> Dishonored: Revenge is Magic > by Derpyforever > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Chapter 1: Betrayed > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 1: Betrayed "What a day," I sighed as I slumped into my bed, "I'm glad I finally finished that chapter of PC. I wonder how others will re..." "Hey DF." I looked to my right to see who the high, chipper voice belonged to... of course, I already knew who it was. "Hey Pinkie," I smiled, "how have you been?" "I'm doing great" Pinkie exclaimed, but I noticed her usual smile wasn't as enjoyable as it normally is. "Something wrong," I asked "Oh, well I have something to ask you," Pinkie said. "What?" "Well... some strange things has been happening to me... and it's starting to scare me. I'm not blaming you, but you are the only one who has the key to our world." "I don't remember writing anything that would harm or mess with you." "Well... it's freaking me out and I'm scared to go back... can I... can I sleep with you tonight." "Of course Pinkie," I smiled. Seeing anything besides happiness on her face broke my heart, so I was willing to do anything to comfort her. "Thanks, DF," Pinkie smiled as she climbed into my bed and curled up into a ball like a dog next to me, "Goodnight." "Goodnight," I chuckled, turning out my side lamp. I stayed up for a bit with my arm around Pinkie as she fell asleep. Yes, I'm a human, but I have a special connection with Pinkie. For as long as I can remember, she would break the fourth wall in my stories, but do it in ways you could never imagine. She would actually leave her world and visit me. I don't know how and sometimes I think even Pinkie doesn't know, but I don't mind. I love seeing her and she is always so happy to see me. While I laid in my bed, I thought about what Pinkie said. Strange things happening in Equestria? That doesn't sound good... oh well, I should probably get some sleep. I put my headphones on as I listen to my favorite songs and slept... I don't know what woke me up, but automatically I shot out of my bed in the late of the night. I looked to my right and saw that Pinkie was gone... and so was my tablet. I rubbed my eyes, got out of bed, and looked out my bedroom door. "Pinkie," I called, "where are you?" "Behind you Derps," a voice I knew said behind me. "Olor?" I turned around to see my friend... or I thought he was my friend. He had his hand around a struggling Pinkie's mouth and neck. "What are you doing with Pinkie," I demanded. "I'm tired of you having all the fame," he growled, "now I'm stealing the show." He had my tablet in his hand and held it next to Pinkie as she was sucked in to her story. "Pinkie," I exclaimed. "Your turn," he yelled before he hit me in the head with something hard. I heard him laugh menacingly before my vision and sound went completely dark... ### I suddenly opened my eyes and started breathing quickly. I got up and looked around as I calmed down and saw floating islands in a place that looked like purple space. I started to walk around until a dark mass appeared in front of me. I was startled and took a few steps back as the mass took a more physical form... a more pony form. "Greeting Derpyforever," declared a voice. "Who are you," I asked. "You should know, You do write our stories... of course you may not. I am Princess Luna." "Luna? What are you doing here?" "Olor has betrayed you. He took control of your stories... except for one. You must find a way out and stop Olor from destroying your reputation or no one will read your stories anymore, your stories will no longer have meaning, and our world will die off." "How of I get out?" "Pinkie." "Pinkie?" "Yes, in this one, Pinkie is Celestia's daughter, but my poor sister died at the hands of Blueblood. Only Pinkie know how to leave stories and you must protected her." "Protect her? From what?" "This may be an undetected story, but it fell into a world of chaos, so your going to need gear." "Where am I going to get gear?" "There." Luna pointed to an island way off in the distance. "How am I going to get out there," I exclaimed. "Well, first you'll need this" Luna replied, then focused as her eyes glown white and a beam hit me. At first, I didn't feel anything, then a sharp pain came from my... hoof?! "I'm a po-ah," I gasped in pain as a weird mark appeared on my brown hoof. "There, now go." "Wait, what is...," I stopped when I looked back and saw Luna was gone and was replaced with a tiny thing, I approached it and held it in my hoof. "What is this," I said examining it closer. "You can call me the heart," a voice said in my head, making me jump, "when ever you are lost, you can always talk to me to find the way." "Ok... how do I get to that island," I asked. "The mark you now have is one given to few. Use it with caution and responsibility," the heart replied. "How do I use my mark," I asked. "You will know how... I must leave for now," the heart said. "Wait, what are your talking about?" I didn't get a response. "Worthless piece of junk," I grumbled. Then felt the top of my head and looked at my back. "Him, no wings or a horn. So I ain't getting over there by flying... but maybe by teleportation." I looked closely at the mark on my hoof and saw the mark to be more familiar than I thought it was. "I should have known," I chuckled, "the Outsider mark. Ok, let's see if this works." I looked at a nearby floating rock and focused. I wasn't sure how I did it, but the little blue spot appeared. I flicked by marked hoof and I appeared on the rock. I did it a few more times and appeared on the island where the gear Luna said would be. I approached the gear only to find the sword and a belt. "Corvo's sword," I smiled in awe. I grabbed the sword and put it in the belt before my vision started to flicker into darkness "What the..." It turned into I nothing as I looked around... then... I heard something... a laugh. Not an evil laugh, sort of a childish giggle. My vision the turned a bright white as I heard a voice that sounded distance, "D... DF... DF come catch me... Play hide and seek with me..." "Who's that?" "DF... play the game with me... DF?..." My vision started to fade into a smiling face with a pink mane and coat. "DF! Your awake," the foal smiled "P-Pinkie?" (To Be Continued...) > Chapter 2: Fallen Princess > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 2: Fallen Princess "Hey DF," Pinkie exclaimed, jumping up and down on me. At first, I thought it was going to hurt, but she was surprisingly light, "come play hide and seek with me. Come play play play!" Pinkie stopped jumping on me to allow me to get up on my... hooves... still feels a little strange... and looked at Pinkie, I found out why she was so light, she was a filly, maybe as small as Applebloom. "Alright, we can play for a little bit, I have to meet Celestia soon," I said, but in my mind I thought 'How did I know that?' "Awww," Pinkie wined, "alright, just a little bit." I followed Pinkie down a big staircase outside that led to a flat area with junk everywhere. "Ok, I'll count to ten and you go hide," Pinkie gleefully exclaimed, then covered her eyes, "One... Two... Three..." ... This is familiar... no wait, I already establish what this is... right, Dishonored. "Six... Seven..." Shoot! I'll hide behind there. I slid behind a big, flat piece of metal as Pinkie finished. "Nine... Ten... Ready or not DF, here I come," Pinkie exclaimed as she frantically looked around for me. "Where are you DF," Pinkie said as she looked into some bushes, "DF, your too good at this game." "Pinkie," a voice called from stop the staircase we came from, "if you run into Derpyforever, tell him I'm ready to see him." "OK Mom," Pinkie yelled, "ok DF, it looks like you win again." I stood up from behind my hiding to see a disappointed Pinkie. "Ah man, I was so close to that spot too," Pinkie pouted. I chuckled then said, "you know what is more fun than hide and seek?" "What?" "A... pony ride," I exclaimed putting a laughing Pinkie on my back. "Your funny, DF," Pinkie giggled. "Whoa now missy, this is serious business, so let me see your serious face," I declared. Pinke's smile turned into a frown and her eyebrows went down into focus. "What's that face," I smild "My grumpy DF face," Pinkie said before jumping off my back and shooting away while teasing, "because you're so boring!" "Oh I'll show you whose the boring one," I laughed, chasing after her, "get back here!" I chased Pinkie up the steps, through a courtyard, and up a tower leading to a balcony. She ran up to a certain alicorn princess with a four colored mane and a white coat and said, "Mommy! DF is being mean to me." "Now you know it's wrong to tell lies, Pinkie," the alicorn smiled at the grinning Pinkie as I trotted in, "ah! Derpy. Glad you could meet me... Pinkie, can you excuse us for a moment, it's big pony talk." "Aww, but I am a big pony," Pinkie sulked. "Pinkie," the alicorn glared. "Fine," Pinkie groaned, then walked to the door. Before she left though, she smirked at me and said, "Have fun with your boring meeting with boring Celestia." "She sure is a handful," Celestia chuckled, "I just like to say thank you for protecting her and me from killers and the plague." "It is my pleasure," I bowed, but when I got up, I gave a more serious tone, "but what is the real reason why you called me?" "I'm afraid my time is nearing me," Celestia sighed. "How?! Your immortal!" "Form ageing, yes, but from murder, no." "What are you going on about, Celestia?" "I believe a resisting force is stirring up in my top ranks. Chrysalis had pledged loyalty, but she's beginning to act different around me, like she knows something, and my nephew Blueblood is no different... I believe... " "Aaaaaa!!!" Celestia was cut off by a scream from outside the door. "Pinkie," I yelled, open the door open to see a Pinkie fall through the doorway. "Pinkie, what's wrong," Celestia worried, rushing to her daughter's side. "I stubbed my hoof," Pinkie cried. Celestia and I traded a relived glance before turning our attention to back to Pinkie and Celestia continued, "It's ok, it's ok. You just hit your hooftip a little, you'll be fine." Pinkie's sobbing quieted as Celestia embraced Pinkie in her hoof, "You want me to kiss it?" Pinkie nodded as Celestia bent her head down to kiss Pinkie's hurt hoof, "There better?" "Yeah," Pinkie smiled, as she wiped a few tears from her face, "Thanks." "Your welcome," Celestia chuckled. I smiled at the sight of a mother and her daughter. She really loves her daughter, which makes me feel honored to protect them... wait, what is... "Look out," I yelled, as I takled Celestia and Pinkie out of an arrow that missed us barley. Suddenly, the pony I saw shoot the arrow appeared infront of us with a sword drawn. He had a hooded uniform with what I concluded looked like a gasmask that completely covered his face. I got up and glared at the pony as I grabbed my retracted sword and spun it in my hoof as it completely extended into a full blade that's handle wrapped around my hoof. It sort of looked I had a sword sticking out of the side of my hoof, but I didn't complain, I could stand on all four legs while my enemy could only stand in three, meaning I have a balance advantage... how I knew all that, I will never know. "Who are you," I asked the masked pony. I didn't get response, the pony just started making towards the other two. "So be it." I made a move towards the pony as he swung his sword at me. I blocked it and threw the pony of guard, dishooving him. "You make this too easy," as I pointed my hoof at him causing my sword to spun around to where I could point it at the him. "DF, look out," I heard Pinkie exclaimed. I looked to me left to see a hoof hit me square on the muzzle. I was stunned and my sword retracted itself but remained wrapped around my hoof. "Well, well, well, we finally meet, DF," a rather 'dignified' voice declared, "I've heard many great things about you. Royal protecter of the Princess and her daughter... to bad you killed her." "What?!" "You haven't heard? Yeah, it's was all over the radio. The all 'powerful' Celestia back stabbed, literally, by her so called loyal guard." "Now hold it right there Neph-" Celestia was cut off by a blade that ran through her chest while Pinkie screamed. Blueblood had somehow