//------------------------------// // A Hero's Hero // Story: The Element of Concord // by Loyal Defender //------------------------------// Nothing else really happened afterwards after all of that. Twilight, Starlight and I headed back towards the train station. I noticed that Starlight was walking a bit closer next to me, but I paid no mind. After all, the streets always made you feel cramped. Luckily, it didn't take long to board the train. A few minutes after, we were off. Starlight got the seat next to my window seat. I couldn't stop thinking about what would have happened if the dummy had actually....well, ended me. It made me think deeper about the fate of Equestria, if I wasn't here. Obviously, the girls and Starlight would be upset, and miss me deeply. But would Equestria be doomed without my existence? Would I come back as someone else? What if someone else from my past tried to destroy Equestria? What if-- "Hey, are you alright? You seem lost in thought." I turned my head to see Starlight looking at me. I must have gotten so deep into thought, that she noticed me deep in thought. "Oh....uh, yeah. I was just thinking about what would have happened if I HADN'T continued existing here. The dummy' intents on killing us had me thinking. If not for you......I really woudln't be here." "It's funny, thinking about it. All of this happened, because you saved my life... So what would have happened if I died anyway...there's a lot of possibilities."" "I... don't really want to think about it." "I try not to....but it's....ugh, nevermind.. By the way, I've noticed you've been a bit clingy to me....is there something going on?" "Err... n-no... why do you ask...?" "Well....I've always felt like one of you had a thing for me." "Whaaaaaat...?" "I know it seems strange, but I feel like something about me has caused one of you girls to....well....start crushing on me." "...R-right...!" "Though, I wouldn't mind it if someone DID love me." I said, chuckling a bit. "The only loving affection I can imagine getting is a cuddle." "Seriously, though, tell me you don't have a crush on me? I'm just asking to be sure. Unfortunately, I can never tell who's lying and who' being honest. I usually leave that to AJ." "No, no, no, of course I don't! That'd be... That'd be ridiculous, like you said!" "Well...alright, then. I guess it WOULD be farfetched." I replied. "Besides, I'm sure Twilight would have been able to tell if you were feeling something. She probably knows you well." "Well yeah! I've been living with her for a while now, I would hope she knows me well!" Another few--more like 5--minutes of silence passed, before I spoke again. "Ya think anypony'll believe us when we say we fought an evil dummy enslaving a dressmaker in an abandoned boutique?" "Maybe. I mean, we've had an evil version of Luna, the god of chaos, an evil Unicorn wizard of darkness, a magic eating centaur, and me and the Changeling Queen twice each attack Equestria." "Hm. Yeah, good point. But in retrospect, an evil dummy is kind of.....plain. But you know, its probably best for me not to wish for something stronger. Ghaan was enough." "It kind of makes me wonder what HAPPENED to each villain that was defeated." "Excluding the ones whose fates we know, that is." "Well, Luna's living in Canterlot with Celestia." "And Chryssi is living with me/us. Sombra's....*AHEM* and the 'god of chaos'? I've never heard what he did." "Oh he's settled into a non-evil life of hanging out with Fluttershy and playing tricks on pretty much everyone else." "Wait, he and Fluttershy are....are they just hanging out, or are they an item?" "Just hanging out!" "Hmm. Well, what IS he, exactly?" "I guess you could say he's a mentor on a good day." "Heh, no, I mean the creature type. Unless you just answered that." "Oh, oh. He's a draconequus." "Oh, I'd read about those in mythology. He's the thing with the pony head and all that, right?" "I guess the best way I could describe it is that he's a very specific kind of chimera." "Hmm. Have YOU done anything with him before?" "W-Well, he was one of only a few people out there that I could trust to help me rescue Twilight and the others when Chrysalis attacked again..." "Trust? What do you mean, 'trust'? if he was reformed, wouldn't be be reliable?" "See the thing is, we didn't know who was a Changeling and who wasn't." "Doesn't matter if a Changeling disguises themselves as Discord. They still won't have his chaos magic." "God, this is a lot to take in. Which leads me to ask, if I may.....what's a Changeling? I'm getting the disguising part, but...." "Well, they're like... I don't really know how to describe it. They're shapeshifters." "So, if I can figure this out....Changelings are shapeshifting