very true, since I had quite the pleasant buzz going right now. Her explanation though was quite interesting too. Dad had always said he got stranger clients as a solicitor when there was a full moon. Even teachers at school used to say kids would get more disruptive around that time. Luna's comment linking her own name to the notion of insanity however intrigued me. Could her constant exposure, or innate connection to the moon have somehow played a role in her fall?
That was a topic for another time. Tonight, I was having a good time with an old friend. The two of us kept working our way through a mixture of cider and moonshine, as well as some of the leftover candy. By the time Applejack returned from town, along with Big Mac, everypony else had gone to bed, and the pair of them got to discover Luna and I both out like a light.
Turns out, mixing very strong cider with lunacy inducing moonshine wasn't the best idea. Luckily, the two earth ponies were able to rouse us and get us inside. Luna was quite able to make her own way home, having a tolerance for such things, while I found myself hauled up to bed on my marefriend's back. The other pony races have unfair magical advantages like heightened metabolism or enhanced endurance. Cattle have twice the body mass of ponies. Unicorns and sheep are the acknowledged lightweights of Equestria.
And that was how my Nightmare Night ended, out cold, surrounded by strong booze and what, to a human, appeared to be hard drugs, with a softly snoring alicorn leaning on me.
Who says I'm no fun? |
A Year in Equestria | Chapter 11 - November | "Come on, Applejack!" I shouted over the roar of the crowd.
"Yeah, come on, Apple Bloom," Big Mac joined in.
It was a sunny and fairly warm day in early November, uncharacteristically so, but that was for a very good reason. Today was the day of the Sisterhooves Social. Big Mac and I, along with Granny, Sugar Belle, and Winona were in the stands, cheering the racing teams of mares and fillies on and they tore their way Hell for leather around the course.
I know I occasionally rattle on about how much little Apple Bloom looks up to me and Big Mac, but there is no closer bond in the Apple family than there is between Applejack and Apple Bloom. Having been both a surrogate mother to the filly, complete with severe over protectiveness at times, and big sister, Applejack is the one with the closest relationship to little AB. As much as Mac and I care for her and look after her, there's some things that only a sister can help with. Conversations about colts, clothes, and the weird cliques girls form were entirely beyond our mere male understanding.
The Sisterhooves Social was a rare chance for the two siblings to really have some fun, along with all the other sister pairs in Ponyville. Plus it gave Applejack the chance to compete with her long standing rival, Rainbow Dash. The two get competitive over everything and this race was no exception. Although if you ask me, the many obstacles suited AJ a bit more, given Rainbow's "speed above all else" philosophy.
Of course, the decidedly feminine nature of today's events had sidelined both Mac and I. While, as Granny said, there is some wiggle room for what counts as a sister, and nopony had any problem with Mac's...alter ego...... taking part in things, the stallion had been suitably embarrassed by his actions the previous year, and was quite happy to let his little sister take care of things. The both of us though were more than happy to cheer the pair on. It did make for a good spectator sport. I remember Mum once described it as 'Total Wipeout, but good'.
The race was entering its final stage now. Applejack and AB had successfully gone through the hen house and between them balanced an egg to the next stage and were now on the last stretch; a dead sprint to the finish line. Applejack, gently grabbing Apple Bloom by the nape of her neck, flung her little sister into her back and dug deep, galloping hard through the thick mud of the track. With how things were set up on the farm, I was expecting Rainbow Dash to, at some point, cry foul and complain about a home field advantage.
As they came around onto the final straight, the race was neck and neck. Tied for pole position were AJ and Apple Bloom and one side, and Rainbow Dash and her adoptive sister Scootaloo on the other. And in their usual fashion, both supposedly adult mares had quite forgotten about the charges on their backs and were busy goading each other and gloating about what they'd do when they won. Still, it made for an exciting finale. The crowd was certainly enjoying it, myself included.
"Come on you two! You're almost there!" I shouted encouragingly. "Come on, Applejack. You can't let RD beat you now!"
Applejack put her head down, trying to become more streamlined as Apple Bloom did the same up on her back. Rainbow Dash copied her and both mares put on a burst of speed. It really looked like it was going to be a photo finish with somepony winning by a nose. The finish line drew closer and closer, each mare fighting to hold position. At the line, Granny Smith stood ready with a tripod mounted camera to catch the finish. Everypony was so excited that they didn't see the proverbial third man come tearing up from the rear.
As the leaders neared the finish, they both began to run out of steam. While AJ and Rainbow may keep themselves in top shape, the Sisterhooves Social still offers a punishing obstacle course that leaves everypony panting for breath by the end. Having pushed themselves all the way through to one up each other, they now both began to tire at the same moment, allowing the dark horse to seemingly effortlessly gallop past them, her own charge on her back and on to victory.
Of course, this dark horse didn't exactly fit the description, with the alabaster coat and deep purple mane and all. Yes, believe it or not, Rarity of all ponies, with Sweetie Belle on her back, was the one to claim first place at the last moment, with the Apples and RD and Scootaloo coming joint second. The crowd was suitably stunned, but cheered nonetheless.
"Where in the name of Celestia did they come from?" I exclaimed in amazement to Mac.
The previous leaders had been well ahead of the pack the entire race, to the point where I'd not really been paying attention to them.
"I bet that's what Applejack and Apple Bloom are thinking too," Sugar Belle commented wryly. "They got so caught up in their race with Rainbow and Scootaloo that they forgot all about the others. And if you two knuckleheads were watching, you'd have seen how Rarity and Sweetie Belle were pacing themselves all through to the final leg. Everypony else up front was so tired from outpacing each other that, while they might have been far ahead of the others, they couldn't keep the speed up. Rarity started closing them down after the mud bath obstacles."
It certainly surprised me. Rarity, not to disparage the mare, isn't exactly the most athletic of ladies. Then again, I never figured her to be able to play guitar like she can, nor did I expect her to be able to kick a changeling drone six ways from Sunday. Her ability to plan and manage many complex projects at once and deal with a lot of pressure, as well as a fair amount of pain, certainly appeared to have stood her in good stead today. She and Sweetie Belle looked pleased as punch when they received their trophy, while AJ and Rainbow continued to glare daggers at each other as they stood on either side of the podium. I swear, those two are like an old married couple at times with the way they squabble with each other over the pettiest rivalries. If nothing else though, the underdog victory made a close race that much more interesting, and in Mac's case, less embarrassing all around. I still tease him every now and again about the incident that ended with him dressing in drag and trying to pass himself off as a mare to help Apple Bloom.
On the other hoof though, it shows how much he does care for his littlest sister, given he was willing to all but humiliate himself for her. I look out for Lizzie, and I care about her, and if Dewdrop ever breaks her heart I'll rip his wings off one feather at a time, but I'm not sure you'd ever convince me to dress up in drag for her.
But back to the winner's circle as it were. While Rarity, being Rarity, was basking in the warm glow of victory, with a cheering Sweetie Belle alongside her, AJ and Rainbow were still bickering with each other. I wouldn't mind, but this isn't even the first time something like this has happened. Go all the way back to 'Fall Weather Friends' and they learned pretty much this exact lesson. They even ended up doing something similar with some students from school not so long ago. Every time one of them, usually Rainbow, does something and openly boasts about it, the other mare has to one up her. And while neither of the other two members of the Cutie Mark Crusaders seemed to mind; in fact they seemed to have had a whale of a time, it was getting rather tedious, and a bit embarrassing.
It would be nice if I could say the two learned, or re-learned their lesson here and realised that winning isn't everything, particularly when it comes to a bit of friendly competition like the Sisterhooves Social. But instead, Rainbow and Applejack did what they do best and doubled down. It was as the event was winding down and Mac, Sugar Belle and I had reunited with Applejack, that Rainbow issued her challenge.
"Ha! I knew you couldn't beat me, AJ!" she hollered, causing Applejack to freeze and spin around on the spot
"Beat you?" she exclaimed. "The deal was to see who could win the Sisterhooves Social, so you ain't got nothin' to boat about neither!" Rainbow was having none of that though.
"You still couldn't get past me," she insisted.
"And how does that prove anythin'?" Applejack asked. "Except the fact that we're evenly matched."
"It proves," Rainbow went on, trotting over to save yelling. "That, yeah, you've got some good speed. But there's no way you could keep up consistently with me." Oh for the love of Celestia! When will they learn to just let it go?!
"Are you kiddin', Dash? I could have kept runnin' laps of that track all day long. I'm an earth pony, remember. Endurance is what we do. I guarantee that you'd be all tuckered out before I even worked up a sweat."
"Yeah right," the pegasus said disparagingly.
"It's true!" Applejack insisted.
"Oh, yeah? Prove it!" Rainbow now took on a more intimidating posture, putting her head low and flaring out her wings, keeping her eyes locked on AJ's the whole time. "Applejack. I'm callin' you out!"
"She is out, Dash," I pointed out. It was true too, given how both mares were squaring off against each other and everypony else had backed off to form an ad hoc arena. Rainbow straightened up at that, trying to look disinterested.
"I knew that," she said, a little more quietly, before returning to her challenging tone. "Okay, here's the deal. The Running of the Leaves is coming up. Whoever places higher has to admit that the other is faster and stronger than them."
"Deal!" AJ agreed before anypony could intervene. The two mares sealed their agreement in the time honoured way.
I like to think Applejack's pretty level headed most of the time. But where Rainbow Dash, or for that matter, the Flim Flam brothers are concerned, she seems to take complete leave of her senses. Either that or regress back to her teenage years. Sometimes I wonder if she agrees to all these stupid challenges to impress me.
Actually I wouldn't mind that so much.
So the date for the challenge was fixed, and come the Running of the Leaves, these two would hopefully get this stupid rivalry out of their system. At least for the next six months or so, and go back to the friendly rivalry they usually had.
I normally take part in the Running of the Leaves myself. While life on the farm has done wonders for my physical, and to some degree, my magical strength, it doesn't have the same effect on my stamina. Of course, as a quadruped, I can go a heck of a lot faster than I could ever as a human, even at a dead run. I can quite happily canter along at a fair rate of knots. However, I'm not exactly what you'd call in shape. I'm not unfit by any stretch of the imagination, but events like this give me something to train for; a target to stop myself slipping back into old, lazy habits.
Think of it like training for a marathon. That is, after all, pretty much what the Running of the Leaves is. True, it has a greater purpose than simply getting from point A to point B, but it is very much like a marathon, being a race to ensure ponies keep up a good speed. A gentle trot after all wouldn't provide the necessary vibrations to cause all the leaves to fall from the trees.
We had a week or two before the race, giving Applejack and Rainbow plenty of time to get themselves into top form. Well, more so than they normally are. And since she was training, I figured it would be a good idea to tag along with her. Training with a partner is supposed to be better after all, with each one supporting the other.
Unfortunately, I underestimated just how seriously AJ was taking this. And I found this out when I was violently yanked from my peaceful slumber and thrown out of bed by her. Still bleary eyed and barely awake, I had to contend with the mare all but yelling at me to get a move on.
"Come on, Bones!" she ordered. "Rise and shine! It's time to start our training!"
As I managed to recover my senses, I took a look around and spotted my alarm clock, which hadn't yet gone off, that rested on my bedside table. It was four in the bleeding morning!
Now, I'm no stranger to getting up early. On a normal day you'll find me getting up at around half five; pretty much the same time the sun rises. But four was a bit beyond a joke to my mind. Even going to bed at ten, I'd still only gotten six hours of sleep. Vainly, I tried to talk some sense into Applejack.
"AJ, it's four o'clock in the morning!" I exclaimed.
"Exactly," she fired back. "We should've been up and out there preparing for the race ages ago."
For Celestia's sake, even the Paras, heck, even 22 Reg don't have to get up this early for training. I tried again to get through to her.
"Applejack," I said, with a bit more patience. "Big Mac and Sugar Belle have already agreed to help cover our chores while we're training. We've got a full day to run ourselves ragged. We don't need to be gettin' up before Celestia, or I should say Twilight, does. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm goin' back to bed. I suggest you do the same."
Hoping that this had knocked some sense into her, I got back to my hooves and crawled into bed, desperately trying to recapture some of the warmth. With the winter drawing ever nearer, nights were getting colder, and the farmhouse isn't brilliant at staying warm without a fire.
But it was no use. She was apparently immune to both the cold and good sense. No sooner had I pulled the covers over me and gotten myself comfortable than they were yanked off, causing me to involuntarily shift into the foetal position to try and conserve some warmth. I soon followed my sheets as AJ grabbed me by the tail with her teeth (not a pleasant experience), and again reunited me with the wooden, and very cold, floor of my room.
"No 'ifs', no 'buts', Bones," she said earnestly, grinning a little as I looked up at her in dismay. "You're awake now. No sense goin' back to sleep. Now come on. Outside in five minutes for the first six miles of the day!"
She wouldn't know "sense" if it bit her! Wait a minute...
First?!
Six miles?!
Oh sweet Celestia, she's gonna kill me!
Twenty minutes later, I wished she had killed me. Instead, AJ seemed inclined to stretch out my suffering, putting off my demise for as long as possible. As threatened, we started things with a nice six mile run. Now, a jog over that distance, sure, I could do that. Like I said, I'm not unfit and am in fairly decent shape. But Applejack set a much faster pace. Worse still, the six miles were not over nice, flat, level ground. Instead, she had me running up and down the hilly terrain that made up a large section of the farm's grasslands beyond the apple orchards. Combined with the furious pace, and by the time we hit the first mile, I was feeling the burn. An early rising sheep was just starting breakfast and watching us in amazement as I tried not to die.
Also, I just want to put this out there, in all my time working to keep myself in good shape, I have never, ever felt the supposed exercise high people keep on yapping about from the endorphins. Exercise, to me, has always been a fairly painful experience, and I've always finished a day of hard work, or a training session, glad that it was over.
But back to our lovely run. Applejack took the lead, having evidently planned a route out beforehand. After leaving the house and crossing into the open grassland, which involved swimming the river that ran through the farm for good measure, we made our way up and down a few of the modest hills, skirting around the still sleeping cattle herd. Worse still, this far out, you had rabbits to worry about, particularly the bucks who would dig scrapes into the ground on open land like this. And this early in the morning, light was at best, limited. And while I tried to use my horn to provide a little extra illumination, the rapid pace meant that taking a tumble was almost inevitable. And with such inevitability, I stuck my hoof in a scrape and went arse over tea kettle, landing with a dull thud on my rump. I was lucky not to break my leg.
Of course, AJ showed no sympathy, only doubling back to tell me to keep up. Honestly, not even old Strong Shield, when he was teaching me how to use my magic to fight, was this tough. Still, I did get up and pushed on.
As we continued, and I faintly heard the clock in town strike five, the light did improve, making finding our way a bit easier and safer. And by the time we completed the loop, doing a full six miles, the first few hints of dawn were peeking over the horizon.
I was knackered. My legs were shaking and my breathing came in short, painful gasps as my head hung down. Applejack too had worked up a sweat, but she was nowhere near as exhausted. Damn her and her earth pony endurance. I might have magic on my side, but physically, unicorns are the weakest race when it comes to physical strength. Exhausted, I sat down on my rear and tried to catch what I could of my breath.
But my tormentor wasn't done yet. Not be a long shot. After a brief rest and a good drink of water, she had me back out there doing interval training alongside her. We made our way through the apple orchards now, occasionally cutting into the vineyard where the Apples grew a decent stock of grapes, many of which were sold directly to winemakers in Prance. In contrast to the earlier steady run, Applejack would call out when to run flat out, and when to slow back down to a jog to 'recover'.
I think we ended up doing around ten, twelve, maybe fifteen intervals before she finally called time and had me jog alongside her back to the farmhouse. The only saving grace was that she too was now showing signs of strain, instead of smugly keeping up a pace while barely breaking a sweat. And as we finally returned to the farmhouse, now with the morning sun well above the horizon, we both all but collapsed from exhaustion.
"AJ," I said, as I gratefully drank my fill of water. "You're gonna kill me!"
"Oh...don't be such a baby, Bones," Applejack replied though her own laboured breathing. "You know what they say; 'no pain, no gain'. And I need to really push myself if I'm gonna beat Dash. I'll bet that she's been pushin' herself just as hard to try and one up me."
"Applejack," I said, looking over at her as I lay splayed out of the soft ground of the farmyard. "I know you want to beat Dash in the race, Although I don't really get why. But why do I have to suffer too?"
"You said you wanted to train with me," AJ replied.
"Applejack, my everything hurts, and I can't move!" I exclaimed. "This isn't training, it's insanity!"
This, finally, managed to knock some sense into her. The sight of her coltfriend, splayed out on the ground, in agony, and looking ever so slightly pathetic seemed to help her realise that she might be overdoing things a tad. Big Mac, who'd been watching our antics from the orchards, and had now returned to the farmhouse to fetch some tools from the barn, agreed.
"He's right, sis," he said sagely. "You push yourself like that and before long you ain't gonna be runnin' nowhere."
"Alright, I get it," she relented. "Tell you what, Bones. How 'bout we call today a wash and start fresh tomorrow, only I'll tone things down a bit. I still want to try and get first in the race. But I think I've got a better way to get one over on Rainbow Dash."
And so, the two of us went inside to recover. I'm pretty sure I spent the rest of the day laid up on the sofa giving my poor legs and heart a chance to repair themselves.
Over the following couple weeks, Applejack and I continued to train, albeit with a little less intensity. We kept up a steady regime of cardio exercises from running, to swimming and even a few games, as well as endurance to help build muscle strength. And crucially, we had rest days planned to give ourselves time to recover properly and prevent injury.
It was a lot of fun too. Back on Earth, I'd been put off from going to the gym partly by negative school experiences, and partly by how uncomfortable you could feel working out in front of others. And what exercise I did, I preferred to do alone, either from home, or by going in at odd hours when it would be quiet. But training with AJ was a lot more easy going. I know I'm never going to be in as good a shape as she is, but she never made me feel awkward or inadequate. Applejack was always encouraging, and I was the same to her in turn. We were both working together and supporting each other through the training. As a result, by the time race day dawned, we were more than ready.
On the day of the race, AJ and I got up at our usual time and had a good breakfast, consisting of the closest I could get to a full English; a concept quite foreign to ponies. We had fried eggs, baked beans, a couple hash browns each, some mushrooms and tomatoes, with a few rounds of fried bread and plenty of coffee and apple juice, in addition to a bowl of cereal. In place of the sausage and bacon, as well as the black pudding we substituted in grilled oatcakes and bubble and squeak, something I'd introduced the Apples and Equestria as a whole to. All in all, we had quite the mountain of food to chow down on, but crucially, getting up early gave our bodies ample time to properly digest it all, meaning we'd have the energy needed to complete the race, without risking the unfortunate implications of running on a full stomach.
The both of us were looking forward to the race. Personally, I loved running through the woods, including a good portion of the farm, and seeing all the red, amber, and gold leaves fall from the trees creating a multicolour snowstorm as the herd raced past. Running with a group like this seemed to unearth primal equine instincts. And if nothing else, it was a whole lot of fun. Applejack on the other hoof had just one thing on her mind, beating Rainbow Dash. I tried to gently remind her not to get too competitive this time.
"Just remember, AJ," I said as the two of us headed out the door, bound for the start line at White Tail Wood. "We're doing this to prepare for winter and to have a good time. I don't want to see you end up tied for last place again after all the work we've put in."
"Don't worry, Bones," she reassured me. "I learned my lesson last time. Just be glad I ain't tyin' Rainbow's wings behind her back this time round." I chuckled at that.
Arriving at the start, which was an open field just outside the woods, we found plenty of ponies already there, all decked out and ready to race. Finding our way to the registration desk, we both got issued our number cards. In a rather worrying omen, I ended up with lucky thirteen. And as I was fastening it around my chest, Rainbow Dash joined us. And unlike Applejack, it seemed nopony had managed to talk any sense into her, and her desire to win at all costs was still going strong.
She arrived with all the quiet subtlety of a trainwreck, blasting a sonic rainboom over our heads as she sailed down into a smooth landing. The resultant ringing in our ears left everypony just a little cheesed off with her. Seriously, all that overpressure could very easily have blown our eardrums out. Not that Dash noticed of course. Strutting up to the two of us, a huge grin on her face, and ignoring all the irritated ponies around her, Rainbow Dash showed how the better part of a year in the Wonderbolts, Equestria's most premiere stunt display team, had helped to temper her brash nature.
"Sup, AJ," she said, hoofbumping her friend and rival. "Ready to lose?"
Applejack just glared at the pegasus.
"Rainbow, you nearly deafened everypony down here!" I exclaimed. "What in Celestia's name were you thinking pulling a rainboom so close to the ground?" Dash waved my concerns away with a hoof.
"Chillax, Bones," she said. "I wasn't going fast enough to do any real damage. And hey, I probably helped loosen all the leaves for ya."
"Loosen my teeth in my skull is more like it," I grumbled. Applejack meanwhile took a different tack to dressing down Rainbow Dash.
"Nice flyin', RD," she commended nonchalantly. "Tryin' to get yourself all psyched up to go against me?" Dash is easily goaded at the best of times.
"Are you kidding?" she exclaimed. "I don't need to psyche myself up for this. I know I'm gonna beat you."
"No you won't," AJ said smugly. Dash fumed.
"Yes I will!" And AJ loved it.
"No you won't!"
"Yes I will!" Actually this was quite fun to watch.
"No you won't!"
"Will!" Okay, now it was getting tedious.
"Won't!"
"Will infinity!" Finish her!
"Won't infinity plus one!" Yes!
"Dammit!" Dash turned away to sulk while I struggled to contain my laughter.
Luckily, before the two grown mares could become any more juvenile, Cheerilee walked up to the three of us, falling back on her role as schoolteacher to break apart bickering foals.
"Neither of you are going to win if you don't get registered with a number soon," she warned. "The race is starting in about five minutes."
"Oh horseapples!" the two mares said, before they dashed off to complete preparations.
Luckily, Applejack and Rainbow managed to get themselves properly entered just in time, although it would have made for a funny story, and possibly even a good episode and friendship lesson for the two of them to get so caught up in their rivalry that they actually missed the race. It also would have made AJ utterly poisonous to live with. Applejack though was a little ahead of Dash in that sense. While she did still want to thrash the pegasus and gain all the associated bragging rights, she wasn't treating that as her only goal.
Between the two of us, we'd come up with quite a clever plan that would not only annoy Rainbow beyond belief, but also let AJ get one over on her best friend. Admittedly, I'd partly pinched the idea from an early episode of TNG Star Trek but it was still a sound idea. While Rainbow was getting herself ready, I had a chance to quickly chat with Applejack before the race.
"You ready for this, AJ?" I asked. Applejack nodded.
"Sure am, Bones," she said, before chuckling to herself. "I just can't wait to see Rainbow's face at the end. She ain't gonna know what hit her."
At that moment, we heard the sound of the 'Call to the Post' going up, the old trumpet blaring the signal for us all to line up at the start. It always struck me as odd how a traditional signal used in horse races on Earth should also be used here. Curiously, by the same token, Equestria's military doesn't make much use of bugle signals typical of cavalry regiments and the military in general. Perhaps it is too hard for ponies to run and blow a bugle at the same time. In any case, the short call meant that the race was about to start and that all participants needed to be at the starting line shortly.
Taking my place on the proverbial starting grid (the start was just a simple line painted on the ground with a marshal on either side. I think it would have been a bit over the top for us all to have to get into a starting gate), I found myself between AJ and Rainbow. The two mares eyed each other as we fell under starter's orders. Honestly, I think it was only the fact that I was standing between the two that they didn't start something then and there. Still, Rainbow had one last parting shot before the kick off.
"Get ready to eat my dust, Applejack," she said confidently. AJ shot right back though.
"Funny," she drawled. "I was just about to say the same thing to you."
And with that last parting shot, the flag dropped and the race began. I quickly threw myself forward as I speedily built up to a gallop. Behind me, I could both hear and feel the rest of the pack, as dozens of hooves thundered along, with Dash and AJ either side of me. But this was a marathon, not a sprint, and for our little plan to work, I needed to save my energy for later in the race. So, feeling a little awkward as I did so, I allowed myself to drop back into the main body of racers, leaving Applejack and Rainbow Dash to take position as the front runners. Meanwhile, above us, the leaves of the first few trees were already starting to fall, and we found ourselves cantering through a multicolour snowstorm of leaves.
I've never got the 'fun' of running. It's good for you, and it may very well save your life one day, but I would never consider it something I found enjoyment in. Having run three quarters of the course, my body was not best pleased with me, even going relatively easy and keeping myself back in the pack, I was still breathing hard, my legs ached, and I generally wanted to stop and rest up.
That's not to say it was completely terrible though. If nothing else, you had beautiful scenery all around. While Sweet Apple Acres will always have a charm for me, particularly on long summer evenings or crisp, clear winter nights, there were plenty of other beauty spots around Ponyville, and White Tail Wood was one of them. With all the leaves around us and winding trails, it kind of reminded me of New England a bit. Well, I say reminded, I've never been there, let's say it fitted with TV depictions of New England in the autumn. When it isn't raining cats and dogs, autumn is probably my favourite season here in Equestria, simply for the beautiful foliage, even if it is a bugger to sweep it all up for mulch.
But while it was nice to appreciate the beauty of nature around me, I was still in a race, and more importantly, as we began the final mile, we entered the point where I was to spring into action.
You see, so far, I'd kept back in the race, looking to place somewhere in the top ten probably, but a far cry from my marefriend and Rainbow, who had been battling for the lead the whole time. I couldn't see them, but thanks to Pinkie, who had returned, sadly sans Spike, to commentate the race via balloon, I was kept up to date on what was going on up front. The two mares had been neck and neck from minute one, each only gaining the lead for a few scarce moments before it was snatched away by the other. It was a real case of no quarter asked or given, and it made a great show for the spectators who lined the route to cheer us all on. But now that we were reaching the end, I began to tap into specially kept back reserves and put on a burst of speed. Slowly, I began to make my way up through the pack. The race itself might have been a marathon, but now, for me, it was a sprint.
While I might not be an earth pony, with their level of endurance and stamina, I had been training with Applejack and was pretty close to her. I was certainly able to keep up with her through our training, once she toned down the suicidal routine. So, if I'd been giving it my all, as AJ and Rainbow had, I ought to be right up front with them, battling for the lead all the way. Instead though, I'd held myself back, going at a more leisurely pace, while still keeping fairly close to the leaders. As we neared the finish line, the two mares would be tapping into the last of their strength to outpace the other, and would consequently slow up a little. This would give me, with a fair bit of stamina left, a chance to put on some speed, catch up, and quite possibly overtake.
What would annoy Rainbow Dash more do you think; losing to Applejack, or losing to me, somepony she considers almost as much an egghead as Twilight? AJ and I got inspired by the two rivals' last race, when Rarity snatched victory from the both of them due to their distraction and by what had happened in their first race when Twilight beat them both. Applejack, by her own admission, while she could avoid losing to the pegasus, wasn't sure she could outright beat her, but she could exhaust her to a stalemate. And that left the number one spot in the Winner's Circle ripe for the taking.
Passing Derpy on one side and Bon Bon on the other, I moved up into third place. The main body of racers had really closed the gap and as I got a look at them, it was clear that both mares were flagging, although neither seemed willing to give up. They were even still trading barbs with each other.
"What's the matter, Dash?" AJ asked between pants. "Am I goin' too fast for ya!"
"As if, AJ!" Rainbow shot back. "I've just been going easy on you. Wouldn't want to totally humiliate you, so I figured a close finish would soften the blow!"
Rounding the corner, the finish line, and the assembled crowd of cheering onlookers came into view. That was my cue to make my move. Digging into my reserves, I went into a full on gallop, sprinting to the finish. I can still remember the look on Rainbow's face as I briefly drew level with her.
"Hi Rainbow!" I called out smiling. Giving a quick mock salute, I sped up again.
"Bye Rainbow!"
The pegasus was briefly stunned, but soon tried to catch up with me. But having used up all her energy keeping pace and trading pole position with AJ the entire race, she just didn't have anything left in her. Applejack was loving it.
"Yeehaw!" she cheered. "Go on, sugarcube! You can make it!"
Dash gave it one more try to beat me at the last moment, but Applejack too tapped into the last of her reserves to harry her. As the finish line drew up, since it seemed like the most appropriate time short of an actual cavalry charge, I gave the rebel yell and tore across the finish line, cutting the ribbon with my barrel. AJ and Rainbow followed mere milliseconds behind. It was too close to call on the matter of who came second, but the winner was undisputed.
I considered being gracious in victory, but I just couldn't resist using the victory as a chance to wear my 'winning' face. The smug look cheesed Rainbow off even more.
A week or so later, and Dash was still licking her wounds from the race. After some careful examination, it came to light that, not only had she been bested by somepony she never even considered to be a contender, but she had also failed to defeat her rival. The photo of the two ponies crossing the line just after me showed it clear as day; it was a draw. While Applejack hadn't managed to beat her in the end, for somepony as competitive as Rainbow, a tie was that much worse.
However, getting beaten by not only me, but Rarity of all ponies, had helped bring the pegasus back down to terra firma again. Just as Fluttershy will always have to contend with her shyness, Rainbow constantly needs to have her ego checked. And coming joint second in the Running of the Leaves did just that. It also helped pull her out of that hyper competitive mindset she was, which allowed her and AJ to patch things up.
Honestly, I tell you, at times, those two, with their little rivalries and arguments, come across as more of a couple that AJ and I do sometimes. They certainly squabble like an old married couple at any rate. And between you and me, a part of me does wonder if there is something more to their friendship.
But anyway, with the race done and dusted, not only had Rainbow Dash been reminded that she is not a god, but all the trees around Ponyville had been stripped clean. The same could be said for Sweet Apple Acres. The apple trees, once green and vibrant, later filled with fire like leaves, were now as bare as the zap apple trees. It was a little sad in a way, seeing them all so bare and lifeless. But it is the natural order of things I suppose. I only wish that, after the race, we didn't have to spend so much time raking in all the leaves. The rotting vegetation would make for some good compost and mulch for the trees. And come next spring, it would all start again.
I found my mind drifting back to when the trees first began to develop their first leaves and fruit. I chuckled to myself as I remembered a funny little incident involving Apple Bloom and her quest to catch a glimpse of the Great Seedling during the last harvest. It's an Earth Pony legend, a mystical stag like creature. Supposedly, it visits all farms come harvest time, and if successfully caught, will grant an eternal harvest as a reward. Like Pinkie Sense, it is difficult for a rational pony like myself to examine. Nopony has ever successfully caught him. Then again, not so long ago, I figured Windigoes were most likely a literary device.
It certainly didn't stop Apple Bloom from trying, laying traps and trying to track him down. I can hardly claim the high ground on that front; as a child I set various traps on Christmas Eve to catch Father Christmas, and for a while I was actually convinced the Great Seedling might be a real thing, as was AJ, when Apple Bloom discovered signs of him being on the farm, even catching a glimpse of him. Sadly, it wasn't the genuine article; just a sleep deprived Big Mac, overworked from the harvest. Still, I refuse to discount the possibility, and next year I may just lend Apple Bloom a hoof in trying to catch him.
But that was all off in the future. Right now, the trees of Sweet Apple Acres would take a well earned rest. We'd look to cut down a few of the less productive ones, or older ones in another week or so. As we had after that storm earlier in the year, Mac and I would fell the trees, then chop them up to sell to Burnt Oak as firewood. With apple supplies running low as we came out of the season, we might be able to up the price, but there was still the issue of finite supply, so firewood, along with wool from the sheep in springtime, and milk from the cattle made for good alternative sources of income.
Speaking of the cattle, that was the next job on the list. As November wound on and the weather became increasingly colder, we would need to move the herd off the high open plain and down toward their winter pastures and cowsheds. That meant another cattle drive. Hopefully this time I could get through it without getting soaked through.
The next morning, we all headed out to start rounding up the herd. Driving the herd out to pasture was one thing, but getting them back in was an entirely different kettle of fish. For one thing, back in the spring, the cattle were all in their sheds the night prior, so we simply had to let them out and start driving. But with them out on the proverbial open range, we'd first need to round them all up. Now true, given that these cows were sentient, it was a bit easier, but given that cattle do like to roam quite a bit and the size of the herd and the fact that they were twice our size, it would still be a job to get them all together and in a state to be driven back to the farm. Crucially, this wouldn't be a one day job. The plan was to spend today mustering the herd, and then drive them home the following morning, camping out overnight.
As before, it was a case of all hooves on deck, with Sugar Belle, who had pitched in previously, again joining to help out as an extra set of hooves. Granny Smith also joined us, duly appointed as our mess officer with Apple Bloom helping her, while Big Mac hauled the chuck wagon with some basic supplies and camp equipment. That left Applejack, Sugar Belle, and myself travelling fairly light. The three of us would scout ahead once we got out into the fields and spread out to try and find the herd.
The fairly long trek out gave Applejack and I a chance to talk. While the Sisterhooves Social and the Running of the Leaves had been a fun time for everypony concerned, I couldn't help but notice that of late there was something of a melancholy about her. It was the same with the rest of her friends, and the reason was obvious; Twilight. It had been over a month, getting on for two now since she'd moved back to Canterlot and taken up the mantle of Princess of Equestria, and we were all now finding ourselves missing her company. And Spike too; Big Mac had been particularly despondent over his O&O games with Discord, and the lack of their dragon DM of late. I was very much the same. True, it wasn't like she and the girls were together all the time, but they always managed to see each other whenever they could, adventures aside, and they had an extremely close friendship. With her gone though, we were all starting to really notice the absence.
So, like any good boyfriend, I tried to cheer her up, or at least give her a listening ear. After all, as Pinkie Pie once said, AJ cries on the inside, and like me, has a bad habit of bottling up her emotions at times, using work as a distraction.
"How you holdin' up, AJ?" I asked as we both trotted together a little ahead of the other. It was getting on for mid afternoon now, and I was hoping to catch sight of the herd before long.
"Fine, Bones," she said, not meeting my eyes as we walked side by side.
"Just fine?" I prodded, that got her to look at me.
"Sure, why wouldn't I be?" she said a little hurriedly, before slightly scrunching her mouth up and letting her eyes dart around. Needless to say, I could tell the Element of Honesty was fibbing.
"Well, I've not been so great this past week," I admitted, hoping my own admission would help her open up. "I guess...I guess I just find myself missin' Twilight is all. She and Spike have been gone almost two months now. It feels kinda strange not seeing one of your best friends and havin' to read about them in newspapers."
AJ looked away and cast her gaze toward her hooves.
"I know what ya mean," she admitted, before perking up a moment later. "I'm sure she'll stop by to visit once she gets the chance though."
Twilight had promised that. The day she left, the day of coronation, she had promised us that, as soon as she could, she would come back to visit, and continue to do so as often as she could. But I couldn't help but recall the number of times Princess Celestia or Princess Luna had visited Ponyville. In both cases, it had been only a small number, and many of those were on official business rather than a social call. It was a consuming job being princess, and two months in, Twilight hadn't been able to spare so much as half a day to stop by and say hello.
"I still miss just being able to stop by the castle and say hi though," I said a little forlornly.
My slightly sad grumblings however seemed to trigger something in Applejack, for her head suddenly shot up with a start and she smiled.
"Who says you can't do that now?" she pointed out. I was thrown off for a moment.
"Say what?" I said perplexed.
"Well, if Twilight can't come and visit us, there's no reason why we can't all go and visit Twilight in Canterlot."
"What, you mean go to her court?" I asked. AJ nodded.
"Sure," she replied. "We could all go towards the end of the day. Or we could send her and Spike a letter to set somethin' up. It might only be for a little bit, but at least we could all go say hi and catch up. Shoot, we could even bring her some of this season's cider as an office warming present."
I chuckled at that. Strange how I'd gone in with the intent of cheering AJ up, and she'd managed to do the same for me. It was a good idea too. Twilight would be kept busy by court, true, but us coming up to see her would be a heck of a lot easier than her coming down to Ponyville.
Before we could discuss her idea any further though, the two of us were interrupted by a cry from Granny Smith.
"Hey, are you two whippersnappers blind or somethin'? There's cows out there!"
Startled back to the task at hand, looking ahead, we did indeed spot a fairly large body of cattle. They were all grazing on a large section of downland . It wasn't all of them, but it looked to be more than two thirds of the herd.
Well, that was one job out the way.
AJ and I put on a bit of speed and trotted out towards them. With any luck, we wouldn't have to go hunting around for the rest of them, we could just ask this lot where their friends were. Cows aren't as easy to distinguish from one another as ponies are. But over time I've learnt to identify the more important ones and I soon picked out Mooriel in the herd. AJ did too and we made a beeline for her, along with her now much older looking calf.
"Howdy, Mooriel, Daisy Jo." AJ called out to the heifer and her calf.
"Well hey there, Applejack. Don't tell me it's time to come back down to the farm already."
"'Fraid so," AJ said. "But I figure we can use today to get y'all gathered together and ready for a nice leisurely drive back. So you've got at least one more day to enjoy yourselves up here. How have things been anyhow?"
"Well, to tell you the truth, it has been getting somewhat chilly up here the past couple nights," the cow admitted before letting out a sigh. "Still, I never look forward to saying goodbye to these wide open spaces."
"Don't worry, Mooriel. It'll all still be here come spring," I assured, making her smile.
"Where's the rest of your people anyhow?" AJ asked. Mooriel quickly rattled off some places to look and after asking her and her friends to stay here, we doubled back to Granny and the others and started on the round-up.
The round up took up pretty much the rest of the day. While actually herding the cattle wasn't too difficult, the distances involved made for a bit of a trek. When we were harvesting the apple trees, we'd start at one end, and slowly work our way through each orchard and around the farm, moving in one direction. But given how scattered the cattle were, we couldn't do that here. We'd head out, try three or four potential spots, find a few head of cattle and bring them back to the main herd, only to have to then go back out either in a new direction, or the same way we'd come and go further out. While I would have liked to simply have kept on rounding them all up in one big group, Granny Smith, who was after all, still very much in charge of the farm, didn't like having the cows under our direction for so long. Driving them all together is one thing, but moving a small gaggle of heifers back and forth would both tire them out and stress them a bit. Cattle, like all animals, don't really like being herded on an instinctual level. Driving them back would be more guiding them where they wanted to go anyway as opposed to leading or forcing them along.
In short, that meant a lot of hours on our hooves, cantering back and forth between the slowly growing herd, and various spots where the remaining strays might be found. We split up into three teams; AJ and I, Mac and his wife, and Granny and Apple Bloom. With any luck, the old trick of divide and conquer would pay off. On the flip side though, it meant we went pretty much the whole rest of the day without seeing much of each other. I was just grateful we didn't need somepony to keep the herd together. To her credit, Mooriel and the other older and wiser girls did a perfectly fine job of keeping order amongst their kin, although some of the calves were inclined to wander.
There's not really too much to tell here. Applejack and I chatted about this and that on our journeys, and even swapped a few stories with the cattle we came across. Most of them were fairly young, either last year's calves, or youngsters born last spring who fancied ranging a bit further than their parents would like. And unlike the cowboys of old, we didn't have too much to contend with in the way of adversity. Out here there were no coyotes, no range cattle to get tangled with our own brand (not that Equestrian cattle were branded, I asked Applejack about it once and she considered it an utterly barbaric practice), and certainly no bandits or Indians trying to pinch a few head, or worse. No, the only thing we had to contend with was still a ways off on the horizon.
"Looks like a pretty bad storm, Applejack," I commented as we made our way back to the herd with our newest set of reprobates.
Applejack looked up and turned to look behind us to where I was pointing. Off in the distance, in sharp contrast to the mostly clear blue sky above, there was a nasty looking mess of clouds. The dark grey, foreboding look told me they weren't just for show; those were storm clouds, filled with rain, and maybe even ready to turn into thunderstorms. It was November after all, and with that came a fair few rain storms, which would, come December, be replaced by cold frost and snow. We'd picked a time that was supposed to be rain free but this close to the Everfree Forest, wild storms blew in all too frequently.
Needless to say, storms and cattle don't mix. While these cows were more than willing to put up with a little rain, a thunderstorm, complete with lightning, was a different matter. While they may be sentient and perfectly fluent in Ponish, cattle aren't ponies. They still rely and act based on animal instinct for the most part, and a bad storm could scatter the herd, to say nothing of what could happen if we had lightning when they were still out in the open. I saw the effects first hand once back on Earth. It wasn't pretty and I shan't forget the smell as long as I live.
"We better hustle along then," Applejack agreed, eyeing the weather. "Rainbow said we were due for some rain tomorrow, but I was hopin' we'd have the herd back in before it hit."
"What do you want to do? Drive them through the night?"
Night driving on an open plain could be done after all. But after being rounded up, I doubt many of the cattle would like the idea of a long walk home in the dark. And Celestia knows that the first rule of cattle driving is that you never let a cow take a step knowing that it is being herded. You guide them, not force them along. If they wanted to bed down and we kept pushing them, we'd just be making more work for ourselves. Plus we'd be pretty tired too, and tired hooves cause accidents.
"Let's see what Granny thinks," AJ said, wisely deferring to her experienced grandmother. She then turned to the five strays that were with us. "Alright, y'all. Let's keep it movin'. Folks are gonna be waitin' on us."
Arriving back at the herd, we reunited the strays with the rest, and found that everypony else was also back. Our little group constituted the last of the strays. Finding Granny Smith pottering around the wagon, we asked her for advice on whether to drive the herd or not.
"Well, there's ain't no way we can get these whippersnappers back to the farm before night," she said. "But that storm looks like it's gonna break before too long. Ya know what's worse than driving a herd at night? Driving a herd in the dark with a storm over your heads. The way I see it, the best thing to do is drive them to somewhere in a valley. That'll give us all some shelter and protect us all somewhat from the lightning if it happens. We make camp and then go from there. If it's a real bad storm, we may have to spend another day roundin' up strays if the storm scatters them, drive them home the day after tomorrow."
It was a sound idea. Realistically, we would have to accept that we'd be out here tonight. We knew that either way. The question was how we dealt with the storm. Granny seemed inclined to go for a tactic to mitigate the damage, rather than try to overcome the issue. It certainly sounded like a good plan in any case, and we all agreed. Now for the next point of contention.
"So where do you reckon we can hole up for the night?" I asked.
Big Mac wordlessly pulled out a map of the farm and the surrounding region. At the moment, we were on a relatively high plain, out in the open and exposed. We needed to head west to get toward the farm, crossing the river and passing by the apple orchards. But as the crow flies, the ground was all pretty open. To the north lay the Everfree Forest, complete with timberwolves amongst other predators that would be attracted to the cattle. The only option then, was south. Applejack spotted a good looking spot; a small valley, surrounded by tall hills. At the bottom was a reasonably open valley floor with enough space for us to move the cattle without trouble. The hills, along with a number of tall trees, would reduce the risk of lightning, and provide some protection from the wind. All in all, it looked like a good place to make camp.
"I reckon we can drive them all there in about three hours," Granny declared. "That'll give us time to settle the cattle and set up camp. Celestia knows I don't wanna be out when it starts rainin'."
"Sounds like a plan," Applejack agreed. "Big Mac, can y'all help Bones drive the herd? Me and AB will guide 'em."
"Eeyup," Mac agreed.
And so, we roused the herd and got ourselves into position to start driving them. Our positions were changed around this time. Mac and I had the relatively easier job, at least, once we got them going, of driving the cattle from the rear. AJ and Apple Bloom meanwhile would be positioned either side of the column to steer them. This would be a little tougher, since cattle are creatures of routine, and taking them in the wrong direction would unsettle them a bit.
It took a bit of effort to get them moving, and we had a couple false starts where part of the herd would move off and the others would just mill. Eventually though, we had them all underway, promising them shelter from the upcoming storm.
Since the storm was coming from the north, we had our backs to it, which helped encourage the cattle along, and before too long, we were settled into a relaxed drive. However, I could already feel the storm. You know just before a bad thunderstorm hits, you feel it in the air; pressure, or the electricity in the air. It's like the atmosphere itself is tense. In a way, it's a lot like how I, as a unicorn, perceive magic when examining it. Dark or very powerful magic has similar properties, only you need to be a unicorn to sense them. It certainly didn't help ease my anxiety about the storm. Granny tried to help with that, as she pulled the chuck wagon along.
"Don't worry yourself too much, Bones," she said reassuringly. "I've taken herds through worse than this. We'll ride out the storm and collect any strays tomorrow morning. As long as we get the herd bedded down and resting before the storm breaks, we should be fine."
I nodded in understanding, but I couldn't help but feel an ominous sense of dread as I cast a glance back at the storm, which now looked closer and more menacing than ever.
In the end though, we did manage to outrun the storm to our campsite. Coming down off of the plains, we led the herd into one of the many small valleys created by the hilly terrain. Ponyville, and Sweet Apple Acres, as well as a large chunk of the surrounding area after all, fall within one big valley; the Canterhorn. But it wasn't all one big plateau. The whole area is quite hilly in places, just look at Sweet Apple Acres. As such, while we were in something of the open end of the Canterhorn, there were plenty of little gulleys, passes, and narrow valleys around. This one, which wasn't even titled on the map we had, was actually quite narrow and resembled something of a box canyon, with steep hillsides on either side and a lush valley floor with wild apple trees below. It was here that we brought the cattle to a halt, and after milling around for a little while, sensing the oncoming rain shower, they began to bed down. Fun fact if you ever find yourself out in the country; if you ever see all the farm animals lie down, it means bad weather is on the way.
We too prepared for the storm, setting up our tents under the shelter of a small grove of apple trees. Until I came to Equestria, I never really did any camping. I never really got the appeal of doing it in Britain. Somehow the idea of huddling for warmth in a sleeping bag surrounded by a plastic tent covered in toggles and zips that's constantly battered by the wind and thus almost impossible to put up is fun.Then again, I never got that whole "outdoor pursuits" bollocks either.
With Equestria's more amicable climate though, it was a more pleasant affair. Aside from when it was necessary like now, going out camping in the woods was one of many family activities we all got involved in, like when we'd all go on a hike to Winsome Falls and get a close up view of the beautiful rainbow waterfalls. And Apple Bloom would sometimes camp out with the Crusaders or as part of the Filly Scouts, prompting me, AJ or Big Mac to go along to supervise. Nothing like being alone in the woods with a bunch of fillies armed with axes and fire to make you appreciate the comforts of home.
We each had a tent stowed in the wagon, along with blankets and other necessities. We now set to putting everything up. Mac meanwhile, briefly went off to find some firewood to get a fire going. While it probably wouldn't survive the downpour too well, it would give us a chance to cook dinner and spin a few campfire tales.
And a short while later, that was precisely what we were doing. We were all gathered around a blazing campfire, with the cows settled down around us on the bed ground. The storm, so far, had held off from us, and it was now fairly dark. But with the light of the fire, there was enough light for me to read from one of my favourite old stories. I'd been reading it in a somewhat serialised fashion to Apple Bloom at bedtime, and since we were all here and getting ready to sleep ourselves, and since I'd packed it at her request, it seemed like the perfect time to finish it. Sitting around the crackling campfire out of the range certainly seemed like an appropriate place. I smiled as I came to the last couple of lines.
"But I reckon I got to light out for the Territory ahead of the rest, because Aunt Sally she's going to adopt me and sivilize me, and I can't stand it. I been there before."
Closing the book, I looked up again. Apple Bloom was just barely awake, determined to hear the end of Huck's adventures, leaning against Big Mac. We were all seated, in a rather Lyra like way, on a couple tree trunks Mac had found during his hunt for firewood. They made for good benches and were better than sitting on the ground.
"That was a great story, Bones," Applejack said, pausing to yawn for a moment. I smiled as I closed the book and set it down next to me.
"Always was one of my favourites," I replied. "Although some folks back home didn't much care for it on account of some of the language."
"What's your favourite book, Bones?" a sleepy Apple Bloom asked. "And can you read it to me next?"
I was about to reply, and was considering whether or not 'To Kill a Mockingbird' was appropriate for a young filly, when I was cut off by a flash of lightning, followed by a loud clap of thunder. We all started and looked up. It looked like the storm was closing in. I'd heard the odd rumble as I'd been reading, but this was much closer. The cattle sensed it too, and we heard a couple bellowing out in the herd. We barely had time to seek shelter in our tents before the wind whipped up and the rain started. In a few short minutes, we were in the heart of the storm. And there was worse to come.
We only got a short little warning before it all kicked off. I felt the hairs on the back of my neck stand up, my body somehow intuitively knowing what was about to happen. All of a sudden there was a huge flash of light, followed by an almighty crashing sound, as lightning struck one of the nearby trees, sending flaming branches hurtling to the ground.
As a rational being, this was terrifying enough, with little Apple Bloom letting out a frightened shriek and burying her head in Big Mac's shoulder. But for the cattle, the reaction was instinctive. Seemingly as one being, they rose to their hooves and did what virtually all prey species do when presented with a threat; they ran.
"Land sakes! They're stampeding!" Applejack exclaimed. She quickly grabbed some rope and her hat. "C'mon y'all! We've got to stop them before they hurt themselves. Granny, you stay with AB. Mac, Bones, with me!"
The three of us bolted out into the driving wind and rain, barely able to see or stand, and as best we could, set off after the fleeing cattle.
To be continued... |
A Year in Equestria | Chapter 12 - November - Part 2 | Catching a stampeding mob of VW Beetles made of meat is hard enough on any day of the week. But catching them in the dark, when it's lashing down with rain, you can't see your own hoof in front of your face, and the grass all around is slippery as anything, and you might be blasted in twain by lightning at any moment is like playing the Library level of Halo on legendary difficulty with every skull on except bandanna. In short, it's tricky. The only advantage I had is that I had my magic, which let my throw out a bit of light for Applejack, Mac and I as we galloped to catch the herd.
Now, with a stampeding herd, the biggest risk is that the cattle will hurt themselves. Be that crashing through fences, trampling over each other, particularly calves, or just the old standby of running straight off a sheer drop like so many lemmings. Eventually, they would tire and they would naturally calm down. But with so many head of cattle, they could hurt themselves long before that. So the next best option was to try and turn them, steer them into a mill; get them running in something close to a circle and let them tire that way. That seemed to be AJ's plan as we drew up to the front of the herd. It was no use talking to them now. You could see their eyes were wide in fright, and they were quite deaf to our pleas to stop.
"Alright!" AJ called over the wind, rain and thunder. "Mac, you get ahead of them, try and slow them. Bones and I will try and turn the leaders!"
"Right, Applejack!" Mac called, putting on a burst of speed to overtake.
Another big problem was that communication between the three of us would be tricky, and it wouldn't be too hard to get separated out here. Still, at least we had a plan. Mac's red hide soon faded into the darkness as he vanished amidst the charging herd. Checking stampeding cattle is no easy task. The only saving grace is that we had Winona with us. The collie was a natural at herding and quickly took to taking snaps at the herd's legs to try and scare them into line. As she followed big Mac, she too vanished into the darkness.
Still, we occasionally caught glimpses of Mac and her weaving back and forth trying to keep the herd together. The only thing to make a stampede worse is for the herd to scatter. If that happened, in this storm, we could lose cattle out here. Applejack and I meanwhile, did our best to start turning the herd and get them milling. This time we didn't use gentle encouragement either. Since they were a lot bigger than us, we took to pretty much ramming them, throwing ourselves into their sides, slowly forcing some of the cattle to turn up front. It was slow going, bruising, and tiring too.
"Horse apples!" I snarled as a wave of pain shot up my shoulder. "This ain't workin', AJ!" I called over the storm. "The herd's too strung out to mill!"
We were turning them, but to get a mill going, it needed to be sharp and force the herd back on itself, so that the leaders would start following the ones at the rear. More to the point, we were covering quite a lot of ground now. The herd had probably covered a good five or six miles and showed no signs of slowing. Before too long, we would start hitting fences and woodland.
"Well I'm open to suggestions, Bones!" Applejack called back.
I tried to think. I only knew a little about cattle. Back home, having a dairy herd stampede was virtually unheard of. You were more at risk from a lone cow turning on you for getting too close to a calf than the whole lot turning on you or panicking. There was one idea though. Cowboys would often use their six shooters to scare the cattle to check them. I might not have an equaliser on my hip, but I had the equivalent of one on my head. I could use my magic to mimic something close to a flashbang. With any luck it might startle them enough to turn them.
"I'm gonna try usin' my magic to spook 'em!" I called. "I'm goin' up front!"
And so I sped up a little and after pushing my way through the herd, found Mac at the head of the column with Winona, still weaving desperately to keep the leaders in line and the herd together.
"Mac!" I called out, catching the near exhausted stallion's attention. "I'm gonna use my magic to try and scare 'em into a turn! I'll go ahead of y'all about two hundred yards! When ya see me stop and turn, you and Winona break off and let the herd come to me. With any luck we can get a mill goin'!"
It was a ballsy plan if I do say so myself. If my magic didn't scare the lead cattle, given how spread out they were, I'd have pretty much nowhere to go. I guess that made for good motivation. In any case, Mac nodded in understanding and I powered forward.
I cannot begin to tell you how bowel emptyingly scary it was to see around thirty or so cattle charging straight for me. One alone was quite capable of killing me by accident. Still, I had my plan, and we needed to check the herd, so I dug my hooves into the mud and held my ground. I saw a red splotch that was Big Mac peel off to the right, Winona following him, and the herd got closer. I could now feel the ground shaking as they got nearer.
The timing on this had to be perfect. Too early and it wouldn't check them, too late and they wouldn't stop in time. I waited till what I judged was the last possible second and then fired off my magic.
Now, I expected at this point there to be a fairly loud bang and a flash of light. The spell was a simple light show, not too dissimilar to a firework. What I got though was significantly louder and brighter than that. The effect on the cattle was near instantaneous. Their headlong flight was instantly checked at the sight, and instead of milling, the entire herd came to a sudden, sharp halt, bunching up together in alarm. For my part, I was baffled at what had happened. I mean, I know I have something of a knack when it comes to magic, but that was Twilight levels of epic. It wasn't until I turned around that I realised what had happened. It was not my magic alone that had stopped them. Instead, not ten paces behind me, there was a patch of burnt earth where lightning had struck the ground.
Needless to say, I didn't sleep for a week afterwards.
The good news though was that we managed to get the herd back under control, and by the time order had been restored, the storm had abated. Given that it wasn't too long until dawn now, Applejack went back to fetch Granny, Apple Bloom and the wagon. Since, for some reason, no one, cattle or pony, was the least bit sleepy, we intended driving the herd home by the early morning light.
We finally made it back to the farm a little after six. We were wet, tired and covered in mud. But we had brought the herd home. The cows for their part, were deeply apologetic for the mishap, and the five of us were understanding. After all, if I'd known what had gone on behind me, I'd have probably bolted for cover too.
Fortunately for all of us, bringing in the cattle marked pretty much the last major task on the farm before we started preparing the farm for winter next month. We had been planting carrots, lettuce, and some other things every week to have a continuing harvest of fresh produce, but we'd stopped in October and finished the last harvest by now. The brief respite gave Applejack and the others a chance to put the idea we'd discussed on the drive into action.
Twilight had now been on the throne for getting on for two months. The transitional period was coming to an end and ponies were settling into the new way of things up in Canterlot. As such, regular court was now a thing again and the mare herself would have at least some free time, though not enough to come down to Ponyville. So instead, her friends would travel to Canterlot to visit her. I rather fancied tagging along myself. I know I'm not necessarily as close to Twilight as the girls are, but I was nonetheless affected by her absence. After all, she was the one who helped kickstart my study of magic and helped me learn how to control my own magic in those first early months. I regularly found myself in Golden Oaks library, and later in her castle, pouring over tomes and texts whenever I had some free time.
So I managed to tag along with them when they all caught the train up to Canterlot. I hadn't been up here since the coronation. In addition to seeing Twilight again, the visit would also give me a chance to drop in on Dad, who now worked as Twilight's legal advisor, and there was something else I wanted to do as well.
Arriving in the glittering capital, Applejack and I parted ways for a time. The girls deserved a chance to all meet up together and I didn't feel right butting in on that, so I instead took a stroll up to my Dad's office, getting escorted by one of the guards. I found him busily working on some legal document or other. Twilight has apparently decided to do what Celestia has been trying to do for over five hundred years and reform the tax code. He was certainly glad for the reprieve my visit brought.
"Bones!" he exclaimed, getting up from his desk and coming over to greet me. "I heard from Buttercup you and the others were in town. What brings you my way?"
I briefly propped myself up on my hind legs to hug him for a moment. It felt like an age since I'd seen him last, except perhaps in passing in Ponyville.
"Applejack and the others have gone to see Twilight," I said as I dropped back down to all fours. "Or Princess Twilight I should say." Dad quickly jumped on that.
"Bah, stow that, my lad," he said reassuringly, waving his hand. "Twilight's just like Tia and Luna when it comes to titles. Petitioners, guards and nobles call her Princess Twilight Sparkle, or Princess Twilight if they think she likes them. But her friends call her just Twilight, same as we always have. After all, she's hardly a mare to forget her roots, now is she? The only royalty in this castle who insists on title is that one chap who doesn't really deserve it."
Now there's a thought.
"How is Blueblood adjusting to the changes anyway, speaking of him?"
"Eh, not too bad. To tell you the truth, I shouldn't speak so ill of him really. The lad really seems to have turned a corner this year. Between the rather humbling experience of losing his allowance for six months and the way he pitched in during the whole Bell incident, he seems to have really turned a corner. Who knows, he might even start wooing the mares again if his reputation really clears up. But enough about him, what about you, my boy? How come you aren't in there with the rest of them?"
"Eh, I figured those six ought to get some time just with each other," I replied with a shrug of my shoulders. "Celestia knows that it's gonna be harder for them now. Aside from Twilight runnin' Equestria, Rarity has her stores, AJ and I have the farm, Dash has her duties as a Bolt and the Weather Patrol, Fluttershy has her animal sanctuary..."
"And her pet draconequus," Dad chipped in with a knowing grin.
"True," I agreed. "And Pinkie's got her job at Sugarcube Corner. And that's forgetting their jobs at the school."
"That's the way of the world," Dad said sagely. "Earth or Equestria, you get older, it gets harder to keep in touch with your mates. Those six will stick though I reckon. Fair weather friends don't end up wielding supernatural magical objects powered by friendship itself, after all. Tell you what, how about you and me go for a walk in the gardens? A trip around there will give the girls plenty of time to catch up, then I'll take you to the throne room to see Twilight."
"Sure," I agreed.
It had been a good long while since I was last in the castle's gardens. Famous throughout Equestria for its wide variety of flora and fauna, it was like a miniature version of Sweet Feather Sanctuary. Of course, unlike Fluttershy's shelter for all creatures great and small, the gardens here were also dotted with numerous statues, depicting heroes from Equestria's past.
And then of course, there was the newest addition. It was placed in the spot where the 'statue' of Discord had once stood. It was certainly strange, knowing that it was three petrified beings that were on display now. Rather macabre for a land of Sunshine and Rainbows. It reminded me of how they put Cromwell's head on Westminster Bridge after his death and trial (in that order I might add, they dug up his corpse and put it in the dock. We're a vindictive race us English). Tirek and Cozy were cowering in fright. Only Chrysalis remained defiant to the last. Even petrified as she was, I still felt a twinge of fear as we walked up to it.
"I'm still not sure what to say about this, Bones," Dad said, looking up at the trio. "I know I wasn't ever exactly a proponent of reformation for all, but this makes the rope seem kind in comparison. Summary too; no trial, no nothing. They're even trying to think of something to call the bloody thing, like it is just a statue or a work of art."
"What are they thinking of calling it?" I asked. Dad turned to me and grinned.
"Well, I suggested 'Death on the Rock' since there are three of the beggars, but your mother said it was in poor taste and ponies wouldn't get the joke anyway." I found myself chuckling darkly at that.
"Real shame about Chrysalis though," I commented. "I kinda would have liked to see her reformed. If nothin' else, it would be cool to see what she looked like all multicoloured and all."
"Never gonna happen, Bones," Dad said, shaking his head. "Tirek was a complete muppet, and Cozy was just a bonkers kid, but Chrysalis, she was a vindictive old bitch. Couldn't let go of a grudge for love nor money."
"I always thought she was more scared of what would happen if she did," I said, looking up at her. "Worried that if she changed like Thorax did and accepted ponies, she wouldn't be a powerful queen any more. All she ever wanted was power. And the thought of losing it spooked her."
"Hmm," Dad said, putting on his best Yoda impression. "Fear is the path to the Dark Side. Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate...leads to suffering."
"I just wonder what would have happened if things hadn't gone our way," I mused.
"Well," Dad replied. "I imagine we'd all be dead now, including these three, magical powers or no."
"But what would they have done if they had won?" I went on. "That's what I never got about any of this. Chrysalis had a plan to turn Equestria into her feeding grounds the first time, and then covertly by impersonating royalty the second time. But what was her plan here? After they'd destroyed Equestria, what then? It was the same with Sombra, Tirek, almost all of them. What were they going to do after defeating the heroes? Who would raise the sun?"
"Well, you can hardly ask her now, Bones," Dad reflected. "She took that little titbit with her."
I found myself pondering that point as we would our way through the gardens, and eventually up to the throne room.
It was great to see Twilight again. I found myself resisting the urge to let out a d'aww when I saw the little alicorn sitting on the much larger throne, intended for a pony Celestia's size. She reminded me of when Lizzie and I were kids and she would play in my dad's swivel chair in his office. Aside from the crown on her head, she was very much the same pony I'd always known, and very glad to see me again. And she had quite the interesting bit of news.
Twilight, in her comparatively short time as princess, has passed many decrees, laws, and edicts, many of which related to books and libraries. Contrary to my early fears, Twilight hadn't turned Equestria into a dystopian state built around books, with the death penalty for anypony who returns a library book late. But in addition to the various reforms she was working on, including a potential Equestrian version of the UN, she had come up with a rather unique idea. She had formed today what she called the Council of Friendship. Consisting of her five closest friends and fellow bearers of the Elements of Harmony, it was to meet regularly to discuss matters relating to friendship. In short, she had found a way to allow her friends to see her, without having to duck her duties, or theirs. The new roles for each pony were quite real, and outranked any other obligation. No matter what, there would always be some time for the six of them to get together.
It made me smile to know that the six of them wouldn't be broken up by Twilight's coronation. Like I said, it was an all too common thing to happen in life; friends got older and you just fell out of touch. Not so with these six. After all, as recent events have proven, there doesn't seem to be any force in this world that can drive them apart for long.
Pleasant developments aside, the meeting also let me just catch up with Twilight as a friend. Dad was right about her views on formality and protocol. One quick bow from me and Twilight told me I only had to do that in front of other ponies, never when it was just friends. The two of us chatted about my own studies in magic, what was happening on the farm, how Mac and Sugar Belle were getting along, pretty much everything really. It wasn't until towards the end though that the subject of her newest statue came up.
"I'm surprised that you left the old Legion of Doom out in the gardens," I said curiously. "After Discord's first escape, I'd have figured you'd have that thing under lock and key."
"Oh, believe me, I do have ponies keeping an eye on it, Blade Star," she said reassuringly. "Although, I doubt they will be escaping. Even Discord needed an extra boost of local chaos to fully break the spell, and that spell had degraded over the thousand years after Luna was banished, and she and Celestia lost their connection to the Elements."
"I was actually quite surprised that you left them all there too," I admitted. "I know it was Celestia, Luna and Discord who cast the spell, but I expected you to have a go at reforming them." Twilight shook her head.
"I'd love to say I could," she replied. "But as much as it hurts me to say it, there are some ponies that are just beyond redemption. Chrysalis was offered the chance to change her ways, so was Cozy Glow, and Tirek ignored his own brother in favour of pursuing villainy."
"I just wish I could get into their heads," I said as I walked over to a stained glass window picturing this latest triumph. "Find a way to understand them, work out what makes them tick. After all, nopony truly thinks of themselves as a villain. I mean, look at Discord. On the surface, he was an unrepentant jackass. But after Fluttershy got to know him, he eventually turned things around. The same can be said for Starlight, or Trixie even."
"It would be interesting," Twilight admitted as she stepped down from the dais and walked over to join me. "But it would also be much too dangerous letting those three loose again."
At that moment though, inspiration seemed to strike the little alicorn.
"Hey, that gives me an idea," she declared.
"Well, let's hear it. Don't keep us in suspense, your highness," I said encouragingly.
"The spell the princesses used is the Stone Sleep spell. Remember, Rockhoof wanted me to use it on him. It effectively puts a pony to sleep while they're petrified. Only powerful creatures like Discord can remain conscious. Since they're asleep, they must dream at some point. Maybe Luna could link our dreams, and let us talk to them without putting ourselves in danger. We could talk to them, and try and talk some sense into them like you said, maybe even reform them."
Whoa, this was some inception level stuff. Entering another creature's dream to effectively plant an idea in their mind. Well, it was no more messed up than petrifying them, or sending a filly to Tartarus. Of course, it wouldn't be quite like that. They would be aware of us from the get go after all. But still, it represented an interesting idea.
And Twilight did say "we".
I quickly agreed to the idea. Twilight called Spike over and quickly wrote a few lines to Celestia to pass on to her sister. Spike still retains his ability to send messages to her by his flame breath. Although I discovered that like his big sister/mother figure, he has rather moved up in the world, having been made a friendship ambassador, primarily working with the dragons for the moment. I never figured Spike for a statesman, but as the passing years would show, he was very suited to it.
It was a couple nights later that our little experiment/psychological interview began. I found myself standing on the ethereal nebula-like road that wound its way around the dreamscape. All around me were various doors, each representing the dream of an individual. And standing before me was Luna. The alicorn smiled at me as I came to my senses. It was a little strange to see her without her crown, regalia or horseshoes, but it was her nonetheless. Standing beside her meanwhile, also without her crown, was Twilight.
"Excellent," Luna said as I joined the two of them. "Now that you are both here we can begin."
"How are we gonna do this?" I asked curiously. Twilight explained.
"Luna will help us locate the right dreams," she explained, and then link them all together before connecting us. That way, all five of us will share the same dream, with Luna looking after things here."
"Indeed," Luna went on. "I shall see to it that, while you have a degree of control over the dream, our foes will not, and I will retain overall authority, including being able to wake up all of you if needed."
This really was like Inception. We were already dreaming, but we would be going into a dream, whilst still dreaming ourselves. I wonder, would Luna give us a kick to wake us up?
Activating her magic, Luna began to browse through the many dreams that were present. It was nice to see her still looking after things here, even if Twilight now looked after the moon. While she was occupied with that, I took the opportunity to ask Twilight a question that had been bugging me since I arrived.
"Where's your crown anyway, Twilight?" I asked. "I know you didn't wear your old one much back when you were the Princess of Friendship, but I figured you'd wear your new one." Twilight tittered adorably.
"Oh I do, Blade Star," she replied. "I just haven't integrated it into my dream projection. Another month or so and it should show up with my dream self."
"I must confess," Luna chimed in, turning to me. "That it took a conscious effort on my part to assume this form when dreaming. And prior to you and I meeting, your brief, unstable dreams portrayed you in your human form, although I'm sure you don't remember it too clearly. Ah, here we are."
Before Luna, three doors appeared. Two looked rather menacing, one having a black and green design, bearing the malign seal of the old Changeling state, while the other, built out of wrought iron, looked more like a jail cell than anything else, with two large horns embossed on the door front. The third, in contrast, resembled that which you'd expect to find in any family home in Equestria, being a soft pink covered in hearts. While the other two were unsettling, this third one seemed too sickly sweet.
Using her magic, Luna connected all three with a strand of white light, which occasionally sent pulses back and forth. A moment later, the alicorn briefly vanished, returning a moment later, along with a fourth door that stood before the other three.
"There," she declared. "The link is established. Simply pass through this door, and you will enter the shared dream. You can leave by the same method, or I could pull you out if needed. I'm not sure what you hope to find though. These are three of the most evil and irredeemable beings I've ever encountered."
"I remember Starswirl said something similar on the subject of Stygian," I replied. Luna hesitated at that.
It was no secret now that she was retired that Luna had cultivated something of a relationship with the former Pony of Shadows. I was a little harsh towards my friend, but it demonstrated my point. In his former guise, Stygian was considered beyond redemption. Surely there had to be something or some way to do the same for these three. As Twilight opened the door, I turned and looked up at Luna, who remained off to the side.
"Sorry, I didn't mean that," I apologised. "I just want to try and understand the 'why' to these three. Call it part of my studies on dark magic."
"You show a great deal of compassion, my little pony," Luna replied with a small smile. "Just take care in there."
With that, I followed Twilight into the shared dream.
Initially, there wasn't much to see. It was as if we had stepped into a void. There was ground underfoot, air to breathe, and it was warm enough. But there were no visible boundaries, and the only light seemed to be coming from ourselves, since, despite the lack of light, I could easily see Twilight standing next to me.
Advancing a few steps, the world seemed to slide into focus. The blank void receded as we drew nearer. Underfoot, vegetation grew, the black emptiness gave way to blue skies, exotic palm trees, and the previous silence was replaced by a light wind and the sound of flowing water. You could even feel the heat as the two of us walked into some tropical landscape.
We were on a flat, grassy plateau, surrounded by palm trees and other exotic plants. Further ahead, there was a modest rocky outcropping. And it was here that we first saw our three interviewees. And their day was not going too well. Each had been hog-tied and was laying on their side. Connected to their bonds, along a length of rope, was a rock about the size of my barrel. And standing there, with one such boulder in claw, chatting not too amicably with Tirek, was Discord. Evidently, we weren't the only ones to think of using a dream as a means of chatting with these three. Only with Discord, I doubt he was angling for reformation.
He was currently kneeling to be eye level with Tirek, and his lion paw was holding Tirek's chin in place, forcing the centaur to look at him. The rock, and the rope attached to it, were dangling over an abyss. Far below, judging by the sound of water, there was a pool. Twilight and I stopped on the edge of the place, unsure of what Discord was doing. Reformed or not, when he is upset, this being, not too far from a god, is prone to violent temper tantrums.
"Did I ever tell you, Tirek," Discord asked, his voice barely more than a whisper, yet still clearly angry beyond words. "The definition of insanity? Insanity is doing the same thing, over and over again, and expecting the result to change. You tried to steal Equestrian magic once, and Starswirl and your own brother stopped you. You broke out of Tartarus and tried again, and the ponies stopped you again. You conspired with a filly to destroy all magic, and you were stopped. And finally, even with power not too far behind my own, you still failed. No wonder your father saw you as a disappointment."
Tirek said nothing in reply, his eyes seemingly glazed over. Discord released him a moment later, and moved on to Chrysalis.
"Chrysalis," he continued. "Let's see. You tried to steal love, nearly succeeded and then paused to sing. Then you flawlessly kidnapped all of Equestria's heroes, and paused to gloat. You had the opportunity to do away with all of your foes once and for all, and instead just made cheap copies of them. And then, when given power beyond anything love could give you, you just take them all prisoner and gloat some more. Personally, I'd have learned to stop cackling until I was sure I'd won after the second time."
Chrysalis just hissed in response. Her serpent like tongue flicking in and out and she glared daggers at the draconequus.
"And then we have Cozy," Discord went on, picking the filly up in his magic and suspending him before her. "I must admit, I really do not get you. Why does a filly even want power? What were you going to do once there was no more magic left in the world? Why in Equestria would ponies follow you anyway? These two morons at least had some sort of fall to darkness and evil. You just seem to come screwed up straight out of your mother. Tell me why, Cozy, before I do away with you all for good."
Okay, I'd seen enough to know where this was going, and so had Twilight too. With all the authority she could muster, she stepped into the scene, with me following behind.
"Discord! That's enough!" she barked.
At that, the draconequus spun around, returning to his usual jocular self. It made his earlier actions even more unsettling. Particularly when he smiled a genuine smile at the two of us.
"Why, Twilight! Bones!" he exclaimed gleefully. "And here was me thinking I was the only one who thought to use dreams to practice enhanced interrogation techniques."
"Discord, leave them alone!" Twilight ordered sternly.
"Don't worry," he said reassuringly. "You can have your turn just as soon as I'm done with them. Bones too. I'm sure you'd love to have a crack at Chrysalis here."
"No," Twilight said, putting herself between Discord and the trio of tied up villains. "They've been punished for their crimes. I'm not about to let you hurt them just for your own amusement."
"Then what are you doing here?" Discord asked, folding his arms across his chest.
"We came here to talk to them."
"Talk?!" Discord exclaimed.
"I want to try and understand them," I explained. "Learn their motivations. Maybe even reform them."
"Never!" Chrysalis snarled. "I will not surrender myself to such pitiful ideals! You may have twisted this foolish idiot, but you will not do the same to me. I will get out of here. I will break free. I will regain my kingdom. And then I will destroy you! All of you! In fact, since this is a dream, and I know that I'm dreaming, why don't I do that right now?"
With that, Chrysalis suddenly transformed into the form she had when imbued with a portion of the bell's magic. Breaking free from her bonds, she lunged towards us. At any other time, such as during our last meeting. I would have been terrified, and for a brief moment, I was. After all, when a six foot tall bug horse with fangs lunges at you, hissing like a demon, it's hard not to. But she was mistaken in her thinking. Luna was controlling this dream, and we were just as lucid. Effectively, that made us evenly matched.
The former queen was soon joined by her former cohorts, who also dreamed themselves free of their bonds. Rushing past Discord, who was understandably unphased by their attack, all three charged at us. Twilight was suitably unimpressed.
Just before they could get to us, still leaping through the air, all three were encased in her lavender coloured aura and suspended in place, before quickly being returned to their true forms. Tirek and Cozy retreated back to their former frightened state. But again, Chrysalis remained defiant, screaming threats at the both of us. I figured she'd stop, but she kept it up, despite how hopeless her situation looked. Discord walked over to join us. He has a knack for scaring ponies if you ask me. The jocular chaos spirit can go full Silence of the Lambs when he wants to. And as I was about to see, his earlier scare tactics were peanuts to what came next.
He stood in front of Chrysalis, staring her dead in the face, his expression unreadable. He just kept his eyes locked on hers. Finally, after the intense stare had got the changeling rattled enough to be silent, he spoke.
"Nopony can hear you," he said, in a plain, emotionless voice. "Nopony cares about you. Nothing will come of this."
The now silent Chrysalis held his gaze for a few moments, but it was clear who would win the little battle of wills. In a way, it was more scary than the nightmare he was weaving for all three of them before. I'd never seen the changeling look truly scared before. A moment later, Discord turned away, his usual joking, care free attitude returning.
"There we go," he said with a slightly sinister smile. "I think that should put them all in a more communicative mood."
And with that, he snapped his talons and vanished, leaving Twilight and I alone with the villains. I'm not sure who was more scared; us or them.
I'd had the idea in my head of what I wanted to do; I wanted to understand why these three did what they did. What I didn't know, however, was "how to start things?". How do you ask someone why they are evil? So after Discord left, silence prevailed amongst our little group. We were like kids at a school disco, Twilight and me standing on one side and the three villains on the other, with neither side sure of what to do next. Even the dream landscape faded back to a void. Ultimately, it was Chrysalis who broke the silence. She always did seem to act as the leader of the trio.
"Are you planning to say anything to me, Twilight Sparkle?" she demanded coldly. "And why have you brought this other whelp with you?"
"I wanted to talk to you," I said, trying to keep my voice from wavering. Dream or not, Chrysalis and Tirek were still plenty intimidating. The psychotic filly not so much, but you get the point. "I want to know why you did what you did."
"We're villains," Cozy sneered. "It's what we do."
"But why?" The trio silently conferred for a moment before Tirek spoke up.
"Well, we're bad; evil. Isn't that reason enough?"
"You see yourselves as evil?" I asked curiously. This threw all my previous reasoning out the window.
"Of course we're evil," Chrysalis snarled, stalking over to me again. "Did the scary eyes, dark colours and sharp fangs not make that all clear?" I tried to rephrase my question.
"I see you as evil, sure," I agreed. "But surely your own value system paints Twilight here as evil for opposing you." Chrysalis let out a laugh.
"This little paragon of goodness," she asked, gesturing to the alicorn. "She's worse than Celestia on that front. There's not an evil bone in her body."
"So Twilight is good, and you are evil; that's how you see yourselves?" Chrysalis rolled her eyes.
"I really don't see what is so hard to comprehend," she said crossly. "But evidently your pony mind is too feeble to understand."
With that, she turned and strode away, her two former allies preparing to follow suit. I knew the hardest thing about this would be establishing rapport. But their responses just didn't make sense to me. No 'villain' really thinks of themselves as a villain, right? Everyone is the hero of their own story, and yet these three quite happily and openly admitted that they were evil. Were they not so boastful about it, I would have attributed it to a defence mechanism. But they genuinely seemed to believe that they were evil. I tried one last time to try and dig down to the root of this conundrum.
"What was your plan anyway?" I called out to the trio. Chrysalis turned around.
"What?" she asked curiously.
"After you won," I explained. "Say you had defeated Twilight and the others, what were you going to do next?"
"I would rule all Equestria," the changeling boasted.
"Don't you mean 'we'?" Cozy piped up. Chrysalis just growled softly and sent a glare in the filly's direction.
"But how?" I prodded. "What would you do? Stuff us all in cocoons? Were you going to try and retake your old throne? How were you going to stop the Windigoes? And what about your two 'friends'?" Chrysalis said nothing. Twilight, seeing what I was driving at, asked the same of Tirek.
"What about you, Tirek?" she asked the centaur. "What would you have done if you had stolen all Equestria's magic? When Starlight and I travelled to the past, in one of the alternate timelines, you were still blasting the land with your magic."
"And you, Cozy?" I went on. "How were you planning to rule a world bereft of magic, and beset by out of control weather, no food, and half the country suddenly inaccessible?"
None of them said anything. Could it really be?
"You know, I figured Sombra was goading Twilight and the others when I heard how he just holed himself up in Canterlot. But after this, I'm starting to think none of you really had a plan at all. You just wanted to defeat Twilight and her friends."
"That is what villains do, pony," Tirek pointed out.
"How can you just casually refer to yourselves as villains though? I mean, take Chrysalis. You could argue her attack on Canterlot was just her trying to feed her hive."
"No," Chrysalis denied. "I knew that taking love from Equestria would make me more powerful than I'd ever been. True it would feed my army, but that was just a happy coincidence."
"I was only ever out for power too, really," Tirek agreed. "Ruling over ponies would be a lot of work, especially when they had no magic of their own."
"I just wanted to be worshipped like any evil overlord," Cozy said brightly, with a shrug of her shoulders.
Baffled, I stepped away for a moment to talk with Twilight.
"Well, this is weird," I said once we were out of earshot. "I'm surprised they're even talking to us to be honest. Do you think this is all just some kind of trick?"
"I don't think so," Twilight replied with a shake of her head. "It is fascinating though. I never thought that these three could give us so many insights."
"Twilight!" I snapped. "They call themselves villains. They openly acknowledge that they're evil. They have no idea what they'd do if they beat you beyond the act of winning. That makes no sense!" I looked back at the villainous trio, who were taking the opportunity granted by the lucid dream to entertain themselves. "Hang on, I want to try something."
Leaving Twilight behind for a moment, I walked over to the three of them.
"You three understand the concept of friendship, right?" I asked.
"I spent a whole year studying it," Cozy boasted proudly.
"And we almost got suckered into it up on Mount Everhoof," Tirek added
"Don't remind me," Chrysalis agreed sneeringly.
"What do you mean?" I asked.
And so, the trio explained. Under orders from Grogar, they scaled Mount Everhoof to get the bell. Working alone, none of them could overcome the defences. But by working together, they could. The final obstacle to overcome was a magical shield protecting the cave the bell was hidden in. None of them had enough power to break it, but if Tirek had more magic, he could make a hole big enough for Cozy to fly through. That meant Chrysalis had to give up her magic. After they got the bell, Tirek considered keeping Chrysalis' magic, but ultimately chose to return it, and the three realised for one brief moment the magic of friendship. But, as before, they rejected it a moment later, Chrysalis in particular. It baffled me. I understood her throwing Starlight's offer back in her face; that was pride. But I couldn't wrap my head around how they could ignore it then and there. Even the most self-interested villain had to see the advantages. I tried one last time to get through to them.
"So even after that experience," I asked. "You still see friendship as a bad thing?"
"No, it's a good thing. We're bad," Chrysalis responded.
I'd had all sorts of expectations coming into this, and I figured by the end, I'd have a better understanding of how these three thought. I knew it wouldn't be a pleasant experience, but I wanted to gain some insight. It was only now that I saw how little there was to gain. These three were genuinely evil, for the sake of it. They were not people seeing the world from their own point of view. They understood right from wrong and consciously chose wrong, understanding that it was wrong. They were villains who knew that they were villains. Their goals of conquest were just that; conquest and nothing more. They were like...like dogs chasing the post van; they'd have no idea what to do if they caught it.
The whole thing raised more questions than it answered. It certainly made one thing clear. In Equestria, unlike Earth, there was such a thing as pure evil.
There was nothing to learn from them, no alternative point of view. There was certainly no hope of reforming them, which actually saddened me more than I care to admit. Whatever else I might say about them, Chrysalis in particular, it would have been nice to find some way to turn them around, even if it was just to make them like Discord; a barely trustable ex-villain who you could never be entirely sure which side he was on. But with Discord, at least there was something to work with. He was chaotic, rather than outright evil. He acted the way he did out of boredom and for his own amusement. When Fluttershy first reached out to him, it sparked something good in him that made him that irrepressible Q stand in we have today. You could say the same out of any reformed villains, from Trixie right up to Stygian. These three though, there was nothing to build on; the very basics were missing.
With little else to gain, Twilight and I left, returning to the dream realm with Luna and returning to the waking world not too long after. It had been a strange experience. I'd doubted that I'd be able to make much progress on any of them in just one encounter. And I knew it was pretty naive and egotistical of me to assume I could reform any of them. But I never thought I'd be so utterly stumped. Even Twilight was surprised when she learned of their motivations.
And so the one time Legion of Doom would remain forever incarcerated as statues, trapped together forever, as villains. Despite everything, I couldn't help but feel a little depressed about that. |
A Year in Equestria | Chapter 13 - December | "Listen, AJ," I said, keeping my voice low. "Do you hear that?"
Applejack, standing beside me, shot a perplexed look.
"Er...hear what, sugarcube?" she asked curiously. "I don't hear anythin', except for a few ponies."
"Exactly!" I said with a slightly off putting grin. "Nothing! It's December 1, and I can't hear any music."
Applejack and I were currently standing in the entrance of Barnyard Bargains. With the end of the harvest and cider season, we were now bracing ourselves for winter, and chief amongst our concerns was ensuring we had a good full pantry. Of course, the majority of the essentials we had already. From the farms crops we had fresh fruit and vegetables, along with a good supply of milk, cheese and eggs, grain, preserves,, not to mention plenty of firewood. But there were a few things that required a trip to the market for, mostly little luxuries, as well as essentials like toiletries. Granny usually went out shopping once a week, either her or Applejack. But with winter upon us, we always tended to have one big shop to stock up on everything, just in case the weather was heavier than it was supposed to be. It never hurts to be prepared. It was as we'd stepped into the store that I'd, with much joy, noticed the subtle difference between Equestria and Earth.
"Why would anypony be playin' music in here?" Applejack asked. I shook myself out of my reprieve.
"Sorry, AJ," I said. "Just an Earth thing. Back home, in stores like this, by now everythin' would be decked out for our version of Hearth's Warming Eve, and they'd have speakers playing the same twelve songs on a loop."
"Hearth's Warming Eve is almost a month away. Wouldn't it get a mite tedious hearin' those songs over and over?"
"Just a touch," I replied with a grin.
"Then why did folks do it?" I shrugged my shoulders as we started to make our way through the aisles.
"To get folks in the spirit of things, I suppose. Get them thinkin' about buyin' stuff for Christmas. It wasn't just annoying though. Playing those songs that you only hear at Christmas for two months of the year kinda took away...some of the magic I suppose, some of the excitement of Christmas. My family didn't put up any decorations until the week before. But some of our neighbours would have all their lights and tree set up as soon as December rolled around."
"Well, luckily for you, Bones," AJ said with a smile as she grabbed something or other from our list. "Equestria ain't like that. Hearth's Warming decorations go up when it's time, not a month before."
"Just another reason I love it here," I said, before adding, with a coy smile. "Well, that and you."
Applejack chuckled at that.
"Dang, Bones! That was cheesy. Even for one of Rarity's romance novels."
We slowly continued to wind our way around the store. It was one of the few things that really reminded me of Earth. Equestria has a fair bit of overlap, but often there's differences. But shopping at the supermarket was pretty much the same, apart from the happy absence of looping music that no doubt drove the entire staff slowly crazy over the years. Just like anywhere else, you got a cart, worked your way around and then paid for everything at the checkout.
By the time we were done about twenty five minutes later, we'd got quite a bit of stuff, a mixture of essentials, and a few luxuries. We certainly wouldn't have any trouble seeing ourselves through to spring. Heck, the snow could stay until March like it did back in the 60's and we'd still have more than enough to get by. After settling up, we loaded everything into the cart I brought along with us. We had way too much to carry back on our own. And of course, as the stallion in the relationship, I had the job of pulling said cart.
The air was decidedly chilly as we walked through Ponyville. We'd had the odd frosty night, but this was the first real cold snap of the winter. It wouldn't be too long now before the snow came. There were still a few things on the farm we needed to do before that. Once the snow came down, it would make work difficult, to the point that the farm more or less shut down entirely, apart from the market stall and keeping an eye out for pests in the orchards. The big thing to do was to get the trees all prepared, raking the mulch back away from them and fitting the trunk guards to protect their bark from getting nibbled over the winter months when other food was scarce.
Before all that though, Applejack and I had another job that needed seeing to. It was just getting up to three in the afternoon now, and the school would be letting out. Neither of us had any classes at the School of Friendship today, although I had one tomorrow. We were all just watching the calendar for the 20th, which was when school would break up for the winter holidays. And right now, I imagine Apple Bloom was doing the same as the school day drew to a close. Given that it was getting dark at around half past four now, AJ had made it clear to her little sister that she wasn't to walk home unaccompanied. Not that there was anything dangerous in Ponyville, but it kept the honest mare happy and her more obsessively protective side in check, so we all acquiesced. Since the two of us were already in town, it made sense to pick her up on the way home.
We arrived at the schoolhouse just as the bell was ringing out the end of the day. Fouls scampered out, followed by Cheerilee and my mum, who helps her out with teaching duties. Apple Bloom was, as ever, with her fellow Crusaders. She quickly picked the two of us out from the crowd of parents. We weren't exactly easy to miss considering I was hooked up to a cart and all.
"Hey there, Apple Bloom. How was school?" Applejack asked as the filly raced over to us.
"Okay, I guess," she said, sounding fairly glad to be shot of the place. "But Miss Cheerilee gave us tonnes of math homework to do for next week."
"Oh, I'm sure Big Mac will be able to help you if you get stuck, AB," I assured her. Maths is far from my and AJ's strong suit, whereas Mac is a real genius with numbers.
"And I'm sure you'll have plenty of time to do it all over the weekend," AJ added. "Now come on. Let's get you home."
