"Oh dear." I mumbled to myself as I stared at a piece of paper.
The edges were burnt, and most of the contents were unreadable. Yet, the only readable parts were the most useful.
"Whatever is the problem, sister?" Luna asked from her throne.
"It appears, a friend of mine, has a problem much more complicated than I first presumed." I answered with a small frown.
The very last copy of the residents of Cremo Village.
"Green Garden. Who art, um, who is this pony?" Luna asked again, catching herself .
I let out a quiet sigh as I quickly debate whether I should answer truthfully or not.
"He is a late resident of Cremo Village, and this is the last registry of the place." I explained calmly.
She flinched at the information before looking away. I couldn't see her face, but I could feel her sorrow.
"I see." She answered with a quiet voice.
*Bam*
A guard came in while panting as he slammed the gates open.
"Your Highnesses!" He started his report with a shout.
"Speak." Luna commanded him.
His eyes traveled to Luna for a single moment before they set upon me. It seems it'll take time before anypony trusts Luna once again.
"A cloud of smoke has been reported to be coming from the mountains west of Ponyville." He gave his report as he caught his breath.
"I see." I replied.
There are lots of reasons a cloud of smoke could form. The pegasi would've noticed if it came from a fire. That amount of smoke from magic would be too difficult to not notice. Then, the most likely answer is.
"A dragon." Luna suddenly spoke up.
I saw the guards currently present widen their eyes in shock at the answer.
"My sister is correct. An elder dragon is the most likely answer." I backed her up. "Those old ones are too prideful to care about a single creature except themselves." I calmly explained as I brought up a scroll and feather.
With a burst of dragon fire, the letter was sent away to Spike.
"Are you sure it is wise to make thine student take on this problem?" Luna asked me cautiously.
"I'm positive." I answered nonchalantly.
Not a single dragon of the older age would dare to hurt a pony. At least not seriously. Else they'd face me.
"Hmm. If you're sure." Luna replied.
I simply nodded in response as I turned to look through the stained windows. Though, my eyes slowly travel to the southern direction as I suddenly realize the amount of stress I've felt recently, even if it started just about a week ago.
About the time I last visited Remedy.
"Would all of you be willing to give us some privacy?" I told the guards as they swiftly emptied the throne room.
"Did you wish to speak to me sister?" Luna asked.
"Yes. How would you feel about visiting a friend of mine in the Everfree? Close to the area we used to play in."
As I kept staring out the window, I got slightly worried as I didn't hear an answer for a while. Thinking that something may have gotten her attention, I turned towards her.
She held a small frown as she stared downwards with a saddened yet fierce glare.
"It seems you've met him already." I stated as her expression hardened.
"I am not welcome in his domain. You will have to visit him alone." She spoke as her glare turned almost deadly.
At this small display of bloodlust, I reassured her with a simple hug. Looks like I didn't get the chance to tell her about Nightmare Moon, or, Moonshine, as Remedy called her.
Seriously, who names themselves after a booze. Especially one that took so many lives just from its production alone.
I was suddenly woken from my thoughts as I heard a rather crude noise coming from my sister.
With an amused chuckle and a single sigh, I held her tightly before teleporting her to her bedroom. She may be pushing herself too much trying to catch up to her duties. With that taken care of, I bring the paper back as I examine the contents I'd already cruised through a few times.
"Either he lied, or there was a mistake." I mumbled as I read it once more.
Civilian Registry
Green Garden
Age-35
Married to Storm Chaser (36) since 984 AU.
Son named Bright Idea (8) born on 989 AU.
Son named Floral Green (Real name unknown. Real age unknown), adopted (Presumably) on 997 AU. (Read further for more details)
Owns plant shop named Floral World on the Merchant Street.
Reported to have brought an unknown colt in Cremo General Hospital on June 17th. 997 AU. Report showed that the colt was malnourished, dehydrated, extreme signs of frostbite, signs of poison consumption, heavy bruises on the soles of his hooves and dozens of small physical injuries. The attending doctors, Dr. Green Cross, Dr. Calm Mind, Dr. Tight Splint and Dr. High Medical, along with dozens of nurses managed to heal and cure the colt of all injuries and illnesses. Later, Dr. Calm Mind, wrote a psychological report, indicating that the colt wasn't shy, but rather traumatized. Report as follows:
Psychological report on, (Floral Green). June 24th.
