//------------------------------// // Bitch // Story: Seconds Late // by FerociousCreation //------------------------------// Alto never thought his talk with High Brass would involve Bastion making her input about her past. Now he had to listen to her, not that he minded. It would also help Alto understand why she is so protective of High Brass, aside from being a childhood friend. “When I was a filly, I was inspired by my brother to become a Canterlot Guard. He was among the best in his class as he attended a summer boot camp. I watched him train on the sidelines, mimicking everything he did. And one day, after being allowed to join in on one of the practices, I received my cutie mark.” Bastion pointed to her flank and an image of a castle tower. Alto thought it was a sentry, but upon looking at the cutie mark, it was indeed a white castle tower. “I was filled with pride that day, swearing that I would protect the weak.” Bastion snorted and her brows creased, “A child shouldn’t swear when they are too young. Oaths can be easily broken if one does not understand what mean.” Alto was deeply disturbed by Bastion’s statement. If she wanted to be a guard, why would she say such a thing? He needed to pay close attention to the rest of the mare’s story. “The school High Brass and I attended had a small bullying problem. Before High Brass came along, I wanted to protect weaker ponies from any bullies and keep them safe. Of course, plans don’t work out the way you want them to sometimes.” The expression on Bastion’s face was twisting into an evil facade, a true sign that her cause of misintention was about to unfold. “Fending off a mare’s bully was easy. Most mare bullies I confronted wouldn’t want to ruffle their mane and quickly broke off from their victim. When a mare bully did want to try and fend me off, a simple push was enough. I was complimented and thanked by mares regularly at the school, even praised. However, colts were a different story.” “Wouldn’t a bully victim, regardless if it was a colt or filly, be grateful for being rescued?” Harp Hearts asked. “A mare, most certainly. But a colt?” Bastion chuckled and shook her head, but there was nothing joyous about her smile. “A colt doesn’t want a girl standing up for them!” Alto hummed to himself, the light coming into view. “One day, I saw group of colts picking on a weaker boy. When I got them to leave the one they were bullying… he looked at me and shouted, ‘Why are you helping me!’” A weight yanked on Bastion’s head and she looked at the ground. “I was so flustered by his comment and didn’t know what to make of it. The colt went on, saying he didn’t want a mare standing up for him. And the next day, the colt’s bullies made fun of him for allowing me to stand up for him. Of course, they fled at the sight of me, but…” The mare swallowed something jagged before resuming, “...the colt pushed me away when I tried to help. The following day, I tried to help once again, but the victim threw a rock at me. And I let it hit me.” “Where did it hit you?” Alto asked, hurt and moved by the story. Bastion tapped her chest, “Right here.” “Aww,” Harp Hearts moaned, her hoof on her mouth. “The rock didn’t cut when it hit me,” Bastion continued, “but it did stab me emotionally.” She shook her head as if to shake the memory from her brain. “And I started to cry.” A supportive hoof grabbed Bastion’s own hoof and grabbed on. Bastion smiled at High Brass’ care, but the pain had already settled. “I asked him, ‘Why? Why don’t you want me to help you?’ He didn’t answer my question, but I could assume he was going to tell me he didn’t want a mare to stand up for him. He then started to mock me as I cried, saying things like, ‘Yeah, cry like a girl! You didn’t see me cry when I was being pushed and hit!’” Bastion sniffed, her emotions starting to flare. Alto and Harp Hearts looked at one another, the two teens moved by the emotional story. “So I ran away from him, and I told myself to never protect another colt again.” “Of course, you ended up protecting High Brass when he was bullied,” said Alto. “This is true, but before I tell you about the day I protected him, I need to finish the story about the bully victim,” said Bastion. “You keep saying ‘bully victim’ and ‘victim,’ but never told us the colt’s name,” Harp Hearts interjected. “Do you not remember his name?” Bastion’s voice darkened, “Oh, I remember his name alright…” Alto was spooked by the mare’s tone, but managed to ask, “Then what was his name?” “...Pencil Pusher…” Alto stared at Bastion in disbelief, his ears ringing the mare’s words over and over. Harp Hearts reacted in her typical exaggerated manner, “What! But how! I thought he was a bully!” “He wasn’t a bully until he made me cry,” said Bastion. “Among most colts, making a mare cry was almost like a taboo. And his bullies thought it was somehow cool that he made me tear up. In the end, Pencil Pusher’s bullies became his friends.” A sarcastic laugh escaped Bastion, “Funny how I wanted to protect him, and instead caused him to move toward the wrong crowd.” Harp Hearts opened her mouth to ask a question, but Bastion was quick to say, “And no, I don’t know how Pencil Pusher became the leader of their little group. Maybe he influenced them, but that is only an assumption.” That only left Alto with one question to ask, “If you vowed to not stand up for colts ever again, then why did you protect High