Twilight chewed down on her breakfast while looking over the detail for the up and coming Summer Sun Celebrations.
So really loved how Princess Celestia chose to have it held in Bridle City. Being an important place to the Silver Enlightenment. One of the most important figure after Silver Light’s death came from there, and after the founding of Equestria the leaders of the various ministries throughout the land came there, just a small settlement at the time, to unify the movement. The First Council of Bridle as it became known primarily wished to determine the nature of Silver Light.
When the Celebration finished she and Flash planned to explore the city to see if anything relating to the First Council survived, it would be like a date for her and her captain.
Twilight shook the history out of her head, she needed to work on other matters, so, she woke up at close to dawn to figure it out. She always woke up early to get a good start on the day, always up with the sun, since it was when Celestia was awake to her it seemed right to be awake herself. She began thinking about what would be happening during this day. Discord would be having his teatime with Fluttershy, before joining Spike, Big Mac, Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie with the renamed "Games Night."
Although the other day, Pinkie felt a series of twitches but nothing happened in Ponyville. And Pinkie said it would be very dangerous. As such see spent the entirety of two days preparing for something like Tirek or Chrysalis. But nothing.
The door burst open and Flash galloped in "Twilight!" he practically shoved a newspaper into his face. After taking hold of it she read the front page and her eyes widened. She then looked up and blinked, the rest of the Council of Friendship stood there.
Starlight and Spike also entered.
Twilight nodded "Starlight, Spike, find Chrome and Dauntless, take care of the Castle.” Chrome Blade and Dauntless Doo being two Royal Guard members who got transferred to the Everfree Guard, Twilight continued “Flash, girls, we're going to Bridle City Port."
Everyone nodded. Spike clutched his stomach and coughed out a message from Celestia, telling them while she couldn't go herself she sent Luna the Bridle City as well to join them.
At the station Fluttershy hugged Discord "I'm so sorry we can't have tea today. But ponies need our help."
"It's quite alright my dear Fluttershy. I can tell your concerned, I'd much rather have you be happy." He turned to Spike "Anyway it's games night. Though it'll be odd not having Pinkie and Rainbow Dash.", Spike chuckled and nudged him "Just means there's more fun to go around."
The train blew its whistle and Fluttershy boarded.
She sat down next to Rainbow Dash who looked a little concerned herself "You okay Rainbow Dash?"
"I'm fine Fluttershy, just Hercules brought that train in. But the paper didn't say anything about him."
"Hey don't worry Rainbow." Applejack said "If he's not in the paper that means he wasn't involved."
"The paper didn't say any names, it said a one pony died because of fire and another was seriously injured getting a burning cider tank away from the city, it blew up in front of him."
"Rainbow," Twilight said still reading the story "you much have skimmed through it, the dead pony was a Unicorn,", this caught Rarity's attention as the Princess of Friendship continued "and the pony injured in the tank explosion was an Earth Pony. No mention of Pegasi, other than the one helping the firefighters. We'll just have to see what the damage is like when we get there."
The Mayor of Bridle City and Captain Zero stood on the platform.
The train pulled in and Flash existed first, he stood to attention and announced "Her Highness Princess Twilight Sparkle and the Elements of Harmony."
The Mayor bowed and Captain Zero lowered his head in respect. Twilight nodded her thanks and the Mayor recovered "Thank you for coming on such short notice your Highness.", she shook her head "It's quite alright your Honour when I learnt of this disaster both myself and my friends knew we couldn't just sit back and do nothing."
"We are greatly honoured. Hopefully this should boost morale, most of the industries have stopped temporarily. Then whole city has been effected by this."
Captain Zero nodded "Myself and my company are at your disposal, we're already helping with the clean-up. Unlike Captain Star."
"Have a care Zero." The Mayor said "He nearly lost Ten Bits to that tanker."
The girls blinked and Fluttershy stepped forward "The young light blue colt?"
