Chapter 3
First Meetings
“Are you sure you want to do this Wataru? You don't have to if you don't want to,” Fluttershy said trying to calm down a rather nervous Wataru as they walked towards Golden Oaks Library. Wataru was sweating buckets and was nervously playing with his scarf.
“N-no..thank you Miss...I mean Fluttershy, I'm fine. Besides....it'd be rude of me not to properly introduce myself to your friends after all,” Wataru said. After Wataru had been released from the hospital, he had asked Fluttershy if he could properly introduce himself to her friends. Fluttershy was at first happy about the idea, but was soon having second thoughts after seeing how nervous Wataru was. Fluttershy knew all too well that meeting new ponies could be a difficult experience at first.
“My friends really are very nice..even if they can be a bit.... eccentric at times,” she said thinking about some of the experiences she'd had with her friends.
“I think I'd fit right in. After all, my line of work is as eccentric as it gets,” Wataru said, which elicited a laugh from Fluttershy. This brought a smile to Wataru's face. He was worried at first about letting Fluttershy know that he was Kiva, but he was slowly liking the idea of having somepony else know. Plus, he found himself strangely comfortable around Fluttershy. She was the first mare he'd met that was not put off by his strange behavior. Most ponies either ignored him or called him names. Fluttershy was different. She actually gave him a chance, something few ponies had ever done.
Wataru found himself staring happily at Fluttershy. Fluttershy noticed this and looked at him confused.
“What are you smiling at Wataru?” she asked. Wataru realized what he was doing and blushed furiously. He wrapped his scarf around his face in embarrassment.
“Um...um..nothing. Just...looking forward to formally meeting your friends,” he said looking away. Unfortunately, Wataru's blush had not gone unnoticed by Fluttershy, who was now slightly blushing herself. They walked in silence from that point onward, each of them occasionally stealing a glance at the other.
After a couple more minutes of awkward walking, they had arrived at the library. Now instead of embarrassed, Wataru was back to nervous. Fluttershy gave him a sympathetic look and said “Are you ready Wataru?”
Wataru gulped and said “Y-yeah”.
“Don't worry, I'm sure they're going to love being friends with you.”she said knocking on the door of the library.
“Besides, we're just going to be having tea and talking. Nothing to be too worried abou-” she was cut off by the sound of the door opening and Pinkie Pie's party cannon firing at them. Then Pinkie Pie appeared in the doorway and blew a a horn.
“Yay!! Wataru and Fluttershy are here, now we can really get this party started,” Pinkie said as loud music began to play. Fluttershy looked inside to see that all of her friends were drinking punch, eating cake and cupcakes, and playing “Pin the Tail on the Pony”.
“Pinkie..um..I thought we agreed this was gonna be a quiet get together?” Fluttershy asked. Pinkie just smiled and laughed.
“But I never got to throw Wataru his welcome party. So this seemed like the perfect opportunity,” Pinkie Pie said, her smile still plastered on her face. Fluttershy merely sighed at her energetic friend's behavior.
“But I'm just worried about...Wataru?” She said as she realized the shy stallion was nowhere to be seen. She looked all around for him but found he had vanished.
“Wataru...where'd you go?” she said slightly above a whisper. A leaf fluttered down from overhead. Fluttershy looked up to see that Wataru was hanging on a branch and shaking furiously. Fluttershy flew up to him.
“Wataru..are you okay?” she asked already knowing the answer.
“Can I fight monsters instead..if you don't mind,” he said as his teeth chattered.
“Fight what now?” Pinkie asked, suddenly appearing on the branch opposite Wataru. Wataru and Fluttershy 'eeped' in shock with Wataru letting go of his branch in the process. He realized this about two seconds before he made contact with the ground. Fluttershy looked over at Pinkie, who still had a smile on her face.
“Pinkie, could you please not do that. Wataru's.....sensitive to surprises,” Fluttershy said, trying her best to not sound annoyed at her hyperactive friend. Pinkie nodded and saluted Fluttershy.
“Okie dokie lokie. But you might wanna help him up, or else he's gonna miss all the cake,” she said as she hopped off the branch and into the air, a parachute appearing on her out of nowhere. Fluttershy blinked in confusion before she shook her head and flew down to help Wataru.
After Fluttershy had helped Wataru and convinced Pinkie to tone the party down, though Pinkie was reluctant to do so, Wataru was finally able to introduce himself.
“It's...it's n-nice to m-meet you all. My name ...is...Kurenai Wataru. I..I hope we can get along,” he said bowing his head to the Mane Six. This gesture caught them off guard.
“Um..nice to meet you Wataru,” Twilight said. Wataru raised his head and stood there awkwardly. To be fair, no one really knew what to say or ask. That is, except Rarity.
“Well, tell us a bit about yourself darling. For instance, how long have you been in Ponyville for?”
