//------------------------------// // 3: Man Cannot Live On The Night Shift Alone // Story: Man Cannot Live On Coffee Alone // by PropMaster //------------------------------// My lips curled back in a snarl as I slammed a fresh magazine home in my UMP, clutching the foregrip with white knuckles. I blew out a quick breath and wiped the back of my gloved hand across my safety glasses, wiping away some debris that clung stubbornly to the lenses. The street outside was filled with the sound of fleeing civilians as I crouched and moved past the shattered windows, hearing gunfire from the room opposite as other members of the group outside attacked. Straining to hear any noise, my ears still ringing from the gunfire, I barely heard the crunch of a boots on broken glass as somebody outside moved towards the window. I turned to face the window, stock at my shoulder and my eyes focused on the ledge, and I stood up, my finger depressing the trigger as I came up. The UMP rocked in my hand, fully automatic. My first round impacted the windowsill, the second hit the man on the other side of the wall square in the chest, as did the third, fourth, fifth, sixth... traversing my aim upward as I gained my feet, leaning forward into the recoil of the gun and keeping it steady. The man had a vest on, but I shifted my aim up as I fired, tracing a line from his chest to his neck and face. He collapsed, dead on his feet. I ignored the gory sight, my eyes searching past the downed enforcer and towards the street. Two more men, peeking from corners, their guns coming up. A rifle of some kind, and a pistol. I dropped down, away from the window, and moved to the door into the next room. I kept my UMP shouldered, knowing I had about half a magazine left. I switched the firing mode to three-round burst, and I nudged the door open with my hip, my eyes trained on the hallway beyond. Someone moving, and it wasn’t my partner. My eyes had time to take in blue and black colors before my fingers squeezed the trigger. The UMP barked out three rounds, the noise making my ears ring in the tight confines of the hallway. Impacts, a surprised shout, and the figure recoiled. I blinked, fully taking in my target. Princess Luna had one hoof to her chest, her eyes wide, surprised. “What was that!?” My eyes widened, and I lowered the UMP, staring. “Princess Luna?!” “You... hit me with something?” Luna blinked, staring at the weapon in my hands. I moved to her, one hand stretching out and touching her chest, right where I had shot. Miraculously, she was unharmed. I pushed her into a doorway quickly, checking behind me before following her into the interior room. “Stay here. It’s not safe,” I hissed. Luna frowned, “Jake, you need to calm down.” “Are you kidding?! We’ve got god-knows how many assholes out there, ready to shoot us dead! Rodriguez said that it was going to be a tricky hand-off, but he didn’t say anything about Nuestras.” I took the opportunity to switch out my mostly-depleted mag for a fresh one. I had one left. Hopefully Ryan had things handled on his side of the building. Luna stared at me quietly for a moment, and then she nodded. “Very well. You must see this though, obviously. Face your fears.” I grimaced, peering around the corner and back into the hallway. I needed to get out of this house and flank these guys, but the men outside were likely waiting for me at the exits... the obvious ones. Cast one last look at Luna. “These guys are dangerous. If I don’t come back in a few minutes, you need to get out of here.” Luna smiled. “I am not worried.” I suppressed a snort. “Glad one of us isn’t.” With that, I moved into the hallway, turning the corner and finding the ladder to the roof in the little closet that hid it. I climbed up, carefully pushing the trap door open and peeking out onto the flat roof. Nobody was up there, so I crawled out, keeping on my belly. I slithered across the roof, the sun beating down on me from above. I was sweating already, and it got worse, my eyes stinging. I lay still, listening carefully, allowing my eyes to adjust to the bright light, and then I peeked over the lip of the roof, looking towards the corners where I’d last seen the two men with guns. Down below me, I could hear Ryan curse and his gun fire, and a few shots from somewhere else impact the house. I ignored the noise, focusing on spotting my two attackers. The one with the long rifle was still there. It looked like some kind of military rifle, maybe an M16 or a M416, but I wasn’t interested in getting a close look. The other one with the pistol was gone, probably watching one of the other sides of the house. I swallowed hard and crawled around to change my vantage point, peeking over the roof on the other side. As I’d guessed, he was there, watching the other side of the building. That left me with very few options for flanking, but surprise was my ally, now. They were both staring at the windows and doors, not the roof. I shifted myself up onto my elbows, adjusting my grip on my gun and taking aim, and I pulled the trigger once. Three shots spat from my gun, and three bullets hit the man with the pistol. He dropped to the ground, out of sight. I rolled back away from the lip of the building, and a few seconds later bullets spattered the edge where I’d been lying. The man with the rifle was angry, and he was watching the roof, now. One down, who knew how many to go. I crawled back to the trapdoor and climbed back into the building. I checked on Ryan, next. Ryan was holed up in his room, his own UMP held in both hands. He shot me a grimace. “Stay back, they’re watching the windows.” “Fuckin’ Nuestras? Rod didn’t say a damn thing about them being in the area.” “Rod’s un idiota emorme. We should have known better,” Ryan said, his head tilting towards the nearest shattered window. “They picked a shitty place to decide to put on their big boy pants and act hard. But they’re learning. Well, two of ‘em won’t be,” I said grimly. “Three of ‘em,” Ryan noted, pointing towards the front door. I noticed the bullet holes that filled it, letting light through. “Dumbass walked up to the door like it was cover.” “Amateur. There’s one with a rifle on my side, but he’s alone now, far as I can tell.” “Interesting. Is this a friend of yours?” Princess Luna’s voice came from close in my ear. I turned, glaring at her. “Not a good time. Get back into that room.” “I assure you, I am fine. I am more curious about this man,” Luna said, gesturing to Ryan. Ryan ignored Luna. I frowned, noting the actual lack of reaction to having a blue, winged unicorn walk into the room. Luna ignored my confusion, walking to peer up at Ryan. “He seems... troubled.” “Yeah, we’re all a little troubled right now,” I said, gritting my teeth with exasperation. “Would you get down? You’re going to get shot.” “I am merely an observer,” Luna commented, poking at Ryan’s UMP with one