As the last of the kids streamed out, Cheerilee and my mum appeared at the schoolhouse door. It had been a while since we'd last spoke, so I peeled off.
"You go on ahead, Applejack," I said, briefly unhitching myself from the cart. "I want to talk with my mom for bit. I'll bring all the stuff from the store home as soon as I can."
"Fair enough, Bones," AJ agreed. "Just make sure you're back in time to help Big Mac with the trunk guards."
"I will," I promised.
With that, the two sisters departed, while I trotted over to the two teachers. Mum spotted me soon enough. There were a few other parents about, chatting with her and Cheerilee. Excusing herself from the little gaggle, she walked over to meet me.
"Hello you," she said with a smile as I propped myself up on my hind legs to hug her. "How've you been?"
"Oh, not too bad," I replied as I dropped down back onto all fours. "We're all gettin' ready to prepare the farm for winter. Me and AJ went around Barnyard Bargains just before we got here to pick up supplies." I indicated the fully loaded cart. Mum let out a low whistle.
"I know they're saying the winter's going to be a bit harsher this year," she said. "But you look like you've got enough to invade France with that lot." I chuckled.
"Just in case we do get snowed in," I explained. "And that's rich for the woman who bought Bovril and powdered milk every December."
"I still can't believe ponies don't have that stuff," Mum said to herself, shaking her head.
"Probably has something to do with the fact that it comes from beef," I pointed out. "That and it tastes horrid."
"It does not!" she shot back hotly. "That stuff saw your grandparents through the wars and me and your father through the miners strikes. There's no better way to stay warm on a Thursday when you had the rolling blackout and the central heating was off."
"Still doesn't mean it tastes any good," I pointed out teasingly. "Anyway, what have you and Dad been up to anyway?"
"Your father's been able to relax a bit at last. Now that Twilight's been in the job a few months, things have finally started to settle down. It was nice of you and the others to go up and see her by the way. As for me, the school's been chugging along pretty well. Honestly, at times I kinda miss when the class was more unruly. But there'll be a new lot of foals arriving in September, so I'm sure me and Cheerilee will be kept plenty busy. I tell you, Bones, coming here's really helped me rediscover why I got into teaching in the first place."
"You sure seem a lot happier these days," I agreed. True, Mum was never really unhappy in her retirement back on Earth, but teaching again really does seem to have made her happier. You could say the same thing about me and my line of work, something I never figured I'd ever get involved in.
The two of us stayed and chatted a little while longer. Mum does love to prattle on in a friendly way. Eventually, Cheerilee trotted over to ask her to help with locking up for the day, and I needed to get the shopping back to the farm anyway, so the two of us parted ways.
Leaving the school, and Ponyville, behind, I started along the track back to Sweet Apple Acres. Honestly, at this point, I could probably find my way blindfolded. In fact, on a few days last month, I had to almost do that on the way to the market, finding my way through thick ground fog that Rainbow and the other pegasi hadn't yet cleared up.
Speaking of pegasi, it was than that I found myself running into another family member as two pegasi passed gracefully overhead. As they wheeled around and glided down to land in front of me, I saw that it was Fluttershy and Lizzie. I was running into everypony today it seemed.
"Hi Lizzie. Hey, Fluttershy," I called out as they landed.
"Thought that was you, Bones," Lizzie said as she folded up her wings. "What's with the cart?"
"Supplies for the winter," I explained. "In case we get any really heavy snow or we need to stretch our supplies."
"Yeah, me and Fluttershy are doing the same," Lizzie agreed. "Half the cottage is full of animal feed at the moment, never mind Sweet Feather Sanctuary. The two of us are going to be pretty busy next week helping some of the animals hibernate."
"I suppose it's a pretty similar situation on Sweet Apple Acres," Fluttershy added. "I mean, the trees pretty much go into hibernation every year, don't they?"
"Pretty much," I said with a nod. "Me and Big Macintosh are startin' to put the protective guards round the tree trunks now to stop critters from eatin' the bark. Plus we're gonna be cuttin' a few down for firewood too."
"Smart," Lizzie said sagely. "I took a peek at the weather schedule for Hearth's Warming Eve; the snow's supposed to come down pretty thick a little before then, and it'll drop well below freezing most nights until early January."
"You and the rest of the Weather Patrol must be pretty busy getting ready for that," I commented. "How's Dewdrop coping with things?"
"Well enough," she said, with a hint of pride. "He's really improved himself this past year. We've even set a date in the new year for me to move into his place, although Celestia knows I'm going to miss being with Fluttershy, and I won't be able to help out as often."
"It's okay, Lizzie," Fluttershy said in that maternal way of hers. "Discord has offered to help me with a lot of my chores after you move out. He really wants to make up for what happened with the bell and everything. He's really been a big help since he moved in full time."
That was an interesting little titbit of news. Apart from Spike and his crush on Rarity (although word has it that ship has sailed now, much to Rarity's surprise), Discord's crush Fluttershy was the most obvious example of pinning in all Equestria. Discord likes to keep up this image of being above such things, and once threatened to turn my dad into a flying pig if he ever told anyone about it, but quite a few ponies, and humans, are in on the secret now. In fact, the only two who don't seem to be aware of it are Fluttershy and Discord. The latter, as I said, denies that such a thing even exists, while Fluttershy, given her nature, is unwilling to make the first move. So for the past year or so, the pair have been dancing around the issue. Even Angel knows about it at this point. But Discord asking to move in with Fluttershy, regardless of what flimsy pretext he might use to disguise it, did mark a step in the right direction. Truth be told the pair did make a cute couple, in an odd sort of way. Heck, if Maud and Mudbriar can work, I see no reason with Fluttershy and Discord can't. With any luck, the two will rub off on each other. Fluttershy has already greatly helped Discord improve himself, discovering friendship, learning to control his temper, and hopefully convincing him to lay off the crazy, if well-intentioned plans he comes up with to 'help' from time to time. For Discord's part, he's played no small role in helping Fluttershy gain confidence in herself, become more forthright and willing to speak up, and in general become a more well rounded pony, while not forcing her away from her introverted roots.
"Well, I'm sure it'll be nice having some company, aside from Angel, of course. And his chaos magic, properly used, should really help with taking care of all those animals." I chuckled to myself. "Discord sure has changed since you guys first ran into him."
In hindsight, I shouldn't have said that, as evidenced by the signature whooshing sound and bright light behind me, as Discord teleported in.
"Changed? Me?" he exclaimed, before softening a moment later and putting a pondering claw to his chin. "Well, I suppose Fluttershy has made me a teensy bit nicer these past few years, although I do miss the chocolate milk rain."
"Hello, Discord," Fluttershy said sweetly, instantly catching his attention.
"Oh, hello there, Fluttershy. And dear Elisabeth too. How wonderful to see you."
"Hi, Discord," Lizzie said. Despite living with Fluttershy, she's always understandably been a little uneasy around Discord. "What brings you here?"
"Well, apart from protecting my good name from being besmirched," he remarked, sending a faux glare my way. "I just dropped by to ask you about a gift for Hearth's Warming Eve."
That was probably a good idea, given how last year he manipulated Rainbow into getting Fluttershy an adorable little creature for her present, that turned into a terrifying monster come nightfall, just so Fluttershy could be the one to save the day by putting it in its place; his gift to her.
Speaking of gifts though, it was time to start thinking about all that. One of the few downsides about living in Equestria is that I have far more birthdays to remember, and far more presents to buy. Back on Earth, it was just me, Mum and Dad, and Lizzie. Pretty much all my other relatives were gone before I got through half of high school. It meant a lot of shopping and a fair kick in my coffers. But more to the point, I had all these supplies to haul back to the farm. So, since Discord was happily chatting with Lizzie and Fluttershy, I politely excused myself and headed back home to get everything squared away.
While Hearth's Warming Eve is nowhere near as capitalist based as Christmas has become, gift giving is still a major part of the holiday. After all, what better way is there to show goodwill and friendship? In total, I had to buy eight presents; one for each of the Apples and one each for my own family members. Luckily, for the most part, they are easy to shop for, and Ponyville, despite its size, has plenty of shops that would provide. My first stop was the toy store to shop for Apple Bloom. She'd been having a bit of trouble sleeping the past few months; understandable considering all the upheaval, so I figured a nice stuffed animal would make for a good present. The store had plenty to offer and I soon found a wonderful little rabbit for her. Given her love for stories of El-ahrairah, it seemed fitting. Better yet, I found a good tennis ball in the sports section for Winona. Like all collies, she would play fetch with this until time stopped and never get bored of it.
Next up was Big Mac, and Sugar Belle of course. Given how I'm not exactly flush with cash, I hoped that the newest addition to the family wouldn't mind a joint present to share with her husband. For them, I made for the small art gallery on the edge of town, where that guard...Spearhead, I think, had exhibited his work a while back. A good many pieces are for sale for reasonable enough prices, but better yet, the gallery would work as a go between for commissions. The director of the gallery had introduced me to a great landscape artist who had done a beautiful impressionist piece, based on a photograph of the farm at sunset. I've always loved the red and gold colours of the autumn, and this piece brought them out beautifully. If Mac and Sugar Belle did move out to a place in town, I hoped it would make for a nice house warming gift.
Then there was Granny. Of all the Apples, I'd say she is the easiest to shop for. The old mare loves her cooking, and while she objects to using too much modern technology in the kitchen, she doesn't mind the odd new piece of kit from time to time. But as well as that, she always likes to try new recipes come dinner time, and what is newer than recipes from another world? Among many of the books that ultimately joined us here from Earth, there were a couple Nigella Lawson cookbooks, and while Granny may already be a domestic goddess, I'm sure she'd enjoy trying out something new.
Then there was Applejack. If her grandmother is the easiest to shop for, AJ is the hardest. Given how she so often puts others first ahead of herself and is willing to overlook her own wants for the good of the farm, it's hard to choose a gift, more so considering that this was coming from her coltfriend. I'd asked her the month before if there was anything she had her eye on, but she'd just shrugged her shoulders and said there wasn't anything she really wanted. I'm just as bad of course. When I was a kid it was easier. If you bought me something train, Thunderbirds, or Captain Scarlet related, I was happy. Nowadays though, there's not really much I need. Books are your best bet and I'd hinted at a couple as gift ideas.
But with AJ, even that was out of the question. The usual mare stuff; chocolates, perfumes, clothes, were out, and there was no way I was going to just give her some bits. I considered something hat related, but given how much that hat means to her, I doubt she'd want to change anything about it, nor go about in a new one. The idea finally popped into my head a couple weeks later.
Now, I'm not the most photogenic person. As a pony, I'm by no means unattractive, nor was I that bad looking as a human. I was a far cry from winning the genetic lottery, but I hadn't completely lucked out either. But, like a lot of kids, I didn't exactly like myself, and to this day, I remain uncomfortable having my photo taken. Apart from passport and driving license photos, both of which look like something you'd expect to see on Crimewatch, you won't find much of me beyond about twelve.
And truth be told, I'm still like that now. I'd much rather be the one holding the camera than the one standing in front of it. It probably has something to do with the fact that I can't smile too well. I do smile, in fact AJ's told me one of the things she likes most about me is my smile, but I can't just will it onto my face. If I try to smile on command, I end up with a smile that looks like someone described a smile to a friend on a very bad phone line in French. And that's the smile I end up with on photos. The other option is, of course, my normal face, but given that I often suffer from the male version of resting bitch face, that doesn't make for a good pic either. So I still tend to avoid being in photos.
But there have been a few occasions where the planets have aligned and I managed to take a good picture. The most recent was actually taken by Apple Bloom of all ponies. A few months ago, she'd had to do some school project for art class by trying to replicate a photograph of something. While she'd been snapping pictures of birds, apple trees, and her friends, she'd come across Applejack and I. We'd spent the whole day helping Mac out with seeding some of the fields. It was hard work and by the time AB found us that warm, sunny afternoon, we were both exhausted. The two of us were resting under the shade of an apple tree, the two of us propped up against the trunk, with Applejack resting against my side, and me having thrown a foreleg round her. Apple Bloom, mainly wanting to embarrass her big sister by snapping a candid of her and her then new coltfriend, managed to take a great little picture of the two of us. I still remember that day fondly. The two of us were exhausted, but I don't think I'd ever felt so close to her as I had at that moment. It remains one of my happiest memories, alongside the day I climbed to the top of Watership Down with my dad, and the day I flew a Spitfire out of Biggin Hill.
What better gift could I give than a reminder of that happy day? Borrowing the negative from Apple Bloom, who thankfully still had it knocking around somewhere in her room, I got a decent 3x5 photo developed. From there, I went into the barn and set to work with the woodworking tools to fashion out a simple frame and glass insert. It took me a couple attempts to get it all right, but by the end, I had a pretty professional looking photo frame, with a lovely photo of the two of us.
Now I just had to think about cards...
While Hearth's Warming Eve was something to think about, with presents, cards, visiting relatives, decorations, and great food, work on the farm still took precedent. The apple trees were now bare of fruit and leaves. The fields had no crops to harvest, and in general, the farm had slipped into the character of a place at rest. The hustle and bustle of Applebuck Season was long gone, the green leaves of the high summer were now nought but mulch, and the beautiful spring blossoms were only a distant memory.
There was some harvesting to be done however. In contrast to some trees like oak, which live for centuries, apple trees don't live that long, less so when their crop yield is so vital. Typically, a tree on Sweet Apple Acres will last for six or seven years at most. From there, it is cut down and replaced with new saplings from the nursery, just as we had done after that bad storm in the spring. That was what we had to do now. Applejack, Big Mac, and I had toured the farm, examining all the trees, noting down which ones had provided a poor crop this year, or any which showed signs of sickness or disease. Any that did were now marked with a white chalk 'X' denoting that they were to be cut down. I always felt a little sad doing this, just as some farmers on Earth did when they sent their cattle and sheep to the slaughterhouse. But it was a necessary thing. After all, we depended on a high crop yield to make enough money to see us through the year. We simply couldn't afford to keep trees that were no longer able to pull their weight. And it wasn't as if they'd go to waste either. As before, the felled trees would be chopped up into firewood, and sold to Burnt Oak for a tidy profit. Those trees would help keep many a pony warm through the winter, just as they had fed many in a previous life.
The work was pretty labour intensive. At least with that bad storm, we didn't have to do too much work felling the trees. But now, Big Mac and I had to go to it with saw and wedges. The upside though was that, because of that storm, a good many of the trees that we would be looking to cut down now had already been felled. Across the entire farm, we were only looking to chop down around a dozen or so. Cutting them down and turning them into firewood would most likely take the better part of a week.
The two of us got to it first thing in the morning, as soon as there was enough light to see by. Stopping by the barn, we both stocked up on axes, saws, wedges and mails. The first tree was a ways off up in the northern orchard; quite a ways away from the house, and not too far from the Crusaders clubhouse. Applejack was keeping an eye on Apple Bloom, since school had now broken up for the holidays, and was making sure she didn't go wandering over to where Mac and I were working. Tree felling is dangerous at the best of times, and no place for a filly, no matter how long she's lived on a working farm. Luckily, she still had Winona to play with.
We found the tree easily enough. Apart from the white cross marking it, it stood out from its neighbouring companions by virtue of not having a protective trunk guard fastened around it. First things first, plan things out.
"Okay, how do you wanna do this, Mac?" I asked, deferring to the older and more experienced stallion.
"I reckon if we cut the notch so that it falls to the east, it should keep clear of the other trees and give us enough room to work," he said, after walking around the tree a couple times.
The notch was a modest chunk of the tree which was cut away first in a wedge shape. The idea was that you cut it along the side you wanted the tree to fall, and then once you sawed your way through the trunk, physics would ensure that the tree would fall roughly in that direction. It gave us some control and helped reduce the risk of damaging other trees as it came down. Trees can be deceptively tall when you look at them. They seem quite short stood upright, but once they're felled, they can seem quite a lot larger, so it was important to ensure that this one would fall well away from it neighbours. In any case, Big Mac's suggestion was sound.
"Alright," I said, grabbing a couple of axes. "I'm just gonna pull away those loose branches up near the top. The wood looks dead enough."
Loose branches could be a killer, hence why the two of us were wearing hard hats today. But even with them, a falling branch, from sufficient height, could still do serious damage. So before we did anything that might jostle them loose, it was smarter to remove them outright. Were this Earth, and I not a unicorn, this would mean either climbing, or fetching a cherry picker. But with my magic, I was able to gently prise the branches off without too much trouble and gently float them to the ground.
With that done, Mac set to work with the axe, making the top cut in the notch first, while I kept lookout, just in case there were any other loose branches we'd missed. Before too long, between axe and saw, Mac had cut a decent wedge away, causing a chunk of wood a little larger than a doorstop to drop from the trunk. We now moved around to the other side and began cutting the felling cut. As with the notch, Mac first used an axe to make the initial cut, before going at it with the saw, and once he was a fair way in, I hammered in a couple of wedges to stop the saw getting pinched as the tree swayed on its ever more precarious perch. It was hard going with manual saws, and while ponies do have internal combustion engines, they're still much too large to create something like a chainsaw. So instead, we took turns sawing away at the tree, giving each other a bit of rest. It was while I was on one of my stints, and we were nearing the notch cut, that we finally got a result.
As I was sawing away, I began to hear the sound of wood splintering. It started as just a crackle, but soon kicked up into a right racket. Mac heard it too and promptly called out a warning.
"Timber!" he bellowed in his trademark baritone.
With that, and one final crack, the trunk gave way and the tree went hurtling to the ground, landing with a terrific crash. After that, the dust settled and there was silence again. Mac seemed satisfied. The tree had fallen where we'd wanted it to and we could now work on cutting it up. We spent the rest of the morning cutting away the branches, starting at the top and working our way down, before using a two handed saw to cut the trunk into modest sixteen inch pieces that could then be cut up for firewood by Burnt Oak. And by early afternoon, we were pulling the stump out and ensuring all the roots had been pulled up. The new tree wouldn't be planted until spring. Putting a sapling out now would most likely mean that it wouldn't survive the winter, so it would instead remain in the nursery until better weather prevailed. Instead, Mac went and fetched the wagon from the barn, and we loaded up the firewood to take back and store in the barn to dry out.
The rest of the week was spent doing more or less the same thing; working our way around the farm, finding the trees that had been marked for felling and turning them into firewood. Before too long, a good portion of the barn was filled up, and while most of it would go up for sale, supplementing our other winter incomes like eggs from the hens, milk from the cattle and so forth, a good portion would be kept for ourselves. It was getting pretty chilly as it was. Working our way through the last few trees, despite the hard work helping to keep us both warm, I still found myself needing a scarf to stave off the cold. And any day now, we were expecting the first snowfall. The skies had been mostly grey and overcast for several days.
Tonight though, based on what Lizzie told me when I ran into her and Mum in town, we were due for the first real frost. The sky was going to clear up later this afternoon, and then the temperature was due to drop well below freezing. We'd certainly be glad for the firewood, but at the same time, the clear night after a long spell of overcast weather, would let me indulge in one of my hobbies; stargazing.
Even back on Earth, I had an amateur interest in the night sky. Dad had bought me a modest telescope for Christmas one year and a couple star maps. Cold clear nights were perfect for stargazing as the 'seeing' was better due to the prevailing atmospheric conditions. The cold weather made everything that much clearer to see. Plus, with the moon currently only a waxing crescent in the run up to Hearth's Warming Eve, it wouldn't be giving off too much light either, so even the dimmest stars would be visible.
So, that night, after a pipping hot supper that warmed us all through, I fetched out my telescope (again a Christmas, or rather Hearth's Warming present, though from Twilight in this case) and set myself up on a small hill a stone's throw away from the house. I was far enough away that the lights from within wouldn't cause any problems with viewing, but not so far away that it was a trek to secure another cup of coffee. While the seeing might be good, it was still nonetheless biting cold, and I was certainly glad for my scarf and thickened winter hide.
The stars are pretty much the same as they are back on Earth, something that continues to baffle me, as I know for a fact that we definitely aren't on Earth. The planet on which Equestria resides is virtually identical in pretty much all respects, but the radically different continents, prevalence of non-existent species, to say nothing of magic have me convinced that this isn't Earth in some distant past or future. At the same time though, this planet must sit at least within the same galaxy, although I have never been able to locate anything even resembling Earth, or any other nearby planets for that matter; no Mercury, Mars, Venus or Saturn can be seen in this night sky.
What you can see though, is pretty much all the constellations you'd expect to find in the northern hemisphere. Orion's Belt, The Big Dipper, Ursa Minor, and even the Pole Star for navigation are all visible on a good clear night, and with the cold weather, it was as if the sky had been littered with millions of tiny diamonds. The Moon too, even as a waxing crescent, was something to see. Unlike the stars, it was however quite different to Earth's moon. The craters were noticeably different, with no Sea of Tranquillity for instance, to say nothing of the image of the Mare in the Moon that once marred its landscape. I found myself wondering if ponies would ever go there. The notion of space flight existed only as science fiction really, with a sort of Dan Dare style to it, and unlike humans, ponies do not have that inbuilt desire to explore and push boundaries.
Still, the natural satellite was lovely thing to view, and easier too, considering that Equestria's moon was much larger apparently than Earth's. At times when full, it could give me Majora's Mask flashbacks. I continued to meander around the heavens, looking to see if I could catch a glimpse of anything that could be a planet, searching for anything that twinkled in the sky. I was just turning to examine the constellation of Lyra, when I heard a small voice close at hoof.
"Hey, Bones," Apple Bloom said, prompting me to look up from the eyepiece. "What are y'all doin' out here? It's freezin'!" I chuckled at that. Apple Bloom herself was decked out in full winter kit, no doubt by order of either Granny, or much more likely, AJ.
"Cold nights are the best time for stargazin', Apple Bloom," I explained, gesturing to the sky above.
Apple Bloom had been so embittered by the cold, that she hadn't thought to look up. When she did, she let out a gasp. No matter how long you live in dark sky territory, I don't think anyone could ever get tired of looking up at the night sky.
"It's amazin'!" she said, in a slightly hushed voice. Smiling to myself, I lowered the stand on the telescope to better suit a filly of her stature.
"Here, why don't you take a look?" I suggested.
I ended up spending the next fifteen minutes showing her a few of the constellations and a bit of the moon. Ironically, Granny Smith had sent her to fetch me in, as it was getting pretty late. Apple Bloom had her own telescope, of sorts, set up in the Crusaders' clubhouse. But it was nowhere near as powerful as this, and they used it more for...actually, I'm not sure what they used it for. More to the point, it always seemed to be at a very shallow angle. I suppose they use it more as a lookout than anything else. Maybe tomorrow I could take a look and see if it would be any good for stargazing in the warmer months when she and her friends had sleepovers out there.
In any case, the little filly was fascinated by the cosmos. I'd shown her and her friends a bit before, sure, but I couldn't recall a night in quite a long time when they sky was this clear and the seeing was this good. I'd never seen it so clear on Earth, outside of those high end photos taken in the Arctic Circle. Eventually, Apple Bloom looked up from the eyepiece. I'd continued to look up myself, craning my neck skyward the whole time, utilising the somewhat less powerful, but just as reliable Mk. I Eyeball. Looking up at it all, it was very easy to fall into introspection and get lost in thought. Luckily, the temperature, which was now dropping by the second, and a more tired Apple Bloom helped rouse me.
"What are you thinking about, Bones?" she asked me, yawning adorably.
"How everything is made of the same stuff," I replied wistfully. "How Carbon makes up everything from those stars, to barns, to skyscrapers, to steam engines, and how we're looking up at a sky that existed millions and billions of years ago."
That, of course, threw the youngster for a loop, and I ended up explaining the whole speed of light deal to her, and how, because of how far the light had to travel, the stars that originally gave off that light, had more than likely ceased to exist quite some time ago.
I think I gave her a bit of an existential crisis.
Luckily for her, as we'd both been out for so long, Applejack came looking for the both of us, promptly chastised me for letting Apple Bloom stay out in the freezing cold, and all but herded us back into the warm house and stuck her little sister in front of the fire to warm up again. To be fair, it was getting pretty late, and I was certainly glad for a warm cup of hot chocolate. It's one of Granny's specialities. She uses milk taken from the cattle at night (once a week, Mac or I stay up late to do it), so it contains a high amount of melatonin. The idea is the calf wakes up in the night, nurses, and the milk helps it fall back asleep. After all, it wasn't as if I was going to have a pot of coffee to warm myself up at half ten at night.
Not too long later, and we were all getting ready to go to bed. The house was plenty warm, although the fire was now dying down, with only a few faint embers still burning behind the guard. Apple Bloom however, was propped up on the windowsill still stargazing. Until now, it had been a perfectly clear night, with not a cloud in the sky. But that was all set to change.
I was just beginning to doze in an armchair and thinking about heading to bed, when Apple Bloom roused me and everypony else.
"Hey, where'd the stars all go?" she said curiously.
Looking up, I saw that the previously glittering night sky had indeed vanished, replaced by an unbroken inky blankness of an overcast night. There was no way that clouds could move in that fast on their own; it had to be the Weather Patrol at work. I knew that they were working on kick starting winter soon, but I was surprised that they were still up and about so late at night. I was just about to get up and take a look for myself, when Big Mac beat me to it.
"Look!" he exclaimed gleefully; a rare sight to see from the normal reserved stallion.
We all rushed over to the window, with Winona and Apple Bloom propping themselves up on the windowsill. There wasn't much to see. The clouds had blotted out the moon and stars, but the light from the house gave just enough illumination to see what was happening. It was only very fine at first, but falling softly from the sky, were snowflakes. It was snowing.
To my mind, you know you're an adult when you look outside, see snow falling, and gripe about how hard it'll be to get to work tomorrow. When you're a kid, snow means a chance of no school (unless you were me, in which case your mum drove you in even if the school bus didn't come, and you spent all day doing pointless busy work), snowball fights, sledding, and making snowmen. Luckily, for me, life in Equestria seems to have reversed the process, and I was just as excited to see the snow as Apple Bloom was.
Before too long, the gentle falling of the first few flakes intensified. The flakes slowly grew larger and more numerous. Against the light, they glittered just as the stars had done. It reawakened a childlike joy in me; memories of Christmastime in my childhood, putting up the tree and decorations, getting excited waiting for Father Christmas, and the joy of waking up the following morning to find myself with plenty of new toys. On the other hoof, it also reminded me of dear little Snowdrop...that poor, sweet little filly who created the first snowflake. Here in Equestria, each was an individual work of art, crafted by hoof, still based on her original creations, though according to Celestia, none could ever shimmer, glitter, twinkle, or sing like those originals had.
But let us put such bittersweet thoughts aside, the fact of the matter was that it was snowing. And before too long, it had whipped up into a flurry. Not ten minutes after it started, and there was already a fine layer of white on the ground. It was sticking.
Apple Bloom went to bed that night eager to see what it would all look like tomorrow. The rest of us stayed up a little longer. Applejack threw a few more logs on the fire to keep it going through the night. The frosty clear nights were cold enough, but snow would mean that the fire would need to keep going pretty much all day and all night to keep the farmhouse warm.
The following morning, I took advantage of a rare opportunity to sleep in. Since Big Mac and I had been hard at work felling trees for the past few days, Applejack volunteered to take over the early morning chores. There wasn't really too much to do; let the chickens out and feed them, feed the cattle, pigs, and sheep. Everything else was on hold until spring; no trees to check on most days, no fields to plough or seed or harvest, even the vampire fruit bats were all hibernating now, with many taking up residence in the farm outbuildings near the Rez.
Of course, just because I got an extra hour or so of kip, didn't mean my day would be quiet. The barn was full of firewood, now more or less dried out and ready to sell to Burnt Oak in town. Mac and I would be heading down there today, just as I had done with the smaller load last Spring. Before all that though, the first thing on my mind was to see what the snow had done last night.
Getting out of bed, I felt a sharp sting of cold hit me as I discarded the warm sheets. Even with the fire going, it was far from balmy in here now. It was pretty light outside, even through the curtains. And throwing them open revealed the full extent of the snowfall. As far as the eye could see, there was nothing but pristine whiteness. The snow had to be around eight inches or so on the ground. The clouds from the previous night had cleared away too, and a cold sun now shone down on the landscape, making the freshly fallen snow twinkle.
After a quick shower to warm up again (at this time of the year, hot water was a precious resource) and brushing my teeth and combing the bed head out of my mane, I headed downstairs to breakfast. Granny was, as seemingly ever, working at the stove on breakfast. Applejack meanwhile, was pouring herself a coffee from the pot. I gladly helped myself as well. Winona followed me into the kitchen as well, having previously been dozing in front of the fire. My arrival marked another opportunity to beg for some food.
"She's already had her breakfast," Applejack said with a smile as she tucked into her cereal. "I reckon she's tryin' to hustle ya, Bones." I chuckled and made of fuss of the dog.
"Well, they say collies are one of the smartest breeds," I replied. Activating my magic, I picked up Winona's favourite squeaky toy. A couple squeezes and I had her attention. A quick throw sent her racing back into the living room to retrieve it from behind the sofa.
"Easily distracted though," AJ remarked wryly. "So, you and Big Macintosh gonna be alright haulin' the firewood to town?"
I took a sip of my coffee. It was good stuff, not that instant rubbish. As with everything with the Apples, even coffee making was a little old fashioned, since we used on old school percolator to make fresh coffee. Old fashioned or not though, the caffeine woke me right up.
"I reckon so," I said after a moment. "The snow doesn't seem too deep out there. So long as we don't overload the wagons, we shouldn't have a problem."
"Just make sure the both of ya wrap up warm out there," Granny Smith chimed in as she set down a plate of scrambled eggs and toast for me. "They're sayin' we may get a little more snow later, and it's gonna get mighty chilly."
"Granny, I'll go out there dressed up like I'm trekking to the Frozen North if it'll make you happy," I said jokingly as I helped myself to some scrambled eggs and toast. "Hay, I'd even fetch out my old SAS shemagh if you want."
"She-what?" Granny asked as she joined. "What in Equestria is one of those then, Bones?"
"It's a headscarf," Apple Bloom butted in. "We read about them when we had a lesson on Saddle Arabia at school."
"They're good for keeping the sand out of your eyes and the sun off your head in the desert, and just as good for keeping warm on a cold winter day," I added.
"I didn't know you had one, Bones," Apple Bloom went on.
"I think it's around somewhere," I said. "My parents bought me one when we went to visit the Imperial War Museum when I was younger."
As we all tucked into breakfast and prepared for the day ahead, we chatted about what else was happening.
"You know, I reckon it's time we thought about puttin' the decorations up for Hearth's Warming Eve," Applejack said. "Maybe you and me could go look for a decent tree, Granny?"
"Well, it is gettin' near to that time, isn't it?" Granny agreed. "I expect old Fir Spruce has his little store all set up by now. Just remember that we still need to get that break in the water pipe seen to today as well.
"I will, Granny. Don't you worry," AJ reassured her grandmother. "Apple Bloom, why don't you start gettin' the decorations down from the attic while we're gone?" Instantly, the little filly's ears perked up, and not in a good way.
"I gotta go in there?" she whined.
"There's nothing scary up there, Apple Bloom," I reassured her, before adding, with a sly smile. "Well, except those rats of course."
"Rats?!"
"Don't listen to him, Apple Bloom, he's just messin' with ya," AJ reassured her. "Big Macintosh checked himself last month. There's no rats, mice, or any other varmits up there, so there's nothin' for you to worry about. Just fetch the boxes down into the hall, and we'll get 'em organised when Granny and me get back from town with a tree."
With everything organised for the day, more or less, Big Mac and I prepared to head out with our loads to deliver the firewood to Burnt Oak. AJ meanwhile, would tend to repairing the damaged water pipe, leaving Apple Bloom and Granny to clean up and start on the decorations. We wouldn't be putting anything up for another couple days, but it was always a good idea to get them out of the attic a little early to check them all out. I'd never tell AB this, but I'm eighty percent sure there is at least one rodent of some description living up there, but despite traps, long searches, and various schemes to catch the bounder, neither Mac nor I have been able to catch it.
But we didn't need to worry about that right now. For the moment, I was more concerned with the state of the roads. The two of us would be hauling fully loaded wagons down to Ponyville, and while the town would probably be alright, the paths on the farm, and the road leading to town, were still covered by a modest layer of snow and ice. It would make the going tough and treacherous at times, so we'd need to be careful. Mac said as much as we both hitched ourselves up.
"I'll go in front, Bones," he said. "I've got the heavier wagon. Just stay in my tracks, and we shouldn't have any trouble."
"Fair enough, Mac," I agreed, shivering slightly, in spite of the jacket and scarf I had on. I was seriously considering going back and fetching my old shemagh out of the closet. Between the cold air and snow, I was freezing.
"At least pulling all this will help us warm up," Mac said, seemingly reading my thoughts. "Come on, let's get going."
And so the two of us set off. Initially, it took a bit of work. Starting a fully loaded wagon moving takes effort and the best of times, but the snow on the ground made it had to get any traction. Eventually though, with some effort, we managed to get going and carefully headed down the farm track. The going was a little dicey, but you soon get a feel for driving in the snow, and at least I had the advantage of following Mac's wheel marks.
We soon left that farmhouse, with it's chimney still smoking gently in the morning light, far behind and before too long, we were off the farm and onto the main road, which while not gritted and salted had at least been well ploughed to clear most of the snow. Things only improved when we got into town. The inhabitants had been working hard since the snow came to keep the roads clear and safe. Ponies don't exactly have access to gritting machines, but they do have rudimentary snowploughs. The big difference though compared to Earth, was watching Milano, Button Mash's mother, chasing her son, and two of his friends, off the road to stop them from licking up the salt that had been put down to help melt the snow.
While the weather was cold and getting about a little more difficult, it hadn't stopped the market from opening as usual. Burnt Oak was in his usual spot, with firewood piled around his modest stall. His stock looked to be running a mite low, and ponies were queueing up to buy fuel for another cold night.
"Well thank Celestia!" he said, pushing his gambler hat back on his head a bit as we pulled up. "It sure is good to see you boys. I was almost ready to start selling sticks."
"Figured you might need a bit more stock, Burnt Oak," Mac said as he unhitched himself. "I see folks have been keeping you busy." Burnt Oak chuckled as he handed off another bundle to a remarkably sober looking Berry Punch.
"Oh like you wouldn't believe," he said with a grin. "And to think this winter's been pretty mild. So how much do you want for all that?"
Mac took the lead on the negotiations while I unhitched myself and prepared to start unpacking my load. It was as I was unlatching the back of the wagon to jump up that I heard a familiar voice call out from across the market.
"Bones!" a voice called out. I smiled as I recognised it.
Turning around, I saw an elderly looking earth pony, around Granny Smith's age. He had a light, somewhat faded caramel coat and a somewhat messy mane and tail, which had long ago turned grey, and almost white. Around his neck was a modest green bandanna, and his cutie mark was a large, lime green pear.
This was Grand Pear; Mac, AJ's and Apple Bloom's maternal grandfather, the late Pear Butter's father. Not so long ago he moved back to Ponyville, having run a modest store in Vanhoover selling pear jam. It was only then that the Apples' learned of their relationship to him. Many years prior, the Apples and Pears had been locked in a long standing feud, and for the longest time, Pear was a dirty word on the farm, at least with Granny about. But having met his grandchildren, and if you ask me, still grieving for his daughter, the old stallion has set aside that old argument and we are all now on much better terms. He's a nice enough guy and if we run into one another, we often swap stories on farming life. And given who he sounds like, I find it very fitting that he calls me by my nickname. At times, I'm tempted to call him Jim. At the moment, he was chatting with perhaps the most most boring pony in town; Mudbriar, Maud's coltfriend.
"Hey Grand Pear. Good mornin' Mudbriar," I said as I trotted up. The painfully fickle stallion was quick to reply.
"Technically, it's three minutes past twelve, so good afternoon would be correct," he said in that slightly condescending tone of his. I honestly think he's socially tone deaf, or possibly somewhere on the spectrum. Grand Pear just rolled his eyes and smiled sympathetically at me.
"How are things over on Sweet Apple Acres?" he asked me genially.
"Not so bad, Grand Pear," I replied. "We've finished felling all the low yield trees from this year. There's gonna be a lot of new saplings come spring. How about you?"
"Lost a couple to canker again this year," he said ruefully. "Still made a good harvest though. I'm thinking of trying that idea little Apple Bloom suggested; cross breeding zap apple and pear trees. Who knows, next year I might be able to sell hybrid, rainbow coloured pears. If I can get a good harvest, I might even try making a few batches of that pear wine I was telling you about."
"Sounds great," I agreed. "AB said you were planning on tryin' somethin' new."
Of all the Apples, Apple Bloom is the closest with the old stallion. She met him when he first came back to town, not even realising he was her grandfather.
I was surprised though to find Mudbriar with him. The matter of fact, deeply logical pony isn't exactly the type to engage in small talk. Before I could ask though, Mudbriar chimed in again.
"Technically, pear based wines have been produced for several centuries, so it is hardly a new product," he pointed out. I smiled and bit back a scathing remark.
"True, Mudbriar," I admitted. "But up until now, Grand Pear here has only ever sold pears themselves or pear jam to ponies. So in that sense it would be a new product for him."
"That was not what you said though," Mudbriar persisted in an emotionless tone. Yeah, I'd bet ten bob he'd tick all the DSM V boxes for autism.
Luckily, before I had to deal with that any more, although I was enjoying chatting with Grand Pear. I heard Mac calling me.
"Hey, Bones!" he called from across the square. "Burnt Oak's bought our whole stock. Come and give us a hoof unloading everything."
"Be right there," I called back, before turning back to Grand Pear and Mudbriar. "Sorry fellas, duty calls." Grand Pear smiled.
"See you round, Bones." Mudbriar however, seemed determined to have one last parting shot.
"Technically..." he began, but I cut him off as I got away.
"Figure of speech, Mudbriar!" I called back, opting not to add, 'You green blooded, pointy eared Vulcan'.
A couple of hours later, and Mac and I were back at the farm, our wagons now noticeably lighter than they were before. The barn still had plenty of firewood for ourselves of course. In fact, our next course of action would be to chop some of that firewood up into sticks for kindling. It had warmed up a little over the morning, but the cool winter sun didn't exactly provide much heat. The snow certainly didn't go anywhere, with only our hoofprints and wheel marks marring the snowfall, along with the arrow shaped footprints left behind by the chickens on the farmyard. It wasn't supposed to snow now for a few days, so Mac suggested that, before chopping up the firewood, we try and clear the yard a bit to make it easier to get around and look to defrosting the currently frozen water pump.
So we both grabbed the shovels and started digging out a few paths around the farmyard. There wasn't any point trying to clear everything, but it would make sense to carve out a path to and from the barn, the chicken coop, and a few other places, to save tramping our way through the deep snow. If nothing else, the work would help us keep warm. In spite of my scarf, jacket and hat, I was still feeling the cold and looking forward to getting back inside. We could actually hear the female members of the family indoors. It looked like Granny was working on something in the kitchen with the others helping. The farmhouse had been getting pretty crowded of late. Well, not crowded per se, but with Sugar Belle sharing Mac's room, it did feel a little more busy. I was reminded of Lizzie's suggestion that Mac and Sugar Belle might want a place of their own.
"Say, Mac," I said as I hurled another chunk of snow into the pile I'd been working on. "Can I ask you something?"
"Sure," he replied, a smile clear in his voice.
"You and Sugar Belle ever think about gettin' your own place?" I asked. "I was talkin' with Lizzie a while back. She's moved out of Fluttershy's cottage to go live with her coltfriend. Between her, Fluttershy, Discord, and all them critters, the place was gettin' mighty crowded."
"It's been feelin' a bit like that here, hasn't it?" Mac agreed. "It ain't exactly fun for a feller and his wife to only have one room to themselves."
"You ever think of gettin' your own place in Ponyville or somethin'?" I prodded.
"We talked about it," Mac admitted, hurling an impressive amount of snow through the air before pausing to catch his breath. "But I couldn't ever leave this old place. It's my home. I was born here, and I plan on stayin' here. But it is gettin' mighty cramped. Celestia knows what we'd do if Sugar Belle and I have foals. I suppose we could always build an extension for the farmhouse."
Now there was an idea. After all, the Apples owned the land, so half the legal paperwork wouldn't need doing, and it wasn't like we lacked building materials or pony power. A couple extra rooms; extra bedrooms, and maybe something like another living room would be quite good all around.
"You reckon we could do that?" I asked. Mac nodded.
"Sure, you, me, and Applejack. It'd take a few months, but I reckon we could take out part of the back wall in the kitchen and build from there. Either we build just a single storey extension with a couple extra rooms, or we could do a first floor as well; bedrooms upstairs, maybe a dining room downstairs, instead of having to eat in the kitchen."
I could see that. It wouldn't affect the familiar silhouette of the farmhouse much, and it would be easy enough to decorate it in the same style as the original building. Before too long, the two of us started talking details and logistics, and how to delicately propose the idea to the conservative Granny Smith. She probably wouldn't take kindly to the idea of the ancient family seat being messed around with. Although, at that point, you could remind her that, Applejack, only a couple of years ago, inadvertently demolished said family homestead, and it was rebuilt during the reunion. In any case, it sounded like quite the project for the new year.
December continued along and we slowly drew closer and closer to Hearth's Warming. Before too long, the last week of term rolled around at the School of Friendship. The students would now return home for the holidays. Just as ponies celebrated Hearth's Warming, and humans celebrated Christmas, the various other species also had their own festivities, from the Yaks Snildarfest, the dragons Feast of Fire, and the Changelings bizarre literal interpretation of Hearth's Warming. All the students were looking forward to going home and seeing their families. Well, except one.
Gallus, as ever, wasn't exactly thrilled at the idea of going home. While the griffons do celebrate the Blue Moon Festival; the one time of the year when they are halfway decent to each other, he doesn't much care to celebrate it, considering his only family if his grandfather. When the summer holidays rolled around, I'd at least managed to give him a bit of fun by letting him join in with the Apple family reunion, and even helped him get a few extra bits doing some odd jobs on the farm. Still, while Twilight, and now Starlight, had made special provisions for him to stay in the school's dorms during the holidays, it had to be hard spending it alone. Hearth's Warming, like Christmas, is all about family, coming together, laughing, joking, and enjoying each other's company. Not really having a family, the whole concept left a pretty bitter taste in Gallus' mouth. The only upside would be that, with his advancing years, he would soon be considered a legal adult under Griffon law. He was planning to up sticks, leave Griffonstone and his grandfather behind and move to Equestria as soon as he could. As I said before, he has ambitions about applying to the new Royal Guard. If nothing else, the Guard would provide for him pretty well, giving him quarters, decent food, further education, and a pretty good paying job, none of which he had back home.
Before all that though, there was still plenty of school left to do. In the last week of term, students and teachers get together to put up the decorations, including a pretty decent sized tree in the student lounge over in the dorms. This was always one of my favourite parts of Christmas with my family, and given how other students and us teachers had become like a second family to Gallus, I hoped that the exercise would lift his spirits a little. It certainly seemed to at any rate, and it was good to see the kid crack a smile.
We were all working hard in the lounge, adding the last few decorations to the tree. Silverstream and Smoulder had already helped get the multicoloured chain lights arranged, and we were now adding the various baubles and trinkets to the branches. I meanwhile, along with Yona and Sandbar, was getting the gold and silver tinsel tied around the tree, using my magic to hold one end aloft for them.
"Okay, you two," I said. "One more and that should do it."
Activating my magic, I took one end of the tinsel and hold it aloft, while the pony and yak took hold of the end and middle and carefully wound it around the tree. The green fir tree was now covered in splashes of red, gold, silver, and green from the various decorations. Now we just needed to check the lights. That was Silverstream's job.
"Okay, everycreature. Get ready," she called as she flicked the switch.
We all cheered as the little fairy lights came on. A multitude of blue, green, pink, yellow, and white lights lit up, making the tree even more colourful. There was only one thing left.
"Okay, it's time for the Fire of Friendship," Starlight said. "Gallus, would you care to do the honours?"
The griffon, in a rather subdued mood, hadn't taken much part in the festivities so far, apart from helping put on a few decorations. As he so often does, he puts on a show of disinterest to cover up his real feelings. I understood why, of course, we all did after the incident last year, but it was a shame to see him sitting off on his own, so Starlight tried to include him as much as she could without patronising him.
"Me?" he asked, sitting up from his seat on one of the sofas.
"Well, you're going to be staying her over the holiday, so it's your tree in a sense," Starlight pointed out. "Come on, join in on the fun for a while."
Reaching into one of the many cardboard boxes that held the decorations through the rest of the year, I took out the box that held the Fire of Friendship; a small little trinket that, when charged with the right magic, glowed and shone a beautiful purple. The heart shaped ornament was quite delicate and I was careful as I passed it to Gallus, who gently took to the air to set it atop the tree. Once it was in place, all that remained was to charge it up. As Gallus landed again, we all joined hooves, claws, and wings, as friends. The energy was more than sufficient, with the bonds not only between ponies, but between all the species here, stronger than ever. A few moments later, the fire was kindled and atop the tree, there now sat a small, pink and purple heart shaped flame, which would keep burning all through the holiday. And then, just to make things perfect, we had the most fitting bit of music. There was a gramophone in the lounge you see, and we'd been playing a couple records for Hearth's Warming and Christmas music. Just as we lit the fire, we heard the strains of 'It Came Upon a Midnight Clear'. I couldn't think of a more fitting piece, considering what had happened in the last few months.
"Looks pretty good doesn't it?" I said to the griffon as we all admired our handiwork.
"Yeah, actually," Gallus admitted. "I always thought these trees always looked a little tacky. But this one looks pretty nice."
"Mad how much ponies spend on something that's only up for less than a month though, eh?" I joked. Gallus checked and nodded in agreement.
"So are you still fixin' to stay here over the holiday?" I enquired carefully, "I know Starlight said she was happy for you to do so if you wanted, under the guise of further education to keep your grandpa quiet."
"I'm not too sure," he said, shrugging his shoulders. "On the one claw, I'd much rather not have to pretend to celebrate the Blue Moon Festival with Grandpa Gruff, but on the other hoof, as much as I don't like him, it can't be easy for him spending the time alone either. I mean, another year and I plan on being out of that place for good anyway. Plus winter break is only a couple weeks, so it won't be too long before I'm back here."
It sounded like he was coming down on the side of going back to Griffonstone. I could see where he was coming from. His grandfather might be a cantankerous, horrible old sod who seemed to never have a kind word for him, but it still made me sad to think of that same old man alone on Hearth's Warming. Even so, I'm not sure I could do the same, were our roles reversed. And as he said, it was only a couple weeks. Considering that he had pretty much the rest of the year, apart from a couple other holidays, away from him, it was a small sacrifice. Was his home life a bit more rocky, I might have counselled staying, but Gallus has learned to have a thick skin, is remarkably resilient, and while I know it gets him down, is capable of dealing with whatever his old man throws at him.
"That's awfully big of you, Gallus," I commended. "I see you've taken Professor Fluttershy's lessons to heart. Well, as long as you're sure, I'll make sure that Headmare Starlight gets you booked on a passage back to the Griffon Kingdom."
"What are you planning to do over the holiday anyway, Professor?" Gallus asked.
"Well, I normally split Hearth's Warming between the Apples and my own family. I still go over to my parents' place for dinner on the day, plus I always help Dad make Bishop. It's a sort of spiced wine, served piping hot. I'm sure Apple Bloom and her friends will want help making a snow pony. Honestly, I prefer to spend the day pretty quietly just relaxing in front of a warm fire."
"Yeah, I'm probably gonna do something like that," Gallus agreed. "It's not like there's much to do in Griffonstone."
It was then though, that I remembered something Dad had said to me in passing a while back. It concerned the travel plans of a rather notorious ex-villain, following her temporary exile from the realm. Gallus always was looking to learn about soldiering.
"Well, while you're there, Gallus," I said. "I'd suggest you keep an eye out for a unicorn that might be in that neck of the woods. I heard she might be spending some time near Griffonstone about now."
"Oh? Who is she?" I smiled and described her.
"A unicorn, about so high," I said, raising a hoof to be a good head above my own. "Mohawk mane, tends to go about with a shemagh type scarf round her neck, bad horn and a nasty scar over one eye. Her name's Tempest, and I think you two might get along like a house on fire."
A few days later, and it was finally Hearth's Warming Eve. The school was closed up, with Gallus having taken one of the last trains before the holiday back to his home town. The other students too had gone home for the holidays. In fact, pretty much everything was now closed for the holiday. Barnyard Bargains was operating reduced hours today, but pretty much everywhere else in Ponyville would be closing up shop until the new year at least.
The snow was thick on the ground, the days were fleeting, and everywhere you looked there were decorations, lights, and the other minutiae of Hearth's Warming. There was a sense of excitement in the air in anticipation of the holiday, that feeling you used to get as a kid waiting up for Father Christmas. And while I wasn't overly fussed about presents, I still found myself caught up in that happy mood.
It was a little before dinner time, and I was out in the front yard, along with AJ and Apple Bloom. The three of us had spent all morning working on snow ponies, amongst other things. The whole yard was now littered with our various creations, built with varying degrees of skill. Given how that winters back in Britain were usually pretty mild, with the occasional snowfall only sometimes being sufficient for snowmen, I wasn't exactly good at it. I certainly couldn't match the sculptures AJ and her sister were working on, instead building a traditional snowman out of three round balls of snow.
Along with that though, the fields around the farmhouse were dotted with various fortifications from our most recent snowball fight. We'd had a right free for all not so long ago, and had each made quite an extensive fort for ourselves. What followed can be best described as Verdun with snowballs. And as cold and wet as it might have left me (I was brilliantly outflanked when my two opponents teamed up against me after I started using my magic for rapid fire) it still rekindled that childlike joy of Christmas that all too often dies when you're about ten or eleven. Across the way, the house was brilliantly decorated, with multicolour lights along the frame of the building, and peering through the windows, you could just make out our own tree in the living room, which now had plenty of presents underneath it.
"There, I reckon that ought to do it," I said as I stuck a carrot into my snowman's as a nose.
"Aww c'mon, Bones. That doesn't even look like a human," Apple Bloom protested.
"It's not supposed to be exact, AB," I replied. "Besides, I don't have your skills when it comes to snow sculptures."
It was hard not to be jealous of her near mirror image of Big Mac that she'd built. In contrast, my snowman had the traditional carrot nose, two sticks for arms, and coal and stones for eyes and a smile. Still, as long as we don't have a repeat of last year when I ill advisedly used a Come to Life spell to try and recreate Frosty, causing an eldritch snow abomination to run amok until Twilight arrived to blast it, I say I'm pretty proud of my creation. Across from the two of us, Applejack was starting to feel the chill.
"C'mon y'all," she said, shivering a little, in spite of her winter coat. "Let's get back inside. You two still need to finish making your Hearth's Warming dolls."
That was a point. One of the traditions that didn't line up with Christmas was the little Hearth's Warming dolls ponies make each year. They sit on the mantle above the fireplace, similar to how you'd hang stocking at Christmas. Along with that, there was the Hearth's Warming Eve pageant to go to, which tells the story of how the holiday came about, and of course, preparing the Apple family's massive Hearth's Warming dinner, which remembers how their ancestors came together to share their supplies in that cold winter. It was the latter of these that currently had Granny, Mac and Sugar Belle busy in the kitchen. Granny Smith keeps us well fed all year long, but tonight the Apples would set the stage for a massive multi course meal, and it required all of us to pitch in at one time or another. So while AJ joined her brother, grandmother and sister in law, those of us with less skill in cooking went into the living room to finish up our dolls.
I was never good at sewing. Back in high school, I had to go through a course as part of my D&T GCSE course, and I was terrible at it. It probably didn't help that I was left handed, and so had to learn everything backwards from what everyone else did. I never much cared for it and to be honest, I didn't see much point in learning. However, in a world where it pays dividends to be able to repair clothes and so forth, I have managed to improve somewhat. And on long, boring, rainy days, crochet can actually be a decent hobby, as Big Mac showed me. It was quite the strange sight to see the massive stallion sitting next to Granny Smith contentedly working on a sweater. He ended up teaching me a fair bit, and as I result, I can now make a passable Hearth's Warming doll.
This was what Apple Bloom and I were working on in the short time we had before going to the pageant. Like any good student, we'd both been a bit daft and left it until the last minute. While I have nothing against arts and crafts these days, I still don't find it particularly fun. Still, at least my magic gives me decent fine motor control for the needles.
The doll version of myself was pretty much finished, and I was just working on the hat. I'd been a bit ambitious this year in that regard. Apple Bloom was in a similar position, doing a bow for her own doll. It looked a good approximation of my, with a grey body, blue mane and tail, and two dark brown buttons for eyes.
I'm not too sure exactly where this tradition comes from. It doesn't feature in the Hearth's Warming Eve story, seeming to be a more modern addition. Then again, you can say the same thing about most Christmas 'traditions'. But, while I may not know where this particular tradition comes from, to paraphrase a wise old Jew, it's a tradition, and because of our traditions, everypony knows who he is, and what Celestia expects him to do. And if that means making cute little dolls, so be it.
"You looking forward to the pageant this year, AB?" I asked as she continued to knit away.
All three of the Crusaders had parts in the play this year, with Apple Bloom taking the part of Smart Cookie; the secretary and advisor to the mad as a march hare Chancellor Puddinghead, who sought to not only claim the land we now call Equestria for earth ponies only, but curiously name it after my old home planet. Alongside her, Scootaloo played Private Pansy, and Sweetie Belle would take the hooded cloak of Clover the Clever; old Starswirl's student.
"I just hope I don't forget any of my lines," she said, a little nervously.
"You'll be fine," I reassured her. "You know the story of Hearth's Warming like the back of your hoof. And if anything does go wrong, I'm sure Pinkie will help you out."
Pinkie was reprising her role this year as the earth pony chancellor, not that anypony else can adequately act the part without taking some mad hallucinogenic. A few minutes later, and I put the last stitch into the hat and tied it off to stop it unravelling.
"There. Finished." I declared proudly, holding the doll in my magic. "What do you think, Apple Bloom?" The filly scrutinised the two Bones' before her.
"Hmm," she said, thinking before saying, with a cheeky grin. "I think it needs more stuffing if it's gonna look like you, Bones." I chuckled at that.
"Cheeky beggar," I chided.
I think we might as well take a bit of a time skip here. We all know the story of the very first Hearth's Warming after all, and while the Crusaders and their fellow players performed wonderfully, there isn't really much worth recording here. It was a lovely experience, of course, but I was certainly glad when, after walking back through the snow by moonlight, we made it back to the warm confines of the farmhouse, where Granny Smith was still busily cooking, having stayed behind to keep an eye on things.
The oven was throwing out plenty of heat, in addition to the warm fire. On the stove, pots were bubbling away nicely. And that was only part of the dinner, mostly the desserts. The majority of the evening meal was already set out. Disregarding the frou-frou nature of multi-course meals, the Apples instead took a sort of free for all approach, with several dishes laid out like a buffet for you to pick and choose. Amongst the culinary delights on offer I picked out a parsnip and porcini wellington, a whole roasted cauliflower, with leeks and cheese sauce, a squash and Stilton version of toad in the hole, and, of course, a great big apple pie, with plenty of reserve cider on hoof. Granny Smith had certainly outdone herself this year, even considering the help she had from other members of the family.
We all took our seats and promptly dived into the feast. The only downside was having to eat so much food. By the time the meal ended and we were all carefully sipping coffee mixed with cider, I was fairly certain sudden movement would cause my gut to burst open. If only Equestria had microwaves, we could at least put some of it in the fridge for Boxing Day.
One good effect though, at least for Apple Bloom, was that the vast quantity of food quickly made her quite sleepy, and despite her excitement for presents tomorrow morning, she dozed off in her chair, prompting Big Mac to carefully carry her upstairs. Granny soon followed suit, leaving Mac, AJ, Sugar Belle and myself to clean up. Another downside of having a large meal so late. Still, with the four of us working together, along with Winona, who served as a living garbage disposal for any leftovers, we soon had everything, if not clean and back in its cupboard, either drying on the draining board, or at least soaking in the sink. Before too long, we were all preparing to head off to bed as well. As Big Mac and Sugar Belle both disappeared upstairs, leaving just AJ and myself, I took one last look at the pretty Hearth's Warming scene that was our living room. The remains of a fire slowly burned in the fireplace. Above it, nestled on the mantle, were our dolls and a few trimmings. The walls were plastered with cards from the various members of the Apple family from almost every corner or Equestria, and even beyond. And in the one corner stood our tree, the fire of friendship burning merrily, while the tinsels, baubles, and other decorations glittered in the light. And on the air, the smell of tree, good food, and the slight musty smell of the decorations, brought on by their many months of storage. There was only one thing I hadn't spotted, which Applejack was quick to bring to my attention.
I was standing in the doorway to the living room, with the hallway just behind me. As AJ trotted up to join me, she grinned, and quietly gestured upwards. Looking up, I saw, hanging from the top of the door frame, a small branch of mistletoe. I found myself chuckling.
"You know," I said with a smile, keeping my voice down to avoid waking anypony upstairs. "As I recall, the first time you kissed me was a bit like..."
I didn't get to finish reminiscing as AJ promptly took the initiative, grabbed me and pulled me into a kiss. She does seem rather fond of taking the initiative, not that I mind. There's certainly some advantages to that earth pony strength of hers. I soon found myself pulling her close and kissing her back. A quick teleport spell later, and we were both upstairs.
I guess I got one Hearth's Warming present a few hours early. |
A Year in Equestria | Chapter 14 - A New Year | I think the both of us were hoping to get a good night's sleep that night. After all, we did both end up very tired, for various reasons. While the physical act of love doesn't exactly appeal to me, I do consider myself to be something of a romantic, and I was looking forward to waking up with AJ in my forelegs. Or me in hers, either way is fine in my book. Sadly, while AJ got what she was looking for, my Hearth's Warming present was snatched away early that morning, when the pair of us were rudely awoken by a certain little filly.
"Wake up! Wake up!" Apple bloom exclaimed excitedly as she jumped up and down on my bed.
The little filly had burst into the room, innocently disregarded the fact that AJ and I were in the same bed together, and begun bouncing on top of it and us like a lunatic.
"Come on! Wake up! It's Hearth's Warming!" she continued when we only vaguely stirred. Blinking and yawning wearily, I sat myself up in bed, while AJ tried to stay asleep.
"Alright, Apple Bloom, I'm up," I said tiredly.
Out of idle curiosity, I took a look at the alarm clock next to my bed. I couldn't see much in the way of light through the thick curtains, but if Apple Bloom was up, it couldn't be that early. Oh how wrong I was.
"Apple Bloom is five o'clock in the morning!" I exclaimed. "Go back to bed."
"But it's Hearth's Warming, Bones!" the little filly repeated, now at last stopping her excitable jumping.
"And it'll still be Hearth's Warming in a couple hours. Now you know Granny only ever lets everypony sleep in on Hearth's Warming and put off most of the chores until tomorrow. Me and AJ still want to sleep."
"Well, can I go downstairs and open my presents?" the filly pleaded.
"Absolutely not!" I protested. "We all open our presents together. Now go back to bed for a while. Have a quick nap and we'll go down around six thirty."
"But that's over an hour away!" Apple Bloom complained.
"Patience is a virtue," I replied with a smile. "Now come on, back to bed. Don't make me levitate you back there, because you know I will."
Apple Bloom pouted adorably, but ultimately complied. I remembered doing as much when I was little. I'd be so excited for Father Christmas, that I'd wake up stupidly early and be too excited to go to bed. I'd wake up Lizzie if she wasn't already in the same boat, and together, we'd go and badger Mum and Dad. Still, at least we had whatever was in our stockings to play with, and there was usually lots of chocolate coins too. Apple Bloom didn't have that luxury. While Hearth's Warming is a lot like Christmas, there's no analogue to old St. Nick in Equestria.
Well, I say that, but it may not be the case. I've come across bits and bobs when I was studying Yak culture about ancient Gift Givers of the Grove. From what I can make out, these are three reindeer, and magical ones at that, that live in the Frozen North, further north that even Yakyakistan, essentially, and rather fittingly, the North Pole. The exact location though, is a closely guarded secret, known only to Prince Rutherford himself, but they are rumoured to be able to intuitively select the perfect gift for any creature. Pinkie has apparently met them, and while she wouldn't tell me too much, I know that these three reindeer, Aurora, Bori, and Alice, do seem to have magical properties outside of conventional magic. Each one seems to handle one aspect of time; past, present, and future, when it comes to gifts, possessing omniscience to some degree.
But enough about all that, I wasn't really keen on contemplating all that now, I just wanted to get forty more winks before sunrise. I turned to Applejack, who had now rolled over to face me, and was looking up at me with a tired smile.
"Thanks for that, Bones," she said softly.
"Happy Hearth's Warming, AJ," I said, just as quietly, as I leaned down to nuzzle her.
"Happy Hearth's Warming, Bones."
And with that, came the music.
Evidently Apple bloom, while willing to stay in her room a little while longer, wasn't quite willing to go back to sleep, and was planning on throwing a little hearth's Warming party in her room for herself. I knew she had a phonograph in there, but I didn't realise that she'd gotten her hooves on my old Christmas album. It was a fitting piece though, for once being neither ironic, or hypocritical. War was over after all. The year had all but come to an end, and a new one was just about to begin. It was looking to be a good one too.
Now if only she hadn't played it on full blast, loud enough to shake the house. Needless to say, that got me out of bed.
Defying the noise, I stepped out into the hallway, where I found Big Mac and Granny Smith equally awake. Even Winona had come running up from downstairs, which she knows she isn't supposed to do, to see what the infernal kerfuffle was about. Well, at least with this, they wouldn't notice Applejack coming out of my room instead of her own. Mac was just about to try the door when the music died down and Apple Bloom came rushing out.
Sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry!" she exclaimed in fast repetition. "I thought I'd turned it down." The little filly's ears wilted in embarrassment.
While she did want to be up and about and opening presents, I know she wouldn't have wanted to wake up the whole farm. While it might have been a bit annoying, it was Hearth's Warming. There'd be plenty of arguing later on; it was too early at the moment. Granny seemed to be of the same mind at any rate.
"Well, I'd hate to hear what it sounds like on loud, Apple Bloom," she teased. "But since you got everypony up, how about we head downstairs. Ain't no way anypony's gonna get back to sleep after that big ol' ruckus."
I could hardly be mad, more often than not, the same scenario had played out a similar way when Lizzie and I were kids. We'd go back to our rooms, eat the chocolate coins, play with whatever little presents had come in our stockings, but young minds struggle to avoid thinking about that new doll house, or that new train set waiting just down the hall for us. And so inevitably, we'd either go back to bother Mum and Dad after another ten minutes, or we'd do something to get them up. The latter usually involved the two of us fighting over each other's presents.
And just like back then, we all ended up trudging our way down the stairs, following Apple Bloom who all but cartwheeled her way down in excitement. Maybe next year we should be like the royal family and take the German approach; opening the presents on Christmas Eve.
I'm sorry, between that, and the fact that there is no word in their language for 'fluffy', and that in 1935 they banned cricket, you can't convince me they're not evil. Not as bad as the French, but still...
Switching on the lights downstairs let us see a little better, although the glittering tree lights and it's attendant Fire of Friendship, along with the low flicker on an ebbing fire in the fireplace gave a fair amount, Apple Bloom went ballistic. Gathered underneath and around the tree, were loads of presents wrapped in bright, multicoloured paper. While I no longer feel that same excitement that I did as a child finally getting my hands on the latest toy I'd been eyeing in the catalogues for months, I did feel a twinge of that old feeling as I looked upon the scene.
Of course, AB wasn't exactly in a nostalgic mood, and after excitedly locating her largest present and proudly holding it up to display like a trophy, she tore the wrapping off with abandon. And just like me when I was her age, she bounded around in excitement when she did so. I was just the same when I unwrapped my first video game console back in the day.
While Granny Smith did her best to corral, or at least contain, a very happy Apple Bloom, the rest of us set to a more subdued gift giving. Activating my magic, I levitated a present out from under the tree, recognising the wrapping paper as the design I'd bought. I gently levitated it over to Applejack.
"Happy Hearth's Warming, AJ," I said before giving her a quick peck on the cheek.
"Thanks, Bones," she said sweetly before setting the the wrapping with just as much eagerness as her little sister.
Removing the wrapping, she was confronted with the simple little photo frame, and the picture Apple Bloom had taken of the two of us a few summers back. Applejack herself was resting against my side, with her eyes closed, while I, not aware of the camera on me until a few moments later, was more or less dozing, with my eyes half open and looking fondly down at her, with a foreleg draped over her, holding her close. AJ let out a small gasp of surprise as she saw it.
"Bones, where in Equestria did ya get this?" she asked.
"AB was taking photos for some school project and snapped it," I explained. "Bribed her with two jars of zap apple jam for the negative." AJ smiled and leaned in for a quick kiss.
From there, we all went around exchanging gifts and cards, and slowly but surely, the pile of presents under the tree got smaller. For my part, I got a decent set of woodworking tools from Big Mac, Granny had made me a Hearth's Warming sweater, as she had for all of us. Mine was a lovely green and red affair, with white snowflakes running around the middle. And like all Christmas jumpers, it itched like anything. Sugar Belle and Apple Bloom had joined forces on my gift; the former not knowing me too well had enlisted her new sister in law to help. The two of them had pooled their financial resources to get me a bottle of sake for Neighpon. Just like it's Terran counterpart, it's smooth, easy to drink, and gets you drunk surprisingly quickly. I promised to share it around come new year's. Finally, Applejack had managed to get her hooves on the Equestrian equivalent of a Swiss army knife. Needless to say, it's seen plenty of use since I got it.
The six of us spent the morning going through presents. A couple needed setting up or putting together, and of course, somepony had to make breakfast. And since it was Christmas, or rather Hearth's Warming, I relieved Granny Smith of that job, despite her protests, and once again treated everypony to an Equestrian version of a full English. Needless to say, we'd need the energy, even with the large meal planned for later. And of course, there was the small matter of the chores.
It may be Hearth's Warming; the most wonderful time of the year where ponies get together to celebrate, more so now, the harmony between the three tribes, and remember how they united together to banish the Windigoes, a time for presents, joy and laughter, with good food and drink shared between kin and good friends, but that didn't mean the daily activities of the farm stopped. Now, true, the apple trees were bare, as were the fields, which were covered now under a thick blanket of snow. But we still had the chickens and pigs to feed, the cattle and sheep to care for, odd jobs and maintenance around the farm, and a few other things besides. Just because it was Hearth's Warming, didn't mean any of that stopped. It's what sets us apart from ponies in other jobs. Most of Equestria was shut down today. Shops were closed, as were schools and offices. The trains weren't running, and only a few cargo airships would be in the sky today. Even the Weather Patrol would only do effectively a half day, just to keep everything in good order. But for farmers, it was just another day at the office. The only ones I can think of in the same boat, off the top of my head at any rate, are the Royal Guard.
So, leaving Apple Bloom to play with the new toys she'd acquired, Applejack and I threw on our coats, boots, and scarves and headed out into the winter wonderland.
Stepping out, I found it, not unexpectedly, quite chilly. Even with my winter coat, scarf, and boots on my hooves, to say nothing of my own winter hide, I still shivered for a moment. My breath came out in puffs of swirling air, and underfoot, the snow crunched beneath our hooves.
"By Celestia, it's cold out," I remarked as I shivered again. "Let's make this quick so we can get back inside."
The two of us set to work, following the neatly cleared pathway across the farmyard that Mac had dug when the snow had really started to thicken. While it made it a little less tiring to get about, the lack of snow on the otherwise smooth ground made for a risky proposition, due to the ice. The odd puddle here and there had now become patches of almost invisible black ice, and while we were both wearing study, and insulating boots, comparable to wellingtons, you can't really get a firm footing when there's no grip to be had. We were only a few steps away from the farm when I briefly lost my footing.
"Horseapples!" I exclaimed as my legs seemed to get kicked out from under my. Even as a quadruped, it's hard to rebalance yourself when you step on black ice. Luckily, AJ was there to stop me falling on my face.
"I got you, Bones," she said, deftly catching me in her forelegs as I lost my footing. Sufficiently startled, I found firmer ground free of ice.
"Thanks, AJ," I said as I fully got back to my hooves. "That'd have been a fine way to start Hearth's Warming; goin' and hurtin' myself. Once we've fed the pigs and let the hens out, I'll go throw down some grit on these paths. I don't want Apple Bloom or Granny gettin' hurt."
For obvious reasons, while grit is used, just as much as it is on Earth, salt not so much, although folks in Ponyville had put a little down to help melt the snow off the roads. Given that, for ponies at least, salt is akin to alcohol, to the point of being one of the few controlled substances out there, few are willing to use it to melt snow. For now though, we continued on towards our first little job; letting the chickens out of the coop and feeding them.
The chicken coop was a simple enough wooden shed, resting on a raised set of wheels, so that it could be moved from time to time to fresher ground, and to stop foxes, badgers and the like digging his way in. Foxes in particular could be right beggars on that front. If they could get into the coop, they'd kill the whole flock in excitement, and then only take the one hen to eat.
Next to the coop was a small, locked bin, which contained the chicken feed. Being free range, the hens mainly found their own food, foraging through the day, but we always fed them first thing in the morning and again at lunch to supplement their diet, particularly now, with other sources of food difficult to come by. I yanked open the pop-hole, while AJ scattered some feed around. The cockerel was the first out and took a good look around the yard first, before making his way down the stepped ramp and calling the hens to follow him. Before too long, the dozen or so chickens were all out and about pecking at the snow and leaving arrow shaped claw prints behind them. At this time of year, they wouldn't range too far, but come summer, they'd go out as far as the cattle pastures. Still, even now, with the comparative darkness suppressing their laying cycle, we still got enough eggs to get by, with beautiful yellow yokes. Once the weather picked up, we'd have enough surplus to sell at market.
Eggs seemed to be on the cockerel's mind as well, although for entirely different reasons. AJ and I chuckled as he jumped one of the hens, desperately balancing on her back. A few seconds later, after knocking him off her, the suitably startled hen irritably ruffled her feathers before going on her way.
"Won't be too long before they all start turnin' broody," I remarked. "We'll have to fetch the other coop out of mothballs them."
"It wouldn't hurt to have a few more hens," AJ agreed as she continued to scatter feed around, prompting the cockerel to call the hens over with a signature call. "Celestia knows we're due for some after last year."
Ah yes, fifteen chicks in all, and all of them cockerels. It was like Fight Club at times before we sold them off to other farms and smallholdings.
With the chickens now happily feeding and beginning to start ranging out together, the two of us turned our attention to the pigs. They aren't raised for meat of course; they're more used as a way of getting rid of food scraps and as a nice cheap source of fertiliser. The stuff is certainly potent enough. While pigs themselves are actually very clean creatures, to the point of only even doing their business in one particular spot in their pen, that did little to stop the smell, which stunk to high heaven.
The other problem is their size. Pigs aren't that much smaller than ponies, and all three of them a pretty solidly built to boot. They don't look to do any harm, but their eagerness for food makes them forgetful. More than once I've found myself punted out of the way by one of them, and on one occasion, A sow went directly under me and lifted me clean off my hooves. Mac even told me once how the boar once knocked him down and, without missing a beat, began snuffling at him. It's because of that that AJ and I take care of them now.
We had a fair few scraps for the three of them today, mainly leftovers from preparing our massive Hearth's Warming meal, along with bad apples and other produce not fit for sale. The trio of pigs were already waiting at the gates, having learned that when the chickens get fed, they get fed soon after. The problem though is that, in their excitement, they try to get out of their pen, so one of us has to go in to feed them, the other has to try and distract them and draw them to the other end of the pen. Guess which job I ended up with. The only upside was that, with the cold weather, the mud was pretty much frozen solid.
Applejack managed to draw them off to the far corner, but as soon as they heard the squeak of the gate opening (something I really ought to fix at some point) they came bounding over. Hurrying over to their trough, I quickly poured the slops out to take their attention off of me. The three eating machines quickly set to work. I couldn't help but be reminded of Hannibal and the fate of Mason Verger. Pigs will, after all, eat anything, including each other.
Still, with the pigs suitably acquiesced for now, Applejack and I set about the unpleasant task of collecting up their mess with a shovel and loading it into a cart. Still, as I said, it would make for excellent fertiliser, and a rather high yield explosive too if you're stupid enough to store it somewhere that isn't well ventilated. Granny Smith learned that the hard way in her younger days, when methane build-up and one errant match for lighting a lamp blew away half of one of the old barns.
With that unpleasant task done though, we had at least done all of the pressing work. Applejack however, suggested we attend to one more job.
"How about you and me take a walk and check the fence line, Bones?" she suggested.
Cold it may be, but it was also beautiful this Hearth's Warming morning, a faint sun was making the snow glitter in its rays, with only a few small white clouds in the otherwise blue sky. Why would I say no to a walk through it all with my marefriend?
The two of us wound our way through the orchards. Even if the trees were bare of leaves or fruit, there was still something beautiful about them, in the way the snow gathered on their branches. I couldn't help but ponder how they knew when to shed their leaves, and when to grow new shoots, considering that trees have no eyes to see, ears to hear, and no real way of sensing the world around them. Yet somehow, with only the slightest change in temperature, and never before the time, the trees would, almost as one, begin to grow new shoots, leaves, blossoms, and eventually fruit.
Underfoot, the freshly fallen snow crunched as we walked. There were no paths dug out here, and I couldn't help but feel a little guilty for the two trails of hoof prints we were leaving behind, marring the unbroken landscape. Still, at least the footing was a lot surer here, with the snow giving a surprising amount of grip. It wasn't too deep, only about three inches I'd say. It was enough to cover the ground thickly enough, without drifting and making it hard to get about. Remember, ponies aren't exactly tall to begin with and a foot of snow would be more than enough to stop most travel short of pegasi. Then again, four legs did make you less likely to fall on your rear than two.
It was fairly cold outside this early in the morning, but it hadn't froze in the night. Still, my breath turned to vapour and we walked and talked, and I was conscious of some cold even through my boots and coat. As romantic as this all might be for us two lovebirds strolling around in the snow, I shouldn't like to dawdle too long. The cold was already beginning to make my jaw ache.
"Man, I wish the weather had been like this at Christmas when I was a kid," I commented as we continued on towards the now frozen lake.
"It didn't snow much back on Earth?" AJ asked.
"A lot of places it did," I replied. "But Britain tended to get pretty mild winters. The best you could usually hope for was a dry, cold overcast day, maybe some frost. A lot of the time it just rained though. That kinda took the magic out of the day. Particularly when some folks got flooded out."
"Ugh! I bet!" Applejack agreed. "One of the things I like about all this snow and frost is how it gets rid of all the mud for a while."
"Huh, me too," I replied with a smile.
"So did you ever get a Hearth's Warming like this?" she asked.
"Well, there were a couple years when there was snow for Christmas," I explained as we worked our way up the little hill that overlooked the lake. "Once when I was about five or six we got a dusting on Christmas Eve and it stuck around for a few days. And then there was one time about six or seven years ago when we had snow all through December and into the new year. Although that kinda got a bit stale when it was all still around in March. Mom even got stuck up on the mountain once and had to have the police rescue her in their four wheel drive. We left the car up on the mountain until the Army sent the snowcats in to clear it; civilian snowploughs just couldn't cope with it; drifts higher than trucks. It's much better here, knowing that there'll be snow at Hearth's Warming."
At that moment, we reached the top of the small hill that overlooked the lake. I had a lot of memories of this little spot on the farm. It was here that AJ and I had finally admitted our feelings for one another, I'd been right by here when Sombra attacked, I'd caught the fire sign of smoke from the grass fire in the summer, and not too far away was the entwined apple and pear trees memorialising Bright Mac and Pear Butter, and where Big Mac and Sugar Belle too tied the knot.
At this time of the year, the one steep side of the hill down towards the lake made for a great place to sled down on a toboggan, and the now frozen lake was good for skating, or maybe a spot of ice fishing. That could wait though. Right now I was taken aback by the beautiful winter scene that stretched out before us.
"It never ceases to amaze me how beautiful it is out here," I said as we both looked out at the peaceful scene. "There's nopony else for miles around. Kinda nice to have your own national park pretty much on your doorstep."
Applejack though had her mind on other things. Catching my eye, she coyly gestured towards one of the small barns that dotted the landscape, grinning knowingly. They were empty at this time of year for the most part, with the remaining produce stored closer to home. The only thing left would be hay, stored in the loft, for the sheep and cattle.
"It's gettin' pretty cold out here, Bones," she said innocently. "How about we head in there and warm up a bit?"
I smiled back. You didn't need to be a genius to see what she was driving at. After all, we had rather rudely been interrupted by Apple Bloom this morning. And who knows when we'll next have a quiet moment to ourselves. I might not put much stock in physical intimacy, but that didn't mean for one second I was going to deny AJ.
"It is a bit chilly out here, isn't it," I agreed with a smile.
Fate however, seemed determined to intervene today. For no sooner had we taken a few steps than we heard a voice call out close at hoof.
"Bones! Applejack!"
It was my dad. Mum was with him too. The both of them were dressed heavily in winter wear. Dad had a heavy overcoat and wellingtons, along with that daft looking tweed flat cap of his, while Mum had her own winter coat, walking boots, and a bobble hat, as well as waterproof trousers over her jeans.
We both started and promptly turned around, trying to look as though we weren't about to sneak into an empty barn to do what loving couples do in them. If he suspected anything, my old man didn't show it.
"Hey, Dad," I said, a little nervously. "What brings you here?"
We were out in the middle of the farm after all. What in Equestria was he doing out here?
"Granny Smith told us the two of you had headed out this way," he explained. "I was wondering if you fancied stopping by the house for Christmas dinner with me and the memsahib. Your sister's coming along too. It'd be nice for us to all get together. Applejack's welcome too, of course."
Now, the Apples too would have their own Hearth's Warming dinner, but that would take place after they'd raised the flag, making it more like a supper meal than dinner. Mum typically did Christmas dinner around two, so we should have plenty of time to head over there and stay for a while, before coming back to the farm with a decent appetite. I'd been planning on popping out to see my folks, as well as Lizzie and Dewdrop anyway. I could hardly not after all. But it was nice to have the opportunity to have Christmas dinner as a family regardless.
And so, AJ and I joined Mum and Dad as we all headed back to their house in town. Lizzie and Dewdrop were already there, helping to keep an eye on the dinner and keep the fire going. Celestia knows that, as beautiful as this winter wonderland was, we'd all be glad to get in somewhere warm before too long.
Heading into town, we soon came to my parents' house. From the chimney, a thin plume of smoke was billowing, and the house glittered with multicoloured string lights Dad had hung up. On the door, there was a genuine wreath, and even before opening the door on which it was hung, we could all smell the dinner. Of course, the smell of a cooked goose didn't exactly appeal to me as it once did, but I had no doubt Mum had made accommodations for us herbivores.
"We're back!" Mum called out as we all walked in, being careful to knock the snow off our boots as we did so.
"Hey, Mum!" Lizzie called back from in the kitchen. "You'd better get in here. I think this goose you and Dad are having is nearly done."
Mum took that as her cue to exit, and promptly disappeared to join her daughter in the kitchen, while Dad, Applejack and I went through to the front room to join Dewdrop, who had kindly agreed to keep an eye on the fire. Even with a guard on the fireplace, Mum would have kittens at the idea of leaving the house with even a single ember burning unattended.
With Mum and Lizzie busy in the kitchen, AJ and I followed Dad through to the front room. To my surprise, I found we weren't the only guests here today. I was expecting to see Dewdrop of course, he and Lizzie spend pretty much all their time together. But I wasn't expecting to see two alicorns and a draconequus amicably chatting away with young Dewdrop. Celestia and Luna were both perched, in a rather Lyra like fashion on the sofa, while Discord had taken my Dad's armchair, and was currently blowing bubbles out of a meerschaum pipe, with a contemplative expression on his face. Dewdrop himself meanwhile, seemed overcome with anxiety and shyness at the prospect of making small talk with a chaos spirit and two former princesses.
"Princesses!" I exclaimed, as AJ bowed out of instinct. Celestia chuckled to herself, pausing only to take a sip from a glass of wine held in her telekinetic grip.
"Really, Blade Star," she said. "It's been months since the coronation. It's just Celestia and Luna now. And there's really no need to bow, Applejack."
"Oh, sorry, force of habit," I said grinning awkwardly, turning to Dad as AJ brought herself back up.
"You didn't tell me Celestia and Luna were here too," I said. Dad smiled.
"I figured it would make a nice Hearth's Warming present," he said. "Tia and Luna fancied spending some time away from Silver Shoals, so I suggested they stop by today. And Discord here is splitting his time between here and Sweet Feather Sanctuary, as well as Canterlot."
"Well, I can hardly leave Spike with just the Princess of Books for company all day, now can I?" the old spirit pointed out.
"It's always nice to see you, Blade Star," Luna said with a kindly smile.
"Likewise," I replied as AJ and I took a seat on the other sofa in the room. "So, how is retirement treating the two of you?"
"Most pleasantly," Luna said. "Time away from my former duties has allowed me to take up pursuits unavailable to me in the past."
"Pursuits involving a thousand year old stallion perhaps?" Celestia teased. Luna blushed a little at that. Her relationship with Stygian is now all but common knowledge.
"Well, at least she's settled down, Cellie," Discord chimed in with a grin. "I mean this whole on again off again thing is really starting to bore me."
Now it was Celestia's turn to blush as the room chuckled at her expense.
"While my sister may not have yet chosen to take a suitor," Luna went on after we'd all recovered. "She has kept herself busy. Although I will never understand your interest in all those madcap activities you insist on partaking in."
"What can I say? I'm an adrenaline junkie," the white alicorn answered with a shrug. "And how about you two? How has life been on Sweet Apple Acres?"
We caught the magical trio up on the little comings and goings of life in our quiet little corner of Equestria. AJ was just telling everypony about my brief singing stint during zap apple season, when Mum saved my dignity by calling out that dinner was ready, and asked Dewdrop to come and lend a hoof, prompting him to disappear in a flash to the kitchen. So we all took our seats at the table. Using his chaos magic for something useful for a change, Discord had modified the small dining table to accommodate the many guests now gathered around it, and had even laid out quite the spread. We all took our places, with AJ on one side of me, Luna on the other, and Lizzie directly opposite, along with her boyfriend. Dad sat at one head on the table, while Celestia took the other, leaving Mum and Discord to sit opposite each other and lovingly trade barbs. Mum never has quite gotten on with the old spirit, mainly due to all the hi-jinks he's gotten my dad mixed up in.
Speaking of my dear old mum, she soon appeared from the kitchen, along with Lizzie and Dewdrop, with the dinner, or at least part of it. Normally, since it would only be the four of us, Mum would serve everything together on individual plates. This year though, she'd gone for a more buffet style. After setting down a plate for everypony, she, Lizzie and Dewdrop began to ferry out the dishes. Mashed potatoes, carrots, sprouts, a large gravy dish, parsnips, roast potatoes, vegetarian versions of pigs in blankets, and, of course, a goose. They'd gone for a fairly small bird, which Dad had bought from a Griffon butcher up in Canterlot, given how most of us were not so inclined. To make up for that though, herbivore friendly alternatives were provided for us ponies.
Discord again used his magic to have a little bit of fun when, upon carving up the bird, he produced from it crop a beautiful blue carbuncle, in a nod to Conan Doyle's Christmastime mystery, presenting it to Mum as thanks for the incredible spread. And it was an impressive spread too. Even with help from Lizzie, Dewdrop and my dad, this lot must have taken hours of labour.
"You should have come to fetch me and AJ sooner, Dad," I said as the last dishes arrived. "Me and AJ would've loved to have helped out with all this."
"Oh, I knew you two had your hooves full with getting that big meal ready last night," Mum replied, waving away my concern. "Besides, Celestia here was a great help."
Ah yes! How could I forget? One of Celestia's hobbies, even when she was still running the show up in Canterlot was cooking.
"I never realised you had such an interest in cooking, your highness...er, I mean...Celestia," Dewdrop added, with only a slight stammer and quiver in his voice. Celestia smiled kindly.
"One of the reasons I'm glad to no longer be a princess, Dewdrop," she said. "Is that ponies now no longer see me as this distant figure who doesn't lead a normal life. I've always enjoyed cooking, acting too. Even when I was still princess, I often cooked breakfast whenever there were guests in the castle."
"Do not forget your love of zip lining either, dear sister," Luna added, grinning. I struggled to avoid laughing then and there at the mental image of the regal and serene alicorn hurling down on a zip line.
"Really?" Lizzie asked, spooning out some carrots for herself.
"I've always loved adventure," Celestia admitted. "Once Equestria became a more stable nation, and Luna and I were no longer required to see off some monster or deal with hostile griffons or zebras every week, I found myself missing the excitement. Extreme sports remind me of those heady days. It's why Luna and I plan to go on a tour of Equestria."
"Somepony's trying to recapture their youth," Discord said with a knowing grin. Luna scowled.
"At least we both managed to grow up, Discord," she retorted defensively. "You still seem to derive your fun from childish pranks and manipulative mind games."
"Oh I haven't done that in years," he countered.
"Young Elisabeth here would not be a pegasus were it not for your interference," she pointed out.
"Is that a bad thing?" he replied coolly. Mum now joined in. It always has, if you ask me, been the root of her dislike towards the draconequus.
"If you'd asked her I wouldn't mind," she added. "But you turned up at Fluttershy's one night, and the next morning she was stuck as a pegasus for a week."
"She enjoyed it though once she got used to it," Discord replied. "And it's proved most useful to her over these past few years. I can't imagine her being a skilled weather pony were she still a human."
"Admit it, Discord. You were just curious to see what would happen. Don't hide behind flimsy pretexts of goodwill."
Applejack and I, along with a few other ponies, were now starting to feel decidedly uncomfortable. Luckily, Dad and Celestia stepped in.
"Alright, I think we should leave that discussion for another time," she suggested diplomatically.
"Indeed," Dad agreed. "While I might have my own views on the matter, Christmas dinner is hardly the place for it. Lord knows you and I have talked our way round it two dozen times, Discord."
Mum looked as if she might continue on with her tirade for a moment, as did Luna. A moment later though, the pair relented, although the atmosphere remained a little uneasy with the mood soured. Fortunately, Dewdrop, of all ponies, managed to get things steered towards safer topics.
"Tell me, Celestia, when did you ever find time to learn how to cook?" he asked curiously.
"Well, when we first became rulers, Dewdrop," she replied. "My days weren't filled up with meetings and appointments. I used to have plenty of free time to learn as I wished, provided Luna and I kept up with our studies under Starswirl."
The mention of the old father of modern magic got everypony chattering away quite nicely after that. I couldn't help but notice though that Discord seemed rather pensive. I too have always been a little uneasy with what he did to my little sister. True, it has helped her immeasurably in her time here, but he did it without permission as an April fools joke. He did something similar to me, turning me briefly into an alicorn. At the time, all of us were damn cross with him, and Twilight was ready to tear his head off. It was only because Lizzie ended up liking her new form that he was let off the hook somewhat. But Mum and Luna were right in what they said. I mean, look at the fallout from the whole Bell incident. It was entirely his fault. Sometimes I do think ponies are far too forgiving, particularly when it comes to Discord. Then again, what's done is done. There's hardly much to be achieved hounding him about it now, years later.