Extremely defensive. Will get aggressive if he suspects somepony is trying to harm him.
Signs of anxiety from a traumatic event. Questions any and everything while not giving a single answer about himself. A brief observation revealed that he is extremely aware of his surroundings, sometimes knowing even more than the staff themselves.
Trust issues. Refused to take any pills or injections until he was absolutely sure he'd be fine. Dr. High Medical had to go on sick leave after trying to prove that the medication wasn't poison by taking the medication himself.
PTSD. Possibly taken by foalnappers as he showed signs of trauma at the sight of a mare with a collar attached to a chain (Two assholes from roo Two fools couldn't hold back until one healed). Seemed to despise (IMPORTANT) magic to the extreme. Strangely enough, this only applied to unicorn magic, even after being informed of how magic is around us at all times.
Violent tendencies? (Most likely trauma related) Most times, his answer to even the most basic problems seem to be physical harm.
Small Clues: (May be useful clues to find real home)
Loves tea. Hates magic unicorn magic. Likes stuff foals his age would normally hate. Strangely unfamiliar with even the most common things (Few examples include thin blankets, cold drinks, needles being used on ponies).
End of Report.
"Just who are you?" I asked the question out loud as I calmly stepped out of the throne room, the registry floating right infront of me.
"Finally!" I heard a shout as nobles swarmed the door.
"Today's Day Court has been cancelled." I simply stated before teleporting to my room.
Taking a deep breath as I loosen my body slightly, I stretch as bones crack throughout my body.
As I prepare myself mentally to leave, I already start to feel a headache forming from all the problems that this could cause. Well, at least most of it would be personal problems rather than national. Actually, I think that's worse.
Raven is gonna be so pissed with me once she comes back from her vacation. Though, maybe forcing her to go to that Manehattan tour wasn't the best way to go about it. The stars know she needed to rest though.
"Guards." I spoke out loud after collecting myself.
The pair of guards standing outside my door walked in swiftly with hardened looks as I magicked a bag to me. They saluted instantly as their spears roughly landed on the ground.
I really can't tell whether they should chill more, or be more disciplined.
"YES YOUR HIGHNESS!" They shouted loudly.
"Could one of you go inform Stirred Pot to prepare the usual presents?" I enchanted the bag with the usual spells and floated it over to them. "Tell him to pack it in that." I ordered.
"UNDERSTOOD!" They yelled and saluted before slamming the door on their way out, making me flinch slightly from the impact.
"Yeah. There definitely needs to be a change in their training." I commented to myself before heading out.
"Auntie." I was suddenly greeted. "I was just on my way to see you."
"Blueblood!' I spoke up excitedly. "I have not heard from you ever since that High Hoof incident." I gave him a tight hug as he struggled in my grasp.
"Auntie! Let go!" His protests were simply adorable, but I haven't seen him for atleast a week.
"Why haven't you been writing to me huh? You seeing a mare?" I teased as I finally let him go.
He took a moment as he caught his breath. Huh, maybe I hugged him too hard.
"In a sense." He simply answered.
I froze for a few seconds as my face remained a perpetual smile.
"Wait! Not like that." Blueblood suddenly spoke up with a flustered face.
"Oh my stars!" I couldn't contain myself as I grabbed him once again. "Who is she? When did you meet her? How long? What's she like?" I let out a barrage of questions in excitement.
He hasn't let a single pony in his life except me in, well, forever.
"Auntie! I told you, it's not like that!" He cried out.
Damn it.
"Well? What did you mean then?" I asked him.
"It's the mage I told you about, Joyful Light. We've been trying to copy the barrier." He explained with a slight frown on her face.
"Oh." I let out a sound of acknowledgement. "Any progress?"
He sighed before speaking. "Unfortunately, not so much. Trying to duplicate the barrier yielded in, mixed results." He finished with a slightly frustrated tone.
"What do you mean? Did anypony get hurt?" I asked with small worry.
"No. None of that." I sighed in relief. "We managed a barrier, not the barrier. It was like a cheap copy that wore off after ten minutes. Besides, every single function was completely off, breaking the whole barrier in the process too"
"Hmm." I grew a slight frown at that.
