Grim methodically scanned the room before him. It had been four days since his first foray into Ponyville, and again he found himself at the library, caught in the midst of a social gathering for which he did not ask. This time it was, as Pinkie Pie had so excitedly explained it, his 'Welcome to Ponyville' party. Grim replayed the invitation scene from yesterday in his head.
“It'll be so much fun!,” Pinkie exclaimed. “We'll have cake and games and music, the works! And it'll all be to give you the most awesome welcome ever! All of us that you met before will be there, and anyone and everyone I know will come too. It's the best way in the world to make new friends. And who doesn't want more friends, right? It'll be no time before it's like you've been a part of Ponyville forever, you'll make so many. You just have to come, Grim. I bet you've gone to those stuffy old Canterlot parties, and let me tell you, they got nothin' on mine.”
“Pinkie-” Grim felt foolish saying her name. “I am...very appreciative of your offer. However, for lack of better phrasing, I do not do well with parties.”
“What does that mean, you don't 'do well at parties'?” Pinkie tapped her head and rolled her eyes wildly. “Are you saying you don't like parties? Has your spring-a-ma-bob sprung a sprocket?”
“Has my- what? No, never mind. Pinkie, I would ask that you stay yourself from arranging such an event. Considering my disposition, I believe it is best if I am allowed to acquaint myself with other Ponyville citizens incrementally.”
The pink pony snorted with laughter. “I guess that would make sense if I knew what 'incrementally' meant. But that's ok, because I already made all the arrangements. Everything is ready to go. It wouldn't be much of a welcome party if you had to do all the inviting and stuff. All you have to do is show up. Sounds great right?”
Grim could feel agitation rising within him. “Pinkie Pie, I am not sure if you are understanding me. I am not well suited to social events such as parties, especially when I am obligated to introduce myself to numerous ponies with whom I am unfamiliar. That is my personality.”
“Nu-uh. You had plenty of fun at our last little party.”
“That was with Fluttershy and your small band of friends. It sounds like this party involves the entire town. I am not equipped for something such as that.”
“Don't be silly. No one has a personality like that. You said it yourself when we first met, remember? You said you don't get a lot of contact with other ponies because of your job. Well since you're taking a break, sort of, now you can make up for all those lost chances.”
“I do not believe your logic is sound. I-” As Grim made to counter Pinkie's last statement, the mare began to hop backwards on all fours.
“Don't worry about it,” she said as she continued to hop away. “Just show up, you'll see. I'll send the final details through Fluttershy ok? See you tomorrow Grim!” Pinkie spun in the air, bounced down the street, and around a corner. Grim watched after her, nonplussed.
“If ever I have met a pony touched in the head, it would have to be her,” Grim muttered to himself.
“Who do you think is touched in the head?,” came a soft voice to Grim's left. Grim jerked his view to the side. His tension released when he saw it was only Fluttershy.
The mare smiled uncertainly. “I'm sorry. I didn't mean to overhear. I just came to check on you. I thought you looked preoccupied.”Grim was sitting against the far wall from the library door in his usual strict posture, with his head high, his neck and back straight, and his haunches and wings pulled in. Fluttershy came and sat down by his side.
Grim did his best to return a smile. “Concerned for me, as always. Thank you, but I am fine.”
“You were talking to yourself again,” Fluttershy retorted with a note of doubt. “You do that when you're thinking hard about something.”
“Do I now?,” asked Grim, somewhat surprised. He silently cursed the developed habits of having spent so much time alone out on assignment. In the days since Grim's awakening, both he and Fluttershy had spent an ample amount of time together, granting each the opportunity to learn about the other.
In his interactions with her, Grim had taken careful mental notes about the demure young mare who saved his life. Kindness and good will were abundant in everything she did, and her altruistic attitude was nothing short of incorrigible. Shyness was a dominating factor in her social mannerisms; she exhibited moderate to acute submission when conversing with equines with whom she was not totally familiar, though this was absent for the most part when dealing with friends. Her skill with handling animals was something to behold, and indeed it sometimes appeared as though she preferred animals to ponies, though this appearance was most likely a product of her shyness. Grim marked it as interesting that Fluttershy's behavior around him was similar to when she dealt with her friends, as though he were a familiar, if only having met in a true sense just days ago.
Though she was often near unwilling to show it, Fluttershy possessed exceptional intelligence. Her knowledge of medicine and dietary habits with regard to both animals and equines was impressive. In her after care of his treatment, Grim sensed a deep and thorough understanding of equine physiology through her methods and observations, despite a confessed absence of any formal training whatsoever. Fluttershy's natural ability to read facial expressions, vocal tones, and body language, something in which Grim had received specialized education, was also noteworthy.
“Yes, you do. Not that it's a bad thing. I guess we all need someone to talk to sometimes. I suppose who better than yourself?”
Fluttershy had in turn been keenly watching Grim since he woke. She didn't like to pry, so she couldn't ask too many questions about him, but it was evident to her that Grim was an unmistakable product of Canterlot military lifestyle. His speech was paced and articulate, and his diction was precise. At times it bordered upon cold and calculating. It reminded her faintly of speech lessons at the finishing school she attended after junior flight camp.
Grim's posture was also telltale of service in a strict and orderly environment. Try as she might, Grim was unwavering, yet polite, in his dismissal of her requests for him to relax. As he would state again and again with his almost-smile, 'I am comfortable. I know no other way to present myself.' Fluttershy guessed that most ponies would take him to be stuck up or harsh because of the way he spoke and carried himself, but she believed that Grim was telling the absolute truth. He really did not know any other way to behave.
Normally this idea would not bother Fluttershy. Some ponies were the way they were, and there wasn't much to be done about that. The problem with Grim was that, despite any answers or explanations he would give about himself, his eyes seemed to wish to say something different. Fluttershy had discovered a certain unexplainable liking for Grim's eyes, but whenever she looked into them, for whatever reason, they held a different answer than the one Grim would speak.
It was almost as if he was a prisoner of his own enormous strength. It was all he could do to constantly hold himself back, all the while trying to quell the inquiries of others, and yet his eyes begged for someone to see, to understand, and to accept who and what he really was. Sometimes Fluttershy was on the verge of expressing this idea to Grim, it nagged at her so. Other times she was able to bury it deep in her mind, regarding the whole thing as nonsense. But even so...
“Hi guys!,” came a familiar, excited voice. Pinkie Pie bounded in between the pair and beamed up at Grim. “You enjoying the party?!”
Fluttershy spoke first. “You know we always enjoy your parties Pinkie. Thank you so much for doing all of this. I hope you didn't go to too much trouble.”
“Yes,” Grim rumbled. “I hope the arrangements were not too much effort on your part.”
“Of course not sillies. And even if they were, I think this would be way worth it, don't you?” Pinkie swept her hoof across the view of the Library. Streamers of all colors crisscrossed the ceiling, supported by balloons tied to them at certain points. Sunlight from the high windows filtered through the balloons to cast a multitude of color across the already confetti strewn floor. Around the perimeter of the room were tables stacked high with sugary treats and fruity looking beverages of every variety.