hoof. Ryan stepped forward, and he walked directly through Luna, his entire body wavering like he was made of smoke. I blinked, rubbing at my eyes. What the hell? “What is this?” “Here they come!” Ryan shouted, shouldering his UMP and firing into the street. I stepped away, shouldering my own weapon as I walked quickly back down the hall to my side of the building. I trusted Ryan to do his job on his side, and I needed to cover my side, now. The man with the rifle was approaching, his gun up, cautious. As soon as he saw me, he fired, and I shot at the same time. Bullets spattered the side of the building and the interior walls, and my controlled bursts took the man in the chest. He fell onto his back in the street. I watched, quiet, checking to see if any more people came, but none did. I walked to the back door and cautiously opened it. I could hear Ryan laughing in the background, relief obvious in his tone. I knew we were in the clear, but my heart was pounding. Something was wrong. The man in the street stirred, moaning. “Jake.” I froze. “Jake, please.” I moved closer, my UMP dropping from fingers that no longer had strength. I knew that voice. “Jake, it hurts.” I knelt in the street, my hands going to the crimson-stained shirt, my palms pressing hard, trying to stem the flow. He wasn’t supposed to be here. He was the smart one. He was the good one. Why would he be here? Why would he have a gun? “Jake,” Marcus gasped, blood flecking his lips. “Why’d you leave us, Jake?” “I had to,” I said helplessly. “Y-you... left us.” “I’m sorry,” I said. Tears in my eyes, blurring my vision. A hoof, strong and steadfast, touched my shoulder. My hands shook with the effort of pressing, stemming the blood that spilled from my brother’s chest... my blood’s blood, filling the street, an ocean of red that lapped at my knees and covered my hands. “Awake,” Luna breathed in my ear. I sat bolt-upright in my bed, my hand going underneath my pillow, reaching for a pistol that was not there. My fingers scrabbled at nothing, my breath coming in gasps. A hoof pressed into my bare chest. “Calm yourself.” I reached up, grabbing the hoof, holding onto it for a moment, blinking rapidly as I panted. My eyes fixated on the silver-shod hoof, following the deep blue foreleg up to luminous blue eyes and a starry mane. Concern made the lips of the pony in front of me turn down, and I realized that I was holding onto Princess Luna. I released her hoof, leaning away from her and taking a deep, shaky breath. “Sorry.” “You had a nightmare,” she said simply, lowering her hoof. “I wasn’t... aware that you worked during the day. I thought you’d be asleep.” “It was close enough to the evening-time. Celestia is about to lower the sun, and it is the hour of my duty,” Luna explained, still looking troubled. My eyes widened, looking out the nearest window. The sun was setting as I looked, a slow and stately dive towards the far horizon. I reached for my alarm clock. “Did I—?” The alarm began to blare just as my fingers touched it, and I sighed with relief. I hadn’t overslept. “Sorry, I was worried I was late.” “You are not. You have an hour,” Luna said, her eyes closing and her wings spreading open. I watched with interest as her deep blue magic suffused her horn, and then flowed around her body briefly like an aura, before dissipating. I knew without looking that the moon had begun to rise. I wiped the sweat off of my forehead with my sheet and sighed, leaning back onto my pillow as my heart rate finally began to approach normal. Luna stared at me with interest. “My sister never spoke much about what you used to do before you came to Equestria. I surmise that you were some type of... mercenary?” I swallowed. “Yeah, that about covers it.” “It is a difficult life. Dangerous. We haven’t had need of mercenary companies for hundreds of years in Equestria, though a few individuals still appear from time to time, selling their services to the rich or criminal,” Luna said, her eyes gaining a faraway look briefly before turning to observe me once more. “I presume your world is far less... hospitable than ours.” “You could definitely say that. We humans did a lot of amazing things... but you needed to be noble or rich or lucky to get access to it. I was none of those things, so I had a tough life,” I said, pulling my knees up to give Luna room. “Interesting. So, you turned to selling yourself as a weapon?” Luna asked. I exhaled slowly, sitting up more as I realized this wasn’t about to be a quick discussion. “Yes. My family was broken, and my mom did what she could, but I wanted more. I wanted belonging... and that’s how it started. It ended like you saw. Blood in the streets, fighting for my life to make money. I was paid enough to be comfortable, but never enough to be happy.” “That’s why you were addicted to some drug or other when you arrived in Equestria,” Luna said, seeming to answer an unasked question she’d had, nodding slowly. “This explains much. Your dreams were always troubling ones. Violent, full of longing.” I didn’t have a reply. It was true, and I didn’t have anything to say that would change that fact. “I know that what you saw... what you’ve seen, it’s not exactly the Equestrian ideal—” Luna chuckled, her eyes meeting mine. “Oh, do not be so sure. Certainly in this day and age, but a thousand years ago we would have found a great many uses for somebody with your skill set.” I persisted, “But, I promise, I don’t want that anymore. I know how much it messed me up. Not just the drugs, but the everything. All I had to look forward to was a day where my skill set would fail me, and I would be dead in the street. I,” I swallowed hard, leaning forward, “I was either going to get killed, or kill myself with the drugs. There weren’t other options. Men like me don’t get to retire.” I looked out towards the darkening sky, taking in the beauty. “This was a chance at a new life that I never earned or asked for. Frankly, I don’t deserve it... but you and your sister granted it to me anyway.” I turned to look at Luna, trying desperately to express how I felt. “I’ve said it before, but I owe you my life.” Luna frowned, waving a hoof. “You owe us nothing, but I understand your feelings and I hear you. I am grateful to know that you have an appreciation for the gift that has been given to you.” She smiled, “Your dreams are often different, nowadays.” I blinked, uncomprehending. She said gently, “Your sleeping mind often turns to Lady Rarity. She is obviously a source of inspiration and peace for you.” I blushed. Oh. “Y-yeah. She’s incredible.” Luna shot me a coy look, before shifting off my bed and shaking herself. “I will see you at my court within the hour, Jake.” “Thank you, Princess Luna.” “I am only doing my duty,” she said, smiling as she left. I waited until she was gone before flopping back into bed, groaning. I slowly raised my hands up, looking