In two months, things had changed dramatically for both Comet and Angel. The duo had progressed painfully from hoof to hoof combat to full contact weapon training. Along the way, Comet gained some inexplicable bruises in places he'd rather not mention.
However, while Angel surpassed Comet in combat, Comet shone in his ability to keep a straight face and fly. While nopony would ever guess, Comet got his skills from avoiding and ignoring Angel. She, for her part, learned to read even tiny signals in pony expressions, gaining full insight into a single blink or eye twitch. Altogether, they were both progressing superbly in their training. Corporal Feathermane was absolutely proud of the duo, as he shared in every one of his reports to Shining Armor.
Shining, for his part, was busy with the phoenix Philomena. 'A bit' turned into weeks of training, much to Celestia's, Philomena's and Shining's annoyance. The saying about an old dog and new tricks took on a whole new meaning with Philomena, who resolutely refused to cooperate and pecked the sense out of any Royal Guard who tried to teach her. Not one to be denied, though, Shining persisted with Philomena's training. He met some moderate success along the way, when he had enough treats.
As for dear Princess Luna, she was working on talking in a normal voice around common ponies. In Celestia's personal opinion, though, Luna arguing with herself in the mirror did little to help her volume, which remained twenty decibels too high.
So was life in Canterlot Castle.
Comet stood as still as a statue and so did Angel. Comet was convinced he was dreaming for the better part of three minutes until she let out a huge sigh and flapped her wings.
"Ugh, bat ponies are not meant to stay still!" she whined in an exasperated tone.
Comet kept his stoic face and Angel tossed a glance his way. It had been two full months since she tackled him in the alleyway and she had to admit, he was an impressive stallion. He put up with her without losing his temper, especially in the first day of Basic Training and even kept his cool under extreme pressure, such as when Corporal Feathermane launched him from a catapult while he was blindfolded. Angel wasn't sure why it was necessary for the blindfold since the exercise was about aerial maneuvers at high speeds. Still, Comet was just being Comet and Angel liked that about him. He was a good friend and training partner.
That didn't mean Angel had given up on annoying him. She had used every sly trick in her book to mess with him and had each time gotten successful results, like making him blush vividly before inspections. Corporal Feathermane still thought Comet had an improper magazine somewhere near his bed. Angel enjoyed teasing Comet, but she also knew if she pushed her luck too far, her fragile relationship with Comet would break quickly. She knew Comet had trouble making new friends, but nopony knew Angel did as well. She found it hard to retain friends after they saw her personality and was amazed Comet hadn't requested a transfer to another unit yet. She also thought that was really sweet of him.
For Comet's part, he received a letter for flooding the lead training officer's desk with transfer requests.
So here the two of them stood, waiting for Corporal Feathermane to make an appearance. He was unusually tardy today, something Comet felt in the pit of his stomach meant bad things for him. It took them another half hour of standing before another Royal Guard approached them. The shiny insignia of a Warrent Officer gleamed proudly against his golden armor, which contrasted heavily with his black pelt and platinum mane.
He stopped at the duo, who stood resolutely still and expressionless, and spoke, "Corporal Feathermane will not join you today. He is busy with other important matters and has given you both approval for a day off. At ease, recruits."
The unicorn Warrent Officer then disappeared in a burst of violet light, leaving an excited bat pony to talk the ear off the pegasus. Corporal Feathermane, for his part, was sitting on his bed, spit cleaning his armor and trying to hide the pictures of his marefriend back in Coltsburgh in preparation for inspection by Shining Armor. Still, for the two ponies down on the training field, the day was still young.
"This is just too cool!" Angel shouted excitedly as she and Comet trotted back to their bunks, "A whole day to do what we want! We could go into town, or go drinking, or go to a spa, or..."
She rambled on as they walked. Comet merely rolled his eyes as he always did when Angel was excited. He had no clue where she had gotten the idea he was going to spend a day off with her. He had formulated his own plans like going into town, finding a nice library and relaxing there all day. It wasn't much, but it was what Comet liked to do. Back at the bunks, Comet dug through his footlocker as Angel excitedly flew up and crashed on her bed, still listing off things to do.