“Um..about three weeks now.”
“Three weeks!! How did I not notice you till now!?” Pinkie asked, aghast that she hadn't known when somepony knew had come to town.
“Well..um...I live kind of out of the way,” he said blushing in embarrassment.
“That's still no excuse,” Pinkie said as she brought out the Party Cannon again. Luckily everypony stopped her before she was able to fire it again.
“Pinkie's outburst aside, what do you do for a living? I can see it must have something to do with violins and...whatever that red mark is,” Rarity said.
“Well..um...” he started before a crash came from the kitchen entrance. They all looked to see that Spike had spilled a tray of tea and sandwiches.
“Are you okay,” Twilight said rushing over to the young drake. He was rubbing his head and blushing in embarrassment.
“I'm fine, just tripped over my own feet,” he said as he tried to get up. He pulled a dish cloth out of nowhere to try and clean up the mess, but found Wataru standing in his way. Wataru was down on the floor examining the spilled tea.
“Um, is he okay?” Spike asked. Wataru picked up one of the sandwiches and looked at it. Suddenly his eyes widened.
“This might be it!” he turned to Spike “Can you get me some bags of this tea and a couple of these sandwiches....I mean...if you don't mind,” he said, going back to his sheepish mode. Spike looked at Twilight as she nodded her approval. Spike went to get what Wataru had asked. Wataru was still looking at the soggy sandwich with a rather odd smile on his face. When Spike returned with his items, Wataru dropped the sandwich and grabbed his items and ran out of the library. This caused the Mane Six to chase after him, all of them confused.
Wataru ran faster than any of them thought possible. Rainbow Dash was able to catch up to him, but was unable to get the stallion's attention. Fluttershy managed to maneuver her way so that she was flying right next to him.
“Wataru, where are you running off to all of a sudden?” Fluttershy asked him. When Wataru locked eyes with Fluttershy, his eyes opened wide in shock and he screeched to a halt. When the other Mane Six caught up to him, Wataru turned to them and bowed, making sure not to spill his items.
“I'm so sorry!! I didn't mean to do that. I just got a bit...excited,” Wataru said, bowing his head repeatedly in apology.
“Excited over what! Soggy sandwiches!?” Rainbow Dash said as she flew up to Wataru.
“Um..well...it's just..the color of the two mixed together...I thought would make a good varnish,” he stammered out. They all looked at each other confused.
“Varnish? For what?” Twilight asked. Wataru looked down at the ground, trying his best to look small.
“Well......maybe it's better if I show you all,” he said as he began walking. They all looked at each other as they followed Wataru. Luckily due the impromptu chase, they were not too far from their destination. On the outskirts of town, almost on the edge of the EverFree Forest. They finally came upon a creepy looking, old house. It was strewn with vines covering the outside and a slightly rusted gate out front. Wataru opened the gate and motioned for them to follow. Fluttershy had been here before, but it had been at night, so she didn't get a good look at the place except the inside.
“Do any of y’all ever remember seein' this place before?” Applejack asked. They all shook their heads.
“I guess this is why I didn't notice he'd moved in,” Pinkie interjected. Wataru opened the door and they all filed in.
When they entered the house, they found the outside was vastly different from the inside. The inside was clean and well kept. Pictures and violin ornaments hung on the wall. Wataru lead them into the main room, where they saw Wataru's work space. Violins were strewn about in various states of repair and a pot was boiling in the corner. That was when the smell finally hit them. They all began to gag while Wataru rushed over to the pot and opened it, only making the smell worse.
“Hmm, the color's not right. Better let it sit for another couple of hours,” he said putting the lid back on.
“For Celestia's sake boy, what in tarnation are ya cooking in there!?” Applejack asked.
“Just some boiled tree roots, fish bones, and syrup. It's a little experiment I'm working on,” he said as he grabbed another pot form underneath his sink and proceeded to pour the sandwiches and tea bags into the pot.
“An experiment in what, making something that smells like boiled crap!?” Rainbow Dash said. Wataru poured boiling water into the new pot and set it on the stove next to the other one.
“It's violin varnish,” Wataru said. Everyone's mouths hung open.
“Why in Tartarus are you trying to make violin varnish out of that crap!?” Rainbow Dash yelled. Wataru shrunk and sat in a depressed slump, sniffling a bit. Everyone glared at Rainbow Dash while Fluttershy walked over to Wataru and tried to comfort him.
“Wataru...um..why exactly are you using that stuff to make violin varnish?” she asked. Wataru pointed a hoof at the violin in the case. Everyone looked at it as Wataru got to his hooves and went to bring it out of the case. He pulled it out and held it in his hooves.