The Mayor nodded "He's currently in hospital, Captain Star hasn't left the foal's side.", Twilight nodded and turned to her friends "I think we should split up, do whatever we initially came to do. I'll go to the hospital. Any-pony else?", Flash stepped forward but none of the others stepped forward, they all gave their reasons; Rainbow wanted to find Hercules and catch up with him. Rarity wanted to talk with Top Hat, Applejack wanted to check up with her cousin Golden Russet, and both Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie decided to visit the Star Building to see what they could do about the others.
So Fluttershy, Pinkie, Rainbow and Rarity headed off the Star Building, given it would be probably be where all the Star Ponies were, baring Ten Bits and the captain. Applejack went to the brewery and the Mayor Escorted Twilight and Flash to the hospital.
At the hospital, they found Luna waiting "I have yet to enter but the doctors have told me not only is the courageous colt inside receiving care, but also the fool who caused the fire in the first place. I would like to speak to this Bluenose, Captain Sentry I could perhaps use your assistance, one military pony to another.", Flash turned to Twilight who nodded, the three entered the building.
Reaching a junction between wards they split off. Bluenose's injuries and mental shock were less serve then the injuries Ten Bits incurred. She stopped at the door to the room and knocked. The door opened and a sleepy and partly dishevelled Captain Star stood before her. His appearance reminded her of Shining Armour's state when she visited for Flurry Heart's Crystalling. His eyes widened and he gave her a salute, she nodded her thanks and entered the room.
Ten Bits rested on the bed asleep, his leg wrapped up and his eyes covered by a blindfold. She smiled as she sat down on the chair next to the captain "He's definitely a brave one."
The captain nodded "His mother would be so proud of him.", she nodded "I did get the feeling he was your son."
"Yes." He said lowing his head "And I nearly lost him. But I would be proud, heartbroken but proud. He saved countless lives pushing that burning wagon. He's a hero." A bunch of tears fell down his face.
Ten Bits stirred and turned his head toward them "You still here Dad?"
"Yes, Ten Bits, and we have a guest, Princess Twilight Sparkle's come to visit."
She nodded her thanks to the captain and walked up to Ten Bits and took his hoof "It's good to see you again Ten Bits. You're a real credit to your family, company and city."
"I was only doing what was right. Saved Bluenose as it was the right thing to do. Even if he's a naval twit. Uh, no offense Dad."
"None taken, I know the type of pony Bluenose is, partly why I left the Marines. Still the Navy wouldn't let me go without an honourable compassionate discharge. Princess Celestia said she was sad to see me go but understood perfectly."
Twilight smiled and spoke "I'll be sure to ask Princess Celestia to give you some recognition for your gallant actions Ten Bits. Something to remember this by." Then frowned her eyebrows "Why do you still have the blindfold on?"
Ten Bits shrugged "The doctors put it on me so they could check my eyesight. The flash of the explosion meant I could see things, still can't, I'm seeing black with all these weird coloured shapes flying about. It's weird."
Twilight's eyes widened and she gasped slightly.
At that moment, the door opened and a doctor walked in, he blinked at the princess and bowed at her. She nodded and the doctor turned to the father and son, he took his glasses off "I can't put this in any good terms Ten Bits." He gave the clipboard to Captain Star, with the clipboard initially in his magic he read it, eyes widened and clutched the clipboard in his hooves to read it more clearly.
The doctor waited before speaking again "You've gone blind Ten Bits."
Ten Bits tilted his head "I can, well," he chuckled "see that. But when it going to stop? When will I see again?", the doctor sighed "That's the thing Ten Bits. The flash from the explosive has permanently damaged your eyes." He removed the blindfold, everyone around him saw his eyes looked perfectly normal, but Ten Bits sat up, the weight holding his leg up adjusted, his front hooves went to the sides his face trying to feel the blindfold now gone, his breathing increased, "How could it? There were explosions we saw in the old dock, all of us and the Z Manes."
"You were closer to that tanker explosion Ten Bits, and secondly the train was filled with fireworks, sparks compared to the one you witnessed. It's just burned into your retina and scarred them severely, your no longer about to receive the light your lenses send them."
"Can't you," he sniffed "can't you just fix them with magic?"
Twilight walked up and took his hoof and spoke with a lump in her throat "I've read every medical spell book." She glanced at the clipboard and sighed "No spell could fix the amount of damage done."
