Hello, everypony! Welcome back for the final installment of Inventor and the Red Lady. It's been a bumpy ride, hasn't it? Monsters, crazed unicorns, alicorn royalty up to wazoo, and it's all thanks to the vertically-challenged protagonist we're all here to talk about it. I'll give my Special Thanks list at the end of the chapter, so you don't get weighed down by the prologue. Read on, peeps and Bronies. Read on.
He was floating. At least, Watson felt like he was floating. He couldn't open his eyes, but he felt warm, and comfortable. He didn't feel wet, so he knew he wasn't in water or anything. As he floated, he heard some pony trot up next to him.
"You're something else, kiddo," a mature male voice chuckled above him. He knew this voice, but couldn't place it. Watson wanted to open his eyes to see this mystery stallion, but couldn't. "There you are, in the embrace of one of the most beautiful mares you'll ever see, and you pass out. I'd say that earns you a minus-three on the manliness scale."
Now Watson wanted to kick this stallion in the face.
"But seriously," the stallion continued, "you did good, Watson. The folks'll be proud of you. I know I am." At that point, Watson identified the voice. It had been years, and Watson felt ashamed he didn't recognize it sooner.
"Dawson?" Watson asked.
"I wish you could hang out a bit longer," Watson's older brother said, "maybe introduce you to great-grandma, but you're still alive. You'll be pulled back down soon. When you go back, tell Mom & Dad I love them. Do that for me?" Watson nodded.
"You bet brother."
"Thanks," Dawson said. Watson couldn't see, but he could tell his brother was smiling. "Time's almost up. Listen, I love you and all, but I don't wanna see you up here for another century or so. Live a full life, bro. Also, when you come up, do not sit next to grandpa Sherclop. He'll go off on a three-hour tangent that's boring as Tartarus, and every other sentence will have the word 'elementary' in it. Okay, take care, little brother."
Watson could feel himself being pulled down, slowly and gently. The warmth left, but was replaced by a different kind of warmth. His descent was slow, and Watson smiled. His brother was proud.
Watson opened his eyes, and immediately winced. He hurt all over. Wasn't surprising, considering the fight he was in, but one would expect a brief trip to heaven to dull the pain a bit.
One would be wrong.
Looking around, Watson saw he was definitely in an infirmary. But, instead of red and black, he saw white and lavender walls. Instead of fire and metal, he smelled flowers and moist earth. Where was…wait…he knew this place. He had been here before.
He was in Canterlot.
Watson tried sitting up, but the shoulder that Racer stabbed buckled and he fell back on the bed with a groan. At least he was on a bed, and not the floor, like that one time when he was a cadet. As he groaned, he heard a familiar buzzing sound.
"Hey, Neph," the tiny unicorn greeted.
"Morning, Watson," a familiar green scarab chirped as it walked up Watson's foreleg and looked at him. "How ya feeling?'
"In mad amounts of pain," Watson replied. "How long was I out?"
"Three weeks," Neph replied, "and you've been Canterlot for two of those."
"That explains the stiffness." Watson looked at the scarab and asked, "What happened after I left?"
Well," Nephronopht explained, "first, my sister gave me an earful and a half for teleporting you away fast as I did. She would have gone after you immediately, but everypony had their hooves full calming down Celestia."
What? Celestia?"
"Indeed. She invoked my sister's name, and went on a power-high. After clearing Vermillion of most of the opposing forces, she was about to leave, but we stopped her. Thom attempted to plant a Suggestion for her to calm down, and had limited success. By that point, though, Discord returned with the Elements of Harmony, and they managed to cleanse her of her wrath. After that, Malice teleported to you. She returned about an hour later, worn out and carrying you on her back. Everypony spent the next few days recovering, and after a week, it was decided you should be brought back to Canterlot. My sis said that maybe familiar surroundings would help speed your recovery, but I think a big part of it was that all the hospitals and infirmaries across the city where flooded with wounded knights."
"What about the monsters?" the wounded unicorn asked. "And the traitors?"