If Pinkie had not invited the entire town, it certainly appeared so. The relatively small library was packed full of local ponies, so much so that there were even several tables and tents set up outside to comfortably accommodate everyone. Some ponies were chatting away, some were sneaking second and third helpings of the dessert buffets, and some were dancing in a corner to some odd music which Grim had never heard before.
There were also several “games” available for the guests' enjoyment, the points of which Grim was not sure he understood. One game involved dunking one's head in a large metal basin filled with water to grab up certain prizes at the bottom. Another game was played by being blindfolded, spinning in place, and pinning a paper tail to a cardboard cutout of a cartoonish donkey. There was also a hollow paper mache sheep dangled from the rafters, with younger ponies taking blindfolded swings at it with a stick. As Grim had been told, such a thing was called a pinata.
“So, Grim, what'd'ya think? Do I know how to throw a party or what?,”Pinkie asked.
Grim glanced around the room one more time. He glimpsed one of the young ponies playing with the sheep sharply whack another over the head in a poorly aimed swing. He also saw a rather clumsy looking pegasus mare make a valiant winged effort to reach a blueberry muffin at the top of a dessert pile. Her pitch was miscalculated, and she promptly tumbled to the floor along with the desserts, though she did emerge victoriously with her goal in her mouth.
“I have never witnessed another party quite like it,” Grim said in total truth. “You have exceeded my expectations, Pinkie Pie. I am...honored by the events you have orchestrated here today.”
Pinkie had picked up a passing balloon as Grim was thanking her. She bit into the base and sucked out the mass of helium inside. “You're welcome!,” she squeaked. “Hey, when you get tired of doing the whole meet-and-greet thing, you should come play Pin the Tale on the Donkey. It's a blast!” She then leaped away in the direction of the others playing the game.
As Grim watched Pinkie, he could hear Fluttershy giggling next to him. She craned her neck to whisper into his ear. “You know, you might want to at least try and hide your confusion.”
The stern stallion looked over at her. “It is that obvious, is it?”
Fluttershy giggled again. “You look like a school colt during a lecture.”
Grim's face softened into a small grin. “An interesting simile. I am sorry. I did not mean to be rude, but Pinkie is just-. Well, she is very-”
“Different,” Fluttershy finished for him. “You don't have to say it. You'll never hear anyone say otherwise. But Pinkie is Pinkie, and we all love her the way she is. I think sometimes even she doesn't really know what goes through her head, but I believe that just adds to her character. Anyway...” Fluttershy turned her view to the library at large, then back to Grim. “Have you made some new friends since the party's started?”
“I have made some acquaintances, yes,” replied Grim. “Pinkie Pie made no small effort to point all new arrivals in my direction, so I daresay I have at least shaken hooves with everyone here. Most were content with a brief introduction, but others were more engaged. Madam Mayor was gracious and welcomed me to town. The local bakers, whom I understand are responsible for the refreshments, were here, though I believe they did not stay long due their accompanying little ones. Ah, and your close circle of friends, sans Rainbow Dash and Applejack.”
“Oh, Applejack had to go out of town on important apple business. I'm sure she would have come if she could. But you haven't seen Rainbow Dash yet? That's strange,” said Fluttershy with some concern. “She never misses a Pinkie party, not even for a nap. I wonder where she could be?”
“Perhaps flying about, or 'practicing' as I believe she is wont to say?,” suggested Grim. “That comprises large portions of her schedule from what I have observed in recent days.”
“Well, you're not wrong about that. But still, I can't ever think of a time when Rainbow missed a party for practice. I don't know...”
A soft crash and collective 'whoo' from the other side of the room interrupted Fluttershy's thoughts. She and Grim looked to see what had happened. One of the young ponies who had been swinging at the pinata finally landed a blow, breaking it open, and spilling a treasure trove of candies onto the floor.
Many of the younger guests were now clamoring to the spot, trying their best to grab up hooffuls of candy before it was all gone. As Fluttershy and Grim surveyed the scene, Pinkie Pie jumped high above the fray and shouted “Gangway everypony! We got candy here!” She did a half somersault, and dove head first into the middle of the jostling circle.
At Pinkie's declaration of 'candy', Fluttershy squeaked as something burst forth from her mane at the top of her head. Angel shimmied his way through the pink thicket and down onto the tip of Fluttershy's muzzle, where he stood and sniffed at the air.
“Angel Bunny?,” Fluttershy wondered aloud in bewilderment. “When did you get into my mane? How-?” Angel ignored his master's inquiry. He dropped down to the floor below, and skittered through the legs of the party guests, making a B-line for the mound of candy.
“Oh no, Angel. You know you shouldn't be eating sweets. Remember how you get when you have too much sugar!” Despite Fluttershy's plea, the rabbit made no effort to stop and listen to her. He zigged and zagged amongst the forest of equine legs with the singular purpose of getting to the sugary morsels that awaited.
“Oh dear,” said Fluttershy to Grim. “I had better go get him before he eats into an overload. I'm sorry Grim, but will you be okay for the time I'm gone?”
Grim nodded. “Of course. But you had better hurry. He has probably gotten to the treats by now.”
Fluttershy smiled appreciatively, then turned and began to navigate her way through the crowd to where Angel was now most likely gorging himself. Grim remained seated, content with his distance from the crowd's focus. They certainly were different from the citizens of Canterlot, these Ponyville ponies. The air of apprehension, judgment, and even occasional scorn that tended to plague him on Canterlot's streets was almost nonexistent here. Certainly, there were ponies who had gawked a bit upon meeting him, or had avoided eye contact while passing, but this was almost friendly compared to some of his experience.
The young ones were especially surprising. In Canterlot, whenever Grim could be seen in the street, little ponies of family groups would skirt behind their mothers or fathers, who would say something to the effect of “Just look away” or “Try not to get too close.” Often, after soothing the young pony, the guardian would look up at Grim with an affronted expression, as if Grim had somehow wronged their offspring. He had not been out too many times, but whenever the large stallion passed a parent and child in Ponyville, the child would usually marvel at his size or wings, and ask who he was. The parents were decidedly more cautious than their children, but were at least polite, and apologized for the outburst.
Grim was pondering just how the young ponies perceived him, when he realized that three small figures were sitting before him, just within his peripheral view. He moved his eyes downward to see them fully, and was thrown off guard when met with three very intense little stares.
Forgetting himself, Grim simply asked “May I help you?”
The three small ponies sat perfectly still. The one on the far right, an orange pegasus with a short purple mane, responded first. “You're really big,” she grunted, still staring.
“You are very small,”Grim replied, his right eyebrow raised.
“Am not,” the pony argued dully, still staring.
“Not from my point of view,” Grim retorted.
“I just look small 'cause you're so big.”
“Perhaps I look big because you are so small.”
“You are kind of small Scoots,” chimed the pony on the far left, a white unicorn with a curly mane.
“Scootaloo,” admonished the one in the middle, a yellow terrestrial pony with a large bow in her red mane and a drawling accent, “What'd we say 'bout tryin' ta make a good first impression?”