Ten Bits blinked then shuddered and tears started welling up.
Captain Star wrapped his hooves around his son and held him close "Thank you doctor, your Highness, I, I think we'd prefer to be alone." They both nodded and left.
Twilight asked the doctor where Bluenose was, she wanted to give that pony a piece of her mind. Ten Bits did indeed have something to remember the night of the fire, but not what anyone thought.
She didn't knock she just opened the door, Luna and Flash turned, and Bluenose sitting on the bed widened his eyes as she narrowed hers and trudge "I hope your proud of yourself, because Ten Bits is now blind thanks to that fire.", Flash and Luna gasped and Twilight explained.
Luna turned angry and pushed her face straight into the naval officer's face "So not only did your reckless actions and disregard of safety caused the destruction of property for both the Navy, civilians and the death of one pony, but now the visual impairment of a minor, the same minor who also risked himself saving you."
"And," Flash added "per the loading schedule of the Quiet Chimera crew ponies gave me, you were to come after Ten Bits in the loading, but no, you through you could barge in and disrupt the unloading of dangerous materials. The officers under your command have also been told by the fire department's Station Officer you gave an unauthorised order; the Station Officer was ready to give clearance to Jupiter to proceed to the old dock in preparation for the incoming explosive, so he could be on hoof in case of fire."
Bluenose just blinked, then he appeared as if about to say something Luna however put on her Royal Canterlot Voice "You have no way to justify yourself. Your incompetence cost lives and injured ponies." Still scowling she walked back.
Twilight spoke "It is certain that we will be taking to your superiors, there will be consequences." And with that all three left.
News of what happened to Ten Bits spread fast.
Rarity found Top Hat after receiving the tragic news in one of the inner-city stations café, the green Unicorn sat with a blank expression using his magic to stir a cup of tea. Rarity took a seat herself and ordered a tea herself "It's very to see you again Top Hat.", he nodded but remained silent, Rarity spoke again "Can I ask what has happened since last we met? Can I say? You've kept the waistcoat I made all those years ago, in exquisite condition."
Top Hat sighed and began recounting the tales of Windigo in the fog, the log jam, Warrior's moment of triumph in saving Izzy Bulmer and finally his own moment of glory saving the train. All the time he just stared at the cup of tea. Rarity widened her eyes "Goodness my dear you must have been very pleased with yourself."
"Oh, indeed I was." He still didn't glance up "I was in so good spirits I thought nothing would drag me down. Even when we learnt we had to work with Bluenose," he gritted his teeth after saying those words "I thought him a terrible bore, all he ever did was follow orders and give them out without any thought, first or second."
"You've work him before?" she asked using her magic to animate her cup and took a sip. He nodded "Only before he had an officer in charge above him, it seems he was recently promoted and put in charge of the exercise since he's done it so often before." Suddenly he banged the table and spilt some of his tea onto the saucer "I knew he was a bore, but I never imagined him a power mad incompetent and stubborn mule." He blinked and glanced over to Frank and Eddie sitting at the table nearby "No offense gentle-colts."
"None taken Top Hat." They said together, Eddie then spoke "After hearing what he was up to I agree with that.", Frank nodded "Coming here, all grand and official with his nose in the air. No regard for how things work here."
"Quite." Top Hat said. He used his magic to lift his cup and saucer and spilt the tea back into the cup, he took a sip and grimaced slightly "Luckily I was able to avoid him for the day. I was working with those two." He nodded to Frank and Eddie "Then in the evening after a hard day of work we sat right here." He glanced out the window "We saw the firework, at first we thought it was a party and joked, then the fire ponies came passed alerting us. As ordered by Jupiter I made sure no-pony here and close by would be idiotic enough to go and look, and extremely made sure of it after Eddie's comment. When I arrived, I found the fire out, so true to my calling I made a joke of it in my superior and sophisticated manner," he repeated his work making Rarity chuckled, "And true to form Zorran of the Z Manes furthered the joke at my expense, don't worry I'm used to it."
"Then please Top Hat, forgive me being rube, but, why do you seem so, put off?"