at my shaking fingers, and I clenched them closed. That dream had been one of the most vivid ones I’d had in days, and it had shaken me. I often thought of my family, but I hadn’t dreamed about them since before coming to Equestria. It had been a disturbing sensation, feeling my brother’s blood seep between my fingers, but the trauma faded as the dream became muddled and my brain awakened itself further. I sat up again, sighing and running a hand through my hair. I needed to shower and get dressed for work. Tonight was a night shift. I stepped out of my room, straightening my shirt and brushing some errant lint off of my front. My night guard, a bat pony stallion by the name of Dusky Roads, gave me a nod. He was dark grey, like all of the night guards, thanks to the magic of his armor giving him and his companions a uniform coat color just like their sister units in the daytime guard. He was tall, though, and well muscled, his legs thick and body stocky, with dark bat-like wings folded at his sides. “Evening's blessings, Jake.” The bat pony had a deep voice, one that rumbled out of him like a thunder storm. He was undoubtedly the most bad-ass of all my assigned guards. “Yeah, thanks. Same to you,” I murmured, my mind still elsewhere. Dusky shifted, his violet eyes roaming over me. “You look troubled, for one that was visited by H’luun.” I noticed the strange sounding word, glancing up at Dusky. He looked slightly embarrassed by my sudden scrutiny, his gaze shifting away. It wasn’t the first time I’d heard him say a strange word or two, but I’d never asked about it. Tonight, however, a distraction was welcome. “What’s Hloon?” I said, doing my best to pronounce the strange word. Dusky looked down, his fuzzy ears flattening back. “Apologies. I meant Princess Luna.” “I kind of figured, but you definitely said something else,” I said, walking slowly down the hall. Dusky followed at my side. “Indeed. It was a slip of the tongue. I apologize,” Dusky said, his eyes going forward. I frowned, and spoke again. “You know, one of the few good things from my old life were the languages I’d learned.” Dusky’s eyes stayed forward, but one ear cocked towards me. He sounded neutral as he spoke. “You have an interest in language?” “Yeah. One of the reasons I was asked after a lot in my old life was because I spoke a lot of the local languages where I worked.” Dusky was only dimly aware of what I did, at least as far as I knew. Perhaps he’d been briefed on my old life and old skill set, but his attitude was always professional, so he revealed very little. This was as close as I’d gotten to actually having a conversation beyond niceties and work with Dusky. He was still silent, obviously considering what I’d said. I allowed him the room to think, before I spoke again. “I speak three languages, and about four dialects of one of them... depending on where I was working, the local dialect was different enough that you needed to know new words.” Dusky glanced up at me. “That is very interesting. Your world has many languages?” “Lots. More than I know. Each country often had their own language or dialect. There were about... six major languages spoken? There were lots more than than six, but a lot of people spoke those, so you could go pretty much anywhere and find somebody that knew one of those.” Dusky nodded, “Fascinating. What were these languages like?” I realized that Dusky had changed the subject, and I smirked. “Useless, now. I’d love to hear more of yours, though. Is it some kind of... bat pony language?” Dusky nearly tripped, his eyes going wide, and he cleared his throat as his ears went flat. He stopped in his tracks, looking up at me with a serious face. “Jake.” I stopped, realizing I’d said something upsetting. “What? What’d I say?” “We are sarosians. Bat pony is like calling an earth pony a... mud pony. It is not kind, even if it is somewhat true,” Dusky said, not sounding angry. “Oh... oh, shit, I’m sorry. I had no idea. I’ve just heard other ponies call you guys bat-ponies, so I just assumed it was an accepted term,” I said, shaking my head. “It is an accepted term... but just because it is accepted does not make it correct,” Dusky stated evenly. I blinked. What? Was this some kind of weird racial thing I’d accidentally stumbled into? “Damn,” I muttered, “I thought this place was way past stuff like that.” Dusky smirked, “What? Racism?” I chuckled, “Yeah. You ponies are all so chill and good. It’s hard to imagine you guys being anything other than... harmonic.” Dusky chuckled too. “That is very kind of you to think, but every culture has its problems. We sarosians are a recent addition to Equestria at large, returning to the herd when Princess Luna was freed from the... the curse.” I blinked. “Oh. Wow. So, you guys are sort of new, too?” “We lived away from Equestria. It was with Princess Luna’s return that we were brought back to our homeland,” Dusky explained. “And that language you speak... is sarosian?” I asked, bringing the conversation back. Dusky smiled. “Yes.” I grinned back at him. “Neat,” I said, moving again. “Indeed. It is an old language. Very few of our people speak it in public, wishing to better integrate again with Equestrian sensibilities.” “You obviously speak it,” I said. “Yes. I am somewhat old-fashioned. I do not believe we should hide our culture.” I nodded, “Yeah. You do you, man. Don’t be afraid to speak your language around me, even if I can’t understand. I’d love to learn, or even just pick up a word or two.” Dusky smiled at me, seeming pleased. “Thank you, Jake.” With that, he pushed open the doors we had just arrived at, revealing the Court of the Night. Luna and Celestia held court in the same room, but with a bit of their own touches. Luna’s Court was filled with curtained areas and places for ponies to lie down. Cushions and couches were placed around the room, and petitioners often would register to see the princess and then retreat to a quiet place to sleep or rest. Coffee and snacks were often served as well. The atmosphere was far more subdued and quiet than the business-like bustle of the day court. Luna sat upon the throne of Canterlot, her eyes closed and horn alight. Between petitioners, she often delved into the realm of dreams, projecting herself into that astral place. The night court was far less populated than the day court, a few bat-pon—sarosian guards flanking Princess Luna on the throne, and the room catered by one or two members of the castle’s night staff. Ordinarily, Princess Luna’s sarosian majordomo, Squeaky Clean, would be overseeing the petitioners as they arrived, but he had come down with some nasty flu, so I had been covering for him for a few nights, acting as majordomo in his stead. The night staff, two sarosian maids and a butler, approached me as I arrived. “Evening, Jake! How are you?” squeaked one of the maids, smiling a fanged smile