appeared next to Celestia and stabbed her with his sword. "Celestia," I yelled, getting up. My efforts were in vain, however, for Blueblood had somehow suspended me into he air. I looked closer at his hoof to see the Outsider mark... like the one I had. "Well, It's been good. But I have a kingdom to watch crumbled," Blueblood chuckled and disappeared the same way he appeared, followed by the other pony. I fell from my suspension and crawled up to Celestia. She was gasping for air as Pinkie stood off to the side, horrified from seeing her dying mother. "Derpy, promise me," Celestia gasped between breaths, "promise me you'll watch over Pinkie in my absence." "Don't say that! We'll find a way to save you." "No Derpy, You will see to it that my daughter survives. She is the last to heir to my throne. Goodbye Derpy, Goodbye Pinkie," celestia took in one more deep breath before it stopped. "C-Celestia," I shakingly said. Celestia laid there, no longer responding as tears fell off my face. I looked at Pinkie and approached her. I held her in my hooves as she started too sob in them. I heard hoofsteps behind me and saw a squad of Royal guards, Chrysalis, and some changelings appear. "What have you done," Chrysalis exclaimed, but had a rather smuged look on her face, "You killed the Princess." "No he didn't," Pinkie defended, pushing my hooves away and got into Chrysalis's face, "now just..." Chrysalis grabbed her and threw her into another Changeling's clutches. "Don't touch her," I yelled and advanced on Chrysalis when all around spears were pointed at me, not allowing me to get any closer. "You need to learn some manners Derpy," Chrysalis chuckled, then knocked me out, but before I completely blacked out, I heard her laugh, "Now that we have the stallion who killed Celestia, we can take our rightful place as high overseer..." (To Be Continued...) > Chapter 3: Meeting the Loyalsix > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 3: Meeting the Loyalsix Six months have past since I was blamed for Blueblood's crime. I was sentence to be executed today and how I knew was the radio. After Celestia died and Pinkie Pie went supposedly missing, Queen Chrysalis was next to take control. She was a relentless ruler, she enforced strict rules that everypony had to follow or be killed on the spot, she set up Changeling magic powered machinery that, unless your a Changeling, you can be killed by. She did little for the Parasprite plague, for since her kind were bugs, they were unaffected. She also set up speakers that, like I mentioned before, would update the citizens of Canterlot or remind them of the strict rules. My gear belt was taken away from me, not that it had anything in it besides the Heart and a few bits maybe, and my sword, and as a cruel joke, put both in front of my cell just out of reach. I was put in a cell in a blocked off part of the Canterlot caves. It's mostly Changeling who would guard the area, but I've noticed some were ponies as well. Probably thought they could escape the troubles of the outside in the refuge of Chrysalis's tyranny, but I've also taken notice of one particular mare... she never showed her face to me and was normally cloaked, so I couldn't use my cutie mark knowledge to figure out who it was, but she would always bring me my food... then just stood there while I ate. One day I asked her why she just stood there, but only continued to stare, as if judging me in some way, so I just let it go and continue to eat. The day of my execution, the same mare brought me food, and as always, stood and watched while I ate. I was given a bowl of soup, which was much different from the flavorless muck I usually received, and a role of bread with a glass of punch on the side. "So I guess my best meal is my last," I joked, trying to get the mare to talk, but failed. I shook my head and when back to my meal and started to eat. I ate my soup, then started to nibble on my roll. I looked up and saw the mare was gone. I got up, walked to the door of my cell, and stuck my head through the bars to see that nopony was in my hallway. I shrugged and bit into the bread to bite down on something hard. I oshocked and peeled off what I could of the bread to find the handle of a key. I was shocked again and looked around, thinking this was some kind of joke. Seeing that nopony was around to laugh or play a rim shot, I took the key in my mouth. I stuck my head through the bars again and put the key into my cell door lock. I turned it and opened my door. "Well how nice of it for them to leave my gear at my door," I chuckled, and put the belt around me while wrapping my sword handle around my hoof. I silently walked to the end of the hallway and peeked around the corner to see a couple of Changeling guards talking. "Zzzo what do you think Jack," one said, "do you think the Parazzzpritezzz might come after uzzz once they're through with the poniezzz?" "I doubt it," Jack replied, "we're bugzzz remember? They won't lay a wing on uzzz." "But I heard they're attacking uzzz now... what wazzz that noizzze?" A sound was made by somepony I couldn't see down the hallway at the cross section they were standing at. Alarmed, they went to go check on the noise. I headed down the hallway perpendicular to the one they went to come to a door with sign that said, 'onto Canterlot Caves.' I opened the door and headed out of the prison area. ### I closed the door behind me and looked around. This part of the caves was different from the prison area. It had more of a sewer like structure with a river of garbage and nasty water splitting two sides. I walked on one side and followed the sewage. I followed it until I made it to an area that was walled off up until a certain point on top. I was about to open the door until I heared a faint buzz. I looked through the key hole and saw a bunch of different colored Parasprites flying around. I looked around and remember by ability. I looked up and blinked to the top of the wall. On top was a ceiling made out of bars, so it allowed me to looked down and see the Parasprites. They must of known I was there for they bunched up into a little group and followed me as I quietly walked across the top. I was about to jump down on the other side until I heard another pair of voices. "You sure it's this is the way," one asked, it didn't buzz so I knew it was a pony. "Yeah, we just head through this door and we'll be able to sneak into the castle," another replied. I thought for a second as I looked through the bars and saw the other door of the room I snuck across the top of was opening. I was about to warn them, but I just held it back as the door was fully opened. I saw a red and blue pony walk in and scream as the Parasprites ignore me for a second and flew at them... then the screams stopped as the Parasprites focused back on me by regrouping right underneath me, leaving behind the skeletal remains of two ponies. It took me all of my will power not to throw up, but was able not to. Luckily, the ponies closed the door behind them, or I would have been next, so I jumped off the top of the room and continued on the sewage path. ### I continued to walk until I finally saw light near the end. I ran out to come across a sewage outlet near a cliff side. I climbed up to see buildings and a street that was blocked off by a towering wall of metal. In the street was a building called Joe's Donuts, and not seeing any form of life outside, I open the door. "Ah, Derpyforever," an orange pony said after I closed the door behind me, "We've been waiting for you. We actually thought for a second you didn't make it out of the caves." I looked at the pony for a second, then realized who was talking to me... Applejack! The fanboy inside me wanted to faint from actually meeting her, but thankfully, I was able to sustain composure. "What is this place," I asked. "It used to be my favorite restaurant," another voice said from a booth on my right, "but now it's our place of hiding." I looked to my right and saw Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Rarity all sitting in a booth drinking apple cider. They all looked a little tired and scratched up, but other than that, they seemed to be in pretty good shape. "Ok, now I want some answers," I said, "what is going on and why am I here?" "We are a small group known as the Loyalsix. Rainbow Dash is an excellent flyer and she can get you anywhere without being detected. Fluttershy makes elixir that can heal you so don't be afraid to go to her when you're injured, Rarity is our mechanical genius and can make anything from scratch, for a price of course, and Applejack is our inside mare, can gain the trust of anypony and find out what we need to know," Twilight replied, "we all know you didn't really kill the princess, and we are prepared to take down Chrysalis and find Pinkie." "Pinkie's still alive?" "Yes and we need you to find her... But you seem beat. We'll talk in the morning, I have had a room made for you in the attic. Your welcome to sleep or talk to the others around, Goodnight Derpy." "Goodnight," I replied, as I headed out a door in the back of the old restaurant and up a staircase. The whole building was turned into a refuge area for anypony needing a home. Some of the ponies looked at me with a distrustful look, probably believing I was the one who killed the Celestia, and some where nicer, wishing me a goodnight. I walked up the staircase until I found the attic and, like Twilight said, there was a bed waiting for me. I took off my belt and sword and put it onto the bedside next to me. I looked at the ceiling as I laid in bed, thinking that this all unreal. I'm in Equestria with the mane six, minus Pinkie, and this whole deal is crossed over with Dishonored... well that's a lot to take in... I just hope Pinkie's alright. No point on thinking about it now, might as well get some sleep... ### I opened my eyes to the same purple space as before. I got up and looked around as Luna appeared from a black mass yet again. "So your journey begins," she said, "you must find Pinkie, end Blueblood and Chrysalis's tyranny, but in order to do that, you'll need to strength your skills and abilities. " "How will I do that," I asked. "You will need to find Moon Shards. The Heart will guide you to them. You may ask the Heart if you have found enough for increasing your abilities, and it will tell you what you can do... here try it out," Luna said, giving me a small stone that had Luna's crescent moon cutie mark on it. I pulled out the Heart and asked it what can I upgrade. It replied with dark vision, or vitality. "Good," Luna replied, "now say vitality." "Vitality," I repeated, then Moon Shard disappeared as I felt something surge through me... I felt, stronger... like I can't be harmed as easily. "You are stronger now," Luna explained, "Which will help you destroy your enemies... I'll be watching you as you continue on your path, studying your decisions." "Will I ever see you again?" "I have many shrines placed throughout Equestria, if you find one, you may talk to me... You must go for now, you have a mission to accomplish." "Wait! what am I..." I wasn't able to finish as I was woken up from Twilight at the crack of dawn. "Get up Derpy, you've got a Shining Armor to eliminate. " (To Be Continued...) > Chapter 4: Gadgets and Ponytails > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 4: Gadgets and Ponytails "Shining Armor," I asked as I climbed out of bed, "isn't he your brother?" "Brother," Twilight repeated, "I don't have a brother. Where in all of Equestria would you get that idea?" "I... never mind," I said as I put on my belt and sword, "so what do I have to do?" "Shining Armor is the High Overseer and is directly connected to Chrysalis," Twilight said, "you are to eliminate him and retrieve the black book. It will contain the whereabouts of Pinkie as well. Rarity's down in the workshop across the courtyard, and you must have caught her fancy, because she has specially made some gear for you without asking for a single bit. I advise seeing her before heading out." "Alright," I nodded, but before I headed out, Twilight grabbed my hoof and continued. "Oh, and one more thing," She said as she released my hoof, "one of our allies, Daring Do, has been missing for a couple of weeks and we believe she has been captured. If you can, I would like for you to save her before it's too late." 