The one named Scootaloo broke her gaze and spoke to second the pony. “I'm sorry Applebloom. I choked. I wasn't expecting him to be this big.” Scootaloo then leaned forward to address the unicorn. “And you and I are totally the same size, Sweetie Belle.”
“Nuh-uh. I'm a whole inch taller than you,” Sweetie Belle shot back.
“Maybe with your horn.”
The pony in the middle put her front legs around her companions' necks and brought them in close. “I'm real sorry 'bout these two,” she said to Grim with a nervous grin. “What we all meant ta say was 'It's nice ta meet'cha'.”
“Yeah, that's right,” agreed Scootaloo with an equally nervous grin.
Sweetie Belle grinned as well. “What they said.”
Grim bowed his head modestly. “And I am pleased to make your acquaintances. My name is Grim.”
The three ponies relaxed back into sitting position.“Yer just like my big sis said ya were. You look like you'd be scary to talk to, but you're really kinda nice.”
Grim was unsure as to whether he had just been complimented or not. “Well, thank you, I believe. Would I be overstepping my bounds to assume that Applejack is your older sister?”
Applebloom nodded, pleased. “That's right. I'm Applebloom. How'd you guess 'bout Applejack?”
“Call it good fortune,” Grim said with a small, knowing smile. “And what might your names be?,” he directed at the other two.
“I'm Scootaloo,” the orange pegasus proclaimed boldly, spurring her stubby wings to hover in place.
“I'm Sweetie Belle,” said the unicorn. “Rarity is my sister.”
“I see. Well Sweetie Belle, Applebloom, Scootaloo, how are you fairing today? Are you enjoying the festivities?”
Applebloom waved her hoof in manner of dismissal. “Aw shucks, ya'll don't have ta bother with all the small talk. We bet yer plum tired of it after meetin' all these ponies. Besides, we wanted to talk to ya 'bout a- uh-”
“A business proposal!,” Sweetie Belle blurted excitedly.
“Yeah, a business proposal,” confirmed Applebloom and Scootaloo.
“Business proposal?,” Grim repeated with curiosity. “Forgive me, but what sort of business would three young fillies such as yourselves have with me?”
Applebloom lowered her voice and skirted back around toward Grim's left flank. “Well ya see, we noticed that you've got some'n in common with us three. Some'n that makes ya diff'rent from all the other grown-ups.”
Sweetie Belle approached Grim's flank on the other side. “Yeah. Something pretty unusual, something that got us thinking...”
“Got us thinking,” said Scootaloo as she nudged herself in at Grim's left, “that you would make a great addition to our team.” She fished her leg in between the stallion's body and wing, and swung out the secondary armored joint to see it better.
Grim rotated his line of sight among the three fillies, his sense of suspicion now roused. “I see. And of what sort of team, pray tell, are you a part?”
The joint being examined by Scootaloo rang softly at a curious tap. She gave a sheepish look as its owner turned her way, then sprung up onto his back. “This is some pretty cool hardware you got here.” She leaned toward Applebloom. “But I thought Applejack said he had armor that covered almost all of him. If this is what she was talking about, it doesn't look like it'd do much. Looks more like a fashion statement to me.”
The now annoyed stallion made to answer this intrusive comment, but was sidetracked by the sensation of a small hoof prodding his flank at his right. Sweetie Belle made several quick passes.“I don't know about that, but it looks like Rarity was right about his mark.” Grim sat speechless as the hoof wound its way back and forth over his backside, ruffling his coat, searching for something. “There's nothing on this side.”
On his right, another small hoof began running its way over the contour of his flank. “She was right,” said Applebloom. “I got nothin' over here either. He's blank as we are.”
Grim had heard enough. He pulled his left wing back, wedging his primaries under Scootaloo like a pie server, and scooped her up. With his other wing he lifted her away, and placed her squarely within view. He then took both wings, brought them back past his rear, and swept the other two fillies forward to sit on either side of the orange pegasus. The action was so quick and smooth, they had to think for a moment as to what had happened.
“You know, most ponies would consider poking and prodding someone without warning to be rude.”
Sweetie Belle hung her head a little. “We're sorry Grim. We didn't mean to be rude.”
Applebloom and Scootaloo hung their heads as well. “Yeah, we didn't mean anything,” they affirmed.
Sweetie continued. “It's just that when Rarity happened to mention your b- uh- your flank, we kinda couldn't believe it. I mean, everyone always tells us to just be patient and not to worry, that everypony gets it eventually. But then here you are, a grown-up, and you don't have one. And then that got us thinking-”
Grim held up a hoof sternly. “Forgive me, Sweetie Belle, but to what exactly are you alluding?”
Misunderstanding clouded Sweetie Belle's face. “What does 'alluding' mean?”
“So much for being our team's dictionary,” snickered Scootaloo.
“Better than the team chicken,” Sweetie countered.
“What I am asking,” said Grim with a slightly raised voice, “Is what are you talking about? Everyone gets what eventually?”
“You know,” said Applebloom, indicating Grim's flank. “A cutie mark.”
“Ah, of course.” The fillies' flank inspecting made complete sense now. “Well, you have been told truthfully. I do not have my mark. But I would have freely told you myself, had you asked. There is nothing wrong with well-mannered curiosity. But first, back to your beginning statement, you said you wished to speak with me about some business?”
Applebloom nodded. “That's right. Ya see, we don't have our cutie marks either.” She bent her back and presented her side, sans a marking. “We formed our own club, the three of us, and we're on a mission to get our cutie marks, no matter what it takes.”
“Not just a mission,” piped up Scootaloo. “We're on a crusade. We're the Cutie Mark Crusaders!” The three ponies pulled themselves together and struck a short group pose.
Grim could not help but feel amused at this. “Crusaders you say? A lofty description, to be sure. And what sort of crusading do you three do to gain your marks?”
“Well, that's kind of where we were hoping you could come in,” Sweetie Belle answered. “Obviously what we've been trying hasn't really worked out. That's why we came here to talk to you. We'd like you to join up with us, and be a full fledged Crusader.”
“Yeah! You'd get the full perk package too,” volunteered Applebloom. “Yer very own cape with the Crusader emblem, access to our clubhouse and exclusive sleepovers, and probably even a seat on the Crusader Council if you play yer cards right.”
Stifling a bark of laughter Grim asked, “A very generous proposal indeed. But I wonder, what makes you think I have anything to offer with my membership? At my age, and still without a mark, I am unsure as to whether I would only hinder you.”
“But that's just it. There's lots'a things we can't do, or have a hard time with, because we don't have one grown-up we can always go to. You could be that grown-up. We could maybe help you doin' diff'rent stuff that you haven't tried yet, and you could do the same fer us, helpin' us out 'cause yer so big n' all.”
The weathered soldier pegasus looked down earnestly at the three youngsters before him. “Tell me, how much do you girls truly know about cutie marks? What exactly is the depth of your understanding?”
The three looked at each other, then back to Grim. Sweetie Belle asked, “What's there to know? You figure out what your special talent is, and then a mark representing it appears on your flank. That's what we learned in school.”
