Big Red’s eyes widened, caught off-guard by such a request.
“Haygypt? Ya mean yer home country?” Big Red frowned, “Ya wanna go back there?
“Not ‘want’, ‘need’.” Sterling clarified, as he sighed, “...Look, I thought about what you said… and you’re right. I can’t run away from this. Not any more. I have to face my brother, settle this once and for all.”
“Well, shoot.” Big Red mused, “Not that I ain’t glad yer decidin’ to do this, but how ya ‘specting to get there? It’s a long way from Dodge Junction.”
“That… I have no idea.” Sterling grimaced, “Dammit. I can’t just book a flight or take a boat. I’m sure by now they have my face out at all the docks and airship ports. Don’t suppose you know any unicorns good at teleportation?”
"Can't say that Ah do." Big Red shrugged. "'Least, not any Ah can call in on short notice..."
"Got any other ideas?" Sterling asked.
Big Red thought for a moment, then smiled widely.
"As a matter a' fact, Ah do..." He chuckled, “Follow me.”
Following Big Red, the two made their way off the homestead and through the plains just outside Dodge Junction.
"Where are we going?" Sterling asked.
"Oh, jest this li'l place Ah know." Big Red replied. "One that might jest help ya with yer problem."
"It better." Sterling rolled his eyes. "Hate to think I'm walking all this way for nothing..."
Soon, they arrived at what Sterling believed to be an airfield, with an airship hangar nearby. Both places looked like they hadn’t used often, but by the way the grass in the airfield looked trim, and the hangar had a fresh coat of paint and a new-looking roof, it looked like somepony had been taking care of the place.
“Huh, didn’t know there was an airfield out here.” Sterling mused, “Why are we here, Red?”
"Simple." Big Red declared. "This is the other option."
Big Red threw open the doors, revealing a large airship within. It was classically built, with fresh gray and red paint. A few hired hoofs were looking over it.
"Sterling, say 'howdy' to the S.S. Cherryblossom!" Big Red announced.
"Mr. Redwall-Barrelroll." One of the workers smiled as Big Red approached. "Good to see you again!"
"Howdy, Sprocket." Big Red beamed. "How's the ol' girl holdin' up?"
"Very well, sir." Sprocket nodded.
"What is this?" Sterling frowned. "Why do you, a cherry farmer, own an airship?"
"Long story short: mah pa wuz a pilot, an' he left me his ol' ship in his will." Big Red announced.
"This airship is yours?" Sterling gaped. "...Well, aren't you just full of surprises?"
"You ain't the only one with a rich an' detailed backstory." Big Red grinned, “This poor baby's been gatherin’ dust for over forty years, till I decided to hire some of our workhoofs back at the orchard to keep her and the place nice and tidy.”
“You don’t say…” Sterling mused, “...So why are you showing me this now?”
“Because this is how we’re gonna get to Haygypt.” Big Red revealed, “Since ah’m the owner of this here airship, ya don’t haveta worry about runnin' inta the authorities, either comin' or goin'."
"Well, that’s- wait, 'we'?" Sterling asked.
"Darn tootin'." Big Red nodded. "The Cherryblossom can only be piloted by yers truly. Got some of that anti-theft magic on the wheel. And I’ve been keeping up on my pilotin’, so I can easily find us a spot fer us to land without usin’ an airport!"
"But it's not about getting past the airports." Sterling declared. "I'm still a wanted criminal, and if you come with me, you'll be labelled an 'accessory'. If we get caught, you could get into major trouble."
"Ah know." Big Red nodded. "But Ah can tell this is important tah yah, and Ah can't let ya go it alone."
"Even if it means risking your freedom?" Sterling asked.
"Yes." Big Red nodded. "Ah know the risks, and Ah accept them."
"You say that now." Sterling sighed. "But what about after things go sour, and you end up locked away from your family?"
"That ain't gonna happen." Big Red insisted. "Ya gotta stop worryin' about the worse case outcome, an' jest focus on what needs tah be done."
"But-" Sterling started.
"No 'buts'." Big Red interrupted. "There ain’t any other way yer gettin’ there without my help. Ah'm takin' ya there, and that's that."
"... Okay, suit yourself." Sterling gave in. "But we should at let Cherry know about this..."
“Well, that goes without sayin’, of course.” Big Red nodded.
They made their way back to the homestead, where they explained things to Cherry.
“Whoa, whoa…” Cherry frowned, “You want to take our houseguest, who is a fugitive, on your airship to get out of the country?”
"That's about the size of it." Big Red said awkwardly.
“Look, it’s not what you think, Cherry.” Sterling declared, “I just need to get to Haygypt, that’s all.”
"And why exactly do you want to return to Haygypt, risking your freedom - and my husband's, come to think of it?" Cherry asked Sterling.