Still, it played on my mind a little over dinner. And unbeknownst to any other us, Discord was planning to, at long last, make reparations.
After dinner and a wonderful Christmas pudding that Mum had spent days working on, our little group, now in a more relaxed mood all around, returned back to the living room for presents. I'd brought my gifts to Mum and Dad over a few days earlier, and they were now resting under the tree. Celestia and Luna too had brought presents for my parents. Dad had also gotten a couple little gifts for the two princesses. It was as all these exchanges were going on, that Discord offered up his own little trinket in an effort to make amends. While Celestia was thanking my old man for his gift, Discord, who had now returned to his armchair, turned to speak to my sister.
"I actually have a present for you as well, Lizzie," he said, catching everypony's attention.
"Me?" she answered, sounding a little surprised. After all, Discord rarely gave gifts, typically only getting something for Fluttershy and my dad, as well as Celestia.
"Well, you dear old mother here got me thinking," he explained genially. "It was a rather unkind thing to do, turning you into a pegasus without your say so." Lizzie however, unlike Mum, wasn't quite so grudge bearing.
"It certainly freaked me out when you did it," she agreed. "But if you hadn't, where would I be now? I probably wouldn't have met Dewdrop, and I certainly wouldn't have my job." Discord however, was determined to be mature for once.
"All very true, but as Luna and your mother said, the ends do not justify the means. It was still wrong of me to use my magic without your consent. Goodness knows I've made that mistake over and over again. When you have powers like mine, you get so used to messing with ponies for fun, you start to forget, or just ignore, the implications of what you're doing. So permit me to use my magic one last time, to make it up to you."
Snapping his talons, he produced a small box, wrapped in bright red paper and bound by a little green bow. Handing it to Lizzie, he bade her to open it. Inside was indeed a small little box; the sort of thing you might keep a watch in. Opening it, she turned it around to show us. It took me a couple moments to realise what I was looking at.
At first, I thought it was just another piece of jewellery; a gold necklace with a little gold, heart shaped locket on the chain. It wasn't until Lizzie tried to open the locket up, and Discord stopped her, that I realised what it was.
"Ah, ah, ah," he chided, putting a claw on Lizzie's hoof. "I wouldn't open that in here just yet. I don't think anypony wants rainbows darting all over the place. Take it from me, being hit by one is not as pleasant as it sounds."
"Discord," Celestia said in a hushed tone. "Is that what I think it is?" Luna too was stunned into silence, as was I.
"What is it, Tia?" Dad prodded, more confused than anything. "This better not be some bloody dangerous artifact, Discord."
"It's not dangerous, Dad," I said in a quiet, reverent voice before turning to Discord. "That's the Rainbow of Light, isn't it?"
The whole room went silent, half from amazement on the part of those of us who understood what we were looking at, and confusion for those of us that didn't.
"So what is it?" Lizzie said after a moment, still holding onto the locket.
"A precursor to the Elements of Harmony," I explained in a hushed tone. "The most powerful magic known to ponydom. But it comes from another version of the show. It shouldn't even exist here."
"Like Grogar shouldn't?" Discord pointed out.
"Where did you get it?" Celestia asked in amazement. "More to the point how?"
"Well, technically, this isn't the Rainbow of Light," he explained. "It's a facsimile, but I thought it would make a nice vessel for this bit of my magic."
"Your magic?" Dad asked, now sounding more that a little concerned.
"One spell," Discord explained. "Very similar to that pearl thingamajig Queen Novo had smashed into a million pieces. It will allow the wearer, when they open the locket, to transform from pegasus, to human, and back again."
"So Lizzie can become human again?" Mum asked.
"Whenever she wants to," Discord said with a nod. "And she can change back to the pegasus before you now too. Consider it, Lizzie, an old fool's apology for being such a horse's ass all these years." He then turned to Celestia. "See, Cellie. I told you I was finally going to use my magic for good."
Silence held for a moment as we all took in what had been said. Lizzie then got up, and with great care, opened up the locket. Instantly, a rainbow shot out and swirled around her, briefly hiding her from our sight. It very much reminded me of the Elements firing off, and I could sense powerful magic at play, both chaos based, but strangely, also the magic of friendship, albeit very faintly.
When the rainbow receded, returning back to the locket it came from, which closed with a snap, we found that the pegasus who had been standing there a moment ago was gone, and in her place was a girl in her early twenties, dressed in the same clothes she had been when this whole thing started.
"Lizzie!" my parents both exclaimed at once.
There followed much excited chattering and yammering as they both looked her over, and the two alicorns checked her over to be safe. Dewdrop seemed more surprised than anything to find his marefriend had suddenly shot up by well over a foot. With Lizzie though, all was well. The spell had indeed changed her back to her human form, and nothing else.
After a few minutes of getting used to being bipedal again, it was decided that we ought to check the reverse process worked just as well. And indeed, another rainbow whirlwind later, and Lizzie the pegasus pony stood before us, much to Dewdrop's relief. Lizzie quickly checked herself over as it subsided.
"That's amazing!" she exclaimed, turning around on the spot. "Thanks, Discord."
"I know it doesn't make up for what I did, but I hope it can be a beginning," he said. All eyes now turned to my mum, who'd been the strongest detractor. She was quiet for a moment before she spoke.
"Well, considering you got made a fool of by your three apprentices, stripped of your powers, and rather publicly humiliated into the bargain," she said. "I suppose this does make up for what you did. I don't forget, Discord, and I'm not sure I can forgive, but I'm willing to let things lie. Provided you keep your magic off my kids, we won't have any problems. It is the season of goodwill after all."
Discord's little admission and gift giving rather stole the show for the rest of the afternoon as we all chatted amicably around the fire. Eventually though, it came time for AJ and I to leave. The Apples had their own festivities after all. We had another good meal to attend, as well as one of the key traditions of Hearth's Warming; raising Equestria's flag, as it was so many moons ago.
Now, to my mind, as a Brit, this bit smacks of the Americans again for me. While flying a union flag (not jack, you only call it that when it flies from a jack staff on a man-o'-war) upside down is one of the quickest ways to annoy me, we don't obsess over our colours quite as much as our colonial cousins, who seemed enamoured with ritualistically raising, lowering, folding, saluting, and burning theirs amongst other things. Obsessions with symbols smacks of darker European history, and another nation whose symbol was once an eagle, and so I've always been slightly uncomfortable with a similar tradition here in Equestria. Still, it is a more benign thing, symbolising the founding of the country and the unification of the three tribes, so I try not to carp about it.
We arrived back at Sweet Apple Acres, having had an already impressive Christmas lunch, for an even more elaborate Hearth's Warming meal. AJ and I hadn't had too much at my parents to avoid spoiling our appetites, but by the time the meal was done, we all felt positively stuffed. It certainly made getting ourselves outside for the flag raising a challenge. Still, we managed it.
Big Mac was the master of ceremonies here. The flag, although banner would be more accurate, was hand made by members of the Apple family long since passed. Each star was individually sewn, as were the two circling alicorns, and even the rays coming off the sun.
Actually, now that I think about it, considering this flag was first raised many years before the rule of the Two Sisters, it's strange that they should be depicted on it. Revisionist history perhaps? After all, there was an Old Equestria once upon a time. Perhaps the three tribes way back when raised a very different set of colours to what we do now. Who knows, maybe soon it will be updated again to reflect the current state of affairs.
Regardless of that, Mac carefully attached the flag to the pole, which he and I had set up in the middle of the farmyard, and at Granny's signal, ran it up, letting the slight breeze catch it, causing it to flutter slightly in the wind. Thus concluded the holiday of Hearth's Warming. We'd leave the flag up for the rest of the day and then fetch it down when it dropped dark.
The next few days passed by steadily in that odd fashion that marks the time between Boxing Day and New Years, the former of which doesn't exist in Equestria. Life on the farm remained reasonably quiet, with only the mornings being busy with chores. I visited my parents a couple more times, as well as Lizzie and Dewdrop. I also did my best to drop in on AJ's friends, as well as Starlight and Sunburst.
Big Mac took advantage of the free time to start drawing up his plans to extend the farmhouse. He was planning a modest, two storey extension, which would both add a new bedroom and spare room for storage upstairs, but also increase the size of the kitchen downstairs. Of course, there was the small matter of having to knock through the original wall, but Mac reckoned that between the two of us, along with help from AJ and a few friends, we should be able to get it all done in just a few weeks. And given how much of the busy harvest work was in the autumn, we would have plenty of time in spring and the summer to do it. The two of us planned to start work on the foundations for the new extension after Winter Wrap Up.
As for the other Apples, Sugar Belle and AJ spent a lot of time together, getting to know each other more over the holiday. While Applejack had always been in favour of their marriage, she was still adjusting to the notion of her brother being married. I'd find myself feeling the same way about my own little sister.
Granny and Apple Bloom meanwhile had also kept themselves busy. Granny had used the free time to start looking into building a new cider press. Given how temperamental our current old girl had been this year, and possibly to stave off further questions about automation, the staunchly conservative mare had finally admitted that the press was past its prime and was looking into building a new one. While she may no longer be a young filly, Granny is still quite practical. After all, who do you think taught AJ all she knows about DIY?
Apple Bloom meanwhile had made a few trips, supervised of course, into the Everfree to visit Zecora, partly to get more potion making tips from her, but also to offer the zebra some companionship. After all, Zecora's homeland and family are a great distance away, and while the enigmatic shaman clearly enjoys her solitude, I'm sure she appreciated the little filly coming by to keep her company at this festive time.
The year was winding down now. The snow had become a familiar sight, as had the Hearth's Warming decorations. I'd find myself feeling more than a little disheartened in another week or so when we took all the decorations down. The walls always looked so bare, and the rooms so empty, once they were stripped of tree, tinsel and lights. But there was still plenty of merriment to be had in the meantime. After all, New Years was upon us.
This New Years celebration was to be quite the momentous event. After all the turmoil in the latter half of the year, a part of me was glad to see the back of it. There was this sense of optimism in the air; a new year, a new princess, old villains all finally defeated for good. Things were really looking up and ponies all over felt that we were entering a new golden age of harmony. And so rather than just having a little get together at the farmhouse, or at my parents place, all of Ponyville was coming together for one big celebration at the Castle of Friendship, now under Starlight's care. Everypony was going to get together to ring in the new year. And unlike back on earth with the countdown in Time Square, Ponyville had the foresight to host the party indoors, with central heating and decent plumbing.
But more important that that was the news that we would be getting a very special guest. With her government now fully up and running, Princess Twilight Sparkle would be coming down to Ponyville to celebrate as well. I was certainly glad for that; we all were. While AJ and the others got to meet up with her once a month to touch base, I hadn't seen much of her since my visit to Canterlot. While the princess would no doubt be a hot commodity, and any time with her limited, it would be nice to talk to Twilight again.
So, come December 31, AJ and I, along with the rest of the family, headed down to the castle. Granny had managed to get us a spot in the ad hoc food court that would keep all the guests fed over the evening, which she would be manning, leaving the rest of us free to spend time with our friends and significant others.
The castle was brightly lit when we arrived and it was clear that the party inside, courtesy of who else but Pinkie Pie, was in full swing. There was some security on the front door in the form of two Royal Guard pegasi, and I caught the occasional glimpse of a few more on balconies as we went inside. Ponyville, naturally, made up most of the guests. Pretty much everyone in town was here, from Cranky and Matilda, Nurse Redheart, Cheerilee, along with Lyra and Bon Bon. My parents were here too, along with Lizzie, and the three of them were happily chatting away together. Applejack meanwhile soon spotted her own friends, and we both temporarily parted ways. I meanwhile, went to say hi to my parents and little sister.
"Hey, everypony," I said as I trotted up.
"Bones! We were just talking about you," Dad said with a smile as I walked up.
"Oh, good things I hope," I replied. Mum giggled, telling me she'd obviously had a bit of the punch already. Poor woman never could hold her liquor. Half a glass of wine, she giggles, and then falls fast asleep. Dad however, turned to Lizzie.
"Your sister here's managed to reach one milestone in life before you, my lad," he said.
"What do you mean?" I asked, turning to Lizzie.
"You want to tell him, sweetheart?" Dad asked her kindly.
My pegasus sibling was blushing adorably, something Lizzie isn't normally given too, never mind the positively giddy look on her face right now. Her explanation came gushing out like a waterfall of words.
"Dewdrop asked me to marry him!" she exclaimed excitedly, revealing a necklace with a ring on it "We'd both been talking about it for the last couple of months, and then this morning he got down on one knee at breakfast! I'm getting married, Bones!"
The news hit me like a tonne of bricks. Our Lizzie getting married? She was in her mid twenties now, but a part of me still saw the little toddler I used to have to look after all those years ago. The notion of her doing something quite so grown up as tie the knot caused quite the bit of cognitive dissonance in my head. And in a way, it even made me a little sad to think that Lizzie was no longer that little kid any more, just as I wasn't. It kind of made me feel old now that I come to think of it.
Still, I quickly pushed that bit of melancholy aside. There was no way I wouldn't be happy for her. Having known him for quite some time, I knew Dewdrop to be a stand up guy. The two of them made a cute couple together. So I did all that I could do without bursting into tears like Mum seemed to be about to. Pulling my little sister into a hug, I did my best to be a good big brother.
"Congratulations, sis," I said.
Before I even released her, Mum started to blubber a little. She'd apparently been doing so on and off, in a happy way mind you, ever since Lizzie broke the news. Dad reaching into his breast pocket and offered her a handkerchief.
"So when is the wedding?" I asked as I released Lizzie.
"Your Mum and your sister both think a longer engagement will be for the best," Dad explained as Lizzie went to look after Mum. "She and Dewdrop are looking to do something in the summer, around the Summer Sun..." He caught himself. "I mean the Festival of the Two Sisters."
"Still getting used to that, eh?" I prodded jokingly as we both walked over to the little buffet and helped ourselves to some drinks.
"Yeah. It still feels weird going into court and seeing little Twilight Sparkle there. Well, actually..." he stopped himself again.
"Actually, what?" I prodded. Dad smiled in that way he does when he knows something I don't.
"Why don't you go and say hello to her, Bones. It's fairly obvious, particularly for you."
I was half tempted to just keep poking him verbally, and possibly physically, until he spilled the beans on what he knew. But usually when he did this it was a good surprise. Usually. So, after nursing my drink musingly for a moment, I acquiesced.
"Alright then," I agreed. "Where is Twilight anyhow?" I'd expected to find her in here in the main hall. But while there was a sizeable crowd of ponies in here, there was no alicorn princess to be seen.
"Where else do you think Twilight's going to be, Bones?" Dad asked with a laugh. "Head on through to the library. She and her friends are all in there catching up." He gestured down the hallway toward the library, which was pretty quiet, given how most of the party guests were in the main hall or the map room.
Heading down the familiar corridor, I made my way to the library. I hadn't been here much since the coronation. While I have nothing against Starlight, the castle's new custodian, it sort of felt wrong with Twilight not being around. I had to privately admit that I found myself missing my occasional study sessions with her. It would certainly be nice to see her again. In fact, the chance to catch up with my friend in such an informal setting had so occupied my mind, that I forget my Dad's hint about something being up. That lasted right up until I walked in and came face to face with my friend.
One thing I had idly been wondering about was the effect becoming Princess of Equestria would have on Twilight. While it had been subtle, after she became an alicorn, Twilight had gained a couple of inches on her unicorn self. She was still shorter than me, and not noticeably taller than anypony else. In fact, it had taken me a while to clock it back when I was watching Season 4 back on Earth. Celestia, Luna, and Cadence, were all noticeably taller than your average mare, mainly due to the vast amounts of magic they possessed. When Luna first returned from exile, she was in such a de-powered state that she reverted to her original form. Only later, as her magic returned, did she regain her normal form and stature. The same could be said for Celestia, who was once a normal sized pony with a pinkish mane. Only after they became Equestria's rulers did they begin to take on the forms we're familiar with. I'd figured that the minor spurt following her ascension was this for Twilight. After all, Cadence, had not experienced such effects. While taller than the average, she was not outside the norm, look at Fleur de Lis for instance, nor did her mane develop the unusual properties Celestia's and Luna's did. However, walking into the library, I found my belief quite untrue.
All six of them were gathered around one of the tables, happily chattering away, and they all looked up when I opened the door and trotted in.
"Hey, everypony," I said, waving a hoof in greeting. "Hope you don't mind me dropping by too."
"Of course not, Blade Star," Twilight said with a grin as she pivoted around on her chair to face me.
She was wearing her new crown; a fusion of the crowns of Equestria's former rulers. Unlike her old Princess of Friendship crown, protocol didn't really allow her to take it off in public.
Leaving her friends to continue catching up, Twilight got down from her chair and trotted over to me. It was then that I realised the difference.
She was taller than me.
It was only by an inch or two, but it was definitely noticeable. I'd say we'd effectively swapped our height difference from the last time we met. Now I'm average height for a unicorn, and apart from the princesses, Big Mac, and Shining Armor, there isn't really anypony that I have to look up to. So it was a little strange to find myself looking up at Twilight, even if only slightly.
"Twilight, you're taller!" I exclaimed in surprise. Twilight grinned bashfully.
"It's a little strange isn't it?" she admitted. "Celestia said I might get a little taller as my body adjusts to the increase in magic. Moving the sun and moon every day does build magical strength after all. What do you think?"
Now, let me explain, just as muscles grow as they are regularly used, magic can increase in power, to a certain point, by the same token. While muscles grow in size, a being's body adjusts to accommodate the magical energy. We saw this with the likes of Tirek, and the way the Bell affected him, Chrysalis and Cozy. It had also happened to Twilight before when she became an alicorn; her body now having alicorn magic. How much this would affect Twilight would not become apparent for some time. It depended on the pony. After all, Celestia and Luna have comparable magic, but Celestia is markedly taller than her sibling or Cadence.
"It certainly suits you," I said after recovering from the surprise. "I imagine it makes it a little easier to get ponies to listen to you. How tall do you think you'll get?" Twilight shrugged.
"I'm not sure yet," she answered. "But Shining Armor is starting to get worried that his little sister is going to become his big sister soon." I chuckled at that.
"Yeah, it must be bad enough having a younger sibling who outstrips you magically and has saved the world, by my count, fourteen times now. Shoot, half of those you either saved his tail, or Cadence's."
"Oh come on, Blade Star," Twilight said with a grin. "You know I'm not one to tease my big brother like that. Although I am pretty tempted." We both laughed at that, before Twilight invited me to join the rest of them.
"So, growth spurts aside," I said as I sat down next to her. "How's life as a princess been treating you?"
"Actually, it's not been too bad, so far," Twilight replied. "I mean, the first few weeks for a little difficult, but Celestia and your dad really helped me get settled in. I think everypony just needed time to adjust to everything."
"I still have a hard time believing it even now," Rarity admitted.
"That's for sure," Rainbow agreed. "Not that I don't see you as a princess, Twi, but I still see you as that book reading egghead."
"I think that's a good thing," Applejack jumped in. "We all agreed when this whole thing started that we wouldn't let it affect our friendship. If Twilight has to be Princess Twilight Sparkle everywhere else, at least with us, she can be just Twilight."
"I can't even imagine calling you, your highness," Fluttershy said quietly.
I still don't get why Twilight isn't Queen Twilight now," Pinkie said curiously.
"Because Queen Celestia didn't fly at the Hasbro pitch meeting," I responded jokingly.
"Oh, that makes sense," she replied understandingly. "At least they came up with the idea of getting John De Lancie to voice Discord."
I swear, that mare never ceases to surprise.
Then seven of us chattered away for the next while, getting caught up with each other's lives. Truth be told, if it wasn't for Twilight creating the Council of Friendship, it would be pretty tricky for them all to get together like this. I too was glad to get some time with the Element bearers. While I saw AJ every day, and Fluttershy and Dash often enough, it was nice to also spend some time with Rarity and Pinkie, who I crossed paths with less frequently.
Eventually though, there came a knock at the door, and a young guard entered.
"Sorry to bother you, your highness," he said with a quick bow. "But it's almost midnight."
Ah yes, time to ring in the new year. Twilight thanked the young sentry and the seven of us headed back to the main hall.
Returning to the main hall, we all found that everypony, or rather everycreature, was ready for the final countdown. Twilight, along with her guards peeled off. The princess was to give a speech just before the clock struck midnight. I meanwhile rejoined my family, both of my families. Standing in the crowd, on one side of me were my parents, along with Lizzie and Dewdrop, and on the other, AJ and the rest of the Apple family. And around us all were our friends and neighbours from all around Ponyville. My social circle has definitely expanded a lot since I got here. The crowd steadily fell silent and the chattered died down as Twilight came up to the specially prepared podium to give her speech. Activating her magic, she levitated up a good stack of note cards and quickly cleared her throat before beginning.
"Hello, everypony," she began. "And welcome to Ponyville's annual new years' celebration. Tonight we gather together to usher in a new year, for ourselves and Equestria as a whole. It has been a year of great changes and upheaval for so many of us, myself included. But as I stand here today, surrounded by friends, family, and fellow ponies from all walks of life, I cannot help but feel optimistic for the year ahead. We have faced trial and adversity, and together, through friendship, we have triumphed and brought about an age of harmony unrivalled in our history.
"Why standing here now, we have ponies from all three tribes, crystal ponies from the Frozen North, griffons, yaks, changelings, kirin, zebras, and even humans from a world beyond our own. I cannot think of a better way of showing what the magic of friendship is truly capable of. Once upon a time, our races were divided, and even ponies were racked with discord and mistrust of each other. But here, today, we all stand together. It is my sincere hope that this coming year will allow us to only further strengthen those bonds we have forged. And so, in that spirit, I hope you'll all join me in the countdown. Spike?"
Twilight turned to her young dragon assistant, who was hovering up by the large clock that had been set up. The second hand was slowly creeping around towards twelve. The small band that had been assembled for the occasion also prepared themselves.
"Twenty seconds, Twilight," he reported. Twilight nodded.
"Alright everypony, join me in the countdown. Ten..."
We all started to join in as the seconds ticked by.
"Nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one..."
"Happy New Year!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed, firing off her party cannon and blanketing everypony with confetti. The band meanwhile struck up that old song, which, while having Coltic origins here in Equestria, was still used for the same tradition.
We all joined hands, hooves, wings, and claws to sing in the new year together. And as the old Scotch tune soldiered on, I couldn't help but reflect on all that had happened this year. It sure had been an interesting time.
Now I wonder what the next will bring? |
Amore Obbligato | pre | The thought came unbidden to Spike, and refused to leave. He stared at his dining companion across the table and noted that she was once more wearing a goofy grin. While disconcerting to see on such a normally sober pony, it was at least not as frightening as when- Ooo... there it goes again. The little dragon shivered as the smile on Twilight's face slowly faded and was replaced by a grim look of determination after a brief stint as her more usual neutral expression. He wasn't sure what was going on, but he knew that it frightened him terribly. Clearing his throat, he casually asked, "So... anything new, today?"
Twilight jerked as if startled from some deep thought, which was actually true. These thought however, were not the sort that she wished to share with anyone, let alone the dragon that filled the role of her little brother. "Huh? Oh, um... no, nothing worth talking about, really."
Spike simply shook his head as he returned to his dinner, his course of action now set. I guess the princess will be able to get at what's bothering her. I'll talk to her about it tomorrow. Decision made, he was able to keep the worry in his gut from spoiling his appetite. |
Amore Obbligato | Chapter 5: Fortissimo | AMORE OBBLIGATO
Chapter 5: Fortissimo
Spike nervously sat in the chair, lazily swinging his legs which did not even come close to touching the ground. He looked around at the opulent room once more, sighing with apprehension. He knew how valuable Celestia's time was, and how much others always want her advice or needed her approval for one thing or another, but other than Twilight's parents, he didn't know to whom else he could turn. Normally, he would have gone to them, but he knew that as much as she loved her parents, Twilight always took Celestia's word as divine writ.
His eye caught the guards standing at attention at the door to Celestia's private study, but neither of them acknowledged his presence. It always creeps me out a little, the way they never seem to notice the world around them until you do something you're not supposed to. Who would want a job like that? The sound of the Grandam clock in the corner was the only one to be heard in the small antechamber as the seconds ticked away and Spike twiddled his thumbs. Maybe I should have brought some homework to do while I waited? Nah. I don't want to turn into Twilight, or anything.
The little dragon's inner thoughts were interrupted by the door opening and Celestia's personal assistant, Ink Well, Poking her head out out. "Master Spike? The princess will see you now."
Hopping off the chair, Spike walked into the office and was surprised to see the huge stack of papers sitting to one side of Celestia's desk, but was even more surprised to find the princess herself sitting on a divan next to the fireplace. He ran over to her where she welcomed him with open arms in a hug. Although he had bonded and imprinted on Twilight, Celestia always had a special place in his heart as one of his primary caregivers.
Even so, she was surprised at the ferocity of Spike's hug today, despite the fact that it had been less than a week since they had last seen each other. "Spike, is something wrong?"
Spike looked up and she was dismayed to see tears starting to gather there. "Princess, I think something's wrong with Twilight, but she won't tell me what it is. The past couple of days, she's had this really worried expression on her face, but every time I ask her about it, she just tells me that it's nothing and has me go do something else away from her. Last night when I asked again after dinner, she had me sort through her card catalog even though we had already done that like two weeks ago!"
Celestia pinched her chin between her thumb and forefinger in thought. "Odd. There's no big tests she should be studying for at this time. Perhaps these music lessons are adding too much strain on her?"
"Actually, the only time she's looked happy this week is when she's practicing or talking about music," Spike replied.
"I see," Celestia said with a small nod. "Very well, then. When Twilight comes to me for afternoon tea today, I shall talk to her about this. Odd that she was able to conceal whatever is troubling her from me. Perhaps I have not been giving either of you the attention you deserve, lately." She smiled down at the baby dragon still gripping her in a desperate hug and petted his head spines down. "How would you like to take lunch with me today?"
Spike's grin sent a flutter of affection through the alicorn's chest. "I'd like that, princess."
(\ /)
( . .)
*(")(")
Leaning against the tree to catch her breath, Twinkleshine gasped and brushed a stray lock of pink mane from her eyes. Even though she had been expecting it, the sound of Plain Sight's voice from the other side of the tree startled her, as she was sure that she had arrived first. "What do you have to report?"
Twinkleshine jumped a little, and almost whirled around to face her, but her training kicked in and she just resumed her original position against the tree. "Something... big... is going... down today." She gasped. Swallowing, she took another deep breath before resuming. "It involves Twilight as well as all of Honeyed Words' clique. I don't know if she'll be there herself, since Busy Bee claimed to have no idea either, no matter what... pressure I used on her."
"This... pressure, it wasn't anything permanent, was it?" Plain Sight asked.
Shaking her head, Twinkleshine replied with a smile, "No, just a little arm-twisting. It's amazing how little pain these nobles can stand before they spill everything they know."
Plain Sight nodded in agreement. "Did she say what was being planned and when?"
"It's why I ran all the way here from the other side of the High District," the unicorn replied, gesturing with a hand at the area of Canterlot that the nobles had unofficially taken over. "They're planning on confronting Twilight before classes outside between the locker room and the equipment storage building. She wouldn't say what Honeyed Words had planned exactly, but I sincerely doubt it would be a tea party."
With another nod, Plain Sight said, "Good work. Go to Coach Power Lift, and tell him what you learned, and to execute plan delta-three. You're both to await for my signal which is this," She imitated the call of a thrush, and said, "Understood?"
Twinkleshine pushed off the tree, happy now that she knew Plain Sight was on top of things once more. "Perfectly. I'd better go find him now in case he's not in his office."
With that, the unicorn filly took off, leaving Plain Sight to slowly make her way over to the expected confrontation spot. She was halfway across the grounds when a niggling little worry came over her, and she changed her mind. Instead of heading towards the equipment storage building, she found an unobtrusive spot to wait within sight of the front gates where Twilight always walked in every morning. Given how chaos seems to dog her every step, it might behoove me to keep her under as much direct surveillance as possible. Don't want another Clock Incident, after all.
(\ /)
( . .)
*(")(")
As she approached the front gate to Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns, Twilight swallowed hard, and tried her best to not appear nervous. I'm really starting to regret starting this chain of events. If it weren't for Honeyed Words discovering those Light blasted scribbles, I probably could have just let her coast along in my wake, and I would never have to see her again after graduation. She sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose. No, that's not fair. It's my fault she even saw it in the first place. I should have been more careful with them and paid attention in class like I'm supposed to instead of doodling like a dummy. I swear to Celestia that even if this doesn't work out like I planned, I'll never goof off in class again, no matter how well I already know the material.
Walking past the gates unmolested proved to be a bit tougher than the approach. It was only because Twilight was on the lookout for trouble today that she avoided walking into a much larger filly, but the filly in question seemed to seek her out and bump into her, knocking her to the ground.
"Oops. Are you okay?" Tight Rein said very unconvincingly as she towered over Twilight. She bent over and grabbed the smaller unicorn's arm and pulled her to her hooves. From a distance, one could not tell that the action was anything other than a student helping another up, but the strength she put into the grip let Twilight know that there would be no escape. "Here, let me help you to the infirmary to make sure."
Twilight gulped a little at the filly's choice of words, but the ominous sound of them was no doubt intentional. Her nerves went into overdrive when two more of Honeyed Words' friends showed up and flanked her as well. Though none of them were doing anything overtly hostile, the twisted smiles they wore did not bode well for anypony caught by them. Luckily for Twilight she had anticipated that the final confrontation would start like this, and was even counting on it. After all, she would not want to get into trouble by getting caught doing what she was sure she would soon be forced into doing. Just to keep up the façade though, she let the terror she was feeling at being caught show on her face; let them think it was because they had the upper hand at the moment.
Tight Rein's grip intensified until Twilight was certain that her wrist would be crushed as she pulled her not towards the front doors to the school, but around the side. "Come on, I know a shortcut through here."
Twilight's hooves became tangled as she was pulled along, almost causing her to trip. One of the other girls- her name escaped the filly at the moment- bodily picked her up and set her on her hooves again, very roughly, almost shoving her forward. She pulled her arm back to give her a quick punch, but something small and very hard smacked into the back of the mystery filly's head, causing her to look around, but the yard was conspicuously empty, and looking down, all she saw was an acorn which she stepped on and ground under her hoof before running to catch up to Tight Rein, who had not stopped or even slowed down.
She caught up to the group just as they rounded the corner, well within sight of the equipment building. Another filly waiting there ran up to Tight Rein and asked, "Did Busy Bee ever show up at the gate?"
"No. Honey said that she'd deal with her personally if she chickened out, so I advise you to tend to your own knitting Silver Service, unless you want some of what Honey plans to give her," Tight Rein replied. She smirked down at Twilight and added, "Mind you, what she's going to get is nothing compared to you, Egghead. Not even close."
Even though things were going pretty much as Twilight had planned, she couldn't help but feel a smidgen of worry that she was in fact, over her head, both literally and figuratively. The group went into the small alley between the two buildings. Though class was set to start soon, both would surely be empty, so even though the high windows to the filly's locker room were open to allow for ventilation, there was a very low chance of anypony being in there to hear anything going on out here. Even the tree at the end of the alley blocked the early morning sun, making the normally innocuous space seem much more ominous than any place in a school had a right to be.
Several fillies were already waiting for her arrival, making for an even ten fillies, all looking at Twilight the way a dragon might look at a particular rare gem. Honeyed Words was there, looking rather smug, if a bit put out. Tight Rein shoved the smaller filly against the rough brick wall of the locker room so hard she bounced off a little, and the fillies gathered around Twilight, hemming her in quite effectively.
Honeyed Words nodded to one of the fillies, who concentrated and a bubble of energy formed around them, blocking out the sounds beyond its perimeter. That detail taken care of, she came forward and with one finger, poked Twilight's shoulder hard, pushing her against the wall again. "So, little miss princess' pet thinks she doesn't have to pay her dues? You think you're better than us; than me?"
Twilight remained silent, but set her jaw, and with careful subtlety, began gathering mana for a spell. She wasn't sure what spell she would need to cast just yet, but she had been preparing for this for the past two days, so she believed she was ready to counter whatever they might throw at her.
"Scared?" The older filly asked, a smirk taking over her expression once more. "You should be. My family is one of the oldest, most powerful of the noble houses around. Yours may be almost as old, but it is certainly not as powerful, and is nowhere near as rich." Planting one hand on the wall over Twilight's shoulder, she leaned in menacingly and with a voice dripping with contempt and venom, she added, "I could buy your entire family with my weekly allowance, and have them all but shunned by the rest of the noble houses. The Great and Noble House of Twilight would be an even sadder shade of what it once was, and considering how far it has already fallen, that's saying something."
Finally breaking her silence, Twilight mumbled something unintelligible.
Honeyed Words leaned a little closer and said, "What was that? You'll have to speak up; I don't speak mouse."
Meeting her eyes with her own steely gaze, Twilight said in a soft, but unmistakable voice, "I said that there's more to nobility than a title and money, but then, I don't expect a spoiled little rich filly to understand that."
Momentarily taken aback at the sudden resolve, Honeyed Words leaned back, then smiled again. "Congratulations, Sparkle; you've actually managed to dig yourself in deeper. I was going to have your punishment be just a friendly reminder of your place in the grand scheme of things, but in light of your truculence, I'm going to have to dial up the pain a little more." She pushed off the wall and took a few steps back, letting a filly Twilight recognized as one of her more fierce tormentors, Hard Line, take her place. "Just like we practiced, Hard Line. Give me five minutes, then start with the first step of the agony spell, then slowly take it up to oh, say, level five. That should put some respect back in her, I think."
Hard Line cracked her knuckles, and rolled her head, eliciting more cracks from her neck. "With pleasure. It's not often I get to go past level three. I'll be sure to thank you for that properly, runt," she said to Twilight as she advanced on her.
With a laugh, Honeyed Words said, "I hope you'll remember the rules of engagement, Sparkle. You even try to implicate one of us, and we'll each have at least five others vouching that we were elsewhere at the time."
"You're forgetting one thing, Honey," Twilight said levelly. Her right hand partially hidden from view, slipped into a pocket within her skirt and gripped something.
Pausing in her retreat to the safety of a crowd far away from the scene, Honeyed Words turned around and asked, "And what is that, Sparkle?"
Twilight smiled as a finger of the hand in her pocket pierced a plastic bag, releasing a few small grains of its contents. "I may be the smartest in the class, but smarts is nothing without imagination, and imagination is the prime requisite for ingenuity!" With a sweeping arc, she quickly pulled her hand from her pocket and twirled it around in a circle as the small plastic bag she held spilled out a cloud of glittering powder, coating everypony in the alley, and blinding all but Twilight who was prepared and had closed her eyes. The unicorn's horn glowed with a magenta aura, easily shattering the soundproof bubble while simultaneously amplifying her voice. While the others were shouting about their blindness, Twilight drew in a deep breath and gave the loudest, most ear-piercing shriek for help of her life.
The narrow alley with a sound-baffling tree at one end acted like an amplifier, turning the already cacophonous yell into something deafening within in its confines. Unfortunately for Twilight, Hard Line already had her spell ready and targeted, meaning that she didn't need her eyes to hit her with it. When the spell hit, her yell turned into a wail of pain that under the amplification magic she had cast, rivaled an air raid siren. Even her own ears were ringing, but she didn't even notice due to the agony spell, which because of Hard Line's surprise, was actually the most powerful she had ever cast before. Twilight dropped to the ground and writhed around, mindless in her torment.
With a curse, Plain Sight dropped down from the tree, throwing down a glass vial that filled the alley with smoke, negating all magic it touched. She picked up the unconscious Twilight, cradling in her arms like an exceptionally large, limp doll. She ran to the end of the alley, almost running directly into a very large earth pony stallion and Twinkleshine. She paused long enough to say, "There's ten girls in there, including Honeyed Words. Detain them all and keep them under careful watch in your office. I need to get Twilight to the nurse right away. Twinkleshine, report to the principal and have her meet me there." With that, she dashed off, leaving her subordinates to their work.
Twinkleshine ran off to complete her orders, While Coach Power Lift walked into the alley, where eight girls covered in glitter were trying to regain their hooves. Some were still rubbing at their eyes, and all of them were bleeding from their ears. Power Lift stomped on the ground, sending vibrations that all of them felt, causing them to turn their attention to him. Knowing that they would all be unable to hear him until they had seen the nurse to restore their hearing, he looked at them disapprovingly and gestured for them to line up against the wall, which they did, some helping those still blinded by the glitter. He looked around, but the expected number was short by two, most conspicuous in her absence being Honeyed Words.
Several Teachers came up then, with Crucible in the lead, her mane still askew from when she fell out of her chair at Twilight's bellow. "What happened here? Is everything alright?"
Power Lift gestured at the assembled fillies and said, "The guard caught them doing something they shouldn't and asked me to hold on to them. Unfortunately, two of them ran off in the confusion. Would you mind searching for them? They're likely covered in glitter like these are." His back to the fillies, he silently mouthed the words, "Honeyed Words".
Crucible nodded in understanding. She ran a finger down Hard Line's sleeve, gathering a bit of the glitter and sniffed it, causing her to give a violent sneeze. "No problem. Coated in Sovereign Glue from the smell of it. Looks like it was slightly weakened with a bit of Dispelling Dust, but if it's made by who I think it is, there should still be plenty of stickiness to it that it won't come off easily." Her horn lit in a fiery aura, and she bent over at the waist, following a trail only she could see out the other end of the alley, Cosine following after her.
Turning to the rest of the teachers, he nodded to them. "Now, if one of you could help me herd these fine young ladies to my office, I think the rest of you can return to your classes." Just as he finished, the bell signaling the start of the school day rang.
(\ /)
( . .)
*(")(")
Twilight awoke, her bleary eyes taking in the mostly white surroundings, which contrasted with the odd flag waving above her. She blinked a few times, allowing her vision to clear, revealing Princess Celestia sitting in a chair next to her bed in the school infirmary. She tried to sit up, but had to lie back down as a wave of nausea overtook her senses, sending her head spinning. "P- Princess! What- where- huh?"
Celestia gently smiled down at her. "You gave us all quite a scare, My Faithful Student. I heard your voice clear all the way to the palace. Gave Spike a severe shock as well. He was ready to come blazing to your rescue, so I had to cast a sleep spell upon him in order to keep him out of trouble." Her smile disappeared, and her face took on the serious look she wore whenever she dealt with a particularly disagreeable noble as she asked, "Is there something you want to talk about, Twilight Sparkle?"
Swallowing hard, Twilight never even considered telling her no or a lie. It all came tumbling out, starting with the first day of high school when Honeyed Words first gave her the option of helping her pass or facing the consequences, all the way up to this morning's events. She even told her of her burgeoning feelings for Octavia which precipitated the final confrontation with her bully. By the end of it, the filly was in tears, sore afraid that she would be dismissed as The Princess' personal student. "I'm sorry, Princess! I've wanted to tell you so many times now, but every time I worked up the courage, I would chicken out, because so much time had passed, or I thought I could handle it myself. I didn't want to burden you with something trivial like this; you've already got so much to do and worry about, I-"
Celestia silenced her with a finger on the filly's lips. "Twilight, I'm not going to stop teaching you over something like this, but you realize what must happen now, don't you?"
With a sad nod, Twilight replied, "I'm going to be punished. Go ahead, Princess; I deserve it."
Sighing sadly, Celestia said, "For not coming to me or anypony in authority with this problem, and instead deciding to 'handle it yourself', your library, observatory and laboratory privileges are hereby revoked for no less than a month. You will not enter any such facility except for the purposes of completing school assignments, but not extra credit. Furthermore, all the books in your apartment are even now being boxed up and placed into storage until your punishment concludes, and your paper, ink, and quill allowance will be cut back to the bare minimum necessary to allow completion of your school assignments."
The alicorn almost lost her composure at the sight of Twilight's overreaction to her punishment, but she still wasn't done. "Additionally, you will be performing at least two hours of community service of my choosing every weekday after school as well as six hours of the same every Sunday and Satyrday. When not at school, on assignment, or at your parents' house, you are to come directly to the palace and are banned from outdoor activities without my explicit permission."
Twilight gaped like a landed fish, appalled at the severity of the discipline, but could not bring herself to object. She nodded, conceding her fate, but she had a question. "Um... Princess? What about... what about my music lessons?"
Putting a finger to her chin, Celestia mused, "Well, I suppose it is schooling, and we can't interfere with that. Very well, then. On the days of you music lessons, you are excused from community service. I presume there are no objections?" Twilight shook her head, and Celestia rose to her hooves with another sigh. "Then that concludes your disciplinary meeting. I'll expect to see you straight away after school today so that we might further discuss this and how could have been handled better."
She turned to leave, but Twilight's voice stopped her. "Princess?" Celestia turned back to her, and the unicorn asked, "W- what's going to happen to Honeyed Words?"
Celestia folded her arms under her considerable bust as she considered. "Well, that really depends on how repentant she is for her actions. From what I've gathered, she's rather entrenched in her ways by now, and we still have to consider the length and extent of her actions. You're not the only one she terrorized, and from what I've seen, not the worst case."
Twilight silently considered this for a moment, before asking, "You're not going to... banish her, are you?"
"No, Twilight. I will not banish her, though she will suffer some sort of punishment. We must all obey the laws, even those who make them. No one is above them. No one," Celestia replied grimly. She offered her protegee a weak smile before walking out, leaving the filly to her thoughts.
(\ /)
( . .)
*(")(")
With a tired sigh, Twilight trudged through the palace gates, barely acknowledging the guards' salutes in an uncharacteristic display of depression. The two guards spared each other a knowing glance, but remained silent at their post. She plodded along through the palace until she came to The Princess' parlor where they always partook of after-school tea and shyly knocked. The Princess' musical voice called out, "Enter," and the filly let herself in.
She was surprised by a living missile tackling her before she even got fully into the room. Looking down, she saw Spike burying his face in her stomach as he gave her the fiercest hug he had yet delivered. "Spike..."
He suddenly pushed away and gave her a light punch on the arm. "That's for not talking to me about this. I'm supposed to be your number one assistant, aren't I? Then treat me like one!" With that, he hugged her again. "I'm just glad you're okay, Twi."
Confused at his bipolar display of emotions, Twilight stopped rubbing her sore arm and simply opted to hug him back, accepting the painful punch as her due. "I'm sorry, Spike. It won't happen again."
A polite cough got her attention, and Twilight looked over towards Celestia's couch, only to be horrified that both her parents were there as well. Oh, boy. First, The Princess uses my full name, and now mom and dad are involved. This does not look good.
She was surprised once more when her mother and father both came forward and hugged both her and Spike at once. "You need to come home more often, Twily. Your father and I missed you so much," Velvet said.
Twilight was embarrassed at the use of her parent's nickname for her, but was enjoying the feel of their affection too much to really object. "I'm sorry, mom, daddy. I... I didn't mean to disappoint or worry you or anything. I just..."
"Shh... It's alright, Twilight," Night Light replied. "We're just glad you're safe and sound."
They led her over to the couch where they sat her and Spike between them. The filly dried her eyes and looked over to Celestia, who was calmly sipping her tea. "I'm sorry again, Princess. I promise it won't happen again." She hesitated as she broached the next subject, but she managed to squeeze the question out. "Um, if it's alright for me to ask, what's happened to Honeyed Words?"
Celestia set her cup down on the table and cleared her throat. "I'm sorry to say that she remained rather stubborn despite my repeated warnings that prevarications would not be tolerated. She has been asked to leave my school along with her friend, Tight Rein. As far as I know, their parents are sending them away to their home city of Neigh Orleans, where they will finish their schooling in a different private academy. I'm afraid you may have an enemy for life, My Faithful Student."
Looking down at her lap where she twiddled her thumbs, Twilight said in a quiet voice, "I was afraid of that. I tried to use a method that would allow her to come clean with a minimum of trouble for anypony involved, but she can be quite... obstinate."
Celestia nodded. "I noticed. All their other friends admitted to their wrongdoings, and will be suspended for two weeks during which time they will also be given two months of community service, but will be allowed to return after that. Naturally, they will be closely monitored from here on out, so I doubt you will have anything to worry about from them."
Twilight gave a weak nod, shuddering at the thought of being banned from school for two whole weeks. Her banishment from her favorite work spaces was already bad enough; banning her from school would have been just unendurable.
"I hope all this will teach you to come to the proper authorities in future, Twily," Night Light said, as he gently ruffled her mane.
Sheepishly smiling up at her father, Twilight replied, "Don't worry, daddy. I don't want to go through that again."
(\ /)
( . .)
*(")(")
Twilight collapsed face-down on her apartment couch, exhausted from such an eventful day. She had never felt so emotionally drained that it affected her physical energy before. "Ugh. Maybe I should just call in dead tomorrow?" she mused aloud.
"They'd never buy it," Spike replied to her rhetorical question with dripping sarcasm and acerbic wit as he continued on to the kitchen to prepare some tea for them both. "They know that even if you died, your ghost would haunt the school just to get your diploma."
Twilight rolled her eyes, but didn't rise to the bait. Her gaze landed on an empty bookshelf, and she cursed her own stupidity. A whole month without books? How am I ever going to survive? Already, I can feel ennui stealing in like a thief, turning my brain to mush. With a groan, she buried her face into the couch cushions so she wouldn't have to look at her naked shelves. |
Amore Obbligato | Chapter 6: Mano Sinistra | AMORE OBBLIGATO
Chapter 6: Mano Sinistra
With a smart rap on Twilight's music stand with her new conductor's baton, Octavia stopped her student. "Alright, Twilight, let us try it again, this time at sixty beats per minute."
Twilight stretched the cramping fingers of her left hand, trying to restore the feeling into the tips again. "Would it be alright if we take a break for a minute? My fingertips have gone numb again."
Octavia turned back from the metronome she had been adjusting and stopped the pendulum from it's sideways TICK TOCK movements. "Again? I thought you said you were practicing. Your speed has certainly improved lately."
"I have. In fact, aside from my homework, it's all I've been allowed to do these past two weeks," Twilight replied. She blushed at her, partly in shame of admitting to her punishment again, but mostly because of to whom she was admitting this. "I think I might be hitting that wall of pain about which you were talking."
Stepping around the music stand, Octavia took the blushing filly's hand, noting the claw-like position it had attained. "Oh, dear. This will not do at all." She started massaging her hand, trying to get it to release its current unnatural shape. "I believe I shall speak with your guardian about this punishment of yours. It sounds awfully severe to me."
Twilight was captivated by the strong, yet delicate hands which cradled hers, soothing its aches. Omigosh! Her hands are so warm! And strong! I bet she could crush walnuts in them, but she's so gentle with me. She was so caught up in the sensation of having her hand massaged by the beautiful mare, that the best she could manage was a weak, "No, it's alright, really. I... I sorta... earned it..."
Octavia stopped massaging the hand and just held it between her own and looked the filly in the eye. "Whatever it was you did Twilight, could not have been bad enough to warrant something this strong. I insist that it is no trouble, and shall brook no argument against it." She smiled softly, sending a flutter through Twilight's chest. "It is what friends do."
Never before had Twilight felt such soaring exhilaration and crushing despair all at once. To be called a friend by Octavia was akin to drowning in overly affectionate puppies and kittens; the feeling so bittersweet, it almost physically hurt. With a shake of her head, she cast off the gloomy thoughts, putting them into a compartment to deal with later. "It's okay, really. I only have three more days left, then I can get my books and privileges back. Of course, I won't stop practicing once they're back, but I'll at least have something else to occupy my mind when I get bored." Her attention was drawn again to the hands clasping hers, and she subtly shifted it so that her fingers settled between the earth pony's and unconsciously started to intertwine their hands together.
Such bliss as holding the mare's hand was denied, as Octavia let go and grabbed Twilight's shoulders. "Nevertheless, I shall speak with your caretaker. Perhaps she will see sense, if for no other reason than for your health." She turned around and fished around in her cello case for a moment before coming up with a small tin. "For now, I shall teach you a trick when your hands get too sore to play." Opening the tin released the strong scent of camphor oil, and she dipped two fingers into a clear paste inside. She rubbed the paste on the palms of her hands before taking Twilight's hand again, rubbing the substance on it. "Well, truth be told, it is not so much a trick as it is good advice passed on from musician to musician. This is just a camphor ointment. It eases the pain, but be sure to not use it too often, and make sure to wash your hands before eating."
If Twilight thought her hands were warm and strong before, it was nothing compared to now. The ointment had a heat all its own which complimented the mare's own natural body warmth quite well, and the slickness of it made the finger massage ten times better in her estimation. So dumbstruck by what was happening, she didn't even manage a squeak of protest when her left hand was dropped in favor of her right which got a similar treatment.
"Make sure to take care of your bowing hand as well. Many forget to treat that one, and pay for it later, sometimes in the middle of a concert or recital." Octavia worked quickly, but efficiently, noting how the filly's fingers slowly came loose once more. Finished, she pulled a small hand towel from her case and wiped off her hands. "I recommend you always carry around a small jar of that and a hand towel in your case, even after you 'get over the wall'. Even I sometimes still get cramps in my hands, especially after a long concert."
"My hands are a little numb, now," Twilight noted.
Nodding, Octavia replied, "Yes, that is normal. You will not be able to play for about ten minutes when the feeling returns totally." She sat down in the chair facing Twilight and poured them both a cup of tea from the tea service brought for them. "So, how is school? What grade are you in, seventh, eighth?"
Twilight took a sip of her tea before quietly saying, "Um, twelfth, actually."
Octavia's eyes went wide, and she almost sputtered her tea, an unforgivably embarrassing act in a setting such as this. Coughing politely into her hand she said, "My apologies, did you say twelfth?" At Twilight's silent nod, she asked, "How... But you are so young!"
Slumping down in her seat over her tea, Twilight nervously looked around the room for a way out of this uncomfortable conversation that did not exist. "Um, I was... skipped ahead a few grades..."
"A few?" Octavia exclaimed. "I should say it was a bit more than a few! I have never even heard of a pony smart enough to be skipped ahead so many times! You must be rather brilliant, Twilight." She smiled at the filly, hoping to take the edge off of her earlier statements with a compliment.
A thrill went through Twilight's chest at the praise, but held her giddiness in check. She had seen such amazement at her advancement quickly turn to sour resentment at having one so young be so much smarter than them. There was absolutely no way she was about to tell her tutor that she could have, even wanted to be advanced further, but was restrained by The Princess and her parents in favor of not making her too out of place by having her be the first ten-year old high school graduate in almost a century. She gave a noncommittal murmur and a shrug as she looked away out the window.
Sensing that she was treading on dangerous ground, Octavia said, "I apologize. If this is uncomfortable for you, we can discuss something else."
Needing no further prompting, Twilight jumped at the opportunity to change the subject. "Um, so, what college are you going to attend?"
Octavia's face lit up like a Hearth's Warming tree as she looked off into the future that she imagined for herself. "Actually, I am aiming for the Galliard Music Conservatory in Prancylvania. With a master's degree in music from there, I can pretty much write my own ticket into whatever orchestra I choose. My music teacher, Mr. Staccato, said that my tutoring a student or two in a classical instrument may give my application just the right bit of dedication that a school like that is looking for in a student." She turned to Twilight and said, "Mind you, I am glad to have taken up tutoring regardless. One could say that I have been bitten by the teaching bug. Of course, it helps to have such an attentive and dedicated student such as yourself."
Twilight blushed and squirmed in her seat. "I- I think you're a great teacher too, Octavia," she all but whispered.
"That is very sweet of you to say," Octavia replied. "Now, what say we get back to our lesson, shall we?"
(\ /)
( . .)
*(")(")
A gentle knock on the door followed by a contralto voice calling out, "Yes?" was all the preamble needed for Plain Sight to enter to find Octavia waiting for her.
"Someone said you wanted to talk to me about Twilight?" she asked, getting straight to the point.
Octavia rose, all stiff and polite, but unable to help it since she was still in the "music room" where she taught Twilight. "Yes, thank you for your promptness. I shall get right to the point. Do you not think the punishment you have laid out for her to be a tad harsh?"
The dappled-gray pony smirked as she slowly walked up to the prim and proper musician until they were so close, their breasts almost touched. Even though she had to look up to meet Octavia's eyes, the larger mare still felt a bit of unexplained trepidation from her. "You seem to be laboring under some sort of misapprehension, Ms. Octavia."
Swallowing hard despite not wanting to show any fear, she replied, "And what would that be, Ms. Plain Sight?"
Plain Sight stood on the very tips of her hooves, stretching to reach the ear above her. "I'm not the one in charge of her discipline," she whispered.
After a moment of shock, Octavia asked, "Then who is if I may be so bold as to inquire?" The shark-like grin that Plain Sight gave in return did nothing to quell the nervousness that overtook the musician.
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( . .)
*(")(")
Octavia nearly jumped out of her skin when Vinyl pinched her arm and spilled her chamomile tea. "Don't do that!" she chided the deejay.
"Well, if you had responded one of the first ten times I called your name, I wouldn't have to do that. What's got you off in La-La land today?" Vinyl was sitting next to her and had apparently been nursing a large coffee for some time.
Looking around, Octavia finally realized that she was in her current favorite coffee shop, and had absolutely no idea how she had gotten there. Seated at a corner table, far away from the other customers who all seemed more inclined to hang around the counter, they were as alone as one could ever be in a coffeehouse. Nevertheless, Octavia was hesitant to tell her what had transpired that day. She hunched over across the table and whispered, "You have got to promise me you will not shout, nor draw attention to us when I tell you whom I met today."
Vinyl leaned forward and whispered back, "Hate to break it to you, Sweet Stuff, but you leaning across to whisper at me draws way more attention than just talking all normal-like." They looked around, but the apathetic crowd seemed far more interested in their own conversations and drinks than in the two musicians. Vinyl frowned, then shrugged. "At least, it would normally. Lay it on me."
Octavia stopped chewing on her lower lip, but her excitement still shone in her eyes. Looking around once more to make sure no one was listening in, she whispered, "Do you remember that filly I am tutoring in violin? The one who recently got into trouble and was grounded? Well, I asked to talk to the one in charge of her punishment, and you'll never guess who it was!" In her excitement, she forgot to whisper and was almost talking in a normal tone of voice at the end.
Leaning back in her chair, Vinyl threw out the first wild guess that came to mind. "I dunno, the princess?"
Octavia's face slammed into the table so hard, it knocked over the napkin dispenser. Picking herself up, she asked in a vicious whisper, "How did you know?"
Vinyl's eyes went wide and she took off her signature sunglasses to stare at her fillyfriend in amazement. "Mother of Light, you're serious, aren't you?"
Giddy smile back in place, Octavia's hands clenched in front of her face as if to hold in the squeal she felt wanting to escape. She nodded, practically vibrating in place. "Oh Vinyl, she was so beautiful and so majestic! It was like talking to Jewels Seizer with the looks of Bawdry Lectern; back in her younger days, of course, not that she was not a looker when she passed away, but you know what I mean, and I'm babbling, aren't I?"
Still wide-eyed, Vinyl nodded. "Just a bit, but mostly you're gushing like a broken hydrant. I mean, I knew you were a fan of hers, but..."
"Oh, puh-lease, Vinyl. I am no mere fan, she is my idol. Everything I am or strive to be is but a pale imitation of her. If I could be but a tenth the pony she is, I could die a happy mare." Suddenly conscious of how she was acting, Octavia mentally reined herself in and took a calming sip of her tea.
A sudden thought clicked in Vinyl's head and she asked in a voice full of dawning realization, "Wait, if she's the one in charge of your student's punishment, then who..." Octavia's manic grin made another appearance in answer to the unfinished question. Vinyl's hands shot out to grab her fillyfriend's free hand and pulled her close again. "Do you realize what this means? When word gets out who you're tutoring, you're going to have to turn down offers from nobles left and right for lessons! You're going to be rolling in bits!"
Octavia's smile vanished even faster than it appeared, and she snatched her hand away. "I will not betray my student's trust, nor her guardian's by using their names to garner more business, especially for something as base as mere money. If she chooses to disclose the name of her tutor, then it is her business, but I refuse to ride anypony's coattails."
"Oh, come on, Octy. You can't tell me that the thought hasn't crossed your mind. I know how much you're going to be hurting for money in that fancy school you want to go to," Vinyl replied, trying to mollify the mare's mercurial mood.
Rolling her eyes, Octavia gave a defeated nod. "Yes, money will be tight, what with mother's college fund only covering a small portion of the tuition and the rest by scholarships and loans, leaving very little for survival to be paid for by my own savings, and yes, that money would make things much easier for everyone, and yes, the thought did occur to me, but there are two things that allow me to turn down the idea. First of all, I am getting paid quite well for this job; as much as a fully accredited tutor for any noble. That will help enormously with school and living expenses. I even estimate that if I am frugal with my expenses, I will be able to leave mother a tidy little sum as a surprise for her when I go off. Secondly, I have my pride. As I said before, I refuse to ride anypony's coattails, but especially hers."
Vinyl held up her hands in surrender. "Alright, alright. I was just trying to make sure you've thought it through." Placing her sunglasses back on, she shifted gears and asked, "So, what's the kid like? Snooty? She must be a real Tartarus-raiser if she got slapped with community service. You never talk about her, so it's got me curious. I'm starting to wonder if I have some competition for you."
"Well, I suppose it is alright to tell you, since you are likely to meet her this weekend," the cellist replied, smiling at Vinyl's confused expression. "That was what I was getting to before you interrupted me with all that perfidious talk of name-dropping. I talked to... her guardian, and she agreed to send her to help with the school orchestra's concert this Satyrday as part of her community service."
Vinyl lowered her glasses down the bridge of her nose and looked at Octavia over the rims. "Are you serious? She's not going to cause any trouble, is she? I mean, it may just be a charity show, but I don't want it ruined by some brat with a chip on her shoulder; I do have a rep to look after, you know."
Taking a long sip from her tea, Octavia shook her head. "No need to worry. I talked with her ah, guardian, and she reassured me that my earlier assessment of her personality was accurate. She is a good filly, she just got into a spot of trouble with some bullies and handled it poorly. Were it not for the fact that somepony could have been hurt, she never would have been punished in the first place. Our show will be perfectly safe from her."
Feeling less than convinced, Vinyl decided to not judge the filly before they'd even met and finished off her coffee. "Alright, but I reserve the right to punt her clear across Canterlot if she turns out to be a snobby brat. You know I can't stand ponies who think they're better than everyone else just because they have a title. It makes it harder for those of us who actually are better than everyone else," she said with a wicked grin.
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( . .)
*(")(")
Twilight felt like she was walking on a cloud. She kept looking at her hand, as if unable to believe it was still there. If she concentrated, she could almost imagine the feel of that beautiful mare's fingers massaging her own with gentle care. A goofy smile spread across her face as she thought of the lovely mare's slim fingers working out all the tension, the silky feel of her coat as she worked, even the curious melange of odors wafting from her; some odd combination of sunflower perfume, camphor oil, aloe, and her own unique sweat smell. All of it combined to form a bouquet that was intoxicating to the filly.
Sighing contentedly, she picked up her quill again and resumed her essay for history class. She had found that if she paced herself carefully, she could make her homework stretch throughout the day instead of finishing it all within a half hour of walking through her apartment door. She needed something to take her mind off of the creeping boredom which threatened to drive her insane. Unable to withstand the silence accented only by the ticking clocks, she had let them all wind down until they went still, instead, filling the quiet with violin practice. While it did fill the emptiness, and had the added benefit of improving her fingering, there was only so much practicing she could stand, not to mention the other side effects from which she was suffering.
Being prone to violent outbursts, Kaiser Platinus soon alienated the other landholders in Griffonia with his all-too common harangues and belittling of his supposed allies within the nation. He- Twilight rubbed her eyes and stifled a yawn that threatened to split her head in two at the mouth. Setting down the quill once more, she looked out the window at the moon, judging the time by its position. "Two o'clock, already?" she asked the empty room. "I suppose I'd better get ready for bed. This will be the final weekend for my punishment, and The Princess said it was going to be something special."
This was another habit she had gotten into since silencing the clocks. Talking aloud to herself seemed to fill some of the space, and despite Spike giving her weird looks, she found herself unable to stop. Stifling another yawn, she wandered over to the kitchen and pulled a spoon from a drawer and a jar from the pantry. She dipped the utensil into the jar and pulled out a heaping spoonful of peanut butter and began to nibble on it. Replacing the jar, she stood in front of the kitchen window and looked out over the sleeping town of Canterlot. Few were still up, mostly guards patrolling the streets and lamplighters on their rounds, making certain that the lamps were all still lit.
"I wonder if she's still up. She doesn't strike me as a night owl, but nor does she seem like a morning pony." Unlatching the glass door leading to the balcony, she stepped out into the chilly night air and stared up at the stars. She knew it was just a trick of light; nothing more than minute particles of dust eclipsing them as they passed before her eyes, but Twilight couldn't help but think that two very close stars in the Aquila constellation seemed to be twinkling in counterpoint to one another. "I wonder if she's looking up at the stars right now. I bet that right at this exact moment, she looking up at those two stars and wondering if there's someone out there wishing they were as close to her as those two stars appear to be." Finishing off the peanut butter, she gave the stars one last glance before heading inside. "Good night, Octavia."
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( . .)
*(")(")
The silence of Vinyl's darkened apartment was broken by the muffled CLICK CLICK CLICK of hoofsteps making their way to the kitchen, and the dark was temporarily spoiled by the opening of the refrigerator. Octavia pulled out a jug of milk, giving it an experimental sniff before pouring some into a glass she had placed on the counter. After replacing the jug in the fridge, she boldly walked out onto the apartment's third story balcony despite wearing only a see-through negligee, and the late season's cold weather.
The mare took a long drink from the glass and sighed tiredly as she looked out over Canterlot. Worry creased her brow, and a sudden breeze sent a chill up her spine, causing her to wrap her free arm around her midsection in order to hold her flimsy nightgown closed. I should not have raised my voice at her, but she is wasting her potential. Is it really so bad to want to earn a lot of money doing what you love?
Octavia tried to shake off the gloomy thoughts with a physical shake of her head, but like clinging spiderwebs, they were more persistent than that. She heard the approach of another pony, but other than the flicker of an ear, she gave no indication that she was aware. She stiffened a little as feminine arms encircled her waist and a head nuzzled into her shoulder blade. "Are we really cool?" Vinyl asked into the gray coat.
There was a long moment of silence as Octavia tried to rein in her wild emotions. "What makes you think that we are not?" she asked in a carefully modulated tone, not turning to look at her.
"Because you only get up in the middle of the night like this when you're upset; usually at me," Vinyl replied, feeling a tiny niggle of worry strangle her heart.
"I just-"
"Worry about me; I know," the deejay finished for her. "But really, Babe, I got this. You move in a different music scene than I do. You don't hear the horror stories about the Top Record label. They're infamous for screwing over their talent while keeping them trapped with contracts requiring ridiculous terms. If I had signed that fat roadapple eater's contract, I wouldn't have lasted a year before I twisted someone's head off their neck."
Resting her free hand on top of Vinyl's, Octavia half twisted to catch a glimpse of her and said, "But could you not have just signed for a four-month contract? Something- anything to get your hoof in the door? Not many record labels are signing professional deejays, you know. They would have made for a good leaping off point to a better label."
Vinyl sighed and mentally shook her head at her fillyfriend's stubborn reluctance to let the matter go. "No, Babe. They really wouldn't. I don't expect you to know it, being in the rarefied air of classical music, but down in the musical slums of the clubs, there's a scent on the air. Something new is coming, and I intend to be at the forefront of it, but I can't do that tied to a sinking ship like Top Records." She kissed the nearly naked shoulder and added, "Please trust me, Octy. I know what I'm doing. And if I do go down in flames, I won't even begrudge you an 'I told you so' when all is said and done. Deal?"
Octavia set her glass down on the balcony rail and turned around fully to embrace the smaller unicorn. "I would rather see you successful than be able to tell you that. I am not that much into schadenfreude." They kissed then, ignoring the bitter flavor their tears added to it. They pulled apart and Octavia smiled sadly down at her. "Best get back to bed; we have an early start tomorrow and a lot to do. I shall rejoin you as soon as I finish my milk."
Vinyl hugged her again, burying her face in the earth pony's large breasts. "I don't want this to be what comes between us, Babe."
Gently petting the electric blue mane, Octavia smiled down at her. "It will not be; I promise." Looking her her shoulder at the night sky, her eyes sought out and found one of the few constellations she knew by heart. With practiced eyes, she followed the imaginary lines until they came across the familiar two stars that always seemed to twinkle in tandem. "You have my word, Vinyl." |
Amore Obbligato | Chapter 7: Ballabile | AMORE OBBLIGATO
Chapter 7: Ballabile
Stifling another yawn, Twilight continued walking through the early morning fog, stopping occasionally to sip from her cup of hot cocoa, which while warming her up, was doing nothing to dispel the sleepiness that was tempting her to find the nearest bench to take a quick nap. It was so early, and the fog so thick, that she could barely see three trots in front of her, but she knew the way to the university library by heart, having gone there so many times for research, so she was in no danger of losing her way. The only concession she made to common sense was a simple light spell to keep her from tripping over anything or having others run into her in the deep fog.
"Unusual to have fog this thick at this altitude. I have to wonder what the weather team is thinking." Her words were quickly and eerily swallowed up by the morning mist, and the unicorn felt a stab of unease before her rational mind reminded her that this was Canterlot, and it was highly unlikely that monsters were hiding in the fog, waiting to pounce. However, she couldn't help but feel a little vulnerable, and so started humming a Beet Oven song to herself to ease her unreasonable fear.
She was walking slowly so as to not trip, the clicking of her hooves against the sidewalk the only sound to be heard in the oddly quiet city... that is, until she heard a scuttling sound to her left. Freezing in place, she looked in that direction, but with fog this dense, it was impossible to make anything out. In a small voice, she tentatively called out, "H- hello? Is anypony there?"
Silence was the only reply.
Swallowing hard, the filly started moving again, this time trying hard to make out any shape from the mist. She only made it a few steps before she noticed that another pair of hooves were matching her own. Twilight stopped and looked around frantically, trying to find the source, but the same eerie gray mist met her piercing gaze. Hesitantly, she took another step, and the unmistakable sound of a second hoof echoed hers. Once more looking around, Twilight could not discern the location of the sound, but she knew that it wasn't an echo; it sounded like it came from a larger pony, one with metal shoes rather than the usual rubber sole shoes most ponies wore these days.
As she was about to take another step, the sound of those other hooves started up again, and though she could not tell the direction from which they came, she could tell that they were getting closer. In a blind panic now, Twilight started running, and though the sound of the other hooves never sped up, they continued getting louder and louder, and louder, until-
Twilight ran headfirst into an unmovable fleshy wall, causing her to bounce back and fall on her butt. Looking up, she was relieved to see Princess Celestia looming over her. She was so relieved that she failed to notice the stern look on her face. "Princess! I'm so glad to see you! I- I think someone's been following me, and I-"
"What do you think you're doing, Twilight?" Her harsh tone snapped Twilight's attention to her face, which was not pleased at all. In fact, it was very much the antithesis of pleased, with more than a little disappointment thrown in for good measure.
"I- I- Whuh... Princess?"
"Do you have any idea what you've done, Twilight? The consequences?" Celestia's expression did not let up, and instead actually turned into a scowl at the unicorn's continued stammering. With a wave of her arm, some of the fog dissipated to reveal gravestones next to the sidewalk; gravestones with the names of all her classmates written on them. "Well? Don't you have anything to say?"
Horror filled Twilight's chest as she read each of the names presented to her. She looked back up to Celestia and stammered, "I- but... P-Princess, I didn't... I-"
"Don't you think that they at least deserve an answer?" Celestia asked, pointing to two more gravestones bearing the names Twilight Velvet and Night Light.
Tears were now filling Twilight's eyes, but they could not cloud the sight of those gravestones one whit. She was so stricken, that the only sound she could make was a sick little groan in the back of her throat. Suddenly, the grass in front of the stones began to move, as if something was pushing up from below. Twilight tried to back away, but ran into Celestia. She looked up to ask her mentor for help, but could not say anything as the look of disgust on the alicorn's face froze her heart.
Celestia pushed her forwards, towards the gravestones and away from her body, the look of distaste clearly evident. "It's high time you faced the consequences for your actions, Twilight. I can no longer shield you from them."
"B- b- but, Princess, I- EEEEK!" She shrieked as she felt a cold, slimy hand grab her ankle. Looking down, she saw the rotting corpse of her mother reaching up at her with her other hand, an expression of hungry desperation plain upon her decaying features. Worms and bugs crawled in and out of the holes in her flesh, and one eye hung loosely from the optic nerve. However, she was only a pony from the waist up; below that, she appeared to have a dried up and dead potted plant for her lower half.
"Twuuuuhhh-luuuhhh..." the corpse moaned. Using her arms, she dragged herself across the dewy grass and started up the filly's legs. "Yuuurrr... faaauuulll...
Unbalanced, Twilight fell back on her rump again and tried to crawl away, but her mother's remains were far too strong and heavy. A shuffling sound to her right got her attention and she turned to find the mostly headless corpse of Honeyed Words shambling towards her. The lower jaw and tongue were still attached in some sort of macabre sense of irony, allowing her to slur out all the insults she used to have for her in school. "Nuuurrr... Geeek... 'Raaaiiinnn... Eeegg-heeeaaa..."
"PRINCESS, HELP ME!" Twilight shouted as more and more zombies ambled out of the fog, each one a horrific vision of somepony she knew; all of them gruesomely wounded by her careless actions or out-of-control magic. She looked up to see Celestia's flesh bubble and char as it sloughed off her body as if being burned away.
Celestia leaned over and said, "Time you pay for your crimes, you foal!"
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( . .)
*(")(")
Twilight awoke with a start as she hit the floor, her head cracking smartly against the carpet-covered flagstones. She tried to sit up and grab her head, but found her arms and legs restrained. It took a moment for the pain to pass enough to allow her vision to clear, letting her see that she was merely tangled up in her blanket, and not being held down by the putrefying hands of ponies she's known.
Her bedroom door opened, and Spike walked in, blearily rubbing his eyes. He took one look at her lying on the floor and said, "Again with the nightmares, Twi? Why don't you just go see the princess about them? Even if she doesn't have a spell to stop them, maybe talking to her about them will help."
Rolling to her belly, Twilight was able to get to her hands and knees, freeing herself from the blanket. She sat back on her hooves and looked around at the pre-dawn lit room in order to avoid the poor dragon's tired and annoyed gaze. "I already told you, Spike. I'm sure the nightmares will stop eventually like they did in the past. I just have to... be patient. While I can consciously acknowledge that everything is fine, my subconscious just has to come around to that fact. In the meantime, I will not bother The Princess with something as minor as a silly little bad dream. I can endure this, and I will not have her looking at me like I'm still just a little filly who needs a story and a glass of warm milk to sleep at night."
Spike grumbled and turned to leave, mumbling, "Yeah, and in the meantime, my sleep gets disturbed by your screams and flailing around in bed."
"What was that?"
"Nothing!" Spike called exasperatedly out as he closed her door.
In fact, Twilight had heard him clearly, but felt too guilty about disturbing his rest to make an issue of it. With a tired sigh, she looked out the window to see that dawn was but a scant quarter-hour away. "Too early to get up, too late to go back to sleep. Great. I guess I can just take a nice, long hot shower; take my time getting ready."
Heading over to the bathroom, Twilight almost bumped into the wall as she yawned so wide, her head almost split in two. She walked in to the smallest room and out of habit, picked up the checklist she had left there the night before, ticking off things as she did them. Toilet, brushing her teeth, weighing herself, measuring her height, casting a standardized spell to measure her arcane growth, all of it marked off of the list.
As she stepped into the shower, she thought about all the things she would have to do today, beginning with her second-to-last day of community service. I wonder what The Princess arranged for me? She said yesterday that it was something special, but would give me no other hints; just the address to the amphitheater. I hope it's not cleaning out all the toilets or something nasty... though I would deserve it.
She shampooed her mane and tail, carefully running her fingers through them to get out any tangles. Though she still had a leaden feeling in her chest whenever she thought about what she did, it wasn't as heavy today; which gave her hope that maybe she was finally starting to forgive herself. The worst part was the betrayal she was sure that Celestia felt at not being trusted to help with her problem, but that just made her resolve to never let it happen again. The very thought of The Princess not feeling like she could trust the unicorn was about the worst feeling Twilight could imagine.
Rinsing herself off, the filly stood under the spray of hot water, trying to think of a way to make up to Celestia for her misdeed, but the best she could come up with was an apology and making a new spell just for her, but The Princess had already told her that she would only accept up to three apologies per mistake, and she had maxed out that limit two minutes into her explanation of what happened in the infirmary. I guess that just leaves a new spell, then. Now, what kind of spell can I make that says "I'll never betray your trust again"?
She thought about it for a few minutes, until the water started turning chill, and she squeaked the faucet off. With a tired sigh, she wrung out the water from her mane and tail, before giving her whole body a vigorous shake to work out the excess water from her coat. "I can't wait until I'm as grown up as The Princess so I always know just the right things to do and say. At least then, I could minimize the mistakes made by me."
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( . .)
*(")(")
Octavia stood on the stage, clipboard in hand as she directed ponies with the proper stage setup. "No, Milquetoast, three trots to the right. The booth must be center stage on the dais; We are trying to showcase the fusion of both sounds, not set one above the other."
"Octavia, I'm going to run through the lights in sequence to see which need changing," came a female voice over the walkie-talkies the amphitheater operator had given her and several students.
Hopping down to walk out into the audience seating, she took the walkie-talkie off of her waistband and spoke into it. "Go ahead. Wait for my okay after each light like we practiced, Spotlight."
"Understood. House lights, check." Floodlights mounted on poles came to life along the sides of the outdoor audience bench seating and would have inundated them with light, had the morning not been well underway, making them moot for the moment.
Holding down the button and ignoring the brief hiss of static as she opened the channel, Octavia spoke into the walkie-talkie, "House lights, check. Move on to the stage flood lights."
A voice clearing itself politely behind her caused the earth pony to turn just as Spotlight's voice came over the radio, "Flood A-1, check."
Octavia quickly turned back to confirm the light was in working order before saying over the radio, "Flood A-1, check. Hold on the rest a moment." She turned once more to the pony behind her and saw a strapping young stallion whose shirt could barely contain his muscles. "Yes, can I help you, sir?"
The stallion jerked a thumb over his shoulder in a gesture that threatened to shred the already stressed sleeves of his t-shirt. "The speaker towers are here, are you ready for them?"
Glancing back at the stage, Octavia groaned as she saw that her classmate Milquetoast has only managed to move the dais a few centitrots towards the center where it needed to be for the performance. With a groan, she replied, "Yes, just start setting up from the outside, in, if you could, while we get the dais and deejay booth in place, please."
She didn't even bother to wait for his reply and instead started towards the stage again. Mounting the stage in a single leap despite the confining pencil skirt she wore, she walked up to Milquetoast and handed him the walkie-talkie. "Here. Go out into the audience and perform the light check. I shall handle the dais." Suddenly remembering something, she pulled the radio back and spoke into it again. "Spotlight, if you could, stop making out with your coltfriend and send him out here to help with the stage setup like he was supposed to be doing."
There was a pause, and then an out-of-breath Spotlight answered, "We weren't making out; honest!"
Octavia rolled her eyes and replied, "Just send him out here to do what he promised, or I shall tell Mr. Stage Left to not give him the extra credit in drama class he requested for this work." She handed the radio back to her diminutive classmate and said, "Go ahead and do the light check, and next time, do not let them walk all over you like that; it is bad for the orchestra's image to let the volunteer help do that."
While Milquetoast walked out to the stands, a burly pegasus almost-stallion joined her on the stage, looking very sheepish. "Sorry, Octavia. I kinda got... distracted."
"Never let it be said that I do not make allowances for relationships, Callback, but there is a time and place for all things," she replied. Gesturing toward the dais, she said, "Now let us get this into position so that they can set up the speakers. I want this done before my assistant arrives so I can coordinate with her."
Callback put his hands on the heavy dais, and with Octavia's help, easily slid it across the stage. "Yeah, I can imagine the kind of 'coordinating' you want to do with her," he said with a lecherous grin.
Octavia rolled her eyes. "Does everypony I know only think with their reproductive organs? For your information, you are wrong on two counts. First of all, I am not thinking of that kind of coordinating, and secondly, my assistant is not of whom you are thinking."
The dais in place, they went over to the DJ booth and standing on either side of it, lifted and crab-walked it over to the dais and easily placed it on top. "Oh? So you and Vinyl broke up?"
Sighing, Octavia replied, "There you go again, thinking with the wrong head. Just because I wanted someone organized as an assistant, does not mean that Vinyl and I are no longer together, but more importantly, whom I see is no one's business but my own; even my mother knows this."
With a grunt, they gently set the booth down, sending a quiet BOOM throughout the amphitheater. Callback held up his hands in a gesture of placation. "Okay, okay, I get it; mind my own beeswax."
"Um, excuse me, I was told to report here for- Octavia?"
The young mare in question turned around to find Twilight standing before her, looking shocked. "Excellent timing, Twilight. I was getting desperate for intelligent conversation," she said, throwing a grin and a wink at Callback, who smiled and shook his head in bemusement.
Twilight still hadn't gotten over her shock and stammered, "I didn't know I was being sent to help you." The almost reverent way Twilight said, "you" caused Callback to cock an eyebrow, but he remained silent.
Octavia slid an arm around the filly's shoulders, guiding her backstage. "Once The Princess told me how good you are at technical matters, and knowing how organized you are, I knew I had to have your help for this production. How good are you at reading wiring layout diagrams for electrical equipment?"
Overwhelmed by the casualness of the situation, Twilight stammered, "Uh, um, I can read wiring diagrams if that's what you mean."
They stepped around stage equipment as they navigated through the darkly-painted area behind the scenes. "Fantastic. These drawings should not be that complex since you will not be building them, just plugging in the appropriate wires into the necessary outlets and equipment. Fear not, the wires will be marked with the symbols needed, so it should make sense... I hope."
Twilight was about to ask what she meant by that when the older filly gestured to three large, black and silver crates on wheels with luggage locks. "Here is the equipment you shall be setting up. The wires are in the big case, along with the diagram. Sort through those first before anything else; you shall likely need the time to do so. Do not start with the other boxes until the owner arrives." She gave her a friendly slap on the back as she started off again. "I shall leave you to it, then. If you have a problem, come see me out onstage. Good luck!"
Before Twilight could utter another word, Octavia was gone, leaving the filly standing before the suddenly very ominous boxes. Swallowing hard and taking a deep breath, she cautiously approached the designated "wiring box" and with delicate care, flipped open the luggage latches. As expected, the lid opened as if under pressure, sending tangled, black wires everywhere, burying the poor unicorn. Twilight sat up and looked at the end plug of a wire, noting that it bore a tag with a pictogram of a steaming bowl of noodles. What have I gotten myself into?
(\ /)
( . .)
*(")(")
Vinyl strutted onto the scene, sipping from a steaming, disposable cup of double mocha espresso garnished with dark chocolate powder and crushed coffee beans, a similar cup of jasmine tea held in the other hand. Though her eyes were well hidden behind the oversized sunglasses, if one looked closely enough, they could detect the dark circles which surrounded those same eyes and slipped past the glasses. Those same ponies might be able to detect that her strut, while suitably full of swagger, was just a bit slower than what she usually strutted out in public. They might even note that she used the wing stairs to mount the stage, rather than simply leap up to it as she might also normally do.
However, there was no mistaking the happy smile on her face as she walked up to Octavia and slipped the cup of tea in her hand while grabbing a kiss from her. "How's it goin', Babe?"
Octavia licked her lips and grimaced. "How can you drink that... beverage? It is practically pure caffeine!"
"Hey, you want me up this early on a Satyrday, you better offer me mind-blowing sex or caffeine," she retorted with a shrug. She looked around curiously before saying, "I see that the amphitheater is still standing, and there's no fires. I take it then, that the littlest felon is working out well?"
Octavia groaned and crossed her arms under her impressive breasts. "I really wish you would give her a chance before passing judgment on her. Twilight is a very well-behaved filly, and an excellent example of what a young lady should be, unlike some mares I could name, who spend all night partying and underage drinking."
With a grin, Vinyl replied, "Remind me again, just who was slapped with community service?"
The cellist had no comeback for that one, and instead, decided to appeal to her in a way that she could understand.. "Just... do not call her names like that. As her tutor, it reflects poorly on me as well, and my reputation will suffer as a result."
Vinyl held up her hands in defeat. "Alright, alright, I'll stop with the criminale nicknames." As she lifted her cup to her lips to take another sip, she muttered, "Doesn't mean I'll stop with all the nicknames, though." She looked around the stage again, taking note of the enormous tower speakers as tall as three ponies standing on one another's shoulders and nodded her approval. "Nnniiiccce... I wish I had these babies in the clubs I perform in. I bet when I drop the bass it'll sound like I'm dropping a bomb."
"Yes, I believe these will be adequate to your needs," Octavia agreed, taking in the monolithic structures.
"Adequate?" Vinyl replied, shocked. "My Dear, you are the undisputed master of the understatement. We are going to knock their fillings loose tonight."
Octavia made a shooing gesture at her. "Yes, yes, very nice. Now go unpack your gear before I have Twilight do it for you. She has almost finished setting up the wiring and-"
At that moment, Twilight walked from backstage, covered in dust and grime and dropped out of sight under the deejay booth. "Speak of the nightmare. There is your assistant," Octavia said. She gave the unicorn a gentle push and added, "Now, go play nice with her; I still have too much to do, and too little time in which to do it."
Vinyl grinned at her as she walked backwards toward the booth. "Hey, it's me!"
"That is precisely what worries me," the cellist said under her breath.
Walking around the booth on the dais, Vinyl was surprised when a young voice emerged from behind it. "Mind your step, please. I have these wires precisely laid out, and I am told that their owner is very particular about their layout."
Vinyl hopped up on the dais and leaned over the booth, looking down at the filly upside down. "Would you perhaps say that she's a hard ass about it?"
Twilight looked up at the unicorn above her and shrugged. "I wouldn't for several reasons."
"And those would be?"
Finally getting the wire stuffed under the rubber raceway and leaving enough slack to run up to the booth's work surface, Twilight looked up for the first time. "First of all, I don't know her; I only know that she is very particular about this aspect of her work, despite being an utter slob when it comes to storing the cables. Secondly, while I cannot condone how she treats her equipment in storage, I can sympathize with her desire for it to be treated in a particular manner, even, no especially by others. Thirdly, she has a system for this, which is something I can respect. Fourthly, when one is in charge, they have the right to be particular."
To say that Vinyl was surprised would be a gross mischaracterization; more so that the surprise was a pleasant one. Her smile evolved into a grin and she offered a hand to the filly. "Name's Vinyl. I happen to be the utter slob who owns that equipment."
Shaking the offered hand, Twilight replied, "Twilight Sparkle. I'll be assisting you and Octavia today and tomorrow."
Still holding the hand, Vinyl hopped over the booth and helped the filly to her hooves. "I like your 'tude, kid. You don't back down, even after learning you just insulted the pony who can make your punishment worse. Come on, I'll show you how to work a turntable; maybe offset some of that snooty violin learning Octy's stuffed into your noggin."
As she was dragged backstage, Twilight muttered under her breath, "Octy?"
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( . .)
*(")(")
Twilight was fascinated. After helping to set up the equipment in the deejay booth and learning what the symbols on the wire tags meant, Vinyl showed her how she mixed and created her music on the fly. The smaller filly watched with rapt attention as a familiar song was twisted into something new and different. When the song was over, she asked, "Don't the artists get mad at you for changing their songs?"
Vinyl shrugged as she fiddled with the controls of her main mixing board. "Enh. Some do, but most are just happy to know that their song inspired somepony to do something fresh with it. Most understand that up and coming talent needs to start somewhere, and like they say, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Some though... Some never go through all this; never suffer for their art, have to scrape a living from working clubs, never blow out their hearing from standing next to speakers blaring out music at a hundred-twenty Doseybells for hours on end. Either that, or they forget."
Her attention solely on the distortion knob with which she was playing, Twilight replied, "Maybe some are just scared of losing their success because somepony did something with their music that they never thought of, and became bigger than them. Scared of being forgotten."
The deejay considered this for a moment. "You know, I think you may have a point. Success is a fickle thing, especially in the music industry. What's burning up the charts one day, can be cast aside faster than you can say, 'where's my fifteen minutes?'" She sighed and took the record from the turntable. "It's a musician's greatest fear; becoming old hat before you even have a chance to make a name for yourself. I can see how someone could be afraid of another pony capitalizing on their hard work and becoming more successful with it." She then smiled and shifted emotional gears so fast, you could almost hear her mental clutch grinding. "But that's a concern for the future! You have to rule your fears-"
"Or they'll rule you," Twilight finished for her. She smiled as she added, "Page twenty-one of Proverbs from a Platinum Princess."
Vinyl returned her smile and ruffled her mane. "Alright, smartypants. You seem how I mix my kind of music, let's see what you can do with it."
Selecting a disk from the milk crate of records, Twilight placed it on the turntable and fiddled with some distortion and preset knobs before setting down the needle. As she worked the soundboard, twisting this, turning that, and fiddling with the other, she came up with something that had the deejay nodding her head in approval. Just as the filly was really settling into her groove, Vinyl carefully and expertly pulled the needle away without scratching the record. "Not bad, Sport; not bad at all. But, I need to see the lighting director about the visual part of the show."
Twilight's eyes shone with excitement. "May I come as well? I have some ideas based on what I saw of the song lineup. I'll need to see what equipment we have in order to make sure that they're even feasible, or if I'll have to cast some light spells and illusions."
Vinyl clapped her hard on the back. "I knew I liked you for a good reason, kid. Let's go see a pony about some lights."
As she lead the filly away, Octavia watched the two of them with a smile. I knew they would get along famously if she just gave her a chance. Though she was indeed very happy that they had become friendly with one another, if not friends, she still could not help but feel a stab of worry for her fillyfriend and her future- their future together.
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( . .)
*(")(")
There was a definite tang of anxiety in the air as the musicians put the finishing touches on their clothes and a last bit of polish on their instruments. Stagehands bustled back and forth in such a hurry that they would have caused several collisions, had they not been so practiced at this organized chaos. Everyone deftly dodged each other as well as more static obstacles such as cords laying on the ground, the odd crate or unattended musical instrument. Light and sound ponies were performing their final checks while ushers patrolled the audience seating area, looking for any trash that may have blown into the open amphitheater since they had last performed this check an hour ago.
Through it all, Octavia stood on one of Vinyl's empty equipment crates, directing everyone and solving those minor crises which always seemed to arise at the last minute before the curtain rose. "No, Milquetoast, I do not care what she said, you will not stand beside her with a fan and bowl of peeled grapes throughout the performance! Now go tend to your instrument. If it is not properly tuned before curtain call, I will make sure that you and Prima Donna do not receive the extra credit for this performance!" Looking over to an out of the way spot where several ponies lounged and leered at several mares who were putting the final touches to their evening wear, She shouted, "You four!Go do your jobs! If you are done with those, then go help the ushers! MOVE!" Her roar sent the skivers running for the relative safety of the audience seating, but not before two of them tripped over each other in their haste.