“And you would be correct. However, that is but a portion of cutie mark lore. I imagine you are concerned for your marks because of peer pressure, yes? You fear that you seem immature, or perhaps you fear that there may be nothing particularly special about you.”
“This guy's a real downer,” Scootaloo whispered to her friends. “Maybe we should back out of our offer while we can.”
Though he had heard Scootaloo perfectly well, Grim continued. “Allow me to share something that took me a long time to grasp. A mark is not so much about a specialty as it is about self awareness. Understanding of the self is what brings to bear a mark. Recognition of a certain talent is coincidental; the true milestone is realizing that you have worth, and learning that you can focus that worth into an aspect of life.”
The Crusaders simply looked up at Grim, their eyes almost blank. “Do my words make sense?,” he asked.
Applebloom nudged Sweetie Belle. “Ya git all that?”
“Not really,” said Sweetie Belle with a shrug.
“Perhaps I should have been more concise,” Grim muttered as he massaged his temple with a hoof.
“Listen big guy,” came Scootaloo, seeming eager to approach a final answer, “we can talk plenty about all kinds'a stuff later on when we have a get together. Right now, all you gotta do is tell us that you're in.”
“In? I don't recall ever making a decision one way or the other.”
“But you are gonna join, right?,” Applebloom asked with uncertainty.
“Your goals are clear, but in what way could I assist with the means? I have no knowledge that would be useful, let alone appropriate, for school fillies.”
“It ain't about what'cha know. If that was true, no pony would ever git their mark.”
“I highly doubt any talent I possess would be one in which you would, or for that matter could specialize.”
“We don't think that either,” said Sweetie Belle. “We don't wanna do any soldier stuff.”
Scootaloo raised a hoof. “I kinda want to do soldier stuff.”
“The point is,” Applebloom cut across, “We think us gittin' together'll be good fer all of us. The more heads we got comin' up with ideas fer cutie marks the better, right?.”
“And what makes you three believe I am still trying for my mark?”
Each of the Crusaders gave Grim a look as though he had just uttered absolute nonsense. Scootaloo was the first to recover. “What, like you gave up on getting it or something?”
Grim racked his brain for a conversational sidestep. As far as he was concerned the topic was not worth discussing, and he knew that these fillies would never understand anything outside of a need for a mark, young as they were. “That is not what I said. What I mean is, how do you know I do not simply wait for it to manifest, instead of actively seeking it?”
“What kind of plan is that?,” squeaked Sweetie Belle. “We can't just wait around for our cutie marks to appear. What if we're waiting until we're old like you?”
“I would imagine I am not so much older than your sister, if Fluttershy is to serve as a reference,” Grim rebutted, surprised at his own mild offense to Sweetie Belle's comment.
“But your mane is solid white, and you talk all old and stuff.”
“This is the color with which I was born. And I did not develop my speech of old age. I conditioned myself to speak this way.”
“You see, like that!,” Scootaloo said energetically. “That's something we'd never think to try, a speech cutie mark. That could be pretty cool.”
Applebloom joined in. “Yeah! And I bet that takes a lot of practice and discipline too, right? We could probably use some o' that in our questing. You see Grim, I bet there's a buncha' stuff you could help us do. That's why we'd like you to join up with us. It ain't like we'd ask ya ta stick with us all the time or some'n'. We'd just come see if you could give us a hoof when we really needed it. And if you ever needed help, you could always call on yer fellow Crusaders. That's pretty reasonable, don't ya think?”
Grim considered the explanation given him. These fillies had sought him out, not out of fascination or some malign intent, but out of a perceived common bond, and a wish for help. This was something altogether foreign to him. “Would you not find it odd, having a grown stallion accompany you in your exploits, whatever they may be?”
“Cain't be more odd'n a earth pony goin' fer a hang glidin' cutie mark.”
“I see. And you do not believe others would find my company with you to be unacceptable?”
“If Ponyville can git over a zebra in town, you'll be just fine.”
“You do not intend to give me a choice in the matter, do you?”
“Nope,” the Crusaders chorused brightly.
“Then I am at my wit's end,” Grim sighed. “Very well. I accept your terms.” The stallion bowed his head. “Hence forth, you may consider me a part of your 'crusade', and I shall render what service I am able, whenever I am able, to the best of my ability, in order to facilitate your goals.”
Scootaloo ribbed Applebloom. “I don't know about you, but that sounded like a 'yes' to me.”
“You're gonna be a Crusader?,” Sweetie Belle chirped.
“I will.” The Crusaders cheered and high-hoofed, but stopped as Grim continued to speak. “However, I must say that I reserve the right of refusal of participation should I deem a situation inappropriate, dangerous, or, the stars forbid, embarrassing. Is this acceptable to you?”
“Sounds good to us!,” said the three in unison.
“Hi girls. What sounds good to you?” Fluttershy had returned from her pursuit of Angel, though it appeared without desired results. The white rabbit was slung across her back, his stomach full and bulging, his body limp, and his facial expression a contorted mesh of agony and ecstasy.
“Oh, hey Fluttershy, ”Scootaloo said innocently. “It was nothing. We were just talking with ol' Grim here; you know, swapping war stories. ”She bent forward and gave Grim's breast piece a sharp thunk. Grim showed displeasure at this.
“War stories?,” asked Fluttershy, perplexed.
“Yeah, war stories. Aaaaany way, we gotta go. See ya Fluttershy. See ya Grim.” With that, the three fillies turned tail and zipped away to the library door, but not before Sweetie Belle took a very opportune swipe at the nearest dessert table.
Grim eyed the Crusaders as they went. “That was arguably the most odd encounter I have had yet.”
“They tried to recruit you into their little club didn't they?”
“And succeeded, I am abashed to say. You know something of this organization of theirs?”
“A bit. They're sweet girls, if impatient, and they mean well. I think it's more about banding together than getting their marks, to be honest. Others can be cruel, and if you have a problem it helps to know you aren't alone. Does that make sense?”
Grim growled deeply within the base of his throat. “Absolutely. I can commiserate.”
Fluttershy glanced quickly at Grim's flank. “Grim, would you, um, would you mind if asked you a, well, a personal question?”
Knowing what was to come, Grim steeled himself. “I would not. What is your question?”
She tiptoed over her wording as best she could. “I, well, I was wondering about... about...” She could not seem to complete the thought. Though his face was perfectly agreeable, his eyes silently glinted with a spark of protest, as if to beg her not to continue.
“Why I do not possess a mark,” Grim finished for her. “Is that what you wanted to ask?”
“N-never mind,” Fluttershy stammered. “It was rude of me. I shouldn't have-”
“It is alright. Considering my age, it is a natural question. If you will believe it, I had a mark once. It was a long time ago now.”
“You 'had' one once?,” Fluttershy asked confusedly. “Like it appeared, and then you lost it?”
“Lost? Yes, I suppose that is the appropriate word,” Grim said, more to himself. “Lost.”
“But Grim, I don't understand. How do you lose a cutie mark?”
“I have often posed the same question. Over the years I believe I have derived an answer; but such a conversation is not one to be had a setting such as this.”
