The Last Cutie Mark Crusader

by Jatheus


41 - Resolutions, Part 2 of 9

Cloud Blazer winced at every bump that jostled the train as it sped across the countryside, bound for Ponyville. Much to his dismay, though in line with his expectations, the stallion had been of no use to the princesses now that they were free.

They had him stay in the castle and share meals with them while they recovered their strength. It was far less glamorous than he might have expected. He’d known Princess Twilight Sparkle in passing for years, but the others had still held some regal mystery for him.

That expectation was somewhat disillusioned now that he had seen them with their hair down. There was little by way of ceremony, pomp or circumstance. Still, they were gracious and welcoming, and more than once he was asked to tell his story.

The princesses all seemed genuinely interested in the dreams from the stallion’s perspective, as Luna’s experience on the other side had been far different. The princess of the night had difficulty in putting into words what she had seen. The best analogy she could make was to compare it to a great hedge maze that changed itself up continuously as she attempted to navigate it.

Oddly enough to the stallion, they were also fascinated by what happened when the dreams stopped. At that time, the princesses had lost so much of their strength that Luna was no longer able to reach out beyond the barrier. The stallion learning to fly with Pixyglitter, their dangerous trip to Manehattan, and their frightful return to Ponyville had been a frequent topic of conversation.

He couldn’t be certain whether they were making themselves interested for his benefit, but he appreciated the attention either way. He had also been able to get to know Shining Armor a little bit better. The prince continued the day to day running of the nation while the others recovered their strength, though he did personally bring them reports twice a day.

Ponyville coming into view through his window broke the stallion from his reverie.

Most of the other passengers on the train were soldiers. Knowing their journey was at an end, they restlessly began their preparations to disembark. By the look of them, most of this group were freshly graduated cadets. Cloud Blazer could not help but smile at the bright hope that was still in their eyes. It was a look not seen in the faces of veteran soldiers.

Princess Celestia had indicated that as soon as her strength returned, she would begin meeting with Queen Chrysalis in hopes of beginning a dialogue whereby they could end the fighting. The stallion certainly hoped she would be able to succeed.

As the locomotive came to a halt, steam from the engine covered the platform and hung in the air in a dense fog. If he hadn’t been home, it might have seemed an ominous arrival. The bustling of the others that were moving about made the stallion stay near the train until the platform cleared. He didn’t want to get bumped around any more than the trip had already shaken him. His old wounds had been aggravated enough for one day.

A figure approached through the mist. As the wind cleared the air, Sweetie Belle smiled. The stallion grinned at her through his pains.

“I see you got my letter,” he greeted her.

She nodded, “Yesterday. Do you have any bags or anything?”

He shook his head, “Just me.”

She turned, and the stallion ambled forward. The mare didn’t begin walking until he had reached her, and then she kept a leisurely pace. Cloud Blazer was grateful for this. As they cleared the noisy train station, Sweetie Belle broke the relative silence.

“How was Canterlot?”

“It’s looking better. They have a lot of reconstruction to do, but it feels alive with activity.”

“That’s good. I’d heard that the entire city had been burned to the ground.”

“Not quite. Many of the buildings are stone, so they survived well enough.”

“Did they keep you busy?”

Cloud Blazer snorted, “I was bored beyond belief after the first day. I’m glad they let me go, but… I don’t know. I was pretty useless.”

“Don’t say that,” she sounded genuinely concerned.

“No, I just meant… I didn’t really have a function up there, you know?”

“Oh. I’m sorry to hear that.”

He waved off the sentiment, and they continued in silence for a time. Ponyville was looking much better since he’d left. There were a few houses that had burned down, but one already had a new frame standing where the old structure had been cleared. The rooftops of the other houses seemed mostly free of damage as well.

“So, did you see anypony you knew?” Sweetie Belle asked.

There was something coy about her tone that made Cloud Blazer suspect there was something in particular she was driving toward.

“Princess Twilight, of course, and her friends were all there for the first few days. You know Applejack came back to Ponyville a week ago because she’s getting close to her delivery.”

The stallion thought on the question, but didn’t remember seeing anypony else that they knew. He finally shrugged.