at me. “I’m good, thank you, Rose Hips. Is everything ready to rock?” I asked, smiling at the petite mare. “Absolutely!” She said, trotting to the drink station and gesturing to the variety of tea, coffee, and other beverages they had prepared to serve petitioners. I gave the rest of the staff a nod. “I trust you guys. Princess?” I approached Luna, casting her a smile. Luna nodded. “I am ready... to rock?” I chuckled, “Great.” I sat down at the base of the raised dais, where a low desk had been set out with writing implements and paper. I checked that I was ready, making sure that the ink in my inkwell was flowing and my quill was working properly, before giving a nod to Dusky. “I’m ready. By your leave, Highness.” Luna smiled at me. She appreciated the courtly mannerisms a bit more than her sister did, but she was archaic in a lot of ways. Being gone from society for a thousand years made for some interesting mannerisms, and I had never had a night shift where I didn’t discover some new thing that Princess Luna did differently than her sister. Luckily, I had a few tomes of Equestrian law stacked beside me, so if there needed to be any corrections made, I was prepared. Squeaky Clean had left lots of little bookmarks and notes to help me along. Luna raised a hoof, her voice echoing through the hall. “Let the court be opened!” she declared. Dusky and another guard at the front of the hall opened the doors. It was quiet in the hall beyond, and two ponies filed into the room. The guards stared ahead, at attention, faces impassive. I dipped my quill into the inkwell and put on my professional demeanor. The first pony, a pegasus, stepped up to see me. “Evening. Name?” I asked. “Quirky Smirk,” he responded. I couldn’t help but glance up, taking in the bright yellow pegasus stallion with a white mane and a smiling pony cutie mark. He gave me a grin and a wink. I held in a smile of my own. This was court, it was part of my job to be professional. “Reason for visit?” “Relationship advice,” Quirky responded. That was sure to be an interesting conversation. I penned it down, and nodded. “Have a seat. One of the staff will let you know when the princess is ready.” There was a bit of a routine to go through, here. Even though Quirky Smirk was first on the list, Luna made a point of making even the first petitioner wait for a few minutes. Even when she was in service, she felt it was a good test to make petitioners wait. Anyone that complained was kicked out. Quirky nodded and headed for a couch, plopping down on it casually. I looked down at my parchment once more as the second pony stepped up. “Name?” “Solar Shuffle.” A soft, feminine voice. I looked up, taking in the dark green sarosian mare with a black mane. “Reason for visit?” “I... guess I have a problem with my family?” she said. I wrote down ‘family issue’ and nodded. “Have a seat. One of the staff will let you know when the princess is ready.” She nodded, “Thank you.” “You’re welcome,” I muttered back as she trotted over to the far wall and looked about uncertainly. I gestured to Rose Hips, who trotted happily over to the sarosian mare and offered her a few drinks. Solar Shuffle seemed to relax a bit, thanks to Rose’s friendly demeanor, and she found a pile of pillows to recline on while she sipped some tea. Princess Luna’s eyes were closed, and her horn was glowing, letting us know that she was projecting her astral body into a dream. After a few minutes, the glow of her horn subsided, and her eyes opened. Her wings shifted and her ears perked forward, and she called out, “I will see the first petitioner.” Rose retrieved Quirky Smirk from his couch and brought him before Princess Luna. Luna peered down at the yellow pegasus, her eyes searching. He bowed low before her, and she waved a hoof. “Welcome once more to my court, Quirky Smirk.” “Thank you, Princess Luna,” Quirky said, holding his bow. This obviously wasn’t his first rodeo. Luna smiled a small, appreciative smile. “Rise. Tell me your troubles.” Quirky stood from his bow, taking a deep breath. “I found a really nice mare, highness. She’s a great gal, everything you could ask for. But, well... she knows me as a joker. The guy that’s always around making everypony laugh. I asked her out the other day, and she thought I was being funny! I mean, part of my talent is making ponies laugh, but every time I try to be serious, she just laughs!” Luna stared at Quirky evenly for a moment, before smirking. “Have you asked her how she feels about you?” “Yeah! She says I’m a great guy, really funny, and that I’m a good friend,” Quirky said, stomping one hoof. I did my best not to roll my eyes. I’d heard this song and dance before. Luna obviously had as well. “I think, Quirky, that you are being let down gently. Your friend obviously values you as a companion, but if she calls you friend when you seek more, perhaps that is all she wants?” Quirky blinked, staring up at Luna for a moment, before he frowned. “Oh. Oh, like... she doesn’t want to be mean, but she doesn’t want to be my marefriend, either? So she’s sayin’ no without sayin’ no?” Luna nodded. “Indeed. Perhaps seeking a different mare would benefit you.” Quirky sighed. “Y-yeah. I suppose so.” He bowed once more, smiling, “Thank you, Princess Luna.” Luna nodded to him, and he trotted out. Luna glanced down at me from her high position and smiled, shrugging. I shook my head and smiled back. Easy enough. I noted down the interaction and that Quirky’s petition had been satisfied. Luna stood and stretched her wings, before walking down from the dais to stand next to me. She smiled. “Evening’s blessings, Jake.” “Thank you, Princess,” I said, finishing my notes as I spoke. “How are you feeling?” Luna asked, peering at me carefully. I shrugged, sitting back and stretching. “Good. I could use some—” as my mouth prepared to say ‘coffee’, Rose Hips was there, a mug in hoof, and she set it down in front of me with a wink and a fanged grin, before she was gone once more. “... I’m great, now.” Luna giggled softly. “Excellent. But, I was more curious about your emotional state after the dream we experienced. You were very upset at the end.” I sighed, reaching out and grabbing the mug of coffee. I took a slow sip, trying to buy some time to think about what to say. I swallowed, and I said, “Yeah. It was upsetting.” “The man in the street knew your name. He was someone close to you?” Luna said, her eyes locked on mine. I nodded slowly, feeling my hands clutch the mug a bit tighter. “Yes.” Luna watched me for a moment, before nodding. “I will ask later. Perhaps you need more time.” She stepped back up to the throne, and her eyes closed. I watched her for a moment. Why did the princesses feel like meddling in my life so much? It was somewhat aggravating, even if I couldn’t deny that they’d helped. Before I could consider my feelings on the subject, a group of three