“But what-”
CRASH
A rainbow blur had hurtled through one of the library's high windows and straight into a table, scattering its contents. Party guests gasped and screamed, and they all leapt back from the point of impact. Fluttershy squeaked and rammed herself headfirst under Grim's wing.
As dust cleared and settled, it became apparent that the crashed object was no object at all, but rather a very rattled Rainbow Dash. Rainbow staggered to her hoofs. She gave her head a good knock to stop her eyes from rolling, then set them on the crowd before her. She breathed deeply.
“Ok everyone; now I don't think it's any reason to panic, but we have a problem. The cows at Sweet Apple Acres got spooked, and they might be stampeding straight for town.”
At first, silence. Then, “My house!,” someone cried.
“My garden!,” yelped another.
“My shop!,” came a third.
“Now everypony just calm d- woah!” Rainbow was swept away as a mass exodus of party guests ensued. They jostled and shoved one another to make it out the door. Pegasi bolted up to the different windows, skipping the turbulent crowd below. Rainbow was tossed back and forth on a sea of scurrying backs, until finally landing on the floor with a loud thump. As the last of the party guests dashed out, there was silence once again.
Rainbow sat up and rubbed one of her shoulders. “Well that didn't go the way I planned.”
“Rainbow Dash, there you are!,” Pinkie shouted gleefully. She threw herself around Rainbow's neck. “What gives? Why didn't you come to the party sooner?”
“I'll tell you later Pinkie.” Rainbow spun her gaze around the room. The only ponies left were Twilight, Rarity, Pinkie, Grim, and Fluttershy, who was just now pulling herself from under Grim's wing. “Alright, listen up guys. We've got a stampede on our hooves. I don't know anyone who's rounded up the cows besides Applejack, and she's not here. We need a plan five minutes ago. What do we do?”
“Maybe ask nicely for them to stop?,” Fluttershy suggested timidly.
“I'm talking real suggestions here. Come on guys, think.”
“We could scare them the other way with my party cannon,” offered Pinkie. “I still have a couple of charges left.”
Rarity chimed in. “I don't think more fright will turn them around. You know how cows can be when they're scared; not sensible at all. What if we blinded them with a flash of magic? Do you think that could work?”
“That's better, but I think it still goes back to what you said about more fear not working. They'll probably just speed up, and they won't run into anything. It's a straight shot into town that way.”
Twilight spoke up. “I have an idea. Let's take them stopping themselves out of it all. I can levitate them off the ground with magic. That should stop them in their tracks.”
“But darling,” interjected Rarity, “There must be forty cows in that herd at least. Do you think you can handle all that mass, especially with it moving like that?”
“That is true. The spell might take a bit to capture all the cows. How long until they're to stream?”
“Not long,” Rainbow huffed. “I don't know if you can make it running. Fluttershy and I will have to fly you to the bridge. That should give you the time you need.”
Grim stepped forth. “Allow me. I would be faster than you and Fluttershy in tandem.”
“But Grim, your injuries,” Fluttershy objected. “You can't expect something like that from your body just yet.”
“We have no choice. We must answer the situation as best we can. Do not worry,” Grim soothed. “This is little more than a trifle.” He made for the library door. “Come then, Twilight Sparkle. We have dallied enough as it is.”
Grim splayed his wings in the open air, tensing and releasing the sinew in preparation for the flight. This would be his first trial under stress since the dragon encounter. Despite the circumstances, he was almost keen to test his body's limits.
A nervous Twilight Sparkle came up beside Grim. “Ok, so I understand the need to fly me out there and everything, but I haven't really had any good experiences with other ponies having to carry me through the air. Is there any way you could maybe-”
“Climb onto my back.”
“Do you really think that's the best way to do this? I was kind of hoping you could maybe carry me with your legs, or-”
“I assure you I am more than broad enough for you to seat yourself. Do not be afraid. Climb on. ”Grim bent his knees, and held his body low to the ground.
Twilight eyed the pegasus with a weakened stomach, but figured it was best not to argue. “Well, ok. If you say so.” Twilight dug a foreleg in above Grim's wing joint and hoisted herself onto his back. As it turned out, Grim was correct. Securely seating a pony of her size was easy enough on the firm gray expanse, and the armor yoke around his neck was something to grab onto if need be.
“Are you situated?”
“I think so. I just-” The breath behind Twilight's next words was sucked from her lungs. Grim pounded the ground with a tremendous downbeat, and the two were launched into air.
Rainbow Dash flew up to meet them. “Come on. They'll be coming in from this way.” Her signature streak trailed behind as she shot toward an edge of town. Grim thundered after her, his wings brutalizing great volumes of air to match speed.
Though he understood the conditions, on some small level Grim relished the urgency of the flight. The turbulence whipping his coat, the stroking motion and report of his wings, the sensation of his lungs fighting the flowing air around his face to fill themselves; these were some of the sweetest pleasures life had to offer. He glimpsed the idea of what could have happened, had it not been Fluttershy who found him that day. Permanent wing damage was a terrible proposition indeed, and his heart beat a pang of gratitude to the demure pony.
“Hey, you're not half as slow as what I thought you'd be Mr. Soldier Guy,” called Rainbow through her slipstream.
“I have more speed yet. But now is not the time for quips Rainbow Dash. Where is this stampede? I see nothing yet.”
Rainbow peered forward through the air rushing her face. “I can see the bridge and stream up ahead. There's gonna be some hills after that. They're probably in there somewhere. We'd better hurry. How ya holdin' up Twilight?”
“I've...been...better,” Twilight panted. She held her chest as she attempted to maintain her breath. “How do you guys...do this...on a regular...basis?!”
“Your guts get used to it when you're young. It's a pegasus thing. We'll set you down soon. Where should we put you to cast your spell?”
“The top...of that first hill...should be fine,” Twilight choked.
“Roger that. You got that Grim?”
“I do not believe landing will be an option,” warned Grim. “Look there.”
From somewhere beyond the hill a cloud of dust had begun to rise. It was undoubtedly from the herd of stampeding cows, and it was approaching quickly.
“Looks like you're gonna have to work your stuff on the fly. You think you can handle all that movement?”
“Shouldn't be...a problem. Grim, can you...get me as close...as possible? Keep pace...as best...you can.”
“Understood.” Grim crossed over the bridge and stream, and began his descent. As he did the cows reached the apex of the hill, and barreled down the back slope, straight for Ponyville. Grim eased off, and glided down close to the thick of the herd. “Is this sufficient Twilight Sparkle?”
“Should be,” Twilight yelled, her wind restored. “Just keep up. I'll do the rest.” She screwed up her face in concentration. A purple glow began to burst forth from her horn. “Focus on the hooves,” she coached herself. “Capture, and lift. Everything else will work itself out.”
Twilight's horn pulsed once. Several cows seemed to stumble for a bit, but otherwise there was no visible evidence of the stampede slowing.
“Was that your spell just now?,” asked Rainbow over the echoing beats of the stampede. “You gotta do better than that, Twilight.”
“I know. Just let me focus. I can do it.” Twilight's horn pulsed again, with much the same effect as before. “Grim, you have to keep me more steady.”