"Those guys?" Neph took a breath before continuing. "A bit after Malice left, all the monsters gave a blood-curdling scream and just fell to pieces, literally. Most of the remaining minotaur and ponies on their side surrendered after that. Since the ponies were all traitors and the minotaur were part of the eastern clans, they were given a choice: Be exiled from the Shetlands, or be executed. Most chose exile, including a good half of the remaining Conclave. The military's keeping order best they can, but there's still the occasional pocket of resistance. The City of Blades is still in a tough spot."
"Sorry to hear that." Watson gave a sigh. "What about our little group? How are they?" After asking this, Watson heard galloping in the hallway.
"Ask them yourself."
The door burst open, and three ponies came rushing in. Redstamp was grinning like a crazy pony, Thom was bereft of his helmet and Ditzy flew right onto the bed and gave Watson a tight hug.
"You're awake!" the wall-eyed mare cheered as she hugged tighter. She let up when she heard him groan in pain. "Oh, sorry."
"It's alright," Watson groaned as he rubbed his bandaged foreleg. "How'd you all know I was awake?"
"I told them," Princess Celestia said as she serenely walked into the room. Watson reverently bowed his head, and everypony else bowed as she walked in. Celestia gave a sweet smile to Watson. "How do you feel?"
"In pain," Watson chuckled.
"I can fix that," Scarab-Neph raised four legs.
"No," Celestia ordered. "Allow me." She walked to the bed and lowered her head, touching Watson's bent horn with her straight one. There was a ringing sound, and it briefly shone gold. After a few seconds, the ivory alicorn lifted her head. "How is that?" The tan unicorn moved his head side-to-side and stretched his good legs.
"Better," he replied. "Thank you, Milady."
"No thanks are necessary," Celestia smiled. "In fact, we should be thanking you."
"Yeah!" Redstamp cheered. "I mean, taking on Racer by yourself? That is all kinds of awesome, Watson!"
"You know?"
"Yeah, sorry," Thom apologized, "but the Princesses, all three of them, requested I read your mind to learn everything that happened. And I mean everything."
"Oh," Watson voiced. Looking around, he asked, "Is Malice here?"
"Nope," Thom replied. "She's still in the Shetlands, helping keep things in order. She'll be here in a few weeks, though."
"Really?"
"Yeah, the Gala's in a few weeks, remember?" Ditzy beamed. "We've all been invited. There're gonna be a number of Shetlanders there, too."
"This Gala," Celestia explained, "is also in celebration of the official peace treaty signed between our two lands. As of eight days ago, the Shetlands and Equestria are formal allies."
"That's cool," Watson smiled. "What about you guys? How have you been?"
"We're all peachy," Redstamp smiled. "Been waiting for you to wake up, for the most part. Even Discord got worried."
"And Redstamp finally confessed to Ditzy," Thom smirked. Redstamp and Ditzy simultaneously blushed and Celestia giggled. "Took long enough."
"I apologize," Celestia told the Paladins and scarab, "but could you all leave for a bit? I need to talk to Watson in private." With a nod, all the other ponies, and the scarab, left the room. Celestia closed and locked the door when they left and turned back to Watson.
"What is it, Milady?"
"Thom told me more than he told the others," Celestia said. "He told me you went into that battle fully expecting to die." Watson gave a somber nod. "He also told me your reasons for expecting that fate. You thought that, because you tampered with that circle a while ago, you would be claimed by the Prince of Death as well." She walked up to Watson and said, "I would rather you never think that way again, Watson."
"Don't worry," Watson bowed his head. "I only acted that way because I thought that fate was unavoidable. Now that I know otherwise, I won't be thinking that way again."
"That's good," Princess Celestia smiled. "I know you've got a long life ahead of you. I would hate to see it cut short. That is all."
"Wait," Watson said. "May I ask you something?"
"Sure."
"I did something important, right?" Watson asked.
"Of course!"
Does that mean I get a stained glass window in the Great Hall?" There was a short silence before Celestia fell into a long fit of laughter.
"Sure," Celestia finished laughing," you can have your window. Now, rest up Watson. I want to see you on the dance floor." She opened the door and walked out as the others came back in.
"What was all that about?" Redstamp asked.
"A promise," Watson smiled. Everypony grinned back and continued to regale the small, wounded unicorn on what else happened while he was unconscious. Only Thom knew what that meant, and he wasn't about to tell anypony.