Comet, who was adept at ignoring her now, pulled out his bag of bits from the locker. Keeping his money inside his locker seemed foolish, but he had long ago acquired a big lock to keep Angel and others out, particularly Corporal Feathermane who had tried long ago to get some bits from Comet to settle a bar tab. Money in mouth and a whole day to spend it, Comet headed silently for the door.
Just before he got there, a very audible "Hey!" came from behind him, followed by the familiar flapping of bat wings. Angel landed and trotted up behind him.
"Where ya goin'?" she asked sweetly.
Comet turned to her and said through his bit pouch, "Somewhere quiet."
"Oh! So we're going to a spa?!" Angel squealed as she bounced in the air.
"No, I'm going to a library. The whole point of a day off is to relax," Comet said with his bit pouch mashing his words together.
"I know! But libraries are boring, they make you be quiet. Spa's are so much more fun!" Angel said, still hopping.
"I didn't say you were coming with me," Comet replied.
Angel suddenly stopped bouncing and her eyes got wide.
"Wha?" she asked in a shocked voice.
Comet really was planning on going somewhere without her? She had figured he would try to, but she had been planning for this.
"What do you mean 'not with me'?" she asked in a heartbroken tone.
"What I mean. I'm spending my day off alone," Comet stated in a matter of fact tone.
Angel hung her head in her best sad impersonation and mumbled "Oh, okay then. I'll just let you get going then. Don't wanna spoil your day."
She sniffed loudly and turned to walk away.
Deep down, Comet knew she was faking it. She would just eventually find him with her weird tracking ability and force him to spend time with her. He knew this and told himself he should just leave, but his body failed to react. Then, in a corner of his mind he didn't know that existed, he felt a new sensation, one of pity.
He had never seen her socialize with any other pony except Corporal Feathermane and knew she had often said Comet was her best friend, followed every time by an uncomfortable hug. Then, while he grappled with this new emotion and tried to stifle it, another one popped up. This time, it was sympathy. He had never really had friends either and, although he never would say it out loud, Angel was the closest pony he had for a friend.
So, without being able to control his mouth, Comet said, "I do know of a nice spa in Canterlot. We could go there today."
The instant he said it, Comet mentally slapped himself. Why in Equestria did he say that? Angel instantly perked up and spun back to him with a wide grin on her face.
"I'll get my bits!" she shouted and ran back to the bunks.
While she dug around for them, Comet chastised himself for speaking those horrible words. He only knew of the spa because of an advertisement that got stuck on his face before he crashed into the castle wall. Now he was going there and taking Angel too?! Before he could work out an excuse, Angel bolted by him, somehow grabbed his hoof, and yanked him out the door.
"Let's go, Comet! This'll be the best day off ever!" she shouted and took off, unknowingly slapping Comet on his cheek with her wings.
Have a squee, you have earned it.
Angel is so adorable.
This can't go well for Comet.
2002859 It is called The Dreaded Day Off for a reason!
Just noticed the romance tag. I was hoping those two would end up together
They gonna
bangkiss?Sweet, new chapter already?!
Thank god because I'm like pretty bored over in college on the computer. I have to wait til the next class starts.
Dawwww levels over 9000!! :
I guess he isn't such an unfeeling asshole like I thought.\
NO offense. I love their character designs and can't wait to see how this turns out.
Angel is best OC.
This...this is pretty cute.
My love, you may have it.
i love angel she is so energetic
...Just started reading this fic, and a new chapter comes out as I finish Chapter 4?
YESYESYESYESYES!
Really enjoying this story, maybe now Comet will lighten up
Angel is sweeter than sugar
That. was. Adorable!
Angel is just the best
It was pretty funny too.
Hahah funniest part
2002859 I don't think this will go well for anyone... But us readers wanting to be entertained of course.
I foresee a case of Murder arson and Jaywalking coming soon.
Captain, the UST levels are increasing at an unprecedented rate!
2002976 nah, this would be more like a "bromance" only with opposite genders. xD
if this is a "romance" then it's a romance of pure fraternal love
2003056
I think my next chapter will change that.
