Who You Work For
Ch. 29
Both stallions looked at each other with harsh stares. Coco Pommel looked at the door as she heard it open. And when her eyes fell upon Scar Splash, a cold shiver ran down Coco’s spine.
“Why are you spying on us like rat ready to scurry after a scrap of bread?” Fang asked almost speaking through his teeth.
“That pony is making you soft,” Scar Splash spoke, ignoring the changeling’s question. Coco’s eyes darted between both males, wondering what is going to happen next.
“You think I am growing soft?”
“By hearing how that pony is your love bug, I would say so.”
Fang’s horn began to glow red. Suddenly, the blade of his scythe was engulfed in flames. “If I make your head roll, would you still consider me soft?”
Scar shook his head in disappointment, then creased his brow. “Look at yourself!” he shouted. “Getting worked up over a simple comment and over a pony!” Even though he didn’t want to, Fang looked at the cracked mirror. His eyes were filled with anger and his tooth was red hot. But what stood out within his reflection was that he was still disguised as a pony; a crimson-red unicorn.
“My choice is my own!” Fang barked back.
“And that pony is a poison to us all!”
A rush of fear crashed over Coco. She was worried not only a conflict was about to erupt, but was afraid that another trip off the ledge was in order. The scythe may have caused Coco some discomfort, but she felt safe behind Fang. So she then stood behind her friend, knowing he would protect her.
“Coco Pommel is a friend to the queen,” Fang spoke. “Are you saying the queen is growing soft as well?”
“Yes, I do.”
Fang had heard enough. He stomped toward Scar Splash, insulted that the changeling would say such a thing about Queen Chrysalis. “How DARE you speak about our beloved queen that way!”
Scar Splash did nothing to retaliate toward Fang’s action. All he did was stand still.
“STOP IT!” Coco screamed, her throat ripping as she yelled.
Fang halted his movement, though he still wanted to obliterate Scar Splash for challenging Queen Chrysalis’ rule. Thumping the butt of his weapon on the ground, Fang’s scythe lost its flame; however, it still burned red hot from the fire.
“You,” Scar Splash spoke coldly as he looked to Coco. The pony shivered violently as he gazed at her. “You are being used by the queen for her own personal gain. You are no friend to her. You are a fool to think for a second that Queen Chrysalis would want be a friend of yours.”
“How… do you know that?” Coco Pommel asked.
“I have an idea...” Scar Splash turned around. “Oh, and Fang is lying about his friendship to you.”
“SHUT UP!” Fang roared. He almost began to walk forward again, but felt a touch on his shoulder. The changeling looked to see Coco Pommel staring at him with frightened and sad eyes.
“You will see, Fang.” Both Coco and Fang glanced at the back of Scar Splash as he walked away.
“Wretched freak…” Fang spoke through his teeth. He slammed the door and placed his weapon against the wall using telepathy. A sigh of air rushed out of the changeling’s nostrils.
In his peripheral, Fang saw Coco Pommel walk away from him and over to the large window. She stared up at the sky in silence. Knowing his friend was in pain, Fang approached slowly.
“Coco, are you okay?” he asked calmly.
The mare looked at him with worry and sadness. “No… no I am not.” Knowing it is the only thing he can do, Fang lifted up one of his forelegs as an offering for an embrace. Seeing the opportunity, Coco Pommel scooted over to him and pressed her side into him. Her dress made the pony a bit uncomfortable as it scrunched against her as she leaned into Fang.
“Don’t you believe a single word he said. He is a liar. I care about you. The queen cares about you. Other changelings care about you. The children-”
“I know,” Coco spoke. “I just... want it to be quiet for a bit.”
“Do you need to be alone?”
She turned her head and stared at the handsome changeling who still wore his unicorn facade. “I’d rather be with somechangeling who cares about me.”
A rush of love bloomed out of Coco Pommel. If it was a poison, it would suffocate and kill Inferno Fang. It was so sweet and delicious to the changeling. Knowing it is the only thing he can do, he leaned his head forward and placed his forehead on Coco Pommel’s. The mare’s cheeks blushed brightly, taken slightly aback by Fang’s action. But despite what he did, any worries, any fears, any doubts she was feeling was gone. In reply of his choice, she lifted up her snout, and touched Fang’s.
It was perfect moment of silence. Nothing else had to be said. Only their bodies spoke. They stood for an unknown amount of time as their foreheads remained in contact. Besides, Coco nor Fang had anything important to do, so they might as well enjoy the time being.
They looked into each other’s eyes, locked and focused. Coco was about to ask if Fang was alright with what was happening, but thought otherwise. As if they were the same being, both pony and changeling closed their eyes.
BUMP BUMP.
In an instant, Fang and Coco’s eyes shot open, wondering what sound that was. When they saw what, or rather who made the sound, they stepped back in embarrassment.
Outside on the balcony was Sea More, smiling.