"…and without further ado, let the Gala begin!" As Celestia finished her opening remarks, the musicians started playing and the nobles mingled with each other. The mood was less snooty than it had been in the past, mostly due to the new Princess. She was standing by the throne with her five friends, talking with various nobles, many of whom didn't recognize her as the 'leader' of the group who had 'ruined' the previous Grand Galloping Gala.
Watson stood by a food table, quietly chuckling at Lord Denarius trying to flirt with Princess Twilight. He found it funny how, mere months ago, the lavender alicorn was the unicorn librarian in Ponyville. So much had changed in the past few months. Peace treaties were signed, the apocalypse was averted, and Watson was in Canterlot, waiting for a certain Princess. Resplendent in the black-and-blue dress uniform of a Unicorn Paladin, and bearing a dozen small medals and ribbons, only the snootiest and least-observant nobles didn't realize he wasn't a servant colt. Everypony else, however, noticed that he shared the same style of uniform as at least six other ponies in the room.
Among those six were Redstamp, Ditzy and Thom. All three looked splendid in their Paladin garb, and everypony knew it. Redstamp danced with Ditzy, whose usually-spiky mane was brushed down, looking sleek and attractive. Thom was over by a food table, his psychic markings being the popular talk. Saria laughed as he juggled apples with his powers, while Fleur and her husband, Fancy Pants, beamed with happiness. After so many months, it was nice to be in completely friendly company. Among which was also a tall unicorn Prince.
"…and at that point," Prince Blueblood was telling the small unicorn, "I realized just who I was dealing with. I've felt horrible about that last Gala ever since."
"Don't worry too much," Watson laughed. "I've been living in Ponyville four years, and I still don't have their names memorized." Blueblood nodded and continued his tale. Blueblood wasn't a Paladin himself, but he was one of the few nobles who knew about them, and supported them all the way. His most recent tale was one where he was trolling what he assumed was a gold-digger, but was in fact the Element Bearer of Generosity. The Prince wasn't bad, just kinda dense.
"Now arriving," the usher called, "the Red Lady of the Shetlands!" Watson joined many stallions in turning their heads to watch Malice come in. His eyes widened and his jaw would have hit the floor if he were any lower.
Malice walked in, towering over everypony else. Instead of her usual bangles and torque, she wore a snug blue dress with medium-length sleeves. Around her neck hung a silver necklace that had a giant ruby dangling from it. Instead of the metal shoes she wore in the past, her hindlegs wore black, knee-high boots with silver embroidery while her forelegs had silver bracers carved with intricate designs. Her black crown was polished, enabling it to be distinguished from her mane. Over her mane was a dark blue veil held on with blue flower barrettes. This time around, it was indeed her beauty that stunned Watson into silence.
As she entered, Malice's sapphire eyes browsed the room. She ignored the flood of Lords and nobles who tried to make conversation. She continued to ignore them as she walked, almost glided, through the crowd, heading to one of the food tables. Most of the stallions stopped talking, curious to see what had this alicorn's attention. One Lord, however, was particularly persistent. Repeatedly, he tried to step in front of Malice to get her attention. Soon, Malice had enough and batted the noble away with her wing. He gave her an indignant look before leaving to seek easier prey. Immediately after that, she reached her destination.
"Greetings, Watson," the Red Lady smiled.
"H-hello, Milady," Watson stuttered. As Blueblood excused himself, Watson stated, "I-it is n-n-nice to s-see you again."
"Same with you," Malice agreed. "Last I saw you, you were unconscious and gravely wounded. It is good to see you on your hooves again."
"Th-thank you." Watson looked at his table, ignoring the gawking Lords, and grabbed two glasses of punch. "W-would you like some punch, Milady?"
"Gladly. Thank you Watson." Malice took the glass and sipped a bit before asking, "Watson, would you honor me with a dance?"
"A-a-a dance?" he asked. When she nodded, Watson replied with, "M-M-Milady, th-that would, um, y-yes, I would love-er-like to dance with you." Chugging the rest of his punch, Watson followed Malice to the dance floor.