more ponies arrived. I set down my mug and picked up my quill, glad to have some work to focus on. Princess Luna’s feather-soft touch on my shoulder startled me out of my writing. “Jake? Close the doors. We will not see more petitioners tonight.” Princess Luna had seen almost two dozen petitioners, now, and I had been keeping a steady stream of notes on the goings on and decisions reached. The only pony we had left to see was actually one of the earlier petitioners, Solar Shuffle, who had elected three times to wait to speak to Princess Luna in favor of allowing other ponies with more urgent issues to be seen. Princess Luna had promised the sarosian mare that her patience would be rewarded with additional time, and she seemed intent on honoring that promise now. I raised a hand to Dusky, beckoning him over. “Princess Luna is going to close the room for the last session. Let anypony arriving know that they will need to come another night.” Dusky nodded, trotting back to the doors to relay the message to the other guards. I stood up, stretching and yawning. Rose Hips offered me another cup of coffee almost immediately, which I accepted with a grateful nod. Luna had returned to her seat upon the throne, and she gestured to Solar Shuffle. “Come, daughter. Speak with me.” Solar Shuffle approached, glancing at me nervously. Her gaze shifted towards Dusky, unexpectedly, before returning to Princess Luna. I sat down at my desk, taking up my quill again. Solar Shuffle exhaled slowly, before straightening her back into a confident pose. “I have a family problem that I want to discuss with you, Princess Luna.” Princess Luna nodded once, encouraging her to continue. Solar Shuffle’s tail twitched, betraying her nervousness. “My parents practice the old ways, and that includes things like arranged marriages between families to preserve our people. I understand the importance of the act, but... I don’t want to be bound to marry somepony that my parents choose, or be forced to uphold the ways of the elders that I don’t think should be kept!” I glanced up from my paper, looking towards Dusky. He had turned around and was looking at Solar Shuffle with narrowed eyes. Solar Shuffle continued. “I have respect for the old ways, I do, and I don’t mean to be insulting, but the old ways were made for a time when bat ponies and the other races of Equestria were apart. Now that we are one herd again, I don’t think I should have to live in darkness.” I blinked, turning to look at her with some surprise. Had she called herself a bat pony? The two nearest guards had also turned to look at her as well. Solar Shuffle’s wings spread open, and she turned to the side, displaying her cutie mark for Princess Luna. Her mark was a bright sun coming from behind a dark cloud. “I have a talent for weather manipulation, like our cousins, the pegasus ponies... but my family thinks that I should take up a profession more in line with the ways of our ancestors. I... don’t want to do that. I’m not a hunter, or a fisher, or a smith or guard. I’m meant to be a weather pony! To work in the daytime!” Luna leaned forward in her seat, her eyes wide. “Child, is it not difficult for you to be awake in the day? Doesn’t the sun hurt your eyes?” Solar Shuffle folded her wings and looked back up at the Princess. “Yes, sometimes, but I had goggles specially forged for me to wear during the day.” Luna frowned. “Very well. But, be clear, child, what it is you ask of me. I need clarity to decide how to act on this before I make any decisions. Tell me, plainly, what you want.” Solar Shuffle exhaled slowly. “I... don’t want to be a sarosian. I want to be a bat pony, a member of Equestria, not separated by old ideas.” “Yr n'H’luun’lynna?” The strange words came from Dusky, and he froze as all eyes turned to him. He bowed deeply under the scrutiny. “Apologies, Princess Luna!” Solar Shuffle looked distinctly uncomfortable as she turned to face Princess Luna. “See? All around me are old ponies with old ideas and an old language. All I want is to be a part of Equestria, not a little tribe that still fears the sun and worships the moon!” Luna frowned. “You ask much of me, Solar Shuffle.” I immediately noticed that Luna had spoken Solar Shuffle’s full name, instead of calling her ‘child’. Solar Shuffle obviously noticed it as well, because her ears tilted flat on her skull and she bowed her head. Luna was silent for several long moments. The rest of the sarosian guards all stared straight ahead, and Dusky tore himself away from the proceedings to stare at the doors, doing his best impression of a statue. Luna raised her hoof. “Everypony, leave us. I wish to speak privately with Solar Shuffle.” Dusky opened his mouth, reconsidered, and then opened the doors. The staff and guards shuffled out, and I stood up, ready to follow them. Luna held up a hoof in my direction. “Jake, stay here. I have need of you.” I stopped, turning and raising an eyebrow. “Me? This is a little above my pay grade, Princess.” Luna shook her head. “Stay, please.” I nodded and returned to my seat, and Dusky closed the doors behind him. The three of us were alone, now. Princess Luna sighed, stepping off the throne and walking slowly down to stand before Solar Shuffle. Solar Shuffle looked up as she realized she was being approached, and she stood at something approximating attention. It would have almost been impressive, if not for the slight tremble in her back legs and how she bit her lower lip. Luna eyed her for a moment before she took a seat next to the sarosian. “Sit with me. I wish to better understand you, Solar Shuffle. You are not the first of my children to abandon the old ways, but you are the first to come and ask my permission.” Solar Shuffle looked surprised, her ears tilting forward, but she sat down. Princess Luna was easily head and shoulders taller than the mare, but in that moment she looked... small. Tired. She looked down at Solar Shuffle. “Have I failed you, Solar Shuffle?” Solar Shuffle’s eyes widened, and her ears went flat. “W-what? No! Of course not, Princess!” Princess Luna smiled softly. “I can understand not wishing to be placed in an arranged marriage... or wishing to follow your destiny. Truly, I do. But, to abandon your heritage? To give up that which makes you a sarosian? That I do not understand.” Solar Shuffle swallowed hard, looking down at her hooves. In the ensuing silence, I finally spoke up. “Princess?” “Jake?” she said, looking up at me. “I, uh, I don’t understand. I’m sorry, but could either of you fill me in a bit? I was just told today that bat ponies are supposed to be called sarosians, but it sounds to me like there’s a difference?” Luna smiled at me. “Sarosians are bat ponies, yes. They are the same race, but of two different cultures, of sorts. More and more, younger sarosians have taken to being called bat ponies, as they attempt to better