Awesome...
<Just an odd thought for a future episode or perhaps omake?>
Comet resisted the urge to facehoof as he stared at Angel and the three little fillies next to her wearing imitation dark armor made out of cardboard. He just knew he was going to regret asking this but....."Angel, what in Equestria are you doing?"
Angel and the three fillies took a deep breath before..."CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS BAT PONIES YAY!!!!"
*1 hour later*
A battered and bruised Comet stared agape at the Royal Guard training grounds which were currently covered in tree sap/pine needles and or totally demolished (usually both).
This presented the perfect opportunity for Angel and the CMC to sneak away and hunt down those element of Harmony for their next try!
I squee every time I see this thing update.
I know the story is tagged "Romance," but I'm not convinced. Angel seems less like she needs a BF and more like she needs a BBBFF.
Just my opinion.
Very well written. Love the characters, Love the story. Here, have a moustache.
You had me going there. I totally thought Comet was going to get a few minutes of a reprieve.
...or in this case Comet.
Quote from Big Bang Theory.
Silly Comet, you can't resist the stare of a depressed cute bat pony
2003063 But- but I like bromance...
[checks categories.]
Dang it romance, always messing with perfectly good friendshipping.
2003063 I hope it does
This chapter sort of bugged me because it really felt like Angel was emotionally manipulating him and comet really didn't want to hang out with her. This has been all about how Angel feels about Comet and so far comet doesn't give any indication of liking Angel. It feel incredibly one-sided and even kind of cruel. I really *Really* hope the next chapter will focus more on how Comet feels about Angel rather than one moment of her being emotionally manipulative, him recognizing this and still falling for it. It just makes me squick a little.
2003410
Angel may have manipulated matters, but as the next chapter will show, Comet could've said no and didn't for a reason.
I just wish that the chapters where longer. But is still enjoyed it very much.
Angel doesn't have friends I think she should meet Rainbow Dash or Pinkie Pie; definitely Pinkie Pie. Oh the horror that would ensue for Comet.
Looks like the story is getting even better. Good work Brony!
2003432 That's why I asked for more on Comet's POV. Because I don't have your ability to know what's going to happen next. I can only go off what is written.
"Anything that can go wrong will go wrong"
2003063 There is one slight problem with that.
It's not there!!!
2003587
Ask and ye shall receive. It's a two chapter day.
i'm really loving this story. i think angel may be my favorite OC with comet as a close second. also, i just noticed the "angel beats" reference in angel's name. such a great show.
my god they are such a perfect couple
Well played Angel
Well played
Hang on mare and stallion going to a spa together.
I have a feeling Murphey's law may add some intersting things to this situtation.
I WANT TO HUG PRINCESS LUNA AND TELL HER HOW MUCH I WANT THIS COUPLE TO BE!
THEY ARE GONNA BE A COUPLE, I FEEL IT IN MA BONESEZ!
Tags: <Romance>
OMG YES.
2003688 Chill down a bit would you?
2003688 I agree
:3
I love how Angel has so much guts, and can do whatever she wants because she's a freakin' beast (in a good way), while at the same time she has such a soft side :3
Can't help i'm more like Comet. I'm more reserved and like solitude :P
Angel is a BAWSS.
No seriously, she's fkn adorable, isn't afraid of anything, and likes to chat it up <3
Comet: Oh damn it, I never asked for this!
Me: Hey! stop stealing my line!
2003993
im actually exactly like Angel... That actually freaks me out
I got the bombastic attitude and im for the most part fearless but i barely have friends and im not very social
This story is also really close to my personal life which freaks me out even more...
either that or im crazy
Angel is like... pinkie pie without the parties, as a teenager. That cute chick that has a great laugh and is always smiling. You know what I mean guys, there's always been one of those.
Don't you just hate it when mares do the whole 'sad' act until you do what they want?
2004334 I guess you could say *puts on sunglasses* ...You never asked for this. (YEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAHHHHHHH)
Well, that was stupid of him...
2004183 She is quite adorable, isn't she.
And sexy.
Oh so sexy.