Brass the day you met him?” “It was… Well I...” Bastion was having a difficult time conjuring up a sentence and couldn’t keep her eyes on High Brass. “When I heard the commotion about High Brass’ arrival, I myself wanted to befriend him.” Her cheeks flushed, “I guess you could say I had, and I mean had a schoolgirl crush…” High Brass smiled up at his friend, while Bastion remained embarrassed. His hoof reminded the mare of his touch, resulting in more blush. “A-and… When I saw him being bullied, for once in my life, I wanted a boy to appreciate me. For once in my life, I wanted attention. And I wanted justice. And after my simple act, High Brass became my closest friend.” Bastion began to tremble and tears began to roll down her face. Harp Hearts gasped at the sight, the mare wondering if Bastion was sad. But the guardspony smiled, “Ever since that day, I have been overwhelmed by High Brass’ appreciation. And as the years went on, High Brass here has been my source of inspiration. He helped push me to become the best mare in the Canterlot Guard.” Like a single cloud blocking out the sun, Bastion’s expression shifted, “Even though most of the colts at school never thought I would be a guard… Even though those I trained with never gave me any motivation, they didn’t want to hurt the soft filly. Even my parents were against my choice! No, not High Brass! He had my side from the moment I had his!” Alto braced himself; he could see Bastion unable to control herself. High Brass stilled his tongue but gripped Bastion’s hoof close to his chest. “Of course, Pencil Pusher and his little clan went and made fun of High Brass for having me protect him. ‘Oh look, there is the rich pony with his bitch!’” Alto flinched at the sound of the swearword. Bastion noticed the look on his face and continued, “That’s right, I said it! Bitch! And because of Pencil Pusher’s lie and harsh words to me, other colts believed him. So I embraced the title. I became the bitch Pencil Pusher made me out to me. And I made sure others would fear this bitch if they so dare try and get close to my High Brass.” A tickle on Bastion’s arm sapped her anger away in an instant. She saw High Brass gently rubbing his hoof on her arm. “That’s enough, Bastion. No more needs to be said.” Ever so slightly, High Brass adjusted his head and smiled, “But again, thank you for your loyalty.” “And thank you for yours, High Brass,” Bastion said. The moment was a very sweet sight and Alto was enlightened to see Bastion’s true story. But he needed to interrupt them to continue the long talk. “I think we have all gotten something off our chest one way or another.” Harp Hearts nodded, “Yes we have. And I think we all understand each other more.” “But I know you two don’t condone my, nor Bastion’s acts despite knowing our inspiration,” said High Brass. “Correct,” Alto said. “And that now leaves us with one more pony to talk about.” “Ah, yes,” High Brass hummed, “the mare who inspired this entire feud between Alto and I.” Harp Hearts looked between the stallions, not sure what to make of her involvement. High Brass also shared her confusion, “Might I ask what we need to talk regarding Harp Hearts? She has done no harm in any of this.” “You forget about Harp Hearts’ character,” Alto said, his eyes on the pink mare’s brow and watched it twitch. “She now knows the truth about you.” Harp Hearts’ bow twitched again, bending into a sad crease. “And if somepony asks her about what had happened between you and her…” Suppressed by her own flaw, Harp Hearts frowned, “I will not be able to hold my tongue and will tell anypony about what you have done to Alto.” High Brass huffed out his nostrils, “Things just keep getting better for me…” “I’m sorry…” Harp Hearts said. “It’s not your fault for being the way you are,” said High Brass. “It is, however, very concerning to know you have a very… open mind.” “Then again, perhaps it is time you tell the truth,” Alto said. He looked at Bastion and asked, “Do you stand for truth and justice?” She only sat still like a true bastion. “If you are for both, maybe it is time you should not plot for High Brass.” Alto then turned to High Brass, “And I think you should confess to those you have wronged the truth.” An old slice of High Brass’ character came to light. “Are you the idiot I once thought you were? You think I just stole mares from stallions for the hay of it? Have you been paying attention! I protect mares from stallions who may very well hurt them. Even if they may be like you, Alto, somepony who has changed, I still did not want to take the risk.” “Maybe you should tell the mares whom you ‘protected’ the truth, instead,” Harp Hearts suggested. “I may be furious with what you have done to Alto, but I am not one who holds malice in my heart, unlike you.” High Brass gave no argument to Harp Hearts, taking the full force of the comment. He still held emotions for her and it hurt the rich pony to be told such a bitter comment. Bastion looked at Harp Hearts with a stink eye, but the pink mare paid no attention to any intimidation. “In other words, I don’t wish any ill will upon you, High Brass. And you are the only pony who can make it right.” “Then tell me, dearest Harp Hearts, why I should go through with telling my group the truth?” High Brass asked. Alto wanted to ask the same question as well, but he allowed Harp Hearts to swim on her own. “Based on what you have told me,” Harp Hearts began, “if anypony asks me about you, I would tell them about how you thought Alto was a cruel pony and took me away from him.” “How would this help me?” said High Brass. “The normal response from anypony would to ask, ‘why.’ And when I answer that ‘why’ question, I would tell them of your motives. Be it a stallion or mare, that is what I would tell them. And based on what I say might change how others view you.” “But you said, ‘might.’ It might change how others view me. Of course, ponies will think differently of me.” Alto rose a hoof and brought all attention to him, “What I think Harp Hearts is suggesting is that a different light will be shed on you.” Alto looked to Harp Hearts and said, “You may interrupt me if I am wrong with what I am about to say.” “I’m sure we are thinking the same thing, but okay,” Harp Hearts said. Alto nodded and continued his assumption, “Despite she and I not liking your methods, even though we do agree that there are stallions who should be warned about, other stallions will have an understanding about you. They will know why.” He turned to High Brass, “And when they understand your reason for your actions, they may side with you.” The unicorn returned his attention to Harp Hearts, “Is this your train of thought?” “Somewhat,” she replied. “Like I said before, their opinion may change for the better. But as for mares, I am not sure how they would react when they know your motivations. Perhaps they would be glad that you rescue those who might be hurt by some reckless stallion. Or they may shame you for delivering your own sense of justice.” Harp Hearts sighed, the entire ordeal exhausting her, “There are many possibilities, but you confessing the truth may very well prevent more enemies from trying to take you away and hurt you. Though, I would suggest you stop your game and not take mares away to further keep you out of the sight of other vengeful stallions.” High Brass smiled, the words like sweet honey dripping down his throat. “Do you understand why I love you, Harp Hearts?” Alto was bothered by his question and knew Harp Hearts was not going to take light to it. “No,” she replied. “And I'd rather not hear your compliment. I won't believe you, no matter how flowery you make it.” Even for Harp Hearts, her response pierced Alto. “Harp-” High Brass muttered but was immediately cut off my Harp Hearts. “Don't ’Harp’ me! In fact, don't even think about sweet talking me!” Bastion tried to stare Harp Hearts down, but the pink mare held her eyes on High Brass. “No matter how much you want to atone for what you did, I will always remember what you did to Alto. You will never win my heart. Not after you tried to ruin Alto behind my back.” The rich pony wanted to argue with Harp Hearts but knew what was the cause of her distrust. “I understand. I'm sorry. I truly, truly am sorry to both you and Alto. Can you at least believe that?” “So long as it is not a compliment,” Harp Hearts said. She licked her lips, unsure of what to do next. “Alto, I think it is time to go.” “Okay,” Alto replied obediently. High Brass sat up from his bed and he cried in pain as to prevent his guests from leaving. Bastion wanted to settle him down, but he waved her off. “Before you go, I wish to give you both something.” The rich pony looked to his guard and said, “Go to my safe and fatten a coin purse for Alto and Harp Hearts. And get a saddle pack for Harp Hearts.” Bastion nodded and left without another word or passing glance. Alto rose a brow, but pretended to be calm about being given free bits, “What prompted this?” Harp Hearts was confused as well, wondering why money was being offered to them. High Brass fell back onto his bed, and smiled, “I wanted to make it up to you, Alto. I know I have ruined what could have been between you and Harp Hearts, but you both still enjoy each other’s company no doubt. Why don’t you two go off into the kingdom and make a day of it. As my token of thanks to Alto and apology to Harp Hearts.” “If you think money will buy my trust-” Harp Hearts began, but High Brass held his hoof up to stop her. “I don’t expect you to trust me until the last sunset, Harp Hearts. And for once, I know there is another stallion way better than I am waiting for you.” High Brass’ eyes met Alto, though Alto didn’t believe he was that stallion for Harp Hearts. Things between Alto and Harp Hearts was a tragic tale meant to be. Bastion re-entered the ward with a bedazzled saddlebag with gems that jingled with every step. The sound of bits rang out, waiting to be spent. “I brought what you have asked of me,” the mare said. “Wonderful.” High Brass looked at his guests, piecing together the best parting words he could say. “Take my gift and enjoy the day. Do that, and I will ask my friends in and tell them the truth about myself. You are right, Harp Hearts. It's best they know my intentions. But for me to do that, you must first accept my gift. And yes, you can keep the saddle pack.” Harp Hearts may not have looked pleased to be bargained with, but Alto wasn't going to let a saddle pack studded with gems and its pockets filled with an unknown amount of coin be passed off. It was a gift for himself, too. “I think it is best for us to take the humble offer and be on our way,” Alto said to his friend. “Yes, there is a lot of money in that saddle pack, and I wouldn't mind having half, and giving the rest to you. But it would