"I wasn't really, up until I learnt what's happen to Ten Bits, I've been thinking. If I hadn't procrastinated as much as I did I might have been able to help Ten Bits, maybe even take his place." He shut his eyes "Something that wouldn't have led to this."
"I see." Rarity narrowed her eyebrows and took a sip of her tea, she then animated a handkerchief and wiped her lips, then looked straight at him "You may have been able to save Ten Bits from the harm that befell him, however at what cost? To yourself or worse. If you hadn't been so thorough in ensuring the safety of the locals then there would have more injuries, or Celestia forbid another fatality. And consider Ten Bits pushed that tanker as far from the city he could to save every-pony close by. You also did your part to save every-pony close-by. In a way, both of you sacrificed something so no-pony else would be forced to lose something. You sacrificed your chance to be a firefighting hero, and Ten Bits was willing to sacrifice his life."
Top Hat sighed "Rationally I agree with you. Emotionally I can't. My friend was severely injured and now seriously disabled at such a young age. I don't feel like his friend now."
Rarity felt tears in her eyes "That's not true. It'll be alright.", Top Hat looked up at her for the first time and gave a small, sad smile "I suppose, eventually."
In the Star Building, Sunshine sat in the corner with his head in his hooves "How's Ten Bits going to cope? He can't work now. We won't be working together anymore."
"Sunshine?" a low voice said, the small Unicorn looked as Warrior sat beside him "You shouldn't think about Ten Bits like that, you've known him for months, and we've known him for years. He's not going to give up, you shouldn't even."
"But what about when Big Jock got pushed onto the mud banks. When he told us to take his place with the Duke and Duchess's train, Ten Bits got really nervous."
"Yeah. But he did it anyway. He's full of courage Sunshine, so are you."
"Sunshine?" another voice said and Fluttershy sat down beside them "I've helped animals with disabilities at my home, their friends got worried when they were injured, but they were always there to help them, they were still friends. If Ten Bits wants to try and continue working, then you have to be there to help him."
"Yeah Sunshine, I can't think of any-pony else who Ten Bits would want help from more."
"Captain Star?" Sunshine said.
"Maybe. But he's usually here running the business, you're with him nearly every day."
"I guess." Sunshine said with a tear "I just want to think about. Thanks anyway."
Both ponies gave small smiles and walked away.
Captain Star guided Ten Bits out of the hospital, they supplied the teenage colt with a cane, but as he needed to get used to it his father acted very protective "Keep hold of my hoof Ten Bits. We'll get through this."
"Dad, I'm not a young colt anymore. I may be blind but that doesn't mean I suddenly a different pony. I chose to get that tanker away, I knew I may not make it, but I did it anyway."
"I know, I just need to do this for myself, to know you're alright. We lost mother, it took me a while to get over it, raising you helped, you were her final gift to me, I couldn't fully let her go, but I didn't need you with you there, and I almost lost you.", both felt tears, Ten Bit leaned in to his father "I'm not going away Dad, in fact I'm probably be staying really close.", the Captain chuckled and nuzzled his son's mane.
"Captain?" The two turned around.
The Mayor, Princess Twilight and Flash Sentry stood there. Twilight stepped up "If you like you can come and stay with us in Ponyville, so Ten Bits can get used to this before he returns to work."
"I like the idea," Ten Bits said "I'd rather not have the Z Manes making fun of me just yet."
Twilight blinked "They would mock a disabled pony?"
"They're crooks them lot. Zorran would do anything to make fun and distract us from our work. Zak would do the same, as would Zug. Zebedee and Zip I think would be less likely, but I don't want to take the chance just yet."
"I understand. Anyway, we're just about finished here, the city has the recovery under control. All we to do know is find our friends."
Captain Star put both Hercules and OJ in charge of the company while he and Ten Bits were away. Ten Bits asked Sunshine to come with them, which the small Unicorn accepted automatically, and Sunshine asked Warrior to come with. The clumsy Earth Pony questioned this but Sunshine said he would need some support in helping Ten Bits, the small Unicorn wasn't completely over his grief yet. Warrior agreed.
And Rarity invited Top Hat to come with her, he accepted as well saying he wouldn't mind a day or two away from Bridle City.