integrate with Equestrian society. It is not uncommon for there to be confusion about the topic. I, myself, am somewhat uncertain. I had hoped that Solar Shuffle would help me understand.” Solar Shuffle looked up, finally, her gaze shifting from me to Luna as she spoke. “Well, it’s just hard, because my family doesn’t understand that I want to work in the daytime, or that I don’t want to take up a more traditional job. I want to be free to make choices that I think are best for me, and that includes things like who I love or wish to marry, or what work I do and when I do it. The only way that I could see to make that happen is to... not be sarosian.” I nodded slowly. “Okay, that makes sense. She wants agency over her life. I can respect that.” Luna spoke quietly, “I believe that there lies a happy medium between what you desire and what you feel you must give up to achieve that desire.” Solar Shuffle shook her head. “I tried explaining things to my family, but they didn’t understand. They accused me of turning away from the old ways... so I got angry, and I told them that I might! They were so upset! And now I either have to say I was wrong and give up everything I want, or I have to stand firm and leave the old ways behind.” Luna nodded. “Solar Shuffle, perhaps it is not I that you should speak with on this topic.” Solar shuffle looked up at Luna, confused. “What? Who else would understand?” Luna gestured with one wing, pointing to me. I blinked, slightly surprised, but I nodded after a moment of consideration. “I... guess I do understand.” Solar Shuffle looked at me with trepidation. “Who are you?” I smiled. “I’m Jake. I’m new to Equestria, too.” “O-oh,” was all Solar Shuffle could manage, sill obviously confused. I sat forward in my chair, turning it to face Solar Shuffle. “Before... before I came here, I sort of did what you’re thinking about doing. I had a hard home life, but for really different reasons than you do. I left everything and everyone I know behind to pursue my... my career,” I cleared my throat. “It wasn’t exactly the same, but what you’re doing is essentially similar. You’re considering walking away from your old life to start a new one.” Solar Shuffle nodded slowly. “Y-yeah... that’s pretty much what I’m doing?” I chuckled. “Well, it’s good to want to be the master of your own fate. I’m a terrible example, honestly, but I can tell you this: if I could go back and do things differently, I wouldn’t have cut ties so completely with my old life. I didn’t have much of a choice, though. I made a lot of mistakes, Miss Shuffle, and those bad choices forced me to leave everything behind. You’re not in that position, though. You have options.” Solar Shuffle shifted to look at me, her face attentive. Behind her, Luna smiled at me, urging me to speak. I continued, “The life I ended up leading was really lonely. I only had a few friends, and beyond that nothing. I missed my family, but it took me a while to really appreciate what I’d left behind. You seem like a good pony, and I’d hate for you to make the same mistake I did.” “So... you’re saying I should listen to my family and stay with them?” Solar Shuffle asked uncertainly. “No! Hell no. You need to do what’s best for you. That said, what’s best for you probably doesn’t include giving up everything of your culture and way of life to start again. I’d avoid that. Like Princess Luna said, there’s a happy medium somewhere that you can find... but you need to be willing to give up a little.” Solar Shuffle frowned slightly. “But... how do I know what to stand firm on, and how do I know where to give ground?” I shrugged. “Go with your gut. You know what’s most important to you, and what you can manage to go without. But... coming here and asking Princess Luna to solve your problem isn’t going to actually get results. You’re going to have to go back and face your family and work things out.” It suddenly dawned on me why Luna had asked me to help her with this problem, and I shot her a glare. Meddling princesses! Luna ignored me, her focus on Solar Shuffle. Solar Shuffle looked down at her hooves again. “It’s so hard to talk to them, though. I feel like they can’t help but see me as a little filly.” Luna laughed. “That will always be true, Solar Shuffle. They are your parents, and that will always be part of how they see you... but it is important to help them understand that you are also an adult, a mare with her own life. But making them understand that does not have to include cutting them out of it.” Solar Shuffle sighed. “That makes sense. I just... I came here and I hoped that you’d just be able to solve my problem, Princess.” Luna chuckled. “Many ponies think as you do, but often times it just requires some discussion and understanding before they realize that the answer was always there for them, given some direction and a dose of good sense.” Solar Shuffle smiled, looking up at the Princess. “I guess so. I’ll go back and talk to my family, then, and I’ll try to be more clear about what I want.” She looked to me, “And I’ll keep in mind what I really want, and find places to compromise.” I chuckled, looking at the Princess. “Looks like another satisfied customer.” Luna smirked, “Indeed. Solar Shuffle, are you satisfied?” Solar Shuffle smiled, before the look of trepidation suddenly returned. “Y-yes. I just have one thing more to ask, Princess.” “What is it?” Luna asked, curious. “You... started calling me by my full name after I asked my question. Was it because you were upset with me?” she asked, shuffling one front hoof on the carpet. Luna shook her head vehemently. “No! Never. I realized that by calling you ‘child’, it was undermining you before your peers, and likely directly speaking to the fears you harbored about not being taken seriously as an adult.” “Oh,” Solar Shuffle looked up, smiling sheepishly. “That makes sense. I was afraid I’d insulted you, Princess!” Luna chuckled. “It is your right to not wish to keep to the old ways. I, of all ponies, would never begrudge you for wishing to follow your own path.” I cleared my throat. “So, uh... I have one question.” Luna and Solar Shuffle both looked up at me expectantly. I pointed to her. “So, do I call you a bat pony, or a sarosian?” Both of them laughed, shaking their heads. Luna said, “I believe that is up to Solar Shuffle.” Solar Shuffle smiled after a moment. “I... guess I’m a sarosian. But you can call me either, I don’t mind.” I nodded, “Ah. Dusky out there nearly spit his bit when I called him a bat pony.” Luna smirked. “Dusky is very old fashioned. Both terms are acceptable, though some of the older sarosians dislike being called bat pony. It is often safer to call them sarosians.” Solar Shuffle stood up, as did Luna, and Luna opened her wings and pulled the smaller mare into a hug. “Be strong in your needs, but be open to compromise. Don’t feel that you must abandon all you