"Octy!"
Looking down, the cellist saw Vinyl, who was dressed in her best club gear, which consisted of a black, felt jacket which under a blacklight, turned into a riot of colors and shapes that was simultaneously eye-catching and blinding, a black vinyl skirt, and a black tank top which contained a LED array which lit up in time with ambient music when turned on. All of this was accented with glowsticks and glow in the dark jewelry, and contrasted sharply with her stark white coat and electric blue mane and tail. By contrast, Octavia's red, sequined dress was a study in disparity to Vinyl's outrageous clothes, despite the scandalously long slit up one side that went so high, it was plain to anyone that if she was wearing panties, they would have to be a G-string. She glared down at the deejay from her perch and said, "What!"
Vinyl's horn lit up, and her sky blue magical aura surrounded the irate earth pony before taking her off of the crate and gently setting her down on the floor. "You're making everypony even more nervous than they already are with your barking orders like a diamond dog. Chill out while we all still have a nerve to jump on."
Octavia pinched the bridge of her nose and sighed. "Vinyl, I just- I- We'll talk about that later. Are you ready for your part?"
Pulling out Twilight, who had been hiding behind her, Vinyl replied, "I am, thanks to this little genius. I don't know where you found her, but I'm keeping her. She's given me more ideas for my shows today than I've had in the last six months." She hugged the filly from behind possessively, as if she would refuse to let her go home.
Octavia smiled and bent over at the waist to bring her eye level with the younger unicorn, unintentionally giving her a front row view of her generous cleavage. "I am glad to hear that. Thank you, Twilight. I knew I could rely on you to help make this show a success." She leaned forward, and planted a friendly kiss on her cheek.
Twilight felt her whole body heat up as she blushed. She tried to say something clever, or at least something that wouldn't make her look like a fool, but all the came out was indistinct mumbling.
Straightening up again, Octavia said, "I am ecstatic that you two are bonding, but she does have a home already. You shall have to take it up with her parents if you wish to 'keep her', as it were. In the meantime, we have a show to put on, and Twilight needs to take her place in the control booth. The additions she has made to the visual aspect of the show will require her presence there."
"Sheesh, Octy. Could you possibly sound any stuffier?" Vinyl asked, rolling her eyes. She looked down at Twilight who was still trapped in her embrace and said, "We know what we're doing, right, Twi?" Getting only another mumble in reply, she smiled at her. "See? Now get to your post, soldier! We're on in fifteen!"
Still blushing from the kiss as well as seeing Octavia in the stunning dress, Twilight wasted no time in running off to the control booth. Octavia arched an eyebrow at her fillyfriend. "You realize that if you have turned her away from learning the violin, I shall have some rather strong words for you."
Vinyl looked down at her watch and said, "Well, would you look at the time! I better go do a final sound check. See yah!" She then turned tail and ran to get away from the cellist's deadly glare.
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( . .)
*(")(")
Fancy Pants looked out at the audience from his seat and smiled. "I say, father. It was worth donating to these concerts, just to see the looks of excitement on these children's faces."
Nodding at his son, Posh Fabric replied, "Indeed. From what I've heard, this... disk jockey is quite popular amongst the clubs. If anypony can show these young folk that there's more to classical music than stuffy old ponies wearing smoking jackets discussing the finer points of a good golf swing, it is she."
A flash of pink mane in the audience caught Fancy Pants' attention, and he couldn't help but stare at a lovely unicorn filly on the cusp of blooming into full marehood. Posh Fabric noticed this and leaned over to whisper into his ear, "Of course, if one can manage to make some connections, then any function could be said to be a success." Nudging him with an elbow, he added, "Go on, son. I'll be here until the end of the concert."
With a slight blush, Fancy Pants got up and walked over to the filly, who was sitting amongst her friends. Posh Fabric turned back to the stage. Ah, to be that young again...
Just then, the house lights dimmed, and the curtain opened to reveal the orchestra already in their seats, an unusual occurrence. The circumstance was even odder, as the stage was only dimly lit, affording only a silhouette view of the performers at best. Behind the orchestra stood the largest speakers anypony in the audience had ever seen, and in the middle stood the deejay booth, festooned with glowsticks which glowed their neon colors. Smoke filled the stage, and the assembled concertgoers grew silent in anticipation.
As the first beats of the music started up, laser beams of all colors sprouted from the booth and out into the audience, blinking on and off in time to the music, as if the music was plucked of the beams. By the time the string instruments started in, most of the gathering was on their hooves, loudly cheering.
The blacklights turned on, flooding the stage with eerie, ghost-like apparitions of ponies playing their instruments, all led by the deejay in the center, who worked her turntables like a mare possessed. The smoke moved out into the audience, dispersed enough to see through, but cohesive enough to become a screen onto which the lasers projected vague images of dancing ponies. The younger members of the crowd seemed to take this as a signal to dance, themselves.
Some of the adults in the audience were affronted by this display of youthful frivolity, but Posh seemed more pleased than ever. While he was smart enough to realize that he was far too old and out of shape to join them, he was both amused by their antics and pleased that he had helped to bring this small bit of joy to them.
By the end of the two hour concert, every pony present (the disapproving and haughty elite had long since abandoned the field) was exhausted, but more than pleased with the evening's events. While the crowd filed out of the amphitheater, the performers gathered backstage, sweaty, but all smiles.
Posh Walked up to Octavia and Vinyl and bowed to them both. "A splendid performance! I daresay that if you all are willing, I'd like to sponsor many more of these concerts in the future. What say you?"
Both fillies grinned wide, but Octavia was the only one to return the bow; Vinyl simply grabbed his hand and pumped it vigorously. "You got it, pal!" she happily exclaimed.
"What my friend here means to say, is that we would be more than happy to finish out the concert season," Octavia said, bumping hips with the eager unicorn, causing her to drop the hand. "Once the new school year starts next year, we will both have graduated and moved on to higher education."
Clapping his hands together excitedly, Posh replied, "Well then, I better make use of your services while I can. I'll have my major domo get in contact with you to hammer out the details. Until then, I bid you ladies good night." He bowed to them once more before taking his leave.
Vinyl jumped atop a crate and shouted, "Did you all hear that? We're booked for the rest of the school year!" Cheers and whistles greeted her statement as she jumped down again and straight into Octavia's arms. The two kissed, ignoring the catcalls from the gathered ponies, still riding the high from an outstanding and successful performance.
Unseen by anyone else, a teary-eyed Twilight Sparkle ran from the backstage and out the amphitheater. |
Amore Obbligato | Chapter 8: Acciaccato | AMORE OBBLIGATO
Chapter 8: Acciaccato
The garden in the palace courtyard was always peaceful, but at night, it took on an almost ethereal quality. With the noisome birds chirping replaced with the much quieter chirping of crickets, frogs and other night creatures, it was certainly more soothing on the ears. The cooling night air created a small bank of fog that slowly spread from the pond in the center after a long, warm day, which was lit from above by the ghostly moon as it slowly traced its path across the night sky.
Celestia gazed up at the heavenly body, the sharp pain in her chest, having long since turned into a dull ache whenever she thought about her sister trapped there, which averaged to around only a few dozen times a day, rather than constantly. She sat on the carved, stone bench, letting the chill mist collect on her coat, heedless of the effect it was having on her silk dress. Besides, the chill her physical form felt was as nothing compared to the chill she felt in her heart. A stray lock of her rainbow-hued mane crossed her field of vision, temporarily blocking her view of her sister's prison, and as she brushed it out of the way with a delicate hand, her preternaturally sharp hearing perked at the distinct PLOP sound of a small stone dropping into the pond on the opposite shore.
Who could that be? The guards and the gardeners both know better than to do that, so that only really leaves... Rising to her hooves, she gave a single flap of her enormous wings, and hopped over the twenty hoof wide pond, landing on the shore where the noise originated. She knew she shouldn't be, but the alicorn was surprised to find no one there. Looking down, she noticed a patch of grass that had been tamped down and clear of dew as if someone had been recently sitting there, and a small patch of bare earth where a stone might have once been. Raising her glance to the bushes, she noted one that was also devoid of dew. Looking directly at it, she calmly said, "Come on out, Twilight. I know you're there."
A dirty, damp, and dejected unicorn filly slowly stood and walked out from behind the lilac bush, refusing to meet her gaze. "Sorry, Princess. I didn't mean to disturb you."
Celestia kneeled, then sat on the grass, heedless of the rising damp soaking into her dress, and of the grass that was no doubt staining the white silk, and patted the ground next to her, where Twilight had recently been sitting. "Come sit with me, Twilight. Tell me what's wrong."
Instead of doing as asked, Twilight looked away, towards the palace, where warmer rooms awaited. "I- i- it's alright, Princess. I've already disturbed you too much lately."
"What disturbs me," Celestia replied with a stern, but concerned voice, "is seeing my Faithful Student so disturbed. Come. I may not always be able to help, but I will always be here to listen to you. Sometimes, all you need is for somepony to hear about your problems in order to alleviate them," she said, patting the ground beside her once more.
Twilight bit her lower lip, debating whether or not to do as asked. In the end, the internal struggle was pointless, as she had always, and would always continue to do as her mentor asked. Using her hands to hold her skirt tight against her rear, she sat down in the grass with her knees up and her arms resting on them. She still refused to even look in Celestia's direction, even when the monarch brushed at her mane so that she could have an unrestricted view of her profile. They sat there in silence for several minutes until Twilight shattered the peace by asking, "Have you ever been in lo- er... you know.?"
"Love may be a four-letter word, but I don't object to its use in my presence," Celestia said, which brought a twitch of a smile to Twilight's face. After another moment of silence with no sign of a follow up, she asked, "I take it, something happened between you and a pony for whom you have strong feelings?"
With a shrug, Twilight answered, "I... I guess... It's not like I told her how I feel or anything, I just..." In a fit of frustration, the filly started banging her fists against her head with alarming force. "I'm so stupid! Of course she already has a fillyfriend! How could she not? She's so incredible, and I'm just a stupid, silly, little foal! What could she possibly see in me! Even her fillyfriend is an incredible musician!"
Celestia grabbed her wrists, but not before bruises had formed on Twilight's head and her palms cut up by her own nails. "Look at me, Twilight! LOOK AT ME!" She only used a small portion of the Royal Canterlot Voice, but it had the desired effect. "You are not silly, and you are certainly not stupid! You are a brilliant, sensitive filly, and it has been my pleasure and honor to be your mentor and friend."
Twilight sagged into Celestia's embrace, crying into her chest. "Why couldn't it have been me? Why did it have to turn out this way? It hurts so much; why does it have to hurt so much, Celestia?"
The alicorn cuddled the tiny filly. "I wish I could take away the pain, Twilight, but this is just one of the dangers of love. When you leave yourself open to the joys, it also exposes your sensitive heart to pain as well."
Twilight pushed herself away and ran a few steps before stopping. Without turning back, she wiped at her nose with her sleeve and quietly said, "If that's the price, then it's too high for me. I want nothing more to do with it."
Before Celestia could stand, the filly had already ran inside the palace, leaving the monarch alone in the suddenly chillier night air. "Oh, Twilight."
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( . .)
*(")(")
Spike knocked on the door before opening it. "Twi? Time to get up, or you'll be late for your last day of community service."
An exhausted and disheveled Twilight sat up, still dressed in the dirty clothes she wore yesterday, and with her mane sticking up everywhere, making her look like she had just had a good, long fancy-kiss with a light socket. Her expression was even more tired than one would usually see after a late night study session, and the dried tracks on her face and red, puffy eyes left little doubt what had kept her up late. Stifling a yawn, she said, "I'm up, Spike." The unicorn seriously considered playing sick, but that would just mean having to face The Princess again that much sooner. Still, I wonder what I'm going to do about O- Miss Octavia. I'm not entirely sure I can face her without bursting into tears, and that's the last thing she needs right now, a weepy foal getting underhoof mooning over her. I dunno, maybe I can get her to let me do something far away from her without making it seem like I hate her now.
Twilight trudged over to the bathroom, and almost gave a snort of laughter at the wreck that stared back at her from the mirror. Should I bother with a shower? I really don't feel like it, but... I suppose I'd better. Everything I do reflects on The Princess, and I don't want to bring her any more trouble than I already have. Besides, that rat's nest will be easier to tame wet than dry. That decided, she reluctantly brushed her teeth and got into the shower.
Showered and dressed, the filly quietly ate her breakfast with Spike, who was eying her curiously. I wonder what happened this time? She's already talked to The Princess about what Honeyed Words was doing, and got that sorted out. Maybe I should talk to The Princess again? Spike chewed thoughtfully on his breakfast, crushing the gems to a powder before swallowing. "So, how did the concert go last night? You just went to bed after getting home, and I'm curious."
"Fine."
Spike watched her push around her cold ceral with a spoon without actually eating any. "Fine, the concert went fine, or fine, you'll tell me, fine?"
"Went off without a hitch. Big success. Read the paper."
Her mood was beginning to creep out the little dragon, but he persisted in trying to draw her out of her funk. "So, should I get the usual five copies for scrapbooks, and one to keep on file?"
With a ear-shattering clatter, Twilight slammed her spoon into the bowl of uneaten food and stood, her chair falling over backwards. "Do what you want. I'm going."
The baby dragon flinched as she slammed the door shut, indicating her departure. He sat alone at the table, his stomach twisting into knots which turned the taste of his gems to ashes in his mouth. Tears streamed down his cheeks unbidden, watering down his half-full bowl of Ruby-Ohs.
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( . .)
*(")(")
I shouldn't have shouted at him. He didn't deserve that. Twilight smartly rapped her knuckles against her head, the pain doing nothing to ease the ache in her chest. What is wrong with me? First The Princess, now Spike? Who's next, Mom? Dad? Shiny? She walked out of the palace, not even acknowledging the guards who saluted her, much to their surprise. Twilight was unfailingly polite to them, and this was a first, causing them to glance at each other without turning their heads.
She fairly stalked down the street, head down, and her mind in her own little world. The one time she looked up, she saw a couple sitting on a bench and being annoyingly twee, feeding one another sips from the same cup of steaming coffee. The sight brought out so many emotions within her, she immediately looked down at the sidewalk so that she would not do something she would later regret.
Spotting a can laying on the sidewalk, Twilight felt all the anger rushing up at once. Her horn lit up, sending a surge of magical energy into her leg muscles, and she kicked the can, sending it flying over a three-story building and out of sight. She was even more annoyed with herself over losing her temper when the tiny bit of violence did nothing to alleviate the bed feelings building up within her. With a grumble, she turned the corner and continued her trip to the amphitheater.
Unbeknownst to her, the can landed in an alley, knocking over a trashcan, startling a cat. Spooked, the cat ran out into the street, darting in front of a rickshaw carriage. The earth pony pulling the carriage, not wanting to run over the poor beast, tried to stop, but unfortunately, the cobblestone street was still slick with the early morning dew. As he slid, one of his hooves slipped into a gap between two stones, causing him to pivot and swing the carriage around. Sadly, the carriage was not made for these types of maneuvers, and tipped over onto its side, sliding the rest of the way down the street to the middle of the intersection.
Luckily, everypony else was able to stop, preventing a multi-vehicle pileup... until a large wagon being pulled by a team of four earth ponies entered the picture. These four were experts at their trade, and even on a bad day, were able to stop on a bit with an empty wagon and give change. With a full wagon, there might be less change, but they were still very good at their job. Regrettably, this was not the most ideal of days. Not only was the road slick, the intersection was on the down slope of a steep hill, and Bale Lift, one of the four ponies, wasn't feeling his best, only just now recovering from a bad bout of pneumonia well enough to return to work. Even worse, their wagon was not empty, but filled (overfilled, really) with almost seventy barrels of Equestria's finest molasses. To their credit, Bale Lift and his compatriots did a remarkable job, but inertia was just not on their side this day.
"Clear the way! Runaway wagon!" Barge Tote shouted from his position at the front of the wagon. He, along with his three coworkers, dug their hooves in, but knew that it would a be a futile attempt, even as they tried to save their cargo. Ponies leaped out of their path, dragging along those who were either too stunned or unable to run, leaving the abandoned carriage in the middle of the intersection. The four stevedores knew that there wouldn't be time to safely turn their wagon, but stubbornness held them from deserting their cargo until the last moment, when all four leapt free of their harnesses, allowing it to collide with the carriage, with predictable results.
The much heavier wagon smashed the rickshaw to splinters, but not without sustaining damage of its own. The front wheels collapsed under the weight of the overloaded cargo and the stress fractures sustained from the collision. Being only secured with ropes (and in insufficient numbers at that), the nearly seventy barrels slipped loose, causing a cascade of Equestria's finest molasses to roll down the street. Some smashed into other obstacles, coating it and anything (or anyone) nearby in sweet, sticky syrup. Regrettably, most of the barrels made it past the obstacles, only to fetch up against Madam Poppy's Popcorn Emporium and Professor Carver's Peanut Palace (the two, being longtime rivals in the snack food industry), smashing through their huge picture windows, just as Twilight was walking past.
Despite her funk, Twilight's bully alert spell (really, just a repurposed proximity alarm spell) warned her of the incoming danger, and as she turned, she threw up an instinctive shield spell, which smashed the barrel in front of her, coating the shield with the dark syrup, while leaving her with only a few drops to mar her clothes and coat.
The rest of the barrels smashed through the two shops like the proverbial bull in a porcelain shop. Thick oak staves splintered, kettles of popcorn erupted, and tubs of peanuts exploded under the assault, sending contents of all three everywhere, coating both customers inside the stores, and the many pedestrians without. One such individual affected was Twilight Sparkle, who, though she was able to protect herself from the front, had neglected to erect a full-body shield, and was thus covered from the rear in a molasses/popcorn/peanut mixture.
It was about then that the birds showed up.
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( . .)
*(")(")
I don't believe it. I saw it with my own two eyes, and I still don't believe it. Despite having seen similar events in the past, Plain Sight was at a loss for words. It was all too fast for her to signal for help, but perhaps she could help mitigate some of the damage before it spread too far. She had her work cut out for her this time.
Ponies ran higgledy-piggledy through the streets, trying to avoid the flock of migrating swallows that had been on their way south for the winter which had stopped to rest in Canterlot as they did every autumn. The swallows were pleasantly surprised at the banquet laid out for them by the kind ponies, though they really wished that they had used a simpler distribution method than attaching the food to themselves, but then, who were they to complain? Free food, was free food, after all.
Plain Sight silently signaled to her subordinates to help calm the ponies while she tried to open a fire hydrant in order to wash off the molasses from them. Looking around, she spotted a carriage and kicked open the utility trunk. Inside, she found what she was looking for, and pulled out a star wrench. Walking back to the hydrant, she jammed it onto the nut with enough force to cold-weld them together. With a grunt, she turned the wrench, opening the hydrant, flooding the street with a geyser of water. Several ponies saw this, and eagerly ran to the torrent to wash off.
Unfortunately, this particular disaster wasn't quite through, as an enclosed wagon being hauled by a single pony turned down that same street with a downhill slope. In his defense, he did try to stop when he caught sight of the catastrophe, but the street, now being covered in molasses that was being washed away by the water from the hydrant, was far too slick, even for his regulation rubber shoes. When he tried to apply the brakes, he simply skidded sideways, crashing into a light pole, releasing his own precious cargo.
Headed to the zoo after being confined to quarantine for the requisite two weeks, cages of ring-tailed lemurs split open, allowing their occupants to run free. Having been forced to subsist for those two weeks on nothing but bland kibble and water, the lemurs immediately went for the peanuts and popcorn after the first whiff. Needless to say, the swallows weren't too happy about sharing their free meal, and made sure the lemurs knew that they were going to have to fight for every scrap.
Plain Sight looked down the street to see Twilight trying to help ponies, despite being dive-bombed by birds herself. Sadly, she was preoccupied helping an elderly mare to her hooves on the slippery sidewalk while defending them both from the swallows, and did not see the oncoming horde of hungry lemurs. The first one that leaped onto her leg caused her to let out a startled yelp. She looked down, and tried to shoo it away as it picked peanuts and popcorn off her sticky coat, so she was surprised again as the mare beside her screamed and hobbled away. Twilight looked up at her, then down the street and saw the troop of primates hopping her way just as they bowled her over, knocking her backwards into the popcorn emporium with a surprised yip.
With a groan, Plain Sight facepalmed. The paperwork today promised to be humongous.
(\ /)
( . .)
*(")(")
It was over two hours later when Twilight finally staggered through the amphitheater and up to Octavia, who was directing ponies again from the audience seating area. "Sorry I'm late," she mumbled before collapsing onto the hard, cement bench.
Octavia turned, relief apparent on her face. "There you are! I was getting worried- Light! What happened to you?"
Twilight knew that she looked a fright. Her clothes were still damp in places and disheveled, her mane and tail looked more like a rat's nest than their usually carefully groomed selves, and she was obviously exhausted. She shook her head. "You wouldn't believe me if I told you. Suffice it to say that there was an accident on my way over, and I ended up trying to help clean it up. Nopony was hurt, though I'm sure the zoo will be upset that they're going to be short a lemur or two."
Flabbergasted, Octavia stood there for a moment with her mouth hanging open. "I have no response to that," she said after trying several times to process what she had said. With a shake of her head, she asked, "Are you alright? Do you need to rest for a bit?"
With a yawn and a dismissive wave of her hand, Twilight replied, "No, I'll be fine You need me, and I'm here. I'll manage. Do you want me to get started setting up the wiring again?" she asked as she stood up once more.
"Actually, I have something else that needs your attention," the cellist said. "Vinyl and I noticed last night that there was a very slight hiss coming from one of the speakers. Since you know your way around a bolt meter and electronics, would you mind taking a look? You should find a box of equipment in the trap room under the stage."
Nodding, Twilight ambled off. "Alright. I'm on it."
"She looks like six kilotrots of bad road."
Octavia turned to see Vinyl walking up to her. "The poor thing had a rough morning, from the sound of it."
Vinyl smirked and rested a hand on her hip. "Is that why you gave her something easy and out of the way, or didn't ask where she disappeared to last night?"
Looking down at her clipboard which held her checklist, she shrugged, a gesture not commonly attributed to the prim and proper filly. "Partly. Her bodyguard informed me last night that she had to leave suddenly on some business with The Princess, so that was never really a mystery to me. You would have remembered that yourself, had you not chosen to over-indulge at the after party."
"Well, somepony has to make up for little Miss Sobriety," Vinyl replied, swinging a light punch at her fillyfriend's arm, but missing entirely, causing her to stumble. The violent move caused a stab of pain in her head, and held onto it, moaning. "Oog. Never again, Tequila. You're just not worth it the next day."
Octavia smirked at the filly's self-inflicted pain. "You know very well that I partake; I just choose not to do so to the same extreme as you. One of us has to have the common sense in the relationship."
The deejay wrapped her arms around Octavia's neck, drawing them both close. "Ooo... relationship. Was that an invitation to do the relations part of the word?"
Gently pushing her away, Octavia answered, "Honestly, you are as bad as any colt I have ever met. Now go finish setting up your booth or I shall assign Butterhooves the pleasure of doing it. Remember the last time he touched anything electronic?"
"Alright, alright, I'm going. No need to threaten my gear. It's never done anything to you," Vinyl said with a smile as she backed away, returning to her work.
Octavia returned her attention to the checklist. "Now then, where were we?" As she worked, she couldn't help but wonder why Twilight had not even tried to meet her gaze this morning.
(\ /)
( . .)
*(")(")
"It seems like the concert is going even better than it was last night." Spotlight said, looking over at her sullen companion.
Twilight gave a grunt and a nod, but otherwise kept her attention on the stage.
Undeterred, she plowed on, determined to see the filly smile like she did the night before. "Are those new illusions you're putting out there? The look pretty complex."
Another grunt and nod.
They worked in silence a few more minutes before she asked, "So are you coming to the after party tonight? You were missed last time. Vinyl wanted to show off her new protege, and got all depressed when you never showed."
"Can't. Too much studying to do."
Well, at least I got her to talk. "That's a shame. Still, you know that too much studying and not enjoying yourself just leads to over stressing yourself. You need to let down your mane; live a little. You don't want to burnout this early." Spotlight glanced at the filly sideways, noting that she seemed angry all of a sudden.
"I'm fine. Thanks for your concern," Twilight replied through clenched teeth.
Spotlight shrugged and returned her attention to the lighting board. Though the show was fairly simple as far as her own job went, she still needed to pay attention. I thought we had connected yesterday. Ah, well. Can't be friends with everyone, I guess.
(\ /)
( . .)
*(")(")
Twilight stared at the violin resting in the open case on the chair cross the room. From her reclined position on her bed, she could see that it wasn't settled in the case properly, perhaps because of the tin of liniment she had stowed in the small compartment. I really should put it away properly before it collects dust or gets damaged. It is The Princess', after all.
Despite her determination to do just that, she remained laying on her bed, thinking about all the reasons why she should do it, but could not find the will to actually do it. The concert had gone even better than the previous night, but Twilight was just left feeling empty inside. Sure, there was a tinge of sadness, and even a little bit of resignation, but other than that, she really felt nothing of significance. Joy, anger, frustration, all of it was just... not there.
She turned over onto her side so she wouldn't have to look at the instrument any longer. I suppose I should just go to bed. I do have school tomorrow. A deep sigh let the empty room know what she thought about that idea. Silence filled the room, until she heard the doorbell to the apartment ring. The unicorn was glad she was already facing away from her bedroom door. Maybe if I feign sleep, whoever it was will go away?
She heard Spike answer the door, despite the lateness of the hour. Had the apartment not been situated within the palace walls, she would have some choice words for him answering it at all, let alone this late. Her bedroom door was sufficiently thick enough to mute the conversation was no doubt going on. Just judging by the length it had gone on already, she could tell that there would soon be another knock at her inner door. In preparation to rebuff any advances, Twilight reached behind her with her magic and pulled the blanket over her like she was asleep.
Sure enough, there came a timid knock at the door. "Twi? You awake?"
Spike's voice was obviously nervous, and the way he almost whispered the question made her think that he was perhaps hoping that she was asleep, so he wouldn't have to confront her again. A sharp pain in her heart grew like an icicle stabbing her vital organ at the thought of the poor dragon even thinking that she didn't want him around, but still, she remained silent.
The ruse did not work, however, as the door burst open, with a voice calling out, "You can't let her wallow around, Spike! You gotta be tough, like this!"
Twilight sat up, the angry expression on her face at the interruption fading as she finally saw the owner of the voice. "Cady? What are you doing here?"
Cadance flounced down on the edge of the bed, her smile lifting Twilight's spirits just a little. "How can I not be here, when my favorite filly needs the best foalsitter in the world?" |
Amore Obbligato | Chapter 9: Sospirando | AMORE OBBLIGATO
Chapter 9: Sospirando
Cadance was totally taken off-guard as Twilight tackled her in a hug, knocking them both off the bed. She eagerly returned the embrace, one hand gently petting the filly's mane as they lay on the floor. "Oh, my poor, poor filly. I knew I shouldn't have gone to a college so far from Canterlot. I never would have left you had I known that you would need me this badly. Forgive me?"
"I'm just so... confused, Cady. What's going on with me?" she sobbed into the alicorn's neck.
"It's called growing up, Twily," she replied with a touch of melancholy. "Believe me, it happens to the best of us, too." Sitting up, she set Twilight on the floor in front of her, and they sat cross-legged, facing each other. "Come on; tell me what's bothering my Ladybug."
Twilight smiled a little at the nickname as she rubbed at the tear tracks on her cheeks. Sniffling, she said, "You remember about the music tutor I wrote you about?" Cadance nodded, and she explained the situation. The story was long and drawn out, with very little detail left out; those left unspoken being what Twilight daydreamed about Octavia, and what she did in the privacy of her room and shower. She told of how the earth pony impressed her with her skill at playing and teaching, how she got into trouble and exactly the reason for the final confrontation, Honeyed Words' punishment, her own punishment, the concert, meeting Vinyl Scratch, and finally, her discovery of their relationship. When she finished, Twilight was so emotionally exhausted, her shoulders slumped as if carrying the weight of the world.
Through it all, Cadance held her hands, tightening her grip when she felt them try to slip out so she might strike herself again, but Celestia had warned her about her new disturbing habit. "Sounds like you've had a rough couple of weeks. How are you feeling now?"
Taking a deep breath and releasing it as a sigh, she answered, "Confused. Angry. Hurt. Mostly just numb, though." She looked into her old foalsitter's eyes, her face a mask of pain. "I just... I just want all the hurt to go away. Every time I think about her, I feel like crawling under a rock, or... doing something bad. I don't even know what I want anymore... other than to not be hurt anymore. What do I do, Cady? How do I stop feeling this way about her?"
Cadance scooted over until the two of them side-by-side, their bodies touching, and draped an arm over the distraught filly. "Your situation isn't all that unusual, Twily. I knew a filly who felt much like you do over a colt. Oh, she was so enamored with that colt; would do anything for him if he but crooked a finger." She crooked a finger on her free hand as a demonstration in a "come here" gesture. She would spend all her allowance buying him little presents, spent all her time thinking about him, even gave him all the treats in her lunch should he ask for them. She was truly wrapped around his little finger, the poor thing.
"Then one day, she found him giving another colt a kiss. You would think the world was ending, the way she talked. She asked him why, and you know what he said?" Twilight shook her head and Cadance continued, "He said, 'I didn't know you liked me. I'm sorry, but I like colts more.' Needless to say, the filly was heartbroken, knowing that there was now no chance of becoming his fillyfriend. She felt like he had rejected her because she didn't deserve his love. From there, it was a downward spiral into misery and depression. For weeks afterward, she moped around the house, not speaking, barely eating, even skipped school." The alicorn giggled at Twilight's gasp of horror. "One day, she woke up and rubbed the sleep from her eyes. She looked down at herself and saw what she had become."
"Pathetic?" Twilight ventured after a moment of silence.
"Exactly," Cadance agreed with a nod. "She realized that even without that colt, she was someone special, and being his fillyfriend would have only been one small aspect of that. She had much more to offer the world than just being a fillyfriend. Yes, it still hurt that he had chosen another over her, but there would be other colts, other chances at happiness. She need not- indeed, she would be doing herself and the world a disservice- were she to define herself by whom she loved; rather than how much she loved, starting with her own life, and spreading out from there." Cadance hugged her tight again, eliciting a squeak from her. "That was also one of the happiest days of her life as that's when she got her cutie mark."
Twilight looked up at her sadly. "She did?"
Letting go of the filly, she leaned away from her and lifted her skirt, displaying the cutie mark on her hip. "I sure did, Ladybug."
"I thought you got your cutie mark for bringing ponies together," Twilight asked.
Chuckling, Cadance pulled her into another sideways hug. "And how could I do that if I thought that I didn't deserve to be loved?"
Twilight looked down in thought for a moment before asking, "So, how does that relate to my... ooohhh..." There was another moment of silence before she instead asked, "What do I do, Cady? I... I still lo- love her." Her voice caught in her throat as she stumbled over the word, and she felt a stab of pain in her heart at the thought of facing Octavia once more, though she knew it had to happen eventually.
Cadance pulled her in until she laid her head on the alicorn's chest. "Now comes the hard part; deciding what you're going to do. You can confront her with your feelings and see what she says, or you can hide your feelings and live with those unrequited feelings until the day you forget about them. As the closest thing you'll ever find to an expert on the subject, I can tell you right now that the latter has about as much chance of happening as gold spontaneously popping out of thin air; at least, not without a lot of time and separation; possibly having another take her place would help, but at this time, that seems extremely unlikely."
"That's it? Confess, or bury my feelings? I was hoping for something a little more..."
"Helpful?" Cadance finished for her. She shook her head sadly. "Unfortunately, the heart is a very complex thing, and it's different for everypony. What works for one, would be anathema to another, or would only be partially helpful for a third. You, Twilight, are a pony of extremes. Everything is either black or white to you, with very little middle ground. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but it does mean that any advice you're given has to be couched into either/or, or it will send you into a flurry of thoughts as you try to suss out just what it all boils down to. Rather than have you try to work it out on your own and possibly come to an erroneous conclusion, I thought I'd give you a little nudge in the right direction. You don't have to decide right this minute, but sometime before you see her again would be ideal."
Twilight sighed in annoyance. "Great. That leaves just eighteen hours, forty-three minutes and twenty-two seconds to decide."
Rolling her eyes, Cadance smiled at the filly's ability to nail it down to the second. "Oh, I wouldn't worry too much about the time. We're playing hooky tomorrow so we can get this all straightened out in time."
Twilight recoiled in horror at the very concept presented to her so casually. "You- we can't! What will The Princess say? What if there's a pop quiz? What if there's an important announcement by the principal? What if they serve pizza for lunch?"
Cadance couldn't hold back a chuckle at the mention of Twilight's weakness for junk food. Having gone to the same school, she knew that the pizzas they served were more akin to sheets of cardboard slathered with melted cheese and tomato sauce, but they never failed to disappear faster then anything else at the cafeteria, especially when Twilight was there. "I already took the liberty of securing Auntie's permission for this... sabbatical, missing a pop quiz never flunked anyone, any announcement important enough for the principal to make to the school at large would include a flier to take home, which would be sent should you not be present to accept it, and you know as well as I do that any pizza you can find outside of the school is likely to be ten times as good as you'll find in it. Any other questions?"
"Only about a quintillion of them!" the filly rejoined.
"Those will just have to wait. For now, I think you owe a certain baby dragon an apology for this morning," the alicorn said sternly.
Hanging her head dejectedly, Twilight nodded. "I know." She called out, "Spike! Could you come here a moment?"
Not even a second passed until the dragon in question appeared at the door nervously. "You wanted something, Twi?"
She knew that his prompt appearance had more to do with his eavesdropping than her voice reaching wherever he was supposedly, but deigned to not mention it. "I- I wanted to apologize for this morning, and again when I came home. I was angry, but that was no excuse. I should never have taken it out on you. I'm sorry Spike. Forgive me?"
Spike ran up to her and threw his arms around her neck in a desperate hug. "I hope this means you're feeling better, now. And of course I forgive you, Twi. I don't understand what's going on, but I know it's pretty tough on you, if it turns your ordinary crabbiness into super-irradiated-mega-ultra-hyper crabbiness."
Twilight returned the hug with a smile. "Dork," she said.
"Nerd," Spike replied.
"I think we can all agree that you're both geeks," Cadance said, causing both of them to tackle her to the ground and start a tickle war.
(\ /)
( . .)
*(")(")
Cadance awoke first, smiling down at the sight before her. Twilight had spooned up to her sometime during the night, holding Spike close to her own belly like some sort of stuffed animal; all three of them still dressed in their day clothes, now rumpled beyond all hope. Moving carefully so as to not disturb the softly snoring pair, she slipped out of the bed and with all the stealth of a church mouse, left on her pre-dawn errand.
As she walked through the halls with a sense of determination that a tax collector on the first of the month would envy, she thought back to the letter that had reached her by exhausted pegasus courier. Auntie, you have some 'splainin' to do.
Arriving at the door to Celestia's bedroom, she nodded at the guards posted there and said, "Cadance to see Pri-"
The stark-white stallion opened the door and stood aside. "The Princess has been expecting you, Milady."
Arching an eyebrow at him, she slowly walked past him until she was inside the chamber and the door closed behind her with a soft CLICK. "Doing your 'mysterious precognition trick' won't save you this time, Auntie. There's an understandably very confused and scared filly under your care that may not have been so bad off had she not been punished for defending herself."
A quiet sniffle drew the mare deeper into the room where she found Celestia sitting on the edge of her bed, a pile of used tissue at her hooves. The monarch wiped a handful of more tissue across her nose, drawing attention to the tear tracks on her face. Cadance had to resist the urge to go hug the crying mare who had been like a second mother to her, reminding herself of the sorry state in which she had found Twilight. Stopping in front of her, she stood there with her arms crossed over her chest and glared, despite wanting nothing more than to comfort her. "Alright, Auntie, what happened? How did things get this far out of your control? Was her bodyguard not doing her job or something? Whose butt do I have to kick this time?"
Drawing in a shuddering breath, Celestia shook her head, unable to voice her defense.
"We tried our best to protect her, even assembling the best bodyguard team we could train ourselves, but it just wasn't enough. Honeyed Words was just too circumspect, and too well-connected for The Princess to do more than give her a mild form of banishment."
Cadance turned towards the balcony at the words, surprised to find Plain Sight leaning against the door frame, a grim look on her face, and wondered how long she had been there. The earth pony slammed a fist into the other side of the open door frame, splintering the wood and sending cracks racing through the glass. "ROADAPPLES! We were so close to getting something solid on her, too; I'm sure of it!" Seeing the look of bewilderment on the smaller alicorn's face, she walked forward, extending a hand. "Plain Sight, head buck-up and bodyguard to Twilight Sparkle.
Cadance gingerly took the offered hand and winced when a sharp, stabbing pain on one fingertip made her pull the hand back quickly. Looking down, she saw a splinter jutting from her digit and pulled it out.
Plain Sight smiled bitterly at her. "Sorry. Guess I shouldn't take it out on The Princess' things, but well..."
"Don't worry about it," Cadance replied with a shake of her head. "Can you tell me about the situation and just why it blew up like it did?" Another sniffle from Celestia finally softened her heart and she sat down next to the much larger mare and took hold of her hand. Celestia gratefully squeezed it back, but offered no reply. The earth pony gave her a basic rundown of the events, and when she was finished, she asked, "So why the leniency on the bullies? Honeyed Words and Tight Rein especially needed something much harsher than mere expulsion and allowing their parents to send them to their hometown where they'll no doubt start up all over again."
"Believe me, we know that, but unfortunately, the worst we could get her on was a single instance of bullying. The others she was using clammed up whenever we asked about her, even under threat of worse punishments." Plain Sight sighed and pushed away from the door frame, walking over to a tea service with three cups and poured for each of them. "I'll say this much for her; she may be a bucking witch, but she does two things good: covering her tail, and intimidating others to do the same for her."
Cadance frowned at this, a dangerous glare in her eyes. "And what about Twilight? Why was she punished, too?"
Plain Sight sighed sadly and passed them both a cup of tea. "That's the saddest part of this whole situation. Because of the damage Twilight caused when her magic spiked like it did, not to mention the glitterdust, the noble families almost to a mare are saying that she intentionally did it to harm her tormentors."
"That's absurd! Who ever heard of using glitterdust to harm somepony?" Cadance shouted.
With a nod, Plain Sight agreed. "I know, but many of them are pretty ignorant of the workings of magic, and none them have ever forgotten what had happened when Twilight took her test to enter Celestia's school. Combine those two factors with a sycophantic loyalty to Honey's house, or a fear of them, or whatever blackmail they're holding over them, and you get almost a referendum to censure the victim. The only ones to speak out against it were Houses Twilight and Blueblood, along with a handful of allied minor nobles." She took a sip of her tea, the warm drink bringing a sense of inner calm. "They're claiming the glitterdust was just a component to some devious spell she was getting ready to cast when she was caught by the teachers, who, upon seeing it was her, covered it up as best they could."
Cadance looked like she had just tasted something foul. "Of all the... Ugh!" Her look of disgust softened a bit, but morphed into a mask of anger which she aimed at the bodyguard. "And what about you? What have you been doing to prevent a situation like from arising in the first place?"
Plain Sight's face tightened into a textbook example of rage before she schooled it into mere disdain. "What I have been doing was my job. Since I took on this charge, I have stopped no less than three hundred and twelve instances of bullying, deterred eighty-three attempted fights involving her, rooted out an even fifty noble plants intent on harming her in some way, and stopped seven assassination attempts. This is of course, aside from the three hundred eighteen accidents that seem to crop up around her, whether through her fault or not, including a hundred and sixty-two of which involving paparazzi, six international incidents,and a single instance of an invasion by rats of unusual size from the sewers. Where have you been for the past three years?" She yelled the last question, crushing the fine porcelain cup in her hand, sending shards and tea to the fine rug below.
"I was at college in Manehattan, thinking that she would be safe enough in her bodyguard's hands, but obviously, I-"
Celestia stopped the younger alicorn with a hand on her shoulder. "Enough," she said, though her voice, raw with recent crying, hitched slightly as if she still hadn't quite regained full control of herself yet. "Enough. Cadance, we were doing everything in our power to stop her, but none of us could have predicted that Twilight would take the matter in her own hands, not that any of us blame her. I'm sure that she felt backed into a corner by Honeyed Words, and hemmed in by a system that works against anypony that doesn't have the political clout to back up their words. In that situation, anyone would have done what they could to retaliate."
With a sigh, Celestia slumped onto her bed, defeated. "There are times when I truly regret giving up so much of the powers My Little Ponies have bestowed upon me to rule over them. Perhaps, if the environment were a little different, I would never have to be put in the position of punishing the innocent, but I haven't had the power of High Justice for centuries."
"I don't understand. If you no longer have the power to mete out justice personally, then why were you the one to punish her?" Cadance asked in confusion.
The monarch blew her nose and said, "They gave me an ultimatum Either I punish her as in loco parentis, or they would. Although they had absolutely no proof against her for wrongdoing, having her take the stand to defend herself, would be heartbreaking. Worse, whether they prove her innocence or guilt, her name would have been dragged through the mud and forever tarnished. This incident would have followed her for the rest of her life. This way, her record of all wrongdoing short of a capital crime would be expunged when she came of age, being that she is currently a minor."
Cadance chewed on her thumbnail, her brow furrowed in angry thought. "Roadapples. They've really covered all their bases, haven't they?"
"Almost all of them," Plain Sight replied with a vicious smile. Holding up a finger, she said, "Two places where they slipped up. First: Princess Celestia managed to talk them into letting her decide her punishment. If they were going to enforce that in loco parentis schtick on her, she insisted that she choose the punishment. It was only this harsh because they needed to see that Twilight was suffering, even if it wasn't the way they wanted it." She held up another finger and said, "Secondly, they've exposed their allegiances to us."
Quirking an eyebrow, Cadance asked, "I thought we already knew which were working against Auntie and Twilight?"
Plain Sight rolled her eyes. "Come now, as a poli-sci/psyche double major you should know that sides are constantly in flux. In fact, it's really the only constant on this field of battle."
"And identifying the enemy is the first step in countering them," Cadance replied with a nod.
"Precisely, my Niece," Celestia said, leaning into the smaller mare.
(\ /)
( . .)
*(")(")
"I really don't feel right about this," Twilight groused as she kept trying to adjust her school tie, which was safely stowed back at her apartment, along with the rest of her school uniform. Instead, she was dressed in her best casual street clothes. Not for the first time was she glad she had sent Spike off with a fistful of bits to the toy store and a guard. He would have been bored out of his skull by all the clothing stores they had visited long ago.
Cadance walked next to her, dressed similarly, a shopping bag in her hand as they walked through the nearly empty mall. "Well, get used to it, kiddo. It's happening, and there's no stopping it now. Ooo! Now that's a nice skirt!" The alicorn walked over to the Heated Matter, admiring a sleek, black miniskirt on a ponyquin.
Twilight gaped at the little bit of nothing that not only sat very low on the hips, but also only just stopped at the point where the thigh meets the rump. "Youcan't be serious! That's not a skirt, it's a very wide belt!"
"And I'm getting one!" Cadance said with a feral grin and a saucy wiggle of her eyebrows as she walked into the goth store.
With a groan, Twilight followed her into the goth store a minute later, her face turning red. Cadance was already at the counter talking to a disinterested white unicorn mare with a black mane, far too much makeup on, and far too many piercings for her liking who was doing her best to look like she was too cool for the room. "So, do you have that skirt in the window in a size four?" she asked sweetly.
Sighing as if the weight of the world was just placed squarely on her shoulders, the mare put down her tattoo magazine and walked them over to a rack, pulling out a skirt. "Here. The dressing room is over there," she said, jerking a thumb over her shoulder.
"Thank yyyooouuu!" Cadance sang as she bounced towards the darkest corner of the shop where the dressing room lurked.
The salesclerk gave the filly the once over and snapped her gum before returning to the register, while Twilight nervously browsed the more kitschy knick-knacks that seemed to collect in stores like these. She was examining the pleather collars, shaking her head at the many different styles of spikes and studs on them when Cadance stepped out of the dressing room again, sporting the tightest, tiniest skirt, she had ever seen a pony wear.
Twirling around, the alicorn asked, "What do you think? The tailhole is a bit tight, but I really like the way it lays." Indeed, the skirt didn't so much as "lay" as it rippled across her rear with her movements in a manner more consistent with paint than the satin fabric from which it was composed. Every time she took a step, it seemed to threaten to slide up, revealing her panties to the world, and the waistband sat so low, that the top of those undergarments were plainly visible.
The mare behind the counter glanced over the top of her magazine, then slowly laid it on the counter and sashayed over to the pink alicorn and appeared to give her a critical eye. "It's good, but it needs the right top to go with it, not to mention the right panties. For the former, I would go with a white lace bustier and a black jacket..." She looked over at another rack and pulled out a black bolero jacket made of the same shiny material as the skirt and held it in front of her. "Yes, something like this works nicely. As for the panties, I would go with black lace if you don't mind the top showing, a G-string or commando if not. Also, stockings with a garter belt are a must."
Cadance slipped on the jacket, twisting this way and that to test out the fit. "Ooo... I likey very much. I'll take 'em." As the mare rung up the clothes, she leaned over the counter in a position the forced her boobs out into everyone's face, and coquettishly asked, "So, do you recommend any places here for the rest of your suggestions?"
Twilight's eyes went wide at the question as well as the fact that Cadance seemed to be flirting with the salesclerk, but her mouth dropped when the mare seemed to be reciprocating the gesture and leaned close to the alicorn, their noses almost touching. "I thought you and my brother were seeing each other," the unicorn said with a dangerous tone to her voice.
The salesclerk put a finger to her chin. "A coltfriend?" she asked thoughtfully. After a moment, she inquired with a raised, curious eyebrow, "Is he cute?"
Cadance returned to her hooves, her fists on her cocked hips and threw her a wink. "A Royal Guard. Do you think anything less could have even a chance at all this?"
"You have way too high an opinion of yourself, Cadance," the salesclerk replied, at which, the alicorn rolled her eyes.
Twilight looked between them, understanding dawning on her face. "Wait, you two know each other?"
With a sigh, Cadance said, "Twilight, meet Careless Whisper; a friend of mine from high school, and local blabbermouth."
Looking at the mare again with a critical eye, Twilight squinted and focused on her eyes before gasping. "Wait, I remember you. You used to come over when Cady was foalsitting me after she put me to bed."
"Told you she'd remember me, Cady," Careless Whisper said, holding her hand out, palm up.
Cadance put a handful of coins in it and sighed. "Yeah, yeah, rub it in. Not like it's easy to forget a pony who voluntarily wears enough makeup for an entire circus' worth of clowns," she said with a smirk."
"I'll have you know that it's down to a mere carnival's worth of clowns, now," she replied as she pocketed the money, sticking out her tongue and causing both mares to break out in a case of loud giggling.
Twilight rolled her eyes at their banter. "And you always wondered how I kept waking up with you two carrying on like this on the floor below my bedroom?"
(\ /)
( . .)
*(")(")
With a nervous gulp, Twilight approached the heavy, wooden doors leading to Celestia's private parlor. The guards standing at attention on either side of it politely kept their gazes locked on a spot hovering in front of their faces somewhere on just this side of infinity, allowing the filly to collect herself.
Having been called here to discuss her punishment, she was understandably nervous, but not overly concerned that additional punishments would follow. It had long been The Princess' way to have a discussion after a punishment was completed to "clear the board" as it were so that they might start anew with a fresh understanding and perspective. Twilight had even taken to call these meetings "after-punishment reports" or even debriefings. Normally, they would have had this talk directly after the punishment was concluded, but given how she had acted towards her mentor last, Twilight was silently dreading seeing her again.
She paced in front of the doors, partly to wait for the exact moment at which she was appointed, but also to gather her thoughts and just what she would say. Come on, Sparkle! This is The Princess we're talking about. She'd forgive you anything short of treason or calling her fat. But what is if she doesn't forgive me? Or worse, what if she gives me that "I'm very disappointed in you" look? Oh, Light, I don't think I could take that look again! I actually think my heart stopped, last time! An internal alarm told her that her appointed time had arrived, and she stopped her pacing. Get a grip, Sparkle! It's do or die time. No more time for contemplation.
With a nod towards the guard on the right, she stood before the door, allowing him to open it for her. She walked in and spotted Celestia sitting on their favorite couch, a steaming pot of tea on the low table before her. "You wished to see me, Princess?"
As the guard pulled the door closed, he could hear the alicorn reply, "Yes, Twilight. It seems that there are some misconceptions I must clear between the two of us..." |
Amore Obbligato | Chapter 10: Morendo | AMORE OBBLIGATO
Chapter 10: Morendo
Beltane 23, 996 AI
Day 72 since "the Decision". What Cady said has proven to be true. Though the pain has weakened to a dull ache, I find that ache permeating every aspect of my life. I think that had I known how much this would hurt, I might have chosen differently. Alas, too much time has passed, and looking at her now, I cannot really fault my choice. They look so happy together, that I hate to think that I might have come between them. Of course, that's assuming that I even could have seriously been a contender for the heart of the fairest pony in the land one of HER.
They invited me to another party set for next week; naturally, I declined, not that they make it easy. Vinyl is so likable and energetic, it's hard to begrudge her any happiness, yet, here I am, brooding over the mare she loves, wishing I could be her, even if just for a day. I want to be the one who holds her hand, kisses those lips, drapes an affectionate arm over her, piulling hercloseaand
My apologies. My mind tends to drift whenever I think about Octavia, and I needed a moment to collect myself. You know what I mean. As I was saying, they invited me, and I almost caved when I saw the disappointment in Octavia's eyes. I felt like I had just kicked a puppy, but I just can't stand to see the two of them together. Either one alone, I can handle; Vinyl's almost like an older cousin, and Octavia... well, she's Octavia. Separate, they're both enjoyable company; they don't even talk about each other; well, not much, anyway. Get them together, however, and it's like they become glued at the hip. They almost never cease touching each other, are constantly giving one another secret looks that one can be sure communicates something deeper than what an outsider can glean, and good grief, the giggling! One wouldn't think a pony like Octavia capable of giggling like that, but put her with Vinyl, and she turns into another mare altogether. Usually.
So, yes. I turned them down, but only just. I suppose you're wondering about that little qualifier I put at the end there, aren't you? Well, it's nothing on which I can quite place my finger, but there's an... air about them, lately. They almost seem... anxious. Whenever I ask them if something is wrong, they just laugh and brush aside my concern, but I can feel it. It's like
"Twi, you have a visitor!"
Twilight rolled her eyes as she snapped the journal shut and sent it back to its hidden subspace compartment in her room. Rolling off the bed, she landed on her hooves and straightened her skirt before walking out into the the apartment's parlor, where she found probably, the last pony she expected to see there. "Vinyl? What brings you here?"
The deejay walked over and gave her a quick hug. "Hey there, Jailbird! You got a minute to go for a walk? I need to talk to you about something sorta important."
Checking her internal chronometer spell, Twilight noted that she still had over an hour before her usual bedtime. Nodding, she replied, "Sure. Let's go to the garden; it's usually pretty deserted this time of night." Turning to the little dragon, she said, "Spike, get ready for bed, and lock up. I'll take my key with me so you won't have to wait up if I'm gone for too long."
Spike grumbled as he walked off, looking disappointed.
Gesturing towards the door, Twilight said, "Shall we?"
Vinyl shook her head in amusement. "It never ceases to amaze me that you have a dragon for a baby brother. I'm an only child, so I never got to experience that, let alone with one from another species."
"He's just like any other little brother, really," Twilight replied with a shrug as she closed the door. "He gets underhoof sometimes, and can annoy the Hay out of me, but I really wouldn't trade him for the world."
They talked of inconsequential things as they walked past the guards and on towards the palace gardens, the chilly night air turning their breath into a smokey cloud before them. They walked out into the garden, their hooves crunching on the browned grass until they came upon a stone bench under an arbor, far from any door, affording them a measure of privacy. Vinyl, being the forward pony she was, broached the subject of her visit first. "I came here, hoping to convince you to show up at the party next Satyrday. It would really mean a lot to us, Octy especially. She's really taken a shine to you, you know. I think you remind her of herself, or something."
Twilight sighed as she sat down next to her and looked out over the pond. "I was afraid that was the reason for the visit. Look, I appreciate-"
"We're leaving."
Caught off guard by the non-sequitur, Twilight asked, "Pardon?"
Vinyl sighed and took off her sunglasses that she always wore despite how dark the night became. "You know that we're seniors, right? And you know what happens after that. This may be the last chance for us to get together as friends for a long time; maybe ever. I for one, know that I'll miss having our little criminale around, and I know Octy will miss having her first student around to go all gooey over. It's not even like there'll be a lot of others at the party; just a gathering of our closest friends, most of which you already know. We... we just want to hang out one last time before graduation next month and we move on to higher education, or work, or whatever."
Twilight had watched her throughout her spiel, honestly surprised at the obvious emotion from the older filly. The deejay even looked younger than she normally acted, keeping her gaze down at the dormant grass and her voice full of sadness. "I... I had honestly not considered that we might not be in the same city. Octavia told me about her plans for Galliard, but it sorta didn't quite register, you know? It always felt far off. I always thought you'd just stick around, doing your club gigs here in Canterlot."
Smirking, Vinyl looked over and raised an eyebrow at her. "Twilight, you know that the club scene here in Canterlot is dead on arrival. I'm lucky if I can snag two or three hours a week at the turntables, what with all the competition, and there's all of, what, four, five nightclubs in all of Canterlot? Talk about slim pickings."
"I'm sorry. I hadn't thought of that. What are your plans, then?" Twilight asked, chagrined at her thoughtlessness.
Vinyl shrugged, turning her attention to the pond where fireflies had started to gather. "S'alright. I don't like to talk about it much anyways; trying to avoid thinking about all the cool ponies I'm leaving behind." She sighed and scuffed at the grass with a hoof. "SSU has a cracking good music program; not anything like the school Octy's going to, but still top rate for what I want from it. As a nice bonus, being located in Manehattan, the nightclub to deejay ratio is much more favorable over there."
"Star Swirl U? That's... pretty ambitious, especially for a self-admitted slacker like yourself," Twilight commented with a smirk.
The white unicorn playfully ruffled Twilight's mane. "Careful with that sarcasm. It's a dangerous weapon in inexperienced hands."
Twilight chuckled and gently pushed away the offending hand. She was silent a moment before asking, "Wha- what are you going to do with Octavia so far away?"
"Hmm..." Vinyl said, looking to the stars. "Not sure." Looking down at her again, she smiled and playfully punched her shoulder. "Seriously though, you should come. If nothing else, then for your favorite tutor."
With a roll of her eyes, Twilight replied, "Fine, I'll go, but the first sign of a prank, and I'm gone. Got it?"
Vinyl held up two fingers side by side and placed her other hand over her heart. "Scout's honor."
"You were a Filly Scout? I find that hard to believe," Twilight said with a smirk.
With an expression of blatantly false indignation, Vinyl replied, "I'll have you know that I was in the Filly Scouts... for an afternoon... before they booted me out for sewing the den mother's uniform... to a chair... while she was wearing it."
Twilight groaned as she shook her head in her palms.
(\ /)
( . .)
*(")(")
It was at moments like this that Twilight saw what Octavia and Vinyl meant when they talked about being lost in one's muse. It didn't happen often to her, but they assured her that if she loved the music as much as it loved her, it would happen. The violin felt almost alive in her hands as she played, the music resonating with her whole body.
Her eyes were closed, so she didn't notice when her body began moving to the music, her meager dancing skills adding to the energy of the performance. Unknowingly, her horn glowed, creating brief images of swirling snow that moved with her that disappeared before touching the floor, and a rime of frost appeared on her, giving her the appearance of an ice sculpture come to life.
Octavia shivered as a chill breeze blew past her, almost causing her to miss a note, but she managed to keep her fingers on the piano's keyboard. She looked over towards Twilight and smiled at how much her student had lost herself to the music. While relatively simple as far as her part was concerned, the song was still at the upper end of the unicorn's talents currently; though she was certain that would change if she kept at it. She glanced over towards their audience, smiling at how enraptured the princess and Twilight's family were at her performance. Her father watched with obvious pride and her mother kept dabbing at her eyes to wipe away her tears of joy. The palace guard sitting next to them smiled as he watched her, the mischievous gleam in his eyes telling her that there would be some good-natured ribbing forthcoming towards a certain little sister.
But by far, the most surprising reaction was from Celestia, herself. A wistful little smile graced her lips, while a small tear traced its way down a cheek. She could tell she was listening, but it looked like her mind was a million miles away, perhaps thinking of somepony in the past. So moved at this unexpected reaction by her idol, Octavia did miss a note, but was thankfully, able to cover it up.
The song came to an end, and Twilight opened her eyes, wondering how she had gotten so far from her original position next to the piano. Her thoughts were interrupted by the loud clapping of her four-pony audience, so she bowed low at the waist. Before she could straighten up again, she was mobbed by her parents, who both had her firmly in a group hug that was as inescapable as it was comfortable. Shining sauntered over and ruffled her mane, the only part of her he could get at. "Way to go, Book Fort. You keep adding skills to your repertoire like this, and you'll finally catch up to me."
Twilight rolled her eyes. "Pfft. Pony, please; I've already surpassed you in so many things. It's only a matter of time before I overtake you in what's left."
"I'm very proud of you, Twilight," Celestia said with a grin. "You have gained considerable proficiency within a scant, few months, and with an instrument with which many struggle to learn. I think that it's time that you finally learn how to construct your own spells. With a foundation in music like this combined with all you have already learned, I believe it won't be long before you are designing spells that ponies will be using for many generations to come."
Night Light and Twilight Velvet shared a nervous glance, but said nothing to the princess. Instead, they looked to Octavia, who was putting her sheet music away and closing up the piano. "Thank you so much for all your hard work. If you ever need any help from either of us, please, don't hesitate to ask," Velvet said, beaming at the young mare.
"Oh, it was a pleasure, Milady," Octavia replied with a bow. "Twilight is very talented. Had she not shown a greater aptitude for magic, I would be lamenting her loss to the music world. It has been a joy to have her as my first pupil. I hope that all others I teach in future are as attentive and dedicated."
Looking at his watch, Night Light said, "Oh! We'd better get going if we're going to make our reservations at the restaurant. Are you sure we cannot convince either of you to come with us, Princess? Octavia?"
Octavia gave a sad smile and shook her head. "I am afraid not, Milord. I have a previous commitment which would be inadvisable to miss."
Celestia smiled down at the stallion. "I believe I shall avail myself of your kind offer, but I will join you momentarily. I have a small bit of business which requires my attention first."
With a low bow, Velvet replied, "Then, by your leave, Your Highness," before backing out, hustling her family along.
The monarch walked over to Octavia, a placid smile on her face. "I must say that I am impressed. I had considered using one of the many professional tutors here in Canterlot, but somepony convinced me to give her the benefit of a fresher perspective. I'm glad I heeded that advice, now."
Octavia bowed low. "As I said previously, it was both a pleasure and an honor, Your Highness. I feel that there would be more teachers if students were more like Lady Sparkle."
"Nevertheless, you performed admirably, Miss Melody," Celestia replied, taking out an envelope sealed with a dollop of wax bearing the Royal Seal. "I can honestly say that you've earned this bonus; a glowing letter of recommendation for whatever school you wish to attend, as well as a Royal Marker refundable at any bank for a sum of two thousand bits."
The cellist was overwhelmed, and almost refused to take the envelope. "Oh, Princess! That's far too generous! Just the letter is more than I could have ever hoped for!"
Celestia still held the envelope out, but quirked an eyebrow at her. "You wouldn't be so gauche as to refuse a gift freely given, would you?"
"Of course not, Princess!" Octavia hastily replied, bowing once more. "It's just that I didn't really do anything special. Any moderately talented pony could have done what I did."
"You performed a service to the crown above and beyond what was expected, and I feel that your execution is only poorly compensated with this reward." Celestia smiled at the top of her head, which was the only part of her she could see aside from her back as the earth pony held her bow. She took hold her her chin and pulled her upright once more, placing the envelope in her weak and shaking hand. "As for your last statement, speaking as a 'moderately talented pony', I know that I would not have gotten results half this efficacious had I done it myself."
Octavia gaped like a landed fish. "But Your Highness, I have got a record of you performing at the Canterlot Philharmonic in twenty-three! Your skill on the harp was just incredible!"
Celestia caressed the smaller earth pony's cheek, causing her to blush, even as she leaned slightly into the soft, but firm hand. "You're very kind, but I have always been a mediocre player, at best. And while I could have taught her myself, I know that it is always better to have an expert in a field teach, than somepony who looks at it as more of a hobby."
Octavia was struck speechless at the level of familiarity from her idol, to say nothing of her admitting to being less than the very image of perfection she projected. "I..."
"I hope I haven't disappointed you too badly, My Little Pony." She kissed the cellist's forehead and patted her on the shoulder before leaving a stunned Octavia behind.
(\ /)
( . .)
*(")(")
The very next day found Twilight trying her best to mingle among Octavia and Vinyl's friends. It wasn't that they weren't friendly towards her, but for one reason or another, she just never really "clicked" with them. Of course, they were all civil towards her, and she them, but she had always considered them to be "their friends" rather than her own.
Case in point, Spotlight, the filly with whom Twilight was currently conversing at the kitchen counter in Vinyl's apartment. She was currently in the middle of telling Twilight and Callback about an incident that had occurred in school not two days ago. "So I says to Maple, I says-"
"Excuse me Spotlight, but I need to borrow Twilight for a bit, before she has to go back home" Vinyl said with a smile. She grabbed Twilight's arm and practically dragged her away from the pair and towards her bedroom.
Spotlight shrugged and decided to continue with her story to her coltfriend as if nothing had happened. "So I says to Maple, I says..."
Twilight breathed a huge sigh of relief as the bedroom door was closed. "Thank you for the rescue. I was sure that my brain was about to commit suicide by hanging itself from my spinal cord in another minute." She looked around, finally noticing where they stood, and blushed. Right there was the bed that she was sure that they shared, and it was still messy, as if they had just awoken, or perhaps taken a short breather between rounds. "Erm, not to sound ungrateful at the rescue, but why did you feel the need to drag me in here of all places?"
Walking in from the balcony, Octavia replied, "I assure you, your chastity is safe, Twilight. There is just a serious matter we needed to discuss with you before... before."
Disturbed at her reticence, Twilight leaned against a dresser covered in clothes both clean and dirty as well as paraphernalia ubiquitous to clubbers and musicians everywhere. "W- what is it?"
Vinyl looked weirdly nervous, even going so far as to scratch her head as if unsure of what to do with her hands. "Er, well, you- you see..."
"What she is trying to say is that the three of us are going to be separated for a long time when we graduate next month, and we are more than a bit worried about you," Octavia said, surprised at her fillyfriend's uncharacteristic hesitation. "That incident with the bully lead us to believe that you will withdraw further into your shell, especially since you will no doubt be pursuing higher education, increasing the opportunities for further incidents like that." She clasped Twilight's hand in both of her own. "That would be a shame were it to happen. The world would be a far sadder place without your smile, Twilight."
Vinyl playfully punched the unicorn in the shoulder. "Yeah. Without us around to beat up the bullies for you, we're worried you won't even bother trying to make friends."
Octavia gently squeezed the hand in her grasp. "Please, don't let that happen, Twilight. Even if you never make a connection with them, at least try to make some friends. They will help with the loneliness and will even watch out for... unpleasantness like that."
Stunned, Twilight replied, "I- I- I'll try." They talked for a bit longer after that about nothing really of consequence, Twilight wanting to say so much more, but lacking the courage and ability to articulate her feelings into actual words.
After she had left, Octavia and Vinyl remained in the bedroom, sitting on the edge of the bed, but facing different directions, neither one wanting to look the other in the eye. After a long moment of silence, Vinyl managed to croak out the question that had been weighing so heavily on her mind. "Are we really going to do this?"
Octavia was having difficulty getting past the lump in her throat, but finally was able to get out a weak, "Yes." Swallowing hard, she repeated herself, this time more clearly. "Yes. You know as well as I do that a relationship over that sort of distance is all but impossible to hold together. We shall practically be on opposite sides of the continent, Vinyl. We shall be lucky if we could get together once or twice a year, and letters will take weeks to cross the distance. Add on to that the sort of focus we shall need to make the most of our educations so that money will not be wasted, and it is plain that our relationship will at best have to be put on hold, if not outright ended." She chanced a glance over at her fillyfriend, but could not bear to look at her miserable expression for too long. "It... it is not like I like this any better than you."
"I know."
Silence reined for many minutes as Vinyl's hand blindly sought out Octavia's. The simple contact felt like a lifeline to the ponies who felt like they were adrift an ocean of their own misery. "I know," Vinyl repeated much quieter, squeezing the gray hand in her grasp almost painfully tight. "Of all the things to come between us, I never imagined that this would be the one that ends it."
"It's not-" Octavia checked herself at her own words, realizing that what she was about to say would have been an outright lie. "Nor did I," she finished lamely. She sniffled and wiped at her nose with the sleeve of her free hand. "You were always saying how uptight I am. Look at this as an opportunity to find someone more your speed; somepony with whom you can party, and will not correct your atrocious grammar, or make you clean up your apartment."
Vinyl offered her a weak smile that went unnoticed as still neither were looking at one another. "And you can finally find a pony who doesn't drive you up the wall with her sloppiness, or draw little dicks and boobs on your sheet music, or leave a leaky glowstick in your cello case."
Octavia finally managed a genuine, if brief chuckle. "I never could get that mess out of there. It still glows in the dark."
Finally able to face her again, Vinyl gazed at Octavia's profile until she turned to meet her gaze. "I'll never find another like you," she whispered, her voice full of conflicting emotions.
Octavia's free hand suddenly found itself cupping Vinyl's pale cheek, followed shortly after with her lips pressed tight against Vinyl's, their tongues wrestling one another with mad need. When they broke apart, they rested their foreheads together as tears silently spilled down their cheeks. |
Amore Obbligato | Chapter 11: Bridge | AMORE OBBLIGATO
Chapter 11: Bridge
With a roll of her eyes and a shake of her head, Twilight gave a long-suffering and bemused smile to the table full of friends. Truly, she did love them, but there were times where she just could not quite connect with them for one reason or another. Well, that wasn't entirely true. She knew exactly why it was, but it always came into play differently every time. "No Rainbow, I've never kissed a colt outside of family, and certainly not in the manner you are suggesting."
Dash grinned at her and wiggled her eyebrows suggestively. "Really? 'Cause if I had a brother like yours, it would seriously tempt me to break the 'no siblings' rule." She growled like a cat, but what surprised Twilight most was the almost unheard purr that came from Rarity.
"Ugh! Rainbow, that's my brother you're talking about! Are you seriously suggesting that if your sibling is hot enough, it's okay to break with certain taboos that were put into place for very good reasons? Besides, he's married now. I doubt Cadance would be willing to share him." Twilight felt her stomach turn a little as an image flashed through her mind faster than she could quash it.
"So you admit he's hot?" Dash asked with a grin that would make a shark think twice about swimming anywhere near her and look elsewhere for safer waters.
Twilight's face turned a brilliant shade of red, then green, and she brought a hand up to her mouth as her cheeks puffed out. Rarity came to her rescue and laid a delicate hand on the librarian's arm. "Alright, Rainbow Dash, I think the poor dear has had enough. Why don't you stop before she loses that wonderful lunch we just shared, hmm?"
Shrugging, but unrepentant, Dash replied, "I'm just saying that there are times when certain boundaries should be pushed. AJ knows what I'm saying."
All eyes were on the farm pony now as she calmly refuted her. "Ah dunno what y'all are talkin' bout, Dash." A loud smack was heard emanating from below the table and Dash's eyes teared up as she bit her lip and whimpered in pain. "Ah'm plum sorry. Was that your leg Ah accidentally kicked? Lemme help you get back home, Sugar." She walked over to the pegasus' chair and pulled it along with the athletic pony out. Pulling one of the pegasus' arms over her shoulders, Applejack stood, lifting the smaller pegasus clear off the ground and nodded to the rest of their friends. "We best get to moseyin'. Ah got plenty left to do at the farm, and Ah need to leave now if'n Ah'm gonna drop her off at her house."
The rest of the table just stared at them and then looked to each other as they disappeared around the corner, out of sight of the outdoor cafe where they sat. Twilight slapped down a handful of bits on the table as she rose. "Well, I guess that's our cue to leave. I do have a new shipment of books coming in tomorrow and I need to make room on the shelves. As much as I enjoyed Shining's wedding, it really has put me behind on my schedule."
"And I should be leaving as well if I am going to be on time with Angel's post-lunch dessert," Fluttershy said quietly.
Pinkie stood as well, draining the last of her juice box before saying, I suppose I could get a head start on next year's party planning."
"Pinkie, it's only Amoruary. Next year won't be for another ten months," Twilight noted with an exasperated tone.
The pink mare slammed her hands down on the table, jostling the plates and silverware. "I know! I need to get planning! There's going to be three sweet sixteens that year; three!"
As she bounced off down the road, Rarity stood. "Twilight Darling, were you serious about what you said about kissing?"
Twilight carefully considered the mare before her, knowing that she was doing the same. She could easily tell that Rarity was fishing for information, not necessarily concerning the direct question. Careful not to show her suspicion, the librarian replied as she started walking back to the library, "Yes, Rarity, I was serious. No colts, no stallions, and nothing more than pecks on the cheek for family."
"What a shame," Rarity replied with a sad shake of her head. "You're such a beautiful mare, it's really quite a waste to have no special somepony." Twilight only grunted as a reply, and they continued in silence until they came to the place where they would need to part ways for their separate homes/businesses. "Of course, stallions only make up less than a quarter of the population," Rarity said with a sly grin as she turned towards her boutique.
The way Twilight paused and was stunned into silence was all the confirmation the seamstress needed, and she practically pranced back to her shop. Knowing she was beaten, Twilight slouched off towards her tree, her mood suddenly darker, though not because Rarity came away from the encounter on top. Her thoughts drifted once more into the past as she remembered a certain classy mare who taught her to appreciate music.
"Welcome back, Twilight," Spike said as she walked in. He immediately noticed her dour mood and frowned internally. Oh, great. She's got that "experiment the sadness away" look again. And we just got the basement back in order from last time. Well, I just hope she stays away from interdimensional summons, this time. Those slimy tentacle beasts really make a mess. "You ready to sort through the reference section to make room for the new books, Twi?"
Shaking her head, Twilight replied, "You go ahead, Spike. I trust you to know what books this town is unlikely to need for the foreseeable future. Just make sure there's enough room; we have thirteen cases coming in. I have a new hypothesis I want to test in the basement. See that I'm not disturbed until dinner, okay?"
The unicorn made her way down the stairs, careful to lock the door as she went. Going over to her desk, she plopped down in the swivel chair, ruminating on many things, until she came across an old thought experiment that was a rejected thesis of her first master's degree. Hmm... It's been a while since I even thought of that. I wonder if...
Her horn glowed as she stood up, and a battered violin case popped into existence and landed gently, almost reverently on her clean desk. There was no need to blow the dust off of the case, as everything she owned was kept immaculately clean, unless it was an ongoing experiment or research. A flick of her thumbs undid the latches, and she almost reverently opened the lid.
A wave of nostalgia washed over her as she took in the sight of her almost forgotten violin. Celestia had made a gift of it when she finally graduated high school, a gesture that did not go unappreciated, since Twilight knew that the instrument was older than some noble families' lineages. Everything was just as she had left it almost a year ago when she had last played it. The aroma of the ointment-soaked rag filled her nostrils, triggering a landslide of emotions and memories, reminding her of just why she had laid the instrument to rest..
Tears blurred her vision a little as she gently picked up the violin and rested her chin on the plate. She closed her eyes as her hand found the bow and drew a few experimental notes from the unused strings. A few twists of the tuning pegs, and a deep breath later, the unicorn began to play. It was a short, bittersweet song, but held a lifetime's worth of pent up feelings and things left unsaid. The words returned to her, words she had thought forgotten, but she knew. Knew that they had never truly left, and that they never would. What the brain forgets, the heart remembers. Her voice was unsteady from disuse and she stumbled over some of the lyrics, but she sang regardless.
When she finished, it felt like an old wound had been reopened, but there was little pain. It was a well-scarred wound, that left her with just a dull ache in its place.
It was a long time before she re-emerged from the basement.
(\ /)
( . .)
*(")(")
Vinyl paced in front of the club's payphone, chewing on her lower lip. Usually, the soothing sounds of house and techno helped her organize her thoughts, but tonight, all it did was aggravate her headache. It didn't help matters any that Turntable, the DJ currently rocking the house, liked to have the volume turned up to eleven.
"Sex on the Beach?"
The unicorn turned towards the voice to see Watermelody, a pink earth pony mare with a lime green mane and tail, and her current fillyfriend holding out a glass of red liquid topped with an orange slice. Vinyl snatched the glass away and took a long drink before pulling a disgusted face. "Blegh. You know how I feel about schnapps in general, let alone peach schnapps. But thanks, anyway."
Watermelody smirked and leaned one shoulder against the wall as she crossed her arms under her breasts. "You must be thinking of calling her again if you've forgotten what goes into that drink. You always worry about what she'll say so bad, you forget simple stuff like how to breathe."
Vinyl shot her a glare, but it was only half-hearted. It had long been a bone of contention between them that Vinyl was only with her because the younger mare bore a passing resemblance to a certain cellist, and the name only furthered that comparison. It was one that they had worked hard to get past, but both knew that they would never really last as a couple. They were both looking for something else in their lives, and would eventually part ways, but until then, Watermelody couldn't help but nettle the deejay over the oddness of their relationship. "I saw an old friend last week at a gig; one that I'm sure Octy would like to get in touch with, but..."
"But?"
"I dunno. She didn't seem to recognize me, and she left before I really got a chance to talk to her," Vinyl replied with a shrug. She resumed pacing in front of the payphone, chewing on a thumbnail. "We were all pretty close in high school, but these days, she moves in different circles; like, very different circles."
Taking a deep drink from her glass, Watermelody asked, "Why am I getting a Princess and the Pauper kind of vibe here?"
"Probably because you're smarter than you look," Vinyl shot back with a wry smirk which disappeared quickly. "I'm talking about Twilight Sparkle."
Watermelody put a thumb and finger to her chin in thought. "Why does that name sound familiar?"
Vinyl rolled her eyes, an act hidden by her shades. "Oh, you know, she's the unicorn who saved Equestria from eternal night, eternal chaos, and eternal domination by love-sucking bugs." When she saw the blank look on her fillyfriend, she sighed and added, "The princess' personal student?"
The earth pony nearly dropped her drink in shock. "You're friends with her?"
"I don't know why you're so surprised. You've seen her in that picture I keep in my music room," Vinyl said in exasperation.
"The one with you and Octavia with that little kid?" Watermelody asked, receiving a nod in return. "Wait, she's your friend from high school? She looks eleven in that picture, are you telling me she was in high school with you then?"
The deejay smiled, more at the memories, than at her confusion. "Yes and no. She was in high school then, but not mine. She went to Celestia's." She walked over to the payphone and picked up the receiver. "In any case, I've made up my mind. Octy needs to know. If you like, I can tell you about her after I make my call, but right now, I need a little space, if you don't mind." She made little shooing gestures with her free hand as she put a bit in the coin slot.
Watermelody smiled and shook her head as she left. "Yeah, yeah. You talk to your fillyfriend while I go see if I can get our table back."
Vinyl gave the retreating back a melancholic look. She really deserves better than me. With a shake of her head, she banished all such thoughts as she tried to get into a happier mindset to talk to the only ex she ever regretted leaving.
(\ /)
( . .)
*(")(")
"Octavia, you have a phone call!"
Looking up from the composition she was rehearsing in her head, the gray mare replied, "Who is it, Pizzicato?"
The unicorn mare gave her a crooked smile and said, "Who do you think? Only one pony would call you at this late hour."
Octavia glanced at the clock and was surprised to find that it was now almost ten. She rolled her eyes, but smiled regardless. She walked out into the hallway of the apartment building and took the receiver from her roommate, nodding her thanks to her. "Vinyl. To what do I owe this pleasure?"
"H- hey, Octy. You busy? Got some time to talk?"
It was faint, but the cellist still caught the slight hesitation. "I have some time before I retire for the evening. What is wrong? You sound upset."
Vinyl gave a snort of amusement. "Could never hide anything from you. I ran into an old friend of ours recently."
The odd non-sequitur confused the earth pony. "You were so upset at meeting an old friend that you just had to call and tell me about it?"
"Well, met is a bit strong, I think. I just saw her from across a crowded dance floor as she sang a song at her brother's wedding. I didn't have a chance to actually talk with her afterwards."
Octavia was beginning to get a little put out. "Vinyl, it is unlike you to be so evasive. What is wrong? Whom did you see?"
There was a long moment of silence from the mare, allowing Octavia to hear the club music playing in the background, before she finally replied. "Twilight."
Octavia felt like she had just been punched in the gut. She sat down heavily on the chair next to the phone, her mind turning inward. Twilight. I... I... "H- how did she look?"
"Pretty good, considering she had just saved Equestria from the Great Cheeseleg Menace. Even managed to dress up real nice for the reception. Think she's had some sort of choral training, with how she belted out that song, too."
A silence descended over the two ponies as they remembered the last time they had been with the then filly, and the sad circumstances of their parting. As usual, it was Vinyl who could no longer stand the sullen hush and asked, "So, are you going to call her now? If nothing else, congratulate her on her brother's... nup- noop-"
"Nuptials," Octavia helpfully provided. She considered a moment before saying, "I don't think so. I'm sure she has far too much on her plate to reminisce over silly little filly memories and conversations."
Vinyl silently winced at the mare's use of contractions, knowing that she only did that when very distracted or upset. She was unable to really determine which was the case over the phone. "Oh, come on, Octy. You know she's gotta be aching to get back in touch with us since she graduated college. I know I want to, but I lack the connections to even begin to start that. You at least, know some ponies. Hay, I bet you still have the number that one bodyguard gave you, just in case."
"Cinque minuti finche lights out. Cinque minuti finche lights out."
Octavia gave a mental sigh of relief at the announcement made over the building's intercom. "I apologize, Vinyl, but we have a concert tomorrow and they are about to turn off the lights for the evening. I need to go. I shall call you later in the week at a decent hour, when I get a free moment."
"Alright, talk to you then."
With that, she hung up the phone and began a slow walk towards her room. Should I have told her that I saw her at the Gala? No, what good would it have done? It would have just been another "spotted her from across a crowded room and could not reach her in time" story. As she dressed for bed, a nagging feeling of doubt crept in, accompanied by guilt, which always reared its ugly head whenever she held something back from Vinyl. She laid down in the bed just as all the lights in the room went dark, but she remained staring out the window at Pranceylvania showing off its lights like some glittering jewel. Her eyes slowly closed until she made a decision. Perhaps I should tell her. After all, I am sure that she would like to hear about her as much as I wou- did. She drifted off to sleep, dreaming about a purple unicorn who was always just out of reach.
(\ /)
( . .)
*(")(")
Shuffling the papers in her grasp to put them in the correct order, Celestia sighed and leaned back in her chair, wishing she could banish the feeling of failure that seemed to grip her heart like a vice. She set the stack down on her desk and scrubbed her face with her hands, trying to wash away the exhaustion that came from not sleeping for the past week. Even through the debilitating fatigue clouding her senses, the alicorn still sensed a familiar presence entering her private sanctum. "To what do I owe the pleasure tonight, Plain Sight?"
The dappled gray mare stepped out from the shadow of a large wardrobe, her face a mask of seriousness. "I've come to-"
"Denied."
Nonplussed, Plain Sight turned her head curiously. "I'm sorry?"
Celestia opened her eyes, taking in the svelte guardian's well-toned form. "Your resignation. Denied. Rebuffed. Turned down. Rejected out of hand. Negated, spurned, and vetoed. In other words, I will not be entertaining the notion."
Plain Sight shook her head with a wry grin. "Am I really that transparent?"
"Only to somepony who knows you," Celestia replied. "That, and the fact that this isn't the first time you've tried to tender your resignation after Twilight had suffered some disaster of near apocalyptic proportions."
Plain Sight walked forward and sat on the corner of the desk nonchalantly. She picked up a letter opener, and began toying with it, holding it with just her index fingers. "Well, since I seem to be on the clock for the foreseeable future, I don't feel like I'm intruding by inquiring after your health."
Celestia sighed. "I'm fi-"
"And don't give me that 'I'm fine" malarkey, either," Plain Sight said, daring to interrupt the monarch. "Anypony with eyes in their head could see that you're not doing well. So, out with it. You already know my secrets, and turnabout's fair play, so spill. For the good of Equestria." She smirked at that last line, knowing that those magic words were often all that it took to get the alicorn to open up about her troubles.
Unable to meet her gaze, Celestia stared blankly at her desk and chewed on her lower lip. "I... I all but turned my back on her. She tried to warn us that something was off about Cadance, but I just dismissed her concerns as jealousy. I should have realized that having grown up with her, she knew her even better than I, but I brushed her aside like like I would a petulant foal. Worse, when the time came for me to protect her, I was beaten like a novice facing down a master." She picked up a framed picture of Twilight with her Ponyville friends, her fingers tracing a line around the face of her precious student. "The embarrassment and fear at being beaten and fooled so easily is bad enough, but knowing that I hurt her like that..."
Plain Sight flipped the letter opener in the air and caught it by the tip of the dull blade. "If there is one thing that I know about Twilight, it's her unshakable confidence in you. You can quite literally do no wrong in her eyes, and even if you do, she will forgive you anything." She slid off the desk and brushed the wrinkles out of her skirt. "What you two need, is to get together and talk about this. Perhaps over tea with those little raspberry jam cookies you both adore."
Celestia seemed less than certain, and mumbled something that sounded noncommittal.
Shaking her head, Plain Sight left the mare alone with her thoughts so that she could catch the first train back to Ponyville. With a sly smile, she made a stop on her way out to have a quick word with Celestia's seneschal about her schedule. |
Amore Obbligato | Chapter 12: Pesante | AMORE OBBLIGATO
Chapter 12: Pesante
When performing mindless, mundane tasks, it was not hard to lose oneself in the moment. It was one of the attractions such activity held for Twilight. If she wanted to not think for a while, she could just re-sort the shelves (and in the process, try out a new, possibly more efficient system). Other times, she just wanted to let her hands go on autopilot, so her mind could wander. She had found that free form thought was often the best way to find new ways to look at a problem. However, there were times where such activity just let her mind dwell on something unpleasant, not matter how much she tried otherwise.
This was definitely a case of the latter. Everything she did reminded her of Octavia. The rhythm into which she fell as she replaced the books back on the shelf made her think of a metronome. She found herself humming a musical scale. When she realized that the book in her hand through which she had been leafing was a treatise on musical theory, the unicorn knew she had enough. Pinching the bridge of her nose, she set the book back down on the pile and her horn lit up. A similar glow surrounded the many stacks of books that she and Spike had been sorting and they all flew back into the spaces they had vacated less than a half hour prior, including the book in Spike's hand. "I- I'm sorry, Spike. I just can't do this right now."
Spike regarded her with a worried expression. "Something wrong, Twilight? You've been acting... odd since yesterday."
Twilight downed her cup of tea, noting that it did nothing to soothe her mind. She ruffled his head spines, a sad smile on her face. "Sorry again. It's just... it's not something that's easy for me to talk about, you know?"
Realization seemed to dawn on the dragon's face, and he suddenly looked nervous. "Ooohhh... Mare stuff. Say no more."
With that, the baby dragon darted out of the room, making a lame excuse about sorting through his comic collection. Twilight smirked at his retreating form, feeling bad about letting him leave with the wrong idea, but relieved at not having to try to explain her feelings to him. After all, at the end of the day, not only was he still a child, he was male and a dragon, and worked on a different wavelength entirely.
"I think I'll go for a walk... On second thought, nevermind. Not really in the mood to run into anypony right now." Twilight thought hard for a moment before deciding to do something she hardly ever did. Pulling on a jacket, she walked out of the library, not bothering to lock up in case Spike returned before she did. She only took a few steps before disappearing in a bright flash of light, reappearing in front of the tiny Ponyville movie theater. Laying down a handful of bits on the counter, she said, "One, please."
(\ /)
( . .)
*(")(")
Vinyl stepped off the train, breathing deeply the chill, foreign air. She looked around at the aganippe dressed in their funny clothes, scurrying about their way, going on with the business of their lives and oblivious to the newcomer unicorn and her problems. Releasing her deep breath in a sigh, she shouldered her backpack and zipped up her hoodie to ward off the cool afternoon air. She walked up to the ticket booth and said, "Excuse me, do you know where I can find the Galliard Conservatory?"
The old stallion behind the counter looked at her in confusion and said something in a language she didn't understand.
"I'm sorry, what?" she asked, leaning forward a little.
"He said that he doesn't speak Equish," answered a mare behind her.
Vinyl turned to see a white Royal Guard leaning against a column. "I don't suppose you could tell me where to find it, could you?" she asked, just happy to see another unicorn.
The mare made no move aside from chewing on the toothpick hanging from the corner of her mouth. "I might." She looked over the deejay with a critical eye, obviously not liking what she was seeing. After almost a minute of silence, she asked, "A bit late to register for class, innit?"
Not one to take attitude from anyone, let alone strangers, Vinyl crossed her arms under her breasts and cocked her hips to one side. "It would be, if that was why I was here. Are you going to make yourself useful, or are you too busy holding up the wall?"
With a grin, the mare pushed off from the wall and started for the train station's exit. "Well, come on, then. They have an early curfew for visitors and tourists; they hate their students to be disturbed, what with all the money paid to attend."
Vinyl ran to catch up, then slowed to an easy canter beside her guide. She glanced at the strange architecture of the partially underground city, trying not to gawk like a green tourist, but seeing so many aganippe in one place was something new to her. Back in Canterlot, the only bat-winged ponies around were all in Princess Luna's personal guard, and there were absolutely none to be found in Ponyville. With her signature shades, she was able to let her eyes linger on them without fear of being rude, but still tried not to stare. Aganippe foals ran and flew through the streets just like any other ponies in any other city, but with a noticeable lack of diversity, and adults flew or walked about their business, paying no mind to the two land-bound unicorns.
The deejay was staring up at some stalactites which had been hollowed out to make them into homes when the guard asked, "So, which is it? Visitor or tourist?"
"Are you always this rude, or do you just not have a name?" Vinyl replied, not taking her eyes from the strange buildings.
The guard lightly slapped her forehead and grinned. "Silly me. I keep forgetting. Being one of only a handful of unicorns living in the city, I'm used to ponies instantly recognizing me. Name's Bardiche." She held out her hand, which Vinyl took.
"Vinyl Scratch," she said, shaking the hard, calloused hand. "I'm here visiting a friend in the college, Octavia Melody."
Bardiche's eyes went wide. "You know Octavia? The Octavia Melody?"
"Well, she doesn't come in six-packs," she replied, muttering under her breath, "More's the pity."