be best if we could use what is given to us and distract ourselves for a day for some fun.” Harp Hearts pursed her lips, her thinking mind hidden from Alto. “Okay, we will take it.” Alto clenched his fist, having a very quiet victory to himself. Money that was given in such a fat amount would make most ponies feel more than cheerful. Harp Hearts stood up and Bastion gave her the saddle pack. Alto was about to follow his friend when High Brass gestured him over. “Need anything from me before I go,” Alto asked. “Just a quick question,” High Brass said. “Do you really think stallions will think differently of me if they know the truth?” “I can answer that with another question: what have you got to lose? Every stallion hates you. Might as well try and have a few like your intentions. But only time will tell.” Both stallions shook hooves, an act Alto thought he would never do with High Brass. Alto went over to his friend, the saddle pack settled on Harp Hearts. Her mare bounced a little, trying to guess how much wealth was in the pockets. “Having trouble with carrying that?” Harp Hearts grinned at Alto, “Would you want to carry this girly pack, Mr. Strong?” “I- would rather not.” Both Alto and Harp Hearts made for the door before saying their farewells. “I'll see you at school when you recover.” “Let’s be on good terms when I return,” High Brass said back. “And Harp Hearts?” “Yes?” the mare asked. “Take care.” Harp Hearts nodded at the comment before facing Alto. They exited the room and saw High Brass’ friends still waiting to be called. “Quite the talk,” Spearmint commented as they passed. “You all will be getting one, too,” Alto said, and a storm of chatter began among the mares. Nopony lead them to the door. It was quite easy for them to navigate the estate and leave. As the two approached the gate, Alto asked, “Where would you like to go first, Harp Hearts?” She hummed, her head tilting this way and that. “I would suggest the spa,” she sang. “I'm sure you would love to ease yourself and forget about last night.” The last thing Alto wanted to move on was from last night, but he didn't want to be reminded of it. “I like the idea. It would help me forget many things.” He frowned, the kiss with Harp Hearts still bittersweet on his lips. “I didn't mean to remind you about-” Harp Hearts sagged her head. “Sorry if I hurt old wounds.” “It's fine. There we were both hurt and bothered by the night’s previous events.” The mare bumped into Alto, her cheeks flushed and lips smiling, “The kiss we had was at least the best thing we had.” Alto fought the urge to playfully tease Harp Hearts for her improper wording, and instead said, “Yes, it was.” The gate opened with ease and Alto held it open for Harp Hearts. A mare was there with some flowers in her hoof. She placed it with the other get well gifts for High Brass. When she noticed Alto, she said, “Oh, it's you!” “Me?” Alto asked. He looked at her and noticed her immediately. The sherbert-orange coat and glasses gave her away. “I remember you.” “Who is she?” Harp Hearts asked. The visiting mare flushed and looked like she was about to flee like a startled deer. “An admirer,” Alto answered. “Do you remember the pink rose I had on last night?” Harp Hearts nodded for an answer. “When I was heading back to the quad, she gave it to me.” “M-my name is Single S-Scoop, as in one scoop of ice-cream, if you wanted to know.” The mare pawed at the path, nervous by the encounter. “Ooooo,” Harp Hearts sang, “somepony likes you, Alto.” Naturally, Alto and Single Scoop flushed and both wanted Harp Hearts to not further embarrass them. “I just liked his song a lot,” Single Scoop said. “Alto’s song is the second most talked about thing around the school.” “The second?” Alto said, more curious about the actual most thing talked about. “What about the most?” “High Brass,” Single Scoop answered. “Some are talking about how he was attacked but is now safe, which is why I came by to give my condolences. Others are talking about…” The mare pointed a hoof at Harp Hearts, “...you and how High Brass apparently upset you.” The mention of rumors circling herself worried Harp Hearts. “I didn't mean to upset you or… be a bother. I just thought you might know. Our classmates might try and approach you and, well, confirm things.” “It's okay…” Harp Hearts muttered, not wanting to listen to the details of her rumor. She looked to her friend, the mare wanting to flee, “I want to go to the spa now.” Alto rested a hoof on Harp Hearts’ shoulder, “Then let’s go.” He faced Single Scoop and nodded, “Thanks for the heads up. I'll know what to expect if somepony tries to talk with us.” “Okay,” Single Scoop squeaked. Alto and Harp Hearts walked close to one another, at the ready for potential gossipers hiding in a bush or stalking on the rooftops. They were about to round a block when Single Scoop called, “And one more thing, Alto!” The mention of his name stopped Alto from proceeding. “Mares are calling you a hero for finding High Brass’ kidnappers!” Alto did nothing to respond and continued to walk with Harp Hearts. The pink pony gave her friend a grin, “You hear that? You're a hero.” “All I did was walk down the right street. I am no hero.” “I disagree. You have saved me from sadness and hurt many times, Alto. I will always consider you one.” The compliment warmed Alto’s breast and he wrapped an arm around Harp Hearts. “And so are you.” The End.