'I'll do what I can," I replied. "Thank you, and may our enemies' heads fall without you taking a scratch," Twilight smiled. I nodded again as I headed out of the attic and down to the shop were Rarity was waiting. "Ah, Derpy, I must say what an honor it is to make weapons for such a handsome young stallion like yourself," Rarity cooed. Oh, this is what Twilight meant when I caught Rarity's fancy... oh boy... "Uh... thanks? I guess," I replied. "You're quite welcome," Rarity smiled as she presented items I was very familiar with... thank goodness I love Dishonored. "So here are some weapons I've made for you: A crossbow, silenter than anything you 'haven't' heard before... a sort of, tweaked if you may, version of the royal guard's pistol... and this," Rarity picked up a mask shaped to fit a ponies face, "the assassin mask. Everypony knows your pretty face, and, unfortunately, I must cover it up with something that will strike fear into their hearts... now hold still so I can adjust it..." I stood still as Rarity put the mask on me while levitating a screwdriver to adjust my vision. "Can you see normally," Rarity asked as she finished. "Yes," I replied. "Good... there's also a thing I wanted to ask you," Rarity said with a serious tone. "What is it," I asked. "Well you see, my older sister, Sweetie Belle, had to join the royal guards to help support our small family, but thanks to her smarts, was able to rise all the way up to captain... but her mind isn't as easily corruptible, and in knowing this, Shining ordered one of his men to poison her at their meeting tonight... I was just hoping you could see to it that my sister survives," Rarity asked with pleading eyes, "isn't that what you used to do, protecting ponies before, you know, became an assassin?" "I'll see what I can do," I replied as Rarity gave me the rest of my gear. "Oh thank you, thank you, thank you," Rarity cheered, hugging me... gosh is she annoying, "Well you best be going off and may our enemies' heads fall without you taking a scratch." I thanked her as I headed out to find Rainbow Dash stretching out her wings. "You ready," she asked as she did one final reach to the sky. "Yeah," I said. "Alright, let's go," Rainbow said as she picked me up in her hooves and we flew off. ### "Ok," Rainbow told me as we neared the royal guards' base on the other side of Canterlot, "I can get you underneath the bridge to the military district. Once you climb your way up, you can either try to sneak through main street and deal with the Changeling Watch, or through the alleyways controlled by the Ponytail Gang. This area is low on Parasprites but don't let your guard down, they can always group up when you least expect it." "Thanks Rainbow," I replied as she set me down on the cliff side right underneath the bridge. "Hey, your doing all the hard work, I'm just getting you to your job," Rainbow smiled as she pulled out a tea kettle, "I'll be here." I started to climb up the steps underneath the bridge and looked around as I hid behind a box... what's that noise... sound like... a rune? No, Luna said Moon Shards. Ok, then let's see how this works. I pulled out the Heart and expected to see the little pictures, but saw nothing... I just felt like I knew. Like I just know where they are... I let the feeling fill me as my instincts told me that the Shard was... above me? The next thing I knew, something fell on top of me. It was a pony shaped body bag... and the Shard was inside. I looked up and saw that another one was falling as I heard voices. "So what happenzzz to thezzze poniezzz," a Changeling's voice buzzed. "I don't know," a pony voice replied as another one fell next to me, "all I know is that we're suppose to throw them down there. It's rumored, though, that another crew goes down there and sends them off to the Ponyville District." "Ponyville Dizzztrict? Didn't that place fall to the Plague?" "Yeah, that's why they're sent there." The two kept up the conversation as I pushed the pony off of me. I extended my sword as I cut open the bag to reveal a dead pony with blood all over it's chest and front left leg cut off, but in his right hoof was the Moon Shard. I grabbed it and put it in my pouch as I asked the Heart for an upgrade. "Dark Vision," was all that it replied. "Dark Vision," I repeated as I felt the Shard leave my pouch and another surge go through me. I put the heart away and flicked my left hoof, turning my vision into an orange red. I looked up and saw the yellow figures of the Changeling and the pony through the bridge next to a pile of bodies. I walked up the steps underneath the bridge as I ended Dark Vision to see the two still throwing the bags off the bridge. I saw the bridge blocked off from extending back to Canterlot, so I couldn't escape that way even if I wanted to. I looked the other way to see two perpendicular streets. One led off into what I suspected to be the ally ways Rainbow talked about, and the other was the main street, but had a weird machine outlining the road to the next area. There were three guards, excluding the ones that were ridding the bodies, patrolling the cross section. There was some flat, metal junk positioned to where I could blinked behind them... let's hope my knowledge of the game will help me. I blinked behind one of the metal pieces as I slowly peeked around. I could see one of the guards was a pony while the other two were Changelings. The two Changelings were standing at the machine while the pony was keeping the ally way under watch. "Come on man," one of the Changelings grinned, "Do it." "I don't know," the other replied, "we could get in trouble." I snuck around the metal piece as I blinked up on top of a weird metal outpost and watched the two Changelings to see one had a Parasprite. "There izzz no one around," the Changeling not holding the Parasprite grinned, "Juzzzt do it. It feelzzz weird." The Changeling holding the Parasprite looked at the other for a second, then walked through the machine. When he did, it seemed as if the machine was triggered, and all at once, a green beam shot from one of the rods sticking out and zapped the Parasprite but ignored the Changeling. The moment it hit, the Parasprite was coated in slime, then the slime disintegrated and the Parasprite was gone. "Oh," the Changeling that walked through the machine said, "that feelzzz awezzzome." "Told you. The Wall to Zzzlime.. oh zzzhoot," the other exclaimed as a bigger and tougher Changeling came out. "Hey," he yelled, "You better not be Parazzzliming!" "Zzzory, zzzir," they said as they went back to patrolling the streets and the big Changeling went back into his outpost like the one I was standing on. Wall of Slime, huh? This should prove a challenge. One of the two Changelings walked off and stood guard at the entrance of the bridge while the other walked up and down the street. I saw a wire connected to the wall of slime and followed it until my gaze came upon two boxes, one smaller than the other. I assumed the smaller one was the box I could use the re-wireing tool and the bigger one must hold whatever this world uses for whale oil. I could also see down the ally way from where I was standing and saw the pony just standing guard... I could go that way, but what if the Ponytail gang is more than I can handle... but if I take the main street, I'll have to deal with another wall of slime, if my memory serves me correctly, and quite a few of the Changeling Watch... I'll ask the Heart! I pulled out the Heart, but when I did, I felt another Moon Shard was near by... I must go after it... in the ally way! I blinked onto an air duct that ran across one of the buildings into the ally way. Without making a sound, I followed it while I held the Heart in my mouth. I stopped for a second and let my instinct tell me where to go... the Moon Shard was inside the building. I found an open window and climbed through to see a passed out pony with what looked like the Equestrian version of the Overseer mask in his hoof. I saw the Moon Shard on the ground next to the couch the pony was sleeping on. I grabbed it, put into my pouch, and headed out the window again... looks like I got my answer, I'm heading down the ally way. The pony was still looking down it, so I would be unwise to jump down before I reach around the corner, so I continued down the air duct and was in luck; it stopped just a little past the corner. Seeing nopony to be around, I blinked to the ground and made my way through the muck and trash. I went a block through through the ally way without running into a single pony... This is strange. I turned the corner and heard a buzz to my left. I used Dark Vision as I saw a bunch of Parasprites flying around inside a boarded up building. Still using my powers, I looked down the street and saw that in the fog, a pony was walking around... throwing up... Is that a Weeper this early? Well, I can't expect it to be exactly like the game now can I. I started walking towards the the Weeper until, right before my Dark Vision ended on it's own, I saw a another yellow shadow moving quickly towards the Weeper. My powers ended, so I could only see the Weeper for a second before somepony killed it. The pony looked up and I saw the gas mask on the pony, like the one I fought on the day Celestia died... an assassin. I extended my sword as the pony removed his from the Weeper. I was about to attack until four more, two on each side, appeared next to the pony... now what?! I can't fight five at the same time! The pony that killed the Weeper noticed my hesitation, and while I was still deciding what to do, he pointed his hoof at me as a bright light shined from it, causing a strong blast of wind to fling me backwards and land on my side. "Huh, my demise came quicker than I thought," I coughed as I got up and the five ponies started to walk towards me, "oh shoot." I took a step back, but then felt something small bounce against my side from inside my pouch... my grenades! ("These grenade has five seconds before it explodes," Rarity told me as she continue to explain the gear, "so try to use perfect timing to make it explode on impact.") I took one of my grenades from their pouch and pulled the pin out with my mouth... one... The other four ponies each pulled out a sword using unicorn magic... Two... Three... The ponies started to gallop as the distance between us got shorter and shorter... Four... I threw the grenade at the boarded up building, surprising the five to a halt... "Five," I grinned as the boarded up windows were blown to pieces and a swarm of Parasprites came out. The five ponies screamed as the Parasprites came after them, chasing them pass me and down the street into the fog. I chuckled, but stopped when I turned around to meet eye to chest with a big pony, much bigger than me. I looked up to see his eyes for a second, then he started laughing, making me just look at him strangely. "What do you know," he smiled as his roaring laughing died down, "Those ponies been giving us trouble for weeks, and it looks like all we need was a pipsqueak to get rid of them! No offense, though, Biceps is truly grateful that you did that... and you know what? Bulk Biceps doesn't like to be in debt, and we know what you're here to do." "We?" The moment I said that, ponies came out of buildings, appearing on rooftops, and popping out of trash cans. "The Ponytail gang of course," Biceps replied, "We know you are trying to kill High Overseer, Shining Armor, and since you helped us with our little 'friends', I'll repay you by getting you inside the Overseer building, nopony will know your even there... however, that's our only offer, we won't be there to get you out." "I'll take it," I nodded. "Ok then," Biceps grinned, "First, we need to kill you..." (To Be Continued...) > Chapter 5: The High Overseer and More > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 5: The High Overseer and More I held my breath as I felt myself being given to a Changeling and heard Bulk Bicep’s voice. “Found this one on our turf,” he said, “We told you to keep to your side.” “What,” the Changeling replied, “Never heard of neighborly azzzizzztance?” There was silence as I knew the two must