"No offense," Bardiche said cautiously, "but you don't strike me as the kind of pony to befriend someone like her."
Vinyl rolled her eyes. "Why is it that whenever someone says, 'no offense,' offensive words are all that follows?" She pulled out her wallet which dangled from a chain and extracted her favorite picture from it. A much younger trio of Octavia, Twilight and herself smiled back at her. "Yeah, you could say that we've known each other for a while now."
Bardiche looked down at the photo and gasped. "You know Lady Sparkle as well?"
The deejay quickly put the photo away, a light blush forming on her cheeks. "Whatever; I'm here for Octavia." Though the visit has more to do with our little lawbreaker than just a plain social call.
They continued on in silence for a bit, Bardiche leading the way, a sullen Vinyl following behind. "Um, look. I'm sorry about earlier. My parents tried to teach me manners, but it never really took. I guess that's why I went into the military; I don't really get along well with civilians, and it's a bit easier to hide a gruff attitude in the corps, you know?" She put a finger to her chin in thought, adding, "Come to think of it, that may be why they shipped me all the way out here. Even my CO here is a bit of an odd duck."
Vinyl nodded, then shrugged. "S'alright. I'm not going to win any awards in manners, myself. You said, 'The Octavia Melody' earlier. Does that mean you know about her?"
Bardiche gave a helpless gesture. "Kinda hard not to know about her in a music town like this. Rumor has it that she's being courted by the Duchess herself, as well as a sundry of other mares and stallions, not to mention other creatures as well. And then, of course, there's all the orchestras who-"
"Courting?" Vinyl asked, her throat suddenly going dry. "As in..."
With a chuckle, Bardiche replied, "Like I said, that's the rumor. I myself, don't put much stock in rumors, but it is a fun way to pass a long shift, listening to all the gossiping hens that pass through the train station. I suppose it started around her second year here, when the school played for the Duchess' yearly Grand Ball. All the nobles saw Her Grace staring at the stage during Octavia's solo piece, and it sorta took off from there. Doesn't help any that she receives about a dozen deliveries a day; mostly flower bouquets, but a coworker who sometimes drops by the school said that she once saw her receiving a rather large jewelry case; the kind that holds expensive necklaces."
The bottom fell out of Vinyl's heart just then. A sharp, aching void opened up in her chest, and she just knew that it could never be filled again. I knew that she would eventually move on, but to actually hear about it...
They continued walking in silence, Bardiche sensing that she had unintentionally trod on dangerous ground. It wasn't too long before the school hove into view, and Vinyl couldn't help but think that it fit Octavia perfectly. The Gothic architecture harkened back to a socially sophisticated time where ponies wore too many layers of clothes, stood on too much ceremony, and were focused far too much on one's station. The tall spires almost touched the cavern's ceiling, as if they meant to tie the sky to the ground, and the leering gargoyles clinging to the exterior told any who saw them that this place was not to be taken lightly. It's like the building equivalent of Octy, she thought with a wry smile.
"Well, this is the place," Bardiche said, stopping at the open gate. "I wish you luck. Trying to get in to see students is pretty tough, what with their schedule and all. Galliard takes education very seriously."
Vinyl nodded and gave her a small smile. "Thanks. Listen, sorry about the 'tude earlier. I'm just going through some stuff right now. If you feel up to it later tonight, I'm going to be guest deejaying over at Club 404. You should come see it." She pulled out a pair of comp tickets the club had sent her as enticement earlier in the week.
Bardiche gingerly took the tickets as if they were something fragile. "Whoa, you're deejaying at 404? That's a pretty exclusive club. I've only been in there once, and that was because the bouncer at the door was intimidated by me. Drinks were a pretty bit, too. You must really be something to get invited there."
With a shrug, Vinyl replied, "Meh, I do alright." Normally, she would have been really talking her talent up, but was too distracted by what she was going to say to Octavia to really think about it. As she turned away, she gave a half-hearted wave and walked through the open gate. "See you there. And bring a friend."
Bardiche watched her walk up to the building, scratching the back of her head. "Odd mare."
(\ /)
( . .)
*(")(")
With a flourish, Octavia plucked the last few notes of the piece she was practicing and set down the bow on a chair in the common room. She had just picked up a towel to wipe off the chin rest of the violin, when the phone rang. With a grumble, the walked over to it and set the instrument down and proceeded to wipe it down one handed while picking up the receiver on the fourth ring. "Si? Qui Octavia, dite pure," she said.
"Octy, my girl! Would you be a dear and come down to the front office and let these stuffed shirts know that I'm not a terrorist here to kidnap you? They keep threatening to call the police... I think. I dunno, I don't speak their language, and their accent is just horri-"
"Vinyl?" the cellist practically yelled.
As the earth pony took several deep breaths, the deejay took the opportunity to head off her rant before it could get started. "Yeah, just come on down. I got some stuff to talk to you about. Chop, chop, now." With that, the line went dead, leaving a shocked mare holding onto the phone receiver dumbly.
(\ /)
( . .)
*(")(")
Vinyl was having a great time doing everything she could think of to annoy the mare behind the desk. As she sat on the corner of the furniture, picking her teeth with a business card she had taken from a stack, she hummed one of Octavia's favorite classical songs, purposely going out of tune and tapped a hoof against the desk in what could be construed as an attempt to keep time, but was about half a beat too slow. Just as the old agganippe was about to curse her out, Octavia walked in and went straight to her, ignoring her old friend who stood and held out her arms for a hug.
"<I am so sorry about this, Signora Sour Note. I had no idea she was coming, and will make sure she knows that this sort of behavior is unacceptable in future,>" she said in fluid Itailion. Before any of them could say another word, Octavia had already dragged Vinyl out of the office.
It wasn't until they were halfway down the hall that Vinyl's protests finally got through to the enraged mare. "Octy, you're hurting my arm! Leggo!"
Rather than complying with her request, the stronger mare instead roughly shoved her against the wall, smothering all protests with a kiss. Despite not wanting to cheat on Watermelody, Vinyl couldn't help but return the kiss with equal fervor. This was something the both of them had been suppressing since the day Octavia moved away. It was several minutes before the deejay returned to her senses and gently, but firmly pushed her ex-fillyfriend away. "Octy, I'm sorry, but I can't."
For her part, Octavia looked surprised, though more at her own actions, rather than Vinyl's protests. "Oh... You... you've..."
With a nod, Vinyl replied, "Yeah. She's a nice filly. No Octavia Melody, but she still deserves better than me cheating on her with my..."
"Your ex," Octavia finished. "I understand." Reluctantly, she slowly backed away from the unicorn, giving them both some much needed space. "So, what brings you all the way out here?"
Vinyl gently rapped Octavia on the head with her knuckles. "You, dummy. You said you'd call, but here it is almost three weeks later, and I haven't heard a peep from you. You didn't even give me a satisfactory answer about our outlaw."
Octavia had the grace to look chagrinned. "Ah. I do apologize, but I... er..."
"Kinda blindsided you, huh?"
A moment of silence passed before she replied, "Yes." The gray mare looked down at the floor, a storm of raw, conflicting emotions running the gamut through her. "I just..."
Vinyl drapped an arm over her shoulders and guided her out the door to sit on one of the park benches outside. "Yeah, I know how you feel Babe, believe me. The only reason I don't think she's snubbing me, is that she genuinely didn't see me at the turntable. Standing in the spotlight like she was, we know from personal experience how blinding the lights can be. Plus, it's been what, five, almost six years now? Even if she saw me, she might not have recognized me."
The earth pony still couldn't meet her gaze directly, instead focusing her eyes on the twiddling thumbs in her lap. "I... there is something I need to tell you, Vinyl. You... you are not the only one to have seen her from afar. Last year, at the Grand Galloping Gala, Princess Celestia invited the school to send its best quartet, and I... I was among those sent. I too, saw her from the stage. She spent much of the gala by the Princess's side, but I had a clear view of her most of that time. She... she actually looked happy," Octavia said quietly. She sat there silently for a moment, before continuing. "I do not think she noticed me either, so I hesitated to go up to her. You remember I told you about the disaster into which the evening turned, do you not?" She looked up long enough to see her friend's nod, then continued. "Well, when that pink mare all but stole my bow, I of course, had to go look for it, and by the time I had returned, Twilight was gone, along with half the guests, who had left in disgust."
She heaved a sigh and slumped in the seat. She held up her calloused hands as if inspecting them for flaws. "My one chance to reconnect, and I blew it; all because I let some... random mare catch me offguard. I haven't even been back to Canterlot since that day, I was so ashamed." He hands clenched into fists so tight, her knuckles turned white.
Vinyl gently placed her hands over her friend's, easing the fingers open. "Easy there, Octy. That wasn't your fault. From what I've heard of that year's gala, the ponies that started that brouhaha were banned from ever coming back by the nobles. If anything, they're the ones to blame for it."
Octavia suddenly stood and began angrily pacing in front of the unicorn, slowly building a head of steam. "But I could have gone back! I should have gone back! Instead, I buried myself in my studies here, all but cutting all ties back in Canterlot, except for an occasional call to Mother, and because of what? A single bad experience? What kind of friend does that, I ask you!" By now, Octavia's anger had swelled to a fury which even showed on her normally placid face as she literally stomped along the dirt path. "I've just been using it as a sad excuse, I tell you! If I loved Twilight half as much as I say I do, I should never have let such a paltry experience keep me from reconnecting! Just thinking about it makes me so... so... RRRAAAGGGHHH!!!" Vinyl just barely got out of the way in time as the earth pony violently brought her hoof down on the wooden bench where she had just been sitting, stomping through the thick wooden seat with such savage ferocity, that the cacophonous CRACK echoed throughout the cavern like thunder.
Vinyl gaped at the mare from her place on the ground, glasses askew, revealing the shocked expression on her face. "Daaayuuummm, 'Tavi! Take it down a notch, filly!"
The gray mare fell onto the grass-like lichen that comprised the cavern's "greens" with an "Oof." She stretched out her long legs and leaned back on her hands. "I believe I shall, as I seem to have injured my ankle."
"Sprained it?" Vinyl asked.
"Most likely," Octavia replied.
"Hurts?"
"Like the dickens." There was a beat of silence before they both burst out laughing. Octavia wiped away a tear as she said, "Oh, dear. It has been too long since I laughed like that. One does not realize how much one missed the simple things in life until they are reintroduced to them."
Vinyl chuckled at her. "You know, most ponies would just say, 'I forgot how good it feels to laugh.' You still haven't stopped using ten words where one will do?"
Giving her head a haughty tilt and a sniff, she replied, "Of course not. I cannot help it if most ponies just don't appreciate what a wondrous language, Equish truly is."
Vinyl quirked an eyebrow at her incredulously. "What was it our Language Arts teacher back in high school used to say about Equish?" she asked.
"Mr. Flowing Script used to say a great many things about the language, but the one to which I think you are referring is, 'Equish is a cutpurse. It follows other languages down dark alleys, clubs them upside the head, and goes through their pockets for loose grammar,' you cynic," she answered with a grin. She held out an arm and asked, "Little help?"
The unicorn stood, dusting off her clothes before grabbing the hand and struggling to pull her friend up to a semi-standing position, then pulled that same arm over her shoulders to support her. "I suppose we better get that looked at. Does this fancy shmancy school of yours have a nurse on duty, or do we need to go to the hospital?"
Again, the earth pony gave a haughty sniff. "I shall have you know that Galliard employs a doctor full time, specializing in orthopedics. Any music school worth its salt would do the same, given the nature of injuries likely to occur in our profession."
Vinyl gave her a sideways grin, and said, "Really? SSU had a full time doctor, too. Ours was a specialist in communicable diseases, though. Specifically, venereal diseases."
Octavia rolled her eyes, but still smiled. "I might have guessed."
(\ /)
( . .)
*(")(")
Octavia watched Vinyl "work the crowd" as she liked to call it. The earth pony likened it more to a form of mind control; or to be more accurate, mood control. The unicorn's facile skill at getting a crowd of ponies to act and react they way she wanted never ceased to amaze her. Even now, she managed the ponies' moods as if they were a row of ducklings following their mother. They all moved to her beat, even those who looked as if they would be a disaster on the dance floor.
Thinking that brought to mind the one time Octavia tried to teach Twilight a simple box step, which had ended up with bruises on her shins, and those took weeks to heal. A sad smile appeared, which she covered by taking a sip of the drink Vinyl had bought for her. The mystery drink brought a grimace to her face, causing her to shake her head violently, as if she were trying to clear her head. Thinking of her abused shins reminded her of her more recent injury, causing her to run her hand down her svelte leg until it encountered her still wrapped ankle. The doctor had told her that she was just a gnat's width from fracturing it, and ordered her to stay off it for a couple of days, even though he had used a rather powerful healing spell on it, and she intended to follow that order as closely as feasible, regardless of her own wishes.
From her spot on a chair behind the turntables, Octavia had a marvelous view of the crowd, which was happily eating out of Vinyl's hand. However, this could not compare to the view she had of Vinyl's backside as she worked. Her eyes kept returning to that skirt-clad, bouncing rump, those long, swaying legs, and her disheveled, swishing tail, beckoning her like a pony in the desert spotting an oasis. Why, oh why did I ever give her up? We didn't even try to make it work! The cellist sighed and looked away toward the crowd to distract her from her thoughts, fruitless, though it was. Who am I fooling? Even if we hadn't had physical distance as an excuse, something else would have cropped up. We may have a common bond through music, but we are just too different; want different things from life, want different things from each other.
She was startled from her thoughts by Vinyl collapsing in the chair beside her, still wiping the sweat from her face with a small towel. "Phew! This town really has some great feedback! I hardly had to direct them, and they just went for it!" The unicorn took a long pull from her bottle of chilled water and breathed an exaggerated sigh of delight when she took it away. "Woo!"
Octavia was thankful for the shadows in the darkened nook where their table was secreted, which hid her blush. Dear Celestia, how I've missed the sight and smell of her sweat! "I notice that you still cannot sit like a lady," she said with a haughty sniff. "Or are you advertising for companionship tonight?" She nodded towards the other mare's legs, which were spread wide on the chair as if she were a stallion.
Vinyl leaned towards the earth pony, her eyes half-lidded seductively. "Why? You looking to answer the call?"
With a roll of her eyes, Octavia took the towel resting on the bistro table, and threw it over her friend's head. "Perhaps you need to take a cold shower? Or should I call your fillyfriend to talk you down? What was her name again?"
"Watermelody," the unicorn replied, pulling the towel off. With a sly grin, she added, "You know, she had a major crush on you back in high school. She was just a freshy during our senior year, but she even joined the classical band instead of her first choice when she saw you. I bet it wouldn't take much convincing to get a little three-way if we asked ni-"
She was shut down as Octavia took the bottle from her hands, and squeezed it, spraying the unicorn's face with ice cold water. "Is your ardor sufficiently cooled now, or should I fetch another bottle?" she asked, her voice making the temperature of liquid helium seem warm in comparison.
Vinyl wiped her face with the towel again, looking sheepish. "I was just joking, Octy. Sheesh. Forgot how rabid you are about cheating."
"Fidelity is no joking matter, Vinyl Scratch. You would do well to remember that." The cellist glared at her for a moment before softening her expression. "I apologize. I should have known you were joking, but..."
Vinyl rested a hand on Octavia's arm. "Hey, you don't have to explain to me. I was there when you caught that jerk in the janitor closet with Little Miss I-Can't-Keep-My-Legs-Together-To-Save-My-Life."
Octavia smirked at her. "As I recall, you were the one who forced me to stake out the closet during lunch to catch them." She shook her head sadly. "Honestly, I do not know what I saw in Irresistible Charm."
"Hey, she almost lured me into her bed, and I was aware of her reputation. I can't really blame you for wanting to date her," Vinyl replied sympathetically. They sat in silence for a moment, before she said, "You know, we still haven't decided what we want to do about our little criminale. "
Arching an eyebrow at her, Octavia asked, "What do you have in mind?"
Vinyl leaned down and took another bottle of water out of the small cooler kept under the table for performers and drank deeply before wiping her mouth on her arm and smiled. "I say we pay her a visit. She'll have to notice us if we're on her doorstep like a couple of Celestia's Witnesses."
"Oh, there is a pleasant connotation," Octavia replied with a roll of her eyes.
Vinyl waved her off dismissively. "Fine, Filly Scouts selling cookies, if you prefer. The analogy doesn't matter. What counts is that she won't be able to help but notice us. What do you say?"
Octavia didn't even have to consider for very long before replying. "I would say that it is the height of rudeness to drop by somepony unannounced, even if you believe they would be happy to see you."
Again, Vinyl waved off her concerns dismissively. "Oh, please. I'm sure she's so bored in Ponyville. Have you ever been there? It's what they were thinking of when they coined the term, 'one-cart town'. If it weren't for Pinkie Pie, I doubt that anything exciting would happen there."
"Well, I do not know who this 'Pinkie Pie' pony is, but if you know her, then it is a fair bet that you met at a party, and is suitably uncouth like a certain pony I could name," Octavia said after thinking a moment. "I suppose that it would not hurt to take some time off, perhaps a three or four day weekend. I would have to clear it with the school, of course, and I would like to stop and see mother before going to this... Ponyville, but yes, I believe I shall accompany you on this quest to reconnect with dear Twilight.
Vinyl's grin threatened to take in her whole head. |
Amore Obbligato | Chapter 13: Repente | AMORE OBBLIGATO
Chapter 13: Repente
As the train pulled into the station, Octavia tried unsuccessfully to hold back an enormous yawn. Rubbing the sleep out of her eyes, she looked over at Vinyl, who was putting away a deck of cards and grinning wider than she could last remember such a feature gracing her face since the unicorn arrived at her school.
The conductor walked through the car, shouting, "Canterlot! Caaannnterlot station!"
The two mares silently gathered their baggage, a considerable feat for Octavia with her cello case, and swiftly exited the train amidst the crowd. "So, where to first?" Vinyl asked.
"I should like to see mother, first. It would be respectful, and I have missed her terribly," the gray mare replied. "Then we may begin our search for Twilight."
Vinyl nodded. "Great! Your mom always makes awesome pancakes, and I'm starved!"
Octavia glared at her, the bags and dark circles around her eyes making the glare all the more intense. "My mother is not your cook, nor is she just a pit stop on our trip. I do hope that you will treat her with the respect she deserves."
"Octy, when have I ever mistreated Backstage?" Vinyl asked with a roll of her eyes. "She's like a second mom to me." She looked over to the slightly mollified, yet still upset mare and sighed. Pulling her into a sideways hug, she added, "Cheer up. I'm sure she's doing fine. You left her that nice little bonus you got from the princess, right? That should have her sitting real pretty for a long time to come."
"I do hope it was enough," Octavia replied. "The bills were beginning to pile up when I left for Prancylvania, and Mother can be rather... opinionated when I try to lend a hand with the finances."
Vinyl spared her friend a worried glance at the tone. She knew from personal experience that while Backstage did not earn as much as she did in her youth, she always refused when the unicorn tried to offer money to help defray the cost of feeding her whenever she stayed over as a filly. In the later years of high school, she couldn't help but notice whenever Octavia worried about her mother; her dour mood being all too infectious. She also couldn't help but notice that they were not headed in the right direction for their house. "Octy, where are we going?"
The gray mare gave her a weak smile. "It seems that while I was away, Mother found a new paramour. I do not know who it is, but Mother claims that they are very attentive, and I felt it better to not press for too many details. As long as she is happy, healthy, and not in any danger, I am quite satisfied. Apparently, things have been going so well for them, that she was asked to move in last year."
"Good for her!" Vinyl said with a wide grin. "About time she moved on. I hated to think of her rattling alone in that tiny house, especially in a neighborhood that bad."
"Mm. As am I."
They continued in companionable silence, with Octavia only once referring to an address written down on a slip of paper, but the both of them becoming more and more confused as the time wore on. "Um, are you sure this is the right way?" Vinyl asked with growing trepidation.
"I... I do not know," Octavia replied hesitantly. "Perhaps we should ask somepony for directions?" She spotted a unicorn policepony and walked over to him. "Pardon me, sir. Might I ask you for directions to this address?"
The unicorn glanced at the proffered slip and nodded. "Certainly, miss. You take that street there," he indicated the street to their right, then followed it with several gestures as he gave directions, "follow it for four blocks, turn right, then straight on for another three. It should be on that block. If you see the Blueblood estate, you'll know you've gone too far."
Octavia nodded. "Thank you, sir. Have a pleasant day."
"You as well, miss," he replied with a tilting of his cap.
Vinyl was silent until they were out of earshot of the stallion, whereupon she grabbed Octavia's sleeve. "Octy, that's the Noble District! Your mom has made it big!"
With a roll of her eyes, Octavia disentangled the unicorn's fingers and brushed the wrinkles from her sleeve. "Calm yourself, Vinyl. For all we know, Mother is seeing a live-in maid or gardener."
"Even if she is, at least she's in a good neighborhood. No more worrying about her getting mugged walking home from work, right?"
Vinyl's cheer was difficult to deny, and Octavia smiled despite her reservations. "True, provided she is not still working at that horrid... establishment, anymore."
"Yeah, "Vinyl agreed with a nod. "Rump Shakers may be a cute name for a club, but I wouldn't want my worst enemy to have to work there."
They followed the policepony's directions in silence, noting how the neighborhood seemed to be getting cleaner and wealthier as they went. Most of their fellow pedestrians ignored Vinyl altogether, in favor of staring at Octavia in amazement. The gray mare, for her part, either did not recognize the attention, or was ignoring it entirely, much to Vinyl's amusement.
It wasn't long at all before they found themselves in front of a rather large estate in the richest neighborhood. The wrought-iron gate was joined in the middle by a stylized gold rose, but the house itself was hidden from view by a row of hedges at least eight hooves high that lined a path which curved out of view. Walking up to the intercom, Vinyl was stopped by a strong grip on her shoulder from Octavia, who glared at the unicorn. Vinyl backed away with her hands up in surrender. Clearing her throat, Octavia pressed the call button, then stood patiently and shifted the weight of her cello case strapped over her shoulder.
It was only a handful of seconds before a cultured male voice answered the buzz. "Heartstrings residence, how may I help you?"
"Octavia Melody and Vinyl Scratch to see Miss Backstage, please," she answered, enunciating to allow her voice to clearly show her Canterlot accent.
"And your business with the lady?"
Octavia raised an eyebrow, but replied, "I have the honor of being her daughter."
There was a moment's pause and the voice returned. "One moment while the car is brought around, Miss."
Vinyl's eyes went wide and she silently mouthed to her friend, "The car?"
"I imagine that it is a bit of a walk from the front gates to the manor itself," Octavia replied with a shrug. "The Heartstrings are one of the more prominent noble houses in Canterlot; well known for their philanthropy in the arts. One does not just donate one hundred fifty thousand bits to the Canterlot Philharmonic yearly without the means to back it up. Their estate is said to be one of the most grand in Canterlot."
Further discussion was halted as a rickshaw pulled by an earth pony stallion with muscles that his tailored uniform could conceal in only the most general terms pulled around the corner and into view. With a deft maneuver that could only have come from lots of practice, he brought the vehicle around in a one hundred-eighty degree turn, only slowing to a stop once it was facing down the path he had come.
With a CLANK, the gate opened inward, the rose device splitting in two down a previously unnoticed seam. The stallion walked around and bowed deeply at the waist to the two mares. Straightening up, he held out his hands. "Your luggage, Ladies?"
Vinyl happily turned over possession of her wheeled suitcase, nodding with approval how its considerable weight did not even budge his hand. "Thanks, dude."
Rolling her eyes at Vinyl, Octavia handed over her own suitcase, which he put into the same hand as Vinyls. "Please excuse my friend, Sir. She only appears to have been raised by timberwolves. Octavia Melody."
She held out her hand, which was gently grasped by the stallion, and he bent over to brush his lips across it. "Just call me Butterscotch, Miss." His name seemed to fit his light, golden-brown coat and slightly darker brown mane and tail. Letting her hand go, he quickly placed their baggage on the rack behind the passenger area before turning around for the cello. "Your instrument, Miss?"
Octavia unslung the case from her shoulder, noting approvingly how gingerly he treated it, before strapping it down along with the rest of the bags. Going to the hoofman's position, he helped each of them up into their seats, before returning to his usual spot between the poles and starting off again.
The path curved several times, even turning into a hedge tunnel near the end, where a curtain of flowering vines parted to allow the passengers their first unobstructed view of the manor itself. Vinyl gaped openly at the sheer opulence on display. Albino peacocks wandered through a garden of topiary which were stylized into ponies in various poses, some of which would have been quite risque had they been rendered in stone or paint instead of privet bushes. The mansion itself was bigger than most apartment buildings in which she had lived, with generous use of marble trim and climbing vines which completely covered the body of the building.
Octavia ignored all of that however, having seen similar and much grander during her tutelage in Prancylvania. Instead, all her attention was focused on the mare who stood at the veranda, awaiting the cart. A smile spread on both their faces as details came into focus. Octavia noted that the pale rose colored earth pony seemed to be in better health than she had seen her in years, which eased some of the tension in her chest.
Before the rickshaw had even come to a complete stop, she was out and running up to her mother, who eagerly embraced her. "I've missed you so much, Massimina1."
"I've missed you too, Gioietta mia2," Backstage replied as she nuzzled into her daughter's mane, chuckling at her daughter's use of the slightly disrespectful nickname.
Octavia grinned as she tightened her grip. She pulled back to take her in more fully. "You look wonderful, Mother. Obviously, you have been doing something agreeable."
Backstage smiled again and shrugged. "Retirement has a way of doing that, dear."
Octavia's grin became positively beatific at the news. "Mother, that's wonderful! Are you sure that you're financially secure enough for-"
She was interrupted by Vinyl playfully chucking her on the shoulder from behind. "Honestly, Octy! She's living in a mansion, dressing well, looks healthier than she has in years, and you're worried if she can afford to retire." She looked over to Backstage and stage whispered behind her hand, "She's just wondering if the money she left you was enough, the worrywart."
The elder mare gave a small giggle as she took both mares by the hand and led them inside through the front entrance. "Oh, Gioietta, I never touched that money, except to put it into a trust for you. It's already accrued into a quite the tidy sum. You may have it whenever you decide to stop dithering and graduate."
Octavia gave a frustrated sigh as she was led into a parlor and sat down on a couch next to Vinyl. "Mother! I gave you that money so would not have to scrimp in order to get by!"
"And I told you that I will not accept charity from my daughter," Backstage replied as she sat down in a wingback chair opposite them. "That's not how being a parent works. You'll understand someday, when you're a mother." She smiled and nodded at a maid who came in to set down a silver tray with a pot of tea and four cups.
Vinyl nodded as she looked at the opulence of the room, which did not fail to impress just how much money the owner had to their name. "So, how did you manage to land a bunk at a crib this swank? You boinking the lord of the house?" She pumped a finger through the hole made by her other forefinger and thumb before Octavia pinched her arm. "Ow!"
"Vinyl, this is my mother we're talking about. So help me, Celestia, if you don't dial it down, I'll dial it down for you." Satisfied that her threat was properly conveyed to the newly wounded unicorn, she added, "Besides, Lord and Lady Heartstrings are happily married, with several children."
Backstage chuckled again. "Oh, Octavia. No need to be so protective. Besides, she's right." She smirked as her daughter's jaw dropped. "Close your mouth, dear; you're attracting flies."
Octavia looked ready to faint and rage, all at once, but couldn't decide which to do first. Vinyl, however, beat her to the question. "Whoa- hoh! How'd you manage that? Better yet, how do you keep it from the missus if you're living here, too?"
"She doesn't."
All heads turned to see a unicorn mare whose coat was an indigo so pale as to almost be white, wearing a pale pink dress and more jewelry than either of the visiting ponies owned. She sauntered over to Backstage and leaned over to give her a rather passionate kiss on the lips before settling down on the armrest of the chair. "Keep it from me, that is." She looked down to see that Backstage was rather annoyed. "Oh, dear. You wanted to tell them yourself, didn't you?"
Backstage let out an annoyed sigh, but placed a hand on the mare's knee. "What's done, is done, Pelly." She looked over at her daughter and said, "Octavia, both A Cappella and her husband, Dulcimer Heartstrings are my lovers." Seeing that this was going over her head, she added, "I'm their mistress, Gioietta."
"H- how?" the gray mare squeaked out.
Sighing again, she leaned back, her hand still resting on A Cappella's knee. "To make a long story short, they've been customers of mine at Rump Shakers for years- never together, of course. When they 'step out' as they like to call it, it's always in disguise so as to avoid scandal, and always without the other, so they had no idea that they had been frequenting the same gentlestallion's club, nor that they shared the same favorite dancer. About a year ago, it so happened that they came to the club on the same night and instantly recognized one another. I don't mind telling you that you could cut the tension with a knife when they both called me over for their usual lap dance and conversation. They stared at each other for a moment before breaking out into laughter. Then, in the sweetest gesture I've ever seen, they proposed that I be their live-in mistress."
"She's leaving out a few thing that would make it easier to understand that we're not taking advantage of your dear mother, but that's the gist of it on her side without going into the personal and messier details," A Cappella said, her hand resting on top of Backstage's. "Dully and I separately had actually been thinking of approaching her with the offer earlier. Neither of us liked to see her walk through that neighborhood, and would drive her home whenever we went to see her. After we had discovered our... mutual acquaintance, we felt the time was past due."
Octavia looked bewildered as she brought a hand to her forehead. "I... I need a moment to process this." With that, she stood and walked over to the grand window overlooking the garden, standing there with her back to the room.
"Oh, dear," A Cappella said quietly, looking at the gray mare with concern.
Backstage patted her knee reassuringly. "It'll be fine, sweetheart. The same thing happened when I told her that I had go back to moonlighting as a dancer, because I wasn't making enough money at the bookstore."
"Well, I'll say it for both of us; We're glad you're doing so much better for yourself, Backstage," Vinyl said as she poured a cup of tea for herself and Octavia, loading hers with five sugar cubes, and adding just a few drops of honey to Octavia's. "Every other word out of her mouth was how much she was worried about you at school."
A Cappella smiled at her. "Aw, that's so sweet. The very picture of the doting daughter."
"So what were the other words out of her mouth?" Backstage asked slyly. "Something to do with getting back together with you, I presume?"
Vinyl smirked. "Then you would presume wrong, I'm afraid." She gave a small chuckle at the surprise at the mare's surprised reaction. "I would say it was an even split between her music, and how much she missed me and Twi. Oh, and the offers she was getting from orchestras, but I suppose you could put that under her music, so whatevs."
A Cappella arched an eyebrow at her. "I never thought much about her name until I saw the cello case out in the foyer. Do you mean to tell me that the Octavia Melody burning up the classical music scene and this Octavia are the same Octavia?"
"I am." Octavia resumed her seat next to Vinyl, gratefully accepting the offered cup. The tension seemed to drain from her shoulders as she sipped it and replaced it on the table. "It is rather impolite to speak of someone in the same room as if they are not there, you know."
"All sorted, Dear?" Backstage asked.
Octavia nodded and sipped her tea. "Yes, I believe so, Mother. I take it this arrangement is not public knowledge?"
Intertwining her fingers with Backstage's, A Cappella replied, "Well, I wouldn't go that far. While we aren't shouting it from the mountaintops, we don't exactly hide it, either. Both of us have been seen in public with your delightful mother, and yes, while the press has been... enthusiastic in their pursuit of a story, it's really a non-issue."
"It's like a soap opera up here in Canterlot! I'd forgotten how interesting the gossip can be in this town. Dag, I've missed this place!" Vinyl crowed with a short bark of laughter.
Octavia rolled her eyes while the two other mares laughed.
(\ /)
( . .)
*(")(")
Spike groaned quietly when he saw Twilight walk back into the reference room with yet another case of books. Apparently, his dismay wasn't voiced quietly enough, as Twilight said, "Come on, Spike. We have a lot of work to do, and we're really behind as it is without complaining."
"Hey, it's not my fault we just had to straighten up the fiction section this morning," the small dragon replied as he used a claw to open the new box. "If Rainbow hadn't come in looking for that Daring Doo side story novel that was rumored to exist, tearing apart that section even after we told her it was an urban legend, we'd already be done with this!"
Twilight shook her head sadly and tutted. "That filly needs to learn to trust me when I say that I know what's in this library." She turned to Spike and waggled a finger at him. "But that doesn't forgive you from being rude to a customer, even if she is our friend, Spike. I'm very disappointed that you lost your cool that easily with her. What if she had been a pony looking for a book that she needed for research? We have few enough customers as it is, without you scaring them off by setting their tails on fire. And what if you had damaged any of the books?"
Spike rolled his eyes as he took down a row of books to make room on the shelf. "Still doesn't excuse her implying that we were hiding the truth from her and wanting to hog the book to ourselves."
The little dragon was surprised when he felt Twilight put her arms over his shoulders from behind and hug him. "I know it doesn't, Spike, and I'll have a talk with her about it later. Who knows? She may even come by to apologize to you. In the meantime, do you think you can keep a lid on your temper?"
Spike was starting to get concerned. Twilight hadn't been this... demonstrative of her feelings in years. True, she had been getting better about not hiding her feelings since coming to Ponyville, but before that, she had pretty much started closing herself off since she started college. But now, she had been downright bipolar, going from moody and sullen, to almost clingy, and he was starting to worry. Maybe I should write the princess about- His thoughts were cut off as he felt a familiar feeling welling up in his belly, signaling the arrival of a message from one of the princesses. With a belch that shocked Twilight into releasing him and falling on her rump, a gout of green flame shot out of his mouth, allowing a scroll rolled up in a red ribbon and golden wax seal to pop into existence.
Immediately, Twilight's magic surrounded the missive, as she got back to her hooves. She brought it closer to inspect it, noticing something different about the wax seal. "Hm? Why would Princess Luna be sending us a message, especially at this time of day?"
"Yeah, isn't she usually asleep until six?" Spike asked.
Twilight nodded and let the scroll fall into her hands and broke the seal. "Usually, but they sometimes have to wake her early if some state business just can't wait, or there's some emergency."
"Well, that doesn't sound ominous or anything," Spike replied.
Rather than answer, Twilight silently read the letter, her stern expression softening, but leaving behind the confusion. "Well, that's odd."
Spike leaned around to look at the letter himself. "What is it?"
"It looks like it's just an invitation to tea tomorrow at the palace; just me and the Princess," Twilight replied. Her horn lit up again, and her eyes shifted colors several times as she reexamined the letter as well as the ribbon and the wax seal. She "Hmm"ed to herself several times, then shook her head. "No magic, other than the residuals that you'd expect from a letter like this, no invisible ink or lemon juice, and as far as I can tell, no codes or ciphers. So why would Princess Luna send me an invitation for tea with Princess Celestia?"
"Especially since she would normally be asleep at this time?" Spike added. He looked up at Twilight and asked, "Do you want to send a reply, Twi?"
Twilight nodded, and her horn lit up to bring out a sheet of paper and quill and ink for her helper. "At the very least, I need to RSVP. Let's see..." she stood a moment in silent thought before she began dictating her response. "Dear, Princess Luna. I would be delighted to accept the invitation, of course, and look forward to a lovely afternoon tea. I hope this letter isn't disturbing your rest, and that perhaps we could visit for a short time as well. Don't worry about lodgings for me, as I'll either spend the night at my old tower, or at my parent's place, before returning the next day or so. With warmest regards, Twilight Sparkle."
With that, Spike rolled up the scroll and took it to the window and opened it before breathing a gout of flame on the scroll. The parchment lit right away, becoming a green mist which wended it's way to Canterlot. "I suppose we should get ready. Am I going with you this time, or did you want me to stay behind and keep the library open?"
Twilight walked out into the lobby and sighed sadly. "You may as well come with me, Spike. I'm sad to say that nothing short of oxygen suddenly becoming a necessary as books is going to make this building important to the townsponies for the next couple of days." She walked over to the front door and paused at the opening. "Besides, there's a few errands I'd like to conduct in Canterlot, and I'm sure that Mom and Dad would love to see their favorite dragon again."
As Twilight left to alert the mayor, Spike ran upstairs, his grin wider than it had been in days, as visions of the gems Twilight's parents kept in stock just to spoil him when she wasn't looking danced before his eyes.
(\ /)
( . .)
*(")(")
Plain Sight snatched the scroll as soon as it materialized and opened it to read. She smiled wide as she read, and shook her head. "That filly. Even in her most polite wording, she's still fishing for information. She'd make a grand diplomat if she tried." The dappled mare looked over to a wobbly Luna, who sat at the edge of her bed, still mostly asleep.
"So she... acquiesced, then?" the diarch asked between yawns, her eyelids becoming heavier with every passing second.
"She did, Your Highness, though she's going to want to talk with you before returning home, I should think. Her curiosity is no mean thing."
Luna nodded, her eyes finally losing the battle, closing for the foreseeable future. "That is... well... then..." In a second, she was asleep sitting up, a soft, delicate snore escaping with each breath.
Plain Sight eased the larger mare back into her bed, careful not to wake her, then pulled the covers up over her, and closing the small gap in the curtains she had opened so that they might see what they were doing. She was about to leave, when she considered for a moment. Nodding, she went over to the small desk next to one of the windows and pulled out a sheet of paper and jotted down a few ideas to keep Twilight from getting too suspicious about the lunar diarch, and left the note on the nightstand next to the slumbering mare. Work complete, she silently made her way out of the room, closing the door with a soft CLICK. She nodded to the guards standing at the doors, who returned the gesture with salutes.
With any luck, by this time tomorrow, Twily and Celestia will have ironed out their differences, making everyone's lives a little bit easier. Plain Sight's gait became a little bouncier at the thought. She was in such a good mood, she even decided to stop by the kitchens to see if she could scrounge up a little flan before checking on the condition of Twilight's tower, then returning to Ponyville. |
Amore Obbligato | Chapter 14: Triste | AMORE OBBLIGATO
Chapter 14: Triste
Looking over her checklist for the third time that morning, Twilight took note of each of the things on the list. Zap apple jam for the Princesses? Check. New pictures for Mom and The Princess? Check. Extra spending money for myself and Spike? Check. Three days worth of clothes, plus something formal for both of us just in case? Check. Lost in the minutia of preparedness, Twilight felt her anxiety slipping away again. She became so relaxed, that she even began humming Handle's Water Music to herself, much to Spike's amusement.
For his own part, the dragon was washing their breakfast dishes so he wouldn't have to do so when they returned. Honestly, this had been the happiest he had seen her since they had returned from Shining's wedding. He had noted a slow, but steady decline in her demeanor when they first landed in front of the library and parted ways with their friends. Then, it had been noticeable, but she had managed to at least keep up a mostly cheerful front. A few day later however, she had returned from lunch with the gang in a funk that he hadn't seen from her since Discord broke her confidence a few months prior. It was then, that she had picked up her violin once more, and could be heard playing it, sometimes as often as once a day. While reviving her old music hobby seemed to take the edge off her foul humor, it did nothing to take away her melancholy.
But now, with the prospect of having tea with her mentor, the mare seemed more like her old self than ever. Why, she had even triple-checked her triple checklist like she used to do this morning. Spike was pulled from his silent musing as he noticed a flash of movement from outside the window. Leaning over, he saw two pegasi in royal livery pulling a chariot coming to a stop outside. Pulling the drain, he dried his hands on a dish towel and hopped off the small stool he used to reach the counter. "Twi! Our ride's here!"
"Okay, Spike. Come take your bag, and don't forget to lock up, okay?"
Spike dropped the towel to the floor, missing the counter entirely as he ran out into the lobby, Twilight having already walked out to greet their drivers.
The unicorn bowed to them, giving them a cheerful smile. "Good morning, sirs. Did you want a moment to catch your breath or have some refreshments?"
The two muscular stallions returned her bow, albeit more deeply. "Thank you, Milady, but we are quite well rested. Canterlot to Ponyville is practically a dawdle for a Royal Guard pegasus," replied the pony bearing a sergeant's insignia.
"But, Reg, weren't you just saying on the way over, that you wished we could stop for a quick pint to lubricate the ol' wings?" the other stallion said, a look of confusion on his face.
Regimental Order's (Reg to his friends) white face turned pink and he glared at his compatriot with an unnaturally wide smile. "What I said was that we should stop for a pint after our shift is over, Clive," he bit out through gritted teeth.
Clive (or Slow Proclivity as is written on his birth certificate) scratched his head as he loaded Twilight's bags on the back of the chariot. "'Ere, are you sure, Reg? I could 'ave sworn-"
"After. Our shift. CLIVE," Reg said without moving his teeth, and an almost desperate look in his eyes.
Twilight cleared her throat, two glasses of cider held in her telekinetic grip. "I'm more than happy to oblige, gentlecolts, considering all you do for us. It may not be as strong as you'd find in a pub, and I'm afraid I'm fresh out of... er, 'crisps', but Sweet Apple Acres cider is some of the best you'll find this side of Valhalla." She levitated the glasses over to them, Clive happily taking one, and the other taken with great reluctance by Reg.
With their charge watching eagerly, Clive saluted her with his glass and a "Ta," the two clinked glasses, and downed them in one go. "Cor, that's not 'alf bad, that is! Cheers, Milady!" Clive exclaimed before returning to securing the luggage, adding Spike's who had just joined them.
Reg's blush had taken over his face, and was working its way down to his chest as he returned both glasses to Twilight with a bow. "Thank you, Milady. My compliments to the producers. That will definitely see us through the day."
"Glad to be of service, Sergeant," Twilight replied, sending the glasses to the kitchen sink with a flash of aportation. "And I'm sure Applejack will be tickled pink to hear such compliments from two down-to-earth ponies like yourselves."
While the unicorn and dragon were climbing into the covered chariot, Reg walked to the back and smacked Clive on the back of the head. "Embarrass me like that in front of another toff, and I'll kick you right in the twig and berries, got that, yah daft plonker?" he whispered viciously.
Clive rubbed the back of his helmet, trying to assuage the pain in his head underneath. "I-" He got no further as Reg hit again, knocking his helmet over his eyes. Adjusting it, he saw the anger in his friend's eyes and began again, this time quieter. "Sorry, Reg. I was just so thirsty after hearing you suggest we go for a pint, I thought-"
"No, you didn't think, Clive," Reg whispered back. "Never talk about things like that in front of the toffs; that's lesson one for this duty, remember? Do you want to go back to standing guard in the clouds? Did you like that, standing at attention for ten or twelve hour shifts, too afraid to even sneeze or yawn because you didn't know when the OD would be by to check up on you?" He nodded as Clive shook his head, satisfied that his point was made. "Too right, you don't, and neither do I. So keep your gob shut, and when the toff offers you refreshments, you politely turn them down, 'cause certain ones like Milady here, are just too kind to follow certain protocol, and others are just asking to land you in Her Highness's Pleasure for skiving off. Now, when they asks if you want refreshments, you say what?"
Clive's face became serious as he stared ahead. "No thank you, Ma'am."
"Too right. Or you can let me answer for the both of us." Reg tugged on the straps holding the luggage in place and nodded. "Now, keep your gob shut, and let's pull this wagon like we were assigned to do. Light knows we're going to have to hustle in order to make up for the time we lost with this nonsense. If we're lucky, this will all just be a memory we can tell our grand kids in our dotage."
(\ /)
( . .)
*(")(")
Stepping out of the chariot, Twilight nodded once more to the drivers, while an earth pony hoofmare unloaded her luggage. Looking over to the palace entrance on the landing pad, she was disappointed to find not Celestia, but her personal assistant waiting for her. She schooled her discontentment into a bland smile as she approached and nodded to her. "Miss Inkwell, it's good to see you again."
Inkwell bowed and smiled. "Likewise, Milady. I trust the invitation didn't disrupt your schedule too much?"
Twilight's smile was much more genuine as she replied, "Nonsense. The Princess need but crook a finger, and I will hie to her side with all due alacrity. Incidentally, do you know why it was Princess Luna who issued the invitation, rather than you or herself?"
"Unfortunately, no, Milady. I, myself only received notification of this change to her schedule last night during my dinner. I had intended to ask her myself this morning, but unfortunately, the opportunity failed to crop up. The only thing I know for certain is that she wanted to discuss with you the events of your brother's wedding. As we speak, she is in the middle of holding court, which is why I am here to greet you, rather than she." Inkwell was uncomfortable telling a half truth to one of the princess' most trusted confidants, but was relatively sure she could manage it without raising too many alarms with this one.
Just then, Spike ran up with the hoofmare carrying all their bags following close behind. "Twi, I'm gonna get our things set up in the tower, okay?"
The polite clearing of a throat caught their attention. "Unfortunately, Master Spike, we were unable to send any maids into the tower to clean on such short notice, so it is... unfit for habitation," Inkwell said with more than a note of trepidation.
Twilight arched an eyebrow at her. "Do you mean to tell me that nopony has cleaned in there since..."
Inkwell nodded, her eyes downcast. "I am afraid so, Milady. We would have had maids in to clean, but given past experiences with your more delicate experiments, it was felt prudent to wait for either the Princess or yourself to make sure that any explosions or magical mishaps were kept to a minimum, and sadly, the princess has been far too busy to take care of this small matter."
Twilight's shoulders slumped as she took in this information. "Drat. I was so looking forward to rummaging through my old personal book collection, too. Well, I'll try to make some time to open it up myself sometime before I leave again, so the place can be dusted now and then, at least." She paused a moment as she checked her chronometer spell before looking down at her assistant, and saying, "Spike, why don't you show the hoofmare to our parents' place and get everything set up there? Mom should be home as this is a Dewsday, unless there was some emergency at the archives."
With a fist pump, the dragon led the hoofmare through the door at a very brisk pace.
"Don't run, Spike! We're going to be here for a few days, so there's no rush!" Twilight called after him. She sighed and shook her head with a fond smile. "I hope Mom and Dad don't feed him too many gems; I don't want him to spoil his dinner."
Inkwell led her through the palace to the Princess' tea room, and showed her through the door. "Court is scheduled to last another hour, but as you know, it tends to run a bit late. I'll try to get her here by three, however, so make yourself at home."
Resting a hand on the back of a chair, Twilight turned to her with a nod. "Thank you, Miss Inkwell, I will." When the aide had bowed and left, Twilight went to the window, and walked out onto the balcony. She breathed in the familiar scent of the blooming garden below, brought up to her by the constant winds which beset Mt. Canterlot. A smile formed on her face as she thought back to the many conversation she had with the Princess in this very room throughout the years. The peaceful contentment was marred by the thought that her mentor now wanted to talk about the catastrophe of a wedding last week.
I hope she's not too upset over what I said and did. Shaking her head, Twilight dismissed the thoughts, and decided to practice her violin to take her mind off of things. She conjured it, still in its case from her dimensional pocket, and with practiced ease, began to play. As she lost herself to the music, she started swaying and then flitting about the room, as if she were dancing with the music itself. With grace she could never achieve consciously, the unicorn effortlessly avoided every obstacle, even though her eyes were closed. When one piece was finished, she immediately segued into another seamlessly.
When she could take the ache in her fingers no more, she stopped and sank into the couch facing the fireplace. A light, polite clapping startled her from her reverie, and she was surprised to find Celestia sitting next to her, a proud smile directed at her. "Princess!"
"I'm happy to see that those lessons haven't gone to waste, Twilight. I had never heard someone go from Moo Ray's Rondeau to Busy's Les Toreadors before, let alone while dancing" Celestia said. She laid a hand on Twilight's which was still clutching the violin. She actually seemed a little unsure of herself as she asked, "How... how have you been? Since the wedding, I mean."
For a moment, Twilight seriously considered actually lying to her mentor. She mentally berated herself, and had to fight off the urge to rap herself on the head sharply. "I... I guess you could say it's been a bit of a roller coaster these past few days for me, Princess."
Celestia's heart ached, and she squeezed the unicorn's hand gently. "I'm sorry, Twilight."
Of all the responses she could have received, this was not among those Twilight had expected. Confusion in her eyes, Twilight looked up to the alicorn. "Princess?"
Celestia looked out the open window at the clouds and sighed. "I am partly to blame for the fiasco at the wedding. I was too busy with court and becoming reacquainted with my sister to notice the changes in Cadance's behavior, and I brushed aside your concerns as if they were nothing. I should have realized that of all the ponies in the world, you would be the one to recognize something being off about her. I should have connected the threat Chrysalis posed to the fact that she was a shapechanger, to her unusual behavior, and taken the appropriate steps." She looked down at the unicorn, tears blurring the vision of both mares. "I should never have dismissed your concerns so casually. I shouldn't have treated you like a whiny foal who thought her favorite ponies were being taken away from her. I... I should have trusted you more, and I don't even have the excuse of mind control or emotion manipulation to hide behind."
Stunned, Twilight could only sit there for a moment in shock before launching herself at the larger alicorn. Her arms went around the mare, and her face buried itself in her ample chest. Celestia was taken aback at the reaction. She had expected condemnation from her favorite student, but this easy forgiveness was just perplexing, and actually made her feel even worse. She hesitantly laid a hand on the young mare's head, softly stroking her mane as tears fell from both their eyes.
"Oh, Twilight. I don't deserve this. Your trust in me is misplaced. I couldn't even fight off the threat once exposed-"
She cut herself off as Twilight began to shake her head, still buried in her bosom. Finally, the unicorn looked up, her eyes still brimming with tears. "You've told me yourself many times, Celestia. You may be many things, but infallible isn't one of them. You can only do the best you can with the information you possess at the time, with the tools you have at hand, and hope you don't make a royal mess of things. You were distracted by many things, and I... I didn't exactly present a lot of evidence that couldn't be dismissed as circumstantial or pure conjecture. I'm also angry with myself for how I acted. I appeared foalish and immature, because I was foalish and immature. I was feeling left out because my BBBFF nor my parents had bothered to inform me of the engagement, let alone the wedding until just a few days beforehand, and I didn't even know who he was marrying until I actually arrived in Canterlot. Worse still, it wasn't from any of them that I learned of it. Add to that, the fact that one of the only ponies not a blood relation that I considered family was treating me like a stranger, and everypony else, including my own friends seemed to be dismissing my concerns out of hand as jealousy, it would be a gross mischaracterization to say that I was a bit out of sorts."
Twilight leaned her head against Celestia's chest again and closed her eyes, releasing a sigh as she relished in the comforting warmth coming from the diarch. "You're the smartest, wisest, strongest, most wonderful pony I know, so knowing that even you can make mistakes makes me realize that my mistakes aren't as bad as I make them out to be. Everyone makes them. What makes us better for having made those mistakes is owning up to them, accepting the consequences, and moving beyond them. We can't dwell on them, any more than we can just ignore them, but with the help of somepony you care about, the problem becomes half as difficult." She tightened her hug, trying to will all her love into the mare through osmosis, not really wanting to let go for any reason until she understood that she didn't need to be forgiven, at least, not from her.
A tremulous smile crept onto Celestia's face. Such heartfelt kindness was rarely directed at her. Of course, her ponies adored her, followed her, even fought or died for her, but she always felt a certain amount of disconnect from them. Their feelings for her were always sort of... distant; detached, even. She wasn't sure when it started to happen, she had noticed a few centuries ago that emotionally, she had drifted away from her ponies- nay, her children, until anything she felt from them directly had become... muted. But now, it seemed that a pony had broken through the wall that had been erected without her notice. Twilight didn't just love her as her ruler; she didn't even just love her as her mentor. Twilight loved her. Celestia's heart felt like it was full to bursting. Her arms snaked around the unicorn still hugging her, pulling her into and even tighter embrace.
Twilight sighed in contentment as she snuggled into the larger mare.
(\ /)
( . .)
*(")(")
Vinyl looked over her steaming cup of coffee and across the table at her dining partner in the cafe. The late afternoon light filtered through the window, shining on the melancholic face of Octavia. Despite the gloomy expression, the deejay thought that the way the light shone on her made her appear positively angelic; as if she had just laid down her trumpet after signaling the apocalypse, wishing that she had time for one more scone before the end.
The cellist was looking out the window, chin in hand, completely oblivious to her audience, as she listlessly stirred her own coffee. Everything about her was impeccable, of course. Her mane was neat and tidy, not a hair out of place; as opposed to Vinyl's, which almost always seemed to look as if she had just awakened. Her clothes were high society haute couture, neatly pressed and smelling faintly of spring rain somehow, versus Vinyl's mismatched black pleather skirt, blue and pink striped tank top which just smelled of cheap laundry detergent and old sweat, in addition to her signature shades and ever-present headphones which hung loosely around her neck. Even Octavia's ramrod straight posture was antithetical to the way Vinyl slouched in the bench seat and faintly nervous hoof tapping. All in all, one would be hard pressed to find a more mismatched pair than these two.
"Bit for your thoughts?"
Without turning her head, Octavia glanced over at Vinyl, then back out the window. A moment of silence stretched out between them as the earth pony gathered her thoughts. "Are we doing the right thing?" she finally asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Vinyl just silently raised an eyebrow at the question. Without even looking back at her, Octavia knew what expression was on the unicorn's face. "Oh, do not give me that look. Twi was a busy girl when we knew her back in high school. Now that she has gotten older, she surely has taken on even more responsibility, leaving her less time for... old acquaintances."
Vinyl sighed in frustration. This again? It's only what, the fifth time she's brought up this point? "Look, how do we know she won't be happy to see us again? The fact is, we won't know until we meet up again. Don't take the choice out of her hands just because you're getting cold hooves, Octy." She took a sip of her coffee and added, "Besides, I'd hardly call us 'old acquaintances'. The high point of her high school career, sure, but 'old acquaintances'? You make us sound like business partners or coworkers, or something."
The unicorn was surprised by the noncommittal grunt she got in lieu of an intelligible answer, but decided to not press the issue, as her friend seemed rather put out at the moment, and she had been witness to what happens when Octavia Melody becomes irritated. She took another drink of her coffee, and so she missed Octavia's eyes go wide. However, she could not miss the mare's hand slamming down on the table as her knee met it from underneath as she struggled to get up in a hurry. Vinyl almost choked on her drink, and was unable to react as the other mare finally extricated herself from the table and dashed outside as if her tail were on fire.
It took her almost a full minute to get her choking under control and run out to look for her friend, only to run right into her back, and get knocked on her rump. "The hay are you doing, Octy?" she yelled from her spot on the sidewalk.
Octavia was scanning the streets, using her height to its fullest advantage over the smaller unicorns and totally ignoring the unicorn, who was climbing back to her hooves.
Vinyl laid a hand on her shoulder and quietly said, "Octy?"
The earth pony looked back, frustration plain on her face. "I just saw her, Vinyl." She looked again to the streets, filled with ponies; a sea of clashing colors. "Twilight's here." |
Amore Obbligato | Chapter 15: A Battuta | AMORE OBBLIGATO
Chapter 15: A Battuta
What am I even doing here? ...
Why come here of all places? ...
I have all of Canterlot at my fingertips, and I come here? ...
There must be something wrong with my head. Twilight shook her head, but continued to stare at the building with mixed emotions. This is ridiculous. It's just a building; a building that I've been in countless times before. Who cares if some of the most traumatic moments of my life occurred here, some of my happiest memories happened here as well. Surely, that counts for something. Still, her body refused to move, and her mind refused to come out of the mire of past memories, all bad.
A foal bumped into her from behind as he dashed towards the building, jarred her free of her self-imposed paralysis. She nodded to the colt, who gave her an apologetic nod, but didn't stop his headlong rush. She took a deep breath, and released it in a great sigh. She straightened her posture, squared her shoulders, and walked towards the building.
The inside had changed very little in the eight years since she had last set hoof in Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns. It was fairly empty, being a Satyrday afternoon, but there were still some faculty and staff roaming the halls. Twilight nodded to those who saw her, but didn't stop to chat, other than to give a quick greeting. She made her way up to the fourth floor, where the senior classes were held and stopped at the science lab.
Through the partially open door, she could hear the voice of one of her favorite teachers giving instructions. "Now, carefully inscribe the rune pattern I laid out for you on the chalkboard. Remember that it has to be deep, but not so deep that you shatter the gem."
Twilight smiled and quietly knocked on the door as she peeked through. "Professor Crucible?"
The teacher turned to the door, and a wide smile broke out on her face. "As I live and breathe, Twilight!" She walked forward and embraced the smaller unicorn, then held her at arm's length to get a good look at her. "Look how much you've grown! Your head didn't even reach my chin when you graduated, and now you're... still a bit short!" She playfully patted her head, which was still just below eye level to her.
Twilight smirked and pushed her hand away. "And here I was, going to congratulate you on finally getting your PhD."
"Would have had it yonks ago had I not gotten so into teaching," Crucible replied, obviously unhurt by the comment. "What brings you back? Did you forget a project, and came back to make sure it doesn't swallow Canterlot?"
"Thankfully, no. Just came to see the Princess, my parents, and revisit my old stomping grounds." Twilight looked around at the room full of students bent over their work, intently engraving runes onto gems as big around as the tip of a mechanical pencil eraser. Jeweler's loops were held in one eye, which they took out only to confer with the diagram on the chalkboard. She looked at the diagram and pointed toward it. "Auto-shield enchantment?"
Crucible nodded. "They're finally ready for it. Quickest group I've had since yours."
Twilight grasped her chin with a thumb and forefinger, and walked over to the chalkboard. Crucible grinned, as she recognized the look in her former student's eyes. The younger mare slid the chalkboard sideways along the rails, revealing a clean board behind it, and picked up a new stick of chalk in her magic. Still in the same pose, she copied the rune pattern in quick, deft strokes, then began making calculations around it. The other students halted their work, and watched as this strange, new mare broke the sacred law, and wrote on Crucible's chalkboard, uninvited.
The calculations became more intensive and crowded, almost seeming to be excited to be revealed for the first time, until Twilight slid the first chalkboard further aside to reveal instructions for Moonday's classes, which were carelessly erased, causing the foals to gasp, and a few to duck under behind their stations for the coming explosion form their teacher. Crucible, however, just stood there, her grin becoming wider as she watched Twilight work, seemingly oblivious to the outside world.
There was a knock on the doorway as an old stallion walked in. "Cruce, did you hear- oh! I guess she beat me here." He walked over to Crucible and examined the calculations that were now coming at a rapid pace. "I say! Is she actually trying to improve on Star Swirl's auto-shield enchantment?"
"More than trying, I'd say, Old Bean," Crucible said as she bit her thumbnail. She was so giddy, that it was only with a supreme effort that she was able to stop herself from bouncing around the room in excitement.
The second board full, Twilight's magic moved the top board back to the left to get at the board beneath it and continue her calculations. Old Bean's horn lit up as he conjured a small bird. He looked over to the students nearest the window and said, "Chrome Veneer, open that window for me, please?" A well-muscled filly of about sixteen years nodded and opened the window next to her, allowing the bird to fly out. The animal split into seven before scattering in different directions, and Old Bean nodded his thanks to the filly.
The gathered ponies watched as Twilight finally filled up all the boards, even erasing Crucible's original diagram, not once changing her thoughtful pose. The only movement from her physically was the sharp swishing of her tail. Gradually, more ponies appeared at the door and were quietly waved into the room to watch in awe as the young mare worked her magic. The room was packed pretty tightly, with several more in the hallway, trying to peer into the room. The gathered crowd held their breath as the chalk slowed to a stop for a moment, then Twilight nodded, and went back to her original diagram. She never heard the quiet gasps as the transposed two major runes and slightly altered all the connecting runes, adding an additional sub-rune to the apex rune.
Setting down the nub of chalk on the rail, she regarded her work once more and nodded. "There. That's been bugging me for years." She was startled by thunderous applause from her audience. She turned around in confusion.
Crucible stepped up and looked over her work. "Interesting. On the surface, I can see why you attached Uruz to Thurisaz, but won't that make it weaker when the enchantment is laid by a female?"
"That's why I left Isa to the left of it, and switched Pertho and Algiz, so that Pertho will stand in opposition on the circle, and Algiz can continue it's work next to Thurisaz," Twilight explained. "With the other runes in their current position, the auto-shield enchantment will function as it did before, but the shield will be stronger and cost less energy as Pertho and Uruz-Thurisaz synergize."
Crucible turned around to face the class and put an arm around Twilight's shoulders. "New lab, class! Finish your gems with the enchantments pattern I put up earlier. Then, I'll pass out new gems, so that we can try out Miss Sparkle's new chain. After that, We'll test both out in the yard!" She looked at all the adults as if noticing them for the first time, and angrily walked forward, waving her arms about. "All of you, shoo! If you're not my student, then get out! We have work to do!" The fiery teacher's reputation soon had the adults wandering off, some giving Twilight a thumbs up or a wave as they left. Twilight herself was about to leave when Crucible's hand on her shoulder stopped her. "Aren't you eager to see the results?"
Twilight's smile was as wide as the teacher's own.
(\ /)
( . .)
*(")(")
Sipping quietly from her cup of steaming tea, Twilight gave a sigh of satisfaction.
"Well, that was an interesting lab."
Twilight nodded at Crucible's words. "I certainly wasn't expecting such a vigorous reaction to that one filly's gem. What was her name? Chrome Veneer?"
Crucible nodded and smiled as she picked another bit of burned leaf from her lab coat. "Yes, she's one of my strongest students- at least, from this crop, anyway. An interesting reaction to making Thurisaz smaller than Pertho, though. I wonder if her being female was a factor in the violence of the reaction, or if it was the fact that the bolt came from a colt?"
"Hmm... hard to say. We would need to run some tests to be sure," Twilight replied. "Perhaps using the university's shielded room, if we could wrangle it."
Taking another swallow of her tea, Crucible gave a noncommittal shrug. "Might have a bit of trouble, there. The waiting list for that room is longer than my arm."
Twilight gave a thoughtful look out the window to Crucible's office. "If you like, you can have my scheduled time next month. I have three days per season reserved for me, but honestly, I didn't have anything major planned for the autumn, and I was just going to see if anypony at Uni wanted them. At least this way, it'll still be something I had a hand in, so to speak."
"That's very generous of you, Twilight. Thank you. We'll be sure to make the most of it," Crucible said. Setting down her cup, she selected a Fig Newt from a plate between them and nibbled on it. "So, have you heard anything about... her?"
Still looking out the window, Twilight replied, "If by her, you mean Honeyed Words practically running Neigh Orleans now, despite not being allowed to set hoof into Canterlot? Yeah, I heard. Hard to miss the whispers."
Crucible shook her head. "No, not that." She waited until Twilight's curious face turned her way before unleashing her bombshell. "Her parents are finally having another child."
Twilight's confused expression stayed in place as she considered this information. When realization of the implications finally dawned on her, she couldn't help the small smile that found its way to her lips. "Oh, my. Do you mean..."
"There's going to be a new heir apparent for the right honorable Marquis," Crucible said with a vindictive smirk. She had never liked what was revealed when it came out that Honeyed Words was essentially coasting along in Twilight's wake. "When it comes time to pass on the mantle of Marquis of Neigh Orleans, the name attached will not be hers."
Twilight's light chuckle brought a full grin to Crucible's face. "Oh, my. I know I shouldn't take delight in the misfortune of others..."
"But this is one time where it's not only deserved, but self-inflicted," the teacher finished for her. "Besides, if ever there was a pony who could be excused for a bit of schadenfreude in all this, it's you."
"I guess Neigh Orleans will be getting a reprieve soon, as well."
Crucible nodded. "Not for almost two decades, but at least there's a light at the end of the tunnel."
A sudden thought occurred to Twilight and she paused before she asked, "What about... Tight Rein? Has she ever..."
Crucible shrugged. "As far as I can tell, she hasn't left Honeyed Words' side once. I'll say this for the filly, she's loyal. A shame it wasn't directed towards a more deserving pony."
Twilight's expression turned melancholic as she stared into her still warm cup of tea. "I wish I had handled it differently. Had I known then, what I know now, I might have been able to prevent them from- ow!"
She was interrupted by Crucible gently bopping her on the head with her knuckles hard enough to smart, but not leave lasting damage. "Now that I have your attention again, allow me to give you two more lessons before you go. First-" she held up a finger as she counted off the lessons. "You are only responsible for your own actions. That scene in the movies where the villain holds up the trigger for a bomb, or is pointing a sword at a hostage, and telling the hero that he responsible for what happens? Total roadapples. Anypony doing that is just trying to shift the responsibility, and is either a coward or truly evil. Second," a second finger joined the first, "You can't save everypony. Some would rather smack away a hand offered in good faith and suffer the consequences, than live with the knowledge that they needed to be saved. There comes a time when you just have to let them crash and burn in their own way."
Twilight looked back out the window and sighed. "I'm not sure I can accept that last lesson," she said sadly.
(\ /)
( . .)
*(")(")
It was well past sunset when a smiling Twilight finally walked past the perpetually open gates to the family manor. She hummed to herself as she walked up the (relatively) short path to the mansion itself, and walked in without knocking. Orderly Fashion, the family butler who happened to be walking past at that moment, bowed to her. "Young Miss Sparkle. Young Master Spike has arrived with your belongings, and they've been left in your room."
"Thank you, Order," Twilight replied fondly. She inhaled deeply and smiled. "It's good to be home again. I presume Spike and my parents are in the parlor, awaiting dinner?"
The elder stallion nodded, and produced a small whisk broom from a pocket to brush off some errant bits of singed grass from her shoulders. "You presume correctly, Young Miss. In honor of your unannounced arrival, Rose Hips has been in the kitchen since word of your arrival reached the Lady Velvet's ears, cooking both yours and Young Master Spike's favorite dishes. She will be imminently pleased to see you here to actually enjoy them."
Twilight gently pushed away the whisk broom, and rolled her eyes. "Alright, Order, your point is well taken. Consider me chastised. I'll be sure to have Spike send a note when I know I'm coming over."
"As you say, Miss," Orderly Fashion replied with a small sniff, but relented his mild browbeating, and lead her to the parlor.
She was greeted enthusiastically by Velvet and Night Light (and a little less so from Spike, who quickly hid a fist sized ruby behind his back). "Mom! Daddy! I've missed you!" Twilight stepped forward and into the waiting arms of her parents.
"We've missed you, too, Twily," Night Light said as his arms embraced both his daughter and his wife.
Velvet buried her face in her daughter's hair to hide her tears, but jerked back suddenly. "Twily, dear, why do you smell like burned grass?"
Twilight backed out of the embrace and looked away, a light blush forming on her cheeks. "Oh. I um, was walking past The School on my way home, and stopped in to say hello to a few teachers, but ended up getting roped into an experiment Prof. Crucible was running. I'll tell you about it over dinner."
Orderly Fashion knocked on the door and opened it. "Dinner is served."
Night Light gave a short bark of laughter. "Speaking of." He ruffled Twilight's mane as he walked by to the dining room.
Velvet kissed her cheek as she passed, a bounce in her step. Spike was about to walk past, when Twilight grabbed the ruby from Spike's back pocket, much to his dismay. "You may have it back for dessert, but not until your plate is clean, mister." She held it up, and noted the sizable chunk bitten out of it. "I think an extra helping of broccoli is in order, to make up for all these gems. Mom and Daddy don't know how many of these you've been eating, lately."
"Aw, Twi..."
"Moderation in all things, Spike. Moderation," she quoted as she walked into the dining room, pocketing the gem. She failed to notice Spike stuff a hand in one pocket and feel around for a small bag of white opals given to him by Night Light with Velvet's approval, and smile.
(\ /)
( . .)
*(")(")
Vinyl tried desperately to catch her breath. She looked up from her position, bent over double, hands on her knees, and tried to find Octavia. She needn't have bothered, as she had left a trail of affronted ponies in her wake, all talking about the gray mare who had rudely shoved past them without so much as an "excuse me". They had both run out of politeness hours ago. Now, the lamplighters were making their rounds, lighting the streetlights with their magic, while ponies went about their business.
Vinyl spotted a small grocer that had a wooden tub filled with bottled water cooling in ice for sale, and pulled out a handful of bits to buy two. She smiled at the sight of Octavia walking back to her, disappointed eyes downcast. The normally prim mare was nearly unrecognizable. Her mane was in complete disarray, she had the top two buttons on her blouse undone, and her pink bow tie hung loosely from her neck. A sheen of sweat glistened in the evening glow of the streetlamps, causing Vinyl's heart to skip a beat. Dammit. Stop being so... you, Octy. She proffered one of the water bottles without a trace of the conflicted feelings in her head. "Here. You look like you need this more than I do."
Octavia gratefully took the bottle and opened it. She drank... and drank... and drank, crushing the plastic bottle as she went, without taking a single breath, until the bottle was empty. Even then, she retained enough of her innate grace to not gasp loudly when the deformed bottle left her lips.
Vinyl stared at her throughout the whole scene, internally groaning at the awesome sight. When she finally took a breath, the unicorn took a few more swallows of water, then dumped almost half of the remaining bottle over her head, seeking to cool off. She half hoped that the other mare was watching her like she did, but when her vision cleared, she noticed that Octavia was back to staring blankly at the passersby while she bit her thumbnail in thought. "Look. Instead of just running off into the night on a wild goose chase, trying to catch a unicorn that knew how to teleport at twelve, why don't we think about the places she might be?"
Heaving a great sigh, Octavia nodded. "Agreed. Had I been thinking clearly from the start, we would have been doing just that." She paced in front of the grocer, pausing to buy two more water bottles, and handing one to Vinyl, who had just finished her first. "We can eliminate her old school right away. Even if she were there, the gates are closed and locked by now, so we would not be admitted. Likewise, the libraries, though a few book stores may still be open." She opened the bottle and took a few swallows, then continued her pacing. "No, there are only two places we might find her at this time of night in Canterlot: the palace, and her parents."
"Do you know where her parents live?" Vinyl asked.
Octavia shook her head. "Neigh. She did not talk to us much about her parents, and I only gave her lessons at the palace or her private apartment." She paused her pacing and stared into nothing once more. "I wonder..."
"What?"
The gray mare grabbed her wrist and pulled her down the street. "Come. I believe I have an idea that might work."
"Octy..." Vinyl groaned as she was this time, physically pulled through the streets, instead of just being tethered along by her loyalty to her friends.
(\ /)
( . .)
*(")(")
Vinyl gazed around the enormous hallway as she sat on the cushioned bench, which no doubt cost more than she earned all last year. Her eyes fell upon a painting of the princesses dancing in elegant ball gowns, dripping in jewelry, and she wondered how much the artist was paid for that bit of paint splashed onto canvas. That's not really fair. Whoever did this had talent. I could almost swear that they're actually moving.
A blond unicorn stallion walked past her, making a point to turn up his nose as he passed. Vinyl rolled her eyes, but waved at him, which only made him turn his nose up higher. Not being able to see the ground, he tripped over a wrinkle in the rug running the length of the hall, but kept his hoofing. She poorly stifled a laugh, but managed to put on her most innocent look when he turned her way.
The stallion started making his way towards her, but stopped when Octavia appeared along with the guard who had escorted her to see the palace's seneschal. The mare stopped in front of her and held out her hand to help her tired friend stand. "Come along, Vinyl. I was able to secure us a quick meeting with The Princess, but we shall have to be quick about it. Her time is very valuable, you know."
Turning, she finally noticed the stallion behind her. who apparently recognized her as well. "Oh! Good evening, Prince Blueblood," she said with a bow of respect. "It is good to see you once more. I am afraid you will have to excuse us, though. We have an appointment with Princess Celestia, and it would not do to keep her waiting."
Blueblood returned the bow, albeit not as deeply. "Of course, Dame Octavia. Another time, perhaps." He didn't wait for a reply and walked off graciously.
As she walked briskly down the hall in her friend's wake, Vinyl asked, "You know that stuck up-"
"Show some respect, Vinyl," Octavia said tersely. "That stallion is the son of the Duke of Canterlot, and has more political power here than any other single pony, save The Princesses. He could ruin us and all our families with but a single word murmured in the right ear. Besides, he is not actually that bad, once you get to know him as well as his boundaries and expectations."
Vinyl shook her head in amusement. "I'll never know how you manage to get along with this set. But what was that about you being a dame? Since when were you knighted?"
Shaking her head, Octavia replied, "It is a long story, and not really one I can repeat. Let us just say that certain events happened in Prancylvania and leave it at that. Now, you remember your etiquette lessons when meeting royalty?"
Vinyl rolled her eyes. "Yes, yes, yes. Bow, do not approach more than three steps away unless invited, call her 'Your Highness' or add 'Princess' to her name."
With a nod, Octavia said, "I suppose that will have to suffice for now. We really do not have time to go over all the niceties, so it would be best if you just let me do all the talking, or at least, as much as The Princess permits. Just remember to be respectful, and you shall do just fine."
Vinyl mimed a talking mouth with her hand and rolled her eyes again. "Yes, Mom."
"I am serious, Vinyl. If you-" She was interrupted by their arrival at Celestia's study, whereupon the guard knocked.
He opened the door and announced in a clear voice, "Dame Octavia Melody and Vinyl Scratch, Your Highness." The two mares walked in to find Celestia, in her usual regal dress, rising from her desk and walking over to them.
Octavia bowed low at the waist, elbowing Vinyl in the gut to do the same, as she did so. "Your Highness. It is such a pleasure to see you in person once again."
Vinyl grunted from the blow, and bent over, more from the violent action than any show of obeisance. "Oof. Er, Evening, Princess."
Celestia smiled as she walked forward and lifted both ponies by the chin until they stood straight. "Dame Melody, I already told you to not stand on ceremony in privacy last year. It's just the three of us, so I must insist you cease the bowing," she said as she took both of the earth pony's hands into her own.
"Er, yes, Your Highness." A blush overtook Octavia's cheeks, but she bravely looked up to meet her diarch with her own shining eyes.
The alicorn turned to Vinyl, taking her hands as she did Octavia's, beaming a smile down at her as well. "And you must be Vinyl Scratch. Twilight told me a lot of you as well when she was still a senior in high school. Of course, I've heard more about you from Luna, who seems to a be your biggest fan. She saw your performance at Club 404 in Prancylvania the other day, and came back with yet another copy of your CD."
"Well, thank you, I-"Vinyl stopped and her eyes went wide as the alicorn's words sunk in. "Wait, Luna? As in, Princess Luna? That Luna? She's a fan?"
Celestia released her hands and gestured to escort them over to a couch in front of the fireplace. "Oh my, yes. I've had to soundproof her room when she installed the six-hoof tall subwoofer for her sound system. We still received complaints from the apartment below hers, so we moved that pony to another, but I daresay that you are easily amongst her favorite deejays, if not her all-time favorite."
While Vinyl was dumbstruck, Octavia took the initiative. "Princess, I asked to see you for more than a mere catch up session, I am afraid. My ulterior motive was to hopefully get into contact with Twilight again."
The alicorn considered her words for a moment, then smiled gently. "Why, of course I'd be happy to help you renew your friendship with my Faithful Student, Octavia. I never understood how she could let such a strong relationship lapse in the first place. Even with the distance taken into account, there are still telephones and letters." She leaned forward, and in a whisper that nopony could have missed had they been in the room, she added, "You know, she was quite enamored with you, as a filly."
Octavia's entire face went red down to her shoulders as her eyes went wide. "P- P- Princess?"
Celestia rose and walked over to her desk to rummage through her drawers. "I presume that you wanted to get a message to her tonight, am I correct?" She paused her search to look up at the two shocked ponies on the couch, then resumed rifling through her desk to hide a grin. A few more seconds of searching and she pulled out a sheet of parchment. "Ah! Here we are." She placed the parchment on the desk near the guest chairs and waved them over. "I'm afraid you'll have to use a quill and inkpot, as a pen won't work with this sort of message. It's actually one of the many projects Twilight's been working on for years, but to no avail, sadly. Is that alright with you? Are you familiar with a quill, or would you like to dictate, and I write it for you?"
This shocked Octavia out of her stupor. "Oh no, Princess! I could never dictate to you as if you were a common secretary! I- I'm actually quite adept at calligraphy, which uses a pen not that different from a quill." She hesitantly took the quill from Celestia, who gave her that same gentle smile.
"I'll just give you two some privacy. When you've finished, I'll be at the balcony." She rose and opened the tall Fancy doors behind the desk leading out to a small balcony covered in ivy.
Vinyl looked over to Octavia and viciously whispered, "Do you think she meant what we think she meant about Twi?"
Octavia did take her eyes off of the blank sheet of parchment, but chewed on her bottom lip. "Shush! I'm trying to gather my thoughts! This parchment must be special, so I don't want to waste any." Her whispered reply was just as viciously delivered, and had the desired effect. After a moment, she began scratching away with the quill. The message itself didn't take long, with the earth pony's practiced skill. With a flourish, she signed the letter and sprinkled a bit sand on the ink from the small coffer next to the inkwell. She cleared her throat and called out, "Princess? My letter is finished."
Celestia returned back into the room, closing the Fancy doors behind her. "Oh, good. You found the sand. I had forgotten to tell you where it was." She rolled up the parchment without looking at the words, then wrapped a red ribbon around it, sealing it with a dollop of gold wax, and embossed it with her ring. She looked at the two ponies and winked. "Now watch carefully." She mimed rolling up sleeves that did not exist on her dress. "Nothing up my sleeves. Now a wink," she winked at them again, "a twitch," she twitched her nose as if she were about to sneeze, "et voilà!" Her horn glowed with a golden light that also enveloped the scroll, which vanished with a POP! Vinyl clapped loudly, followed a moment later by Octavia, and Celestia bowed to her tiny audience. "Thank you, thank you. You're too kind."
A clock on the fireplace mantle chimed nine o'clock, and Celestia looked downcast. "It would appear that I must bid you both good night before I turn into a pumpkin."
Octavia took the hint and rose, dragging Vinyl up by the arm. "Thank you so much for this, Princess. I cannot tell you how much this means to me- to both of us."
Celestia walked forward and cupped both their faces, which fit easily into her large hands. "Anything for my little ponies; especially if it benefits Twilight." After the two had bid her goodnight and left, she walked back to the couch and sat down to look into the flames, seeing things that only the Princess of the Sun ever could; things which made her smile. Her vigil was shattered when Luna barged into the room, frantically searching.
"Where is she? A guard told me she was here!"
Smiling serenely, Celestia patted the couch next to her and waited until her sister sat down and took several calming breaths. "I'm afraid you just missed her, Lulu."
"Oh, bother and bedamned!" the night mare shouted, pounding her fists into the couch seat. "Why didst thou not send for us? Thou knowest how we much we doth admire the Mistress of Spinning Disks!"
Celestia grinned as she pointed towards the mare's chest, which was unusually well covered lately. "One would think you had your fill of her since you got her to autograph your chest the other day."
Luna batted away the hand, but looked dreamily into the distance. "Oh, would that we couldst have her do more than merely sign our chest!"
Turning her attention back to the fire with a smile, Celestia replied, "Well, dear sister, you may just get that chance."
(\ /)
( . .)
*(")(")
Twilight reluctantly handed over the promised gem to Spike as she dug into her own dessert with gusto. Not many ponies cared for rum raisin ice cream, but between Orderly Fashion and Rose Hips, there was always a small box of it in the Twilight manor. She watched him bite into the ruby and chew with relish.
"You really should go easier on him, Twily, dear. Not a lot is known about the dietary requirements of dragons, so he should be allowed to follow his instincts in that regard," Velvet said as she sipped from her cup of coffee.
"All the more reason to make sure his diet is varied, Mom," Twilight replied. "Besides, Spike tends to get a little... round when he indulges too much in gems."
Spike took offense to that and made it known. "Hey! I do- urp!" He struggled to say something- anything, when a gout of green flames erupted from his mouth, followed by a scroll.
Velvet glared at the offending parchment. And we were having such a lovely dinner with our daughter! Why does she have to butt in?
Twilight's magic quickly enveloped the scroll and floated it over to her. She broke the seal and unrolled it to read. Right away, her brow creased in confusion, which became surprise as she read.
Dear Twilight
I do not know if you remember me, but I was your violin tutor in high school, and considered you one of my very closest friends. I know we have not spoken for a rather long time, but Vinyl and I would very much like to renew our friendship with you. If you are amenable to this, please meet with us at the coffee house, Cafe Disaffecto on Lawndale street tomorrow at noon.
Your eternal friend,
Octavia Melody
Twilight quietly rolled up the letter and placed it into a pocket on the inside of her blazer.
"What is it, Twily? Do you have to go now?" Velvet's voice hid her anxiety well, but everyone at the table could still hear it.
Shaking her head, Twilight replied, "Nothing urgent, Mom. I'll have to go out for lunch tomorrow, that's all; though I may be late for dinner... again." |
Amore Obbligato | Chapter 16: Rondo | AMORE OBBLIGATO
Chapter 16: Rondo
Vinyl's pleasant dream about a certain Princess of the Night was ruined by the sudden intrusion of light, and a voice loudly proclaiming, "Up! We do not want to be late, Vinyl!"
Said unicorn opened one bleary eye to see the mare that always seemed to be the one to ruin her third favorite pastime with unreasonable expectations like being conscious before noon. She tried several times to speak before she finally loudly cleared her throat and said in a voice that sounded like someone opening a long forgotten tomb's stone door, "Octy, know that I love you very much, so don't take it too personally when I throw very large, heavy things at you for waking me at this insane hour."
Octavia yanked the quilted down duvet off of the unicorn, exposing the mare, who was naked save for her panties, to the unforgiving light of day. She rolled her eyes at the familiar sight, but smiled. "Ten o'clock is hardly an insane hour at which to find oneself awake, you loafer. Beside which, you would not be suffering so, had you not taken Lady Heartstrings up on her offer to empty the entire bottle of vodka."
Vinyl rolled over and glared at her. "The poor woman had never heard of Drunken Fruity Pebbles, Octy! How could I not?"
Sitting down on the edge of the bed, Octavia sighed. "Well, regardless of your current state, you need to get up so you may get ready; or would you rather miss out on reconnecting with Twilight?"
"That's dirty pool, Octy," Vinyl replied. "Using that poor filly to do your dirty work is just unethical."
Octavia gave a sharp bark of laughter. "You are one to talk about unethical, with the way you lead on stallions, but never deliver."
"Exactly!" Vinyl quietly shouted as she sat up and swung her legs to the opposite side of the bed to stand. "If anypony should know unethical, it's me! After all, it takes one to know one." She raised her arms above her head and stretched, feeling her spine pop in several places as she twisted her back.
The gray mare rose to her hooves and walked towards the door, without looking back. "Go take a shower. You reek of alcohol and B.O." She paused as she opened the door, halfway out. "And if you are not out in twenty minutes, I shall return to drag you out by your tail, and you shall have to suffer through walking through the city in wet clothes."
Vinyl's response was a silent, but well aimed pillow thrown at her ex-fillyfriend, which only hit the door as it closed.
(\ /)
( . .)
*(")(")
Twilight walked into the parlor and glared down at Spike, who was reclining on the couch, giggling at a comic in his hands. "Oh, Matterhorn. You're so uptight," he said to the comic.
"Ahem!"
Twilight's loud throat-clearing startled the dragon into sitting up, though he didn't put the comic away. "T- Twilight! What are you still doing here? I thought you left for your appointment!"
The mare smirked at his stammered question. She walked over to him and stood, towering over the smallish dragon. "I was on my way out, when I remembered the tower. I would like you to get started on checking it out. I know I didn't leave any experiments running, so the worst danger you're likely to face is something in the fridge evolving into a dangerous species, but as it's been just over a year, I doubt you'll have to worry about that. I want you to go open the windows to air it out and start on dusting the books. I'll be by later to help you finish and categorize which ones we're taking back home with us." She paused at his groan, but her smirk did not waver. "I know, I know, but it'll be a just a couple dozen books at most, and those will be going into my lab, not the library itself."
Spike's gaze went back down to the comic in his lap, though he was too upset at the thought of the day's tasks before him to enjoy it anymore, not that he'd do something so rude as to read while Twilight was talking to him anyway. "Aw, tinder. I knew today was going too well for me." He looked up at her, brows furrowed in a plea. "Can I at least get one of the maids to help me? The tower is so huge!"
"Spike, I am embarrassed to have that tower seen by them in that state! It reflects poorly on us, and besides, there's no sense in making more work for them than absolutely necessary. I know it's their job, but it shows that we respect them by not purposely leaving a huge mess for them to clean up!" She saw him flinch under her words, so softened her tone and sat down next to him. She pulled him into a quick sideways hug. "Look, I'm not expecting you to go right now, or do all the work yourself, but I would like you to at least be starting by noon, okay?" He nodded, albeit, reluctantly. "Tell you what, when I get to the palace, I'll get one of the maids to help out, and we can finish this task off today, and have all day tomorrow to play in Canterlot, okay?" Spike just sighed in response to the offer, but Twilight's smile widened. "That's the spirit!" she said as she patted him on the back. She rose to her hooves and walked to the door. "I'll bring some donuts when I come back, Spike."
Spike's mood improved a little at the prospect of real Pony Joe donuts.
(\ /)
( . .)
*(")(")
Taking another sip of her coffee, Twilight mumbled equations under her breath as she went over her old thesis on the connection between music and magic. The papers held in her magic were almost five years old, but due to the magic of her pocket dimension, they looked as if they hadn't aged a day. She was startled out of her musings by a rather loud voice for a coffee shop.
"I told you she'd be the one hiding behind a stack of papers!"
Twilight let the papers drop just enough to peer over them, and was glad she had not set them down entirely to reveal her jaw which had dropped in surprise. Before her stood two ponies she had not realized how much she had missed until just now. Vinyl was virtually unchanged, but then, she had seen her just a few weeks ago, but her familiar lopsided grin was welcomed, nonetheless. However, Twilight only really had eyes for Octavia. The mare looked even more elegant than she had last seen her during high school. True, she had seen her at the Gala not too long ago, but that was from across the ballroom, and only between greeting guests and conversing with The Princess. In high school, Octavia was as refined as a young mare could get, and her beauty was truly something to behold. Now, with the weight of eight years to mature, she had indeed aged like a fine wine, as the saying goes. Gone was the eighteen year old near-mare, to be replaced with this vision of grace and gentility. The white, denim skirt/peach button-up blouse combo was accented by a beige blazer and a soft, patterned scarf that set off her gray coat like it was designed specifically for her, and her mane was perfectly coiffed as usual, not a single hair out of place. She's gorgeous. She shook her head to chase away the thought and sent the papers back to her dimensional pocket, smiling as she rose to greet her oldest friends. "Octavia, Vinyl! It's so..." Despite her promise to not cry, tears came to her eyes, and she could not continue her planned greeting. She was surprised when Vinyl came around the table and practically grappled her into a hug.
"We've missed you, Short Stuff," the white unicorn said as she pulled her in tighter, then stepped back, but not releasing the younger mare's shoulders from her grasp.
Twilight's smile was less melancholic as she stepped back as well from the crushing embrace. "I've missed you both, as well. I... I don't know where to even begin."
Vinyl was gently pushed aside as Octavia came forward and pulled Twilight into an equally strong embrace. Both mares were silent as they held one another, just breathing each other in. As much as they would have liked to continue to stand just like that, they were both aware of the scene they were causing, and stepped back, albeit, reluctantly. Octavia never took her eyes off of the young mare's before her as she said, "You've grown so much! Vinyl and I are very proud to be your friends, Twilight."
"Yeah, we've been following your adventures in the news since we graduated high school, you know," Vinyl said as she took a seat.