creatures who can turn into others, and decieve and bring harm to those who believe it's their friends, and they use that advantage to take their victims by surprise?" "Well, basically, yeah." "Except for the ones who were at the hive last time Chrysalis attacked." "Actually yes! They learned that sharing love was more fulfilling and nourishing to their species than stealing it." "Chrysalis rejected that though." "They'd been around for God knows how long, and not once did they consider or even THINK ABOUT sharing love. ..... They're not qualified villains, I can tell you that." "Erm... actually... I think Chrysalis might've been making them think that wasn't even an option..." "Well, I guess that implies they might have thought about it before, meaning they could have TRIED to become good, right?" "Well, maybe..." "So, what was the Hive like?" \"It was.... different. Constantly changing." "Changing?" "Yeah. It was transforming the whole time we were there." "How is that possible?" "It's a Changeling hive. Magic, I'm guessing." "Goodness...how was it changing? Like, phasing, or what?" "Tunnels were opening and closing at random." "Apparently only a Changeling knows how the hive is going to change." "That's weird. Imagine getting your leg stuck in a hole. Would it be amputated, or would the hole stop shrinking?" "I'd... rather not think about that..." "If I ended up doing that, I'd go with the latter." "But seriously, even for Changelings, knowing how tt'll change is impossible.." "Not necessarily. Like I said, it's probably magic." "Changelings might be attuned to the magic and be able to predict it." "So, in other words, they're psychic because of the hive in a way." "Yeah." "Wait....how did you know who was who if you teamed up?" "Oh, that's easy! Before we went in, we came up with the code phrase 'Klutzy Draconequus.'" ""Heh....r-really? I bet Discord didn't approve, haha!" "I'm guessing Discord acted clumsy long enough for the name to come into mind?" "Yeah, he was kinda clumsy without his magic to move around. He wasn't too happy when the code phrase came to mind." "I'll bet it was stressful being one of the only survivors, and having the fate of Equestria in your hooves." "Oh there were plenty of survivors... they only kidnapped the princesses, Spike, and Twilight's friends and brother." "And yes, I'm including Flurry Heart in the 'princesses' group." "I can see why they'd take Spike; no witnesses." "Wait. You said 'we'. Who else was with you, besides Discord?" "Oh, that would be Trixie and Thorax." "Who're they?" "Well... Trixie is an old rival of Twilight's...." "And Thorax is a Changeling." "Oh, okay. That's--" I stopped myself before looking at Starlight with an expression that said, 'You're not SERIOUS'. Starlight gave a light giggle. "Well, Thorax was just looking for some friends in the Crystal Empire. Spike helped him find some, and he was our only hope of finding our way through the hive. Actually, he came looking for someone to find help when the Changelings kidnapped Cadence, Flurry Heart, and Shining Armor." "So, you actually...teamed up with a Changeling." "Yeah." "So, what happens to a Changeling when it gives love?" "Well... they... transform into these.... well, I don't even really know how to describe them." "Just think of an adjective, and turn that into a description." "Colorful? Majestic?" "Point is they're still bugs." "Hmm." For the next hour and a half, there was silence between Starlight and I. I just deeply thought. Before I knew it, we were back in Ponyville. One thing I enjoyed doing often after doing a major task was relaxing behind the Apples' barn. AJ didn't really mind, though. So, once I got off, that's where I was 15 minutes later. It was a really nice spot to relax. I usually relaxed inside a knocked over barrel. I know, it's weird. But I enjoyed confined spaces. And, like always, it didn't take long for me to fall asleep in there. About 45 minutes later, I felt something nudge me. It took a few moments for me to wake back up. I looked from inside the barrel towards the outside, to see Apple Bloom outside, giving me a confused look. "Hey, uh... what exactly are you doing in there?" ".....Resting." I said. "I've been through THE most unbelievable things, so I figured resting in my favorite spot would help." "How long have you been here?" "Not long. I just saw you and I didn't get what you were doing in there is all..." "I usually hang out in here. I don't know how long anyone has missed this...but you know, the real reason I go here is because it reminds me of the first time AJ found me here. When I was introduced to you, you must have been shocked.." "I come here for a lotta things really. To think, to sleep, to enjoy