have been exchanging a look of hatred for one another, until I heard Bicep walk away followed by the sound of a door closed. I felt myself suspended in the air as the Changeling’s steps were right beside me, carrying me into a storage area. I heard another door open and was thrown in a room with a floor made of bumps. I waited for the door to close, then a few more minutes after that, before I cut open the bag I was hiding in to find myself in a room full of dead ponies in body bags, exactly like the ones I saw at the bridge. I brushed myself off and made for the door. I look through the key hole and saw no instant threat, so I slowly open the door and crept into a dirty hallway with very dim lighting. I looked both ways (thanks mom) and started heading down the direction I heard the Changeling go. It wasn’t too long before I came upon a steel door, much different from the flimsy wooden door from the body room, preventing me from heading any farther. Seeing no keyhole, I was forced to use dark vision to see on the other side. As my vision turned an orange-red, the yellow silhouette of five guards, all Changelings, were guarding a front door. I pushed the steel door, and as I expected, was locked. I looked around again for something I could do and saw that there was an open paneling above the door. I quickly blinked for it and climb through the little hole to come across an amazing sight. A giant, brightly lit courtyard was surrounded by the High Overseer building on three sides while the fourth was blocked off by a high gate. I saw the five Changeling guards in front of the main door, but since they were out of my dark vision’s vision, I was unable to see three more Changeling patrolling the gigantic courtyard. After taking in account of my surroundings, I silently jumped down to the other side of the door and swiftly moved behind the five Changelings at the top of the front steps, then quickly opened the door and slipped inside. Inside was more astonishing than the outside. Red carpet to match the stunning wallpaper of red and orange stripes littered with portraits of Queen Chrysalis, Shining and… uh oh, Cadance… Dang it, that’s going to be on my conscious for a while. I walked further inside and came across a big, square room with a hallway on each side and a marble staircase heading up to other floors. I didn’t run into any guards as I went down the hallway on my left, but I knew that were I was going was not important to the others. All Shining cares about is himself and his family, so I’ll be able to save Do without any trouble. After what seemed like miles, the hallway that was luxurious turned into a cold, stone prison that ended with a door. I heard a voice from the other side as I peeked through the door. “Give it up, Do,” a Changeling said, “or we’ll bring a pain zzzo bad, that you’ll beg for the Parazzzpritezzz.” There was silence as I saw Daring Do just stare at somepony I couldn’t see. She was being held down by ropes around each of her hooves and was badly beaten up: Scratches that looked like a whip has been hitting her all across her back, Parasprite bites all along her legs, and an infected cut across her face; but, even with all that, she still has the look of an adventurer in her eyes. I opened the door, and for a second, Daring’s eyes darted to me, then quickly back to the Changeling before he noticed. “You know what thizzz izzz, Daring,” the Changeling grinned, completely unaware of my presence as he levitated metal rod that was sitting in hot coals, “Thizzz izzz metal heated to over a thouzzzand degreezzz, hotter than the Queen herzzzelf… Zzzo I give you one more chance, tell uzzz where the Loyalzzzix are hiding.” Daring didn’t answer as she just kept her eyes on the rod. “Zzzo be it,” the Changeling said as he levitated the rod closer to Daring’s face. Daring closed her eyes as she felt the heat increase as the rod’s distance decreased… until all of a sudden, it just dropped. Daring opened her eyes to see the Changeling fall to the ground with the sound of choking. She looked back to me to see that I had drawn the crossbow Rarity made and fired a bolt right at the Changeling’s neck. Daring looked at me for a second as I started to cut the ropes holding her down. Once I was finished, she finally spoke. “So, you’re Derpy,” she said, rubbing her hooves for the ropes left them raw, “I see you are quite the sneak… did you kill him?” “Sleep dart,” I replied, as a small snore came from the Changeling, “I avoid killing.” “Really,” she said, slightly shocked to my surprise. I watched her distrustfully… why would she say that?... does she believe that I killed… “Can you fly,” I asked as I pushed the anger out of my mind. “I don’t know,” She replied, as she slowly started to flap her wings, “I think so.” “Rainbow Dash is waiting near the bridge.” “That’s a long way, even for a pegasus… and especially for an earth pony… tell you what, there is an abandon loading dock out back. Getting there will be easy, it’s poorly guarded. I can tell Rainbow Dash to wait for you there.” “I would appreciate that.” “Sure thing. Now go get Shining, and may our enemies’ heads fall without you taking a scratch.” She limped for the nearest open window and flew off, but as we parted, I thought for a second. She believes I killed Princess Celestia… and in the game, so did another… will Twilight do the same to me… my mind may be all mixed up, but I do know one thing… I must save Pinkie. ### “You’ll think you’ll get your own squad after what happen last night?” “Defiantly. I’m sure Sweetie Belle will promote me.” “Didn’t you hear? Shining Armor has ‘plans’ for her.” “Plans?! I thought she was doing so well… how can you be so sure.” “I’m the one who did it.” “Which one is it?” There was a moment of silence as I listened to a conversation between two ponies from an outside ledge, then he continued. “Left.” That’s all I need to hear as I walked across the ledge and back to another room. “Nice… who do you think will be made Captain though?” “Probably…” After helping Daring escape, I noticed that the window’s had ledges big enough for a pony to stand on. Since I still had little information on the meeting Shining Armor was going to attend, I walked from window to window trying to gather as much information as I could. I found out which room they were going to meet in after I came across Shining and Cadence’s bedroom I quickly ransack the room without leaving any trace and was able to find Shining’s journal. Scanning the pages, I came across one that said when and where the meeting was held. After putting the book back, I used the window ledges to reach the meeting room, but to my surprised, found not two, but three glasses with drinks. I planned on killing Shining through poison by a simple switching of the glasses, but since there were three, I wouldn’t be able to do that. Curious though, I tried to find out who the third pony could be and… well, let’s let the stallion continue… “Nice… who do you think will be made Captain though?” “Probably that Blueblood fella Shining has been talking to.” … my thoughts exactly. So, here I am, in the meeting room as I was careful with my movements. I knew I had little time, but I had to make sure nothing would alarm Shining to call his guards, so I poured a little bit of the poisoned drink into one of the healthy ones and then back again; I did it a few more times before being satisfied. When I was done, I put the poisoned drinks in the center and right and switching the healthy one to the left. I was about to head out the window again and wait for the show to begin, but I heard the tumblers in the door and voices from the other side. Slightly panicking, I blinked up to a metal ceiling light that was strong enough to support me and let out a sigh of relief as I narrowly escaped being seen. “Well that is a convincing argument,” Sweetie Belle said as she, Blueblood, and Shining walked in, “But, unless you are willing to pay our side for the lost time, the Changeling Watch will not back down.” “Considering financial is not one of our strongest areas,” Shining replied, “I don’t think that is going to happen… Listen, all we ask is for the Watch to step aside and let the Overseers patrol the streets.” “Why,” Sweetie Belle flared, “our Watch has kept the plague under control… and what does Coldblooded here get out of it?” “Blueblood,” Blueblood growled, “and that is none of your business.” “That is a bunch of horseapples,” Sweetie yelled. “Blueblood and his Royals are here for… protection,” Shining interjected, “he has trained numerous of ponies to fight.” “What do you mean by protection,” Sweetie asked. “Simply eliminate any threats to Equestria,” Shining replied, “Assassins to the Queen, Parasprites… Trotters…” “Trotters! Those are innocent ponies,” Sweetie exclaimed. “Lost ponies,” Shining corrected. “You don’t know that.” “As far as I’m concerned, there is no cure… they’re lost, and you know it.” There was a moment of silence as I peeked around the light to see the three ponies around the table with the drinks. A much older Sweetie Belle than I was used to was glaring at Shining Armor… funny, after all this time and even being older than Rarity, she still doesn’t have her cutie mark… wait, did I ever check my fla-… Buck. “You know what,” Shining declared, breaking the silence and picking up the drinks with his magic, “let bygones be bygones. Here is a toast to a new nation.” Sweetie and Blueblood each took the drink offered as they levitated them into the air and they came together. After the clink, Sweetie Belle and Shining both drank from the glasses and Blueblood… the moment his glass reached his lips, he looked up… at me. We stared at each other as devilish smile slowly came across his face, and to my surprised, he winked at me. Then he used his magic to pull out a flask next to the glass, take some of the drink, and slipped it inside before putting the flask back inside his suit just as the other two sat down there glasses. “So, like I was…,” Shining coughed hard before continuing, “saying. Whoa, a little too… much too fast.” “I’ve had that happen to me before,” Sweetie chuckled. “If we... just… no, this can’t be right,” Shining mumbled before starting to sway back and forward. “Shining,” Sweetie Belle said, “You ok?” “I’m fine… I just… No!... Sweetie Belle, burn it!” “Burn what?” “Burn the…,” Shining fell to the ground as his coughing became harder and quicker, “Guards!” Automatically, seven guards, mixed between Changeling and Ponies, busted trough. “Get her...,” Shining gasped before becoming silent. “You heard him, Get Her,” one yelled as they started to take an offense on Sweetie Belle. “No,” Sweetie Belle exclaimed, “It’s a misunderstanding, I just…” “Shut up,” another barked, “I bet she’s been with the Loyalsix for a long time.” “I order you to stand down,” Sweetie Belle yelled. “You don’t give orders here,” he flared. While Sweetie Belle drew her sword as the seven guards started to corner her, I seized my chance by blinking next to Shining and taking the black book from him. I looked up and saw Blueblood smiling at me. “You know,” Blueblood chuckled as I extended my sword, “Cadance is going to miss him. Miss having a spouse in her life… of course you could see this as revenge. I did kill yours.” “What are you…,” I let out a gasp of pain as all of a sudden, a rush of images ran through my head. I wasn’t able to make any of them out until it seemed to just stop on one… a picture of a necklace ring. I shook my head as Blueblood’s demonic grin came back into focus. “As I see it, you got two choices,” he laughed, as he bolted out of the room, “Me or Her.” I looked around for a second to see Sweetie Belle trying to fight her way out of the guards but was starting to lose. I looked back the way Blueblood ran and was about to go after him until I stopped and remember my promise to Rarity… Either go after him, or save Sweetie Belle… Buck You Blueblood! Sweetie Belle was able to kill off two guards, but was dishooved as the remaining five surrounded her. She waited as she knew she was finished until one by one, they started to fall from the end of my blade. For a moment, they were stunned by the suddenness of a new enemy, but two remained as I ran my blade through a Changeling’s neck. “Get him!” One tried to slash