Octavia nodded as she took one herself, between Twilight and Vinyl. "One could say that you do not even need to say anything to us in order to catch us up, but we would very much like to hear it in your own words."
They were interrupted as a dark green earth pony mare with a brown mane and tail silently dropped off two more cups of coffee and a plate of cheese danishes for the newcomers. When she was gone, Twilight said, "I figured you would be along soon, so I took the liberty of ordering for you." She looked at the lids, and switched them around. "Mocha cappuccino for the deejay, and Lady Gray with honey for Octavia. Still remember your favorites," she said with a smile.
Octavia removed the lid and breathed in the steam from the tea with a smile. "While mine has not changed, I am afraid you shall have to excuse little Miss Uncouth over there as she adds entirely too much alcohol to hers."
Indeed, Vinyl was pouring a small measure of whiskey into her cup from a hip flask. She looked up at them in confusion. "What? It's before noon, and I'm lucky to have gotten more than four hours of sleep last night."
Twilight chuckled and shook her head. "The way you two act like an old, married couple always cracks me up. Are... are you two still..."
Both mares caught the nervousness behind the partially asked question, but it was Vinyl who replied first. "No, we broke up before going to different colleges."
Shocked, Twilight almost shouted, "What? But you two were like, perfect for each other! How could you-"
Octavia laid a hand on hers, immediately getting her attention and cutting her off. "It is fine, Twilight. We just... we wanted different things from our relationship. It's... it is better this way; not that we have not reconsidered-"
"Or regretted," Vinyl interjected.
Nodding, the gray mare agreed. "Or regretted it. Honestly, we would have driven each other crazy. I would have gone spare pushing her to better herself until she could not take it anymore, and then we both would have done something we would regret even more than splitting up." She looked over to Vinyl with a fond smile, then returned her gaze to Twilight. "Vinyl and I make better best friends than we would each others' wives. That's just not in the cards for us."
Twilight's heart was thudding in her chest like a jackhammer. She didn't know whether it was because of the stress of seeing the two ponies she called friend or if it was... No. I can't. I won't. They deserve better. She deserves better. Besides, what would she want with a scrawny, awkward thing like me? She shook these thoughts away and gave them a sad smile. "That's the saddest thing I've heard all week. There wouldn't happen to be any room in that best friend circle for a filly who let life get in the way of a past friendship, would there?"
"Well, it wasn't done in malice, so I think we can forgive and forget," Octavia replied.
"Yeah, we coo," Vinyl added. She leaned forward and asked, "So, what has our little Criminale been up to? We know you were at the Gala, and your brother's wedding-"
"And you were instrumental in the downfall of at least three major threats to Equestria," Octavia interrupted. "But what have you been up to since high school?"
Vinyl nodded. "Yeah, we want deets, filly. Dish, dish!"
Twilight laughed heartily at them as she started talking about what had been going on in her life since they had last met.
(\ /)
( . .)
*(")(")
Spike sighed as he took in the library before him. Granted, it wasn't even close to the size of the one back home in Ponyville, but after going over the lower apartment with a feather duster, he was just plain exhausted, and his dust covered pink apron proved it. And now he stood before a task that made that look like a dawdle. Not only did the bookcases have ten shelves a piece, but there were twelve of them, plus the upper tier which held another eight, and that wasn't even counting all the knick-knacks like trophies, awards, and scientific equipment scattered about the tower which needed to be dusted, some of which were so delicate that they had to be cleaned by hand. "I wish Twi would just summon an invisible servant to keep everything clean like other unicorn wizards."
"I don't, because invisible servants still require constant supervision, lest they break something because they don't care about things like that."
Spike dropped the feather duster and gave a short screech like a little filly in surprise. "Twi, I-" He stopped abruptly when he noticed that she wasn't alone. Standing behind her was Vinyl Scratch, Octavia Melody, and one of the Palace's maids pushing a cleaning cart.
"What rooms have you finished, Spike?" Twilight's tone was serious, but her expression was very mild, considering the state of her tower and the fact that she had not only brought the promised maid, but also guests.
The dragon went to attention and saluted like a soldier. "Bedrooms, kitchen and bathrooms dusted and straightened, Ma'am!"
Twilight folded her hand behind her back and walked around the dragon, taking note of the dust and grime on his clothes, and the open windows blowing in a fresh breeze to replace the stale air that had been trapped for over a year. She ran a finger along a shelf, noting with disgust just how much dust had accumulated. She rubbed fingers clean and walked back in front of the dragon and returned his salute. "Very good, soldier! Stand relieved, and report back in thirty minutes." She held out a paper bag and a steaming cup.
Grinning, Spike snatched the bag of donuts and cup of hot chocolate, and ran out of the tower to eat on the grass, leaving behind four laughing mares.
Turning to the maid, Twilight gestured towards the already cleaned sections of the tower. "Why don't you get started on the rooms Spike went over, while I get started on this, okay?" The maid curtsied and turned to leave, but was stopped as Twilight added, "But stay out of the lab. I need to go over that myself first." With another curtsy, the maid was gone, leaving the three friends behind. Twilight's horn lit up, conjuring a small spark of electricity, which moved among the shelves, collecting the dust, while her friends wandered around her private library.
Vinyl found herself standing before the largest hourglass she had ever seen. She smiled as she saw the curved glass distort everything on the other side. She was tempted to use a finger to make a smiley face in the dust, but decided that doing so in a unicorn's home would be ill-advised, but doing it in Twilight's home could be just suicidal, judging by the glowing runes inscribed on the frame.
Octavia perused the book titles as they became clear of dust, and was surprised at the number of tomes on music and musical theory. Obviously, music seemed to be a big part of her life, even now. With a smile, she pulled a familiar book that was in her own curriculum last year, and almost laughed out loud when she saw many of the same notations she had made, scrawled on a few pieces of loose leaf paper. True, there were many more mathematical equations, but many of the written notes were the same.
"So, does Spike know about that little trick of yours for dusting, or is it a unicorn secret?" Vinyl asked as she peered at an empty terrarium littered with a dried branch, mysterious debris, and sand. She was restraining herself from the temptation of touching by keeping her hands in her pockets.
With a small shrug, Twilight replied, "He knows. He also knows that if he could do that trick too, I would have no problem with him using it. But, I didn't really bring you two here to help with the cleaning, nor to talk about housekeeping tricks."
"Especially since Vinyl absolutely neither the talent, nor the motivation to undertake such an endeavor," Octavia butted in.
They both ignored the unicorn's raspberry she blew at them. With a polite cough, Twilight said, "I wanted to apologize again, and invite you both over to my place at Ponyville, if you have the time. I really have no excuse for neglecting you both, and I'd like you to meet my new friends there."
Octavia walked over and gently took one of Twilight's hands in both of her own. "Twilight, we explained that we all share the blame for that." She forestalled another protest from the younger, blushing mare by adding, "But we would both be happy to accept your invitation, right, Vinyl?"
Vinyl came over and roughly slapped Twilight on the back, causing her to stagger. "You bet your bippy we do!"
Unnoticed by all three mares, Twilight's spark flew out the window and exploded in a puff of dust.
(\ /)
( . .)
*(")(")
Spike returned to find the library not only dusted, but practically gleaming. He shook his head in wonderment, still not entirely sure how she got books to gleam and sparkle, but then, it was a family name. He found Twilight alone, standing at the window, staring out with her hands clasped behind her back. The dragon could see her reflection in the glass, and was worried to see her chewing on her lip, a crease of consternation on her brow. He was about to turn around and sneak away, when she spoke.
"We'll be bringing home some guests, Spike."
He guiltily stopped in his tracks and turned back to her. "Octavia and Vinyl, I'm guessing?"
Twilight's shoulders tensed at Octavia's name, but she quickly schooled herself back into her calm, but commanding pose. Still looking out the window, she replied, "Yes. They'll have our room. You and I will be sleeping on the lobby couches when we return home tomorrow night, and possibly the following night, depending on how long they wish to stay."
It was times like this that made Spike regret living in a town so small, that the closest thing they had to a hotel was a bed and breakfast run by Matilda and Cranky, which was full when they had left a few days ago, and was in the middle of one of their busier seasons. He would have suggested they stay there, but knew that Twilight would not hear of it; not for two ponies this important to her. "Is..." He hesitated to bring up his concerns, but her expression was worrisome. Twilight silently turned her head to look at him, one eyebrow arched in a question. Swallowing hard, he forged ahead. "Is everything... alright?"
Twilight returned to her vigil, looking out over the palace's courtyard. She watched a gardener work on a topiary for a moment before replying. In a flat tone that convinced no one, she said, "Yes."
"Er..." Spike was unsure of what to do, so he started to slowly back away. "I'll just, uh... go... over... here?" He got no response as he sidled down the stairs to the lower half of the library. Once he was out of sight, he quietly dashed out of the tower and quickly made his way to the palace itself. Luckily for him, Twilight's attention was no longer on anything before her eyes, including the small, purple dragon crossing the courtyard.
(\ /)
( . .)
*(")(")
Celestia's smile was starting to creep out some of the nobles. It's not like they had never seen her smile before. Indeed, a smile of one sort or another was usually plastered to her face when she dealt with them, but this one was a smile that had rarely been seen in Canterlot for over a year, and the nobles had become unaccustomed to seeing it there once more. Of course, they all knew why it had shown up again, and just who put it there; not that they were pleased by knowing its source. Many of them bore an unreasonable dislike for the filly-turned-mare for the joy that she brought to their diarch that they never could. Jealousy was a most unreasonable beast.
Celestia knew that some of her ponies felt this way of course, and hoped that someday they would, if not understand, then at least get over it, but she wasn't about to hold her breath. She just couldn't help it. Every time Twilight found her way back to Canterlot, her heart lifted a little, even if she could not be with her. Just knowing she was close at hand was a balm to her soul. She had been smiling serenely at the court for close to a half hour now, and they were starting to get a bit antsy in their seats. None of them would dream of asking for a recess, as that was the Princess' prerogative, but she could tell that they were ready for some relief, as was she. As she was about to nod to the guard to announce a recess, her seneschal, Raven, stepped forward and stretched on her hooves to reach her ruler's ear in order to whisper into it, even though the alicorn was seated.
"Your Highness, Master Spike is here, wishing to see you about Lady Sparkle. He says it's not urgent, but he appeared rather agitated."
She nodded and waited until her steward was a few steps away before announcing in a clear voice, "It seems some other important business has come up. We shall recess for one hour, and return thence."
With a noise that echoed throughout the vast hall, the bailiff banged his staff against the floor three times. "Oyez, oyez, oyez. The court of the Sun is now in recess, to return in one hour hence."
The alicorn followed her retainer out to a side chamber, where Spike was waiting for her nervously on the couch. Startled, he looked up as she walked in, and was about to jump off to go to her, when she held him back with a held up hand. "Would you be a dear and bring us some tea yourself, Raven? I have a feeling that this is something private."
The white unicorn bowed as she left and quietly closed the door behind herself. Celestia walked over to the couch and sat down, putting a comforting hand on Spike's shoulder. "What ever's the matter, Spike? Whenever you look this troubled and come to see me about Twilight, it usually means something fairly bad."
Spike began recounting to her about the past few days, when Twilight's melancholy had started, not even noticing the tray of tea appearing on the coffee table before them. In an absent manner, he watched as Celestia served them both a cup while he told her about the visit from Twilight's old friends this afternoon. When finished, her held the cup in both hands, letting the warmth seep into his palms, and inhaled the chamomile and honey steam that wafted past his nostrils, sitting in silence for a moment. He looked up into Celestia's eyes, a crease of worry furrowing his brow. "I'm just... It just seems like that time in high school, when she was almost done with her community service thing. She got real quiet and... distant? She was like a storm on the horizon. You can see it coming, but there's nothing you can do to avoid it. And, and she gets really... scary."
Celestia nodded and sipped from her cup. "I suppose I should talk to her, then. Perhaps over dinner-"
"No!" Spike's outburst caught the alicorn by surprise. He was chagrined by it, and apologized. "Sorry, it's just that... Nana Velvet's been looking forward to having dinner with her tonight; a family meal kinda thing."
Again, Celestia nodded in understanding. "Of course. I wouldn't want to stand in the way of a mother bonding with her daughter and grandson over a good meal." The alicorn knew the real reason why Spike was so abrupt, and was disappointed that the mare still hadn't gotten past this. She had tried on many occasions to try to smooth things over, both in person and through letters, but still the jealousy and feelings of inadequacy persisted. Even though Celestia insisted that Twilight only get Mothers' Day gifts for her true mother, Twilight still insisted on getting her something as well, calling her "all of ponydom's mother". While the gesture was sweet, and Celestia cherished every gift and card from her, she would rather her stop, so as to not cause any unnecessary friction with Velvet. "Perhaps it would be better to call her here tomorrow before you leave again."
"Yeah," Spike said with a nod. With a sigh, he leaned into Celestia's side, relishing the comforting warmth radiating from her. "It would be nice to have breakfast with you again." He stiffened for a moment as he remembered something. "Oh. But Twilight's friends are coming back to Ponyville with us on the train."
Celestia petted the dragon's head fins and smiled down at him, though he couldn't see it. "Then perhaps they would like to join us? I could ask Luna to see if she would like to join as well. I'm sure that she could use the socializing, and she does miss Twilight as almost as much as I. Then, while you and Luna keep them busy, I can take Twilight aside for a quick talk."
Spike buried his face into Celestia's side and wrapped his little arms around her, not even close to making it all the way around. |
A dream come true | pre | "Look you're my brother alright and I'm gonna be honest with you." He Said.
"About what Chris?" Mark asked.
"Well if you like Applejack back then go get her before somebody or somepony else gets her." Chris said.
Mark thought about it for a minute.
"Ok Chris tomorrow night I'll ask Applejack on a date. How is that?"
"Now that's the spirit bro." Said Chris.
"But on one condition." Said Mark.
"Yeah what is it Mark?" Asked Chris.
"You have to ask Twilight on a date tomorrow night as well." Said Mark.
"What, but I thought that this was about you not about me?" Asked Chris.
"Well if I have to go on a date with Applejack you have to go on a date with Twilight." Said Mark.
Chris looked at his brother and knew he was beaten no matter what he said.
*Sigh* "Ok Mark you win." He said.
"Are we going to go on a single date with them or on a double date with them?" He asked
Mark thought about it for a minute and answered.
"I think we ask them out on a double date first and if they say no then we ask them to go on a single date with us." He said.
How does that sound? He asked.
"Good enough Mark." Said Chris.
After that they went to bed and fell fast asleep thinking about the two mares that they loved.
PONYVILLE LIBRARY
TEN MINUTES LATER
Spike a young purple dragon was asleep until he woke up with the sound of the door slamming open.
"YEAIKS!!!!" He said almost hitting his head on the cieling.
"Spike can you come down here please?" asked the voice.
"Twilight is that you?" Said Spike sleepily.
"Yes it's me ." Said Twilight.
"Do you know how late it is?" He asked coming down the stairs and rubbing his eyes.
"Sorry Spike but we need to send Princess Celestia a letter ASAP." She said.
"Why is there something wrong?" Asked the little dragon.
"Well no it's just that we have new alicorns in town." She explaned.
"What new alicorns?" He said.
"Yes and Rainbow Dash thinks that their trouble." Said Twilight.
"Don't say anymore Twilight I'm on it." Said Spike getting a piece of paper and a pencil.
Dear Princess Celestia.
There are new alicorns here in Ponyville and they claim to be the students of your sister Luna.
Just then Spike droped the pencil after he heard what Twilight just said and he also had a funny look on his face.
"THEY ARE WHAAAAAAAT?!" He asked.
"That's what they said Spike." Said Twilight
"Wow they must be royalty if they are students of Princess Luna." Said Spike.
"They are not royalty Spike." Said Twilight.
"Uh how do you know?" He asked.
"They told me when I bumped into them earlier this eveing literally." Said Twilight.
"Hmmm well I can see why Rainbow Dash would have her suspicions." Said Spike.
"Ok now please Sipke pick up the pencil and continue with the letter." Said Twilight.
So Spike picked up the pencil and continued the letter for Celestia.
Rainbow Dash thinks they are trouble so can you come by the library tomorrow so you can see for yourself if they are a threat to us or not? Thanks.
Your faithful student,
Twilight Sparkle.
After the note was done Spike then used his magical flame to send the letter to the princess.
"So what do we do now?" He asked.
"We wait until we hear from the princess." Said Twilight.
CELESTIA'S CASTLE
TWO MINUTES LATER
Celestia was in her quarters sleeping when she heard a kocking at her door.
*Yawn* "Who is it?" She asked .
"I'm Sorry to wake you your magesty but you have an urgent letter from Twilight." Said one of the royal guards holding the letter in his hooves.
"Thank you." Said Celestia.
The guard bowed low and left the room.
"Hmmm." ("I wonder what Twilight wrote that is so urgent?") Celestia Asked herself.
Just then Princess Luna came in the room.
"Oh hello dear sisster." Said Celestia.
"What are you doing here?"
"Well I was down stairs when I heard the guard coming. I ask him what he was doing and he said that Twilight had an urgent letter for you so I thought that I would see what this urgent letter was." Luna explaind.
"Well ok." Said Celestia as she opened up the letter.
After she read the letter Celestia looked at her sister. Luna looked at Celestia with a worried look on her face.
"Oh dear sister what is the meaning of this?" Celestia said with anger in her eyes.
"I...I can explain sister." Luna said.
"Well then explain yourself then." Said Celestia.
"They are not alicorns they are humans." Said Luna.
"So you turned these humans into alicorns?" Celestia asked.
*Sigh* "Yes I did but they wanted to be alicorns and I brought them here for a good reason." Luna said.
"Well then tell me the whole story then dear sister." Celestia said.
"Well ok if I must but I know that Chris and Mark are not gonna like this." Luna said with a worried look on her face.
So Luna told Celestia all about Chris, Mark, their parents, their foster parents, and their attempts of almost committing suicide. After she finished Celestia look at her sister.
"Hmmm I see." She said.
"I'm so sorry dear sister please forgive me." Said Luna with tears in her eyes.
Celestia came up and huged her sister.
"It's ok dear sister I forgive you. She said.
"So what are we going to do now sister?" Luna asked.
"Well I think the day after tomorrow we go to the library and see the ponies and tell them about Chris and Mark." She said.
"But what about Chris and Mark are you gonna take them back to their horried foster parents?" Luna asked.
"No of coruse not Luna but they do have much explaining to do though." Said Celestia.
After that Celestia wrote a letter back to Twilight.
Dear Twilight.
Keep a close eye on the alicorns and me and Luna will have a meeting with you and the other ponies the day after tomorrow. Good luck my fathful student and becareful
Your mentor,
Princess Celestia.
After Celestia wrote the letter she used her magic to telaport it to Twilight and Spike who were waiting for the princess' response.
PONYVILLE LIBRARY
Spike suddenly coughed up the response letter from the princess and he gave it to Twilight.
"Thanks Spike." She said as she began to read the note.
As soon as she was finished reading the note she looked at Spike.
"Well what did she say Twilight?" He asked.
"She said to keep a close eye on them for now and she with Princess Luna will be here to talk to me and the others the day after tomorrow." Twilight replied.
"Ok then well I'm off to bed." Said Spike with a yawn.
"Yeah me too." Said Twilight.
As they went up stairs and went to bed Spike looked up at Twilight's bed.
"Um Twilight?" He asked.
"Yes Spike?" She asked.
"Do you think that these alicorns are here to hurt us?"
Twilight put a hoove on here lips and remembered the kiss that she and Chris shared earlier that night at the farm house."
"No Spike I don't think they are here to hurt us." She replied.
And with that Twilight and Spike fell fast asleep.
Sweet Apple Acres farm house
The next day
Applejack opened the door to the guest room and saw the two alicorns still asleep.
"Rise and shine you two." She said.
Chris and Mark woke up yawning and rubbing their eyes.
"Who gets up this early?" Asked Chris.
"I'm sorry Chris I thought that you two could help me and Big Mac with the chores outside. She said.
"Um Big Mac?" Mark lied for he knew what she meant..
"My big brother Big Macintosh." Applejack said.
"Ah you didn't tell us you had a brother." Said Chris.
"I also have a little sister her name is Applebloom." Said Applejack.
"We would like to meet them." Said Mark.
"Well they are down stars if you like to meet them." She said.
So without another word Chris and Mark got out of bed and headed down stairs to meet Applebloom and Big Macintosh.
"Hey Big Mac, little sis, here are the two alicorns i told you about." Said Applejack.
The big red stallion came over and looked at the two alicorns and then he raised his hoof in front of them.
"Howdy there you two, my name is Big Macintosh but you can call me Big Mac for short." He said.
Then a little yellow filly came up to them and also raised a hoove to them.
"And my name is Applebloom." She said.
"It's nice to meet you both, my name is Chris and this is my brother Mark." Said Chris.
"It's a pleasure to meet you both as well." Mark said.
Just then an old mare came down the stairs.
"Oh I didn't know we had guest." She said.
"Oh Granny Smith these are my new friends Chris and Mark." Said Applejack.
"Oh wow deary I didn't know you where dating two alicorns at the same time." Said Granny Smith with a smile on her face.
As soon as she said that Applejack, Chris, and Mark blushed bright red.
"Granny Smith!!" Said Applejack.
"Awww I'm just kidding Applejack honey." Said Ganny Smith.
"Well come on everypony Breakfast is ready." Said Big Mac.
"Oh boy!!" Said Applebloom.
"So is it true that you two are from Canterlot and are students of Princess Luna?" Big Mac asked.
"Yep that's right Big Mac." Said Mark.
"And is it true that your parents died by somepony's hoof and you two had to live with bad foster parents and you two almost killed yourselves?" Asked Applebloom.
*Sigh* "I'm afraid so Applebloom." Said Chris.
"Oh you poor dears." Said Granny Smith.
"And if it wasn't for Luna taking us under her wings we mite have killed ourselfs." Said Mark.
"Well thank Celestia for Luna." Said Applejack.
Just then Chris got up from the table and started to leave.
"Hay Chris where are you going?" Applejack asked.
"Oh I'm just going to see Twilight." He said.
"Do you need any help to find her place? Asked Applebloom.
"No I think I can find it myself." Chris said.
"Ok becareful you hear." Said Big Mac.
"You got it Big Mac." Said Chris as he left for Twilight's tree house.
After he left Applejack turned to Mark.
"So Mark would you like to help us with the farm work?" Asked Applejack.
"Yes of coures I will." He said with a smile on his face.
"Ok then follow us Mark." Said Big Mac.
So Big Mac took Mark to the apple trees where there where still apples on them.
"Here Mark you can help my sister to buck the rest of the apples out of these apple trees." Said Big Mac.
"Ok no problem Big Mac I can do this." He said.
Then as Big Mac left Applejack looked at Mark.
"Well come on Mark let's get started. She said.
"Um before we do can I ask you something Applejack?" He asked.
"Uh yeah sure Mark." Said Applejack.
"What is it?"
"Well would you mind if you be so kind to go on a date with me tonight?" Mark asked.
As soon as he said that Applejack went into a deep shade of red.
"Uh on a date with you Mark?" Asked Applejack.
"Yes well a double date with me, Chris and Twilight." Mark asked.
"So that's why Chris went to see Twilight, to see if she would come on a date with him so we could go out together." Applejack said.
"Yep that's it." Said Mark.
"So how about it, would you like to?" He asked.
Applejack looked at Mark and smiled.
"Yes Mark I would love to go on a date with you." She said.
"Yes wahoo!" Said Mark.
"Haha ok Mark now let's go and get this work done or no date." Said Applejack with a teasing grin.
"Ok Applejack let's get to Apple buking." Said Mark.
PONYVILLE LIBRARY
TEN MINUTES LATER
Twilight and Spike just finished their breakfast when they heard a knock on the door.
"I'll get it Spike." Said Twilight.
"Ok then i'll just clean up here." He said.
Twilight approached the door and opened it and there was Chris standing in front of her.
"Oh it's you Chris." She said.
"Um Twilight are you busy tonght?" He asked.
"No why?" She asked.
"Well I was wondering if you and I could go on a date?" Chris said nervously.
Just then Twilight's face went into a deep shade of red. But before she could anwser Spike interrupted.
"Hey Twilight who is at the door?" He asked.
"It's that alicorn I told you about." Said Twilight.
As Chris looked a purple dragon came into view.
"Hi there you must be Chris, my name is Spike." He said.
"It's nice to meet you Spike." Chris said.
"Hey uh Spike?" Asked Twilight.
"Yes Twilight?" Asked Spike.
"Do you have something to do today?" She asked.
"Oh yeah I'm suppose to help Rarity today, thanks Twilight." Spike said.
And just like that Spike dashed off as fast as you could say sweet Celestia.
"So um where were we?" Twilight asked.
"You were about to answer my question if you want to go on a date with me or not." Said Chris.
"Oh right well ok a date sounds like fun." Said Twilight.
"Yes Wahoo!" Said Chris happily.
"Oh I almost forgot." Said Chris.
"What is it Chris?" Asked Twilight.
"Uh well would you mind if it was a double date?" He Asked.
"No not at all." Said Twilight.
"Who are the other two ponies that are coming with us?" She asked.
"Uh Mark and Applejack. He said.
"Mark And Applejack?" She asked.
"Yeah Mark probably already asked Applejack out." He said.
"But what if she said no?" Twilight asked.
"Well then I guess it will be just you and me." Chris said.
"Well ok." She said.
"What time are we going?" Twilight asked.
"How does ten sound?" Chris said.
Twilight looked at him as her face turned as red as an apple.
"It's a date Chris Thunder.
Chris then said goodbye to Twilight and turned to go back to the farm to help out Applejack and Mark.
PONYVILLE LIBRARY
THAT NIGHT
Twilight was waiting for Chris, Mark and Applejack to come so they could go on their double date.
"Twilight would you stop pacing back and forth like that your making me dizzy." Spike said as his eyes were spinning around.
"I'm sorry Spike I have not been on a date before." Said Twilight.
"Are you sure this is a good idea Twilight?" He asked.
"A good idea of what?" Twilight asked.
"Well going on a date with that alicorn." Spike said.
"Why your not jealous are you Spike?" Asked Twilight with a smirk on her face.
"What? No way." He said.
"Hahaha I'm just kidding Spike!!" Twilight laughed.
Spike growled at Twilight.
"That was not funny Twi." He said.
Then Twilight heard a knock at the door. As she opened it there were Chris, Mark, and Applejack.
"Hey there surgarcube." Said Applejack.
"Are you ready to go?" Asked Chris.
Twilight looked at Chris and smiled.
"Yes I'm ready." She said.
As they were walking Twilight spoke up.
"So where are we going on our date?" She asked.
"Oh we are going to that new bar that just opened yesterday." Said Chris.
"And what bar is that?" She asked.
"It's called the PONYVILLE Five Star Bar." Said Applejack.
"Ah I've heard of that place it's suppose to be the best." Said Twilight.
It wasn't long until they reached the bar. It was a red and blue building with gold letters on it.
"Well here we are." Said Chris.
As Chris and Mark opend the doors for their dates Applejack, and Twilight were impressed.
"Why thank you, you two sure know how to treat mares." Said Applejack.
"I have to agree with Applejack." Said Twilight.
"Why thanks girls." Said Mark.
As they made there way to the foot of the bar a mare greated them.
"Hi my name is Raindrops." She said.
"Can I help you four with anything?"
"Um I would like an apple cocktail." Said Applejack.
"Make that two." Said Twilight.
Then Raindrops looked at Chris and Mark.
"And what would you two like to have?" She asked.
Chris and Mark looked at the menu on top of the bar.
"Uh well I guess we will have two sodas." Said Chris.
"Ok coming right up." Raindrops said.
Applejack and Twilight looked at Chris and Mark with a weird look on there faces.
"Sodas?" They Asked together.
"Yeah we're not big fans on drinking alcohol." Said Mark.
"That's not a problem is it girls?" Asked Chris.
"Oh no not at all we understand." They said together.
Then Raindrops came by with their drinks.
"Ok here you four go, two apple cocktails, and two sodas." She said.
"Thank you very much." Said Mark.
"Yes thank you." Said Chris.
As they where drinking their drinks they listen to the music that was playing it was nice, loud and very catchy then a few minutes later a slow song started to play. Just then Chris saw Twilight close her eyes listening to the sweet soft song.
"Oh I love this song." She said.
After she said that Chris got done with his drink, then he got up, and looked at Twilight.
"Say Twilight what would you say if I ask you to dance with me?" He asked.
Twilight smiled at him.
"I'd say promise not to step on my back hooves and you got a deal."
"Ok deal." Said Chris as he took Twilight by her hoof and they stared to walk towards the dance floor.
Mark and Applejack looked at Chris and Twilight dancing on the dance floor. As Mark finished up his drink he got up and looked at Applejack.
"Would you like to dance too Applejack?" He asked.
"Sure Mark I would love to." She said.
The two couples were having a great time dancing when suddenly two stallions came into the bar. One was all black with a red mane. As for the other stallion he was green with a blue mane. They looked around the bar and suddenly noticed Applejack and Twilight dancing with Chris and Mark.
"Well, well, well Pete look at those mares." Said the black stallion.
"Yeah Rollin what about them." Said Pete.
"Let's take them out of those alicorns hooves and show them a real good time." Said Rollin.
"Yeah let's do it Rollin." Said Pete with an evil smirk on his face.
Pete and Rollin came up to Chris, Mark, Applejack, and Twilight.
"Excuse me you four." Said Rollin.
Chris, Mark, Twilight, and Applejack stoped dacing and turn to face the two stallions.
"Oh hello there." Said Mark.
"I'm sorry we'ev startled you four." Said Pete.
"Oh no it's alright." Said Chris.
"Allow me to introduce ourselves, my name is Pete and this is my brother Rollin." He said.
And who are you four young ponies?" Asked Rollin.
"Oh yes, well my name is Mark and this is my brother Chris."
"And these are our dates Applejack and Twilight." Said Chris.
"Well it's nice to meet you four." Said Pete.
"Yeah hey can we ask you marefriends to dance with us? Rollin asked looking at Applejack, and Twilight.
When Rollin said this Chris and Mark stepped in front of Twilight and Applejack.
"I'm sorry you two but we already told you that they are with us so no." Said Mark.
"Oh we're not asking them to dance with us." Said Pete.
"Yeah we're telling them to dance with us so you two get out of the way." Said Rollin looking at Chris and Mark.
With that they pushed Chris and Mark away And looked at the two mares face to face.
"Now how about it girls would you like to dance with us? Asked Pete.
Applejack and Twilight both glared at Pete and Rollin.
"Now look here you two our dates already told you that we are with them so sorry but no." Said Applejack.
"That's right so if you excuse us we have our real dates to dance with." Said Twilight as she and Applejack started to walk past Pete and Rollin.
Then suddenly Pete grabbed Applejack by the hoof while Rollin grabbed Twilight's hoof.
"You're gonna dance with us even if you want to or not." Said Rollin.
"Yeah and after that you Two are coming to our place for some real fun." Said Pete with a evil grin on his face.
"Hay back off of them!" Said Chris as he and Mark pulled them off of the two mares.
"Well look what we got here bro." Said Pete.
"Yeah Pete it looks like we got ourselves a couple of knights in shining armors here." Said Rollin.
All of the ponies that were dancing stopped and were watching the argument going on between Mark, Chris, Pete, and Rollin.
"We are not gonna ask you two again leave us and our dates alone or else." Said Mark.
"Or else what huh?" Said Pete.
"Or else we will show you why they call us the Thunder brothers." Said Chris.
"Oh we are so scared." Said Pete.
"Bring it on then you two we're right here." Said Rollin.
Just then a stallion with a security jacket on stepped in between Chris, Mark, Pete, and Rollin.
"Alright that is enough you two. You leave these two alicorns and their dates alone and get out of here before I call the police and have you two arrested!!" He said to Rollin and Pete.
Pete and Rollin started to back away and headed towards the door.
"Fine we'll leave but we will be back to see you four again." Said Rollin with a smirk on his face.
Twilight and Applejack held on to Mark and Chris until they left. After the incident the party continued in the bar.
"Aw man that was scary." Said Twilight.
"Yeah it was but it's over now surgarcube." said Applejack.
"Come on girls we better get you two home before something else happens." Said Mark.
"Thats a good idea Mark." Said Chris.
So they put a few bits onto the table of the bar and headed out.
*Sigh* "We're so sorry that our first date didn't go very well for you girls." Said Mark.
"It wasn't your fault Mark." Said Applejack.
"Yeah I mean how would you two know that those two idiots would come into the bar and try to hit on us?" Twilight asked.
"Oh so we are idiots now are we." Said a voice from behind them.
Twilight, Chris, Mark, and Applejack turned around and saw Pete and Rollin standing there right behind them.
"Oh not you clowns again." Said Chris.
"Yeah haven't you two ruind our night already?" Asked Twilight.
"HA you four thought it was over?" Asked Rollin.
"Yeah right." Said Pete.
"Alright I had enough of you two come on Chris let's show these two that you can't mess with the Thunder brothers." Said Mark.
"Yeah Let's do this." Said Chris.
Then they turned to Applejack and Twilight.
"You girls better hang on to something." They said together.
"Uh right." Said Applejack and Twilight together.
"Oh we're so scared." Said Rollin.
"Hm you two should be." Said Chris and Mark together.
"What?" Said Pete and Rollin together.
Just then Chris and Mark put their front hooves up and then put them on the ground with all their mite. Suddenly the whole ground started to shake.
"Hey what is this?" Asked Pete.
"Hey you two stop that." Said Rollin
But Chris and Mark continued to stomp their hooves on the ground as hard as they could.
"Whoa!!!" Said Applejack.
"I guess this is why they call themselves the Thunder brothers?!"
"Yeah you ain't kidding Applejack!!!!" Said Twilight.
Chris and Mark never stopped they just continued to stomp their hooves on the ground.
"Come on Pete let's get out of here." Said Rollin
"Alight you two you can keep your girlfriends but mark my words you two we will be back one day." Said Pete.
And so Pete and Rollin left stumbling on each other as the left. Chris and Mark never stopped until they were out of sight.
"Oh yeah we sure showed them didn't we Mark!!" Said Chris.
"Your darn right Chris that will show them not to mess with the Thunder brothers and our girls." Said Mark.
Just then Applejack and Twilight came right next to their dates.
"Wow that was amazing you two!!" Said twilight.
"Your darn tooten it was surgarcub." Said Applejack.
Chris and Mark both blushed bright red.
"Aw shucks it was nothing really." Said Chris.
"Yeah you mess with our dates you mess with us." Said Mark.
Then they all laughed and then Chris and Mark looked at their dates.
"Come on girls we'll take you home." They said together.
When they arrived to Twilight's tree house Chris kissed her.
"Well goodnight Twilight." Said Chris.
"Goodnight Chris." Said Twilight.
And with that Chris set off back with AppleJack and Mark to the farm. As they were out of sight Twilight sighed and opened the door. As she closed the door She heard a vioce Behind her.
"So how was your date with Chris?"
"Yikes!!!!" Twilight said as she turned around and saw Spike standing there right in front of her.
"Jeez Spike don't scare me like that." She said.
"Sorry Twilight." He said.
"Now as I was saying, how was your date with Chris?"
"Oh It was great except two stallions were trying to hit on me and Applejack." She said.
Spike looked at her.
"Well tell me what happend next?" He asked.
"Well Chris and Mark pounded their hooves on the ground and made the whole ground shake like an earthquake." Said Twilight.
"Oh man I bet that made them run away in fear." Said Spike.
"Yeah it did." Said Twilight chuckling a little.
"Well it's time that we get to bed Spike for we have a big day tomorrow." Said Twilight.
"Oh yeah the princesses are coming." Said Spike.
So without another word Spike and Twilight went up to bed.
"Well goodnight Twilight." Said Spike.
"Yeah goodnight Spike." She said.
But deep inside she wished that tomorrow didn't come. Twilight put a hoof on her lips again and sighed.
*Sigh* "I'm so sorry Chris, I'm so very, very sorry." She whispered as she drifted off to a dreamless sleep hoping that everything will be alright and nothing bad would happen to Mark and the alicorn she loved so much. |
A dream come true | Chapter 3 | A dream come true
By Will Atkinson
Chapter 3
Sweet Apple Acres Farm House
The Next Day
Chris and Mark were just getting up for another great day when Applejack came in the room.
"Oh I was just coming to wake you two up." She said.
Chris and Mark looked at Applejack and smiled at her.
"Well I hope you're not to disapointed of us waking up instead of you waking us up." Said Mark with a wink.
Applejack then went into a very deep shade of red.
"I uh well, oh it's time for breakfast so when you two are ready just come on downstirs."
"Ok thanks Applejack." Said Chris.
As soon as Applejack left the room Mark looked at Chris with a worried look on his face.
"What is it Mark?" Asked Chris.
"You look worried for some reason."
"Well Chris I think it's time to tell the ponies about us, about who we truly are, and where we truly come from." Said Mark.
Chris then jumped at what his brother just said.
"Are you nuts Mark?" Asked Chris.
"Don't you know what will happen if we tell them about us?"
"Well yes but Chris."
"But nothing Mark." Chris interrupted.
"We promised Luna and ourselves, and we're gonna keep it that way."
*Sigh* "Alright Chris you win." Said Mark
"Alright now enough talking about this and let's go have ourselves a nice breakfast." Said Chris running toward the door.
"Hey Chris that's not fair." Said Mark running after his brother at the door and down the stairs.
"Man I tell ya Big Mac you sure are a good cook." Said Chris.
"Why thank you Chris." Said Big Mac with a smile on his face.
Then Applejack got up from the table.
"Hey Applejack where are you going?" Asked Mark.
Applejack turned to Mark.
"Oh me well, me and the other ponies are going to see Twilight for something important." She said.
"I think it would be best if we come along too Applejack. we don't want those two ponies to get you." Said Chris worringly.
"Oh don't worry about me Chris if I see those two ponies i'll just buck them into next year. She said with a smile on her face.
And then they all just laughed.
"Ok Applejack but please be careful." Said Mark.
Applejack noded and left the house, then just as soon as Applejack left the house Big Mac turned to the two alicorns.
"I think you two should follow her just in case if those two ponies see her."
"I was thinking the same thing Big Mac." Said Mark.
"Well what are we waiting for Mark? Let's go." Said Chris.
Without waisting another second Chris and Mark secretly followed Applejack to Twilight's house.
Ponyville Library
10 minutes later
As Applejack came to the door of Twilight's house Chris and Mark hid behind a tree.
"Ok Chris we followed Applejack now let's go back to the farm." Said Mark.
"No Mark." He said.
"What why?"
"I want to see what's so important that we can't be told about."
As soon as he said that the door opened and Chris and Mark saw Twilight at the door. Also in the house they saw Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Spike, Princess Celestia, and to their shock they also saw Princess Luna there as well.
"Why is Luna there?" Asked Mark.
"I don't know Mark." Said Chris.
"Do you think they know about us and that's why Luna's there?"
"I don't know Chris." Said Mark.
"Well I'm going to find out." Said Chris.
As soon as the door of the library closed Chris came up to the door and put his ear on it so he could hear what they were saying.
"I think we should go back to the farm Chris." Said Mark.
But Chris just put his hoof on Mark's lips.
"Shh quiet Mark their talking."
"Everypony my sister has somethng to tell us." Said Celestia.
"Well come on Luna what is it?" Asked Fluttershy.
"Well it's about Chris and Mark." Said Luna.
"Ha I knew it. They are here to cause harm to us and all of Ponyville." Said Rainbow Dash.
"Settle down surgarcube." Said Applejack.
"Is this true Princess?" She asked.
"No Applejack the're not here to cause us harm or anyone else." Said Luna.
"To tell you ponies the truth the're not alicorns at all, the're actually humans."
"The're humans?" Asked Pinkie Pie.
"Yes." Said Luna.
"Why couldn't they just tell us?" Asked Twilight.
"Cause they wanted to fit in and...."
"What about their parents? Did they lie about that too?" Asked Rainbow Dash interuppting Luna.
"Rainbow Dash that's not a nice thing to say." Said Fluttershy.
"Well I'm sorry but how do we know that they...."
Just then they heard the door swing open and the ponies, Spike, and the princesses turned around and there stood Chris and Mark.
"Uh oh this is not good." Said Rarity quietly.
As the ponies, Spike, and the princesses looked at the two alicorns Mark looked at them with a sad look on his face while Chris' face was the look of anger and betrayl. Then Chris turned to the princess of the night.
"How could you Luna? How could you brake our promise?"
"Please Chris try to undersand." Said Luna.
"Oh I undersand perfectly and I think I know why you had to tell them." Said Chris as he pointed at Twilight as his eyes filled with rage and sadness.
"Twilight asked Spike to write a letter to Princess Celestia about us and after she read that letter she asked you about us and then you broke down and told her."
"HAVE I LEFT ANYTHING OUT?!" Shouted Chris.
"Brother please calme down." Said Mark.
"No Mark I won't calme down. Now we have to leave and I just can't go back to our foster perents, I just can't."
"Chris listen your not...."
"No you listen Luna, all of you listen." Said Chris with tears flowing freely out of his eyes.
"Ever since me and my brother were 10 years old we have been tortured by our foster perents and now when we finaly get a chance to escape the tortures of them by coming here we were happy that our dream of seeing you ponies had come true. But now, but now your telling us to leave? Well that's fine and you know what Twilight?" Chris asked looking at the purple unicorn with rage in his eyes.
"I thought we could've had something Twilight. You know ever since I bumped into you that evening and after we kissed that night I started to love you more and today I was going to ask you to be my girlfriend or in this case my marefriend. But i guess it's not gonna happen because I'm done with you, I'm done with all of you.
And with that Chris turned around and ran off towards the everfree forest.
"Well that could've gone better." Said Spike.
"Oh Spikey Wikey!!" Said Rarity puting a hoof on her face.
Mark looked at Spike and Rarity then he looked back at where Chris ran off to.
"Chris wait!!" Said Mark as he was turning around getting ready to go after his brother.
Just then Twilight stopped him.
"Hold on there Mark." She said putting a hoof on Mark's shoulder.
"Let me go after him please."
Mark turned to Twilight.
"But he hates you now. Do you know what will happen if you..."
Before he could finish Twilight put a hoof on his lips.
"I know Mark what will happen." Said Twilight.
"But I love him and I think I can make him come back. So please Mark let me do it."
Mark looked at the direction that Chris went and then he looked back to Twilight then he noded in agreement. With that Twilight galloped towards the everfree forest after Chris. After Twilight left Applejack walked up right next to Mark.
"Come on surgarcube I think the time has come for you to tell us the truth about your parents."
*Sigh* "Ok Applejack." Said Mark then he looked at Celestia.
"Are you really going to take us back to our foster parents Princess Celestia?"
Celestia looked at Mark and smiled.
"No Mark we are not going to take you two back to your foster parents."
Mark smiled and began telling everypony the truth about their foster parents.
Everfree forest
30 minutes Later
Twilight found Chris standing at the edge of the everfree forest with his hooves on his face.
"Um Chris are you ok?" She asked as she came up to him putting a hoof on his shoulder.
"What are you doing here? Have you caused enough pain in my heart already?" Asked Chris.
Twilight sat right beside Chris.
"Chris please let me at least speak. You don't have to talk to me but just please hear me out ok?"
Chris looked at Twilight.
*Sigh* "Alright Twilight I'm listening." He said wiping a tear from his eye.
"The Princess was not gonna take you and Mark back home to your foster parents we just wanted you two to tell us the truth. So please Chris tell me all about your parents and what really happened to them please?"
Chris looked down on the ground.
*Sigh* "Twilight?" He began.
"The story that me and Mark told you and the others two days ago was the truth except how our parents died. You see me and Mark were at a babysitter's house while our parents were coming back from a high school reunion to get us until a drunk driver hit their car. After that we were sent to a foster care center and I saw the accident on the news our dad went through the cars windsheild while our mother got impaled by a two by four which the truck was carrying and then well you know the rest."
After that Chris started to cry. Twilight then came up to him and gave him a hug and she suddenly started to cry as well.
"Oh Chris I'm so sorry that happened to you and Mark, I'm so very sorry. Said Twilight with tears flowing freely out of her eyes.
"It...it's alright don't be sorry for me Twilight you probably hate me for what I said back at the library anyway."
Twilight looked at Chris in disbelief like it was some kind of sick joke.
"What do you mean Chris? I don't hate you."
Chris' eyes shot wide opened and looked up at Twilight.
"You....you don't?" He asked.
"No Chris you were just upset that's all and I know you didn't really mean all of that stuff you said."
"R....really?"
"Really, I love you Chris Thunder and I will always be with you no matter what."
(I WILL ALWAYS BE WITH YOU FROM ALL DOGS GO TO HEAVEN 2 STARTS TO PLAY)
TWILIGHT:
I will always be with you
Makes no difference where your road takes you to
Even if we're apart
Now we're joined at the heart
Though our moment may be gone
You and I will still live on
CHRIS:
I will always be with you
I'll be by your side whatever you do
Other memories may fade
But the ones that we made
Are eternal as a star
Now I'm part of who you are
BOTH:
And I'll be there with you in the sound of your laughter
I'll be in the tears you cry
CHRIS:
'Cause the way you and I have touched one and other
BOTH:
Doesn't end with goodbye
CHRIS:
I will always be with you
BOTH:
Like a guardian angel constant and true
TWILIGHT:
When you're lost in the night
CHRIS:
(Lost in the night)
TWILIGHT:
And you can't see the light
BOTH:
My love will see you through
CHRIS:
I will always be there
TWILIGHT:
You'll have me there
BOTH:
I will always be with you
CHRIS:
I will always be with you
TWILIGHT:
I will always be with you
BOTH:
Like a guardian angel constant and true
TWILIGHT:
When you're lost in the night
CHRIS:
(Lost in the night)
TWILIGHT:
And you can't see the light
CHRIS:
(Can't see the light)
BOTH:
My love will see you through
CHRIS:
I will always be there
TWILIGHT:
You'll have me there
BOTH:
I will always be with you
Twilight took Chris by the hoof then said.
"Come on Chris let's go back to the others."
"Ok let's go Twilight." said Chris With a smile on his face.
Just as soon as they turned around and about to head back to the library a beam of green energy struck Twilight in the back.
"AHHHHHHHHH!!!!" Cried Twilight in pain."
*Gasp* "Twilight are you alright?!" Asked Chris running up to her.
"Y...yes I'll be fine Chris." Said Twilight as she struggled to her hooves.
"Alright come on out you coward you hurt Twilight now you have to face me!!!" Said Chris looking around the everfree forest.
Then a strange pony with green hair, green eyes, and black fur stepped out of the shadows.
*Gasp* "You, your the queen of the changelings, Queen Chrysalis."
Chrysalis was surprised that Chris knew her name.
"Hmm well I'm surprised that you know who I am you silly alicorn." She hissed.
"So tell me young alicorn how did you know my name?"
"It doesn't matter how I know your name you witch."
"A witch am I now? HA i've got to hand it to you young one you've got spunk."
Look I'm just gonna say this just once leave me and Twilight alone and you won't get hurt." Said Chris.
"HAHAHAHAHAHA that's a good one young alicorn!!!!" Laughed Chrysalis.
"But I'm not here for you I'm just here for that fool right behind you Twilight Sparkle."
Twilight looked at Chrysalis.
"Me what do you want with me?" she asked
"I want revenge you fool, revenge for what you did to me.
Chris stood as tall as ever infront of Twilight and glared at Chrysalis.
"Well if you want Twilight you'll have to go through me to do so." Said Chris.
"Hmmm very well you fool feel my fury." Said Chrysalis.
With that Chrysalis then raised up her horn and fired a beam of green energy towards Chris.
"Chris watch it!!" Said Twilight.
Chris saw the beam coming and quickly moved out of the way before the beam could hit him. Chrysalis continued to fire the beam of energy out of her horn but Chris kept on dodging them."
"GRRRRR. Hold still so I can hit you, you worm." snarled Chrysalis.
"HA HA yeah right your just too slow!" Said Chris laughing.
"Alright Chris take her out!" cheered Twilight.
"SILENCE YOU FOOL!!!!" Shouted Chrysalis as she fired the beam of green energy towards Twilight."
"TWILIGHT LOOK OUT!!!!" yelled Chris.
Chris pushed Twilight out of the way in time but couldn't move away from the beam of green energy in tme as it hit him on the right side of his body.
*Gasp* "CHRIS NO!!!!" Shouted Twilight as she ran to his side.
"Oh Chris are you alright?"
Chris opened his eyes and looked at Twilight.
"T....Twilight....r....run Twilight." Said Chris weakly.
Twilight looked up and saw Chrysalis hovering above her and Chris.
"I wouldn't advise that you fool. But if you come with me I promise to spare his life." Said Chrysalis.
Twilight looked at Chris then she looked back at Chrysalis.
"You promise to spare his life if I come with you?"
"Yes I promise." Said Chrysalis.
*Sigh* "Alright Chrysalis I'll go with you just please don't hurt him anymore." Said Twilight with her head hung low.
Chrysalis came up to Twilight, then she put a hoof on her mane and rubbed it.
"HA that's a good girl!" She said with an evil grin on her face.
Just then Chrysalis lowerd her horn towards Twilight's front hooves. As she did so shackles appeard and bound themselves onto Twilight's front hooves. Then Chrysalis went to Twilight's back hooves and lowerd her horn as she did so another pair of shackles appeard and bound her back hooves.
"And to make sure you don't use magic on me." She said as she put a dark spell on Twilight's horn.
"Now the only way that the spell can be broken is if somepony destroys me or if I take it off myself HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!" Said Chrysalis with an evil chuckle.
"Now come my slave it's time to leave."
"Wait can I at leaste say goodbye to Chris first?" Asked Twilight.
*Sigh* "Fine but be quick girl." Chrysalis huffed.
Twilight walk towards Chris as her shackles were clinking and clanking on the ground.
"I'm so sorry Chris, I love you." Said Twilight sadly
With that she kissed him on the lips then she looked back up at Chrysalis.
"Ok I'm ready to go mistress." Said Twilight with a tear in her eye.
"Hmmmm Mistress? I like the sound of that." Said Chrysalis with a evil smile on her face.
Just then Chris slowly got up and watch as Twilight went into a carriage with Chrysalis by her side. Then Chris saw Chrysalis turning to him and give him some kind of map to a castle.
"Now listen here boy if you want to see your marefriend again come to the Starlight Castle alone. If you don't she dies." She said.
And with that the carriage lifted off the ground and took off. As soon as they flew off to the castle Chris picked up the map and then he spread his wings and started to fly off after them.
("Hold on Twilight I'm coming.") He said to himself.
Just then he felt the pain where the green energy beam had hit him started to flair up again. Then he started to fall out of the sky. The last thing he saw before he passed out was somepony coming towards him.
Starlight Castle
One hour Later
As the Starlight Castle came into view Chrysalis looked down at Twilight.
"Now slave when we land you follow me to my throne room and we will get started on your punishment for what you have done to me."
Twilight then looked up and glared at Chrysalis.
"When Chris comes to get me he's going to....."
Just then Chrysalis raised her hoof and slapped Twilight knocking her over almost out of the carriage.
"Now you listen here fool you will talk when I say you can talk and as for your alicorn boyfriend if he dose come I'm going to kill him and i'll have you as my slave forever HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!" She Laughed.
Twilight lowered her head looking at nothing except for the shackies on the front and the back of her hooves. As the carriage landed at the Starlight Castle Chrysalis got out then she looked at Twilight.
"Come slave it's time."
Twilight got up with the sound of her restraints clanging on the floor.
"Yes mistress." She said sadly.
As they were walking Chrysalis looked at Twilight once more.
"Ever since your brother and Princess Cadence banished me I came across this abandoned castle. Then It occured to me if I want a castle of my own then why not this one? So me and my changelings fixed it up and it's pretty nice if I do say so myself. Don't you think so slave?"
Twilight looked up at Chryalis.
"Yes mistress it is nice." Said Twilight still sad and hoping Chris was alright.
Just then Twilight was snaped out of her thoughts when they got to Chrysalis' room. When Chrysalis and Twilight went into the room Chrysalis levitated Twilight towards the middle of the room. Just then chains came out from the ground and lashed on to the shackies on Twilight's back hooves. Then more chains came down from the ceiling and lashed on to the sackles on Twilight's front hooves.
"There now." Said Chrysalis."
"Are you ready for your treatment slave?" She Asked as she levitated a whip from behind her throne and was ready to put it across Twilight's back.
Twilight struggled to get free but to no of avail.
"P....please don't do this to me mistress please I beg you!" Twilight said with fear in her eyes.
"SILENCE FOOL!!!!" Shouted Chrysails as she put the whip onto Twilight's back.
*HATSCH*
"AHHHHHH!!!!" Twilight screamed in agony.
The force of the whip was so strong that it broke Twilight's skin and blood started to fall from the open wound onto the cold hard floor. Twilight was breathing heavily and her heart was racing.
"YOU TOOK AWAY MY LIFE YOU NO GOOD MISS GOODY TWO SHOES!!!!" Said Chrysails as she continue to whip Twilight.
*HATSCH*
"AHHHHHH!!!!" She screamed.
Twilight looked at Chrysails with forgivness in her eyes.
"P....please n....no more." Twilight said trying not to loose consciousness.
"I TOLD YOU NOT TO SPEACK UNLESS SPOKEN TO!!!! Shouted Chrysails.
Then Twilight felt the whip hit her back once again.
*HATSCH*
"AHHHHHHHHHH!!!!"
"YOUR NOTHING BUT A WORM!!!"
*HATSCH*
"AHHHHHHHHHH!!!!"
"A BRAT!!!!"
*HATSCH*
"AHHHHHHHHHH!!!!"
"OH CURSE YOU TWILIGHT SPARKLE YOU NO GOOD LITTLE WRETCH!!!!"
*HATSCH*
"AHHHHHHHHHH!!!!"
Again and again Chrysails continued to whip Twilight until she saw that Twilight suddenly lost consciousness by the amount of slashes by the whip that Chrysails slashed on her back made and by the amount of blood that was dripping down from her back to the cold hard floor.
"Humph weak fool." Said Chrysails as she put the whip away and then she went to fetch a maid to clean up Twilight's blood from the floor and to bandage her up.
Everfree forest
one hour later
Chris woke up with a start and looked around.
"Hey where am I?"
"You're in my hut young alicorn." Said a voice.
Chris turned around and saw a zebra like medicine women right next to him.
"My name is Zecora." She said.
"What's yours young one?"
"It's Chris."
Just then there was a knock at the door.
"I'll be right back Chris you just stay here." Said Zecora as she went and opened the door.
At the doors entrance there standing there was Applejack and Chris' brother Mark.
"Well hi Applejack. What brings you and your new friend here?"
"We are looking for Twilight and my brother Chris." Said Mark.
"Have you seen them?"
"Well I haven't seen Twilight but Chris is here laying on my bed he got hit by some kind of energy beam by the mark on his side."
"WHAT?!" Asked Applejack and Mark together.
Zecora showed the wounded alicorn laying on her bed.
"Oh hay you two." Said Chris.
"Chris are you ok? What in tarnations happen to you?" Asked Applejack.
"I...it was, it was Queen Chrysails." He said weakly
"QUEEN CHRYSAILS?!" Asked Applejack, Mark, and Zecora together.
"You mean the Queen of the changelings?" Asked Applejack.
"Yes she was the one who did this to me." Said Chris.
"Please tell us brother. What happen to Twilight?" Asked Mark.
"Well we were at the entrance to the everfree forest talking and when we were getting ready to come back to the library She struck Twilight with her magic, I tried my best to stop her from taking Twilight but to no avail. As she aimed another beam towards her, I knocked Twilight out of the way and well thats when the beam hit me on my side. Instead of killing me Chrysails had left Twilight with a decision if she went with her she would spare my life. So she went with Chrysails, I tried to go after them but well the pain from my injury was too great and then I past out and then I woke up here."
Chris put his head under Zecora's pillow.
"I'm so sorry guys I don't deserve a mare like her, I just don't."
"Now that is just ridiculous brother." Said Mark.
"You are the best pony that Twilight could ever ask for."
"Mark is right and with our help we can get twilight back." Said Applejack.
Chris then looked up at them and just shook his head.
"I'm sorry guys but if you go with me she will kill Twilight."
"What are you serious brother?" Asked Mark.
"Yes Mark it's true."
"Well I think I can help out with that problem." Said Zecora.
"Really how Zecora?" Asked Applejack.
"Well I just finished an invisability potion just yesterday and if you and Mark drink it you can follow Chris without raising alarm to the changelings and the queen."
"That's a good idea Zecora." Said Mark.
"Alright then tomorrow we all will go to the castle and save Twilight from the queen." Said Chris as he laid back down and slep back to sleep.
Starlight Castle
Later that night
Twilight awoken by a sharp pain on her back and she started to look around and saw that she was still chained up.
"Oh I'm sorry did I hurt you?" Asked a vioce.
Twilight looked down and saw a pale yellow pony with a curly mane staring right back at her. Twilight knew exactly who the pale yellow pony was.
"C....Carrot T....Top i....is that, is that y....you?" She asked still weak from the beating she received from Queen Chrysails.
"Yes it's me Twilight." Said Carrot Top.
Twilight then noticed a collar on Carrot Top's neck.
"Carrot Top what's that thing on your neck?"
"Oh this coller is, well if I disapoint Queen Chrysails then she can shock me with it by using her magic." Said Carrot Top sadly.
"Thats terrible Carrot Top. How could she do such a thing to you?" Twilight asked.
"I don't know Twilight, I just don't know."
Carrot Top started to cry.
"Oh don't cry Carrot Top." Said Tiwlight.
"Everything will be fine I promise you."
Carrot Top looked up at Twilight with a smile on her face.
"Thanks Twilight that means a lot to me." She said wiping a tear from her eye.
"So Carrot Top why exactly are you here?" Twilight asked
"I was sent here by the queen to patch you up." She said as she put the last bit of bandages on Twilight's wounds.
"Well that's not what I meant Carrot Top."
"Oh then what did you mean Twilight?" She asked.
"I was wondering how you got to be in this castle?"
"Oh I rather not talk about it Twilight." said Carrot Top.
"It's ok Carrot Top I understand." said Twilight.
"What about you how did you get here Twilight?" Carrot Top asked.
"Oh well I was talking to my special somepony at the entrance to the everfree forest until Queen Chrysails came. He tried to stop her but he got hurt from rescuing me from Chrysails energy beam and she said if I didn't come with her she would have killed him. I guess you can see what choice I made." Said Twilight with tears flowing down her cheek.
Carrot Top then came up to Twilight and hugged her.
"I'm so sorry Twilight that this had to happed to you."
"It's ok Carrot Top I know in my heart that he will come for me I just know he will." She said with a smile on her face.
Then Twilight felt the last bandage being put on her back and she sighed with relife.
"Oh man I feel much better now." She said.
"How did you learn first aid anyway Carrot Top?"
"Oh I learnd first aid when I was just a little filly Twilight." Carrot Top explained.
As Carrot Top finished patching up Twilight's scarred back and cleaned up the blood on the floor she got up and was ready to leave.
"Well I best be going now before Queen Chrysails gets angry at me."
"Alright Carrot Top please take good care of yourself. Said Twilight.
"Don't worry I will Twilight, I will." Said Carrot Top and with that she left leaving Twilight alone in the throne room.
After Carrot Top left the room Twilight then went happly to sleep still chained up as she thought of Chris, Mark, and her friends. |
A dream come true | Chapter 4 | A dream come true
By Will Atkinson
Chapter 4
Starlight Castle
The Next Day
Chrysalis was sleeping soundly until she heard a knock at her door.
*Knock* *Knock* *Knock* *Knock*
"UGH WHO DARES DISTURB MY SLEEP!!" Shouted Chrysalis as she opened the door with her magic.
"Um I'm sorry to disturb you, your majasty." Said one of the guards that was in the doorway.
"But we got word from our spies that, that alicorn you had a fight with yesterday is coming our way."
After hearing that Chrysalis' ears purked up.
"What? Are you sure it's him captain?" Asked Chrysalis.
"Yes your majesty I am sure it's him."
"Good, good." Said Chrysalis.
"Now let's see how our prisoner is doing shall we?" Chrysalis asked as she got up and head towards the throne room where Twilight was still chained up."
Everfree forest
one hour ago
"Ok guys you ready to go and get Twilight out of that castle?" Asked Chris.
"Yes we are Surgarcube." Said Applejack.
"Ok Applejack and Mark here is the posion to make you two invisable for two hours." Said Zecora.
Chris looked at Zecora in shock.
"What two hours? We would not even make it to the throne room in two hours."
"It's ok bro." Said Mark.
"I think two hours is plenty of time for us to get to the castle."
"Well ok then Mark I trust you." Said Chris.
After that Mark and Applejack took the invisibility poison and soon they set off to Starlight Castle.
"Now remember guys you need to not talk. Because who knows Chrysalis might have spies all over the place." Said Chris.
"Don't you worry now Chris we know the plan." Said Applejack.
"Yeah when you go in and face Chrysalis we will secretly get Twilight out of the castle. Said Mark.
"Ok then let's do it." Said Chris, as they set off towards Starlight Castle.
Starlight Castle
present time
Chrysalis approached the throne room and opened the door with her magic. As she did so she could see Twilight all bandaged up and sleeping soundly. As Chrysalis approached her she raised her hoof and slapped her awake.
"UH!!" She cried out.
"It's time to get up slave, you don't want that alicorn you love so mutch to see you asleep now do you?" Chrysalis asked.
"What, what do you mean?" Asked Twilight still a little weak from the beating that she got from the whip last nght.
"I mean slave that he's coming for you right now thanks to my spies in the everfree forest he should be here in about an hour." Said Chrysalis.
Twilight struggled against her bounds and then she looked back at Chrysalis.
"Chris is going to kill you for this."
"OH SHUT UP!!" Said Chrysalis, giving Twilight another hard smack.
"I'm hoping he will come you fool so I can take your place as you."
" HA Chris will never fall for that trick Chrysalis when he gets me out you'll be nothing."
"I said to SHUT UP!!" Said Chrysalis, as she gave Twilight another hard smack.
"You don't know what it's like to be alone for so long without love, or without friends. Look at you Twilight you have friends that care about you, and somepony that loves you, while I have nopony."
Twilight looked at Chrysalis.
"Well the reason that I have such good friends and a lover is because I never try to destroy otherponys love for one another or try to take over Equestria."
Then Chrysalis looked at Twilight with a glare in her eyes.
"HA just save your pity for somepony else slave for once I have Chris' love for myself I will rule all of Ponyville, and then after I do that I will rule all of Equestria you little POOR UNFORTUNATE SOUL HAHAHAHAHA!!!!" Laghed Chrysalis.
(POOR UNFORTUNATE SOULS FROM THE LITTLE MERMAID STARTS TO PLAY)
I admit that in the past I've been a nasty
They weren't kidding when they called me, well, a witch
But you'll find that nowadays
I've mended all my ways
Repented, seen the light, and made a switch
To this
And I fortunately know a little magic
It's a talent that I always have possessed
And dear lady, please don't laugh
I use it on behalf
Of the miserable, the lonely, and depressed (pathetic)
Poor unfortunate souls
In pain, in need
This one longing to be thinner
That one wants to get the girl
And do I help them?
Yes, indeed
Those poor unfortunate souls
So sad, so true
They come flocking to my cauldron
Crying, "Spells, Chrysalis, please!"
And I help them!
Yes I do
Now it's happened once or twice
Somepony couldn't pay the price
And I'm afraid I had to rake 'em 'cross the coals
Yes I've had the odd complaint
But on the whole I've been a saint
To those poor unfortunate souls
Twilight strugled with her chains again.
"Your, your insaine." She said to Chrysalis. .
"I might be insane but I'm gonna make sure I win this time my salve." Said Chrysalis with a smile on her face.
"Oh guards?"
"Yes your highness what is it?"
"Please take my slave to the dungeon with my other slave could you?"
"Yes your highness of course."
So the guards unchained Twilght and dragged her out of the throne room to the dungeon.
"Now for my plan." Said Chrysalis, as soon as she said that she transformed into Twilight and chained herself up to the chains on the floor and on the ceiling.
Everfree forest
fifty minutes later
"Uh oh." wispered Applejack.
"What is it, what's wrong Applejack?" Asked Chris.
"We have only ten minutes until the poison wears off surgarcube ."
"Shoot." Said Chris.
Then off in the distance they saw the castle.
"ALRIGHT WE MADE IT!!!!" Shouted Mark.
"Shhh Mark." Said Chris.
"Ooops sorry."
"Alright guys let me go in and you guys stay here." Said Chris.
"But why Chris?" Asked Applejack.
"Because you guys have less then ten minutes left until you two become visible again."
*Sigh* "He's right Applejack we don't have a choice." Said Mark.
"Alright but you be careful now ya hear Chris."
"Don't worry Applejack I'll be careful."
After that Chris spread his wigs and flew off to the castle.
("Good luck brother and may Celestia be with you.") Mark said to himself as he watched Chris heading towards the castle.
Starlight Castle
ten minutes later
"Um excuse me your highness."
"Yes what is it?" Said Chrysalis.
"Um that alicorn is here."
"Good you can send him in now."
"Yes your majesty."
Just then the door of the throne room opened and there stood Chris. As Chris looked around the throne room he saw Chrysalis disguised as Twilight all chained up and covered in bandages.
"TWILIGHT!!!!" Chris shouted.
The fake Twilight opened her eyes and as she did she saw Chris looking right at her.
"Chris is that you?"
"Yes Twilight it's me." Said Chris.
Then he ran right up to the fake Twilight and hugging her tightly.
"Oh Twilight your alright I thought I was not going to see you again."
"Um Chris?"
"Yes Twilight?"
"I can't breathe."
"Oh sorry Twilight."
"It's ok Chris."
"Now could you please unchain me so we can leave before Chrysalis comes back?" Asked the fake Twilight.
"Ok no problem." Said Chris.
But just as he was about to set the fake Twilight free he noticed her horn was not surounded by the dark magic that Chrysalis put on her anymore.
"Um Twilight what happen to the dark spell that Chrysalis put on your horn?"
"Oh...that...w...well it...it wore off." The fake Twilight lied.
Just as the fake Twilight said that Chris backed away from her.
"But I thought that the dark spell was not suppose to wear off unless Chrysalis does it or if she is destroyed and I highly doubt that she would take that spell off. Especially if she did then you could simply just get off of those chains yourself right?"
"Oh....uh....well....I."
"Further more how come the guards allowed me into the throne room so easily? If I know Chrysalis she would make it difficult for me to get in here to get you but they just let me in here unless this is a trap. Right Twilight or should I say Queen Chrysalis?" Chris Asked, glaring at the fake Twilight.
Just as soon as he said that the fake Twilight started to laugh in Chrysalis' voice.
"HAHAHAHAHAHA very clever young alicorn, your not as dumb as I thought you were."
As Chris watched the fake Twilight's form change into Queen Chrysalis.
"I knew it, I knew it was you the whole time." Said Chris.
"Well I'm here now young one and I would like to welcome you to my castle." Said Chrysalis.
"JUST SHUT UP AND TELL ME WHERE TWILIGHT IS NOW!!!!"
"Very well Chris." Said Chrysalis.
"Guards bring forth my slave and her friends."
Chris looked at Chrysalis puzzled.
"Uh friends?" He asked.
"Why yes Chris look at the door behind you and you'll see what I mean."
As Chris turned around he saw the door open and there was Twilight, Carrot Top, and to his shock there also right next to Twilight was Applejack, and Mark.
"Applejack, Mark." Said Chris.
The guards then pushed Twilight, Carrot Top, Mark, and Applejack into the throne room.
"Did you really think that I would fall for a that kind of trick Chris?" Asked Chrysalis.
Chris looked at Chrysalis then he looked back at Applejack and Mark.
"Were sorry Chris they were waiting for us when you left." Said Applejack.
"Yes that's true and it's all thanks to my spies." Said Chrysalis
Everfree Forest
Fifteen minutes ago
("Good luck brother and may Celestia be with you.") Mark said to himself as he watched Chris heading towards the castle.
Just then he felt Appejack's hoof on his shoulder.
"Don't worry surgar he'll be ok." She said.
"I hope so Applejack, I hope so.
Just then Mark and Applejack saw that the potion was starting to ware off.
"Oh no Mark what are we going to do?" Asked Applejack.
Mark looked around the forest to find a place to hide. Then he saw a cave right at the end of the forest.
"There, that cave." He said.
Just as soon as they got into the cave the potion wore off.
"Are you sure we'll be alright in here?" Applejack asked Mark.
"Yes I'm sure Applejack.
But just as he said that they heared a voice saying.
"Don't move."
Applejack and Mark turned around and saw an army of changelings as guards.
"Oh great." Said Applejack.
"Chrysalis will be happy to see you two, now move it." Said one of the changeling guards.
Starlight Castle.
present time.
"See I knew you pobably have some help on getting your precious Twilight back so I decided to see what would happen and just like that when you left them alone to come to the castle my spies found your friends hiding in that cave when that stupid so called invisibility potion wore off of them and they brought them here."
Chrysalis then looked at her guards.
"Excellent work now you may leave us."
"Yes your highness." They said closing the door behind them.
Chris glared at Chrysalis.
"CHRYSALIS YOU LET MY BROTHER, TWILIGHT, APPLEJACK, AND THAT OTHER PONY GO RIGHT NOW."
"No they will be our audience while I kill you."
Then suddenly Chrysalis charged right at him at full gallop.
"CHRIS LOOK OUT!!!!" Twilight shouted.
Chris looked at Chrysalis and jumped out of the way just in time with Chrysalis' horn just missing him by inches.
"Oh man that was close." Said Mark.
"Yeah too close." Said Applejack.
"Chris be careful she's coming back." Said Twilight.
Sure enough he saw Chrysalis coming back at him but this time he charged right at her. Just then the two locked horns with each other and stared each other down.
"Give it up boy you can't win." Said Chrysalis.
"No I won't give up until your dead." Said Chris.
"Ok you fool but I'm not the one who is going to die." Said Chrysalis as she jumped into the air.
"YOU ARE THE ONE WHO IS GOING TO DIE!!!!" She said as her horn began to glow.
"Hey what is this? I can't move." Said Chris.
"Aw what's wrong Chrisy you can't move?" Asked Chrysalis with a smirk on her face.
"I have to give you credit young alicorn your strong but now it's time to end this once and for all. Goodbye Chris Thunder."
With that she charged again and lowered her horn aiming it right towards Chris' neck. Chris shut his eyes and prepared himself to be impaled by Chrysalis' horn, suddenly he heard a loud scream.
"AHHHHHHHHH!!!!"
After that he heard Applejack, Carrot Top, and Mark behind him scream in fear.
"TWILIGHT!!!!"
After hearing Applejack, Carrot Top, and Mark screaming out Twilight's name Chris' heart suddenly sank. He slowly opened his eyes hoping it wasn't Twilight who got hit with Chrysalis's horn. As he opened his eyes he saw the purple unicorn looking down at him, with Chrysalis' horn sticking right out of her right flank, with blood dripping down off of the tip of Chrysalis' horn.
"TWILIGHT NO!!!!" Chris screamed as he got out of the barrier that Chrysalis had him trapped in and went to Twilight's side.
Chrysalis pulled her horn out of Twilight's side and then she collapsed on the floor just as Chris got to her, as Twilight was bleeding badly on the both sides of her flank, Chris knew that Twilght was going to die but he didn't want to believe it.
"TWILIGHT WHY, WHY YOU DO IT, WHY COULDN"T YOU JUST STAY AWAY?!!!!" Shouted Chris.
Twilight looked at Chris with tears flowing down her face.
"Chris why would you say that? You should know why I did it."
"What, what do you mean?"
"Y....you s....saved me from getting hurt y....yesterday r....remember s....so I though th....that I re....return the f....faver."
Twilight groaned in pain.
"Twilight please just hang on your gonna be alright you hear, your gonna be alright."
Twilight smiled at Chris.
"I....it's ok C....Chris it dosen't hurt anymore. T....the p....pain is g....gone now."
("Oh no she's hurt so bad she dosen't even feel the pain.") Chris said to himself.
Suddenly he saw Twililght was coughing up blood.
"Twilight come on you've got to stay awake, please Twilight hang in there."
"HAHA it won't be long now!" laughed Chrysalis.
Chris looked up at Chrysalis and glared at her.
"SHUT UP!" He said.
Then he looked back down at Twilight as he stroked her mane.
"C....Chris I....I know, I know th....that I'm g....going t....to die." Twilight said, her breathing slowly getting weaker.
Chris looked at the mare in shock.
"W....what? No Twilight don't say that. You're not gonna die, you hear me? You're not gonna die."
"Y....you know w....what Chris?"
"What Twilight?"
"I....I love you, I...I love you s....so much."
Chris then started to cry.
"I....L l....love you so much too Twilight." He said, holding Twilight tight in his hooves.
Twilight then looked at Applejack, Mark, and Carrot Top.
"Hey guys?" She asked.
"Yes what is it Surgarcube?" Asked Applejack with tears in her eyes.
"Apple....Applejack p....please t....take good c....care of S....Spike f....for me o....ok?"
"I....I will Sugar, I will." She said as her eyes began to tear up.
Then Carrot Top walked over to Twilight looked down at her.
"Twilight please don't d....die just try, just try to stay with us please Twilight, you've gotta try."
"I'm, I'm so sorry Carrot Top b....but I....I just, I just can't s....so p....please t....take g....good care of y....yourself."
"I....I will." said Carrot Top, as tears flowed from her eyes.
"Hey Mark?" Asked Twilight.
"Yes what is it Twilight?"
"Take g....good care o....of A....Applejack o....ok?"
Applejack nuzzled up close to Mark.
"Don't worry Twilight I will take good care of Applejack don't you worry about that." He said, putting his hoof around Applejack.
Then Twilight looked back at Chris.
"C....Chris?"
"Yes Twilight I'm right here."
"Chris I....I think th....that i....it's about t....time for us t....to say good....goodbye." Said Twilight, as her eyes closed.
Chris' eyes opened wide as he realized what Twilight just said.
"What? No Twilight don't say that."
"Twilight?" He asked, as he tried to shake her awake but to no avail.
"No, no, no, no, no. TWILIGHT!!!!"
As Chris wept on Twilight's shoulder Chrysalis stepped forward.
"Oh stop your crying you fool and go back to your old life before you ever meet that wretch." She said, as she began to turn and walk away.
As soon as she said that, Chris thought of his old life before he met Twilight. He thought of his parents' death, his evil foster parents, and his and Mark's thoughts of committing suicide. Chris' eyes then truned from sadness to rage then he got up and turned to Chrysalis as she was walking towards her throne.
"Twilight was my old life Chrysalis." He said.
Chrysalis stopped and turned to Chris as he continued to talk.
"And anypony who tries to take that away from me. IS MY ENEMEY!!!!"
"Oh please you still want to fight me after what happened yesterday?" Asked Chrysalis.
"Yes I do, but first." Said Chris, as he looked down at Twilight's motionless body he noticed that Twilight was still breathing, a smile slowly appeared on his muzzle.
"Twilight? I know that you can still hear me so listen up. I'm going to take care of Chrysalis for you, and then I'll do everything in my power to bring you back to me, I promise."
Chris kissed Twilight on her lips, then he looked up at Chrysalis.
"Now Chrysalis let's finish this once and for all." He said as he got up and charged right at Chrysalis.
"YOU HURT TWILIGHT, YOU MONSTER AND NOW I"M GOING TO HURT YOU!!!!" Said Chris as he clashed his horn with Chrysalis'.
"Ugh can you get it through your thick head you young fool? Your precious Twilight is gone, and you should just except it." Chrysalis said with annoying look on her face.
"No I won't except it, she isn't dead, she's not." said Chris.
"Very well fool, I gave you a chance to leave but now you leave me no choice but to kill you." Said Chrysalis.
As Applejack, Mark, and Carrot Top looked on they saw a part of Chris they had never seen before.
"Wow Mark look at your brother go." Said Applejack.
"Yeah I have never seen my brother like this before, he could win."
"You think he has a chance against Chrysalis?" Asked Carrot Top.
"Yes I think he does Carrot Top." Said Applejack.
"So do I." Said Mark.
Chris kept on attacking Chrysalis with all of his might.
"You're a strong boy, I'm impressed."
"Well get use to it Chrysalis cause I'm not gonna give up until your gone."
"No Chris this fight is mine." Said Chrysalis as her horn started to glow again.
Chris then backed away from Chrysalis.
"Oh man not this again." He said.
"Now you little fool take this." Said Chrysalis as she fired a green energy beam from her horn.
Chris moved out of the way just in time.
"HA you still missed me." He said.
But then he saw her laughing.
"Hey what's so funny?"
"HA I wasn't aiming for you fool, just look behind you and you'll see what I mean."
Chris turned around and saw that the beam was heading right at Mark.
"Uh no hey Mark watch it!"
Mark looked and saw that the beam was heading right for him.
"Whoa!!" Said Mark as he quickly moved out of the way before the beam hit him.
"Drats it looks like your as fast as your brother here I see as well." said Chrysalis.
"But no matter I'll
destroy you and your brother eventually."
"You will never defeat my brother." Said Mark.
"Oh really you fool." Asked Chrysalis.
"Yeah really you wicked old witch."
Chrysalis eyes then changed from green to red.
"Well I guess I have to kill somepony else now." She cackled.
With that she left Mark and Chris up in the air. Then suddenly she through them across the room right onto her throne.
"Chris, Mark are you two alright?" Asked Applejack.
"Oh they're just fine but I can't say the same thing about you, you little fool." Said Chrysalis, as she was walking towards Applejack.
Just then Carrot Top stepped right between Applejack and Chrysalis.
"STOP!! I won't let you hurt Applejack.
Chrysalis looked at Carrot Top with her eyes burning with rage.
"Get out of the way right now you little fool before I kill you too." She said, looking down at Carrot Top..
"No I won't, so it looks like you'll have to kill me too anyway." Said Carrot Top.
"Very well, then prepare to die too." Said Chrysalis, as her horn started to glow green once more.
Applejack knew she had to do something and fast or Carrot Top would get hurt or worse. So she grabbed Carrot Top and threw her out of the way of Chrysalis' beam of green energy. Then the next thing she knew the beam hit her head on and she went flying right into a statue of a alicorn.
*Gasp* APPLEJACK!!!!" Screamed Mark, as he ran towards her passing Chrysalis as he did.
"Oh Applejack, are you ok?"
"Yeah, I think so Surgarcube." Said Applejack as she struggled to get up.
Mark looked at Chrysalis.
"Why are you doing this?"
Chrysalis looked at Mark.
"Why am I doing this? I'll tell you why I'm doing this. For too long I've seen ponies happy, and too long I've seen ponies in love. Why do they get to be in love while I don't?"
As soon as she said that Chris got up from where he was thrown to as well and looked at Chrysalis.
"That's because you don't know what love is Chrysalis."
Chrysalis turned around and stared at the alicorn.
"Oh really? Well then tell me what love is to you Chris."
"Alright I'll tell you. Love is something that you feel for somepony, like me and Twilight, or like my brother Mark and Applejack. But the way you do it that is not love, it's evil."
Chrysalis just smiled at Chris.
"Ha you think what I do is evil? Well then your right. She said as she lifted Chris off the ground and thew him right at Applejack and Mark.
"Are you three alright?" Asked Carrot Top as she came up to them.
"Yeah we're fine, thanks." Said Mark.
Then they looked up and saw Chrysalis walking towards them with her horn glowing green.
"Goodbye you four, say hi to Twilight for me, in the after life."
But just as she was about to kill them a voice rang out.
"STOP!!!! Don't you dare hurt them."
"Whoa! Who in the world of Equestria said that?" Asked Applejack.
"Uh guys?"
"What, what is it Chris." Asked Mark.
"That statue is moving."
As the ponies looked on the statue of the alicorn started to shake and then suddenly it split open. A big bright light shot forth from the opening of the crack in the statue, and there in the statues place was a white alicorn with blue eyes, and a black mane with bright stars in it. To the ponies she looked like Princess Luna but it wasn't, the alicorn looked at Chrysalis and said.
"So we meet again after all these years uh Chrysalis?"
Chrysalis looked at the alicorn in disbelief.
"You again but how? Oh well it dosen't matter you know I turned you into stone once I'll turn you into stone again."
"Well that's not gonna happen this time, I was off guard the last time we met. But I know now I'm ready for you Chrysalis."
Just then Mark went up to the alicorn and said.
"Um excuse me miss but who are you?"
Just as Mark said that the alicorn looked down at him.
"My name is Princess Starlight, and this may come as a shock to you ponies but I am Princess Celestia's daughter. |
A dream come true | Chapter 5 | A dream come true
By Will Atkinson
Chapter 5
"Celestia's daughter?" Asked Carrot Top, Applejack, Chris, and Mark together.
The ponies couldn't believe it, that this alicorn was Princess Celestia's daughter. Starlight then turned back at the four ponies.
"It's true my little ponies." She said, "I am Celestia's daughter."
"But, but Celestia never told us that she had a daughter." Said Applejack.
Starlight looked at the farm pony, her eye's filled up with tears.
"Well that's because she thinks that I am dead and if she said anything to you ponies she would be in bad shape." She said.
Mark looked at the princess in disbelief.
"Why, why would Celestia think that you are dead princess?" He asked.
Starlight looked at Mark then she turned around and looked straight at Chrysalis and said to Mark.
"It was her and her changelings that made my mother think that I was dead and I still remember it like it was yesterday.
"So then when did this happen anyway Starlight?" Asked Chris.
Starlight sighed and then she looked at the alicorn.
"It was on the day after my mother banished my aunt Luna to the moon." She said sadly.
Starlight Castle
The day after Luna's banishment to the moon.
"Your majesty?" Asked one of the Starlight guards.
Starlight was looking at a picture of her, her mother Celestia, and her aunt Luna, with tears in her eyes she looked up at her royal guard and said.
"Y....yes what is it?"
"Um there is a visitor here that wants to see you princess." Said the guard.
"O....ok." She said wipping away a tear from her eye.
The guard moved to the side of the door to reveal a strange pony with green eyes, green mane, and black fur with the way she looked she didn't even looked like a pony.
"Oh hello there." Said Starlight
"What's your name?"
The pony looked at the princess as she bowed low to her she replied.
"My name is Chrysalis your highness and I must say I'm very pleased to meet you."
"I see, and what do you want here Chrysalis?" Starlight asked.
"Oh nothing much. All I want is to take over this castle as my own. It's perfect for me and my subjects." Chrysalis said with an evil smile on her face.
Hearing this Starlight got out of her throne.
"You shall not take over this castle Chrysalis." She said.
"Oh yeah? Well princess, what are you going to do about it?"
"I'll tell you what I'm going to do about it." Starlight said.
"Guards cease this despicable creature.
But the guards never took a single step towards Chrysalis, instead they turned around and grabbed her instead.
"Hay what is this? You dare betray your princess?" Starlight asked her guards.
Chrysalis laughed and then said.
"Those aren't your guards, they're my guards."
As Starlight watched the guards transformed into the same kind of creatures as Chrysalis was.
"What, what are you ponies?" Asked Starlight.
"Well you see princess me and my subjects aren't ponies at all, we are changelings." Explained Chrysalis.
Suddenly Starlight's eyes opened wide.
"Wait a minute now I know who you are." Said Starlight.
"Your the Queen of these changeling things, but that's not all I know that you guys take the form of somepony and make some other pony fall in love with you and then you feed off of their love."
After Starlight finished Chrysalis laughed.
"HAHAHA so now you know me, well good for you." She said.
Starlight tried her best to get free but the changelings where too strong.
"I don't care what happens to me Chrysalis but you are not going to take over this castle."
Chrysalis walked towards Strarlight and left her head up with her hoof.
"Oh my dear precious Starlight I will take over this castle but first I think you will look much better as a statue for my new castle."
With that chrysalis kissed Starlight then with her magic she turned her into a stone statue.
"Ah good now the castle is ours, all ours." Chrysalis said to her changelings.
"But your highness you know that is Princess Celestia's daughter right?" One of the changelings asked.
"Yea so."
"So what if she comes here looking for her?"
Chrysalis chuckled.
"Oh don't worry I know just what to do."
"Really? And what is that your majesty?" Asked the captain of the changeling's.
"You will go disguised as a Starlight guard and tell the princess that the castle was under attack and also tell her that Princess Starlight was killed."
The captain nodded, then he transformed into a Starlight guard, and finally he set off to Princess Celestia's castle to tell Celestia that her daughter had died during an attack on Starlight Castle.
Princess Celestia's Castle
Two hours later.
Celestia was just finishing up cleaning the library until she heard a knock at the door.
"Yes? Who is it?" She asked.
Just then the door opened and there to Celestia it was the captain of Starlight Castle. But in reality it was the captain of the changeling's disguised as the captain of Starlight Castle.
"Oh captain it's nice to see you here on this fine day."
"Yes it's nice to see you too Celestia." The fake captain said.
Celestia looked at the fake captain's face and saw that he was sad.
"Captain what's worng?"
The fake captain looked up at Celestia and said.
"It's your daughter Starlight your highness."
As soon as he said that Celestia's ears perked up, and she had the look of fear in her eyes.
"What? What happend to her? Please tell me.
The fake captain cleared his throat and then he began his lie.
"Well you see princess we where attacked by some kind of monster, Starlight tried to stop it but it was too strong, and well I'm afraid that she's gone your highness."
As Celestia heard this she fell to her knees and began to cry.
"No I can't believe it my poor daughter. Why does this keep happening to me? First my sister Luna and now my daughter Starlight."
"I am sorry your highness I'll be leaving now." The fake captain said as he turned around and left the throne room leaving the princess alone still crying believing her daughter was dead.
Starlight Castle
Two hours later
Chrysalis was on Starlight's throne until she heard a knock at the door.
"Yes? come in." She said.
The door opened up and there stood the captain of the changeling's.
"Your highness mission complete." He said.
"Excellent now Starlight Castle is mine, all mine HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!
Starlight Castle
Present time
As Starlight finished her story Chris glared at Chrysalis with fire in his eyes.
"You, you are more then just a wicked old witch, your a heartless wicked old witch."
"How dare you call me a heartless wicked old witch." She snapped.
"You don't know how much I wanted friends, and after I tried and tried to be friends with somepony when I was just a little changeling no pony would except my friendship." She said with tears in her eyes.
When Chris saw the tears in Chrysalis' eyes he started to think back to when he and his brother were all alone before coming to Equestria.
("Oh man poor Chrysalis, I must do something to make her happy, and I think I know just how to do it.") He said to himself.
Then he started to walk towards Chrysalis.
"Hey Chris what are you doing?" Mark asked.
Chris didn't say anything he just kept on walking towards Chrysalis.
"Hey what are you doing?" Chrysalis asked backing away a little.
"I understand how you feel Chrysalis and I can help you to relieve you of the pain of not having friends if you let me."
Chrysalis eyes opened wide then she glared at Chris.
"HOW CAN YOU UNDERSTAND HOW I FEEL HUH?!" She shouted.
"Because me and my brother had the same problem before we came here. So Chrysalis please let me help you." Chris said as he continued to walk towards Chrysalis.