“Look, if I had it any other way, I wouldn’t bring Big Red into this. But as it stands, he’s the only guy I know who has a private airship. As for the why… let’s just say I have some ‘family business’ to care of.”
"Oh, really?" Cherry frowned. "And speaking of family, what exactly am I supposed to tell the boys?"
"Tell 'em... Tell 'em Ah'm takin' Sterling on a li'l sight-seeing tour." Big Red shrugged. "Or sumthin' like that."
"Sure I will." Cherry rolled her eyes.
"I know you're worried about Red, Cherry." Sterling declared. "And so am I. But you know how stubborn that husband of yours is."
"Unfortunately, yes." Cherry sighed.
"As, c'mon..." Big Red pouted.
"The bottom line here is that I need to face my past." Sterling announced. "It's the only way I can finally move forward with my life. And I want to move forward, I really do. The way it is, we’re going either way, but it would be nice to have your blessing."
"... I suppose I don't have much of a choice." Cherry admitted. "I never could say 'no' to Red when he's convinced he's doing the right thing."
"Thanks, darlin'." Big Red kissed his wife on the cheek.
"Yeah, I really appreciate it, Cherry." Sterling smiled.
"Just try to stay safe out there." Cherry urged. "Both of you."
"Will do, Cherry." Big Red beamed. "Wanna come see us off?"
"Sure, why not?" Cherry shrugged. "It's been a while since I saw you take that old ship to the skies..."
Not long after, Big Red and Sterling (wearing his brown jacket) returned to the hangar, Cherry right behind them. The ship had been fueled, inspected, and was ready to go, with all the hired hands on board.
"All aboard, pal." Big Red told Sterling.
"Aye, aye, Captain." Sterling nodded.
As Sterling boarded the S.S. Cherryblossom, he noted that it was as well-preserved on the inside as it was on the outside.
'Guess all those guys Red hired really earn their pay.' He thought as he looked around.
Outside, Big Red shared a goodbye kiss with Cherry.
"Take care of yourself, you big lug." Cherry urged.
"Always do, darlin'." Big Red smiled. "Always do."
With that, Big Red climbed up the ramp, and inside the ship.
"Okay, time fer me tah get up to the bridge." Big Red declared. "You can take a seat in the observation deck. We'll be goin' up soon."
"Mind if I join you?" Sterling asked. "I've been in airships before, but I've never seen things from the pilot's point of view before."
"Sure, why not?" Big Red grinned. "Since yer the only passenger, Ah guess it'd be no trouble..."
Sterling followed Big Red up to the bridge. Once there, Big Red took hold of the wheel.
"Raise the anchor!" He said through the intercom. "Batten down the hatches!"
"Yes, sir!" Several voices replied.
Big Red removed his usual hat, and replaced it with an aviator’s cap.
"Here we go!" He smiled. "Up, up and away!"
With the pull of a lever, the propellers started spinning, and the S.S. Cherryblossom began to move up and off the ground. The airship taxied out of the hanger, and rose up into the air.
"Ol' gal handles jest as smooth as ever." Big Red smiled, turning the wheel.
"Guess they really don't make 'em like they used to." Sterling declared.
"Ya better believe it, partner." Big Red said proudly.
As the S.S. Cherryblossom departed, Cherry watched.
"Good luck, boys." She said softly.
“Cherry!”
Suddenly, Marshall rushed over.
"I was on my way to the homestead when I heard a familiar noise." He announced. "The noise of Red's airship taking off. Cherry, what's going on? What the hell is Big Red doing?"
"Oh, not much." Cherry shrugged. "Red's just taking Sterling for a little flight on the family airship."
“Sterling? As in the fugitive?” Marshall gaped, “Dear Faust, Red isn’t helpin’ Sterling-”
"Helping him do what, exactly?" Cherry asked.
"Well, er..." Marshall said, suddenly flustered. "You know, criminal stuff!"
"Do you honestly believe Red would willingly help anypony commit a crime?" Cherry frowned. "If so, then you don't really know him at all."
"That's not what I meant." Marshall retorted. "Besides, who said anything about 'willing'?"
"That's enough." Cherry demanded. "Red and Sterling are just taking a small flight, and they’ll be back soon."
"Is that so?" Marshall frowned. "Well, I hope they have a nice, uneventful trip..."
"Me too..." Cherry sighed.
Meanwhile, the Taskforce were still hard at work attempting to find something on Crystal. Master Mind was looking through his academic records, Incognito his family history, Black his political career, and Ballista his financial statements, while Elite was looking over Crystal's known associates. Fury was away on a training run, and Titan was still searching for Sterling on his own.
"Any luck so far, Black?" Master Mind asked.