his sword at me only to be blocked by my blade as I pulled out my pistol and fired. He fell but not before erupting into flames and being burnt to an ash… now that’s what I call a ‘tweak’! At the sight of his fallen comrade, the other just stared at me in horror. He instantly dropped his sword and ran for it. I watched as he dashed out of the door before turning back to Sweetie Belle. “Who are you and how do you know my sister,” she immediately asked. “How do you know I know Rarity,” I shot back. “Who else would make that kind of mask,” she chuckled. “Funny,” I replied, “but we don’t have much time. Follow me.” After quickly grabbing and putting away her sword, we headed out the window to an open ledge… and not a moment too soon for the next thing we knew, an alarm sounded off followed by a pony’s voice over the radio. “Attention! We are in red alert! All guards report to their station and kill any intruder on sight, I repeat, on sight! Lockdown will now commence! Nopony is allowed to leave until further notice!” Immediately following the warning, the window’s automatically shut by metal covers, not allowing us back in. “I hope you have a way out of this,” Sweetie whispered. “I do,” I replied, “but we have to get to the other side of the building, and the only way to do that is by getting back inside.” “Are you crazy!?” “Probably, but unless you know how to teleport, we ain’t getting out this.” “Well thanks for the compliment, Captain Rudeness, but how exactly are we going to get inside?” I looked around as I noticed that on the floor above us, one of the window’s barricade was stuck. “Though there,” I pointed. “Make up your mind,” Sweetie growled, “You keep switching between mission impossible to mission freaking insanity! How are we going to get up there?” “Hold on,” I replied as I grabbed Sweetie Belle and focused on the window. I flicked my hoof the moment a little blue ball appeared and we blinked through. “What the buck was that,” Sweetie silently exclaimed. “I’ll explain… never. Just come on.” We ran down hallways as quickly as possible without making much noise. We were able to move while still encountering few guards, but we were on edge as we snuck around corners and rooms. There was one incident when we turned a corner to come face to face with a pony guard. He must have been new to the Watch for he was wearing poor armor and nervously drew a low-class sword. “D-D-Don’t m-move,” he ordered as he and the sword wobbled, “or I-I’ll kill you.” “I’ll take care of th-“ “No,” I interrupted Sweetie Belle before extending my sword and knocking the guard’s out of his hoof. “Get out of here kid,” I said as I pointed my sword at him. With no objection, he shot down the hallway and down the nearest stairs screaming for help. “Why did you do that,” Sweetie exclaimed. “I’ve been in many wars and have seen many ponies die… he still has a life to live, and I’m not going to take it.” Sweetie Belle didn’t reply, but only stared at me before shaking her head and heading back down the hall. Like we guessed, the pony I let go must have alerted the others about our presence. As we got closer and closer to the back entrance, we started to have to avoid more and more guards. Thankfully, we were able to escape without any trouble… what was outside is the thing that will prove to be a problem. Like Daring said, there was an abandon loading dock out back, but the way to get there was brightly lit up and crawling with the Watch. “I don’t suppose you could tell them to stand down,” I asked Sweetie. “Doubt it,” she replied, “and I am not going to try.” Seeing that Sweetie Belle probably just jumped to the top of the most wanted list (after me), I figured she was right. So we had to no choice but to sneak around. We dashed from cover to cover as lights and guards nearly missed us until we made it to the other side. “There’s Rainbow Dash,” I whispered as we could see the pegasus looking around for us or guards. “Ok we need to…” I didn’t finish as I instantly covered Sweetie Belle’s mouth and we jumped inside a garbage can. She was about to yell at me until she saw why I did it. Hoof steps grew louder and louder as we stiffened up before stopping right in front of our hiding spot. I slightly cracked open the can to see a Changeling guard holding a leash. I followed the leash and saw that at the end was a terrifying Timberwolf. The wolf was sniffing around on the ground before automatically looking straight at us… he knows we are there… I felt my heart racing faster and faster as I stared into the glowing wolf’s eyes… he can hear it. He can hear my heartbeat. He started to emit a low growl as I knew that there is no way out of this. “Hey,” the Changeling beamed, almost making me jump “quit that nonzzzenzzze. It’zzz juzzzt a trazzzh can you zzztupid animal.” The Changeling tried to get back to patrolling but the wolf wouldn’t budge. “I zzzaid come,” he yelled, giving the leash a hard tug. The wolf gave one more growl before obeying his master’s orders. I watched as the two disappeared around a corner before getting out of the trash can. “That was close,” I said. Sweetie Belle only nodded in response for she was left dumbfounded. Seizing the moment, we made a break for Rainbow Dash’s little camp. When she saw us, she smiled. “Thought for sure you didn’t get out. You sure made quite a mess. But I can’t believe you did it. You killed the stallion that even an army couldn’t kill and save Rarity’s sister at the same time. I don’t know how, but you did it. Now let’s get out of here.” ### Rainbow Dash was able to carry both of us back to Joe’s Donuts without being detected. When we made it back, the entire organization was there to greet us. “Great job, Derpy,” Twilight smiled, “You made it back in one piece and that’s a pretty hard feat in itself, but you killed Shining and retrieved the book.” “Thanks,” I replied as I took off my mask. “And was able to reunite others as well,” Twilight added, nodding over to Sweetie Belle and Rarity hugging each other and crying tears of joy that they now know the other is safe. “It was the least I could do,” I replied. “I’m sure it was,” Twilight nodded, “and don’t you worry, we’ll find Pinkie and you two will once again be able to be father and daughter again.” “I know and I can’t wait until… I’m sorry what?” “I said we’ll find your daughter,” Twilight repeated with the hint of questioned in her voice. Like Blueblood, Twilight words seemed to have triggered a bunch of memories at once as my head was sent for a loop. “You ok,” Twilight asked, as I realized I was on the ground holding my head. “Yeah… just a bit tired,” I replied getting up, and dusting off. “You must be. I had your room warmed up. Feel free to get some sleep whenever you feel like it.” “Thank you.” “No Derpy, thank you... Goodnight.” I went upstairs to the attic as I took off my gear and sat at my bedside. I grabbed my tool belt and tried to process my secret memories. “How can I be married to Celestia,” I said aloud, “I’m a bucking teenager… unless.” I looked down at my hoof and saw that it wasn’t a normal pony hoof. It was a hoof like Big Mac. Meaning that my pony version was as old as him… I stared at that hoof for a long time until, without even trying, my hoof seemed to have just move to one of the pouches on my belt. I opened it and pulled out a wedding ring, or at least a necklace with a ring on it. Again, memories seemed to have unlocked themselves, but this time slower. I saw a memory of me and Celestia walking the shores of the Marebbean coast together. I remember Pinkie Pie jumping up and down in excitement as I told her I was marrying her mother… I remember… this… ### “Alright Pinkie, today is the day. Not like the other days when every moment went wrong, but the day I finally ask Celestia to marry me,” I said as Pinkie Pie watched me franticly pace back and forward. “So when you marry mommy, does that mean you’ll be my daddy?” “Of course, Pinkie.” “Daddy… nah, I prefer to call you DF.” “Whatever you like,” I smiled before picking her up in the air, “Just remember that we’ll always be best of friends.” “I won’t forget,” Pinkie giggled “Ok. Celestia will be coming home any moment now. I want you to act natural and normal.” “Well what is it,” Pinkie grinned, “Do you want me to act natural, or normal? Cause I can’t be both.” “Well aren’t you the comedy club,” I laughed, “I think I’m going to like our new family.” “Me too,” Pinkie replied. “Pinkie, Derpy, I’m home,” Celestia called as she walked inside. “Mommy,” Pinkie cheered as she ran up to hug her. “Hello, my little cupcake,” Celestia smiled, then pulled out something from her saddlebag, “Look what I got you from the Saddle Arabia.” “Oooo,” Pinkie said as she took a tiny little doll in her hoof, “She’s so adorable. I’m going to put her up in my room. I’ll be there while you two are here… alone.” After that, she zoomed down the castle hallway. “What was that about,” Celestia asked. “Nothing,” I said, trying not to chuckle at Pinkie, “I made you some dinner.” “Why thank you, Derpy,” Celestia said, giving me a quick peck on the cheek. After Celestia unpacked everything, I told her to put on a nice dress before she comes down to dinner. She was a little confused at first, but figured I was just trying to be cute and did as I told her. I sat in the Dining room as I waited for Celestia. I had on a nice suit that had a little pocket on the inside with a box that held the ring. I made sure everything was perfect. Candlelight dinner, her favorite foods, and even got Pinkie Pie to put her hair neat (even though I prefer it fluffy). “I’m so nervous,” I told Pinkie as I could barely sit still in my seat, “I fought wars and gone to very important meeting’s with other kingdoms, but this takes the cake.” “Did somepony say cake,” Celestia chuckled as she walked in. She was wearing a white dress outlied with golden silk and she was wearing golden shoes. “Celestia,” I smiled, “You never stop looking beautiful.” “Thank you,” she blushed while off to the side Pinkie pretended to gag. After the meals and desert, time seemed to fly by as Celestia and I talked. Pinkie would join in the conversation from time to time, but as the night started to go along, she started to get sleepy and fall asleep in her chair. When Celestia finished telling about her day at Saddle Arabia, we heard a small snore from Pinkie as she slumped in her chair. We quietly chuckled at her before Celestia said, “I can’t tell you how lucky I am to have you, Derpy.” “Nah, I ain’t all that,” I blushed. “Oh that’s just your coltfriend side talking,” Celestia smiled, “if I was talking to you like my guard, you wouldn’t stop boasting on how great you are.” “I guess you’re right,” I chuckled. “You’re just so great Derpy. You look out not only for me, but the most important pony in all of Equestria to me. You’re like the father she never had.” When she said that, my heart swelled up. I couldn’t be happier than I am now… and this couldn’t be the more perfect moment. “Celestia,” I said. “Yes?” “You know I love you and Pinkie… and I love being your coltfriend so I can be even closer to the both of you.” “Yes,” she said, but she seemed to have notice my anxiety. “Well… I want to be closer.” “What do you mean?” “Celestia,” I said, kneeing on one hoof and to the shock of Celestia, pulled out a box, “will… will you marry me?” Celestia stared at me as I opened the box then the small golden ring. She kept looking back and forward for a few minutes, not saying anything, and I started to fear the worst… until she smiled. “Yes Derpy,” Celestia exclaimed as tears started to run down her cheek, “I will.” “You will,” I said as I shot up. “Yes,” Celestia repeated as I cheered and we fell into each other hooves. “I love you, Celestia,” I smiled. “I love you too,” Celestia replied as we shared a quick kiss. ### “So,” I said as I put the necklace back into the pouch, “Blueblood was telling the truth… bad move Blueblood, cause now you bring back a memory I will never forget… we never had our wedding.” (To Be Continued…) > Chapter 6: Brothers of a Feather > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 6: Brothers of a Feather The next day, I was down in the courtyard shooting some bottles with my pistol as I waited for Twilight’s call. Being Celestia’s fiancé was a