Chrysalis kept on moving back with tears streaming down her face.
"Please stop looking at me with those eyes and please don't come any closer to me." She pleaded.
Chris stopped right in front of Chrysalis and then he placed his hoof on her shoulder. Chrysalis looked into the eyes of Chris and saw that his eyes were filled with sorrow and sadness.
"Why are you looking at me like that young one?" She asked.
"Because I can make you better and we can be friends if you let me help you."
"What do you mean you can make me better and we can be friends?"
"Like this." Chris said.
As Mark, Applejack, and Carrot Top watched Chris' horn started to glow.
"CHRIS STOP YOU DON'T KNOW HOW TO USE YOUR POWERS YET!!!! Applejack shouted.
"SHE'S RIGHT BRO PLEASE DON'T DO IT. WE DON'T KNOW WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO YOU IF YOU DO THIS!!!!" Mark said.
"CHRIS I DON"T KNOW WHAT THIS IS ALL ABOUT BUT I THINK THEY'RE RIGHT YOU SHOULD STOP BEFORE SOMETHING BAD HAPPENS TO YOU!!!!" Said Carrot Top.
Chris just turned to face them and just smiled at them.
"Don't worry you guys I'll be fine." He said.
After that Chris turned to Chrysalis and continued with his magic. As the ponies watched they saw that Chrysalis was changing.
("What's, what's happening to me? I feel so, I feel so warm inside, different and calm.) Chrysalis said to herself.
Suddenly a big burst of light shot forth from Chris's horn and blinded the ponies.
"Oh man where did Chris get this kind of power?" Asked Mark.
"I don't know, but I would like to know what he's doing to Chrysalis." Applejack said.
In no time at all the light from Chris' horn deemed revealing him and Chrysalis. All though to the ponies it didn't look like Chrysalis.
"Hey what happened to Chrysalis?" Carrot Top asked.
What the ponies saw was that Chrysalis was different, instead of black fur she now had gold fur, her wings were now white instead of green, and her eyes were blue instead of green, Chrysalis' horn though still stayed the same.
"There you go Chrysalis now you're more like us now." Chris said.
Chrysalis went to the mirror. As she looked at herself in the mirror she smiled.
"So how do you feel Chrysalis?" Chris asked.
"For the very first time in my life I feel so, so, so happy and alive." She said.
Chrysalis turned to Chris and hugged him.
"Thank you, thank you so much for everything my friend."
Chris looked at Chrysalis smiled at her.
"Yes my friend."
As they parted Chrysalis started towards Twilight's motionless body but then Applejack stopped her.
"That's far enough Chrysalis I will not let you go anywhere near Twi-."
"Applejack." Chris interrupted, "Please let her go."
"W....what?"
When Mark heard what his brother just said he was shocked.
"Brother what, what are you saying?"
"Just trust me ok please guys."
Applejack looked at Chris then looked back at Chrysalis.
*Sigh* "Ok Chris I trust you but if Chrysalis tries to do anything to Twilight I'll buck her so hard that she will never get up again.
As Applejack moved aside Chrysalis started to walk towards Twilight again. When Chrysalis got to the motionless Twilight she kneeled down and whispered into her ear.
"Twilight Sparkle please forgive me for all the wrong doings I've done to you and your brother Shining Armor and I will love it if you except me as a friend instead of an enemy someday."
Then she kissed Twilight on the cheek and got up and turned to Chris.
"You better get her to the hospital right away she's running out of time."
Then she turned and walked away out of the castle. As Chrysalis left Mark turned to his brother.
"Chris? If what she said was true we should get going and take Twilight to Ponyville Urgent Care right now."
"Your right bro come on let's get going."
Starlight looked at the two alicorns.
"I can take you there come on every pony let's get Twilight to the Urgent Care Center before it's too late."
As the four ponies picked up Twilight's body and placed her on to Starlight's back she closed her eyes and teleported all of them to Ponyville Urgent Care.
Outside of Ponyville Urgent Care.
2 minutes later.
Starlight, Carrot Top, Applejack, Chris, and Mark made it to Ponyville Urgent Care just as soon as Twilight's breathing started to soften even more.
"Applejack go get Celestia and the others and tell them what happen and we will take care of Twilight." Said Chris.
"Ok Surgarcube I'm on it."
And Applejack set off to the Ponyville library.
"Ok let's hurry Twilight's running out of time." Said Starlight.
Nurse Redheart was cleaning her office when she heard the door burst open and somepony crying.
"Please somepony, anypony please help."
The voice was unfamiliar to her but it didn't matter to her somepony was in trouble. So she ran to the entrance to the Care Center screaming.
"WE NEED THE GURNEY NOW!!!!"
Doctor Redhorn was finishing up some paper work but when he heard Nurse Redheart scream he immediately rushed out of his office with two orderlies right behind him with a gurney. As they got to the entrance of the Care Center they saw three alicorns, one earth pony and finally one severely injured unicorn, Nurse Redheart knew who the unicorn was.
"Oh my dear Celestia TWILIGHT!!!!" She screamed.
Then a second later the two orderlies along with Doctor Redhorn came out with the gurney and saw the seriousness of the situation. .
"Oh my quick put this unicorn on the gurney now." He said.
Starlight put the severely injured Twilight on the gurney and then the two orderlies quickly rushed her to the O.R. with Doctor Redhorn right behind them. As soon as they left Redheart looked at the ponies with a look of concern on their faces.
"Now don't you ponies worry, we have the best surgeons here so Twilight will be just fine. She comforted them
Then Chris came up to Redheart and said to her.
"Um excuse me ma'am my name is Chris Thunder and Twilight is my marefriend and I was wondering if I can go to the O.R. with her.
Redheart looked at Chris with a sad look on her face.
"I'm very sorry but you can't go to see her while they're working on her."
Then Redheart noticed tears streaming down Chris' face.
"Hey it's ok as soon as the doctor says it's ok then you can go in and see her ok?"
"Ok." He said with a little smile on his face.
Then suddenly they heard Doctor Redhorn on the intercom.
"CODE BLUE, CODE BLUE NURSE READHEART WE NEED THE CRASH CART NOW!!!!"
After hearing the call Redhorn quickly got the crash cart and hurried to the O.R. Chris just stood there with his eyes wide open.
"Oh no TWILIGHT!!" He screamed.
Mark came up to his brother and hugged him.
"Don't worry bro she will be ok."
"NO SHE WON'T SHE'S DYEING MARK WE WERE TOO LATE!!!!"
"Chris please calm down." Said Starlight.
Chris glared at Starlight.
"CALM DOWN?! CALM DOWN?! TWILIGHT MIGHT DIE, I MAY NOT SEE HER AGAIN, AND YOU'RE TELLING ME TO CALM DOWN?!"
Just then Carrot Top came up to Chris and slapped him.
"Now that is enough Chris, you should have faith in her, but instead you are just gonna give up on her just like that?"
Chris rubbed his cheek then he looked at Carrot Top.
"Oh you're right Carrot Top I don't know what came over me but I just don't want to loose her like I lost my parents."
Then Chris started to cry.
"I can't, I just can't, I can't loose her not like this.
Then he felt Mark, Carrot Top, and Princess Starlight embrace him in a hug. Just then they heard the door open and as they turned around they saw Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Princess Celestia, and Princess Luna.
"How's Twi? Is she alright?" Asked Applejack.
"We, we don't know Nurse Redheart went with a crash cart when code blue was given and that was five minutes ago." Said Mark.
After hearing that the five ponies and the two alicorns eyes opened wide. Just as Celestia was about to speak Nurse Redheart and Doctor Redhorn came out of the emergency room. There was along silence until Celestia broke the silence.
"How, how is she?"
Redhorn took a deep breath and said.
"Twilight is in stable condition right now princess but I got to say it was a close call for her."
O.R. room seven
Ten minutes ago.
Doctor Redhorn and the two orderlies rushed though the O.R. and stopped at room seven.
"Ok what have we got here?" Doctor Redhorn asked.
"Unicorns name is Twilight Sparkle and she is the student of Princess Celestia." Said one of the two orderlies.
"Ok then lets get her wired up." Redhorn said.
The two orderlies quickly got the heart monitor wires attached to her chest, and got the wires on her forehead to a brainwave monitor, and got an oxygen mask over her muzzle. Turning the monitors on, Redhorn's eyes filled with determination.
"Oh man her blood pressure and her heart rate is dangerously low we need to get some fluids into her right now." He said.
But just before they could get some fluids into Twilight, she started to seize.
"Oh no she's having a seizure, we need the crash cart."
Doctor Redhorn then turned and went to the intercom.
"CODE BLUE, CODE BLUE NURES REDHEART WE NEED THE CASH CART NOW!!!!"
Then he turned back to the orderlies.
"Come on we've got to try to stable her."
Just then Nurse Redheart came in with the crash cart, just as the heart monitor went flatline.
"Flatline, we're loosing her Doctor Redhorn." Said one of the two orderlies.
"No we're not, PADDLES NOW NURSE REDHEART!!!!" Redhorn screamed.
Nurse Redheart took the paddles and prepped them to try to restart Twilight's heart.
"Paddles charged at 1,000 Doctor."
"Ok ready? And hit her."
"CLEAR!!" Shouted Redheart.
The electric current passed through the defibrillator into Twilight, and her body jolted, and the heart rate hiccupped, only to flatline again.
"Again Nurse Redheart."
"Ok charging to 2,000 and CLEAR!!!!"
Again the same result.
"Nurse Redheart increased the output to 3,000." Said Doctor Redhorn.
"Paddles charged at 3,000 Doctor." She said.
"Ok and hit her."
"CLEAR!!!!"
Twilight's body jolted with another shock. Another hiccup, another flatline tone.
"Redheart charge the paddles to 4,000."
Then Redhorn turned to one of the two orderlies.
"And you prep the Intracardiac now."
"Paddles ready doctor." She said.
"Ok and, hit her."
"CLEAR!!!!"
Again nothing.
"Damn it. Intracardiac NOW!!!!
As one of the orderlies came with the last resort drug to try to restart Twilight's heart Nurse Redheart stopped him.
"NO WAIT WE GOT SOMETHING!!!!"
Sure enough the heart rate monitor's steady flat tone gave way to a slowly increasing beeping pattern. Doctor Redhorn gave out an exasperated sigh of relief.
"Brain waves are steady. She's stable." Redheart said eyes studying the monitors.
"Yes but she has lost so much blood that she will need a blood transfusion as soon as possible or she won't make it through a second time." Doctor Redhorn said with a worry look on his face.
Then Doctor Redhorn came right up to Twilight's body with a needle in his left hoof.
"Let's just hope she doesn't have a supper rare blood type." He said as he took a blood sample from Twilight. |
A dream come true | Chapter 6 | A dream come true
By Will Atkinson
Chapter 6
Ponyville Urgent Care Waiting Room.
Present time.
"So your saying that Twilight may need a blood transfusion?" Asked Rainbow Dash.
"Yes we think so." Doctor Redhorn said.
Just then a stallion with a red mane, brown eyes, and brown fur came in.
"Hello everypony." He said.
"I'm Doctor Willstorm and I've got the blood test back for the one called Twilight Sparkle."
All of the ponies listened and waited for Willstorm to continue to talk about Twilight's blood test. But they knew just by looking in his eyes that it wasn't going to be good.
"I'm afraid that it's not good." Doctor Willstorm said with sorrow in his eyes.
As soon as he said that it wasn't looking good for Twilight everypony including the princesses stood there in shock.
"Why what's wrong with her?" Asked Fluttershy.
"She has a rare blood type called OD negative, and if she doesn't get this blood type I'm afraid that she won't make it." He said.
"So what your saying is that if she doesn't get this rare blood type she will die?" Asked Rarity.
"Yes I'm sorry."
He was about to leave when Chris stopped him.
"Wait Doctor."
"Yes?"
"My name is Chris Thunder and well I have a blood type of OD negative."
Just as Chris said that he had a blood type of OD negative everypony in the room just looked at him in amazement.
"Well if that's true can I take a blood sample from you Chris?" Asked Willstorm.
"Yes you may."
"Ok then follow me."
Chris got up and followed Doctor Willstorm with Doctor Redhorn and Nurse Redheart right behind him, after they left everypony looked at Chris' brother.
"Is it true that he has a blood type of OD negative Mark? Asked Luna.
Mark took a deep breath then said.
"Yes he does and I know this because I have the same blood type."
"WHAT?!" They all said together.
"But how?" Asked Rainbow Dash.
Mark chuckled.
"Don't you remember me and my brother are twins so we share the same blood type."
"Hmmm I see." Celestia said.
Then Celestia saw Starlight sitting in the corner of the room. Her eyes opened wide and said to Luna.
"Hey sister do you see who I see?"
Luna looked at where Celestia was looking at.
"What you mean that alicorn sitting right-."
She stopped at mid sentence and looked at the alicorn again.
"Sister could that be Starlight your daughter and my niece?" She asked.
All the ponies except for Applejack, Mark, and Carrot Top looked at the princesses in shock.
"DAUGHTER AND NIECE?!" They all said together.
But before they could say anything else they saw Celestia slowly started to walk towards Starlight.
"St....Star....light is....is that you?" Celestia asked.
Starlight turned and looked at her mother with a single tear in her eye running down her cheek.
"H....hi m....mom." She said softly.
"I, I can't believe it." Celestia said in disbelief.
"It is really me mom and I can prove it from the song that you used to sing to me when I was just a little filly." Starlight said as she began to sing the song that Celestia used to sing to her.
(Right Here In My Arms (REUNION) from Barbie as The Island Princess starts to play)
STARLIGHT
Sun goes down and we are here together
Suddenly Celestia's eyes opened wider then ever, this was her daughter Starlight.
STARLIGHT
Fireflies glow like a thousand charms
Then Celestia started to sing.
CELESTIA
Stay with me and you can dream forever
Right here in my arms tonight
The ponies and Princess Luna watched Celestia and her daughter with tears in their eyes as the two alicorns continued to sing.
CELESTIA
Sounds of day fade away
STARLIGHT
Stars begin to climb
BOTH
Melodies fill the breeze
Sweeter all the time
CELESTIA
My love...
STARLIGHT
(Sun goes down and we are here together)
CELESTIA
Is always with you, whether near or far
STARLIGHT
(Fireflies glow like a thousand charms)
CELESTIA
How sweet to hold you
STARLIGHT
(Stay with me and you can dream forever)
BOTH
Right here in my arms tonight
"Oh Starlight. My little Starlight." Celestia said as the two alicorns hugged one another then Luna slowly came up towards them and started to hug Starlight as well proud to see her niece again after so many years.
Just then they heard the door open and there stood Chris with a bandage on his left hoof.
"Well how did it go?" Asked Pinkie Pie.
Chris looked at the Pink earth pony.
"Well Pinkie it went great and they will be back with the test results soon."
"That's great news darling, let's just hope it's the right blood type." Rarity said.
"I'm sure it is Rarity, you got to believe in Chris like I believe in him." Fluttershy said giving Rarity a hug.
Then Chris looked at Luna and Celestia as they were hugging Starlight.
"I see their happy to see Starlight again."
"They sure are sugar, they sure are." Applejack said with a tear in her eye.
"Um excuse me?" Asked a voice behind them.
the ponies and the princesses looked to see Doctor Willstorm standing there with a clipboard in hand.
"Uh Celestia can I have a word with you and Luna please?" He asked.
"Sure doctor we will be right there." Said Celestia.
They parted their hug with Starlight and followed Willstorm outside of the waiting room out of earshot of the other ponies and Starlight.
"So what is it doctor?" Asked the princess of the night.
Doctor Willstorm handed them the clipboard.
"Here take a look at Chris' blood test."
As Princess Celestia and Princess Luna looked at the clipboard their eyes opened as wide as ever.
"What the? This blood, it is different then any kind blood type that I have ever seen before in my life." said Celestia.
"I know and that's not all, with this kind of blood we could save everypony from deadly diseases." Said Doctor Willstorm.
Celestia and Luna could hardly believe what Willstorm just said, Chris' blood hold the key on saving many ponies lives.
"I see, thank you Doctor, now we will go and ask Chris about this blood of his, you may go now." Said Luna.
"Thank you Princess Luna."
And with that Doctor Willstorm left and went back to check up on Twilight.
"So what did the doctor want?" Asked Rainbow Dash as the princesses returned to the waiting room.
"Well he wants us to speak to Chris about his blood test." Celestia said.
Chris looked at the princesses puzzled. Like why they wanted to talk to him about his blood test? Was it the wrong blood type. But it was impossible his blood type is OD negative, still he looked at the princesses and with a bow.
"Of, of course Princesses." Said Chris.
So as they went out of the room and out of earshot from the ponies and Starlight again Celestia and Luna began to talk to Chris.
"So what's going on?" He asked.
The ponies were waiting for Chris and the princesses until they heard.
"WHAT?!" It was Chris shouting after hearing what the princesses said about his blood test making everypony stop what they were doing. Even Mark and the others stopped what they where doing to see what the commotion was all about.
"SO YOUR SAYING THAT MY BLOOD AND MY BROTHERS BOOLD COULD SAVE MANY PONIES LIVES FROM DISEASES?!" He continued.
Celestia looked at her sister and then they turned their gaze to Chris.
"Yes that's right Chris not even Celestia, Starlight, or I have a blood type like this." Luna said.
"Wow I can't believe it." He said still in shock.
"Well I know that this is shocking for you Chris but don't you worry about anything." Luna said.
Then the door of the O.R. room opened.
"Oh hi Nurse Redheart." Celestia said with a smile on her face.
"Good evening princesses." She said with her head bowed low.
"So how is Twilight?" Luna asked.
"Oh, yes, well, I'm happy to say that Twilight is awake but I'm afraid that only one of you may go and see her now, she's in room seven."
"Thank you Nurse Redheart." Celestia said with a smile on her face.
As Redheart left Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Mark, and the others came out of the waiting room.
"So we can see Twilight now Celestia?" Asked Mark.
"Yes but I'm afraid that only one of you can go in and see her."
"Then let Chris go in and see Twi." Said Applejack.
Chris looked at his friends and at the O.R. doors.
"It's ok darling go and see her, I know she will be happy to see you." Said Rarity nudging him a little.
Chris turned and gave a gentle nod to Rarity and then he went and opened the door to the O.R. As he walked down the halls of the O.R. his heart was pounding in his chest.
("I hope she's ok.") He said to himself.
At no time at all he reached room seven of the O.R. where Willstorm was waiting for him.
"Ah Chris I'm glad you came."
"Thanks doc, so how is she doing."
"Oh she's doing ok, but tomorrow we are going to start the blood transfusion ok."
Chris looked at Willstorm and gave him a nod.
"Ok then you may now go and see her but be quick cause she needs her rest."
"Ok doc and thanks."
"My pleasure Mr. Thunder."
And with that Doctor Willstorm left leaving Chris alone outside of Twilight's room. Chris took a deep breath and slowly opened the door to Twilight's room where he saw the purple unicorn with wires and IV'S on her front hooves and chest.
"Twi....Twilight." He said softly.
Hearing Chris' voice Twilight opened her eyes and turned her head to the right to see her lover standing there at the doors entrance.
"Hey Chris come on in." She said her voice still weak from the lack of blood that she lost in her battle with Chrysalis.
"How, how you feeling?"
"Oh I've been better."
Chris looked at Twilight's bandage flanks.
"So did they tell you about your injuries?" He asked Twilight.
Twilight looked at Chris seeing the concern in his eyes.
"Well yes and they also told me that I was lucky, and that Chrysalis' horn just missed my spine by about six inches."
He looked at his lovers eyes and then he started to cry and hug her.
"Oh Twilight I'm so happy that your alright, I was so afraid that I had lost you."
Twilight patted Chris on his back.
"Oh Chris it's ok, everything will be just fine I promise."
Chris stopped crying and looked at the purple unicorn's eyes.
"Hey uh Twilight?"
"Yes Chris?"
"Would you like me to sing you to sleep?"
Twilight looked at Chris with a twinkle in her eyes.
"Of course you can." She said with a smile on her face.
"Ok what about I sing you one of my mother's favorite songs?"
Twilight smiled at Chis and then said.
"Chris I would love to hear it."
So Chris then held Twilight's hoof with his own and then he started to sing.
(RICHERD MARX RIGHT HERE WAITING FOR YOU STARTS TO PLAY)
CHRIS
Oceans apart day after day
And I slowly go insane
I hear your voice on the line
But it doesn't stop the pain
If I see you next to never
How can we say forever
Wherever you go
Whatever you do
I will be right here waiting for you
Whatever it takes
Or how my heart breaks
I will be right here waiting for you
I took for granted, all the times
That I thought would last somehow
I hear the laughter, I taste the tears
But I can't get near you now
Oh, can't you see it baby
You've got me going crazy
Wherever you go
Whatever you do
I will be right here waiting for you
Whatever it takes
Or how my heart breaks
I will be right here waiting for you
I wonder how we can survive
This romance
But in the end if I'm with you
I'll take the chance
Oh, can't you see it baby
You've got me going crazy
Wherever you go
Whatever you do
I will be right here waiting for you
Whatever it takes
Or how my heart breaks
I will be right here waiting for you
Waiting for you.
As soon Chris was done singing he heard a soft sound. He looked down and it was Twilight laying down and sleeping soundly.
"Sleep well Twilight I'll see you in the morning for the blood transfusion." He said with a soft smile on his face.
Just as he left the room he heard cheers and hooves hitting the floor. Chris spun around to see the doctors, the nurses, some of the patients. the princesses, Twilight's friends, and even his brother all looking at him.
"What, what is this?" He asked with a grin on his face.
And all at once everypony except the princesses and Mark rushed at Chris all of them talking at once like.
"When did you learn to sing like that?"
"Are you a famous singer or something?"
And on and on it went until Celestia put one of her hooves down so hard that it made a loud bang so everypony stopped to look at her.
"Alright now everypony." She said.
"That's enough now go back what you were doing before this so the patient in the room behind Chris can sleep."
After everypony went back to what they were doing Celestia turned to Chris with a smile on her face.
"You really do love her don't you?" She asked.
Chris looked at the princess of the sun with a smile on his face.
"Yes I do Celestia more then anything in the world."
Just then Celestia saw a flash of light coming from both of Chris' flanks.
"And I see something that you will be happy to see as well. Celestia said pointing at one of Chris' flanks.
As he turned around to his flank he saw a microphone on it, his eyes went wide opened like never before.
"I can't believe it I got my cutie mark."
"It looks like your special talent is singing congratulations Chris Thunder." Celestia said hugging him.
As Celestia broke the hug and beginning to leave she turned back to Chris.
"Now go and get some sleep you will need it for tomorrow." she said.
"Thanks Celestia but first I'm going to get something to eat."
With that Chris left the O.R. and walked towards the mess hall were some of the patients, doctors and the nurses were. As Chris looked at the hospital food there were plastic bowls with apple sauce, some sandwiches, grapes, some juice and many other things.
("It looks good.") He said to himself. ("I'd would need a good meal tonight cause of the blood transfusion that I'll be given to Twilight tomorrow.")
As he was sitting down to eat he saw Princess Starlight coming in the room and sat down right across from Chris.
"Oh hello Starlight."
"Hello Chris, how are you?"
"Oh I'm doing ok I guess."
But Starlight could see that there was something bothering Chris.
"What's wrong Chris? Remember you can tell me anything."
Chris took a deep breath and looked at the princess in the eye and he knew that he couldn't lie to her.
"Oh, oh ok princess you win you see it's, 'it's like this. I'm afraid about this blood transfusion thing I mean I have not done this before and I'm afraid that either me or Twilight will die because of this transfusion." Chris said looking away from Starlight with tears rolling down his cheeks.
Starlight looked at Chris with sorrowful eyes.
"I see but Chris you don't have to be afraid and do you know why?"
Chris wiped the tears from his eyes and looked at Starlight.
"Why?"
"Because I'm sure that no pony has ever died during a blood transfusion before. So you can be sure that nothing will happen to you or to Twilight."
Chris smiled at the alicorn princess, then he got up from the table and hugged her..
"Thanks princess that's all I wanted to hear."
Starlight smiled at the young alicorn.
"Your very welcome Chris Thunder now go and get some sleep you'll need it for tomorrow."
Chris smiled and broke the hug and then he went back to the waiting room and in no time at all he fell asleep.
Ponyville Urgent Care
The Next Day
Chris was sleeping soundly on the couch until he felt a hoof nudging him awake.
"Chris Thunder?" Asked a mare's voice.
"Yes? What is it?" He asked sleepily.
"I'm Doctor Skylight and I'm here to say that it's time to get you ready for the blood transfusion."
"R....really it's time for the blood transfusion?"
"Yes it is Chris." She said with a smile on her face.
"Now come with me and we will get you ready."
Chris followed Skylight to room seven of the O.R. where Twilight was waiting for him with Doctor Redhorn and Doctor Willstorm.
"Hey Chris." Twilight said with a smile.
"Hey Twilight, how you feeling?"
"Oh I'm ok just a little nervous."
"Well don't worry Twilight after this everything will be ok and we will go out on another date how about that?" He asked.
After hearing what Chris just said Twilight grinned from ear to ear.
"I would love that very much Chris."
Then Skylight tapped Chris on his side.
"Ok Chris would you now please lay on the operating table."
Chris nodded and laid down on the operating table that was prepared for him.
"Now if you two want for us to put you two to sleep for this we can." Skylight said.
Chris looked at Twilight.
"Well Twilight what do you say? We can stay awake for this or they can put us to sleep? It's your choice and what ever your choice is I'm fine with it.
Twilight looked at Chris and smiled.
"I don't care if we do this while we are sleeping or if we're awake."
Chris looked at Skylight.
"Well do it if we are asleep." Chris said.
Skylight nodded at Chris and looked at Doctor Redhorn and Doctor Willstorm. In no time Redhorn and Willstorm were holding masks connected to a tube of sorts and placed them over Twilight and Chris' muzzles and snouts. They closed their eyes as they felt the masks being put on them. Already from the first breath that they took, they felt the effects of the anesthesia. Their senses became dull, and their vision became blurred. As they felt their body's giving in to the effects of the anesthesia they tilted their heads, and looked at one another. The only thought running through their heads were concerned for one another.' Even then they could feel the anesthesia overcoming them completely. Then as they were about to fall into a deep sleep the last thing they whispered together was.
"I love you with all my heart". With that the unicorn and the alicorn closed her eyelids, and fell into a deep sleep.
Ponyville Urgent Care
Two Days Later
Chris slowly opened his eyes to see all of his friends and his brother all around him.
"How are you feeling sugar?" Asked Applejack.
"A....a little dizzy but I'm ok."
Then he looked around and realized that Twilight wasn't in the room.
"Wh....where's Twilight?"
Mark held Chris' hoof.
"She's ok brother, she's right outside she decided that we see you first, you see you were out for two days and she was out for one." He said.
After Mark said that Chris was fully awake now.
"T....two days?"
"Yep you were soooooo peaceful like a little filly." Pinkie said with a huge smile on her muzzle.
"But now since you're awake now Twilight is going to be happy now." Fluttershy softly said.
"Ok guys lets go and get Twilight so they can have some alone time." Rainbow chimed in.
"Rainbow's right lets go and get Twilight." Rarity said when she was pushing everypony out the door.
Twilight and the princesses were waiting in the waiting room when her friends followed by Mark came into the room.
"Well is he awake yet?" Asked Twilight.
Rarity came up to her friend and put a hoof on her shoulder.
"Sweetie he's awake now and is waiting for you."
"Well I'm glad to hear that Chris is awake now and he is going to be alright." Celestia said.
"Yeah and so are we." Said Luna and Starlight together.
Twilight got to her hooves and started out the room, but before she got to the door of the waiting room she stopped.
"Twilight what ever is the matter sugar?" Asked Applejack.
"What if he blames himself for my change?"
"Oh come on Twilight I'm sure you have nothing to worry about." Said Rainbow.
"Dashie is right Twi I'm sure that Chris is going to love you even more now." Pinkie Pie said with a big smile on her face.
Twilight then looked at Mark who nodded in agreement.
"Ok then here I go." Twilight said nervously as she went to see Chris.
Chris was being looked at by Nurse Redheart when a knock came at the door.
"Hold on I'm coming." Redheart said.
As she opened the door Twilight was there sitting down at the doors entrance.
"Oh Twilight you're here. Hey Chris Twilight's here to see you."
"Oh good send her in."
"Ok Twilight you may go see him now and we will be going now." Redheart said looking at Doctor Willstorm and Doctor Redhorn.
Just as Redheart and the Doctors left the room Twilight walked toward Chris' bed.
"Hey Chris, how are you feeling?" She asked.
"Oh I'm starting to get my strength back which is a good thing and...."
Chris stopped and gasped of what he saw.
"T....Twilight y....you have w....wings!!!!"
sure enough on each side of Twilight were two purple wings with a little bit of brown on the tips of each feather.
"How, how did this happen?" He asked Twilight.
Twilight looked at Chris and said.
"It, it was your blood Chris. You see according to Doctor Willstorm as soon as they were done with the transfusion I started to change."
Chris looked at Twilight in amazement to think that his blood would make her into an alicorn just like him.
"So they're not going to use my blood to save anypony else's lives?" He asked Twilight.
"No they are going to still use your blood but they're going to try to take the alicorn DNA out of the blood so no pony else gets the power of an alicorn like I did."
Chris nodded and then hugged his lover.
"I love you Twilight Sparkle, I will love you forever.
Twilight now had tears running down her cheeks.
"And I will always love you Chris thunder."
As Chris and Twilight broke there hug together Chris looked into those beautiful eyes of Twilight's.
"Hey what would you say about another double date with Applejack and Mark?" He asked.
Twilight looked into Chris's eyes and smiled.
"I would love that very much Chris Thunder my very special somepony." She said with a loving smile on her muzzle.
Then she leaned forward and kissed him. |
A dream come true | Chapter 7 | A dream come true
By Will Atkinson
Chapter 7
Canterlot Castle
Two Years Later.
Shining Armor and Big Macintosh were putting tuxes on Chris and Mark for their big day.
"Oh Celestia I can't believe that you and Mark are going to get married to our sisters." Said Sining Armor putting the final touches on Chris' tux.
"Eeeyup." Said Big Mac who just finished putting a rose on the left side of Mark's tux.
After Shining and Big Mac were done fixing up Chris and Mark they looked at the two alicorns.
"Now remember take good care of my little sis Twily.
"Eeeyup and also take care of my little sis as well."
"Don't worry Shining Armor and Big Mac." Said Mark.
"Yeah your sisters are in good hooves." Said Chris.
"Well ok we will be at the alter waiting for you two ok." Big Mac said.
"Ok and don't worry." Said Chris.
As soon as Shining Armor and Big Macintosh left Chris looked at his brother.
"Well this is it bro."
"Yeah I can't believe it's been a year since we proposed to Twilight and Applejack."
Canterlot
One Year ago.
Chris, Mark, Twilight, and Applejack arrived at Canterlot where their friends were waiting.
"Lookie, lookie they're here." Said Pinkie jumping up and down.
She was about to run towards the train when Rainbow stopped her.
"Whoa there Pinkie the last thing we need is you getting hit by the train and having us scraping you off the tracks with a shovel."
Just then the train came to a complete stop and Twilight, Chris, Applejack, and Mark stepped out.
"Well we're here." Said Chris.
"Now are you sure you're ready for this? Cause this is your first time singing." Said Twilight.
"I'm sure that I am ready for this Twilight."
"You know you worry too much Twi Chris knows what he's doing I mean if he didn't he wouldn't have a microphone for a cutie mark." Explained Applejack.
Everypony laughed until Fluttershy chimed in.
"Ok guys um let's go so Chris can get to the concert on time."
"Yeah let's go." Pinkie said happily.
As they were walking on the streets of Canterlot a white unicorn with a blue mane and tail came towards them with a pink alicorn with a violet, pink, and tan mane and tail by his side.
"Hey Cadence." Twilight said running towards the pink alicorn.
"Ha there is my little sister in law." Cadence said.
When Twilight stopped in front of Cadence as they sang their song when they were just little fillies.
"Sunshine, sunshine ladybugs awake clap your hooves and do a little shake."
"Oh I missed you Cadence."
"And I missed you too Twilight."
Just then the white unicorn stopped right beside of Cadence and gave Twilight a big hug.
"How's my little Twily?" he asked as he was rubbing his hoof on top of her head.
"I'm fine Shining." Twilight said pushing Shining Armor away.
Just then Shining Armor and Cadence looked up and saw Chris coming towards them, Twilight looked at them and said.
"Um Shining, Cadence this is my coltfriend I told you about in my letters."
"Um hello my name is Chris, Twilight has told me so much about you two a....and it i....is a pleasure to meet t....the ca....captain of the royal guard and t....the princess o....of l....love." Said Chris nervously putting his hoof to his head.
Cadence and Shining Armor looked at one another and chuckled a little.
"Ok Chris you can put your hoof down now." Cadence said.
"Oh uh right sorry." Said Chris putting his hoof down.
Just then Pinkie Pie jumped in right between Chris, Cadence, and Shining Armor.
"Ok enough of the introductions come on Chris if you keep on standing here you will miss your first gig." She said as she was pushing him away from Cadence and Shining Armor.
"Ok Pinkie stop pushing me." said Chris.
"Oh so sorry Chrisy." Said Pinkie and then everypony laughed.
They soon arrived at the Canterlot theater.
"Well we're here." Said Applejack.
"Yep and this is going to be fun to see my brother singing in front of so many ponies." said Mark.
But just as soon as they were about to head in a voice rang out behind them.
"Well, well, well look what we have here."
Everypony turned around and saw a white unicorn with a red and green mane and tail with a dollar sign as a cutie mark.
"Oh great." said Twilight quietly as the mare strolled right up to her.
"Well hi Twilight long time no see huh?"
"Hugh hi Candy." She said with a annoying look on her face.
"Uh Twilight who is this mare? Asked Fluttershy.
"Everypony this is Candy Storm she and I used to be classmates in Celestia's class of gifted unicorns."
"Yes and now I see that you're an alicorn now because of this alicorns blood am I right?"
"Yes that's right."
Candy then looked at Chris and smiled at him.
"I hope after your singing you and me could get a bite to eat or something." She said fluttering her eyelashes and then she walked in the theater before Chris could protest.
As she left Chris looked at Twilight.
"Ok does she do that to every stallion?" He asked.
"Yes she does and also thanks to her I lost my first coltfriend."
"What? That's terrible Twi." Said Applejack.
"Yeah how could she do such a thing?" Asked Rarity.
Twilight just shook her head.
"That's just how she is."
"Well if she tries to ruin this night for you and for Chris I'll give her a piece of my mind." Rainbow Dash said pounding her hooves together.
Just then a blue stallion with silver mane and tail came up.
"Excuse me but which one of you is Chris Thunder?" He asked
"Why I am sir." said Chris
"Oh good I'm the manager of this place Golden Hoof now if you follow me we can get you ready for the concert tonight."
Chris turned to his friends and then started to follow Golden Hoof.
"Well come on everypony lets get in there before the show starts." Said Cadence.
As soon as they got into the theater the place was almost packed the only seats that were left were eight seats in front of the stage.
"Man I'm so glad that my brother got us those free tickets to the front of the stage." Said Mark.
"I agree when Twilight told me and Cadence about your brother I had my suspicions about him but when he sent us those tickets I decided to give him a chance and now he has my full support of being my little Twily's coltfriend." Said Shining Armor.
"Oh brother." Twilight said face hoofing.
Just then the light's dimed.
"Oh come on everypony the shows about to start." Pinkie Pie said jumping up and down to her seat.
Just as soon as they sat down the curtain parted and Golden Hoof came out.
"Hello everypony and welcome to the Canterlot theater. Tonight will be a great night for you all, so now without further a due lets get started, fillies and gentle colts I give you Chris Thunder!!!!"
As soon as Golden Hoof finished the crowd stood up and cheered as Chris came out. Then the crowd went silent as Chris tapped the mic with his hoof.
"Hello everypony are you ready to rock?!
The crowd went into a big cheer and said.
"YES!!!!"
"Well then let's get this place rocking."
As soon as he said that the band started to play.
(First Date by Blink 182 starts to play)
(CHRIS)
In the car I just can't wait,
to pick you up on our very first date
Is it cool if I hold your hand?
Is it wrong if I think it's lame to dance?
Do you like my stupid hair?
Would you guess that I didn't know what to wear?
I'm too scared of what you think
You make me nervous so I really can't eat
(CHORUS)
Let's go, don't wait, this night's almost over
Honest, let's make this night last forever
Forever and ever, let's make this last forever
Forever and ever, let's make this last forever
(CHRIS)
When you smile, I melt inside
I'm not worthy for a minute of your time
I really wish it was only me and you
I'm jealous of everybody in the room
Please don't look at me with those eyes
Please don't hint that you're capable of lies
I dread the thought of our very first kiss
A target that I'm probably gonna miss
(CHORUS)
Let's go, don't wait, this night's almost over
Honest, let's make this night last forever
Forever and ever, let's make this last forever
Forever and ever, let's make this last forever
Let's go, don't wait, this night's almost over
Honest, let's make, this night last forever
Forever and ever, let's make this last forever
Forever and ever, let's make this last forever
Forever and ever, let's make this last forever
Forever and ever, let's make this last forever
(Song ends)
As he finished the crowd went into a big roar and from then on every time he did a song and finished they did the exact same thing it made the former human and now alicorn the happiest he had ever been and he also knew that the concert was almost over.
"Alright everypony we have enough time for two more songs, but before I do this first of the last two songs I would like to say thank you all for being here tonight and this song I'll be doing this for my special somepony."
As he finished everypony cheered with Twilight blushing a little but unknown to her Candy was also blushing because she thought that Chris meant her also unknown to Candy when he said that the song was for his special somepony he was looking at Twilight.
(Because you live by Jesse McCartney starts to play.)
(CHRIS)
Staring out at the rain with a heavy heart
It's the end of the world in my mind
Then your voice pulls me back like a wake-up call
I've been looking for the answer somewhere
I couldn't see that it was right there
But now I know what I didn't know
(CHORUS)
Because you live and breathe
Because you make me believe in myself
When nobody else can help
Because you live, girl, my world
Has twice as many stars in the sky
(CHRIS)
It's all right, I survived, I'm alive again
'Cause of you, made it through every storm
What is life, what's the use if you're killing time
I'm so glad I've found an angel
Someone who was there when all my hopes fell
I wanna fly looking in your eyes
(CHORUS)
Because you live and breathe
Because you make me believe in myself
When nobody else can help
Because you live, girl, my world
Has twice as many stars in the sky
(CHRIS)
Because you live, I live
Because you live, there's a reason why
I carry on when I lose the fight
I want to give what you've given me
Always
(CHORUS)
Because you live and breathe
Because you make me believe in myself
When nobody else can help
Because you live, girl, my world
Has twice as many stars in the sky
Because you live and breathe
Because you make me believe in myself
When nobody else can help
Because you live, girl, my world
Has everything I need to survive
(CHRIS)
Because you live
I live I live
(Song ends)
As finished once again everypony in the theater cheered louder then ever.
"Thank you, thank you everypony now this last song I'm going to do is by me and my very special somepony."
When he said that everypony mumbled and Candy gasped. As for Twilight and the others they were excited for they knew what Chris was getting ready to say.
"So fillies and gentle colts I give you my very special somepony Ms. Twilight Sparkle!!"
As Chris said her name Twilight smiled and then she rose up and started to walk up to the stage to him. While she was walking towards the stage everypony all except for Candy looked at her and cheered.
("How could he love her instead of me? I'm more popular and more attractive then she is.") Candy said to herself as her bright red blush when Chris came out to the stage became green with envy.
Before Candy could think of anything else Twilight was right beside Chris then he started to talk again.
"Ok everypony me and my marefriend Twilight Sparkle have a special song for you all so here it is."
(A Whole New World from Aladdin starts to play.)
(CHRIS)
I can show you the world
Shining, shimmering, splendid
Tell me, princess, now when did
You last let your heart decide?
I can open your eyes
Take you wonder by wonder
Over, sideways and under
On a magic carpet ride
A whole new world
A new fantastic point of view
No one to tell us no
Or where to go
Or say we're only dreaming
(TWILIGHT)
A whole new world
A dazzling place I never knew
But when I'm way up here
It's crystal clear
that now I'm in a whole new world with you
(CHRIS)
Now I'm in a whole new world with you
(TWILIGHT)
Unbelievable sights
Indescribable feeling
Soaring, tumbling, freewheeling
Through an endless diamond sky
(TWILIGHT)
A whole new world
(CHRIS)
Don't you dare close your eyes
(TWILIGHT)
A hundred thousand things to see
(CHRIS)
Hold your breath - it gets better
(TWILIGHT)
I'm like a shooting star
I've come so far
I can't go back to where I used to be
(CHRIS)
A whole new world
(TWILIGHT)
Every turn a surprise
(CHRIS)
With new horizons to pursue
(TWILIGHT)
Every moment gets better
(BOTH)
I'll chase them anywhere
There's time to spare
Let me share this whole new world with you
(CHRIS)
A whole new world
(TWILIGHT)
A whole new world
(CHRIS)
That's where we'll be
(TWILIGHT
That's where we'll be
(CHRIS)
A thrilling chase
(TWILIGHT)
A wondrous place
(BOTH)
For you and me
(Song ends)
As they finished their lips met with each other and the crowd went wild even their friends along with Shining Armor, Cadence, and Mark went crazy. As for Candy she was so upset that she picked up her glass filled with red liquid.
(HAHAHAHA this will teach Twilight to not to make a fool out of me.") She said to herself as she was headed to the stage with the glass in hoof.
"HEY TWILIGHT!!" She shouted.
As Twilight and Chris broke their kiss and looked at Candy she threw the contents in the glass onto Twilight's good dress that Rarity had made for her for this special night with Chris. Everypony in the theater gasped including Twilight and Chris, Twilight looked at her dress and then at Chris her eyes started to fill up with tears as Chris put a hoof out to her Twilight ran out of the Theater.
"Twilight wait." Chris said as he ran after her.
Candy just laughed when she saw Twilight run out of the theater.
"HA what a little filly!!!!"
Just then she felt her mane being pulled back, as she turned her head around to see who pulled her mane there stood Rainbow Dash with a look of rage on her face.
"THIS IS FOR HURTING MY FRIEND'S FEELINGS AND RUINING HER SPECIAL MOMENT WITH HER COLTFIREND YOU LITTLE BITCH!!" She shouted as she punched Candy right in the face and then suddenly a fight broke out between the two mares.
Meanwhile outside of the Theater Chris was looking for Twilight just then he found her sitting on the fountain right by the Theater.
"Hey Twilight are you ok?"
Twilight looked and saw Chris sitting right next to her.
"No Chris I'm not ok I mean look at my dress it's ruined, and not only that your concert was ruined as well and it's all because of Candy."
And then with a shutter she began to quietly cry.
"Oh Chris why did she do that to me, why?"
Chris didn't say anything for a minute then he gently put a hoof over on Twilight's shoulder and said.
"It's ok Twilight just forget about that little no good excuse for a mare because your more beautiful then she will ever be."
Twilight suddenly stopped crying and then looked at Chris.
"R....really?"
Chris smiled at his marefriend.
"Really and just to prove it."
Just then he stood up bent down on one hoof and showed Twilight a black squared box. Twilight gasped as Chris opened it to reveal a ring inside.
"Twilight I love you with all my heart and I want to be with you forever and always so what I'm trying to say is that."
Chris took a deep breath then said.
"Twilight Sparkle will you marry me?"
Twilight looked at the ring then at Chris
"Oh Chris." She said hugging him.
"Well is that a yes or a no?" He asked.
Twilight broke the hug and looked at Chris.
"It's a Yes a big fat yes."
As soon as she said that Chris' eyes and mouth opened wide.
"Alright!!"
Then suddenly they heard cheering from behind them, they turned around and saw every single pony from the theater was cheering and banging their hooves on the ground. Just then Shinning Armor and Cadence stepped out of the crowd.
"I can't believe it my little sister is finally getting married." Said Sining Armor.
"We're so happy for you two." Said Cadence.
"Way to go bro." Said Mark running and knocking down Chris giving him a hard nuggy.
Chris and Twilight went into a very deep shade of red, just then the rest of their friends came out all but one.
"Hey guys where's Rainbow Dash?" asked Chris.
"Well she and Candy got in trouble for fighting in the theater." Said Fluttershy.
"Man you should've heard what she called Candy." Said Applejack.
"And what did she call Candy." Asked Twilight.
"She called her a bitch and then they started fighting." Explained Pinkie Pie.
Twilight and Chris' mouths went wide opened they just couldn't believe that Rainbow Dash did such a thing. Finally Chris broke the silence.
"Wow I can't believe she did that." Said Chris.
Then a voice rang out from behind them.
"Hey guys."
They all turned around and saw Dash standing their with a big smile on her face.
"Rainbow Dash darling what happen? And why do you have a smile on your face?" Asked Rarity.
"Well you see after we were broken up by the security they took us to Golden Hoof's room."
"And then what happen?" Asked Pinkie Pie.
"Well he had a few choice words for us but he let me off with a warning and for Candy well she had to clean the whole theater for what she did."
"Good she deserved it for what she did to Twilight." Said Chris.
"Hey Chris." Said a voice.
The ponies looked and saw Golden Hoof coming towards them.
"Uh yes?"
"You were great out there despite the fact of what happened to your marefriend out there."
"Um thanks."
"Also I think next time I see you we can discuss for you to have a singing career here at my theater."
And with that Golden Hoof smiled then left. After Golden Hoof left Chris looked at the others.
"So lets say we go and get something to eat and celebrate for my first concert performance?" Asked Chris.
"Yeah Let's." Everypony said together.
As they were eating Chris and Twilight told Dash what happened after the incident with Candy as they did Dash spit out her water and her eyes went as wide as they ever did.
"WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT you two are getting married?"
"Yes Dash we are." said Twilight holding Chris' hoof.
"So Dash what do you think?" Asked Chris.
"I think that it's awesome!!" She said hugging the two love birds.
"Hey where's Mark?" Asked Applejack looking around the restaurant.
"Well he did say he had to go to the bathroom." Said Fluttershy.
"Yeah but it's been ten minutes." Said Cadence.
"Hey is that him out there?" Asked Rarity.
Everypony looked out the window and sure enough there was Mark gazing up at the stars.
"Hm I wonder what he is doing out there?" Asked Shining.
"I don't know but I'm going to find out." Said Applejack getting up from the table and headed off to where Mark was.
Mark was peering out at the starry sky lost in his own thoughts.
("Man Chris finally did it he asked Twilight to marry him but me I don't know if Applejack will say yes to me.")
He kept on thinking about Applejack and what she would say if he asked her to marry him when he felt a hoof on his shoulder. Mark turned around and saw Applejack smiling at him.
"Oh hi Applejack." He said.
"Hey Mark why are you sitting here alone?" She asked.
"Well to tell you the truth I have had something on my mind."
"R....really about what?"
"Well about you Applejack."
"Oh about what?"
"Well I was thinking that if you and I could take our relationship to the next level."
"Uh the next level you mean?"
"Yes Applejack what I'm trying to say is that."
Mark took Applejack's hoof and said.
"Applejack will you marry me?"
Just as soon as he said those words Applejack's eyes opened wide.
"Oh Mark yes of course I will marry you." She said with her eyes filling up with tears.
"So what do you say we go and tell the others?" He asked.
"Yeah lets tell them I can't wait to see the look on their faces."
"Tell us what?" said a voice.
Mark and Applejack spun around to see their friends standing at the doorway of the restaurant. But before they could explain themselves Pinkie Pie popped up from out of nowhere right beside them.
"Yeah come on you guys tell us, tell us."
Both Mark and Applejack sighed then with a deep breath Applejack broke the silence.
"Mark and I are getting married."
just as soon as she said that every ponies mouths dropped and then they all screamed and then ran up to them.
"Congratulations you two!!!!" said Chris.
"I can't believe it, first my sister and now one of her friends, man this is some night." Said Shining.
"Yeah what else could happen tonight?" asked Cadence.
Just as she said that a voice rang out of the darkness that made Applejack, Mark, Twilight, and Chris scowl.
"Well, well, well if it isn't our two alicorn friends."
"Yeah and with our marefriends no less." Said another voice that made Applejack, Mark, Twilight, and Chris even more furious.
"Oh no not them again." Said Chris gritting his teeth.
The others where confused until two ponies came out of the darkness it was Rollin and Pete the same trouble makers that ruined Chris and Mark's first date with Applejack and Twilight.
"What are you two doing here?" Asked Applejack with an angry look on her face.
"Why we're here to get you and Twilight away from these two posers." Said Rollin with a evil grin on his face as he and his brother walked towards them.
Just then Shining Armor block the two stallions way from Applejack and his sister.
"No, you two are not going anywhere near my sister or her friend."
"And who are you to make us?" Pete sneered at Shining Armor.
"I'm Shining Armor the captain of the royal guards."
"Oh yeah? Well if it's a fight you want, it's a fight your gonna get. Said Rollin.
And with that Rollin and Pete charged at Shining Armor. But before they could get a hoof on him he turned around and bucked them so hard that they flew across the street and hit one of the shop ten feet away. Seeing this Chris, Mark, and the other ponies stood their with their mouths agape.
"Wow now that's what I call a buck!" Said Applejack.
"Yeah brother you really buck those guys into next week." said Twilight coming up to her brother and hugging him.
"Don't mention it Twily it was nothing." He said with a smile.
Just then they saw Pete and Rollin recover from their ordeal and started to charge towards Shining Armor.
"Your, your going to pay for that." Said Rollin catching his breath.
"Yeah we tried to be nice now we are going to take those two mares by force." Said Pete.
As they moved closer to Shining Armor Chris and Mark stepped forward and stopped right beside him.
"Hey you guys should guard Applejack and my sister." He said.
Chris and Mark just looked at him.
"No Shining these guys have threatened Twilight and Applejack long enough." Said Chris.
"Yeah so we're going to help you to teach them a lesson." Said Mark
"Ha well then let's get it on." Said Rollin.
But just as Rollin and Pete were about to attack Chris, Mark, and Shining a whistle blew from a distance. Just then two police ponies showed up.
"Alright no pony move." Said the police pony with a gray mustache.
Just then Mark, Chris, and the others looked up to see Princess Starlight land right next to the police pony with the long golden mane.
"Princess witch of these ponies was it?" Asked the golden mane police pony.
Starlight looked at Pete and Rollin and pointed a hoof at them.
"It was those two right there I was coming to see my friends here until I heard them threatening them and that's when I came to get you two."
"I see well thank you princess for telling us about these two for we had trouble with them before when they molested two mares about two months ago." Said the police pony with the gray mustache.
When Chris and the other ponies heard this they were shocked. As the police ponies cuffed Pete and Rollin Chris and Mark stopped them before they headed to the station.
"So you two were going to molest Twilight and Applejack huh?" Said Chris.
Pete and Rollin just laughed.
"Yeah we were and there was nothing that you two were going to do about it." Said Rollin.
"And we would've gotten away with it to if it wasn't for Shining Armor and the princess and you two alicorn brats." Said Pete.
"That is enough!! Princess Cadence, Shining Armor would you be so kind to give a statement for us?" asked the golden mane police pony.
"Of course we can." They said together.
"Wait just a minute." Said Chris and Mark together.
Then they walked right in front of Pete and Rollin, then they raised their right hooves and then hit Pete and Rollin right in there faces.
"That's for my fiance." They said.
After that the police ponies took Pete and Rollin away with Shining Armor and Cadence right behind them.
"Thanks again for your help princess." said Rarity.
"Oh it was nothing really, I'm just glad I got here in time."
"Well I think it's time for us to go." Said Applejack.
"She's right it's time for us to head back to Ponyville." Said Rainbow Dash.
"Ok I'll see you ponies later ok." Said Starlight.
"Ok Starlight see you later." Said Pinkie Pie.
And after everypony said goodbye to Starlight she flew away to Canterlot Castle.
"Well I guess we should get going as well." Said Fluttershy looking at the other ponies.
Everypony looked at the timid Pegasus and nodded and went to the train station thinking of the night they had.
Canterlot Castle
Present day.
As Chris and Mark started to make their way to the alter where Shining Armor and Big Mac was at they were stopped by Granny Smith and Twilight's parents.
"Oh Granny Smith it's good to see you again." Said Mark.
"And it's good to see you two again as well." Granny Smith said with a smile on her face.
Then Chris and Mark looked at Mr. and Mrs. Sparkle.
"And it's also nice to finally meet you Mr. and Mrs. Sparkle." Said Chris putting his hoof out to the two unicorns in front of him.
Mr. Sparkle looked at Chris' hoof and looked at Chris right in the eyes and said.
"Hmmm, and it's nice to meet you and your brother two Chris." Then he walked off.
As Mr. Sparkle left Chris turned to his brother.
"Well that could've gone better." He said.
Just then Mrs. Sparkle came up to Chris.
"Don't worry about my husband Chris he's just over protective of his daughter."
Chris looked at Mrs. Sparkle and smiled.
"Thanks Mrs. Sparkle and don't worry I'll take great care of Twilight."
Mrs. Sparkle smiled at Chris and then left to catch up with her husband. Just then Mark came up to his brother.
"Well you ready bro?" He asked.
"Eyup let's do it."
Then they set off to the alter to wait for Applejack and Twilight. When they got there they saw Shining Armor waiting for them.
"Hey you guys made it. Said Shining.
"Yeah we were just talking to yours and Twilight's parents and Granny Smith." Said Mark.
"Hey where's Macintosh?" Asked Chris.
"Oh he's going to walk his sister down the aisle." Said Shining.
Just then the Bridal Chorus started to play as everypony started to stand the doors opened and there was Twilight with her father and Applejack with her brother. As the four ponies began to come closer and closer to the alter Mark and Chris' hearts began to beat faster and faster.
"Oh I feel faint." Mark whispered to his brother.
Chris just smiled at him and then he looked back to Twilight and his face became redder each time Twilight came closer to him. When Twilight and Applejack were at the alter Mr. Sparkle and Big Macintosh gave them to Chris and Mark and went to sit down with the other ponies, as the song ended Princess Celestia stepped forward and started to speak.
"Mares and gentle colts we gather here today to wed these four ponies in holly matrimony Chris Thunder, Twilight Sparkle, Mark Thunder, and Applejack.
Celestia then turned to Chris and Twilight and said.
"Now will Chris and Twilight read their vows first."
When Celestia finished Chris opened a piece of paper and read it.
"Twilight Sparkle when I first came to Equestria I never knew you and me would be here today. When you found out about me I thought that you would never love me but you never left me and when Chrysalis stole you from me I was afraid that I might not see you again but thanks to me, my brother, and Applejack we saved you and I renewed Chrysalis life. Twilight I love you with all of my heart and I hope you love me forever and always."
As Chris finished Twilight and everypony else including the princesses started to softly cry.
"Ok now Twilight will read her vows now." Said Celestia wiping away a tear from her eye.
Twilight opened up her vows and with tears still streaming down her face she started to read her vows.
"Chris Thunder when you bumped into me from the first time you and I met my heart skipped a beat, you and your brother helped me and Applejack out when those two evil ponies tried to have there way with us, saved me from Chrysalis, and comfort me when Candy ruined are special night together one year ago. You are and always will be my knight and shining armor and Chris I will love you forever and always."
As Twilight finished Celestia smiled at her student.
"That was beautiful Twilight." she said and then she turned to Mark and Applejack.
"Now Mark and Applejack it's time to hear your vows."
Mark decided to read his vows first.
"Applejack form the day that I met you, you were just somepony that I just met but in my eyes you were the only pony for this alicorn, like the night when you kissed me when me and Chris spent the night with you at your house at Sweet Apple Acers farm house. And finally my love for you burns like a thousands stars and your eyes are like sapphires that sparkle in the new day sun and in the moonlight."
As Mark finished with his vows Applejack smiled and hugged her husband to be and then she began to read her vows to him.
"Mark Thunder I can't say I could ever be happier than I am now, with you by my side, ready to start our life together. We've had our rough edges throughout our relationship, but keep on grindin' them rough spots together, and they'll grow smoother than silk. Also you stood by me, through everything that life could throw at us. Mark Thunder I can honestly say that I love you and I'll keep on loving you, as long as the wind keeps blowing, and life keeps blooming. I stand here today, ready, to start my life with you."
As Applejack finished with her vows Celestia turned to Chris and Twilight.
"Do you Chris Thunder take Twilight Sparkle to be you wife through sickness and in heath, for richer and poor, until death do you part?"
Chris took a deep breath but before he could say yes the door of the palace flew opened and there stood a pony with gold fur, white wings, blue eyes, and a curvy green horn. Everypony looked at the pony until Chris broke the silence.
"Chrysalis."
As soon as he said that everypony gasped and Shining Armor stood up and was getting ready to attack her until Chris stopped him.
"Shining no wait." he said blocking Shining's way.
"Chris what are you doing? She's evil."
"Not anymore."
Chris then turned and walked towards Chrysalis.
"Hello Chris."
"Hello Chrysalis. I'm glad you came."
"Yeah I'm glad I came too."
Chris then smiled at Chrysalis and hugged her. Everypony in the room looked at each other in disbelief that Chris and Chrysalis were hugging one another. Chris and Chrysalis then broke the hug and then Chris returned to the alter where Twilight was waiting. As he returned to the alter twilight smiled at him and he smiled back at her as he saw her eyes sparkling in the lights of the palace.
"Ok now as I was saying." Celestia continued.
Do you Chris Thunder take Twilight Sparkle to be you wife through sickness and in heath, for richer and poorer, until death do you part?"
"I do."
And do you Twilight Sparkle take Chris Thunder to be you husband through sickness and in heath, for richer and poor, until death do you part?"
Twilight looked deep into Chris' eyes and said with a big smile on her face.
"I do."
Celestia turned to Mark and said.
"Mark Thunder do you take Applejack to be your wife through sickness and in heath, for richer and poorer, until death do you part?"
Mark took a deep breath and said.
"I do."
Celestia then looked at Applejack.
"And do you Applejack take Mark Thunder to be your husband through sickness and in heath, for richer and poorer, until death do you part?"
Applejack smiled the biggest smile she had ever made and said.
"I do."
Then Celestia turned and looked at Spike and Carrot Top and said.
"Spike and Carrot Top the rings and necklace if you please."
Spike came up to Chris, Twilight, and Carrot Top came up to Mark and Applejack and presented them their rings and necklace. Then Chris put his ring on Twilight's horn then Twilight put her ring on Chris' horn. Just as soon as Chris and Twilight got done putting on the rings on their lovers horn it was Mark and Applejack's turn. Mark put his necklace on Applejack's neck while she put her ring on Mark's horn then Celestia spoke up one final time.
"Now by the power invested in me I now pronounce you four Husband's and wife's you four may now kiss."
As Chris, Twilight, Mark, and Applejack lock lips the crowd cheered and Shining Armor, Big Mac along with Chris, Mark, Twilight, and Applejack's friends started to cry. Before running off down the aisle, Twilight and Applejack tossed their bouquets in the air causing their friends and other mares to scramble for it. One of the bouquets was caught by Fluttershy while the other one was caught by Chrysalis the two looked at one another and smiled. As the castle bells clanged loudly, the happy couples galloped outside toward their waiting carriage, with the crowd cheering behind them and throwing rice.
"You guys take care ok." said Rarity.
"Yeah and when you guys come back from your honeymoon we're going to have an after wedding dance it's going to be so much fun!!" Said Pinkie.
Then Shining Armor and Big Mac went to their sisters and hugged them.
"Good luck Twily I hope you have a great honeymoon with Chris." Said Shining.
Then Big Mac hugged his sister and looked at her with a big smile on his face.
"Well big sis this is it I hope you have a great time with Mark."
Twilight and Applejack smiled at their brothers and said together.
"Don't worry I will have a great honeymoon with my husband."
Then Chris, Twilight, Mark, and Applejack got into the carriage but before they droved off they saw Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy waving goodbye and saying good luck. Then as Chris, Twilight, Mark, and Applejack were waving goodbye to Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy the coach man hit the horses with his whip and the carriage set off with Chris, Twilight, Mark, and Applejack and in no time they started to sing to each other.
(A whole new world from the ending scene from Aladdin starts to play)
(Chris/Mark)
A whole new world.
(Twilight/Applejack)
A whole new life.
(All)
For you and me.
As Chris, Twilight, Mark, and Applejack kissed they all knew in their hearts that this was a dream come true.
The End. |
The Conversion Bureau: Judgement Day. | pre | But overall, escape from whatever that was following her.
Seconds passed. Minutes passed.
Days, weeks.
Months.
Years.
It wanted her.
It wanted her to step outside of the bright parts, into the shadows. But she wasn't going to do it. She navigated the endless maze through the bright parts, always following the light. Where she was safe. Safe from it.
After turning right. 'Or was that my left?' She came into a room completely white. There were no shadows in there. In the middle of the room, there was a fountain, with the statue of an owl in the middle as the water flowed from its beak to the main pool. She walked next to the pool and thought about drinking the water. It seemed clean and she was really thirsty but. 'What if this is a trap from it?'
But the thirst was too much and she didn't even remembered how did water tasted. After all this time, there were lot of things she wasn't remembering neither. She still knew that her name was Celestia, that she was the princess of the ponies and their protector. She remembered her home, Equestria, as a land of happiness and plenitude.
She remembered the fear.
She stayed in the room without shadows, too afraid to go outside. But after a year. 'A second?'. The lights went off and the shadows devoured the white room. Out or reflex, she bent into the ground and shut her eyes. She could hear something coming closer. Some thing.
But as suddenly, as a shooting star that appears only for a moment before disappearing, she remembered it all. The destruction, the escape, the death, the peace. She remembered the pain and the suffering. She remembered the Stranger and the gods. Finally, after all this time, she remembered why she was scared. ' And I have had it with the fear!'
She opened her eyes.
The thunder claimed Celestia, leaving the eternal soldier alone in the oasis.
"It's not about being fearless. It's about fearing and still going." That was Achilles's creed. ***
-Power
This time Celestia knew where she was going. She was Celestia. She wasn't Celestia.
She was Celestia because she had all her memories. The same things that made Celestia suffer were making her suffer too. She remembered Discord's threatening gaze and the madness that he caused. She knew about Luna and Cadance, about Twilight and Blueblood. Her family. She could feel their hearts.
She wasn't Celestia because she knew things that Celestia didn't. She knew what was behind the Great Disaster and she knew what caused the Barrier to appear. She also knew how to bring humanity back, how to make real peace. And she knew what was going to happen in the end. Where, when and how Celestia would face the white face of death. And only she knew what was going to happen after that.
She wasn't Celestia. Unlike Celestia, she knew everything she could want. She knew who was meant to sit on the twelfth throne, and everything about the owners of the other eleven. She knew the future of Shazam. She knew how Odin was going to die. She knew Darkseid's and Highfather's secrets. She knew that Miracleman and the Doctor Manhattan were created by the same hand. She knew the answers Rama Kushna didn't. She knew about Unicron (she knew about Primus). She knew about the sons and daughters of Zeus. She knew what lied inside Doctor Fate's tower.
She knew the Spectre's past.
But there was one thing she didn't know. She didn't know what had become of Equus. What happened to her (to Celestia's) home?
She was Celestia, she knew how to teleport herself. She wasn't Celestia, teleportation didn't need her energy. It wasn't even teleportation. It was more like she already existed everywhere in Celestia's world. She just needed constant focus on a point and there she was, in the middle of the wasteland that once was Equestria.
The air was toxic to every living being, the water was boiled and dissipated on the atmosphere, the once fertile ground was replaced for salt and brimstone and a fire storm was ravaging everything. The skies were red as if they were bleeding. The place was uninhabitable even on a metaphysical level, just because the story said so (she knew about the story/stories).
"NOOOO!"
The power emerged from Celestia even before she was aware (she wasn't Celestia).
The power was limitless, enough to bring back life (she wasn't Celestia!).
Limitless power fighting death itself on a conceptual level (SHE WASN'T CELESTIA!).
Power beyond imagination, even greater than the power of The Eleven!
Nothing
Her head felt in defeat. The land was still a death land.
But suddenly she heard it. The voices of the past ones. Like a chorus composed of hundred/thousand/millions of voices calling her (Celestia's) name. Sun gods and goddesses, spirits from the distant past and the far future. They said only one thing.
"We are the sons and daughters of the first god, the sun. Take our power." Ra, Lugh.
"Our power can consume a world as it never existed. Take it!" Apollo, Inti.
"We've watched life from before the concept even existed. Our power is yours, Celestia. TAKE IT!"
"TAKE IT!"
Then... Only a single voice, full of hope and goodwill, strong and noble. The voice that ordered the light into existence.
"It's your turn."
The voice was calm.
"It's your turn, Celestia. It's now or never." Let there be light.
"My power is yours, Celestia. Take it." Let there be light!
The power of the First Light flowed inside her. Through her horn, wings and hooves. The power she thought limitless before (she wasn't Celestia) was nothing compared to this. Her hooves where the earth itself, her wings had the sky within them and her horn was the stars. Her body was the universe, every galaxy that ever existed and will exist. Bringing life back to a dead world seemed so little now she could create a universe (she wasn't Celestia). But still, even if now she was above existence itself (she wasn't Celestia) she still wanted live to exist. She still cared.
"Life matters."
Somewhere else, Celestia awoke with the sound of thunder. ***
-Resistance
Now let's go back to reality, Celestia just had a nightmare. That's the only explanation.
Celestia was inside of what seemed like a cavern, illuminated by the glow of several torches on the rock walls. She was alone.
"Hi?" She called, hoping for someone to respond her.
"Hi there." Someone replied. "I've been waiting for you." She heard steps followed by chains behind her. Turning around, she saw an alicorn walking to her. Its coat shined like bronze and its mane was made out of bronze, like the metallic version of a crystal pony. But the splendor of the sight was heavily reduced by the dull iron cuffs around its hooves, stomach and neck, the chains were connected to the walls, floor and ceiling, drastically reducing the alicorn's movement. To Celestia it was clear as the day, the alicorn in front of her was a prisoner.
"Who are you?" Asked the Princess.
"Me? I'm known as Atlas. But for you, I'm just a sinner paying its debt." It replied without too much care. "You see these chains?" Waving its hoof and making the chains tinkle, Celestia nodded. "These are connected to the world, I hold its weight and it doesn't fall apart." She cheerfully explained.
"Aren't you tired?" Celestia asked, not really sure of her new companion's sanity.
"As tired as an immortal can get, you know." Atlas sighed. "The world is not very light, but after the first three or four thousand years you get used to it or you lose it." A sinister grin adorned the titan's face. "But not anymore, after thousands of years, the gods finally found someone who deserves this more than I."
Celestia just stared at her, not really sure if following Atlas' words but immediately feeling she knew where this was going. She didn't want to ask.
"It's you by the way." As soon as Atlas said that, the chains and cuffs came to life, leaving the metallic alicorn and trapping the solar one instead. The weight was overtaking. Celestia was strong enough to stay standing but the cuffs were pulling her down, stronger by the second. Her lungs, pressed by the sheer force over her back, were barely strong enough to keep her breathing. After several minutes, she managed to get a hold on the weight. Looking up again, Celestia saw Atlas speaking to her.
"Of course, you could simply quit." The titan commented. "For myself, I always hoped for there being someone whose sins were bigger than mines, but you?" It smirked. "I don't think that they will find anyone worse, so you should escape while you still can." Pointing with a hoof. "The chains will become heavier with each second."
Truth to Atlas' words, the chains holding the solar princess were getting heavier and heavier. Celestia was having troubles for even thinking straight, much less moving. Using all the willpower she could assemble, she asked.
"W-what-- What will happen if--" Although her voice was little more than a whisper under her heavy breath, Atlas seemed to heard her just right for the titan answered immediately.
"A world dies." The bronze alicorn answered.
"Wha-- "
"Don't waste your breath, dear, and you heard me well. You either take your punishment or condemn a whole world to die." Atlas put a hoof over its shin, rolling her eyes in thought. "But sure, it wouldn't be the first world you doom, isn't it." It smirked again. "It should be easier by now."
"I-- wo-- won't--"
"Oh please, don't pretend to be so high and moral about it. Obviously a world is a fair price for your survival."
"What!" The surprise combined with the adrenaline of the moment gave enough strength to say a whole word.
"I mean, if you truly cared, you wouldn't just jump blind into the multi-verse, wouldn't you?" The question, that question. In her most private moments, she asked herself that same question.
'Where are we going?'
They were on an emergency, the most literal end of the world was happening around them when they made the jump. But she always questioned herself about diving into the darkness.
"Hey!" Atlas continued. "Still there?" Getting its head closer to Celestia's. With a hoof, the titan raised the princess' chin and looked into her eyes. Celestia could only look back in pain as the chains kept pressing down.
Pain, Celestia was only feeling pain. Her muscles about to rip and her bones nigh the breaking point.
"Come on, miss. You can't be this weak." Instead of its usual smirk, Atlas laughed this time. "Oh, by Chronos' sake, you ARE this weak aren't you."
Celestia wasn't hearing anymore, but by its body language she could tell that Atlas was laughing again. She didn't care, the pain was too much for even think.
"You know, if you can't take this anymore, you can pass this to a replacement." Seeing how Celestia wasn't reacting at all, Atlas put a hoof over the main cuff over the princess' barrel. Just doing that and the chains lost their supernatural weight.
"Aaaaaaah-huff-- aah-huff aaaaah-huff." Celestia breathed frantically, for a second she thought her veins were about to explode, but her trembling was stopped by the, still present, natural weight of her chains.
"Come on lass, it took me at least a year to get like that." Atlas teased her, the sinister grin never leaving its face. "Tell you what, if you still feel some kind of moral and don't want another planet on your count, just point the blame on someone else and you're clear." The titan pointed to a crystal that Celestia didn't saw when entering the cave. The mineral's surface showed a clear vision of Cadence. "It wasn't she who proposed to gather all the magic on your world?" A wave of Atlas hoof and the image changed. This time it was Luna's face. "Or better yet, the one who actually proposed the jump." Another wave, another image. "Ah, your pupil, that Twilight girl. Her involvement in the serum's creation definitively earns her some points."
"So, what do you say? Just say a name and the bastard takes your place. "Celestia didn't move. "Come on Princess, your ponies need you and any of them would gladly take your place. After all, they owe you everything, but you don't owe them anything."
Celestia face was featureless, her mind pondering the possibilities. A place like earth needed a ruler, they couldn't do it for themselves. Luna was still too emotional to rule by herself, Cadence and Twilight were too young. None of them had the complete idea of what means to rule a whole kingdom, much less a whole planet. The older rulers weren't a better option, they completely lost their path during the unification. All those lives, all their progress, everything they protected and built over these years, menaced by her absence.
Atlas had a point too. Ever since she could remember, she devoted herself to everyone else. Every decade, every year, every month, week and day of her life was in function of what others needed. They owed her everything, she owed them nothing.
Celestia took her decision.
"Ah, I can see that in your face" Atlas said when seeing Celestia's stance. "You're of a single mind now, aren't you?" No answer. "Well lady, don't give me the silence, who is going to stand under these accursed chains now?"
The Princess stood still, not a single sound coming from her muzzle.
"Oh, so that's your decision. Well, granted." Atlas removed its hoof from the chains. The metal immediately regained its magical weight, pressing down on Celestia again. "You know, now the chains are connected to you, you can't leave. You just lost your chance." Atlas shrugged and turned itself to the cave's entrance. "I'll leave the lights off, trust me, not seeing where you are will be a blessing after the first ten years." With that, the titan stomped the floor and the torches around them were extinguished. Celestia could barely hear the metallic hooves against the rock fading in the distance.
Alone, in the dark and unable to move, Celestia did the only thing she could; She resisted. If Atlas' words were true, a whole world was now depending on her to resist. Not her old days of fighting evil or guiding other, but still a chance to do the right thing. If her past mistakes were that big too, then this was a good chance to atone for that.
Celestia smiled in the darkness, peacefully accepting her new fate. It didn't last too much. Cutting the darkness, the thunder claimed her once again. ***
-Speed
Celestia didn't want to open her eyes. The last time she did so, she had to carry an entire world on her back. Without sight, her other senses told her where she was. The air smelled like grass, clean and recently cut. A soft breeze told her about template weather, and the warm light on her back said 'midday'. Everything around her was calm enough to ease her feelings, so she decided to open her eyes. Slowly, and one eyelid at a time.
'ZOOM!' A rush of wind hit softly her side. A man dressed with a red shirt and blue pants, wearing a metallic helmet with wings, was standing in front of her.
"Hello miss, my name is-- whoa!" He raised his hands defensively as the alicorn was standing still in front of him. Wings extended and her horn pointing menacingly at his head.
"No! I had it with this mockery at me!" Celestia said in the tone that only enemies who dared to menace her ponies knew. "I've been tossed around like some kind of cosmic plaything. That's what the gods do? Find someone broken enough to play with? Someone who have a past that gives them an excuse to treat her like trash?" Her voice rising with each word. "Shazam told me he was a friend, but he lied to me!" The man could see how tears started to flow from Celestia's eyes. "I may commit a mistake, I know that! But this-- This is sadistic!" Celestia's voice broke on that last syllable.
"Calm down miss. I'm sorry to tell you, but I have no idea of what are you talking about." The man slowly walked closer to Celestia. "I just saw this impossibly big lightning and decided to investigate. Welcome to Keystone by the way, I'm Jay, Jay Garrick." He raised his helmet with a hand to show better his face while offering his other hand to her.
Celestia didn't know what to do. She promised herself to not fall in another trap like Atlas' one. But something on this man's voice, maybe his stance, showed her something than Atlas didn't; Kindness. Doubtfully, she raised her right hoof to him. Jay took it in his own hand and slowly shook it.
"My name is Celestia." She started. "Princess Celestia of Equestria. It's a--"
"A kingdom from another dimension where horses, like you, rule." Jay finished the phrase for her. "Yeah, I've seen some of those in my time. Ever been in Skartaris?" Celestia didn't know what to say, or how to react for what it mattered. Jay not only seemed unimpressed by her, but he also stated seeing it before. What did that mean?
Before any questions could be asked, a loud roar in the distance interrupted them from any further dialogue. Jay turned around to the city behind him, which Celestia just now noticed, and both saw how dark storm clouds hanging over it started to swirl. Slowly at first, but the cloud descended in spiral formation, taking speed with each second. Thunder and lightning accompanied the tornado that it took place in what seemed like the center of the city.
"SorryPrincessbutgottago!" Was all Celestia could hear as Jay left her in a scarlet blur racing towards the city.
She could only gaze in amazement at how the human was moving at Sonic Rainboom speeds, first to the city and them from it with a woman in his arms. Before anyone could react, Jay did the same, this time bringing two children. Then a man, another man, a dog and so on. So, Celestia was surrounded by all kinds of people being evacuated from the city by the scarlet speedster.
"Huff." Jay finally stopped himself next to the Princess. "I'm getting old for this." He panted for a moment before putting a finger in his ear. "Flash here, emergency calling to the Justice Society of America." He stood waiting. "Flash calling, this is an emergency, innocent people in danger." Nothing but static. "That can't be good." There wasn't time for more commentaries, the tornado didn't seem to get any smaller and it already hit the ground. Taking a deep breath, Jay disappeared again in a flash.
Meanwhile, Celestia was debating herself on what to do. On one hoof, she wanted to help. On the other hoof, the last time she actively tried to help, she got herself transported to that nightmarish maze.
"I need to do something." Said her instinct.
"Let it be, it must be another trap." Said her reason.
The internal battle stayed till she heard something. It's a well-known fact that alicorns have supernatural senses, proportionally enhanced by age. In Celestia's case, she could easily see from her old castle the whole extension of her kingdom or, right now, hear without any problem the voices of distress coming from a city under a tornado strike.
"To Tartarus, I'm pretty sure that I'll be punished no matter what I do from now on.
Extending her wing, taking the attention of the people around her, she went to the sky as fast as she could and heading to the city to help with the evacuation. But the winds around her made it hard to maneuver, getting stronger and quicker as she approached the tornado. With difficulty , she landed and tried to control the weather around her, but the savage winds didn't react to her golden magic. Before she could think anything else, a clear scream sounded near to her.
"HELP!" It was a little girl, no older than twelve and holding for dear life on a lamppost. No time to think, only to act. Galloping as fast as she could, she took the girl in her magic and raced out of there back to outside the city. Next to Celestia, Jay appeared again.
"Whoa!" He exclaimed in total surprise. "Nothing bad Princess, think you could help me here?" He didn't wait for her to answer, going back to where he came from as Celestia followed him. Over two hundred thousand inhabitants, all threatened by the natural disaster were saved that day by a familiar scarlet blur and a new white one. When everyone on Keystone City was at a safe distance, the tornado started to dissipate.
Jay Garrick finally slowed down to rest as behind him, Celestia was carrying the last ones in her golden magic. Jay turned around to thank her for the help but, before he could do it, a thunder roared and the alicorn princess was hit by the lightning, completely disappearing. Reaching for his communicator, The Flash tried once again. This time the signal was clear.
"Lantern? It's me, Jay. Hey, quick question, have you ever heard about a place called Equestria?" ***
-The Rock
Celestia couldn't see at first, everything around her was black. She looked at her own hooves but nothing appeared, her skin felt like being covered by coldness as if she was in the deep of a water body. Trying to move, she flapped her wing but nothing seemed to happen. All around her was nothingness. Not even air and she was alone.
"Princess Celestia." A voice called for her. "Awake." She didn't want to move, no more, she was tired, exhausted. "SHAZAM!" The voice called again with the sound of thunder. Suddenly, every muscle in her body tensed at the same time and before she could register what was happening, her eyes opened and she found herself right back to where she left Shazam; The Rock of Eternity.
"Congratulation." He put a hand in her shoulder. "I must admit, I wasn't sure if-- Whoa!" Only the speed of Mercury allowed Shazam to avoid being hit in the head by a shot of super-heated sunlight the melted part of the wall behind him.
"I TRUSTED YOU!" Celestia roared, ready to unleash the heavenly lights and the hellish flames that were part of her power. The sun's might.
"I TRUSTED YOU AND YOU DECEIVED ME!" Another burst of light and fire, this time hitting Shazam's throne as he only observed how the flames were powerful enough to consume magical stone.
"That... can't be good." He muttered to himself as Celestia turned her head, looking at him in the eye. Slowly advancing, leaving a trace of molten rock and fire behind her, she stopped merely centimeters from him. Her whole body language screamed aggression, anger. Hate.
In his time as Champion of Magic, Shazam fought a lot of evils, some of those aimed directly at him. Still, he never faced that amount of hate directed at him, and by the powers above, he hoped to never face it again.
"Okay, I can see you're angry, but let's not take this out of proportion--"
"OUT OF PROPORTION?!" Celestia made the Rock of Eternity to shake with her voice. "I have been trashed and forced around the stars know where!" Although she stopped using the Canterlot voice, she was still screaming. "You have any idea. ANY! IDEA! of what I've been put through?!"
Shazam put an arm behind his head, rolling his eyes to advert the princess' glare. "Well, actually--"
"I had to expose myself to a complete stranger!" Celestia interrupted him. "I had to watch how an unstoppable army was about to slaughter an innocent village! To wander in an eternal maze of nightmares, then trapped under the weight of an entire world!" Her face was slowly phasing from anger to pain, from pain to sorrow and finally, from sorrow to sadness.
"I know I've mistaken." Celestia continued, this time in a more calmed voice. The heated air around her was suddenly cooling. "Over my mother's grave, I know that I got a lot to atone for." The solar princess was using all her willpower to prevent the tears from coming. "But that was sadistic." Two drops of water hit the floor. "I trusted you, I really did. Why did you do this to me?"
Shazam looked at her again, this time, all the hate, all the wrath, all the anger was completely gone. In their place, he could only see the face of someone who knew herself betrayed.
"Look, Princess, I think you're not looking at it as you should." His voice came as calming as a soft summer's breeze. "Tell me again, what happened to you?"
Celestia only stared at him in disbelief. Was this another way to make her suffer? To force her to repeat her torments, only to use the still fresh memories to bring more pain at her? Well, she wasn't going to admit defeat, so Celestia started to speak.
"First, a stranger threatened me into tell her my story, only to have my mistakes being brought to me, again."
"From that, you accepted your flaws as a part of you." Celestia raised an eyebrow. "Go on."
"Then I was transported to a small village about to be slaughtered by an army." She continued, not sure of where was this going.
"And against any logic, you stepped forward to defend them, didn't you?" Shazam has his arm crossed over his chest, slightly smiling at her.
"For what it was worth. I was forced out of there before doing any good." Celestia looked down.
"They are safe." He assured her. "Only thanks to your decision of helping them."
"I see, so you sent me on those places only to teach me a lesson." Her sadness was slowly vanishing, but she still felt betrayed. "You said those were trials."
"And they were." Shazam replied before she could continue. "Is through trial how our souls can really learn any lesson. With Zally, you accepted yourself, good and bad. In the village, your impulse to help others was bigger than any doubt."
"It was trapped in the maze, void of any hope, that you rediscovered your courage. A courage that helped you to resist the weight of the world and guided you into saving innocents, even if doubt was still present." Shazam opened his arms. "Don't you see? You proved yourself worthy!"
Celestia could only look in confusion. "Worthy of what?"
"Let me explain you something." He leaned back in his throne, which was now without fire and reconstructed. "By taking the task of protecting your world, you took the ultimate responsibility. Powers beyond any control would be with and against you since then, but there was something else."
"You see, all magic has a price. For becoming your world's guardian, you gave up any chance of having a normal life in exchange. Every single moment would be a constant test, forcing you to overcome loss and sacrifice for your world's well-being, till a day when you couldn't keep it anymore, or you made the ultimate sacrifice."
Celestia could only listen in silence, listening for the first time the real weight of her life choices.
"When the final test came upon you, you failed. There were consequences, actions and reactions." Shazam stopped himself for a moment, knowing how delicate it was for her. "Ultimately, not only your world perished, but another one had to bear with its fall's consequences."
By this point, Princess Celestia, immortal ruler of Equestria, founder of New Canterlot and savior of millions was now brought down to a very mundane act. Staring in silence at how her own mistakes destroyed everything she built. Celestia was looking at her life's debris.
"But!" Shazam took her out of her own thoughts. "You still continued, you never admitted defeat. Even if your mistakes have overcome you, you are still trying. I sent you to prove that your resolution was stronger and I was right." In his face was an expression of total triumph that made Celestia to believe in him again.
"If I were to declare you guilty, you would be punished in a way that would negate any chance of redemption from you." Shazam rose from his throne. "But you proved that your will to do the right thing, you showed me that your heart is in the right place. After witnessing something like that I can only conclude that your intentions are good, hence I, Shazam, Guardian of the Rock of Eternity and protector of the magical plane, declare you, Princess Celestia Solaris of Equestria, INNOCENT!"
A thunder roared and a green lightning impacted Celestia, surrounding her in an emerald aura. She didn't feel anything, but she knew that she just accomplished her first victory. The first one in thirteen years.
The hope of that first victory was enough to lift her defeated spirit. With a resolution she hadn't feel in ages, she dared to look at Shazam right in the eye. He walked closer to her and put an arm on her shoulder.
"What will happen now?" Celestia asked Shazam.
"Now, you will face your next judge, and it'll be better to not let him waiting." He directed her towards the Rock's exit. "But hear me, Princess, I'll give you a warning." As they got closer to the light at the end of the tunnel. "The others will not treat you in the same way as I did. Some of them only see you as an inferior being, others even hate you." They finally got outside the Rock of Eternity.
"Be careful Princess, being a god doesn't make someone good."
"Do you know who will judge me now?" She asked as he stared at the endless blue space around them.
"Yes." He said in a more grim tone. "Is Odin, the father and ruler of Asgard, he, over all, feels that you deserve punishment for what happened." He looked down, but only for a moment before giving her an assuring smile. "Treat him with respect and he will have to do the same, but beware, even if the Spectre forbidden him from harming you, you're going to his world. And in the tiger's cage only counts the tiger's rule."
With that last commentary, Shazam wished her the best and signaled her where to fly. With the force of her wings she followed the indicated direction, leaving behind the Rock of Eternity behind her till it disappeared from sight.
In front of her, Celestia saw how the empty blue turned into gray as massive clouds took form around he. Under her hooves there was a trail made of light, illuminated with the seven colors of the rainbow. The weather was getting more violent as she advanced.
There was a storm in the horizon. |
Sweet as Honeydew | pre | "I guess I should've figured." she chuckled, levitating an open book aside from a couch so that she and Shining could take their place on it. Geography for foals, Cadence couldn't help but note. With a plethora of pictures, the exact type of book Twilight would normally skip in favor of thick tomes with letters so small it made Cadence believe that she needed glasses. But there was no time to ponder on that as she let Honeydew skip out of her hoof and on a nearby table. "Have you ever been in a place like this before?"
The breezie vehemently shook his head. "Have nothing as it. Castle is bigger-er than anything home. But, all pony places bigger than home." he looked from one to the other, seemingly pondering whether to ask his next question. "Twilight said you are also princess. Do you live here, too?"
"Oh, dear, no." Cadence laughed. "We have our own castle, far to the north. It's even bigger than this one."
"That can't be right."
"Oh?" placing her front hooves on the armchair of the sofa, she leaned over to Honeydew's table while leaving her lower body in her husband's lap. "I'm afraid it is, but why do you think it can't?"
"I-I sat on the, uh- toppest point of the castle. And then on Twilight's head. She showed me Equestria, and I didn't see anything else as big! A-aside of Canterlot, but she said you don't live there."
"Is he serious?" Shining began, but Cadence broke out in melodious laughter.
"Oh, I'm afraid Equestria is much bigger than what you can see from one point, even if it's a high one. Has Twilight ever shown you a map?"
He tilted his head in response. "What's a map?"
"Seriously?" Shining picked up a nearby book, flipping it open to a map of the Equestrian continent. "This," he said, showing it to the breezie. "Has she ever shown you this?"
But instead of answering, Honeydew took one look at the book, then stumbled back, covering his eyes with his hooves. "No, put it away, before it bewitches us!"
The couple shared a look of disbelief. "Dear, it's just a book," Cadence started, gently reaching over to his table. "It's not magic. Why would you think it can bewitch us?"
"W-whenever Twilight opens one, she starts staring into it for hours," he claimed, casting a suspicious glance at the book. "And when I try to talk to her, she can barely respond. There's some dark spirit toying with her mind, and she doesn't even realize it!"
"It's just a book!" Shining Armor groaned. "How have you lived with my sister for almost a month without knowing what books are?! What world do you live in?"
"Shiny, calm down." Cadence tapped his shoulder, which brought him to slump back into the sofa. "But I do have to wonder, what did you do in your world?"
"I am a Scout." Honeydew proclaimed. "I search forest for clan, so we know where things grow, where the spiders make webs and how paths change..." while tapping his chin, he produced a little 'humm'-noise. "Forest changes every year. Sometimes bushes grow, sometimes not. Storms kill trees, blocking ways. If I was home, I would go out first after winter and see if our paths are still good."