"Just the usual stuff you'd expect from a politician." Black shrugged. "Mud-slinging, empty campaign promises... you?"
"So far, the worst I've found is an embarrassing talent show entry." Master Mind declared. "Tap-dancing the national anthem."
"Yikes." Incognito snorted. "Well, at least that's something. I've got nothing."
"Me too." Ballista scowled. "If this clown has been taking money from the city treasury, he's been covering his tracks real well." He grimaced. "I'm starting to think this is all a gigantic waste of time..."
"I know it's frustrating." Elite said fairly. "But we must persevere. You never know, any minute now, a key piece of information will fall right into our laps."
“Hey, guys!” Armory smiled as he trotted into the room.
“Armory, where have you been?” Elite frowned.
“Yes, we haven’t seen you all morning. I know you have a limp and all, but it shouldn’t had taken you this long to get to the meeting room.” Master Mind crossed his hooves.
“Yeah. Ya ain’t tryin’ to get out of research, are you?” Incognito grunted.
“Quite the contrary, Cog.” Armory smirked, as he pulled out a leather folder, filled to the brim with papers, “I hold here, gentleponies, a portion of Crystal Cross’s sealed records!”
“What?!” Everypony lit up in surprise.
“Way to go, Armory!” Black smirked.
"Yes, this is excellent!" Elite nodded.
"Wait, how in Equestria did you accomplish this?" Master Mind asked, “We've been trying all kinds of legal loopholes and calling in favors from everywhere, to no avail.”
“Oh… let’s say, last night I called in a little favor from a…” Armory’s eyes shifted, “...Friend.”
“By ‘friend’, you mean Natascha Lady-Luck, right?” Incognito smirked knowingly, referring to the mare the team made acquaintances on a mission a long while ago in Las Pegasus.
“...Um, maybe.” Armory rubbed his head, a small blush appearing.
“You mean that mare that showed up here before the Crystal Sun thing?” Master Mind questioned, “How did she get her hooves on those files?”
“Well, she has her ways.” Armory chuckled nervously, “Anyways, she knew a pony who knew a pony a pony who knew a Griffon who knew another pony, and after meeting her at a suite in Canterlot, she gave me this folder, promising to hold anything we could need on our senator.”
“And exactly how much this ‘little favor’ cost?” Ballista asked bluntly, “I doubt she willingly gave us this all dirt on a senator for free.”
“Oh, she didn’t.” Armory said evasively, “But I assure you, it didn’t cost me much… not much at all…”
“We’ll talk about that later.” Elite declared, a bit afraid to ask himself, “Right now, we finally got something that we were looking for.”
“Well, there are quite a few files in here.” Armory opened the folder, pulling out stacks of papers, “We should take a file and start reading. Should make the work go a lot faster."
"Good thinking, Armory." Black nodded.
“So, what exactly should we be looking for, boss?” Incognito asked, as he took a file, “I mean, now that we got the records?”
“Not sure. But if those rumors about Crystal is true, there has to be something in the files that Crystal wouldn’t want to be publicized.” Elite explained.
“And then we’ll use that as leverage against our senator friend.” Ballista smirked, “Get that berk off our arses.”
“Ugh, blackmail...” Master Mind grimaced, “That won’t go over so well if others were to find out.”
"Well, that's a risk we'll just have to take." Elite declared.
"Not much of a risk." Black smiled. "Crystal won't be dumb enough to tell on us. Not unless he wants ponies to ask why we'd be blackmailing him in the first place."
"Exactly." Elite nodded. "Now let's get to work."
With that, the Taskforce started going through the files together, determination renewed.
Hours later, just behind the afternoon sun, the S.S. Cherryblossom arrived in Cairode, touching down on a deserted airfield just outside the city.
"Here we are." Big Red declared, taking off his cap. "Thank ya fer flying with us."
"Funny, Red." Sterling rolled his eyes.
"Ah figgered a li'l funny was required." Big Red shrugged. 'This doesn't seem like a 'fun' trip."
"You don't know how right you are..." Sterling muttered as he left the bridge.
"...No, Ah don't." Big Red frowned, following Sterling.
Moments later, he airship's exit ramp dropped down, and Sterling stepped out. He basked in the near-uncomfortable warmth of the desert sun, as the sandy winds blew against his fur and jacket.
"Home, sweet home." Sterling mused, “It’s been a while…”
As Sterling prepared to disembark, Big Red stepped in front of him.
"Hold up, Sterling." He declared, his face fraught with concern. "Ah wanna ask ya sumthin' before ya go.”
“Um, sure, fire away.” Sterling nodded, a bit confused, “Is something wrong?”
“Well, the thing is… what exactly is it you intend to do when ya meet with that brother a' yers?" Big Red inquired.