"Do your musicians know the Waltz of Crystals?" Malice asked. As if in reply, the band started playing the slow, smooth melody. "It appears they do."
"Y-yeah," Watson agreed. With a quick wink from Octavia, Watson's courage was bolstered and he asked, "Shall we, Milady?"
Malice smiled. "Yes, we shall." Malice took the lead, guiding the small unicorn through each step. She stepped back, he stepped forward. She stepped to her right, he to his in a circular motion. The music slowly sped up, and their dance became more energetic. After a few minutes, all eyes were on them, watching every step and every spin. Some nobles smiled, watching the lithe grace of the alicorn coupled with the budding enthusiasm of the unicorn. Others chuckled a bit, thinking the dance almost looked like a mother dancing with her son.
The song's tempo reached its' peak, and Watson started getting nervous. The dance neared its' end, and it ended with the stallion dipping the mare. At his height, that act wasn't gonna happen. Malice noticed his nervousness.
"Don't worry," she whispered, "I'll handle it." When they reached the crescendo, Watson suddenly found himself airborne. Malice levitated him to the appropriate height and pulled him close. "Hold me," she whispered. Watson nodded and wrapped his forelegs around her neck. With a smile, Malice tipped over like Watson was dipping her. She propped herself up with one wing, and stretched the other out for dramatic effect. Everypony cheered at this. Even Celestia smiled at the dance's success.
The song ended, and Malice righted herself as she set Watson back down. Many nobles (and Watson's friends) trotted up to congratulate the two on their dance. Several stallions asked Malice to a dance, while quite a few mares wanted to dance with Watson. In reply to all of these, Malice pulled Watson close, shielding his with her wing, and dragged him to the castle gardens. Many nobles tried following, but found the way blocked by a wall of taffy. While the nobles all complained, Thom, Ditzy and Redstamp all smiled at one of the stained glass windows. The image of Discord winked at them.
"Thank you for the dance, Milady," Watson said from his place under her wing. "It was amazing."
"You have my gratitude as well." Malice smiled down at him as she said, "You are very light on your hooves."
"To be honest, Milady," Watson chuckled, "when you're small as I am, you're bound to be light all-around." Malice laughed. It wasn't a forced laugh, nor a dishonest one. Her laughter was clear and sweet, reminding Watson of a glass bell he heard ring years ago. Watson did not know it, but this was the first honest laugh Malice had in years.
"Ah," Malice finished, "you are right, I suppose." Malice looked up at the moon. "It's amazing Watson. So much has happened in the past half-year."
"No kidding," Watson agreed. "I'm just glad all that trouble's over." He looked up at Malice as she looked at the moon. The moonlight reflected off her crown, and her dress shimmered like there were stars in it. He very nearly confessed his love right there and then, but couldn't. Watson mentally kicked himself. He had faced monsters, mad unicorns, and all sorts of things in the past five months, but he still couldn't confess anything to this mare.
Malice gave a sad sigh. "The trouble is not all over."
"Pardon?"
Malice looked back down at Watson and explained, "Before the night is ended, I must return to the Shetlands. Only a handful of Conclave Elders remain, and I have few generals to lead my army. My nation is still in some degree of turmoil, and I must continue making things right again.'
"Oh," Watson bowed his head. "When will things be done?"
"I do not know."
"Is there anything I can do?"
"Watson," Malice kneeled and looked in Watson's eyes as she spoke, "You have done much for this world. You have done much for me. I can't ask anymore of you, not yet. For now, return to your old life. Be at peace." Watson fought back his tears and nodded in reply. Malice stood back up, but lowered her head and nuzzled Watson's cheek.
"There are things I must discuss with your Princess," Malice whispered, "and my time is limited. Farewell, Watson." She straightened back up and walked inside, leaving Watson in the garden.
"But…" he whispered, "…you are my Princess…"He wiped his eyes and walked back inside.
He wounded her. He wounded her. He wounded her. He, this pitifully small unicorn, had wounded her, the Princess of War. It was not a serious wound, but her left wing was missing a pinion now. Nopony had so much as scratched her in centuries.
Needless to say, the Red Lady was displeased at this.