“Oh.“

Whatever it had been toward which Sweetie Belle was hinting, she let it go at that point. Cloud Blazer decided to forget about it. Before long, the pair came upon Sweet Apple Acres. The farm seemed to have changed little, cleanup from the battle not withstanding.

The dull aches in Cloud Blazer’s leg were becoming much sharper as the pair approached the farm house. All was quiet inside, and sweetie Belle led the weary stallion upstairs.

“Rise and shine,” Sweetie Belle said as they entered the girls’ room. “I brought someone to see you. “

Pixyglitter groaned as she faced towards the door, “I’m awake.”

She sounded quite grumpy.

Cloud Blazer couldn’t help but smile at her, even though she couldn’t see it.

“I got bored in Canterlot, so I came back to see how things were going on the farm.“

Pixyglitter smiled, “Welcome back.“

Her spirits seemed instantly brightened. As for the stallion, the agonies from his injuries began to to melt away.

“So, are you going to bust me out of here? They won’t even let me go to the bathroom by myself.”

The stallion felt his nose wrinkle, “Absolutely not. The last thing I need is an invalid to take care of. Besides, you couldn’t be in better hooves. Sweetie Belle helped me get walking again.”

“Fine help you are, getting me into this mess and now you won’t lift a hoof to get me out. With a friend like you, who needs enemies?”

“Take it easy,” the stallion defended playfully, “I almost get you killed only, what, twice? And that’s how you’re going to be?”

“Three times. You picked that farm-house that was full of deserters.”

Sweetie Belle giggled, “You guys!”

Pixyglitter shifted in the bed, wincing from the pain, “Well, you might as well sit down and get comfortable. There’s not much for me to do, so you’d better have some stories to tell.”

“That I can help you with,” the stallion said as he stepped forward, sitting on the edge of the bed.

“I’m going to be in the other room,” Sweetie Belle interrupted. “Just yell if you need anything.”

“Okay,” Cloud Blazer answered. “So, what sort of story would you like? Drama and death? Slice of life? Perhaps a smutty romance?”

“Brownie, eww! I don’t like that trash,” she shook her head. “How about you just start with where you’ve been for the past two weeks.”

He felt himself smile at the use of his nickname. Cloud Blazer recounted everything that had happened from the moment he’d said goodbye to her at the train station until he returned. An occasional comment aside, she listened with interest as he spoke.

“I’m glad the princesses are doing better,” she said with a wistful smile. “And to think, I almost didn’t help you.”

The stallion turned the thought over in his mind. It was a sobering notion that made him become quite serious.

“Pixy, I couldn’t have done it without you.”

“Whoa, take it easy. I just flew you to Manehattan and back. It’s not a lifetime commitment or anything.”

The stallion felt his face flush. He wasn’t sure why. He felt a bit irritated at her deflection. His confused emotions were redirected when the sound of Sweetie Belle singing could be heard from the other end of the house. He looked to Pixyglitter inquisitively.

“She does that,” she answered as though she could read his expression.

“She’s always loved singing…” he stopped to listen for a moment. “She’s getting really good.”

“She is,” came a flat reply. “I just wish she’d learn more than the same five songs she practices all day.”

A grin formed on Cloud Blazer’s face, “All day?”

“You have no idea. I know all the lyrics. Every single word to every song.”

The stallion cocked an eyebrow, “Really? So, you want to give one a try for me?”

“That’s not happening,” her face flushed this time.

“What’s the matter? You don’t like your singing voice?”

“Not everypony can sing, Brownie.”

“Where’s your sense of adventure, of fun?”

She pursed her lips. Cloud Blazer decided that he should quit while he was ahead. Changing the subject seemed to be the safest course of action.

“Do you know how long before you’re able to get up and start your therapy?”

The mare sighed, “A few more weeks. As much as I hate it… I’m listening to the doctors on this one. If I aggravate it before it is healed, I’ll just be laid up longer.”

“Well, don’t worry,” the stallion replied glibly, “You’ve got me to annoy, I mean, to keep you company until you’re up and about.”

“Joy,” she said dispassionately.

The smile that crept onto Pixyglitter’s face beneath the bandages which hid her eyes betrayed that she was happier about this than she had indicated with her response. Cloud Blazer was filled with warmth; he was glad to be home.