shock to me, but I tried not to show that I wasn’t this world’s Derpyforever, acting like I knew what was going on when really, I was just lucking out on my knowledge of the game. Speaking of which, I tried to use my knowledge to foresee what will happen next, but the strangest thing happen; it wouldn’t allow me. I can clearly see my surrounding’s, and each moment I live triggers my memory of the game, but only to the current moment. Like yesterday, I remember that two glasses where in the game but only when Rarity told me of Shining’s plan to poison Sweetie Belle; or how ponies’ distrust of me made me question where the rest of the Loyalsix’s loyalty lies, but I can’t tell if and when somepony will betray me. It’s almost like my mind is half Dishonored Derpyforever, and have real world Derpyforever… You guys are surely confused by that, and I myself don’t even know how that works, but it just does. I shot the last bottle, and while it shattered under the impact, I thought about the ring that now hangs from my neck. I put on… well, Dishonored Derpy put it on, and now it acts like a reason to kill Blueblood. I guess my Dishonored side wants revenge on him… but will me real side follow throu-… “Derpy,” a voice behind me interrupted. I turned around to see it was Twilight as I asked, “Did you find Pinkie?” “We did, but before you go off, I need a favor to ask of you.” “What is it?” “Our housekeepers have been spooked by noise in the Canterlot sewage,” Twilight replied, “Probably just a Trotter, poor fella, once they hit that phase of the plague, there is no turning back. However, we’d like for you to check it out, just to make sure it isn’t some nosey Watch getting too close.” “Alright,” I nodded. “Thank you. Here’s the key to the hatch leading underground.” I took the key and walked across the courtyard and open the hatch. Once inside, I followed the metal flooring out of a brick tunnel and into the Canterlot Caves. One way was blocked off so I headed in the other direction following the sewage upstream. It wasn’t long before I started hearing a pony shuffling. I was pretty sure it was a Trotter, but just to be safe, I moved quietly as I peeked around the corner. I was correct as I saw two ponies with fly buzzing all around them. The ponies had blood all over their chest and some coming out of their eyes… but what was really peculiar about them was they didn’t move like normal ponies. They moved both feet instead of one at a time, giving them sort of a jerking limp movement every time they stepped. I walked out from behind the corner as they both looked at me. We stared at each other for a moment before they made loud moaning sounds and started to move towards me. I automatically pulled out my crossbow and fired a sleep bolt at one of them, reloaded, then fired at the other. They both fell down as the flies flew off. I was about to turn around and leave until something caught my eye. One of the Trotters was holding a Moon Shard! I approached him and tapped him with my hoof, only to get a small moan in response. I crouched down next to him and slowly pulled out the Shard as the moans continued. Once the Shard was fully out, I put it in my pouch with the other one and got up to come muzzle to muzzle with another Trotter. It tried to grab me as I held it back. It threw up on me as I pushed it off, but the vile stung terribly as I wiped some off of my face and the Trotter got up. I was about to pull out my crossbow again until something bit me on my hoof, causing me to drop it. I looked down and saw that the flies were biting me as I tried to shoo them away. They went back to flying around the Trotter as he limped towards me. It tried to grab me again, so I had no choice but to extend my sword and slash at it. It fell to the ground… along with the decapitated head as it rolled around. I was breathing heavily as I watch the flies leave their host and dispatch amongst the air and up the sewage tunnel. I looked back at the dead Trotter as I caught my breath, then picked up my crossbow and headed for the surface. ### Upon reaching the top, I met Rarity waiting at the hatch. “You went down there all by yourself,” Rarity gaped. I nodded as I dust off some of the Trotter vile off of my cloak “You are the bravest stallion I have ever met,” she beamed, “by the way, I know it’s not much, but I found this in the black market the other day and thought you would like it… you know, sort of a thank you for saving my sister.” “Thank you,” I smiled as I took the small, boxed object. “You’re quite welcome,” she replied, “but thank you for bringing my sister home.” I nodded again as I headed on my way, but not before hearing a girly squeal from Rarity. “She does know she probably doesn’t have a shot with you,” Sweetie Belle, who was leaning up on the wall next to the door leading inside Joe’s Donuts, “but yet, she continues to try and win your affection… I still can’t believe she decided to completely ignore the thing around your neck.” I frowned as I put the necklace under my cloak, “I’d rather you not bring that up.” “I understand,” Sweetie nodded as she saw my hurt. I smiled back, letting her know that it was alright, and went inside to meet with Twilight. “Ah, so you dealt with the problem,” Twilight smiled, “good, but now comes the real task. The black book tells us that Pinkie is being held near the military district at a place called the Golden Opalescence...” (I tried really hard not to bust out laughing) “But that’s not all. There are two ponies, linked to Queen Chrysalis, who will be there as well; we need you to eliminate them.” “Alright,” I nodded, “who are they.” “They are the Flim-Flam Brothers.” “Alright, I’ll take them out, but Pinkie is my main priority.” “I understand,” Twilight nodded, “Rainbow will take you there, and may our enemies’ heads fall without you taking a scratch.” After getting some supplies from Rarity, paying this time, I was about to meet up with Rainbow Dash in the courtyard, but before I could reach her, Applejack stepped in the way. “You need something, Applejack,” I asked. “Well… Ah know you have to kill the brothers, but… Ah just thought you’d should know that they are technically family, no matter how annoying they are. Ah’m not asking you to not kill them, but ah just ask that you will at least take that into consideration. “I will,” I replied. “Thank you,” Applejack said then let me meet up with Rainbow Dash. “You ready,” She asked. “Yep,” I replied, putting the Assassin mask on. “Then let’s go.” ### Rainbow Dash dropped me off at the same spot under the bridge, warning me that security has been tighten by Queen Chrysalis. After the little stunt I pulled, more of the Watch has been dispatched throughout the military district and more defenses have been put up. “Stay clear of those Watch Towers,” Rainbow said pointing to a giant, metal structure with a spotlight on it. It was in front of the entrance to the bridge, firing highly explosive incendiary arrows at a few Trotters that wondered into the open. “Will do,” I replied as Rainbow set me down. “Good luck, and may our enemies’ head’s fall without you taking a scratch.” After leaving Rainbow at her little campout, I climb my way back up to the bridge. After making sure I was out of sight, I looked around at the two perpendicular roads. The road was now guarded by the tower, so I had to be careful to stay out of its light as I snuck around, and the additional guards were no help either. I had tried to make a break for the wall of slime’s, the one that blocked off to the next area, power supply and shut it off, but gave up after a too close call, almost getting stuck between a Changeling and a Spotlight. I had thought about disabling the tower, but couldn’t see a way for me to get up there without being spotted. So I was left with no choice but to go down the alley way… again. ### Taking the same air duct path as last time, I made my way down the alley and through the broken down streets. It was pretty quiet … too quiet. Not a single Parasprite buzzed nor did a single Trotter moan… It almost seem like it was a… “Trap,” I sighed as I almost came in contact with a very thin string that only a trained eye could see. I knew what this was, and my suspicions were confirmed as I saw an incendiary bolt launcher camouflaged to look like garbage. I took a few steps back and then sprinted straight at the string, sliding underneath before touching it. I dusted myself and smirked at my cunning move only to look up and see a muscular pony looking down at me… smiling. “Well look at who we have here! Why it’s Derpy, paying the Ponytail gang a visit… sorry about the ‘welcome matt’,” Bulk Biceps grinned, gesturing at the set trap. Before Bulk Biceps helped me sneak inside the High Overseer building, him and I made an alliance… we may have had our ‘differences’ in the past, what me killing about half of his gang trying to protect Celestia, but with both of us having the same goal, we decided to at least temporarily bury the hatchet. “No problem,” I nodded, “but warn me next time before something blows my hooves off.” “Sure thing,” Biceps laughed, “so what brings you to our side of the District?” “Got a couple of targets to take out,” I replied. “I see… got a plan?” “You know me Biceps, I like to wing it.” “That may have worked out for you in the past, but this time is different,” Biceps replied, a little more solemn, “The Flim-Flam brothers have been given protection farther than Shining had. It’s not going to be easy getting in and out, much less killing them.” “What you propose I do then?” “Well, I might be able to help you… of course, for a price.” “Name it.” “You see, I have had my eye on a certain bit vault, but can’t get inside. I need the combination and that is only known by Sapphire Shores. She will be at the Golden Opal and I need you to get it from her, doesn’t matter how… In return, I’ll silence the brothers for good.” “How you plan to do it.” “I promise I won’t kill ‘em,” Biceps said, making me remember what Applejack told me, “but they own apple farms all over Equestria… terrible apple farms, forcing ponies to work in terrible conditions… What I plan to do is to cut their tongues out, shave their heads, and send them off into one of their farms, making them see what it’s like on the other side… Now if that’s not a deal, Bulk Biceps doesn’t know what is.” I thought about it then said, “Alright Biceps, you got yourself a deal.” ### Biceps and I traveled by rooftop to the Golden Opal. When it came into sight, we saw many of the Watch guarding the outside. “That is probably the best entrance,” Biceps said, pointing to an open window on the top floor. “Alright Biceps, follow me.” I led Biceps across multiple roofs and hid by a billboard sign as we neared the building. I peeked around and saw a Changeling standing on a balcony, right underneath the windows. I pulled out my crossbow and aimed at him, but couldn’t get a clear shot. “Stay here,” I whispered to Biceps, getting a nod in response. I slipped out of the bill board and onto an air duct in the shadows. I followed it and got closer and closer to the balcony. I blinked on it and behind the Changeling who remained unaware of my presence. I slowly approached the back side of him, getting closer and closer. I could hear his breathing as I held mine, until… I grabbed him around the mouth and neck. At first he struggled, but then his flailing stopped and he became still. I let go of him and he slumped to the ground, unconscious. “Good job,” Biceps said as his little wings slowly carried him over to me, “Although, I prefer the old ways.” “Some things never change,” I chuckled. “No they don’t,” Biceps grinned, “Come on.” After helping Biceps up, I climb up to the ledge and slowly open the window and peeked inside. Seeing nopony, we slipped inside and stood on a ledge that was short of the ceiling. “Sapphire will be in the back. She’s head here and likes to give herself a rush around this time.” “What kind of rush,” I asked as we snuck across the ledge. “Don’t know,” Biceps replied. We continued to sneak across the ledge and open panels to come across a big room with some of the Watch and griffons everywhere… there were only female griffons though and they were doing some ‘exotic’ dancing for the Watch. “Ugh, I always hated this