When they arrived at the station Starlight and Spike greeted them. Though Spike look suspicious towards Top Hat.
Warrior on the other hoof looked around "Nice village, wouldn't mind having a look around."
"Alright," Captain Star said helping Ten Bits down from the carriage "but be careful, we're visitor."
"Don't worry Captain I'll do my best." Warrior immediately took a step forward.
Pinkie Pie's tail twitched.
Warrior tripped getting off the platform. Pinkie laughed "I'd better go with him."
"Pinkie," Twilight said "we all know we can't stop what your Pinkie Sense tells you."
"No, but I can tell Warrior so he can prepare himself.", Warrior recovered and brushed himself down "Oh, you're an intuition Earth Pony, that's helpful. All me and Big Jock have got is strength."
"Then I Pinkie Promise to tell you what going to happen when I sense it. Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.", Warrior tipped his head slightly but shrugged, then the two Earth Ponies walked off.
Top Hat shook his head "I have a bad feeling about those two."
"I wouldn't threat on it my dear." Rarity said "But since you're here perhaps we should visit my family, I'm sure Mother and Father will be delighted to see you again."
"Ha! I wonder if they even remember me.", Top Hat then felt a tap of his shoulder and looked down at Spike "Can I help you?"
"Yeah you can. You can tell me what you relation to Rarity is.", Top Hat narrowed his eyebrows and turned to her "You mean you've never said anything about me to your friends?"
"Well, I." She sighed, Top Hat rolled his eyes and returned to Spike "I am what you might call a god-brother, my Father and Rarity's Mother were friends at school."
"Oh." Spike said looking away slightly ashamed "But why didn't you say anything about it Rarity."
"Well I, don't want you to get angry, but, we had a very small romance when we were foals."
"A childhood romance?" the dragon asked "What's wrong about? Your clearly not in a relationship now."
Top Hat narrowed his eyes "And may I ask young dragon what does it matter to you?", Spike started blushing "Well, I." He looked away further. Top Hat closed his eyes and slowly nodded, he then leaned to her ear "And your view on the matter?"
"He's a very helpful friend." She whispered "I like that he has a crush on me, who wouldn't?", Top Hat rolled his eyes but listened as she continued "However I don't do much to encourage him, I do have a pet name for him, but that because I find him rather cute. If he does find another romantic partner I will support him. I however after experiencing some, rather, unsuccessful attempts at romance have decided not to focus on it now, you might say I am married to my work."
"I see, but you won't tell him?"
"I couldn't break his heart my dear. Not as his age, he's still baby dragon."
"Ah right." He turned back to the still embarrassed dragon and spoke "If do believe we've waisted enough time here, I have a pseudo-family reunion to attend."
"Spike!" Twilight called and the dragon waved Rarity goodbye before running off to join the Princess. When Spike re-joined next to Starlight and Flash Sentry ready himself to escort his princess back to her castle. Twilight however turned to Captain Star "Captain can you join us I want to discuss something.", the captain of the Star Ponies narrowed his eyes and turned to Ten Bits and Sunshine, the small Unicorn stood up straight "Do worry sir I'll keep him safe."
Ten Bits grinned and turned to his friend, however his eyes didn't look straight at him "Thanks Sunshine."
Fluttershy put her hoof onto the teenage Earth Ponies shoulder "How about we go to my home, but please don't frighten my animal friends, they won't like it."
"Don't worry Fluttershy," Ten Bits said "we'll be nice.", she smiled and took his hoof "This way.", and the three ponies slowly and carefully made their way to Fluttershy's cottage.
Captain Star watch his son go for a few moments before returning to the Princess and joined next to Flash, one captain to another. Flash saluted Captain Star and nodded his thanks, and the escort marched off.
They entered the castle and found Princess Luna waiting much to Twilight's surprise "Luna I thought you were heading back to Canterlot?", the Princess of the Moon shook her head "Actually I went to the naval base Bluenose hails from. I have spoken with his commanding officers and they agreed on what to do with him."
Captain Star raised an eyebrow "I hope the Navy hasn't become limp-fetlock since I left."