If the only thing the research came up with was a cheap knockoff, then that barrier would be that much harder to crack. There's still the problem of Remedy's past as well. Just what is he hiding?
"Well, it's only been about a week. I'm sure you two can find a solution with time." I gave him reassurance.
"Yes." He simply answered.
"Well then, I need to be going. I'm going to visit Remedy. Would you like to come with?"
"Sorry, no. I need to meet up with Light to perform more tests." He spoke as his eyes seemed to become slightly distracted.
I smirked as I realized what was going on.
"Ok then. Will it be just the two of you?" I asked, holding myself back.
"Yes? It'll be just us two until we find more mages to cooperate with." He answered, albeit confused.
"I see." I gave him a sagely nod. "How about you two share a drink over this?" I suggested and magicked a bottle of wine.
"What the!" He was surprised, but managed to catch the bottle in magic right before it hit the ground.
Oh yeah. Alcohol.
He should be more than willing to have a drink or two right?
"Anyways, good luck on your date." I simply told Blueblood before teleporting away.
Breathing in some stale air as I walked through the basement, I cruised through the place while looking for a specific barrel.
"Aged Wine's Brewery. It's been quite a while since I've had a taste from her products." I talked to myself as I casually lifted the whole thing in my magic. "He's responsible enough to build shelter, he should be responsible enough to drink, well, responsibly." I talked to myself and teleported away.
Wait, does she drink whiskey? Well, either she does or she doesn't.
"Dude! Why'd you scream?" I asked annoyedly.
"Shut up Moon. Oh fuck. Oh shit." Remedy was pacing around with an infuriated expression.
"What happened?" I asked with an incredulous voice.
"What year is it?" He suddenly asked me.
"I dunno. Two thousand, something AU." I nonchalantly answered.
He froze as his stare became monotone. Suddenly, he started massaging his head with an expression that said 'I'm holding myself back from committing a crime'.
"FUCK!" He suddenly yelled.
"Remedy! What the hell is your problem? Stop fucking yelling!"
He continued to ignore me as he kept shouting. Having had enough of this, I punched him.
For fuck's sake.
My hoof hurts, and he barely even flinched from that.
"Did you just?" He asked with a confused tone.
"Yes." I cut him off. "And you need to get your shit together. What the fuck, is the problem?"
He took in a deep breath before letting it out in a sigh. With a frustrated look, he opened his mouth.
"I've been stuck here, for a millennia." He spoke seriously.
By my dad, and by the stars, I could only give a singular answer. Whether that was due to me not taking this seriously, or because I was just decentisized to the millenia thing, I don't know.
"So?"
Remedy's face morphed into full on confusion as he was in disbelief at my answer.
Honestly, I don't blame him. My answer was completely unprecedented.
He tried to form a coherent thought, or at least that's what I think he's doing, as his face slowly shifted from confusion to reluctant realization, then finally turned to acceptance.
"Oh shit." He held a hoof to his forehead with a tight frown on his face. "My chickens are fucked." He finished with an annoyed face.
I was confused for a slight second, then burst into laughter at his idiotic concern. Well, he should be calm now.
"I'm sure your egg supply is thriving." I gave him simple reassurance. "Now go make lunch." I pushed him weakly.
He stumbled slightly, but walked normally soon after. This is worrying. But somepony like him should be fine.
With an unreadable face, he silently walked towards the river.
"Hello." I suddenly heard somepony familiar calling.
"Good afternoon, Celestia." I greeted sarcastically.
I fucking hate that she can just tower over me now.
With annoyance already building up in me, I turned towards the insufferable mare.
"Do you know where Remedy is?" She asked with a practically emotionless voice.
"The river." I answered and moved to sit down at the camp. "Tea?" I asked reflexively.
She stared for a few seconds with narrowed eyes. "Sure." Her words were reluctant.
With an eyeroll, I poured some in two cups and gave her one. She eyed it suspiciously as her eyes kept flickering to me.
Taking a sip, I relished in the warmth as I heard Celestia sitting down. She slurped almost silently with a judging look.
"Did you make this?" She suddenly asked.
Deciding to try something, I looked at her, straight in the eyes.
"Yes"
"It's terrible." She answered and continued to sip it.
I grew one of the brightest smiles I've ever had, and called to her.
"Celestia?"
"Yes?" She answered with a raise of an eyebrow.
"Fuck you."