“I am holding to the best of my ability.”
Twilight tried again; nothing. Another pulse; still nothing. Hoofbeats rang in Twilight's ears, skewing her thoughts.
“Twilight!”
Pulse. Nothing. The noise turned into a fuzzy blanket, hampering her magical rationale.
“Twilight Sparkle.”
Pulse. Pulse. Nothing. The cacophony was indistinguishable from the rush of blood to her head.
“Twilight, what are you doing?!”
“I can't do it!,” Twilight blustered, tears forming in her eyes, her thoughts broken. “I can't cast the spell like this.”
“Well what the hay are we supposed to do?!”
“I don't know. This was all we had. It's too late to do anything else.”
Grim's voice willed its way through all the noise, calm and collected. “Twilight Sparkle, is it imperative that these cows do not reach the town?”
“Well, they'll cause a lot of damage, to the town and probably to themselves.”
“But is there absolutely no choice in the matter?”
“I can't really think of any-”
“It is a yes or no question.”
“I- I don't-”
“TWILIGHT SPARKLE!,” Grim roared.
“Yes! Yes!,” bleated Twilight. “We have to stop them! Please!”
Grim snorted begrudgingly. “Then I shall do so.”He broke away from the stampede, speeding back toward Ponyville, and gaining altitude.
As they continued to rise, Twilight asked through a half-sob, “Wh- What are you going to do?”
“That only thing I know to do,” Grim answered solemnly. “The only answer to which I can ever seem to arrive; a force for a force. Lie flat, and hang tightly around my neck Twilight Sparkle. I will do my utmost to accommodate you. And I hope that you will forgive me for what you are soon to witness.”
Twilight looked as though she wanted to ask Grim what he meant by this, but somehow knew better. He was different now. At the party she had observed him several times as being perfectly agreeable, if somewhat taciturn. But now, even though even-keeled, Twilight's horn buzzed at the aura of danger surrounding him. The muscles beneath her were taught, his wing strokes were more strict and aggressive, and they continued to gain altitude to an end that she could not infer.
Suddenly Grim stayed his wings and pulled them to his sides. The silence of being given to the mercies of gravity was the most deafening sensation Twilight had ever felt. As their momentum petered out and they began to fall, Twilight Sparkle screamed, “Grim, what are you doing?! Why did you stop?!”
“Do as I have instructed Twilight Sparkle. Whatever you may feel, I swear you will be unharmed. For now, all I ask is your trust.”
Grim fell in a slow backward somersault, until his head was pointed earthward. He drug his wingtips just so in the airstream so as to face himself in the direction of the stampede. He then struck a single, mighty thrust at the sky, putting them from freefall to full hurtle. Twilight nearly lost her hold, and her heart lodged in her throat.
The ground was growing ever closer, and they were only building speed. Twilight managed to nestle her face safely in a dead spot at the nape of Grim's neck, but she could not solve the unbearable whistling in her ears. What sort of plan could he possibly have, she wondered. Was he going to charge his own body against the cows? Then, even as she assured herself they were plummeting to their dooms, she could hear Grim fan his wings, and the surrounding air lashed around them. From a nose dive he pulled his rear end down, to now falling hooves first.
Twilight braved to crane her neck now that her body had been righted. They were still falling horrendously fast. A chance look at the ground indicated they should land just in front of the bridge. She looked to her right to see that Grim's wings were standing vertical to the ground, and their armor plating had shifted out. Twilight thought it odd for a split second that the plates did not extend quite as far as she remembered. In fact, the plates were only at half extension at best. What-?
BOOM
Any volume left in Twilight's lungs, as well as any thought in her head, had been effectively removed. Every muscle in her body, from her diaphragm to her eyelids, was rendered utterly bound. She could only watch in slow motion as the cows rampaged toward them, and Grim executed whatever unfathomable last ditch effort he had in mind.
Grim's wings were swept down upon impact with the earth, and he bent his legs to allow the sinew to absorb most of the shock. His hooves shuddered as they were swallowed by the compacted soil of the town path. Then, in an instant, he straightened his legs, and brought his wings back up to chest level. They arced in perfect symmetry, and with immeasurable momentum the front profiles of his plating collided together. The lustrous material did not clash, or gong, or even ring, as one would expect; the pieces simply rebounded, shooting opposite of their former path. Grim knew he had struck true.
Halfway through their return arc, Grim bent his front knees, rolled his main joints to angle his wings directly at the ground, and sank his armor as hard as he dared. The earth groaned and shivered, as if begging him to relent. Trees on either side of the path rattled, decrying the subterranean thrashing of their roots. Down to the very bedrock the ground capitulated.
Spouts of dirt, the screams of stress relieve, spewed forth as large pieces of underlying rock were upended. The path to town was rent beyond recognition, likened to a stretched piece of ribbon crumpled upon itself at both ends. The ruinous effect sped outward from its epicenter, following some sort of shockwave, heading directly for the group of stampeding cattle.
The herd sped on, and met the roaring ruin head first. The result was disastrous. Those at the forefront immediately fell, either by upturned rock or sinking hoof. Those at the middle and back fell over the ones in front, or continued to falter by pitfalls of the still spreading shockwave. Like dominoes they fell as their heads disappeared beneath dirt clouds rising in the air. Horrified moos pierced the cataclysm as the stampede collapsed to a halt, a frenzy of tangled legs and writhing bodies.
Grim looked on as the dust cleared and the earth stilled. His plan had certainly worked, but the effect was greater than what he had wished. Then again, such a feat was always difficult to regulate without knowing the precise wave characteristics necessary.
“Grim...what...what did you just do?,” came a voice to Grim's back.
Grim pulled his hooves free and sidestepped the earthen scars he had made. “You are unharmed I hope, Twilight Sparkle? Can you stand?” He got down to his belly and spread his wings to give Twilight room.
Twilight grunted and wobbled up. “Ugh...yeah, yeah I think I'm ok.” She carefully picked her way off Grim's back, down to the steady, unmoving ground for which she was now passionately grateful. “What did you do?,” she asked again as she surveyed the mass of struggling cows before her.
“I did as you bade, Twilight Sparkle. I diffused the stampede. I imagine several of them suffered injury, but nothing serious.”
Some of the cows were beginning to stand, their faces torn between confusion and pain. “Well that's great, and I know everyone in town will be grateful, but what did you do?”
Grim was saved the trouble of answering by an incoming Rainbow Dash. She streaked down and landed in front of him. Her eyes were alight, and she was positively gushing. “Grim, that was the single most super fantastic, ultra cool thing I have ever seen in my whole entire life! I mean I can do a sonic rainboom, but that was...that was...WOW!”
“What the hay did he do!?” Twilight repeated, flustered.
A reserved, commanding voice from somewhere behind them spoke. “I would very much like to have that question answered myself.” The three of them turned around. It was the mayor of Ponyville. Her usually quaffed main and signature tie were skewed, and her glasses were grossly crooked. “To my office, the three of you, if you please. You have some explaining to do.”
...................................................................................
Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash sat beside each other in front of Madam Mayor's large wooden desk. Rainbow Dash had collected her friend on the mayor's order, and the two were now waiting for her to return, and tell them why they had been called. From what Fluttershy had been told it was Grim who had stopped the stampede, not Twilight, and whatever he had done sounded both amazing and terrible by the description Rainbow Dash had given.
A door latch clicked behind them, and the mayor strode past to sit behind her desk. She had apparently found time since before to compose herself; her mane and tie were in their usual order, and her spectacles sat neatly on her nose. Her speech was kind, but very direct. “I would first like to thank the both of you for coming here on such notice. I won't take much of your time. I only have a few questions for each of you. You both do know why you're here, yes?”
“I've got a good guess,” said Rainbow.
Fluttershy squeaked and looked away. “I...well, I'm afraid I don't know M-madam Mayor.”
“Let me make myself plain. Neither one of you is in trouble. A few simple answers and you may leave. Really you don't have to answer my questions at all if you wish, but I would hope you could give at least enough information to satisfy. Am I understood? ”Rainbow and Fluttershy nodded. “I'm glad we can agree. Rainbow Dash, I'll start with you."
“You apparently have a first hoof account of the damage done to the west of town. How exactly was this damage caused?”
Rainbow thought for a moment. “Well, let's see. Twilight couldn't get her magic to work or something, so we kinda put it on Grim to stop the stampede. After that he flew way up high, then dived back down, planted a landing, did some weird thing with his wings, and then the ground kinda ripped apart. And that's all, I guess.”
The mayor was writing notes as Rainbow gave her answer. “I see,” she said around the pen clenched in her teeth. “And can you describe this 'weird thing' with his wings?”
“He sort of clapped them.” Rainbow made a clapping motion with her hooves. “He pulled them out in front of him, parallel to the ground, and clapped them. Then he went and slammed them into the ground. That's what I saw anyway.”
“Was this the plan when you set out to stop the cows at the beginning?”
“No. Like I said, Twilight was going to do it at first. She couldn't get her spell to work though. I think we may have panicked a little when that happened. It was Grim who took stuff into his own hooves after that. He asked us if it was important to stop the herd. Twilight said yes, so I suppose what you saw was what he came up with.”
The mayor's next words were very careful. She eyed Rainbow over the rims of her spectacles. “So, Rainbow Dash, you do not believe that there was any malicious intent in what happened out there today?”
“What? Of course not. Grim saved the town.” Rainbow's wings beat anxiously. “I mean yeah, he busted up a road, but that's a lot better than what could have happened.”
“It's alright. I meant no accusation,” the mayor reassured. “I just want to make sure that I understand the facts fully. That's all. Thank you, Rainbow Dash, you have been most helpful. And now for you, Fluttershy.” Fluttershy squeaked again. “Oh, don't be like that. A few more minutes and you'll be out the door, I promise. Is that fair?”
Fluttershy looked across the desk to the mayor. “Ok. I'll d-do my best.”
The mayor smiled at her warmly. “Thank you dear. Now, when did you and your new friend meet exactly?”
“I wouldn't say we met,” Fluttershy recounted. “Grim stumbled into my yard at night a few weeks ago. He was really hurt, so I took him into my cottage, and cared for him.”
“Did you not think to take him to the hospital?”
“Oh, I mean, I thought about it, but his injuries were so severe I just had to treat him there and then. He went unconscious, so once he was all bandaged up, I thought it would be most comfortable for him to leave him be and nurse him.”
“Of course you did. Well Fluttershy, it's obvious that you have had the most contact with him up until now. What can you tell me about his character?”
“Oh, he's very kind and sweet,” Fluttershy said with a new found vigor. “I know he might look standoffish at first because he's so big, and he does have a natural frown about him, but he's nothing but nice to me or anyone he meets. He's very patient and well-mannered, and always offers to help when he can.”
“I'm sure he's very charming,” said the mayor, scrawling more notes. “What else can you tell me? Did he ever give any reasons for being near to Ponyville, or why he was injured?”
“He said that he was a soldier out on a mission.” Fluttershy became uneasy at this point. She was uncomfortable about giving information that may not be hers to give. “He got injured in the Everfree Forest, and almost didn't manage to make it out.”
The mayor's pen was perched precariously over her paper. “Is that everything that happened?”
Fluttershy hesitated. “Yes,” she said finally. After all, it wasn't a lie. Skimming the details, it was the entire story.
“Very good.” Madam Mayor did not seem to take notice of Fluttershy's reluctance. “Just one more question dear, then I'll let you be on your way. What, in your opinion, were the motives behind your new friend's actions today?”
“Well...” Fluttershy tossed her mane to the right, shielding her eye from the mayor's searching stare. “I didn't see anything that happened, but...”
“But?,” the mayor egged her on.
Fluttershy tossed her mane again, this time to remove it from her face, and meet the mayor's eyes. “But I think it's like Rainbow says. Anything Grim did, he did it because he thought it was for the good of others,” she finished resolutely.
The mayor gave Fluttershy another warm smile and laid her pen down. “Just what I was hoping to hear. Thank you, Fluttershy. And thank you, Rainbow Dash. I have quite enough to be getting along with. You may go. And Rainbow Dash?”
“Yes ma'am?,” said Rainbow quickly.
“From the look of him, I suggest that you not tell your new friend that it was you who scared the cows into a stampede. I doubt he would take it well.”
“How the- how did you know?”
“Please, Rainbow Dash. You were late for a large party, only to crash in and announce the town was in danger? How could I not know?”
Rainbow guiltily rubbed the back of her head. “Yeah, I guess when you say it like that.”
Fluttershy and Rainbow got up and headed toward the door. As they were on their way out, the mayor called after them. “Oh, please send the soldier in after you. I would like a word with him next.”
At this Fluttershy turned back to the mayor. Her expression bordered on being cross. “With all due respect Madam Mayor, the 'soldier' does have a name. It's Grim. His name is Grim.”
The mayor looked shocked. “Yes, of course Fluttershy. I meant no offense by it. Yes, if you would, please send Grim in after you.”
...................................................................................
Grim stepped into the mayor's office and closed the door behind him. His thoughts were rife with apprehension as he neared the big desk at the far end, and the silver-maned mare on the other side.
“Please, Mr. Grim, have a seat,” Madam Mayor invited cordially. Grim looked down at the normal pony-sized stools at his shins, then back up at the mayor, eye brow cocked. “Or stand I suppose. Whatever suits you.” Grim pushed a stool to one side, and took a seat on the rug. “That's the ticket.”
“I am aware as to why I have been summoned here,” Grim stated preemptively. “I wish to apologize for the incident earlier today. It was a rash action, spurred by a rash decision, and for that I am sorry.”
The mayor laughed stuffily. “Oh no, Mr. Grim. No need to apologize. Quite the contrary, I'm grateful for what you did today. There was damage, that's true; but the result was the lesser of two evils. You prevented a potentially great amount of destruction to Ponyville today. I should be thanking you.”
Grim forced a smile, but his apprehension remained. The circumstances were too clandestine for simple thanks. “I was happy to help as I could, though I am still sorry for my disruption.”