"No, they've decided to court martial Bluenose."
Flash gave a small chuckle. Captain Star let out a breath, which said rather him than me.
Twilight narrowed his eyes "I take it that's a trial?"
Flash nodded "Bluenose will be on trial for breaking military law." He looked to Luna "The charges?"
"Obstructing operations, Ill-treating subordinates, Damage to and loss of public and service property and Hazarding a vessel."
Twilight raised an eyebrow "What about the death of Pulley thanks to fire he caused, that's pony-slaughter.", Flash took her hoof and explained "A court martial only handle offences against military law, after that Bluenose will go to a civil court."
Luna nodded "I have yet to speak with Lord Gavel yet. Rest assured his crimes against the people of Bridle City will be brought up."
Flash smirked, but his eyes looked sad "He'll defiantly be imprisoned for the military offences. Hazarding a vessel has a maximum charge of life imprisonment. And with service pony is sentence to imprisonment they are automatically dismissed with disgrace."
"And," Captain Star added "adding onto the possible life imprisonment would be the other years of imprisonment for his other crime, both civil and military, he could be seeing forty to fifty years or more."
As they neared her cottage some of the animals Fluttershy took care of bounded up and greeted them, the yellow Pegasus spoke softly "Be kind to our guest, Ten Bits is blind and Sunshine is he to help him.", they nodded.
They entered the house and the rabbit sleeping on the sofa heard the door open and looked up, raised his eyebrow at the young pony with the cane and before going back to sleep.
"Um Angel?" Fluttershy said, the rabbit opened his eyes again and looked up annoyed, Fluttershy spoke "Could you give Ten Bits some space.", the Rabbit sat up and crossed his arms, Fluttershy then added "He's blind.", Angel blinked and turned seeing the colt tap his cane around the room when it hit the running board of the wall he turned slightly, tapped the running board again and turned the other way.
Angel sighed and hopped to the end of the sofa, the mare smiled "Thank you, she walked over to Ten Bits and took his hand "Come and sit down Ten Bits.", he nodded and carefully got onto the sofa, Fluttershy turned to Sunshine "Sunshine could help me make the tea please?"
"Okay Fluttershy, you okay just to sit Ten Bits?"
"I'm fine, just got to think for a moment."
After a short while a bark sounded and Angel came bouncing in annoyed. Then Ten Bits started laughing. Both ponies looked out in to the living room seeing a large dog, more than two feet tall and with a fair amount of muscle, black coated, with rusty coloured markings stood up on its back legs, front leg clutching Ten Bits as he licked the teenage colt's face, the blind foal laughed.
Fluttershy quickly flew over and took hold of the dog pulled him back and used, the Stare, "Blake you naught Rottweiler. You startled our guest and you scared Angel. Say you're sorry.", Blake sat down and whimpered. Fluttershy nodded "Very good." She then blinked "Actually you've never been so friendly that to any-pony before.", Blake started give out barks and yips, Fluttershy eyes widened "Really?", the dog tongue stuck out and nodded.
Sunshine came walking up levitating the tray with the tea "What did he say?", before Fluttershy could answer Ten Bits did it for her "He said he wants to be my guide dog.", Blake nodded again, Fluttershy blinked add looked to the blind foal "You can understand him?"
"Only him, can only hear animal noises from every other animal. When he licked me, I just felt a click, like when I first met Sunshine, or when I saved Bluenose and pushed the tanker wagon, it just felt right." His hoof found the dog's head and started stroking him "It's what he wants to, how can I say no."
Sunshine put the tray down and walked up "What's Captain Star going to say about this."
"Actually, I quite approve." The three looked to the door as Captain Star entered, he walked over and join in Ten Bits stroking Blake and looked to his son "Neither me nor Sunshine can be with you at all times, it's just an impossibility, and having such a breed as a Rottweiler would be an added benefit against the Z Manes. But he's your responsibility, he helps you, you help him. Understood?"
"Load and clear sir.", Blake barked. Sunshine nudged his friend "I'll help you too.", Ten Bits grinned "Thanks Sunshine."