are, Solar Shuffle,” she said softly. Solar Shuffle froze briefly, before she nuzzled Princess Luna’s graceful neck gently. “Thank you so much, Princess.” Solar Shuffle stepped away, smiling at me. “And thank you, Jake. I’m sorry about your family, I hope you get the chance to figure things out with them someday.” I chuckled even as I felt my gut twist in a knot. “Thank you.” Solar Shuffle made her way to the doors and pushed them open and stepped out, disappearing from view. As she left, the staff and guards filed in. Dusky looked distinctly uncomfortable, his gaze going to me as if hoping I'd tell him what transpired. I shrugged and went back to finishing my notes on the court's proceedings. Luna was inscrutable, simply returning to the throne and sitting down. Within moments, she had closed her eyes, and her body shimmered with her magical aura as she returned to the realm of dreams. I was surprised when Dusky approached me, glancing up at Princess Luna before speaking with me. "I'm sorry to bother you, Jake, but what happened with Solar Shuffle?" I looked up from my work at him, shrugging. "She decided that she needed to talk things out with her family. I think we helped her realize that she was being too hasty in wanting to leave behind her culture without trying more options. No real resolution, but hopefully we gave her a lot to work with." I smirked, "I think she'll be okay." Dusky let out a sigh of relief. I raised an eyebrow at him. "You were really tense there. Why's it matter so much to you what happens to Solar Shuffle?" "She is a relative of mine. I knew she was having problems at home, but not the extent. It's disturbing to know that she was pushed to the point where she was willing to give up her heritage." "It kind of made me think a little about your reaction to being called a bat-pony. You said it was racist, but I sort of get the feeling that this was more of a generation gap issue?" I asked. Dusky frowned. "It was used in a derogatory manner in the past. Recently, younger sarosians have thought to 'reclaim' it as their own moniker, hoping that by finding ownership over the term it will lose its power and also help them integrate better. I disagree with the sentiment." I nodded in understanding. "Ah, I figured it was something like that. There were words and terms like that in my world as well. It's a sensitive issue, for sure. Thanks for clearing that up, though." "Certainly." I glanced at him. He still looked uncertain, like he had a question he wanted to ask but wasn't sure if he should. "Dusky," I said, "I think what's important to take away from this is that maybe, just maybe, sarosians like you need to take into account the needs of the younger generations of sarosians that are trying to find a place in Equestria. You guys have been apart for so long... maybe you should consider finding places that you can give some concessions? I'd bet that you'd see more young ponies interested in keeping with your culture if you were less strict?" Dusky stared at me for a long moment, biting his lower lip, before he nodded. "I shall think about it." I smiled. "Great. Now, I've got this paperwork to wrap up before I can escape for breakfast with a pretty mare," I said, winking at Dusky. Dusky chuckled, "Very good." I threw myself into finishing my work, trying to ignore the ugly feeling inside my chest. I tried not to dwell on the fact that I would probably never get a chance to see my family again, even if Princess Twilight Sparkle and the unicorns at Celestia's school found a way to send me home. Not that there was anything worthwhile to go home to. I was a wanted criminal in several countries. Maybe my long absence would get some of the heat off of me, but it wasn't a sure thing. The groups I'd worked for or fought against had long memories, and even the ones that were friendly with me rarely allowed people to just leave. Loose ends had a way of getting snipped. I found a smirk on my face as I thought quietly to myself that Rarity would appreciate that metaphor. I yawned as I slid into my usual seat at Joe's Diner. The sun was just coming up, and my work for the night was done. Margarine was there to greet me, smirking as she plopped down a fresh mug of coffee in front of me. "Heya, hon. Expectin' your marefriend?" I glanced up at Margarine, frowning. "Friend. And yes. She should be fashionably late, knowing her." Margarine rolled her eyes, shaking her head. "Yeesh, just an expression," she said with a wink. I sighed. "Sorry, Marge. Just been a long night. Lots on my mind." Margarine patted me on the shoulder. "No problem. I'm sure your mood is about to get better real quick." "Oh yeah?" I said, smirking at her, "How's that?" "Hellooooo, darling!" Marge grinned, setting down a second mug of coffee as Rarity entered the diner. I found my smirk transforming into a genuine smile, and I glanced at Marge. "Touché." Marge laughed, dropping two menus on the table and trotting off to give Rarity and I our space, as Rarity jumped onto the seat across from me. Rarity beamed at me from across the table, looking radiant, as always. She'd done her mane up today, violet ringlets cascading down her head, and she wore a long red coat with a plush looking inner trim around the neck line. "Good morning, Jake. How was your night?" she asked. "Good," I said, but then I hesitated. "Long," I clarified, taking a sip of my coffee. "Oh? Did something happen at the night court?" Rarity asked, picking up on my mood. I nodded. "Yeah, just... some stuff got brought up that made me think about my family. Made me realize a few things, I guess?" "Oh, I'm terribly sorry to hear that," Rarity said, taking a dainty taste of her coffee before adding more cream to it. "Nothing to worry about, I guess. It's not like there's anything I can do about it. I'm here, now," I said carefully, trying to make it seem like less of a big deal than it felt. Rarity nodded. "Yes, but... well, you might be able to go back," she said, glancing up at me. I shrugged. "I guess? Princess Twilight sounded hopeful the last time we talked, but there hasn't been a lot of progress. Besides... what would I go back to?" Rarity blinked, outright staring at me for a moment. "What... what do you mean, darling? Isn't your family still there?" I nodded. "Yeah, they are, but... with all the things I've done in my life, it's not as easy as just walking back home and saying hello." I shook my head, taking a deep breath. "I've thought about it a lot, though. Even before I came here, sometimes I'd dream about my family... finding them again. Going home." Rarity smiled, "You're a resourceful gentleman, I'm sure you could find a way to make it happen." I chuckled. "You're probably right... but even if I could do it, I couldn't stay. My life would catch up to me in one way or another. I told you before, people like me don't retire. If it wasn't my old