place,” I whispered as we snuck across the ledge. “How can you not like it,” Biceps smirked, “it’s a great way to ‘relieve’ some stress.” “I never had a taste for this kind of life,” I replied. We made it across the room and dropped down from the ledge while everypony was busy. We slipped inside the double doors at the end and into a round room with a chair in the center. “Is that you,” a voice asked from the chair. We looked at the chair and saw Sapphire Shores blindfolded and bounded to the chair, which was hooked up to some kind of machine. “Is that you,” she asked again. We looked at each other for a second, not knowing what to say until she said, “Wait, what am I asking that for, of course it’s you.” We both approached Sapphire as she continued, “Well, today I’m feeling extra guilty, so I don’t want you to hold anything back… let see, tonight’s safe word will be… Friendship… well, what are you waiting for, go on. Pull the lever.” I looked at the machine the chair was hooked up to and saw a big lever with a red handle. I looked at Biceps, only getting a shrug from him, and then back at the lever. Hesitantly, I did what I was told and pulled the lever. The moment I pulled it, a green beam went between the three rods then shot a Sapphire as a green glow came around her… She yelled, but almost like a whoop, as if she was enjoying it… Afterwards, the glow faded and Sapphire stopped yelling and was breathing hard. “Whoa,” she said, “I deserved that, and you know why? I cheated the Flim-Flam Brothers. Yes that’s right, took half of their bits right underneath there muzzle… do it again.” I pulled the lever again and the same thing happen, but when it was done Sapphire yelled out something different. “Friendship! Friendship!... Ah, I think that should be enough for today. You can now untie me.” I was about to oblige until I realized this was the perfect way to get the combination out of Sapphire. “What are you waiting for? Untie me this instant.” “Not until you give us the combination,” I said. “What are you talking about? Who are you?” I pulled the lever again as Sapphire let out an agonizing scream, once it was finished, she was panting hard. “I said Friendship! Who the buck are you?! What do you want?!” “We want the combination to your bit vault,” Biceps replied.” “Of course, 629… now let me go!” “Not yet,” Biceps grinned as I looked at him. He pushed me aside and pulled the lever once again followed by another yell. “What the buck are you doing,” I exclaimed as the machine and screaming stop. “Having a little fun,” Biceps smirked, “You use to love doing this before you became a guard… in my opinion you just became soft.” “Whatever,” I huffed, “Anyways, I got you the combination, now hold your end.” “Oh, it’s already done.” “What are you…” I was cut off by a scream from the big room. I looked at Biceps as he gave me a smug grin, “I take that back, it’s happening right now… See you.” Biceps left the room as I couldn’t help but smile. Biceps always loved his job… a little too much. ### Leaving Sapphire in the round room, I went out into the big room to see the Watch all beat up and griffons hiding in terror. Biceps kept his promise about not killing anypony, but I couldn’t help but feel he’s going to enjoy what he has in store for the Flim-Flam brothers. Seeing that everypony was helpless to even try and stop me, I walked across the room instead of trying to sneak across the ledge. Some saw me and tried to attack me, but every time one got up, they would fall in pain from all their cuts and bruises. “Sorry guys,” I chuckled, “you picked the wrong side.” “No, you did,” said a dignified voice that was edge into my mind. “Blueblood,” I growled as I saw him standing at the other side of the room. “The one and only,” he sneered, “but I don’t think you understand why I’m here.” I only glared at him as he pointed at the mark on my hoof. “Obviously, Luna has paid you a visit,” he said, then showed me his hoof, “and you know she has for me. We have been granted powers beyond our imagination… why must they be wasted on our hatred when we can join forces and rule all of Equestria. Think about it Derpy.” “You ask me to join you? The day before what could have been the greatest day of my life,” I snarled. “Ah yes, you and Auntie’s wedding was tomorrow wasn’t it,” he smirked, “and boy what a wedding that would have been too. I almost feel sorry I had to put a stop to it… almost.” “You were already on thin ice, Blueblood, and you’re pushing it even farther.” “I’m afraid you have it all wrong, Derpy. For I don’t believe you are properly ready to even face me in combat.” “Oh really.” “Well, you couldn’t even stop me from killing Celestia… and she calls you her love,” Blueblood said. “Now you done it,” I exclaimed, charging at Blueblood. Blueblood stood completely still as I extended my sword. The moment I was in reach, I swung my sword only to hit the ground. “What the…” “Surprise,” Blueblood said behind me. I turned around to see him flick his marked hoof causing a big wind blast to send me into the wall. I got up as Blueblood appeared in front of me. He had his sword drawn and was ready to strike, but I instantly blocked it with mine and pushed him off balance. I tried to counter only to yet again be thrown back by a wind blast. “You’re no challenge,” Blueblood declared as he and I got up, “Until next time.” With that, Blueblood disappeared in a flurry of black particles. What the buck was that! I just lost… to Blueblood! ### I slowly limped around the hallways with every step hurting my bones. After my short duel with Blueblood, my body was left very sore. I was still in shock that he clearly had the upper hoof and could have killed me on the spot. I was thinking about it so much that I tripped on my way up the stairs in the back of the building. I let out a grunt in pain as I got back up. When I got back up, I saw a picture of Queen Chrysalis grinning down at me. “What did he have so special,” I yelled, “He’s bucking Blueblood! He’s a selfish, cheap coward who wouldn’t survive a single day in battle.” The picture continued to stare down at me and I sighed, “But he has powers. He has supernatural powers that greatly surpass mine… I need more Moon-AGH.” I gasped and fell to the ground as one of my bruises hurt. I slowly got up and realized I dropped a couple of things… a clear capsule that was filled with a red elixir Fluttershy gave me, and the box Rarity gave me. I took the elixir and open it as I poured it into my mouth. The moment I swallowed, I couldn’t feel my pain anymore and my strength came back. “Thank you, Fluttershy,” I smiled as I stretched out what soreness was left, then looked at the little box. I shrugged and opened it, and to my surprise, a Moon Shard was inside it. “And thank you, Rarity,” I chuckled, taking the Shard and Heart out. I didn’t even take the moment to ask what to I can upgrade, I just spontaneously said, “Windblast.” The Shard in my hoof disappeared as well as the two in my pouch. After the surge went through me, I looked back at the picture on the wall. I flicked my hoof and humongous blast of wind blew it into the air. As I extended my sword and stabbed right through the picture’s chest, I let a grin come across my face. “Look out Blueblood and Chrysi,” I said, “I’m coming for…” “Hello?” I was interrupted by the sound of a voice down the hall. I retracted my sword and let the picture fall to the ground as I walked down the hallway lined up with doors on my right side. “Hello… who’s there,” it asked again. This time, I heard it behind me as I skidded to a halt. I walk back down and came across the second door from the staircase. I slowly opened the door and saw a drunken griffon passed out on the ground. I shook my head and closed the door again. I was about to give up until the voice called again. “Is somepony there?” It was in the room next to the griffon’s one. I slowly open the door to see a mostly empty room. There was a couch inside facing away from the door. I walked inside and closed the door behind me, then slowly approached the couch. I stopped in the middle of the room and listened for the voice. I waited for a few minutes until it called again, “Please tell me if you’re there.” All of a sudden, a rush of joy went through my body as I recognized who it was. “Pinkie,” I said. The little foal slowly looked over the couch and then automatically went back behind it. “Who are you,” she demanded. “Pinkie,” I called, going around the couch to see her try and get away from me. “I said who are you.” “It’s me Pinkie,” I smiled taking off the mask, “It’s DF.” “D… F,” she slowly repeated, staring at my face like a stranger before a smile came across her face, “DF!” She ran at me and jumped in my open hooves as I gave her a hug. A tear rolled down my cheek as she cried on my shoulder. I was so happy to see her again, after so long. After a few minutes, I let her go and wiped a few tears from her eyes. “They told me you died,” she sobbed, “I thought I’d never see you again.” “Hey,” I kindly smiled, “I told you I would never let you down… Besides, it was my turn anyways, so I believe I’m 2 for 0.” Pinkie laughed as I gave her one more hug then put her on my back. I put my mask back on and carried Pinkie out of the room, but when I got out into the hallway, I heard voices below us, causing me to stop. “Who is it,” Pinkie whispered. I used dark vision to see a bunch of Ponies and Changelings on the floor below us, but they weren’t wearing Watch uniforms. In fact, they were wearing masks. “Overseers,” I sighed as I ended dark vision, “Do you know a way out of here, Pinkie?” “Well, there is a back entrance at the bottom of the staircase,” she replied. “That should do,” I said, “but try and keep quiet.” Pinkie nodded as she pretended to zip her lips. I slowly crept down the wooden staircase, cringing every time I stepped on a squeaky board. It took me a few minutes just to get down to the next floor, then even longer to the next one. I would constantly use dark vision to keep an eye on the Overseers in the building, and got scared when some almost came to the staircase. Fortunately, I was able to get Pinkie and myself down the stairs and onto the bottom floor without any trouble… of course, everypony luck runs out sooner or later… Pinkie was right, there was a door next to the staircase, and we went out into the streets. I carried Pinkie through the litter as she looked around. “Oh my,” She said, “this place…it’s terrible.” “Things have gone down since you’ve been missing, but it’s not your fault,” I reassured, “Things wouldn’t have gotten so bad if it wasn’t for Chrysi.” “Did all of this happen after mommy died?” “Yes, and I’m really sorry I couldn’t save her Pinkie,” I mournfully apologized. “It’s alright,” she smiled, “You can only do so much… I miss her though.” “I miss her too.” “She was such a wonderful mommy,” she continued, but her smile was fading, “she loved me so much and cared for me in my time of need. She’d always call me her cupcake princess… and when we lost… I don’t have anypony!” Pinkie began to cry loudly as I took her off of my back and tried to comfort her. “It’s ok, Pinkie,” I said, stroking her head, “let it out.” “I thought losing my daddy was hard enough,” Pinkie sobbed, “Now I don’t have a mommy either!” “I know I know,” I soothingly said. “I just want her back,” she yelled. “I do too,” I said, “but it’s not possible… hey, at least you still got me, and I got you.” “Yeah,” Pinkie sniffled, whipping a couple of tears, “I still got you… and you know what, I think I can finally call you my… Trotter!” I turned around and saw a Trotter limping towards us. I pulled out my crossbow with a readied sleep dart until another came out… then another, and another, and another and… it just kept going until there were dozens of Trotters in the streets, all coming for us. “Well, Pinkie, this seems like the appropriate time to…RUN!” I threw Pinkie on my back and I ran down the streets with the Trotters closing in on us. I tried running down side alleys, zig-zagging through the corners, and even going through buildings, but I couldn’t shake them, they kept chasing us through the streets. I kept running, with Pinkie tightly holding on, and saw the Watch Tower in the distance… our only hope. I ran up an alley way