She had intended to play around with this colt, show him how easily she could kill him, and scare him into surrendering. Now, she was gonna kill him for real. She stormed over to where he landed. She raised her hoof, fully intent to stomp his skull into the dirt. With her face twisted in rage, she brought her hoof down…and stopped short.
Instead of a small tan colt, she saw a small white colt under her hoof. His horn was not bent, and he lacked a Cutie Mark. Instead of battle wounds, he was covered in bruises and welts.
Malice took a step back and the vision was gone. The tan colt was back on the ground. Malice shook her head. She stepped back to the unconscious Equestrian. The vision did not return, but the memory lingered. She raised her leg again…and gently lowered it. She couldn't do it. That vision drained all the anger out of her and replaced it with pity. Instead of an enemy colt, she now saw a small colt who had run in fear for days, and fired an intense magic as a last hurrah. She didn't even feel the charge up, and for a spell that strong…
That was unimportant. Malice turned to Equestria and fired a single spell in the direction of Canterlot. After that, she waited. And waited. After fifteen minutes, there was a bright flash of light and Princess Celestia stood before her.
"Lady," Celestia coldly greeted. "I assume this isn't a social meeting?"
"Not quite." The red alicorn gestured to the small unicorn. "I believe this unicorn is one of yours?"Celestia eyed the unicorn, and gasped.
"Watson!" she galloped over to the unicorn and lifted his head with her wing. "Agent MacMaren, can you hear me?"
"He is unconscious," Malice stated. "Fainted from spell fatigue." Keeping her wings folded to hide the missing pinion, the Red Lady continued, "Take him. Take him and leave."
Celestia turned to Malice. "I assume there are terms to that?"
"No terms," Malice shook her head, "no conditions. Take him back." Needless to say, Celestia was stunned.
"And what brought on this compassion?" Celestia asked.
"He has earned this," the Princess of War replied. "That is all you need to know." The Princess of the Day stood for a moment, before nodding, lifting the unicorn onto her back, and teleporting away. Malice stood alone on Percheron Ridge for several more minutes before heading back to her Palace.
Watson woke up on a sunny morning to the improved water clock alarm. He quickly got up, turned it off and grabbed his vest. He was expecting a big package today, and couldn't expect Ditzy to deliver it. After eating a quick breakfast, he trotted outside to make his way to the post office.
It had been three months since the Gala, and Watson was slowly readjusting to life in quiet-ish Ponyville. He no longer suffered nightmares, Phalanx had FINALLY stopped trying to re-recruit him, and he no longer felt any desire to join the Science Academy. After everything that happened, joining the Academy seemed like a pointless endeavor. As he trotted down the road to Ponyville, he took in the scenery. The sun was shining, the Everfree Forest was properly gloomy, and a single cotton candy cloud floated by, pursued by a trio of young pegasi.
In gratitude for his help during the Shetland incident (and if he agreed not to get carried away), Celestia not only permitted Discord to stay free, but also helped restore a greater portion of his powers. Since then, Discord showed great restraint by sticking with cotton candy clouds, popcorn cobs, and other small-time gags. Just last week, the sky turned green for two hours, that was an interesting experience.
Suddenly, the ground shook as a large gold-and-blue blur slammed down in front of Watson. Watson didn't know he expected, but it certainly wasn't a Canterlot Castle Message Runner. He wore the light armor of a Runner, but was heaving for breath. He had to be a new one.
Gasping for breath, the Pegasus asked "Are…are you Watson Macmaren?"
"That's me," Watson nodded. "What is it?" The Pegasus reached into his dispatch bag and pulled out a scroll. The wax seal bore the crest of Princess Celestia. Watson immediately took the scroll and read it on the spot.
Watson Macmaren,
Your presence is required at Canterlot Castle. A carriage will be by at noon to pick you up. Pack for an overnight stay.
Princess Celestia Tia Chronos
Looking back at the messenger, the small unicorn said, "Tell Her Highness I will prepare for this immediately." The Pegasus messenger nodded and started his flight back to Canterlot as Watson pulled a 180 and sped back to his house. His package and any other plans he had for the day were forgotten in light of this new message.