enemies, it would be my old friends, coming to collect on debts or to find out why I suddenly left them high and dry." "It would be worth it, though, wouldn't it? To find some closure? Perhaps give them some peace?" Rarity pressed. I was silent for a moment, before shrugging. "Maybe. I just wouldn't want my family to get caught up in the wake of all my mistakes. I'd never forgive myself if something happened to them because I darkened their doorstep." Rarity went quiet as well, simply extending her hoof across the table. I reached out and held it, running my thumb along her fetlock absently. She shivered, smiling at me. "I think they would want it as much as you did," she said softly. "I guess, yeah." "Celestia above, look at you two," Margarine groused good-naturedly, appearing at exactly the most inopportune moment. I rolled my eyes, grinning at Margarine. "C'mon, Marge. We're having a moment!" Marge stuck her tongue out at me. "And I'm just tryin' to make an honest bit! What can I get you two?" "A bear claw sounds amazing, and two eggs, sunny-side up. I need something sweet," I said. Rarity raised an eyebrow, looking mock-affronted. "Excuse me, am I not sweet enough for you?" I grinned at her. "You're too sweet. The bear claw is to water you down." I took a sip of my coffee, trying to play it smooth. Margarine smirked. "I thought you said she wasn't your marefriend, but if you know what she tastes like, well," Margarine waggled her eyebrows salaciously. I snorted and choked, inhaling some coffee. My sinuses burned, and I dropped the cup, grabbing a napkin and coughing into it as the hot liquid nearly shot out my nose. "Marge!" I spluttered. Rarity looked equally scandalized as her face turned as red as the coat she was wearing. "Goodness!" Margarine cackled, dropping an extra napkin in front of me. "What, too far? Can't an old mare tell a few dirty jokes?" She winked at Rarity. "How about you, miss?" Rarity giggled, shaking her head. "I'll have toast, sourdough, with jam and butter on the side, and the breakfast vegetables." Margarine nodded, "Great! I'll be back with your food." With that, Margarine trotted back to the kitchen with our orders, leaving devastation in her wake. I managed to clear the coffee from my sinuses, and I shook my head. "Christ. She's something else." "Indeed," Rarity said, still giggling. She reached across the table with her napkin and wiped a spot of coffee off my nose. I laughed. Secretly, I was glad for Marge to have lightened the mood. I felt a bit better, embarrassment aside, and Rarity seemed to be in good form today as well. An idea suddenly popped into my head. "Hey, Rarity?" "Hmm?" she hummed, looking up at me while she was taking a drink of coffee. "Would you want to go down to Ponyville in the next few days? I'd love to meet some of your friends, get out of the city for a day." Rarity choked, sitting up and staring at me with wide eyes. She daintily wiped her mouth, breathing deeply for a moment as she recovered. "P-Ponyville? Why," she laughed nervously, "would you want to go there? It's just a quiet little village, nothing special!" I shrugged. "I think a day away from Canterlot would be fun. I haven't really gotten to see anything outside of the city, and I always liked going new places. Plus, Princess Twilight's castle is there, right? It would be a good excuse to drop in and see how things are going with reverse-engineering the spell that brought me here." "Oh, of course, ah, that would certainly be a good thing to check up on," Rarity said, running one hoof through her mane, "if one were to go to Ponyville." I raised an eyebrow. "What's up with you?" "Me?" Rarity blinked and straightened up a bit. "Oh, nothing. It, er, sounds like a splendid idea!" I grinned at her. "Great. Would two days from now work for you? It's my day off." "Ah... yes, I believe it would work. I have a dress to finish, and it would give me a good excuse to pop down to my boutique in Ponyville to pick up a few supplies. It would be terribly boring, though. My friends are all, ah, quite busy ponies. I doubt we could arrange something on such short notice!" I shrugged. "That's fine, then. If I'm being honest, I'd just like to spend more time with you, away from work and the city." Rarity smiled. "That... does sound nice." She exhaled slowly, seeming to make up her mind about something. "Ponyville is lovely this time of year, too. It is very quiet. A day at the boutique there would be a nice change of pace, and we could get dinner at one of the nice little restaurants." She smiled. "Does that interest you? Not terribly exciting, I'm afraid." "That sounds great," I said. Rarity laughed, leaning back in her seat. "Very well. I will be taking you to Ponyville in two days." "I think there's train that leaves around noon. Does that work?" I asked. Rarity smiled, her ears canting back on her head. "Y-yes. Noon. Two days!" I nodded. "Great. I'll pick you up at your shop, then." Rarity nodded, her eyes glancing out the window. "Indeed! Ah, Jake?" she pointed out the window. "Hm?" I looked out the window, and nearly jumped out of my seat. Corporal Sapphire Spirit was standing on the other side of the glass, glaring at me. "Holy crap!" "I assume, judging by her, ah," Rarity gestured to Sapphire's flattened ears, stiff legs, and lashing tail, "unhappy visage, that you did not inform her you were getting a cup of coffee with me." "Rarity, when have I ever given Sapphire an easy time?" I said, tearing my gaze away from Sapphire to smirk at Rarity. Rarity giggled. "Oh, she's even angrier, now. Here she comes. Perhaps you should run?" "She flies. It'd be stupid to run," I said, watching as Corporal Sapphire stomped her way towards the front door of the diner. "Jake?" Rarity asked, turning towards me. "Hm?" "When have you ever given Sapphire an easy time?" she said with a wink. I smirked, standing up. "Never, that's when. See you soon?" She laughed, hopping up from her seat and giving me a quick hug. "Two days, darling!" I returned the hug, before letting her go and pivoting on my heel. Rarity stretched out a hoof and, unexpectedly, slapped me on the ass. "Giddyup, as t'were!" I shot her a look over my shoulder, and she merely grinned and waved, giggling. I leapt over the diner's front counter just as Corporal Sapphire burst into the front door in a fury of feathers and hooves. "Jake! How many times have I told you?!" "Not enough!" I shouted, ducking into the kitchen. Joe met me at the kitchen door with a baggie. "I bagged your bear claw. You givin' Miss Sapphire a hard time?" "Of course," I said, grabbing the bag and dropping a dozen bits into his hoof from my pocket. "Thanks, Joe!" I darted out the back door of the diner and hit the streets of Canterlot, breakfast in hand, and I made for the castle. I could hear furious wing beats and colorful curses behind me, and I laughed as I ran for my life.