and came across the two perpendicular streets in front of the bridge. I heard the Trotters getting closer and closer behind us, and when they came out of the alley, I bolted for the tower. Instantly, the noise attracted the Watch patrolling and they took formation as I led the Trotters right to them. The tower was facing the other direction, so I kept running at the Watch. Then the tower slowly began to turn to us as the distance between us and the Watch was getting smaller by the second. “Almost there,” I said as the tower’s spotlight made it to the bridge and continued to turn. The Watch was great in numbers as they all had swords drawn and braced to take on the hoard of Trotter heading straight for them. The distance got shorter and shorter as I kept my focus on the bridge. Hundreds of yards became few, as well as feet, and then inches until… I used my powers to blink to the bridge just before colliding with the Watch and the tower was facing the Trotters, triggering it. However, I didn’t take the time to watch the fight, just instantly shot down the stairs and to Rainbow Dash’s camp. “What the hay is going on up there,” She asked as we could hear the explosions from the Tower and moans from the Trotters. “Long story,” I replied. “DF did incredible things that I can’t even begin to describe,” Pinkie exclaimed. “I’m not surprised,” Rainbow smiled, “and you must be Princess Pinkamena Diana Pie.” “I prefer to be called Pinkie,” Pinkie replied. “Uh, sorry to interrupt,” I said, “but we don’t have time for formal introductions. We need to get out of here before the Watch or Trotters find us.” “Right,” Rainbow said, “Climb up.” Pinkie got on Rainbow’s back while Rainbow picked me up with her hooves and we left the light of explosions fade into the horizon. ### “So how fast can you fly?” “Faster than…” “Is it hard to see when flying?” “No, it’s pretty…” “When you’re flying, is it true your ears ring?” “Sometim-…” “Have you ever done the legendary sonic rainboom? How does your mane stay in place at this speed? How come you leave a trail of colors when you fly? Do your insides feel like mush? Have you ever…” Pinkie was shooting Rainbow Dash with questions faster than Rainbow could fly herself. As Pinkie kept asking questions, Rainbow bent down to whisper, “How did you put up with this?” “It took me a few months to get used to it,” I replied, “and even longer to keep up… But until then, I just rolled with it.” “How come they’re called Flea Markets when they don’t actually sell fleas?” Rainbow just looked at her, then back down at me. I shrugged and said, “Just roll with it.” “So Pinkie,” Rainbow said before she could ask another question, “What do you like to do for fun?” “Normally DF and I hang out since I don’t have any other friends who are or act my age.” “Hey,” I exclaimed in protest. “You don’t have any friends,” Rainbow asked. “Not unless you count the one you’re carrying.” “Well that needs to change,” Rainbow smiled, “There are two fillies named Applebloom and Scootaloo who are about your age. You should meet them when we get back.” (Yeah, I know it’s a little strange Sweetie Belle was older yet the other two remained themselves, but by now, I’m pretty use to the strange world… I mean, what Pinkie Pie is about to say didn’t surprise me, even though it’s completely unlike her.) “I don’t really like meeting new ponies,” Pinkie replied. “Well, you seemed fine when meeting me,” Rainbow said. “You’re an older pony though. I’m used to meeting ponies like you when I would tag along for important meetings.” “What’s the difference? I mean, you’re a filly, they’re a filly, just act like yourself and be nice.” “And if you need help remembering how to be well-mannered, just think what Rainbow would do, and then do the exact opposite,” I joked. Rainbow glared down at me and let go of me for a second before grabbing me again, causing me to yelp. “Oops,” Rainbow smirked, “how impolite of me.” “Oh, ha-ha,” I flatly replied while Pinkie was snickering. “What? Can’t take a prank?” “Just land you multi-colored pest.” Rainbow Dash flapped down into the center of the Joe’s Donuts’ courtyard where everypony was waiting. When Rainbow set me down, I took off my mask and offered my hoof to Pinkie. She grabbed it and I helped her off of Rainbow. “Princess Pinkamena...,” Twilight began. “Pinkie will be fine,” Pinkie said. “Pinkie, welcome to Joe’s Donuts. You’ll be staying here from now on… would you like to see your room?” “Ooo, yes mam.” “Ok then. Fluttershy, would you mind taking Pinkie?” “Of course,” Fluttershy said, taking Pinkie inside Joe’s Donuts. “You did good Derpy,” Twilight smiled, “I take it you did both jobs.” “That I did,” I replied, but saw Applejack standing in the shadows with her hat over her eyes, “Excuse me for a moment.” “But of course.” Leaving Twilight to go amongst her business, I walked over to Applejack, who pulled out a flask and took a quick gulp before putting back underneath her hat. “Ah’d reckon ya did it,” She said. “Not exactly.” “What do ya mean?” “I got Bulk Biceps to send the brothers off to work in one of their apple farms.” “So ya didn’t kill ‘em?” “No, but we won’t be hearing from them for a while.” “Ah see… Well, they were one of the most annoying bunch in our Apple family, so ah wish ya did kill ‘em; but in some ways, ah guess ah should thank ya. At least ah know ya wouldn’t kill my family, so I can feel safe about Applebloom sharing the same house as ya… no offense.” “None taken.” “Well ah best be off,” Applejack said, taking the flask out again and giving it to me, “ya want some cider? Ya earned it.” “Sure,” I said, drinking some of the liquid contained in the flask. After giving it back, Applejack went inside Joe’s Donuts… yet again, leaving me to wonder where her loyalty lies. She didn’t trust me even being in the same building with Applebloom, and I am left to think about what to make of it… there’s no telling who else has an eye on me… After a few minutes, I went inside to see Pinkie Pie in the corner meeting Fluttershy’s pet rabbit, Angel, who’s anything but. “He’s so adorable,” Pinkie said, fawning over the tiny bunny. “I know, but he doesn’t like to be pet by anypony but me,” Fluttershy replied, “so I’d be careful around him if I were you.” “Ok.” “Well, that concludes our tour,” Fluttershy declared, “Anything else you’d like to know?” “No.” “Alright, but if you need anything, just call.” Fluttershy left Pinkie Pie at the booth as Angel followed her up the stairs. Pinkie Pie sat in the booth and looked out the window as a few fillies and colts played hide and seek outside. I watched her for a moment from across the room as Pinkie continued to watch the game before walking over to her booth. “Is this seat taken,” I asked, slightly startling her. “Oh, it’s you DF,” Pinkie smiled, “No, it isn’t” “Well, I guess I’ll sit here then,” I chuckled, taking the seat, “but it seems you would like somepony else here.” “What are you taking about,” Pinkie said, “Who else could be more fun than DF?” “Well, it kind of looks like you want to go play with those other fillies and colts.” “I’d rather stay here.” “Pinkie, why don’t you like making new friends?” “It’s just... one time on a royal meeting, a couple of months before daddy became a… before you became our guard, I was told to stay out in the gardens while the grownups talked inside. So I walked around the garden for a while and found a few other royal fillies and colts. They asked me my name and I said Pinkie. They said they wanted me to play a game with them and I said sure. They said that we should play pin the tail on the pony, one of my favorites. They said I could go first, so they put the blind fold on me and spun me around. After they did that, they told me where I needed to go and I followed their directions. They kept telling me to right, left, straight forward and a bunch of other stuff until they said stop. Once I did, I tried to pin the tail, but nothing was in front of me. I asked them if I was in the right place, but I didn’t get a response. I called for them, but it remained quiet. I took my blind fold off and saw I was standing at the edge of the pond, and when I turned around, one of them had snuck up and pushed me into the pond! My dress was completely soaked and my makeup was ruined, after it took mommy so long to fix it up for me; but worst of all was they were laughing at me. They were all pointing and laughing as I tried to get up but kept slipping. After finally getting on my hooves, I ran out of the garden, crying. Mommy and Daddy found me a couple of hours later under a tree and asked me what happened. I told them what happened and they were furious. They got an apology from the parents, but I was too scared to talk to the other royal fillies and colts, so I didn’t get an apology from them.” “Wow, I never knew that had happen to you,” I said as Pinkie finished. “Nopony knows,” she replied, “but that’s why I don’t like making friends.” “I can see why, and those were terrible ponies, but it doesn’t mean everypony will be like that. You see Pinkie, some ponies, like the ones you said, are rotten and spoiled to the core. They think they are better than everypony, but you are different. You are a kind, funny and very caring filly and any pony is lucky to have you as a friend, like me. I am one of the most luckiest stallions in all of Equestria to have you as a friend, and I would never give you up for anything… but doesn’t mean I won’t share you. Pinkie, you need to go out and make some friends and have fun… You see those two fillies out there?” Pinkie looked to where I was pointing and shook her head as she watched the two blank flank pegasus and earth pony chasing each other around, “Those two are Applebloom and Scootaloo,” I said, “I met them yesterday and they are one of the nicest fillies, besides you, that I have ever met. Now, I want you to go talk to them and see if they want to play a game.” “But what if they are mean to me?” “If they are mean to you, then just ignore them and walk away, but I’m sure the moment you talk to them, they’ll want to be your friends.” “Really?” “Really.” “Ok,” Pinkie said, taking a deep breath, “I’ll try.” “That’s the spirit, now go.” Pinkie nodded, and after giving me a quick hug, she ran outside and approached Applebloom and Scootaloo. I smiled as I saw Pinkie Pie shyly talk to them, and they smiled back to her, shaking her hoof. I continued to watch as Pinkie Pie ran off with the two until a throat being cleared startled me. I looked to see who it was and saw the other five of the Loyalsix looking at me. “What,” I asked, not liking the smug look on each of their faces. “Never took ya as the mothering type,” Applejack smirked. “I am not a mother,” I glared. “Sure,” Rainbow joined, “And Twilight here isn’t and egghead.” “Hey,” Twilight exclaimed. “Just because I care and would do anything to protect Pinkie, doesn’t mean I’m mothering her.” “That’s the exact definition,” Fluttershy replied, “I should know.” “Back off you five,” I said, getting out of the booth. “Or what? You going to rock us to sleep,” Rarity snickered. “I said back off,” I said as I went up the stairs in the back of the restaurant. “Don’t forget your apron, mother,” Rainbow teased. “Ah think the shelves need dusting,” Applejack added. “I’m fresh out of parenting books, can I borrow yours, Derpy,” Twilight laughed. “If you’re done mocking me, I need to get some sleep. So if it’s not too much trouble, can you tuck Pinkie into bed for me,” I asked as I entered my attic room. “Because the mother needs his beauty rest,” Rainbow taunted. “Because Pinkie is my one and only daughter and only living family member left,” I replied, catching them off guard. “Oh,” Rainbow looked around uneasily. “Um,” Fluttershy hid behind her hair “Yeah,” Applejack tilted her hat down. “We can,” Rarity rubbed her neck. “Do that,” Twilight nervously blushed. “Thank you. Goodnight.” “Goodnight,” they awkwardly replied as I closed the attic door on the five ashamed mares. I heard them walk down the stairs as I smiled to myself, took my equipment off, and slipped into bed. “I don’t mother, Pinkie,” I said as I pulled out two knitting needles and went back to working on my little project, “Oh, did I remember to turn off the stove… yes I di…What the buck!” (To Be Continued...)