silence, to brood....right now, there's something on my mind that's been bothering me." "On the train, Starlight and I talked, and at one point, I asked her if she had a crush on me for any reason, and she suddenly sounded nervous, but she convincingly said no. So, it left me wonderingDoes she or DOESN'T she have a crush on me?" "I don't actually think I could answer that for you but I guess if she did she'd tell you..." "I guess so. Maybe Twilight would know..." I said. "She knows a lot about Starlight. But the only issue is whether or not Twilight would TELL Star about my...question." "Oh, I almost forgot to ask. Did you or your friends do anything interesting while I was gone?" "Eh, nothing out of the usual today." Apple Bloom shrugged before saying, "Fair enough. See ya later, then," and quietly walking away. I just lay there for about 30 more minutes, before deciding to try talking to another pony before talking to Twilight. I figured I could try talking to Fluttershy. She was patient and understanding, kind of like Twilight. So, eventually I left SAA, and headed down to the edge of the Everfree forest. Before long, I stood in front of her cottage. I took a deep breath, and knocked on the door. "Oh! Just one moment, please!" From inside, Loyal could hear Fluttershy shout a whisper. I just waited at the door, guessing that knowing Fluttershy, she was doing one of two thingsTending to animals, or making tea. Or both. But to be honest, it really did fit her. That's what being kind, shy, and polite does to someone. A moment later, Fluttershy came to the door. "Oh! Hello, is there something I can do for you?" "Hey, Fluttershy. There was......something was hoping to discuss with you...it's about Starlight..I figured I'd talk to you first about it." "Oh? What is it?" I looked around to ensure nobody was watching. "Do you mind if I tell you inside? I feel uneasy explaining it out here..." "Oh, umm, not at all! Please, come in." I stepped inside the cottage, and Fluttershy closed the door. I sat down on the couch in the room. "Honestly...I don't know how to feel about this....but I think Starlight might actually....be crushing on me. But she convincingly denied it, but I don't know what to tell her." "Oh... oh my... umm, I... I don't know much about this subject... That's... not what you were hoping to hear, was it?" "It's not love I'm wanting to discuss..it's how I should deal with the problem.." "Oh, umm... I would say maybe confront her about it...? But, um, be polite...?" "Well, the polite, I can do. But here's the tricky partHow do I know she won't get upset that I asked about something she didn't want to be known?" "Besides....another reason I came in here was to relieve my stresses as well, about all of this. I just....I just don't know what to do. I wasn't about to ask Twilight first, because she might have told Star." I sighed. "But let's face itShe'll find out sooner or later, right?" "I know I should probably tell Starlight. But it's not the consequences that I'm afraid of. It's what the results of said consequences will be. If Starlight gets upset enough to....hurt me, theoretically, her magic could be strong enough to injure me, and the outcome of that wouldn't be good." "Oh, I see... Umm, I don't know for sure if Starlight would do that, but it's fair to be worried all the same..." "I just.....I don't know what to do..." I said, and sighed. Unfortunately for me, what I didn't realize was that Starlight had, in fact, followed me to Fluttershy's, and was eavesdropping on my conversation. And boy, did she feel hurt. 'Wait.... Did... Did he really.... But... But why would he ask about that...? How did he know...? It couldn't be.... that I made it too obvious.... could it....?' Starlight didn't know what to think. Should she do something about it, or should she lay low? Either choice was still risky, because Loyal could have been planning to ask the others about her crush. After a bit of thinking, Starlight realized that she would have to lay low for a while, hopefully until everypony forgot about her crush. https://discord.gg/4zwDHv "Do you think Starlight would eventually forgive all if I told the others?" I asked Fluttershy. Even if I couldn't get advice, I could at least get a good answer. "Oh, umm, I would say she probably would. Although, she did kind of hold a grudge against Twilight for that time we 'ruined' her 'perfect' village..." "That was because it was for an evil reason. But I digress." I thought about it for a moment, before deciding. "I'm probably going to wait a bit to discuss it...I feel like now wouldn't be the best time." "Oh, you're welcome! I'm glad I could help!" "So....what now?" I asked, unsure what to do or even say. I'd understand if