“Don't be. But since you mention it, your 'disruption', I am very curious. Where does one acquire such a skill as you displayed in that sticky situation?”
Grim picked through his words cautiously. “Well, not to boast, but a build such as mine does afford its advantages.”
“And quite a build it is.” The mayor observed Grim keenly.
“Thank you, madam.”
“I hear you're a soldier, Mr. Grim.”
“Just Grim is fine. And that is correct. A soldier I am.”
“A noble calling, isn't it? I used to serve myself.” The mayor pointed to a placard with an overhung medal on a high shelf.
“Is that so?,” Grim asked with mild interest, eying the placard.
“Staff Sargent, Royal Terrestrial Army, 78th. Honorable Discharge of course, though more years back than I care to admit. May I ask your own position?”
“Major, Pegasus Royal Air Corps,” said Grim curtly.
Madam Mayor put her front hooves together on her desk. “There's no need to play coy, Grim. I recognize a Royal Guard when I see one, though judging from your hardware,” she nodded to Grim's yolk, “And your, shall we say, abilities, I highly doubt you spend your days in front of a palace door.”
Grim leveled his eyes. “I mean no disrespect, Madam Mayor, but what is your true purpose in calling me here?”
“I don't bear you any ill will, if that's what you think. I meant what I said about today; I truly am grateful for what you did.” Madam Mayor furrowed her brow and frowned. “But you must understand my position. I am the steward of this town, and it is my job to keep its citizens safe, from both external threats, and should they arise, internal ones as well.”
“I am no threat to your community.”
“Forgive me, but I am not so sure. An individual with full freedom and little accountability, save for the military, who can summon small earthquakes and the stars know what else at will; that doesn't sound like an issue to you?”
“My actions would have been different had I more time, or the circumstance been less dire. My sole motivation was help for Ponyville.”
The mayor stood to look out her office window, then turned back to Grim. “And what of the next time something happens and you are called upon? Will you perform comparably then as well?”
“If assurance is your desire, then I acquiesce. I give you my word, I will never react in such a manner again, so long as I am near this town.”
“And just how long do you intend to stay in Ponyville, Grim? Are your objectives completed, or is the mission ongoing? Are you at liberty do discuss such matters?”
“My business is my own,” Grim growled coldly.
“I expected as much,” the mayor sighed. “Grim, I will be plain. I realize I have no authority over you in any capacity. As a Royal Guard I can only guess at the latitude you posses in your goals. However, as mayor of this municipality, I do deserve your respect and cooperation.”
“And so you have it, as I stated previously. My word is binding.”
“I'm afraid that isn't good enough. I dare not imagine what someone like you is capable of, and believe me when I say that this town has more than its share of happenings and characters already. I need you to swear in absolution that you will never give any display of force ever again. If you can hold to that, then you have my word that you won't receive any interference from me. Your business is your own, and I respect that.”
Grim stood up as well. He spread his wings as much as he could and bowed. “I swear, on my honor as an officer of the Corps, that I will never bear strength in Ponyville again.”
Madam Mayor bowed her head. “You have my thanks. And I promise to leave your affairs be, such as they are.” The two faced each other again. “And now I will bid you good evening, Grim. Please, send Twilight Sparkle in on your way out. She should still be waiting for me. And once more, truly, thank you for what you did. My concern aside, you did Ponyville a great service.” Grim acknowledged her with a half bow, then turned to leave.
...................................................................................
Madam Mayor leaned against a bookshelf on her office wall and rubbed her temples wearily as Twilight Sparkle entered her office. “Ah, good evening Twilight. Thank you for coming. I do apologize for the wait.”
“It's not a problem, mayor,” said Twilight as she took up a stool in front of the desk. “What can I do for you?”
“Twilight, I have had a long day, and I'm very tired. Thankfully I don't have to beat around the bush with you, so I will just say it.” The mayor gazed rigidly over her half-moon glasses. They glinted as she spoke. “I want you to tell me everything you know about what happened today, west of town. In particular, I want to know anything you can give me about Grim.”
Twilight was not immediately forthcoming. “Do you mind if I ask why?”
“It's my job to know what goes on in Ponyville, in order to keep ponies safe. Information is my most effective tool to that end. You of all ponies can appreciate the value of information, I know.”
“I suppose that's true. Well, do you have an idea of anything specific?”
“I know what Grim did to stop the stampede. My question is how. What sort of magic can cause that type of devastation, and how does a pegasus go about wielding magic?”
Twilight's ears drooped, and her face fell. “I was afraid you were going to ask that. I'm sorry mayor, but it's my fault that Grim had to act at all. I knew exactly what I needed to do, and knew what spell I should use. I just- I couldn't do it.”
“I do not blame you, Twilight. In fact, I don't blame Grim either. Everything aside, his result was a welcome alternative. But such a display is understandably disconcerting, wouldn't you agree?”
“I do.” Twilight moved her eyes to the office window, then the floor. “It bothers me to say it, but I don't have any clue what he did. I got the chance when I first met him to ask about his armor. I think that's the key. It does hold some sort of enchantment. I've seen him move it by thought, and I bet that's just scratching the surface of what it can do. The material has magical properties, and is undocumented as far as I can tell.”
Gritting her teeth, Twilight knocked her horn to think. “I was on his back the whole time, but what I saw, I don't know what to make of it. He landed on his hooves really hard, which had to be on purpose. I remember him pushing his wings out in front of him...” She waved her front legs like wings moving through the motions, “And then he brought them together. It looked like he slammed them into each other, but I didn't hear a sound. Then he hit the ground, and it just fractured.”
“So you haven't the slightest as to how he did what he did?,” muttered the mayor as she sat at her desk and put her head in her hooves.
“No. Short of his armor being the source, nothing.”
“And as far as a pegasus using magic, what would you say?”
“It's unheard of. A pegasus could use a magical object, however. I really don't have any solid facts one way or the other.”
“That's that then. It can't be helped. Thank you for your candor, Twilight.”
“Always. Is there anything else?”
“There is, actually; one last point of interest. I want your honest opinion.” Madam Mayor tapped her hoof on her desk agitatedly. “Do you believe that Grim poses a threat to those around him, or the town at large?”
Twilight gasped. “Are you serious, mayor? Is that what you think about him; that he could be dangerous?”
“I am simply considering the task at hoof,” the mayor replied coolly. “Like I said before, it's my job to keep these things in check. I only want your opinion. I have no intentions of any action against him.”
Twilight breathed deeply. “Alright. Honestly? I think 'threat' is overstating things. He's shown that he has a lot of power, and there's no telling what kind of damage he could do if he wanted to. But that's just it; he doesn't want to. The only reason he did what he did is because I begged him to help. Even before that, he made sure that he knew letting the cows get to the town wasn't an option.
“He also has every reason to show restraint. He's under the military. That's cause enough to trust anyone. I know having a trained combatant may not be comfortable for you Madam Mayor, but I think you have nothing to really worry about.”
The mayor sighed heavily. “Thank you, Twilight. And I certainly hope you are right.”