The carriage landed at Canterlot Castle and Watson leaped out, galloping inside fast as he could. He barely stopped in time to avoid plowing into a dark-furred Earth Pony.
"Slow down," Thom chuckled, "you might trip somepony."
"Thom!" Watson cheerfully exclaimed. "Ain't seen ya in a while! What's going on?"
"With me or your summons?" the psychic pony asked.
"Both," Watson replied, "but summons first."
"No idea," Thom explained. "I was just told to make sure you get to the gardens. That's all I was told, and there's no way I can read Celestia's mind. Come on." As Watson followed Thom, the dark-furred psychic continued, "On a personal note, I'm doing okay. Got a letter from my folks last week."
"Oh? Your parents are talking to you again?"
"They have been since they learned I was engaged to a unicorn," Thom chuckled. "Uncle Al's been ecstatic since the whole incident ended. He and Saria get along VERY well, and he's already making suggestions for naming the foals."
"That's good," Watson smiled. "On my end, things are back to how they used to be. The only new thing is there's still some hype over Ditzy's and Redstamp's wedding."
"Oh. Speaking of which, how are those two? Haven't seen either of them lately."
"They're both happy. Ditzy's taking it easy, and Redstamp's trying to find a house suitable for a family of five."
"Family of five?" Thom asked quizzically. "But there's Red, Ditzy and her two daughters, Dinky Doo and Amethyst Star, from a previous…" The look of realization shone on his face. "Oh."
"Yup," Watson nodded as they walked through the great hall. Watson gave a small smile at the window depicting him and everypony else fighting against Racer. Watson didn't gloat over having a window with him on it, but he did like pointing out how it was a combo-breaker to Twilight and her friends. It seemed funny to him for some reason.
As they reached the gardens, Thom said his farewell and trotted away. Watson continued walking into the garden, taking in the newer sights. Some bushes were cut differently, there was a new statue where Discord used to be and-
Watson saw red behind that statue.
He stopped dead in his tracks. 'It couldn't be,' he thought to himself. He trotted past the statue and stopped again. His eyes widened.
"M-M-Malice?"
A familiar, beautiful red alicorn turned from the statues and looked at Watson with her sapphire eyes. She walked right up to him and gave a gentle smile.
"Hello Watson," she greeted. "Are you well?"
"I-I-I have been doing g-good, your Highness." Watson couldn't help stuttering. He was very surprised to see her. "H-h-how about you? Have y-you been well?"
"I have been fine."
"Th-th-that's good." The small unicorn was feeling real embarrassed. He was stuttering like a broken record. Fortunately, Malice didn't seem to care. "M-m-may I ask w-what brings you here?"
"Just ironing a few things out," Malice replied. "Nothing major. Shouldn't be more than an overnight task." Overnight? Watson was starting to get curious. Malice, however, got a little confused. "Is something wrong?"
"No," Watson immediately replied, "of course not, your Highness." Malice seemed to give a short sigh of relief.
"Walk with me," she said as she turned aside. Malice walked deeper into the garden, accompanied by the small unicorn. She lead him to the far edge of the garden before sitting on a convenient bench. After sitting, she motion Watson to do the same. Blushing a little, Watson sat down as she spoke.
"I know I have said this before, but you have my deepest, eternal gratitude for what you did."
"Think nothing of it," Watson replied. "You could say it was recompense for stealing those documents nearly five years back."
"Incorrect," the scarlet princess stated. "What you did for me, for all of us, was worth far more than the documents you stole. Everything you did showed valor and bravery rarely seen." Malice took a breath. "And, truth be told, I requested you come here so we could…discuss something."
"Discuss?" Watson asked. "Discuss what?"
"Last we spoke," Malice explained, I told you how my nation was still in trouble. At present, the Conclave is replenished, and I have a new Grand General, but…there is something else. You see, there is another position in my…my court. Nopony has filled it before because not even I myself knew it was there. This position is…special. Nopony, not my general, not my Elder, has the qualities-er-qualifications for it. The pony needed for this position has to be somepony trustworthy and devoted, but also, preferably, kind and caring." This threw Watson for a loop. Kind and caring? In a military court?