Blake trotted as all Rottweilers do as Ten Bits followed on, a little more confident as held the dog's new leash, down the main street towards the castle, then someone spoke "Excuse me, Mister Ten Bits?", the voice sounded like a younger Applejack.
Ten Bits pulled Blake to a stop, he turned to were the voice came from "You don't have to call me Mister, just Ten Bits.", then another voice spoke, this one with a slight squeak "Sorry, we were being formal, you're Top Hat's friend after all."
"Well I wouldn't call us friends, work colleagues yes, sometimes his insults rub me the wrong way, I mean on the day of the fire," he paused and sighed "he called us a motley crew. Course I haven't heard him say anything bad to me since."
"Well," a new young voice said, having a slight Rainbow Dash gruff to it "probably because you did something as awesome as Rainbow Dash, I bet Top Hat can't compete."
"I wasn't trying to break a record. I was doing what I felt was right. Did you want something else other than a chat? Who are you three anyway?"
"Oh," came the squeak "sorry, we're the Cutie Mark Crusaders. My name's Sweetie Bell. Rarity's little sister."
"I'm Apple Bloom, Applejack's little sister."
"And you can call me Scootaloo. I'm, uh, kind of Rainbow Dash sister, at least I think of her like an old sister."
Ten Bits nodded "Ten Bits, I'm an only child sadly. What's it like having siblings?"
Sweetie Bell spoke "It can be fun, and stressful and confusing."
"Sound a bit like me and the other Star Ponies. Cutie Mark Crusaders?"
"Yeah," Scootaloo said "we help ponies find their purpose in life. We've even helped a Griffon to find hers, though she didn't get a proper Cutie Mark."
"So, what do you want with me?"
"Well," Apple Bloom said walking up beside him "we couldn't help noticing you don't have a cutie mark. I mean you got those spots but they look like part of your coat."
"Dad said that's what Mother name me after, gave me a name that's a part of me. But really, I'm happy working for Dad, makes him proud."
"You don't mind not having a cutie mark?" All three said together.
"Well," Ten Bits sighed "it's not like I'm going to see it now.", Blake whimpered and licked the colt’s face, Ten Bits grinned.
"But everyone else can enjoy it." Apple Bloom said "You said you pushed the taker cart because it felt, right?"
"Yeah, I've done things some ponies wouldn't believe, I've done things against others expectations. When we thought, Sunshine had messed up with the Duke and Duchess's train I was willing to forgive him, everyone else, Top Hat especially thought Sunshine deserved the treatment he got. When the Changelings took those barges, I was willing to tackle them to the ground, most would have run. I saved Bluenose even though every-pony else told me to get out, Zorran said he'd gotten himself into the mess. And OJ and Sunshine told me not the push the tanker away because I'd be killed. But I did it anyway, even though I knew the logic they were saying, and especially the terror in the fire, but I did it anyway, I'm just, why's it all gone quiet?", he felt a tingle on his flank.
"Ten Bits," Scootaloo said "you, just got your Cutie Mark."
"I what? What does it look like?"
"Well first there's an anchor. And behind it is a lion walking."
"Both symbols of bravery. Dad did a little of bit of heraldry as a hobby. The anchor shows hope and salvation, and of course my link to the maritime world. And the lion symbolizes ferocity, power and strength."
Suddenly a load bang with a whiz and party blower buzz sounded, Ten Bits felt confetti land on him as Pinkie shouted "This calls for a party!"
Ten Bits turned to the three fillies "Is she always like this?"
"It's what makes her so fun." Apple Bloom said.
"And annoying at times." Added Scootaloo.
The five Bridle City ponies sat on the platform waiting for the next train home.
Ten Bits heard another pony walking up and he heard Rainbow Dash speak "I thought I should give you something before you go.", he felt something like glasses slid over his face and Rainbow spoke "You look ten percent cooler already."
"Let me guess, sunglasses?"
"Yeah, my spare pair I got when I became a Wonderbolt. Soarin got me my main pair. Got to fly, say high to Hercules for me."
"Will do." And he heard her fly off, then a whistle sounded and he heard the train pull in, he sighed and stood up "This was a fun holiday, but back to work I guess. Tomorrow the rest of my life begins."