“This violin is my father's, the Bloody Rose. Ever since I can remember I've been trying to make a violin to surpass it. To do that, I need the right varnish. I've tried everything I can think of, but nothing seems to work, ” he said as he began to set the violin back in the case. However, Rainbow Dash grabbed the Bloody Rose and began looking at it.
“What's so special about some violin?” she said with the her usual lack of tact.
“DON'T TOUCH THAT!!” Wataru said as he grabbed the violin and cradled it in his hooves. Everyone was taken aback by Wataru's outburst. He continued to cradle the violin and looked up.
“This violin is more precious to me than anything. It's all I...” he trailed off staring at the violin. He closed his eyes as a stray tear escaped his eye. The other Mane Six glared at Rainbow Dash, who whistled and tried to act like nothing had happened.
“Rainbow Dash! Apologize already!” Twilight chided. Rainbow Dash walked up to Wataru and tapped him on the shoulder. He looked up at her, a hint of fear and malice in his eyes.
“I'm..sorry Wataru. I didn't realize it was that important to you. Are we good?” she said giving a smile. Wataru looked between Rainbow Dash and the Bloody Rose. After a second he sighed and nodded. He placed the Bloody Rose back in it's case and sighed. Fluttershy placed a hoof on his shoulder.
“Are you okay Wataru?” She asked. He smiled and nodded. Suddenly the newest pot on the stove began to boil over. Wataru ran over to it and looked inside. A smile appeared on his face.
“This looks like it might work,” he said as he put his apron on and began to work. The mane Six decided to sit down and watch while Wataru worked. Wataru felt self conscious being watched, but nonetheless he worked on his new project.
After about an hour of mixing, stirring, and some final touches, Wataru was ready to apply the varnish to one of the violins he had already made. During the down time, the Mane Six watched Wataru work. One thing they noticed was that Wataru acted much like Rarity did when she was engrossed in her work. The whole world seemed to disappear as he worked.
Wataru picked up a blank violin and carefully applied the tea and sandwich varnish. After he had finished applying it, he held it up to the light to check the coloring. After a few other minute checks, he smiled and picked up a bow.
“I think I've got it this time,” he said as he placed the bow on the strings and began to play. Wataru drifted away to the music, forgetting that the Mane Six were in the room with him. They all stood mesmerized at the music. Even Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie, who both hadn't the highest like for classical music, were enthralled by Wataru's performance. After a few final notes, Wataru stopped playing.
“Wataru that was....” Fluttershy said, her words lost. Wataru jumped at the sound and turned to the Mane Six. His eyes turned to pin pricks and he began to sweat.
“Um..you all..heard that?” he said nervously.
“Why yes darling, and it was simply magnificent,” Rarity said.
“I gotta say partner, you got some mighty fine skill with that fiddle,” Applejack said. The other Mane Six nodded in agreement. Wataru began to sweat and slunk down into a ball. They all looked at him confused before Fluttershy said “Um...Wataru...do you have stage fright?” Wataru turned to her and nodded. All but Fluttershy shrugged at this. Fluttershy knew what stage fright was like, and how awful it could be. She walked over to Wataru and patted him on the shoulder.
“It's okay Wataru, we thought your playing was wonderful,” she said. Wataru uncurled himself from his ball and smiled.
“Thank you,” he said before he frowned and picked up the violin “but it looks like this was still a failure,” he said as he threw the violin into the garbage. Everyone looked at him in shock and confusion.
Wataru sighed as he scribbled on a notepad that was on the counter.
“Looks like that makes failure #157. Maybe I'll have better luck next time,” he said.
“Wataru, why did you do that? You worked so hard on that violin,” Fluttershy said digging said instrument out of the garbage. Wataru looked at her and shrugged.
“No real reason. It doesn't surpass the Bloody Rose, and I don't sell any of the violins I make. So what else is there to do with it?” he said. Fluttershy opened her mouth to protest, but couldn't find herself able to come up with a rebuttal.
“Hold on a second. If you don't sell the violins you make, then how do you make any money?” Twilight asked.
“I may not sell violins, but I do repair them. I also give lessons occasionally,” he said.
Rarity shook her head as she looked over the violin that Fluttershy was holding “Such a waste of talent darling. With your skills, you could be the most famous violin maker in Canterlot,” she said.
Wataru laughed and said “I'm not looking to be famous Miss Rarity. All I want is to make a violin that will surpass my Father's. As long as I can do that, I'm happy,” he said with a smile. They all looked at him with a sudden respect. Fluttershy picked up the violin and looked at with a smile.
“I still think you should do something besides just throwing them away. It's a shame to see such beautiful creations destroyed,” she said. This caused Wataru to blush as he began to fidget.
“W-w-w-well..I s-suppose I could think of something to do with them,” he stammered out. Fluttershy started to blush herself and hid behind her mane.
“I mean...if that's okay with you,” she said, her blush growing.