"And," Malice continued, "it has to be somepony…special. Special to me, I mean." She looked down at Watson and said, "And you, Watson, are very special to me." Watson blushed bright as she looked into his eyes and asked, "Watson, would you come live in the Shetland Palace by my side?"
"Y-y-your side?" Watson asked. "A-as an assistant?"
"No," Malice replied. "I mean as something greater than an assistant. Greater than even Grand General, or Elder. Something…personal."
"Personal?" Watson thought for a moment before asking, "Y-you mean-"
"Yes," Malice interrupted, "I mean that." She looked regretful as she said, "I wanted to ask you during the Gala, but I was uncertain how you felt about me. However, after talking to Tia and a few others about it, and learning you feel the same way, I feel safe asking this."
She looked back at Watson and asked again, "Watson Macmaren, would you come live in the Shetland Palace with me?"
Watson was dumbstruck. She, Malice, was in love with him? For real? She practically admitted it right there, and she was asking him to live with her. At that point, there was only one thing he could say, one thing he would say.
"I do," he answered. Then, blushing ever brighter, he continued, "Uh, I mean I will, uh, I accept, s-sure, yes, I-" Malice interrupted him by hugging him close with her forelegs and wrapping him in her wings. He stopped talking as she rubbed his cheek with hers.
"You have no idea how good that makes me feel, little unicorn," Malice whispered.
"I-it would be an honor, Milady," Watson whispered back.
Malice pulled her head away and said, "Then allow me to bestow another honor. Look at me and hold still."
"Hold still? Why do you wa-"
From within a nearby grove, Discord and Nephronopht watched the whole exchange. Both of them could barely keep themselves from laughing as Watson's face turned the same shade of red as Malice's coat. After Watson started recovering, Neph turned to Discord.
"Pay up," he said, "they did it." Discord chuckled as he handed Neph a fifty-bit piece.
"They sure did," the Lord of Chaos smiled. "You won fair and square."
"Yup." As Neph seemed to absorb the coin, he looked back at Malice and Watson. "They make a cute couple, eh?"
"Agreed," Discord smiled. "Kinda gives a guy like hope, ya know? Makes me think I have a chance."
"A chance with her, you mean?" Neph asked. Discord remained silent. "Well, you have mellowed out quite a bit."
"Have I?"
"For certain," the Prince of Pestilence nodded. "Stay mellow as you have been, do one-or-two nice things every now and again, and who knows? Maybe Celestia will remember the small, lanky Draconequus who invented fourteen different species of flower for the sole purpose of expressing his love for her." The buggy alicorn stretched his wings. "I'm gonna go nap now. See you around, Disco."
"You too, Neph."
With that parting remark, Nephronpht's body dissolved back into arachnids, snakes, crustaceans, and a few rodents. The swarm of pests all retreated into the grove and vanished from sight. Discord looked back at Watson and Malice, who were just sitting on the bench now, Malice smiling happily, Watson smiling sheepishly in her embrace. With the first genuine smile he wore in over a thousand years, Discord turned around and walked away quietly as possible.
The Inventor and the red Lady had earned this moment, and not even the Lord of Chaos was willing to disrupt it.
And so it ends. The Inventor and the Red Lady have earned their peace, and may they share many happy years. Redstamp and Ditzy are together, with Ditzy's two daughters, Dinky and Amethyst Star (They competed together in the Sisterhooves Social), Thom's on semi-good terms with his parents. All is well.
Okay, I KNOW some of you out there will probably go "But he's not royalty! How can he get with an alicorn?" My reply to this?
Shining Armor.
Special thanks to the following readers:
Mooneyboys, for piping up almost every chapter.
Dark-Half Brony, for you long reviews.
TriforceOtaku, for helping me get started, and for letting me use BrokenKeys
Almost-an-Actress, for loving my story since day one
ThePleonasticPotato, for critiquing my work
And, of course,
Lauren Faust, for making this possible.
And so, with a heavy heart, I shut down my laptop and set the manuscripts aside. Still looking for suggestions on what to do next, though I feel I might work on my Pocket Monster fic now, but who knows? My next trip to Equestria might be a bit closer. Whatever happens, see ya around.
Mad Nimrod