Fluttershy had business to attend to, but... "Well... that depends... I'm still sort of busy taking care of my little animal friends, but..." "Well, that's fine. I'll probably go on a stroll again." I replied, getting up. "Thanks again for the help, Fluttershy." I began to head for the door, and waved my farewell. "It was no trouble, honest!" Fluttershy waved back and returned to caring for her animals. As I headed out the door, it took me a moment to adjust to the sunlight again. I began walking back down the path leading to Ponyville, when I heard a twig snap behind me. I turned around to see...nopony. I just shrugged and continued back down the path. After about 15 seconds, I swiftly turned around. I clearly saw Starlight hiding behind a tree. Was she spying on me, or just playing a game of hide and seek? "Huh....Starlight? Is that...you?" "Umm... no! Not me!" I began approaching the tree. She was in the open behind the tree, I could CLEARLY see Starlight. If I was lucky, she wasn't doing anything...unnatural. "Clearly, it's you. What are you doing, playing a game of hide and seek?" "...Yes...?" "Well, you've been found. You want me to turn around and count now?" "Yes!" "Heh, okay!" I replied, turning around. "One....two--" As Loyal was busy counting, Starlight took a moment to make sure his eyes were closed, and then dashed away as fast as she could. 'Three...TEN!" I quickly turned around. "Ready or not here I--" I quickly noticed she wasn't ANYWHERE around. Okay, so you might think she was hiding, but she ran the other way. "--come." After a few moments, I just shrugged. I'd find her eventually. But for now, I figured there'd probably be another lesson to learn from Twilight. Or one to learn about for tomorrow. So, I headed towards the castle, feeling excited. It didn't take me long to find the castle, of course. I walked up the steps, and entered into the main foyer. Afterwards, I walked up a flight of stairs, and into a hallway. I knew by this time, Twilight would be experimenting, or reading, or just...being a neat-freak with scrolls or papers. As I made it to the end of the hallway, sure enough, there she was, neatening stacks of reports or papers, or whatever. "Oh, hi, Twilight." I greeted. "Hmm? Oh, hi, Loyal. Is there something I can do for you?" Twilight turned to Loyal with a smile. "Well, I figured it was probably rather early to be asking this, but are there any other friendship lessons you have planned for this week?" "Humm.... well, not exactly..." Twilight placed her hoof to her snout in thought. "Why do you ask?" "I was just wanting to know. Though....now that I think about it, lessons like that could usually be found if I'm lucky enough, right? Isn't that what sometimes happened with you?" "Well, yeah, of course! Sometimes you just stumble on a lesson in friendship without meaning to! Those were some of my favorites." "This is gonna sound kind of stupid, heh, but, uhh... how do you pull it off?" "...Pull what off?" "Stumble across a lesson by...what, 'accident'?" "And hey, what do you know? That could be something interesting to studyHow you could normally do something you'd have to be lucky to do otherwise!" I added with a small chuckle. "But really, I'm sure there's a solution to this. But if there isn't, is there a place I should start searching?" "...Well... usually I'd stumble upon those kinds of lessons when I'm just going about my daily routine and problems pop up in the middle of the day." "Hmm....you know, that's not a bad idea! Daily walks are my thing, and if I'm lucky, I'll find a problem! It'll be like treasure hunting, but it's more obvious!" I replied. "Twilight, you're a genius!" I said. This sounded like a brilliant plan, and all Twilight did was mention something she enjoyed doing. See, this is why she was a brilliant-minded pony. Twilight giggled at that. "I get that a lot." I started heading back out of the room, before stopping. "Oh, and one other thing, TwiIf Starlight comes around, could you ask her if something's bothering her? I saw her near Fluttershy's earlier, but she seemed bothered by something, and she ran off. But just...try not to mention me if you can. I feel like something about me disturbs her, and the last thing we need is for her to be more upset.." "Anyways, you got all that?" I finished, hoping that whatever happened, if Twilight agreed, she wouldn't end up slipping a word of me into her explanation for Starlight. "Don't worry, I won't say a word to her!" Twilight gave Loyal a smile. "Alright, thanks, Twi!" I said, and headed outside the room, and back to the main foyer. I headed back outside the castle, and down the steps, starting my daily stroll. Hopefully, if I was lucky, I'd find some problem to resolve.