"That sounds fascinating." Cadence smiled. "Never thought Twilight would crush on an outdoor-person."
"Yes, it makes me wonder what you have in common." Shining muttered. As he spoke, there was the noise of new voices in the hallways. "Well, it seems Mom and Dad are here." Shining said as he shifted out of his seat.
"Where are you going?"
"Just want to give them a heads up, honey." he explained as he opened the door.
"Shining!" A voice exclaimed, and a moment later, the stallion stumbled back into the room, patting the back of his mother, who has enveloped him in a hearty embrace. "I didn't know Twilight invited you, too. It's so great to see you, you don't write nearly enough letters from the Crystal Empire."
"He does send them weekly, hun." Night Light said as his wife separated herself from her son.
"And no, Twilight didn't invite me." Shining huffed. "Besides, there's something you should know about her coltfriend-"
"He's here, isn't he?" Velvet's eyes swept across the room, centering for a moment on Cadence, who was giving her a polite smile. "Twilight said he was going to be here with you- Oh, gosh!" she burst out, rushing toward the table and it's small inhabitant.
Cringing at the scream, Shining followed behind her. "Yeah, that's what I wanted to warn you about, he's-"
"You must be Honeydew!" Velvet's grin widened with excitement as she held her hoof out toward him. "Hello, I'm Velvet, and this is my husband Night Light, it's so great to finally meet you after all we've heard of you."
Shining drew his head back with an unamused huff. "Did Twilight really tell everypony but me?"
"She probably thought of it as a harmless counter-prank." Cadence soothingly explained.
"Where is she, anyway?!"
"She is just making some tea," Night Light said. "She'll be here in precisely two minutes, barring any accidents." With that, he stepped beside his wife, who had gotten Honeydew to hesitantly shake her massive hoof. "Hello. I'm sure my wife has already introduced me, but I'm Night Light.
Possibly glad to get a break from the overly excitable mare, Honeydew seemed to respond well to Night Light, starting to chat with him in his clumsy ponish when Twilight came in, balancing a plate with steaming cups on her back. "oh , you've already met each other." she grinned, floating cups over to the table and placing a tiny shot glass infront of Honeydew.
"And he's just as cute as you wrote." Velvet snickered.
"Uhm, y-yes..." Twilight stammered, rubbing her cheek with a wing as if that could wipe off her blush. "Well, now that we're all together, unexpectedly," she added with an apologetic smile to Shining and Cadence. "We could turn this family visit into a family day. I've got rooms if you want to stay overnight, sleepover games, dinner, and- what is it?"
Everypony blinked as Twilight stopped in her rambling for seemingly no reason. Until they noticed the slight glow from Honeydew's feelers which had gotten her attention. Leaning her head down to him, they exchanged quick breezish in lowered voices. Finally, Twilight looked up once more, meeting the awkward glances from her family with a sheepish smile. "Uhm, sorry, I almost forgot that Honey and me were going to hold a little celebration today."
"But we all just came here!" Shining protested. "You're going to send your entire family away for some breezie celebration?"
"It's Jormgo, the day of the first snowfall, at least here in Equestria." Twilight explained. "And on Jormgo, breezies hold a ceremony once at noon and once at midnight. Honeydew was already very forthcoming to delay it in order to meet you today."
"And he can't just skip it?" Shining asked, crossing his hooves. "I remember that we once postponed Hearth's Warming so you could finish your homework and not be on the naughty list."
"It's different." Twilight muttered, her wings performing a nervous flap at her sides. "They believe that it is important to honor Myrmel, the spirit who raises the sun, as he takes a rest during winter-"
"There are no sun spirits!" Shining blurted out. "We know that Celestia raises the sun."
"Shining!"
"Don't tell me you actually believe that, we know for a fact that it's not true."
"That doesn't mean you can deride his beliefs."
"But they are objectively wrong!"
"Stop it, both of you." Cadence interrupted as a light-blue aura encapsulated both of their mouths. "Twilight, maybe we could join you and Honeydew in your celebration."
"Well..." Twilight muttered, glancing down to a confused looking Honeydew. "I suppose we could."
"Fine, then please go ahead. Me and Shiny will come in a bit. After a word in private." she added with a glare at her husband.
He swallowed, knowing even in his anger that he was in trouble.
"You better hope he couldn't follow your outburst." Cadence fumed, pacing around the now almost empty room. "What were you thinking, deriding his beliefs?!"
"We know there is no such thing as sun spirits." Shining retorted, hooves crossed before his chest.
"Maybe in our world. Who knows what raises the sun where he comes from?"
"But this is not his world, this is Equestria, and here Celestia raises the sun, so why does he have to drag the whole family into his thing?!"
"We don't have to defeat windigoes every year in order to celebrate Hearthswarming either. And that's beside the point. Why is it a problem for us to attend his ceremony for a bit?"
"Maybe it's because nopony in the family is religious?" Shining nickered. "I certainly know that Twilight isn't, but now she suddenly believes in whatever tribal spirits-lore that breezie tells her?"
"Respecting his views isn't the same as believing in them. And you know she loves to learn about new cultures."
"Yes, but to suddenly date one out of the blue, and to tell everypony but me?" Shining burst out. "At least you are a pony, and somepony she knew!"
"I get that you're angry she didn't tell you, but that's no reason to vent your frustration on him!"
"It's not just that!" he snapped. "Have you seen him? He can't read, Cadence. Heck, he doesn't even know what reading is! Not to mention he knows nothing of Equestria!"
"So it's because you think he's not good enough for her?!"
"I think that Twilight can do better than some tiny, offworld savage!"
Cadence's pacing abruptly stopped as silence swept into the room, only interrupted by Shining's strained breaths. Her eyes narrowed to tiny slits, she caused him to wince under her piercing glare. "That went too far." she stated with totality.
"I-I'm sorry, I didn't mean to put it like that!"
"No, you said exactly what you think." she hissed. "But you know what I saw? I saw a sweet colt who was willing to postpone something obviously important to him for her sake and who is eager to learn about Equestria, even if it is hard for him to wrap his head around sometimes. He's only been Equestria for three weeks and he can already hold a conversation! I saw a stallion who took Twilight into his struggling clan when she needed it." Her hoof jutted out, pointing accusatorily at Shining. "And I saw that you missed all of that, because all you are willing to see are his worst qualities! Now you take a walk around the castle or do whatever you need to clear your head. You know where to find me once you're thinking straight again." With that, she left her stunned husband in the corner of the library, his hooves clutching against the sides of the sofa as if it was his cover from her assault.
"H-he's still tiny!" he shouted after her, his voice weak and trembly. Clear your head. he snorted. His head was already clear, maybe Cadence should go and heed her own advice instead! He was not being fair to Honeydew? A little pixie who couldn't even read, who, from what Cadence had briefly told him had to be taught by Twilight how to light a fire? He was practically a cavepony! And so what if he took in Twilight when really needed it, that was just common decency! When... you weren't a cavepony... because if you were that would be a massive commitment. "Holy Celestia, I AM giving him no credit!"
Maybe clearing his head wasn't such a bad idea after all.
It was during his fifth round through the castle when the voices picked up. Curiously raising his head, Shining followed the muffled noise. His anger had mostly evaporated, yet his uncertainty regarding the breezie remained, and it was still hard to wrap his head around his sister being in a relationship with one. All he'd seen so far from him was that he got scared if you got too close. Not exactly the best premise for an intimate relationship.
As he got closer, the voices got more distinguished... they were singing! Though he couldn't make out the words, it was some strange tune that he was sure he'd never heard before. Staring at the door, he felt a sudden uncertainty in his stomach. Was he even welcome to join them? After all he'd said... it'd been completely out of line! His officer would have had him court martialed for it!
"Uh, hey, what are you doing outside?"
"Spike!" Shining whirled around to see the small dragon holding a glass of water and... a drum. Which was fairly large for his size too. "I didn't know you played."
"Oh, I didn't." the dragon answerd, quickly gulping down his water before creating a quick beat, wearing a small grin. "Honeydew taught me. He plays, like, everything."
"He... does?"
"Well, anything you don't need metal for. They didn't have that apparently."
"Oh..." Shining muttered. Then, as Spike was about to go past him, he suddenly stopped his path with a hoof. "Hey, Spike, you know this breezie now, right?"
"He's been living with us for almost a month." Spike said with a shrug.
"Good," Shining sighed. "Spike, I need your opinion on him and Twilight. You're the only one I can trust to be objective about it."
The dragon tilted his head. "What about Cadence?"
"Nnnoot anymore." Shining muttered cautiously.
"Well, to be honest, I found it really weird at first." Spike said. "I mean, she carries him around in her ear, it doesn't get much weirder, right? And it's annoying to be so careful all the time, even though Twilight put those spells on him, cause even if it doesn't hurt him if I stepped on him, it'd still... you know, hurt alot. Buuut, after a while? He's very nice, and I think Twilight loves explaining things to him. He also knows a lot of stuff you would never think, and he made a great druid in our last game of Ogres & Oubliettes!"
"You... play with him?"
"Yeah! Maybe you should join, it's a great way to get to know new ponies. And Discord can just snap bring you from the Crystal Empire and back! It's about the only thing at which he's reliable..."
"Sounds... interesting." Shining muttered. "So, this ceremony,what is it?"
"I don't really know. He explains it as it happens" Spike shrugged, then grinned as he lifted his drum. "But the next part is gonna be music. You should see it for yourself, Twilight's playing the next one!" With that, he rushed into the room, leaving Shining with a stunned expression.
"Twilight... playing?" his curiosity piqued, he followed Spike into the room.
It was very dark, yet he instantly made out each occupant from the glow of their horns, emulating the light of Honeydew's feelers. Bathed in soft light, he saw his parents gently sway from side to side, in tact with a strange melody emanating from... Twilight... playing a pan flute? As far as he knew, she'd never even looked twice at an instrument! Yet here she was, wings fluttering as she carried the tune like an experienced musician!
He took his seat, barely noticing the look Cadence gave him as he stared in wonder at his sister, who seemed utterly lost in the music, in a way exactly like when she was reading a great book.
"Cleared your head?" Cadence whispered in his ear.
"Y-yes," he swallowed. "I'm sorry-"
But before he could continue, he felt a hoof press onto his mouth, muffling the rest of the sentence.
"Later," Cadence smiled as Spike appeared in Twilight's circle of light. "Now, we're playing."
And then Twilight started a new tune, accompanied by Honeydew playing a tiny violin that looked like it was carved from bone. Still, the sound filled the room in a way that had to be magical, supporting the strange, foreign music. Moments after which Cadence, Velvet and Night Light took deep breaths and began to sing in breezish.
Sha ta co ti oh scum ne rivna
Sha ta co ti oh nugga tir na nog
Sha ta co ti oh scum ne rivna
Nug a tir na nog
The strange words filled the room, giving the music an otherworldly quality, while Shining could only stare. And eventually, join into the second chorus, allowing him, for a moment, to forget the massive apologies he still owed to the others. |
Sweet as Honeydew | Chapter 4- Rarity | "Coming~" Rarity sang, casting a glance at her mirror to make sure her mane sat just right. It was her first customer today after all, certainly the time one had to be most fashionable... especially if the customer in question happened to be a strong and sensitive stallion. Maybe she should put on some lipstick, just in case.
Once more her doorbell rang, prompting her to hurriedly shout "Just a moment!" and give herself one last look over before rushing (in a fashionable manner) down into the public section of Carousel Boutique. Briefly ascertaining that all the dresses were on display, fitting the newest trend and immaculately color-coded to make each one shine brilliantly, she deemed it ready for whoever was impatiently waiting outside to be bedazzled!
Which was nopony. Her doorstep was as barren as her shop had been two minutes ago. "Hello?" she called, just to make sure. But none of the few ponies she saw on the street paid her any attention aside from a few raised eyebrows. Closing the door, she let out a groan, which turned into a tired yawn. First she'd barely made it out of bed in time to take care of her own appearance, and now she was getting pranked first thing in the morning. What a great start to a day.
As the door feel in lock, the bell rang once again, and Rarity gave it a tired glare, a wish on her lips about how she needed a prank-proof method of announcing customers.
Then something dropped out of the bell, impacting on the ground with dull thud.
"Eeek!" Rarity shouted, jumping back from the insect that was curled up on the ground, but still moving. Swallowing, trying not to look directly at it, she reached out with her magic to a nearby broom, ready to sweep up the groaning insect-
Wait, insects don't groan. Tentatively stepping closer, Rarity inspected what she'd believed to be a large beetle.
"Oh my gosh, Honeydew!" with a gasp, she gently lifted the breezie onto a nearby stool, where he, to her immense relief, rolled around to grip his head. Thank Celestia, he doesn't seem to be injured. "Honeydew, can you hear me?"
"E-e-everything's ringing..." he muttered, his head dangerously swaying as he attempted to sit up. "It didn't sound that loud first time."
"Y-yes, I suppose it's much worse when you're inside of the bell." Rarity sighed in relief as it became apparent she'd neither killed nor deafened her friend's true love. "I, uh- s-should I call Twilight for help?"
"No, no, it's okay. Headache's already passing." he muttered, though he was looking a little green.
Luckily Twilight has carefully warded him, he would have surely lost his hearing otherwise.
Rarity mused as she levitated a thimble of water as well as a rag from her kitchen. Better to be prepared for all circumstances, especially if you were running a fabulous boutique. "Darling, if you feel like it, would you please tell me what you were doing inside of my doorbell?"
It took him a few moments to answer, during which he seemed to struggle with swallowing... something, before washing it down with a greedy gulp from the filled thimble. "I-I wanted to call you. You didn't hear me when I shouted for you. So I thought I'd use the thing that got loud when Colgate let me in. but I wasn't heavy enough to make it work with the rope."
"At least that explains how the bell rang twice. But going inside of a bell really isn't a good idea. You and Twilight need to find a better way for you to make your presence known."
"S-she said she's working on it."
"Either way, you have gotten my attention now so..." grinning, she fluttered her eyebrows at the breezie before striking an elegant pose and playing out her prench accent. "Welcome to Carousel Boutique, darling, how may I help you?"
"Well.." he began, awkwardly tapping his hooves. "Twilight said that she wanted to 'go on a date', and I agreed, but I wasn't sure what that meant and I asked Colgate, but she said it doesn't have anything to do with traveling and that you would know best. So, uhm... yeah." he closed, rubbing the back of his head with a nervous grin.
There was a moment of silence, as Rarity's horn sparked, flipping her store's shield from 'open' to 'closed'. This would require her full attention.
"If it is advice you seek, you certainly have come to the right place! I am an expert of romance, a connoisseur of passion, a-"
Honeydew blinked, tilting his antennae-laden head.
"-I can help you."
"You can?" jumping up on his hooves, he rushed in to embrace the edge of her hoof. "Thank you!"
"It's not such a big deal, darling, really, I'm glad I can help. So, a date." as much as she wanted to appear professional, she couldn't contain a little squee of delight. "It is important that we find the exact right location for it-"
"But... Colgate said it wasn't about travelling."
"Aaand that I teach you the terminology." Rarity closed with a sigh. "A date is simply something you do together with somepony you love, like watching a movie, taking a walk or going to a restaurant. Those are the classics."
The breezie scratched his head. "Like that camping trip with Rainbow Dash?"
"Not... exactly. And please spare me the details, she's been bugging me since you returned, asking me to make you a suit of armor out of those mosquitoes you killed. Can you even believe that? I am a seamstress, not a blacksmith! It's like she thinks it's the same thing!"
"So, uhm, a date is about doing something pointless with someone else?"
"Wha-" blinking, Rarity refocused on Honeydew. "No, it's not pointless, it is romantic, something you both enjoy! Don't breezies have some way of courting another?"
"Of course. We help each other with work."
"And... then?"
"Then we sleep with one another." he explained, seemingly oblivious to Rarity's gasp of surprise. "But we already do that, so that can't be it."
He is gossip-gold! Rarity snickered with a barely hidden grin. I'll definitely have to question him later. "Well, I'm afraid we ponies tend to add a couple more steps. Dating for example is an activity that both of you will enjoy doing together. Like..."
"I think Spike suggested that we have a picnic in one of Twilight's bucket bushes."
"You mean a potted plant?" she raised an eyebrow. "But how would you both-"
"She was gonna shrink herself."
"Ooohohoho, Darling, that is a great idea!" Inside of a potted bush, the surrounding leaves would throw beautiful shadows over the pair, creating the perfect romantic atmosphere, especially with the lights they could emit from their feelers. It was classy, romantic, yet also so unique! It was almost a shame that he was already with Twilight. If not, she might have tried her own charms on the little fairy.
Sometimes, friendship could be a burden. Still, that didn't stop her imagination from thinking up a few dozen ways to perfect the scenery in her mind. "Well, you've got a location and an activity you're already halfway set. But we're not just looking for an opportunity to have fun, this will be your chance to impress, to utterly bedazzle her! And for this, you must look the part."
"What do you mean?" he asked, looking over his forelimbs. "T-Twilight says she likes how I look. Don't you?"
"Oh, don't worry, darling, you're still adorable, but a date isn't the time to merely look 'good', it is when you have to look the best! Thankfully, I can also help with that." With that, she swept her forehoof across the numerous displays of her latest fashion. "Carousel Boutique dresses. Any style, any color, any size you want! I am sure to have the perfect style for you."
"I am not sure how a colorful blanket would help, Rarity."
Her hoof dropped to the ground as her brain attempted to process the word he'd just used to- to describe her work! "Those aren't blankets, Honeydew, they're dresses. Clothing, you know?"
"And what are they for?"
"You- you wear them."
"Like a blanket?"
"No... like clothing."
Once again, Honeydew tilted his little head, causing his feelers to sway from side to side, like they'd been disturbed by a stiff breeze.
"It's made to be worn, Honeydew, they're not blankets!"
"But what do they do then?"
"They allow you to look your best!"
"But... I would still look the same, wouldn't I? Just with a dress on me."
"No- I mean yes-"
"Is it magic?"
"NO!" she shouted, pressing a hoof on her own face.
"Then how does it change my body?"
"It doesn't!"
"Then what does it do?"
"It makes you look good!"
"But what for?"
"To impress Twilight with your appearance."
"Wouldn't she think that the dress is pretty instead of me being pretty?"
"That- that is not how it works-"
"Then how does it work? What is the dress for?"
"It- It- it keeps you warm." Rarity closed, lowering her head in defeat. "Clothing keeps you warm."
"Like a blanket?"
"Yes..." she sighed. "Like a blanket."
"Then why didn't you say so right away?" Honeydew asked, utterly unaware of the meltdown he was causing in the unicorn's mind.
"Just... promise you'll wear it once I made it for you, okay?" To anyone who knew her, the agony in her voice would have been painfully apparent.
Honeydew hugged her hoof, gleefully thanking her in breezish. With a tired smile, she gently patted his little head. Ultimately, it was a mission for love, and that was a call she could never refuse.
The next day, Rarity welcomed the breezie with open arms, after he'd gotten Rainbow Dash to open the door for him. Still a few minutes away from officially opening her boutique for the day, there simply was no other option than to interrogate him.
"So, how was your 'little' date?" she practically asked immediately upon seeing him.
"Good!" he grinned. "And Twilight loved it when I said the things you told me to say. She told me that 'such a corny line can only come from Rarity, honey,' and then she laughed."
The white unicorn's chuckle came to an abrupt halt. "Oh, did she?"
He nodded excitedly. "Mhm. I'm not sure what it meant, but the corn we ate was really tasty, so it must have been a great compliment."
Aaand already her chuckle was back. "And what about the dress, darling, did it help?"
"It certainly kept us warm."
"That's not quite what I meant-"
"But it also smoked a lot when we burned it." he muttered, wearing a thoughtful look as her rubbed his chin.
Rarity's eyebrow twitched. |
Sweet as Honeydew | Chapter 5- Pinkie Pie | Steeling himself, Honeydew rose up from the door handle he'd been sitting on in order to rap his hoof against the door itself. "Twilight? Are you still in there? Do you need much longer?"
"Just a few more minutes, honey~" Twilight replied in a sing-song voice, causing Honeydew to glance to the clock. Though the idea of tracking the time by means other than sunlight still seemed outlandish to him, he'd practised reading these devices, and this one said that there wasn't much time left!
"What are you doing in there? The pink one wanted us to be there soon."
"A moment, Honeydew, I'm almost ready." she chuckled. "In fact, you might want to get off the door handle, I'm just about done."
As she came out, he could instantly tell that something was different about her. The way she held herself as she ran a hoof through a mane that seemed to sparkle, the look of her vibrant, purple eyes seeming more prominent than ever, framed by perfectly curved eyelashes- had they always been this long? And there was some kind of subtle coloring around them, further serving to pull one's gaze into her purple irises. Pleased to see that her coltfriend had clearly noticed, Twilight smiled. Her lips had been coated with the same glossy purple as her eyelids. "How do I look?"
"Y-you painted yourself..." he muttered, turning his wings so that he could view her from another angle. "D-did the pink pony say something about that? Is it part of the ceremony?!" swallowing, he glanced at the markings on his own coat. They were already starting to fade. Panic rose in his throat as he turned toward the clock. What to do, what would be less of an insult to the pink pony, to arrive late, or to not follow proper tradition?!
"Calm down, honey," Twilight calmly said, reaching out a hoof for him to land on. He noted that it also felt smoother than usual, freed of all the usual particles of dust and dirt that normally found their way into them. "You didn't do anything wrong, I just wanted to look a little better. So, what do you think?"
"You look great, of course. You always do." there was not a shred of doubt or insincerity in his voice as he looked up at her, his feelers twitching curiously as he leaned from side to side. "I just sometimes wish I could see all of you at once more often."
"Oh, Honeydew." she chuckled, before leaning in, carefully pursing her lips as she met his, a maneuver they were both quite familiar with. Twilight grinned as she looked down at the breezie, whose head was practically coated in vibrant purple now. "As much as I love seeing you like this, I think we should clean that up before we meet with the others, shouldn't we?"
His eyes closed, Honeydew stuck out his tongue, spitting out the fragments of color that had gotten into his mouth.
"Twilight!" the shout echoed from the rooftops as the alicorn came into view, carrying Honeydew on her back. Perched upon the cupcake-like roof of Sugarcube Corner, Pinkie called out to them, eagerly waving a pair of colorful flags tied to each of her hooves.
"Good afternoon, Pinkie." Twilight called down, chuckling at her friend's antics.
"Hi Twi, hi Honeydew." Pinkie waved once more, not paying an ounce of attention to the flag that got detached from her hoof and tumbled down the roof. "Come on in, the others are already waiting for our surprise!"
"A surprise?" Honeydew asked as the pink pony climbed through a window with surprising nimbleness.
"For you too." Twilight chuckled as she landed on the balcony and took the door.
Pinkie's bedroom, round as the cupcake it outwardly appeared to be and spacious enough to hold an entire crowd, was much cleaner than Honeydew had expected. Sure, there were a couple of balloons and streamers, objects he knew from the photos Twilight had shown him when he asked about pony parties, but this room had more in common with one in the castle than those chaotic images. There wasn't even any food. But the rumble from the door was enough to push that thought out of his head as Applejack entered the room, followed by Rainbow Dash, Rarity and... yellow-pink. Suddenly, the room didn't seem quite as big anymore. Taking a deep breath, he forced himself to stay out in the open. He already knew them! Well, most of them... Swallowing past the lump in his throat, he waved a hoof. "H-hello."
"Howdy there, ya two." Applejack grinned, exchanging a hug with Twilight. "Almost thought ya wouldn't come."
"Yeah, what took you so long." Rainbow Dash grumbled.
"It is called being fashionably late, dear." Rarity explained in a tone one would normally reserve for foals, before winking at Twilight. "And I see you've used the time well, you look gorgeous, darling!"
Trying to hide her blush, Twilight pretended to examine her wings.
"Sooo, what's this party gonna be like?" Rainbow Dash wondered, swooping through the room with a critical eye. "I'm not seeing anything party-ish here."
"An' what's up with all these toys?" Applejack wondered, poking a plastic slide that could've only been used by a doll. "Pinkie, have ya finally snapped?"
"Nope!" to her credit, the pink pony didn't seem fazed by the comment at all, instead grinning like a maniac as she jumped over her own bed. "The party is right here, you just gotta find it!"
"Uh... are ya sure that whatcha said made any sense? Cause ah'm don't think ya can't play hide 'n seek with a party."
"Of course I'm sure, silly." Pinkie giggled. "The party is riiiight here!" With that, she placed a horseshoe carton on her bed. One it's sides spelled in bright, skewed letters: 'Secret Party'. "This is the great surprise-y part!"
"I don't think we can fit in there, Pinkie..." Rainbow said, scratching her head.
"He can." Pinkie said, placing a surprised Honeydew inside the carton.
"But we can't!" the pegasus groaned.
"Maybe we caaan." Pinkie said, turning around with an expectant look. "Twiiiilight?"
The alicorn snickered as her horn glowed, the magenta aura appearing around Pinkie Pie, then the rest of them. "I think there might be a way."
Honeydew watched in wonder as the ponies he'd gotten to know as both people and living mountains seemingly fell toward the ground, their tree-trunk-like hooves losing contact with the ground as they were seemingly pulled inside of their bodies like the head of a tortoise. Though confused for a moment, it only took them a moment to spread their insectile wings and safely glide down to the ground. Pinkie Pie actually let out a cheery "Wheeee!" as she landed in the middle of the toy-slide. "So worth borrowing this from the twins!"
"Surprise~" Twilight fluttered her eyebrows as she closed his open jaw with her hoof.
"I-" Honeydew stammered, looking from one breezified pony to the other. Unable to speak, he simply threw his hooves around her, both of them laughing as she stumbled backwards.
"Heck, it's nice meetin' ya from eye ta eye." Applejack grinned, knocking her hoof on his shoulder.
"I love your feelers." Pinkie giggled.
"You look rad!" Rainbow said.
"And muscular~" Rarity purred. "I can see why Twilight picked you."
"Hey, hooves off, he's mine" Twilight chuckled.
"Oh, and I'm happy for you, darling." she pursed her lips. "Even if it makes me a little jealous."
"Stay jealous." Twilight said with finality, grabbing Honeydew's hoof. "Mine."
"If you say so, darling." Rarity rolled her eyes, joining Applejack in drinking some punch.
It was a strange experience for Honeydew to watch it, to interact and joke with these ponies like it was entirely normal! But then, it had been getting normal already, hadn't it? Between meeting up with Applejack, Rainbow and Rarity, he'd almost felt comfortable around them anyway. In a way, it was sad how much of a relief this felt like. Would the size difference always be a hindrance, always hold some feeling of dread as he spoke with them? Even Twilight could still unnerve him at times, especially when she came into view without his knowing that she was there at all.
But... now wasn't really the time to worry, right? Despite knowing little about these occasions, watching the other chat and laugh certainly suggested that this wasn't some careful ceremony where one had to worry about taking the proper steps. It seemed to just be... having fun together. Biting his lip, he watched Twilight and Rainbow Dash speak, their voices raised. His curiosity peaking, he approached the pair, who were now each placing a hoof on the table, gripping the other's.
"Props for even trying, egghead, but you're going down." Rainbow grinned.
"Don't be so certain, Dash, I've gotten plenty of workout in the breezie world." Twilight replied, adopting a gaze of pure concentration. "On three?"
"Sure, but you don't stand a chance." she chuckled lightly. "I bet I'll beat you in less than three seconds~"
"We'll see." Twilight's face could have been carved from stone for how intense she looked. "1..."
Rainbow rolled her eyes, relaxing her shoulders.
"2!" In an instant, Twilight threw all her might against Rainbow, whose eyes widened as she tried to catch herself, her hoof hovering mere inches from the table. Straining, she fought back against Twilight, but despite her efforts, the back of her hoof hit the table just a moment later.
"Y-you cheated! You said on three!" Rainbow exclaimed as Twilight stuck out her tongue. "I demand a rematch!"
"Nope." Twilight smirked. "I won fair and square."
"Oh, no you didn't!" Rainbow shouted as she chased a laughing Twilight, demanding a 'best of three'.
"Rainbow Dash, she can never let things go." Applejack smirked, glancing over to Honeydew. "Can ya believe that she challenged me for constant rematches over an entire week, just 'cause I kept beating her?"
"Then you're stronger than her?"
"Definitely. Even if she don't wanna admit it. Why? Ya wanna give it a go?" grinning, she placed her glass on the table.
"M-maybe later." he muttered, watching as Rainbow caught up to Twilight, tickling her into submission. "A-actually, rather not."
"Fair 'nough." Applejack shrugged.
Rainbow Dash eventually 'coerced' Twilight into a series of rematches. Though, to her dismay, although she won all of them, she never seemed able to fulfill her bet of a three-second victory. Unable to continue a conversation with Applejack, Honeydew watched from a distance as the ponies erupted in laughter over a joke he wouldn't have understood.
"Darling, your face looks like a downpour waiting to happen." Rarity's voice whispered in his ear, causing his head to snap around- he hadn't even noticed that she hadn't been a part of the group. With a spark of her horn, she moved over a couple of pillows before letting herself fall into one.
"I-is that a pony saying?" Honeydew muttered, taking a seat on the pillow next to her.
"It means that you look sad." she placed her cup on the ground, focusing fully on the breezie. "The others seem to be enjoying themselves, why not join them?"
"W-well, why don't you?" he stammered, glancing to the crowd, which was cheering as they put a blindfold on a shivering yellow-pink.
Rarity briskly waved a hoof. "Oh, nono, darling, these kinds of party games aren't really my forte, though I do enjoy watching the others have their fun, childish as it may be." leaning closer, she narrowed her eyes at him. "But I have a feeling that it's not the same for you. Would you like to join them, Honeydew?"
"Uhm... maybe?" he said, shimmying to a more comfortable distance to the observant unicorn. "But I don't know the game..."
"I'm sure Twilight wouldn't mind teaching you, she doesn't ever seem to tire of it." having elegantly brushed off his objection, she took a sip from her cup. "So, what is keeping you?"
"Well..." Biting his lip, he watched as yellow-pink stumbled from side to side, as if she'd drank an entire fermented berry. "It's a pony game."
"Oh, dear." Rarity sighed. "You know, Twilight came up with this whole thing to make it easier for you to talk to us."
"She did?"
"Of course, can you think of a better reason for why she and Pinkie would set this up? But that is not enough, is it? Is it because we are still enormous in your head?"
He shook his head. "It's not the size. Not just. It's not even just because you are ponies, I can speak with... one of you, at a time. But just as much as you can make me feel tiny or weak, it also makes me feel silly. When I was with Rainbow Dash on that camping trip, he thought I could find the way back, but even your forests weren't like mine. It's like I know nothing about your world."
"But afterwards, Rainbow spoke very highly of your." Rarity interjected.
"Y-yes, because during the night, I had to fight off over a dozen of those bloodsucking insects. He said it was 'chilly'."
"Cool," Rarity translated with a smirk.
"But then he pointed out that he could have just placed his pot over me and I would have been fine. I never even considered that, even though it was right there!"
"I-I'm sorry, Honeydew," Rarity interrupted with a chuckle. "But I noticed you keep referring to Dash as 'he' or 'him'. You... are aware that she's female, right?"
"She... is?" his expression turned into one of sheer, nonplussed surprise. "Really?"
"Really, dear." Rarity said, trying her hardest to suppress a decidedly unladylike laugh.
"But the voice-" With a long groan, Honeydew smacked a pillow into his own face. "You ponies are so hard to tell apart!"
"This goes right into my rumor-mill." she chuckled. But her expression fell as she watched Honeydew, his face still pressed into his pillow.
"Sometimes I wish I was still with my clan," he whispered, his voice nearly unnoticeable through the cushion's muffling effect. "Where every breezie is like me."
"Oh, dear!" Rarity gasped, as the realization dawned on her. "You're homesick!"
"I'm not sick-"
"It means you miss your home, darling." she gently patted his shoulder. "What is it you miss? Just the place? Or something else you left behind?"
"My- my duties." he muttered. "I miss being able to go into the wild by myself. To find familiar things in the forest and then watch as they do something new. I- I miss returning to the clan and telling them of a great find. I wish I could see Kalypso again and feel the hope she gives everyone around her, even if she struggles to feel the same. And I feel bad, that..." he took a long breath, closing his eyes. "That I left my sisters behind."
There was a moment of silence before Rarity spoke up. "You never told me about your family."
"Yes... only Twilight and Applejack know, but I have four sisters. Hippe, Skylla, Charybdis and Harpie."
"I suspect there's more to it?" she asked.
He gave her a quick nod. "You have to know that we task the oldest sibling to watch over the younger ones once they're old enough. Our parents moved to our mother's clan when Hippe turned ten. Since then, she's been watching out for us."
"At ten?"
"Twilight thought the same when I explained it to her." Honeydew groaned.
"But just ten years..."
"It's old enough to watch for the younger children." he claimed, crossing his hooves as his eyes darkened. "But Hippe didn't. As soon as she was allowed to leave for a scouting mission, she never came back. A year later, we find out she found herself a stallion in some other clan, and she left us behind to live with him." Leaning back, he took a long breath. "So, it fell to me to watch out for my younger sisters. But... I suppose I wasn't much better than her. I was going to be a scout, and so I was constantly out in the wild, sometimes for weeks. Leaving Skylla as the next in line. She's never forgiven me for that." shrugging, he stared at the ground. "I was angry at Hippe for so long, but look at me now. I've left them behind, just like she did."
"How- how old are they know?" Rarity asked. "You didn't leave them as ten-year olds, right?"
"No, no, Skylla is seventeen, Charybdis thirteen and Harpie eight. But it doesn't matter. I still left them!"
"Yes, you did." Rarity said. "You know, I've had an ugly fight with my sister Sweetie Belle, to the point where she didn't want to be my sister at all. I- I know it hurts. But I think the best you can do is apologize to her, and then... ask if she still wants you in her life. And if she doesn't, well... at least you're no longer trying to repair a bridge that will only break apart again."
She reached her hoof over his shoulder, waiting as he simply sat there, somberly mulling over her words.
"Twilight has been trying to find some way to let us safely visit Kalypso. I-I could probably try to speak with her, but letting it all depend on her decision..." a shiver went through his body. "That's terrifying."
"I think it's the right choice. And do keep in mind, even if she refuses, it doesn't have to mean forever. She might change her mind afterwards."
"She might not. But..." finally, he looked up, meeting her eyes with a sad smile. "Thank you for your advice. I never knew how much I needed to talk to another big brother."
"Oh, pish-posh, dear, I'm glad to help." Rarity smiled, then suddenly leaned forward to kiss his cheek, giggling as he jerked back. "Don't you worry about Twilight, darling, kisses on the cheek don't count~"
"I- uh-" stammering once more, he slowly lowered his hoof from his cheek. "S-still, thank you, Rarity."
"T'was nothing, darling." she winked. "Now go back to her, will you, I can't hog you to myself all throughout the party."
After sharing a short laugh, she waved him goodbye as he went to mingle with the others. Yet, as she went to refill her cup of punch, there was something nagging in the back of her mind. Some affront in the previous conversation that was crying for outrage. Eventually though, she shrugged it off. It couldn't have been too significant. ---
Uncertain what to say, Honeydew approached the group of Twilight, Pinkie Pie and Applejack, who were sitting and chatting in their small circle. "Uh, hi." he awkwardly forced out, interrupting something the pink pony was saying.
"Honeydew!" Twilight whirled around, a grin spreading across her face as she met his eyes. "Where have you been all this time?"
"Just talking. With Rarity." he managed a shaky smile as he watched the other two breezified ponies. "What are you doing?"
"It's called 'Truth or Dare', honey." Twilight explained. "You can play with us right now."
"O-okay." he muttered, taking a seat between Twilight and Applejack. "How does it work?"
"It's simple!" Pinkie said, her grin as large as the bottle in her hoof. "We spin this, and the pony- err, breezie it points to has to choose Truth or Dare. Then you either do what the pony who spun the bottle tells you to do or you have to answer a question. But beware," she added with a serious frown. "You must only speak the truth."
"S-so I can't lie?" he muttered, awestruck.
"Nope, not even the ittiest bitties lie." Pinkie grinned. "Now, I think it was my turn!" And with that, she set the bottle on the ground and gave it a shove, sending it spinning. And spinning... and spinning...
"Twilight?" Honeydew asked as the bottle just wouldn't come to a halt. "I wanted to ask you about when we could visit home..."
"What? You want to leave already?!" Pinkie gasped, her face as pale as the moon's surface.
"Ah think he meant his world, Pinkie." Applejack whispered. Meanwhile, Twilight seemed to ponder the question.
"I can't say for sure yet." she finally answered. "I've been running a couple tests lately, and I've been able to speak with Kalypso through the opening, but sometimes it still behaves erratically. It could take anywhere between one or three months until it opens again."
"Oh, then forget I asked..." he muttered, but before he could lower his head in defeat, Twilight's hoof reached out for his chin.
"However," she stated clearly, as she met his gaze with a smile. "Kalypso has been able to open the portal once before. And I see no reason why she wouldn't be able to do it again, especially if there is something you feel you need to do back home."
"I- thank you!" Honeydew burst out, throwing his hooves around Twilight. With a laugh, she returned the embrace, resting her head on his shoulder.
"...Ah dun fink they're watffin', Pinkie." Applejack muttered, fighting an uphill battle for her own tongue to reach over the half-way mark toward her nose.
"But- we were playing!" Pinkie moaned, wildly gesticulating to her friend's struggle with her dare.
"S-sorry." Honeydew giggled, separating himself from Twilight, apart from one hoof, which he kept draped over her back. "T-that means it's Applejack's turn to spin, right?"
"Darn right, it is~" the orange mare grinned as she shook the bottle. This time, it didn't spin for nearly as long as it did for Pinkie Pie, soon coming to a screeching halt... pointing right at Honeydew.
"Now you gotta pick between Truth or Dare." Twilight whispered in his ear as she noticed his helpless look.
"Uhm... Dare!"
"Bad choice." Applejack smirked, before brushing over her chin. "Hmmm, what do ah make ya do..." Suddenly, a devilish grin emerged on her face as she walked over to the table. "Ah dare ya ta beat Rainbow Dash in hoofwrestlin'!"
"Oooh, she wouldn't like that." Pinkie snickered.
"R-right now?" Honeydew asked, looking around for the prismatic pegasus. To absolutely no-ones surprise, she was floating in the air far above them, holding what looked like an entire miniature barrel of cider.
"Nah, later's fine. Let 'er fill herself up summore. Ain't no harm in makin' it easier for yerself~"
"Okay, you're on." Honeydew grinned before reaching for the bottle. "Uhm, truth means you cannot lie, right?"
"That's the rule." Pinkie nodded.
"A-alright." he took a deep breath, casting a quick glance at Twilight before sending the bottle into a spin, hoping as it came to rest at him... Twilight... Pinkie... Applejack... him... Twilight, inching toward Pinkie, then finally coming to a seemingly abrupt halt, exactly in the middle between the pink and purple ponies. But who is it, Honeydew thought, glancing from one to the other.
"I think it's you, Twilight." Rarity casually threw in, causing all their eyes to focus on her.
With a casual shrug, she met Honeydew's nervous look. "Truth?"
"A-alright..." Honeydew swallowed, the sudden dryness in his throat threatening to cut off his voice. "D-do you want to marry me?"
"I-I-" Caught completely off-guard, Twilight stammered, her hoof slowly wandering to her mouth in shock.
"Ooooh, my gosh, he asked!" Pinkie gasped, her breathing intensifying.
"It's a little early to speak of marriage, Honeydew." Twilight eventually said. "Ponies usually spend at least a couple years together before they make that decision... but YES!" wiping the tears from her eyes, she beamed with intense happiness. "I would love to marry you."
It was getting dark outside when the first guests began to excuse themselves. Tired, they staggered, rather than walked out of the room, having been transformed back by Twilight's magic. The alicorn herself seemed remarkably exhausted as well, having added the exertion of casting a dozen spells to her daily activities.
"Oops, you look really tired, Twi." Pinkie giggled when she let out a mighty yawn. "Wanna make it a sleepover?"
"That'd be nice, Pinkie." Twilight muttered, barely able to keep her eyes open. "But I need to get some shut-eye now."
"That's okay, Pinkie knows when to emphasize the 'sleep' in sleepover." Pinkie replied. "I'm just gonna bring up the couch and then you can get your princess slumber."
"Well, I suppose I will be going as well, then." Rarity said, shaking her head. "Two hours short of a proper beauty sleep, I am really letting myself go." However, as she reached the door, she felt something tapping against her hoof. "Yes?" she asked, smiling down at the once-more tiny breezie.
"Thank you."
"Oh, I already told you it was nothing-"
"For the bottle." he elaborated. "I saw the glimmer of your magic."
"Well..." With a grin, she lowered her voice so only he could hear her. "Let's say I gave you an opportunity. And you did more with it than I could have imagined. Now, I think you should join your marefriend in bed. You'll want all the strength you can get before you two discuss the wedding~"
And with that, she left the room, leaving Honeydew and Twilight (who had already begun to snore) alone. He awkwardly waved his hoof, despite knowing she wouldn't see it. I really am between worlds now, he quietly thought to himself. Even if Twilight would live with me and my clan, I'd miss him. The pony friend who has my back. |
Apple Pie | pre | > Subterfuge
Pain. Terrible, head-splitting, brain-twisting pain. This is what Pinkie Pie felt as each of her senses returned to her in full force all at once, like a mob of obese ponies in line at Sugarcube Corner on Half-Price Pie Day. Touch trampled all over her sensitive head, which had hit the ground quite hard at some point, and was swiftly elbowed to the side by sight, which assaulted her eyeballs with unnaturally bright pastel colors and the intensity of the afternoon sun. Sound pumped up the metaphorical jam and amplified the voices of her friends circled around her, trying to see if she was okay. Even Fluttershy's voice became incredibly and intolerably loud. Taste and smell kind of hung out to the side, waiting for the hoopla to die down. But you know those guys, they never contribute to anything unless there's food involved.
Pinkie sat up with a start to see that Applejack was in a similar state as she lay beside her on the cobblestone pavement. She looked past the circle of her worried friends as a distinct pile caught her eye. Laying in an amalgamated heap of different animal parts was none other than the Prince of Potpourri, the Shogun of Slapstick, The Earl of Entropy, (shall I go on? NO? very well.) ~***~Discord~***~.
Upon closer inspection, however, Pinkie Pie gasped in horror as she beheld the pool of red staining the ground beneath the forlorn draconequus. A rush of adrenaline propelled her onto her feet in order to blow right past her concerned friends. She approached Discord's body anxiously as she got closer, now noticing the stump where his goat horn had snapped off, and the blackened and frayed patches of hair on his elongated torso. As she beheld his sorry state, she forced back the lump that was growing in her throat ans circled around his back to get a better look at his face.
She braced herself for the worse as she closed her eyes, wiping away the tears forming there as she pried them back open to behold Discord's face...
Totally fine.
He laid on the ground before Pinkie with a defeated scowl sprawled across his face. Defeated, but definitely alive. All of the anxiety flew out of Pinkie as she turned around to see her friends helping a now unconscious Applejack over to Discord and her. "Wow, what did you guys do to him?"
Twilight, who was splattered wit the same incriminating red liquid and sporting a few singed spots in her mane, huffed as she set Applejack down gently to the ground. "Well, when I saw he was distracted by that totem that you and AJ were trapped inside, I got everypony to team up so we could execute a surprise advance, starting with a strategic-"
"Twilight bashed him with an ice spell, and I dive-bombed him with a two-point-barrel-buck-blitz while he was distracted! Snapped his horn clean off!" Rainbow Dash brought her hooves down in front of her in a snapping motion.
Pinkie Pie winced as she looked back at the jagged stump protruding from his head. "That had to hurt... it'll grow back, right?"
Discord laconically retorted from his position on the ground. "Hm? Oh yeah. Whatever." He stuck a thumb into his mout and blew until his cheeks puffed out to either side. Like an inflating party balloon, his missing horn instantly grew back to its original state. He then sighed deeply and traced a claw along the ground in little circles.
Rarity shouldered her way to the front of the group to signal everypony's attention in her usual flamboyant manner. "Oh, but Rainbow Dash darling, you forgot the most riveting part! Why, I've never seen such an intense game of chess in all my years!"
"And Twilight won?"
"Why, naturally, darling! She is quite the strategic mastermind!"
Pinkie Pie looked back and forth between the apathetic Discord and the singed Twilight. Before she could ask her question, Discord let out a low grumble and spat out a preemptive reply. "She cheated me, that's how! I've never seen such a dishonorable use for a ketchup bomb in all my life! Which is quite long, mind you!" He sighed and dropped back into his defeated pose, muttering under his breath. "Beaten by a pony... beaten by a simple little pony... me, beaten by a pony..."
Twilight coughed nervously as Discord's mutterings fell away into awkward silence. "Anyway, Princess Celestia will arrive shortly, ready to depart with one extra statue. That is, of course, when Applejack wakes up."
Pinkie Pie kicked at the ground and lowered her voice to a whisper as she approached Twilight and her four friends. "Um, actually, I wanted to talk about that with you guys." She pointed over her shoulder to Discord. "But, in private."
Twilight eyed Pinkie speculatively before reigning the group in a tight circle and casting a thin bubble of magic around them. "Alright, this is a soundproof spell, we're now perfectly concealed. Now, what did you want to talk about, Pinkie?"
Pinkie scratched the back of her head and then took in a deep breath before continuing. "I don't think we should turn Discord back to stone!"
The uproar of disagreement from her surrounding friends was placated by Twilight's upraised hoof. "Now girls, however far-fetched this idea sounds, Pinkie obviously has a reason she thinks this is the most prudent course of action. Right, Pinkie?"
Pinkie listlessly kicked at the ground some more while staring at the ground. "When I was in that totem, Discord started talking to us. But, I saw you guys trying to ambush him in the background, so I started talking him up to distract him, you know? He was so happy I wanted to talk to him about chaos! He said he hadn't talked to anyone like that in like, forever! But then... he looked so sad when he figured out I was just listening to distract him... I just think all he really needs is a friend, you know? Someone who can talk to him about stuff so he doesn't have to hurt ponies for fun!"
Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes and scoffed. "Pinkie, this is Discord! Do you really think he's just gonna' leave us alone because he made some friends? He's pure, unrated chaos! As long as he's out in the open he's gonna' make trouble, so the only choice we have is to turn him back to stone." Rainbow folded her legs in front of her and hovered in place.
The group was silent for a moment as furtive glances were thrown around inside the bubble. Looking around desperately for an ally, Pinkie's eyes alighted on Fluttershy as she gasped in triumph. If anything, her innate kindness would translate to a little compassion for Discord. "Fluttershy! You haven't said your opinion yet!"
Looking up suddenly from behind the curtain of her mane, Fluttershy looked around nervously at the expectant face of Pinkie Pie, and the questioning and rather intimidating faces of the other three ponies. "Well, um, gee, I don't know..." Her gaze shot past Pinkie and caught the figure of Applejack, standing now, with her back against the soundproof bubble. "I think we should wait and hear what Applejack has to say!"
* * *
Applejack opened her eyes as soon as she felt a sticky cold substance start to seep into her side. She awoke with a shock and put a hoof to her side reflexively. When she saw her hoof was covered in a red liquid, she tentatively brought it up to her tongue and cautiously tasted it. She jerked back in surprise at the savory taste of tomatoes. "Ketchup? What the hay?"
A deep sigh from somewhere behind her caused her to jump in surprise. Looking over her shoulder, she saw a forlorn Discord moping on the cobblestone street. She backpedaled a few feet away in shock until she fell on her flank. After a few minutes her fear began to drain away as he held the position and showed no signs of getting up. She trotted over to him and poked him with a hoof. "Hey, ain't you supposed to be makin' a mess of things or somthin'? What gives, why are ya' mopin' around?"
Discord swatted her hoof away and crossed his forelegs sullenly. "What's the point? You miserable little ponies ruin my fun every time I come around here! I knew I should have started off with Manehatten this time."
Applejack scratched her head and looked at him puzzlingly. "What'd they do to ya' to take the vinegar out of ya' like this? I thought nothin' short of turnin' ya' to stone would stop yer' maniacal rampage."
Discord grumbled loudly and rolled over to face Applejack. "She beat me, okay?! Twilight Sparkle, an insignificant little pony, beat Discord, Lord of Chaos, in a chess match! She had the gall to cheat before I could, and hit me with a ketchup bomb so she could check mate me at the last move!" After receiving only more puzzled looks from Applejack, he continued. "Why do you think I chose to come to Ponyville, of all places, when I could easily cause ten times more chaos in a crowded city like Fillydelphia, or Manehatten? All I ever wanted was to rustle your jimmies and then make you six obnoxious technicolor mules concede to defeat at the hand of a superior being! But as you've shown me quite clearly today, I'm obviously not even capable of defeating a pony just shy of three thousand years my junior at a simple game of chess!"
Discord rolled over so that he faced the other way and sighed deeply once more. "I'm done. I'm not fighting you ponies anymore. Turn me to stone, I don't care. What's the point of living if I chaos isn't fun anymore?"
"What? I thought you loved chaos!" Applejack sat down by Discord with a huff. "I think yer' bein' just a mite dramatic, dontcha' think? You can't up and denounce chaos just cuz' Twilight beat ya' at chess! She cheated, so it was hardly a fair match! You woulda won fer' sure if it was fair!"
Discord looked skeptically at Applejack over his shoulder and squinted his eyes. "Why are you consoling me? I'm the bad guy, and you're the good guy, remember? I'm the one who inadvertently switched your body with that of your friend, causing you heaps of emotional strife! Why are you taking my side?"
"Wait, how did you do that, exactly? The totem, I mean."
"Oh, that was nothing. I just made sure the pink one liked the totem, and she did the rest. A very simple low level compulsion spell. Now, if you would, answer my question. Why are you and the pink one being nice to me?"
Applejack lifted her hat and scratched at her mane, which had gotten stained in a few spots with ketchup. "I can't explain it, but somehow Pinkie Pie," she said, emphasizing the name in the hopes of making it stick. ", has it in her head that yer' worth givin' a second, or in this case I reckon a third, chance. She was all tore up over leadin' you on like that in the totem."
Quite suddenly, Discord's sour expression turned into a teary puppy-eyed visage. "Really?"
"Really really!"
After a few seconds, Discord caught himself and returned to his sour expression of distaste. "I mean, I don't care!"
Applejack chuckled and rolled her eyes. "Anyways, when you've been through the wringer and back with somepony, you come to trust their reasonin' to a certain degree. I reckon if Pinkie's okay with ya', then I can at least give ya' a chance. Besides, if you betray me, I can always just turn yer' sorry ass back to stone, right?"
Discord gave a nervous little laugh and tried to hide his discomfort under a nonchalant veil. "Right, you know I might have been just a little rash with all the 'don't care if you turn me to stone' nonsense. It was just the heat of the moment, I suppose, heh heh... So, what will be done with me, anyways?"
Applejack sighed and tipped her hat back. "Well, I'm willin' to let this all slide, s'long as you fix the town and promise not to muck everything up. But I'm not so sure my friends will be so forgivin'."
For some reason, Applejack had entirely forgotten that she could see none of her friends around, which was highly unusual. She stood up and started looking around for them. "Hey, speakin' of which, were'd everypony go?"
Discord, now propping his chin on his paws pointed behind him with his tail. Applejack turned around to see the incredibly obvious dome of bright purple magic that she had somehow not noticed, probably because she is very observant. Her friends were all standing inside and looking out at her. Before she could say anything, however, she found herself being pulled forward by an invisible force until she had penetrated the magic bubble and stood front and center in the now crowded circle of her friends. "Ya'll mind tellin' me what's goin' on here?"
Pinkie Pie abruptly threw her hooves around Applejack's legs and stared up at her with pleading eyes. "AJ! You were just talking to Discord, right? You remember seeing him when we were in the totem, right? Sad eyes, second chance, love and harmony and acceptance, right?!"
Twilight stepped forward and tried to pry Pinkie away from Applejack as gently as possible. "AJ, for some reason Pinkie thinks Discord deserves another chance. Do you think that's true?"
Applejack pushed up her hat and nodded sagely to the group. "That's right." She ignored the confused and defiant outbursts from Rainbow Dash and Rarity and continued. "I'm not real sure if he's gonna' behave or not if we let him loose, but I say there's only one way to find out, and that's to give 'im a second chance. Plus, we can always turn him back to stone iffin' he acts up, right?"
Applejack and Pinkie, who was still grovelling at Applejack's hooves, looked pleadingly at the other four in the group, who were all casting unsure glances at each other, all except for Rainbow Dash, who folded her forehooves staunchly against her body coupled with a face that bespoke grim determination.
After some uncomfortable silence, Rarity stepped forth and produced a torn half of a dress from her saddlebags. "I'm sorry dears, but I can't in good conscience let that brute run free so he can commit heinous crimes such as this!" She thrust the torn garment further through the air. "THAT is just the icing on the cake of the rest of my stock once Discord got his filthy hands on them!"
Rainbow Dash floated forward and filled the space Rarity made as she stepped back. "Yeah guys, you should really get off the crazy wagon and face the facts! Discord's all about chaos, and he'll never be safe enough to let out on his own!"
All present turned towards Fluttershy for the next vote in the impromptu consensus. She was now visibly shaking as she looked between Applejack and Pinkie and the rest of the group. Both sides gave her pleading lances, which only caused her to become even more nervous before she finally spoke up. "I-I-I don't think Discord is safe! I'm sorry, but I just think he might, well... he's probably still really bad. I say, we turn him to stone, I guess."
Applejack looked back to Twilight, along with Pinkie, whose eyes were starting to tear up. She cast her gaze downward while she spoke. "I'm sorry guys, but the majority wins. Plus, I already contacted Princess Celestia, and she'll be here shortly to receive him. I know you think he's capable of assimilating to a chaos-free lifestyle, but we can't take any chances if we don't know for sure, which we don't." Twilight looked back up at the two ponies as she dismissed the soundproofing bubble. "I hope you two aren't mad at us, but its for the best, you'll see."
The others dispersed from the bubble in order to circle up around Discord. Meanwhile, Pinkie lay on the ground and close to tears as her hair began to go flat. Applejack put a hoof on her shoulder, a determined gaze set in Twilight's direction. This was far far from over. She leaned down and whispered silently in Pinkie's ear. Pinkie went from sad to curious to positively elated as Applejack conversed with her in secret. She motioned for Pinkie to stay quite and gave her a knowing wink. Pinkie, almost full to bursting with excitement struggled to keep quiet and regain her composure so she could look genuinely sad, a feat which was almost impossible in her current state.
Twilight poke Discord in the side, which elicited a small yelp. "Alright, Discord, let's get a move on. The Princess will be here to pick you up in less than half an hour."
Discord gave her a wolfish grin as he sprung to his hind legs. "Pick me up? Are we going out on a date? But this is so sudden!"
She growled and turned away, motioning for everyone to circle up and start moving. The six friends stood in a six-pointed star formation with Discord at the center, who was walking along compliantly yet warily. "Sooo... why haven't you guys turned me to stone yet?"
Twilight made an indignant noise at him and addressed him without turning around. "Because the Princess' carriage is meeting us at the East gate. And because I don't feel like hauling half a ton of stone across town."
Discord laughed nervously and then reverted to total silence. The formation walked him along through the streets of ruined Ponyville and out through the town square which was littered with broken carts and other such detritus. Quickly and discretely, Applejack tapped Discord's tail, which hung limply in front of her. He jumped slightly and slid his eyes around the back of his head quite disturbingly. Applejack, despite the unsettling spectacle, lifted her hat and gave him a knowing wink. After a brief second of confusion, the eyes on the back of Discord's head caught a glimpse of the object under the hat and lit up with understanding, winking back at her before sliding back around to the front of his face.
Twilight may be good at chess, but it looks like Applejack has her ace in the hole. Which, now that she thinks about it, is not a very apt expression to use for a chess analogy. A forward knight, perhaps? No, that's not it. Applejack was never any good at chess. She would think of something though...
* * *
Applejack stood just behind Discord at the East gate to Ponyville, which had been turned into chocolate at some point. She shifted her hooves anxiously as the landscape around them became absolutely quiet. For some reason, there were no ponies in sight, and the ones she had seen had been shacked up in a few makeshift shelters made from the scraps of their destroyed homes. Finally, a glinting speck of gold and silver appeared in the horizon, heading straight for Ponyville at an impressive pace.
As the outline of the Princess grew, Applejack caught Discord's eye and gave him a curt nod which he returned silently. After a few minutes of tense silence and Twilight straightening the tiara on her head more than seven times, the Princess finally touched down in a carriage with a team of eight pegasi guards, two for her personal carriage and six for the trailer carriage fitted with a magnificent stone plinth. The Princess alighted from her carriage and walked gracefully to the group of ponies, nodding deeply to each in turn.
"Good afternoon, Twilight. I suppose you know were Discord is at the moment?"
Twilight gave the Princess a strange look and continued. "Um... yes. He's standing right behind me!"
The Princess responded by raising an eyebrow at her student. "Is he?"
Twilight frantically turned around to find a cardboard cutout that sported a crudely drawn caricature of Discord, which was knocked over by a light gust of wind.
Twilight began to hyperventilate as she searched in each direction for the escapee. "I-I-I... but he was RIGHT THERE!!! I know it! Girls, where did he go? You had to have seen him, WHERE DID HE GO?!!"
The group of ponies turned their attention to the space where Discord had been, eliciting several gasps from the group. "My goodness, Twilight, look! The town, it's-it's..."
"Fixed!" Exclaimed Pinkie. The town behind them was indeed intact as if the entire ordeal hadn't even happened. Groups of ponies stumbled blearily out of their repaired homes and looked about as if awoken from a deep sleep. If Twilight were just a few inches shorter, her jaw would have been dragging along the ground.
The Princess turned her gaze to Applejack and Pinkie Pie over the rejoicings of Rarity, who had found the dress in her saddlebags completely restored. She stared at them enigmatically as Applejack shifted her hat, which was suspiciously more bulbous than normal. She caught their gazes, which became worried and frantic as her eyes bore down on them. After a few intense seconds, however, she gave them a discrete wink and a slight smile, which allowed them to release the collective breath they had been holding.
"Well, Twilight, girls, I believe you have everything under control here. Just contact me if you have further trouble. I would like to stay, but Royal business and all that, you know how it goes." The Princess mounted her carriage and nodded to the team of guards, who pulled away at her command.
Applejack lifted her hat ever so slightly and she and Pinkie shared a victorious hoof-bump. Twilight, meanwhile, had slumped down to her haunches and continued to stare at the repaired town and the ponies who were slowly but surely returning to their everyday routines.
Applejack and Pinkie trotted merrily through the town as the rest of their friends tried to raise Twilight from her stupor. "Hey AJ, tea for three at my place?"
Applejack patted the bulge in her hat and sidled up closer to Pinkie as she pronked along the cobblestones. "That sounds mighty fine, Pinkie ol' pal."
* * *
> Epilogue
The service bell rang as Pinkie Pie pushed open the door to Sugarcube Corner, struggling to fit a large rectangular frame through the door. She managed to finally fit it through and then hopped up the stairs past the kitchen in her peculiar way. She gently opened the door to her room and trotted towards the little wooden box that was bathed in afternoon sunlight. She set the square frame against her dresser and carefully pushed her door closed so as not to attract the attention of the Cakes, who should be closing up shop right about now.
She walked over to the wooden box and gently lifted the lid, revealing a small wooden carving inside. She picked it up slowly and set it down gingerly on a nearby stool.She raised a hoof to tap the wooden totem but stopped midway as she heard the stairs creaking as somepony approached her room.
She tip-hoofed carefully to the door and placed her ear in the middle of the wooden surface. She just barely heard a faint *tap*-*tap*tap*-*tap*tap* coming from the other side and pushed the handle down excitedly. Standing on the other side of the door was none other than Applejack, a scroll clutched in her mouth.
She led Applejack in to the room and silently closed the door behind her as Applejack spat out the scroll and began breaking the seal. "Ya'll should've seen the look on Spike's face when he delivered this! He looked about as confused as a rattlesnake in a barrel!"
Pinkie raised her eyebrow in an inquisitive manner. "So, you don't feel bad about lying to Spike?"
Applejack huffed indignantly and waved a dismissive hoof. "I don't lie. I just... didn't tell him the truth. Besides, it's our letter, and none a' his business any way ya' look at it."
Pinkie resumed smiling and sighed wearily. "Yeah I guess. But the whole 'sneaking around' stuff is losing its charm pretty fast, am I right? It's like, if I don't tell someone I'm gonna burst!" To further punctuate her exclamation, she set off a hidden blast of confetti that exploded somewhere behind her.
Applejack 'tsked and brushed the colorful paper pieces from the letter. "We'll tell 'em all, when the time is right. But you know what'll happen if Twilight finds out any time soon."
Pinkie gave a confirmatory nod. "I know, she's going all out! You can't even kick a rock without hitting one of her matrix-crystal thingies! And whenever she steps out of her library, she's muttering to herself with her face in some book! Well... more so than usual, I mean."
Applejack sighed and flattened out the scroll on the floor with her hoof. "Well, let's see what the Princess has to say, and we'll figure out what to do from there."
Pinkie nodded emphatically and trotted over to look at the letter laid flat on the floorboards. The Princess' flowing script came up to meet them with a slight orange tint in the ink.
Dear Applejack and Pinkie Pie,
As you probably know full well by now, I am aware of that little stunt you pulled last week. Do not be alarmed if somepony other than yourselves happens upon this letter, for as you will see, I have very carefully attuned the ink I used to your own personal essences. You won't believe how difficult it was to lock on to just two of the Elements for the spell, but I'm sure that's a conversation more suited for Twilight's taste as I'm sure you'll agree. Anyways, to put your minds at ease, I am simply informing you that I do not plan to reveal the information of Discord's whereabouts unless given your full consent. I am taking a very large risk in trusting you both in the respect that you know exactly what you are doing. No doubt, Twilight is fervently searching for him as we speak, but I have a few assignments that might put her mind elsewhere and give you two some respite. Although I do trust both of your judgments, I will still require you to bring Discord to Canterlot as soon as you can for an evaluation. Hopefully whatever you are doing to him has finally brought out the good within him that I had been searching for all those years he was imprisoned in the royal gardens, because I have some very important plans for him if he is willing to comply. As for your reply letter, simply attach it to the inside of this letter, break open the seal and pour the contents on top of the two letters. Then simply set it on fire and it should return to me as intended.
Your Princess and friend,
---Celestia
Pinkie finished reading the letter and clapped her hooves together happily. "Great! That takes care of that! We'll go see the Princess in Canterlot some day this week, and then we'll figure it all out from there! Wow, it feels good to have a plan!"
Applejack got up and searched for some writing supplies on Pinkie's cluttered desk across the room. "You got that right! I'll start that reply letter now, how's next Thursday?" Applejack turned casually towards the large covered rectangle resting against the dresser and poked a hoof in its direction. "Say, whatcha' got there?"
Pinkie approached the totem on the stool and tapped it in the secret code she and Applejack established. "It's a present for our little friend!"
After tapping the totem, it vibrated violently for a split second and then lit up to display two asymmetrical yellow eyes. A disembodied voice echoed through the room, seemingly from nowhere. "You rang?"
Pinkie nodded ecstatically and pranced over to the covered rectangular frame. "I got you a super special 'haven't destroyed anypony's life in three days' present! I haggled it from my new painter friend Black Easel for a hooffull of beads and a poem about a flower!" She grabbed the canvas covering and pulled it away to reveal a large painting about a pony and a half high and two ponies long. The immaculate white canvas was splattered with an array of different shades of blue red and orange in seemingly random splatters and streaks. Applejack frowned deeply and tilted her head to the side at the 'modern art' that the fancy ponies seemed to be all about these days.
The little yellow eyes lit up, coupled with an elated gasp. "Oh my stars! I love it! Look at how the blue accentuates the fragility of society across the powerful strokes of the red establishment of government! And the orange, so brash and intrusive! I feel so naughty just looking at it!" Applejack tried tilting her head to the other side, but found none of whatever Discord was seeing in this painting. In fact, she used the word 'painting' very loosely. If asked before hand, she would have guessed a couple of mischievous foals had been throwing paint at each other and the canvas got in the way. "Oh, Pinkie Pie, you've outdone yourself! I'm making this the center piece of my sitting room!"
Before Applejack could ask the obvious question, the painting began to rattle in its frame until it was sucked into a space no bigger than a coin before disappearing into the totem. She trotted over to the totem and stared into the hole in space that was torn open right in front of her. Inside, she could see a cozy little sitting room, complete with a lush looking green couch, which Discord sat upon, and numerous other furniture arranged tastefully and stylishly around the area of the sunken pit surrounded by curving light brown walls, one of which bore the painting that Pinkie had brought. "Huh, I guess I was expectin' somethin' a little more chaotic."
Discord chuckled lightly and snapped his fingers. "Oh, you're just looking at it from the wrong angle." Immediately, the room turned a full 90 degrees as the walls and furniture began to elongate and stretch into blank nothingness behind them. It happened so fast that Applejack had to look away before the spectacle started to hurt her eyes.
Applejack walked back to the writing desk, shaking off all the strange things which she had just witnessed. She rolled up their reply letter in the original and turned around to face Pinkie. "Alright, where's the fireplace?"
"I don't have a fireplace! Just use the fire-pit!"
Applejack looked around, not seeing anything. As she turned back to the center of the room, she saw an inexplicable ring of bricks with a metal bowl in the center that had not been there a second ago. She then looked up at the ceiling to see that it was perfectly flat with no smoke holes. "We can't burn this in here! How are we gonna' vent the smoke? Wait, have you been usin' this thing without a ventilation hole?"
In response, Pinkie simply tilted her head and kept smiling in the same fashion as usual. Applejack sighed and walked over to the left-most wall where the window was set, sighing as she opened it up. Hopefully, they wouldn't die of smoke inhalation before the letter was sent.
After placing the rolled up letters in the charred fire pit, Applejack took the enlarged seal that the letter came with and bit one end of it. She then carefully pinched her hooves together on the opposite end and tore open the seal, making sure not to let any of the strange green liquid inside escape into her mouth. After sufficiently soaking the letters, she took out a box of matches from her saddlebags, lit one of them, and threw it into the pit, praying to Celestia it would work. After a few anxious seconds of waiting, the parchment began to burn around the edges before igniting into a bright green fire that covered the entire scroll without burning it further. After a few more anticipating seconds, the fire around the scroll flickered out before imploding into a tiny ball of green fire that shot out of the open window like a flaming sparrow. Surprisingly enough, Applejack knew exactly what a burning sparrow looked like, after having seen one fly out of her barn on a completely different occasion in which it was on fire. For some reason, that barn was fairly prone to disaster.
Applejack wafted the familiar draconic scent away from her nose while looking back at an ecstatic Pinkie. "Wow! That just might be cooler than when Spike does it! We gotta' get the Princess to send secret letters more often!"
Applejack snickered at Pinkie's enthusiasm and walked over to Discord's totem. "Hey, fella. You get all that from the letter?"
Discord's eyes made an indignant little noise and turned a 360. "Are you implying that I was reading over your shoulder? Because that's a very rude thing to do!"
Applejack stared at him, her mouth set in a hard line. He sighed and rolled his eyes again. "Okay, Thursday's good for me as well. Thanks for asking before sending the letter off, by the way."
Applejack ignored his cynicism and raised an eyebrow at him. "You're not afraid to go up b'fore the Princess? Not even a little anxious?"
"Oh no. In fact, Celest' has been rather polite ever since... oh, I'd say about eight hundred years after my initial imprisonment. Of course her ramblings about 'friendship this' and 'yadda yadda harmony that' got a tad irritating after about three hundred years or so, but she at least kept my statue clean when she wasn't there trying to bore me to death with one of your friendship adventures." His eyes quickly shrunk in an almost apologetic fashion before adding, "No offense to you, of course."
Applejack smiled, an action which was reflected deep within herself. It seemed, for now at least, that she had made the right decision in allowing Discord clemency. After all, if she were in Discord's horseshoes, she would definitely not feel too comfortable standing trial before the powerful entity that had imprisoned her thousands of years ago, who was also the mentor of the pony whose friends had the capacity to turn her to stone at the twitch of a tail. Of course, if the past was any indicator, Discord was much too complex to fully understand. But if Applejack had learned anything from the past, it was that trusting her instincts usually had good results...
...usually.
"Ya' know what, Discord? I think we're gonna' be A-okay."
Pinkie bounded up next to her and draped a leg over her shoulder. "And how!"
Discord let loose an overly amused chuckle at the two mares before him. "Oh, come now, we can't end it like this! How heart-warming and cliche! Where's the intrigue? The unanswered questions? The ambiguously spinning top!"
"Oh dagnabit, just shut up and bring it in for a group hug!"
Discord sighed and sullenly removed himself from the totem. He sat on the floor, his arms folded as he draped his draconic tail over the two friends. "Fine, have it your way."
~*~THE END~*~ |
Spike's Polyamorous Honeymoon | pre | "I am sure she is aware of her position~. Besides, she is much more capable than us after all the feats that she pulled against our foes~. She even helped us turn Discord back into a statue after defeating that terrible trio back in Canterlot~." Luna said as she walked back over to Spike's side.
"Too true~. That Draconequus needed to answer for his crimes of empowering our foes~. Plus, he was a prick to begin with~." Celestia added before smooshing Spike back into Luna's equally gigantic chest.
Spike moaned like a baby while he continued to suck away at Celestia's breasts and he continued to enjoy it. But he started to get full and wasn't sure if he could continue. But just as he was about to tap out, the Sun Princess pulls away and asks,
"Would you be a dear and give me a good rimming while I do some light reading~?"
"Mm-hmm." Spike nodded in compliance as Luna laid him into her lap.
After getting comfy-cozy into Luna's lap, Celestia moved her huge ass into Spike's face while she took the letters from her sister. Wasting no time, Spike buried his face into her ass and started giving her analingus. Celestia moaned from the pleasure that she received while reading and she could hardly contain the ecstasy she felt from feeling her son's forked tongue licking the walls of her anus. But while she continued to read, Luna proceeded to spank her.
"Ow~! Lulu~!" Celestia shouted from the spank.
"Whatever is the matter, Tia~? You allow Spike to spank you~." Luna teased as she took Spike's hand to grope her older sister's ass.
"Yes, but your spanks sting too much~." the Sun Princess whined before shoving her ass back into Spike's face.
Deciding to take this opportunity, Luna moved Spike out of the way and proceeded to give her sister a good rimming as well. Whether it was intentional or not, Spike went underneath his adoptive mother and went back to sucking her on her tits.
"No fair~! I want a taste of you too, sister~!" Celestia said in a pouty voice.
"Later, dear sister~. I get a turn since you always get the upper hand on me~. Besides, you look rather adorable when you lactate~." Luna said while licking her stepsister's anus.
Meanwhile, Spike continued to grope and suck on Celestia's breasts as the milk continued to leak out of her nipples. But the latter was on the verge of collapsing and she wanted to fall right back asleep after feeling her energy begin to wane from this sexual experience. And she was already on the verge of cumming from having her anus be toyed with. But then Luna decided to finger her pussy.
"Luna~! As your sister, I~... Oh no~... Ahn~!!!!" Celestia erotically shouted before collapsing on top of Spike.
When she took her mouth away from her sister's anus, Luna playfully sucked on Celestia's butt-cheek before pulling away and spanking her. She got off the bed and moved towards the TV.
"Why not lie down for a bit while I play some GameCube, Tia~? Samus Aran is beckoning me to play~." Luna said as she grabbed Metroid Prime with her magic while turning on the console.
Spike wanted to leave and get breakfast, but Celestia kept a tight grip on the Dragon Prince as she hugged him like a body pillow. They slept for most of the day while Luna continued to play Metroid Prime for the entire day while the rest of the mares were spending time with one another. |
Spike's Polyamorous Honeymoon | Big News | Sometime later the next day, Spike was called over by Honey Glaze to meet up with Celestia and Luna inside the bedroom chambers by himself. He had no idea what they needed him for, but it wouldn't be important if they didn't need to see him alone in the first place. So while everypony else along with his friends were playing in the pool on a hot sunny day, the Dragon Prince was sitting down as the two societal unicorns started to explain themselves.
"Spike... Cadance was called back to the Crystal Empire. Do you understand why?" Luna asked in a serious voice.
"Shining Armor...?" Spike asked in a nervous manner.
"He and Cadance are going to be getting a divorce. I'm sure you understand why." Celestia said in an ashamed tone.
"It wasn't like I wanted to fuck her. She came onto me first. I didn't even know she arrived here yesterday morning." Spike said in a defensive tone.
"We know you didn't want to sleep with her. But it's happening. And Shining Armor felt every itch to make a suit out of you." Celestia said while still distressed over the situation.
"Twilight had to give him a king's ransom of the Canterlot vault, just so that he wouldn't come down to the villa and fillet you. But he's unwilling to forgive you and he took Flurry Heart with him." Celestia explained even further.
"Good. I think she'd do better with him than with her mother..." Spike said in a depressed tone.
Seeing that they have now ridden Spike with guilt, the Royal Sisters walked over and hugged him while he brooded over the realization that he caused a divorce between the family.
. . .
Starlight and Trixie watched from behind the door and they were quite shocked to say the least. They never would've thought that the Love Princess would have a divorce with her long-time husband and friend. They didn't even want to imagine what Twilight was thinking while she was still in Canterlot.
"Jeez. Spike will have a lot to answer for when he sees Shining Armor." Starlight whispered while overhearing the conversation.
"I'd give it a year or so until Shining Armor's anger dies down a bit. I got a feeling that he wouldn't be in a talking mood. Especially with a dragon who can't seem to keep in his pants." Trixie whispered in a foreboding tone.
"Trixie, this is all Spike knows. He didn't choose this lifestyle. It was given to him. There was no way he'd-"
Just then, the door was opened and the Royal Sisters looked down at the spies who now cowered in terror.
"Should we be given a reason why we shouldn't punish you for this foolish act...?" Celestia asked in a scary voice.
"W-We were just passing by." Starlight said before grabbing Trixie and teleporting away.
. . .
Having teleported near the beach, Starlight and Trixie breathed a collective sigh of relief from leaving the quarters of the Royal Sisters.
"Should we be worried about Spike...? He doesn't seem to be taking it well." Starlight asked, feeling uneasy over his situation.
"Eh, that's a story we'll hear another time~. Let's just focus on us for the time being~." Trixie flirted before pulling her girlfriend in for a kiss.
"I hope everything turns out okay for him. He seemed to be in turmoil after hearing the news of the divorce." Starlight bemoaned after breaking away from the kiss.
"He'll be fine~. There's nothing that Spike can't power through after spending all his time with Twilight~." Trixie assured before pulling her back in for another kiss.
"You're right..." Starlight responded before kissing her girlfriend back.
The pair embraced each other and continued to kiss each other before falling into the sand. Tackling Starlight, Trixie proceeded to suck on her tits as she started to moan while feeling the tip of her horn getting licked. Moving her hand down, Trixie started to finger Starlight as she slowly made her way down to Starlight's crotch before proceeding to lick her pussy.
"Oh, your pussy is so tasty~." Trixie flirted as she gave Starlight cunnilingus.
"Oh~. Please don't stop~." Starlight begged before seeing Trixie's lower body on top of her face.
Already thinking what the light-blue unicorn was thinking, the light-pink unicorn grabbed her girlfriend's ass and proceeded to lick her pussy as well. They spent a good forty-five minutes satisfying themselves while enjoying the feel of the ocean hitting their skin. They just couldn't let each other go, no matter how hard the ocean pushed them. But it wouldn't be long until Trixie got up and grabbed Starlight's leg before pressing her pussy against hers.
"Oh yes~! Give me this~!" Starlight moaned while feeling her pussy get rubbed on.
"Coming right up~!" Trixie shouted while rubbing her pussy as well.
In spite of the ocean and constantly getting stared at by the other mares, they just couldn't let go of each other. They moaned and rubbed against each other in tribadism. In fact, they were aroused even more. This moment was too much of a delight and they found it insatiable.
"Everypony is staring at us~. You can feel their eyes all around us~." Starlight moaned while feeling their looks.
"Let them look~. It just goes to show how much we love each other~." Trixie proclaimed as she felt herself ready to orgasm.
They began rubbing each other's pussies even harder. They moaned and panted harder upon feeling the pressure inside them build up as the ocean got them wet. No longer holding it in, the two unicorn mares orgasmed all over each other on the beach and everypony watched while it happened. They fell on the sand and panted before the mares started splashing them. Still having the energy to keep going, Starlight and Trixie got up and proceeded to splash the mares as they decided to have fun.
. . .
The next morning, Spike and the Royal Sisters got dressed and teleported over to the Crystal Empire to help with the divorce between Princess Cadance and Prince Shining Armor. |
Spike's Polyamorous Honeymoon | Walk on the Beach | One week later, Spike and the Royal Sisters returned to the villa where they were greeted by the mares as well as their friends when they came back from their important meeting in the Crystal Empire. But to their surprise, Cadance was also with the arriving party as they made their way back inside. But she seldom spoke to them after making it back to the villa as the Dragon Prince went back into the bedchambers with the Royal Sisters following suit before locking the doors. Honey Glaze and Coconut watched the whole thing and had no idea what to think.
"Oh my. Did you see the looks on their faces?" Coconut asked after watching the doors close.
"I know. It was so hard to watch. Normally, they're happy-go-lucky and ready to sleep with us. But what I am most curious about is why did Cadance join them?" Honey Glaze asked.
"Who knows. But right now, she seems to be playing with Spike and the Royal Sisters. I can only hope she ended the marriage on good terms with Shining Armor." Coconut said as she looked at the doors in a worried manner.
"Maybe. But we're not married to Shining Armor. Anyway, let's take a walk." Honey Glaze suggested before taking her friend outside.
Everypony outside was playing while some of the others were volunteering to help clean the villa as Fleur and Sassy kept in charge. While it was mostly uneventful, everypony was enjoying themselves during their master's absence. As Honey Glaze and Coconut, they watched the ocean waves hit the sand as it touched their hooves. It was warm as a bath in the evening and the sensation felt comfy.
"It sure is nice out here. Do you think we;ll get any tropical rain out here?" Coconut asked.
"Well, I heard reports that it could be raining next week. But other than that, it's just clear skies. Although we should worry about peeping toms and gossip columnists who try to find this place." Honey Glaze answered.
"Isn't this place not marked anywhere on the map though? I don't think anypony would know where we're living. Besides, we have two dragons, two alicorns, and an advanced magical unicorn. Nopony would think twice about coming here." Coconut said in a positive tone before kissing her friend.
"Perhaps. Nopony really knows about this place except for the Royal Family and some of the higher members of Canterlot Society. Like Fancy Pants, for example. I heard that Fleur used to be his escort." Honey Glaze said before kissing her friend back.
"She was, but only as a bodyguard. There was nothing special between the two." Coconut replied as she started groping her friend.
"That explains a lot~. Is there anything special with us and Spike~?" Honey Glaze asked as she started groping her friend back.
"What more can be said~? We're only one of his concubines, after all~." the Earth Pony said in a seductive tone before groping and kissing her friend some more.
"Indeed~..." the Pegasus Pony responded as she followed her friend's seductive actions.
Kissing and enveloping each other into their arms, the duo pressed their breasts against each other and wrapped their arms around their waists as they grabbed each other's asses. Falling onto the beach, they rubbed up against each other while rolling into the ocean. The water knocked them out of their brief compassionate session, but they just laughed it off and decided to play in the ocean for a bit. They playfully splashed and pushed each other into the ocean while the sun slowly went down. And when the sun went down, they went back to caressing and kissing each other.
"You have such a soft body~..." Honey Glaze said as she sucked on her friend's breasts.
"So are your lips~. I want to eat you all over~." Coconut said before grabbing her friend's chest.
They kissed and licked each other all over their bodies while moaning passionately as they got into a sixty-nine position. Licking and eating away at their lady bits, they held each other close and didn't let go. Continuing to seductively lick each other, Coconut spanked Honey Glaze's ass while she continued to lick her pussy.
"Oh, yes~!" Honey Glaze said in an ecstatic tone as she felt her ass bounce.
The two mares kept licking away at each other before squirting into their faces. When they were finished, Coconut got up and pressed her pussy against Honey Glaze's pussy as they started rubbing each other. The sensation was too good to ignore as they gyrated their hips in a sensuous, yet aggressive manner.
"Don't stop~!" Honey Glaze begged while feeling her pussy get rubbed.
"I love you, Honey Glaze~! No other Earth Pony compares to you~!" The Earth Pony declared while continuing the tribadism.
"I love you too, Coconut~! You are the only Pegasus that touches my heart~!" The Pegasus declared as well while feeling her pussy ready to orgasm some more.
They leaned forward to kiss each other while continuing to rub their pussies against each other. They moaned even more aggressively as they felt the motion in their bodies build up. Panting as they felt their juices leak, they moved their hips even faster before feeling themselves squirt all over each other again as they let out an erotic scream. When they finished, Honey Glaze fell on top of Coconut and kissed her passionately before whispering,
"I love you, Honey Glaze~..."
"I love you too, Coconut~..." she responded as well before passing out with her friend.
The duo slept with each other in the shade for about a good hour before they realized that the sun was starting to go down. Seeing that it was getting late, they head back to the villa where everypony was beginning to fall asleep in their own personal beds. Deciding that enough was enough for the time being, Coconut and Honey Glaze fell asleep with each other in one of the hammocks as the moonlight hit the ocean. |
Spike's Polyamorous Honeymoon | Role Reversal | The next day, everypony was back outside and playing around while Spike and the Royal Sisters were still locked away in their room, having not spoken to anypony for two days now. Fluttershy, Rarity, Ocellus, and Smolder were spending some time in the sun as everypony was immersed in their own activities.
"Do you think they're doing okay? It's been a couple days now since they came back." Ocellus asked as she applied sunscreen to Smolder.
"Eh, they're fine. Fucking their brains out has always been their way of getting out of these ruts. Not that they ever care about their problems anyway, considering the fact that the prince will fuck anything within a nine-mile radius." Smolder teased as she kept herself laid down.
Frowning in response, Ocellus puts some sunscreen on her two fingers before jamming them up Smolder's ass. Yelping in response, a blushing Smolder asks,
"Ocellus, what do you think you're doing!?"
"Breaking you out of your rut~." the lewd changeling teased as she started fingering her dragon friend.
"Uh, girls...?" Smolder asked before beginning to moan.
"Don't look at us, darling~. You spoke trash about Spike~." Rarity said before letting out a haughty laugh as she gave Fluttershy sunscreen.
"Cadance seems to be making herself at home. I can actually see her enjoying some of her time with Fleur and Sassy over there." Fluttershy pointed out when she spotted the Love Princess with the two Canterlot Unicorns resting in a hammock.
"You don't say~. That alicorn was fixated on Spike from the start~. She just couldn't bear to keep away from that handsome young dragon~." Rarity said as she started squeezing Fluttershy's ass.
"Eep~! Not too hard, Rarity~." Fluttershy yelped in a cute voice.
"Oh~? So not this hard~?" Rarity teased before spanking her friend's ass.
"Ow~! Why did-?" Fluttershy asked before the White Unicorn got on top of her.
From there, Rarity kept Fluttershy pinned down as the former stuffed her face into the latter's huge ass.
"You could hardly fit into any of the pants I make for you~. I could use you as a pillow alone~." Rarity flirted before proceeding to rim Fluttershy.
Fluttershy moaned like a dog when she felt her anus get licked and slobbered on by her friend. Rarity, on the other hand, enjoyed the taste of her friend's ass and she was too addicted to take her face away from it. Taking notice of this, Ocellus gives Smolder a mischievous look on her face. Already knowing that look, Smolder says,
"Don't you dare put your face in my ass! I'll-!"
Paying no attention to her warning, Ocellus grabs her friend's lower waist and puts her face into Smolder's ass before proceeding to rim her as well. Smolder moaned as she felt her anal walls get penetrated and she could feel her butt getting squeezed by Ocellus. Slowly but surely, the sensation took over the plump dragon and she started to lose herself into the pleasure.
"Ocellus~! I never knew you had this side to you~!" Fluttershy exclaimed as she saw Ocellus eating Smolder's ass like cake.
"Rarity taught me this technique when she and Spike were fucking each other one time~." the Changeling answered before going back to eat out her friend's anus.
Rarity giggled upon hearing Ocellus answer Fluttershy's question. She groped and played with her friend's ass while keeping a tight grip on her waist as she swirled her tongue around the walls. The taste of Fluttershy's butt was salty from playing around in the ocean, but it was just the right amount for Rarity as she continued to rim her. However, the pegasus is beginning to have enough. So she turned over and proceeded to sit on the Fashion Unicorn's face.
"How do you like that, you prissy little fashionista~? Like my big ass~?" Fluttershy taunted in a now-assertive tone as she proceeded to suffocate Rarity.
Seeing this, Smolder grabs Ocellus in a leglock and proceeds to sit on her face as well.
"Like it, you little bug~? Like the smell of my jewel-flavored ass~?" Smolder taunted as she shook her ass in Ocellus's face.
From there, Fluttershy grabbed Rarity's breasts and started playing with them while Smolder did the same thing to Ocellus. They groped and pinched their nipples, making them moan and scream erotically even harder while continuing to jiggle their asses in their faces. But it wouldn't take long for them to lower down and lick their pussies while keeping them in a leglock.
"You think they're enjoying it~?" Smolder asked while licking Ocellus's pussy.
"Oh please, you can tell they're enjoying it~. They're just pretending they don't enjoy it~." Fluttershy teased before pulling Smolder in for a kiss.
They were at the top of Equestria. One moment, they were being controlled and used like personal sextoys. But now, they were in control and were paying them back for the humiliations they went through back in Ponyville. It was their ultimate revenge and they were doing it on a private beach in the nude for everypony to see. And everypony was already watching them the moment it all started.
"Still think I'm your personal dress-up doll, Rarity~? I'm sure you're beginning to have second thoughts, darling~." Fluttershy taunted before shaking her ass in Rarity's face.
"Yeah~! I'm not just some dragon that you can backtalk or insult to my face, Cellie~! This is what happens if you piss off a dragon~!" Smolder teased while rubbing her butt on Ocellus's face.
Pretty soon, both Fluttershy and Smolder were beginning to feel themselves ready to squirt all over their friends. It was only a matter of time since they're continuing to get rimmed. But as they feel the energy build up inside them, they are more than ready to squirt all over them. So no longer holding back, they kiss each other before finally squirting all over their friend's bodies. Breathing and moaning, the duo proceeded to get off a now-soaked Ocellus and Rarity as they helped each other up.
"Do you think we overdid it~?" Fluttershy asked as they looked at their dazed friends.
"Let's leave them~. They look comfy that way~." Smolder said before pulling the Pegasus in for a kiss.
After kissing each other, Fluttershy and Smolder walked away from their friend's elsewhere to have sex while Ocellus and Rarity just laid there, dazed and tired from their sexual experience of humiliation.
"Maybe we shouldn't press them too hard about their insecurities..." Ocellus said in a tired manner as she held onto the fashionista.
"Agreed..." Rarity concurred in a tired tone as well as she held onto the Changeling before falling asleep. |
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