Before the two could embarrass themselves further, Rainbow Dash flew between them and said “Enough of this mushy stuff already. I'm getting bored”. This caused each of them to blush even more.
Wataru coughed and composed himself “Well, I suppose we could try that welcome party one more time if Miss Pinkie doesn't.....where'd she go?” he said. They all looked around to see that Pinkie was nowhere to be seen.
“I could've sworn she was here just a second ago,” Wataru said. The rest of the Mane Six just shrugged.
“She does that. One second she's here and the next she's”
“Getting ready for the best welcome party EVER!!” she yelled as she appeared out of nowhere with her Party Cannon in tow. They all looked at her shocked and confused.
“But..how did.....where'd you..” Wataru stammered.
“Sorry, had to reload the Party Cannon and get some supplies. Now let's get this party started!” she yelled as she fired the Party Cannon. Wataru stood there dumbstruck, still trying to figure out how Pinkie Pie had accomplished such a feat.
“Don't try and rationalize it. The sooner you start accepting 'It's just Pinkie being Pinkie', the less headaches you'll get. Trust me on this one,” Twilight said. Wataru stood there for a moment still trying to process it all before he sighed in defeat.
“Don't worry, you'll get used to it. Eventually,” Twilight said. Wataru smiled at this as he joined in the party that was now being thrown in his house.
Unbeknownst to them all, Kivat observed them through a violin ornament on the wall which acted as his perch. He smiled and chuckled.
“Looks like Wataru's starting to finally make friends; with six mares no less. Lucky boy. This will be interesting to watch,” he said as he chuckled to himself and listened to the music that Pinkie was blaring through the house.
Meanwhile in Canterlot
Celestia lead Luna to a pair of giant doors with the symbol of the sun on the door. Except it was more straight and angular as opposed to the more flowing and wavy design. Luna looked at her sister confused.
“Sister, what is this place?” she said.
“After the Nightmare Moon incident all those years ago, the Fangire fell into hiding. My guards tried to find them all, but their efforts came up short. For a while, I just assumed they had died of or fell into obscurity. However, as the years went by we saw a resurgence in attacks. My guards were unable to fight them effectively, so I created an organization specifically to fight and study the Fangire,” she said as she pushed open the giant doors.
“The Wonderful Blue Sky Organization,” she said. Luna stared wide eyed at what stood before her. The massive room was filled with ponies in lab coats and numerous machines. Luna had never seen anything like it before. She was aware that technology had greatly advance since her absence, but not to this degree. Celestia tapped her on the shoulder.
“Come with me Luna, there is somepony I would like you to meet,” she said as she led her sister through the room.
On the very far end of the massive room was what looked like a training facility. Various exercise equipment were laid out. Strangely, the only pony who appeared to be using it at the moment was a dark blue stallion with a black mane on an elliptical. His cutie mark was a shield with the same strange sun symbol on it with two wings extending from the sides. He turned to look at the two ponies and smiled, yet strangely he did not bow and continued pedaling on the elliptical.
“Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, to what do I owe the pleasure?” he said.
“Luna, I would like you to meet Mamoru Shima, the head of the Wonderful Blue Sky Organization,” she said. Shima stopped for a moment and bowed his head to Luna. Luna bowed in response.
“A pleasure my Princess,” he said.
“We are pleased to meet you as well,” she said. With that Shima went back to his pedaling.
“So, I assume since you're here it must have something to do with the Fangire. Am I correct?” he said in a matter-of-fact sort of tone.
“It is more than that Shima. Kiva has returned,” Celestia said. Shima stopped his pedaling suddenly and looked at Celestia.
“Kiva?” he said in a very serious tone. Celestia nodded. Shima sighed and got off of the elliptical. He dried the sweat off with a towel and grabbed a suit that was hanging on a bar next to the machine.
“Do we know where he was sighted?” he asked. Celestia shook her head. Shima nodded.
“I will get my top people on it right away my Princess,” he said bowing.
“Thank you Shima. I hope you learn of his location soon,” Celestia said. Shima bowed and prepared to leave.
“One last thing before you go,” she said. Shima turned to look at her “How are the developments coming along on the Rider System?”
Shima smiled and said “They are going well. We're almost done with the latest upgrade. We've also finally got a candidate to use it,” he said. Celestia smile at the news.
“Thank you Shima. I will leave you to work,” she said as she and Shima bowed to each other. Shima bowed to Luna as well, with Luna returning the bow.
“Always a pleasure to see you Princess. Wonderful to meet you as well Princess Luna,” he said.
“We agree good Shima. We pray you are successful in your tasks,” she said. Shima smiled at the two Princesses and walked away.
“What did you mean when you said Rider System sister?” Luna said.
“A project I've had in the works for many years. If it works, it may be able to stop the Fangire and Kiva alike,” she said as she turned to leave, Luna following right alongside her.