“...You know, I never really thought about it.” Sterling shook his head, “After a while with the Forefathers, I pushed all thoughts of him and my family to back of my mind. But now…”
“Oh boy, that’s what An wuz afraid of." Big Red groaned. "Yer not gonna… y’know…” He didn’t want to think it.
“I don’t know.” Sterling admitted, “I won’t lie, I wanted to when I was younger… and maybe a part of me still wants to.” He took note of the frown on Big Red’s face, “I know it isn’t something you want to hear.”
“Sterling… Ah know yer brother wronged ya.” Big Red sighed, “And while I’m not sure if he really did what you say he did to yer little brother, I reckon yer heart might be onto something... I just don’t feel right in just letting you go and doin’ sumthin’ ya’ll regret fer the rest of yer life.”
“I know… and you’re right to worry about that.” Sterling frowned, “I wish I could say with a certainty that I won’t do it, but I can’t. Whatever happens, happens. And I’ll have to live with it.”
“Oh, Sterling…” Big Red murmured.
“...Tell you what.” Sterling began, “Meet me at the warehouse district. If I'm not there by sunset, then you will have your answer. If that’s what happens…” He turned to Big Red, sadness in his eyes, “I’m sorry… and thank you for everything.”
“Now, don’t ya goin’ sayin’ ‘farewell’.” Big Red chided, “Wewillbe seein’ each other at sunset. Ya gotta stay positive. It’ll be better fer the both of us…”
“Well, I’ll try.” Sterling nodded, as he made to leave the airfield, “Wish me luck, Red.”
“...Good luck, pal.” Big Red nodded back, “And Faust-speed…”
As Sterling entered Cairode, he was overcome by a great sense of apprehension. He was well aware of the risk he was about to take, and the consequences if things went wrong. But that wasn't the worst of it.
As much as he hated to admit it, facing Crystal after all these years seem to prove more daunting than he’d thought.
’...Maybe I don’t have to see him right away.’ Sterling reasoned to himself. ’I still have plenty of time before sunset. Perhaps a stroll around Cairode will help me work up the nerve… then I’ll deal with Crystal...’
Without an actual destination in mind for the moment, Sterling began walking through the streets of Cairode. He took in the sights and the local ponies. Everything looked so much like it did when he was a colt.
'Things have barely changed at all.' He thought. 'Like I never even left...'
It felt relaxing, to say the least. Back in Equestria, he has never had the luxury of simply taking in sights of the towns and cities, always being on missions for the Forefathers. But as he looked around his hometown, he felt… nostalgic.
’You know, maybe I was too harsh on this place when I left all those years ago.’ Sterling shrugged. ’Despite how crappy my life was, this place still had some good memories…’
As he continued walking, he glanced up the streets, as suddenly, what appeared to be a vision of himself and Brody, both young colts, racing through the streets.
"Come on, Brody!" Sterling's younger self cheered.
"Wait up, Sterling!" Brody's younger self urged. "I think slowing down!"
"You can do it!" Sterling's younger self declared. "I believe in you."
Sterling then happened by a street corner. There, he saw himself again, albeit a bit older than before, sitting beside Gold, enjoying ice cream bars.
"I love this stuff." Young Sterling smiled.
"Not that I'm complaining, but why did we have to go out here to get some ice cream?" Younger Gold asked. "Isn't our family rich enough to afford the really good stuff?"
"Eh, this stuff is better." Young Sterling declared. "You can't judge something by how expensive it is..."
Sterling was snapped out of his reminiscing as some colts run past him, followed by a couple of stray dogs.
"Fetch, boy!" One of the kids threw a stick, which one dog gleefully chased after.
Meanwhile, the other dogs was licking the second colt.
"Stop!" The colt chuckled. "It tickles!"
Seeing those kids playing, Sterling couldn't help remembering his own time with some stray dogs in his past. As he walked on, he saw himself playing tug-o-war with a stray retriever. The rope was pulled out of his hooves by the stronger dog.
"Okay, you win." The younger Sterling smiled. "And here's your reward..."
Sterling held up a bag, and extracted a dog treat (which he had bought with his own allowance). He fed the dog the treat, and patted it on the head.
"Good boy." He grinned.
'Ah, the good old days.'He thought.'Back before it all went wrong...'
Sterling continued his way through town, passing by the museum that he and Solomon had broken into all those years ago. His mind went back to that night, where Nile had walked in on the two during the robbery, and how Nile saw Sterling, right before he escaped.
'I'm sorry, Nile.' Sterling thought. 'Sorry that it took so long to do the right thing. But I'm about to to...'
Soon, Sterling happened upon an armory. Pausing for a moment, he glanced at the store.
'Well, now is as good as time than any for a quick pitstop.' He thought. 'Maybe pick up something for later...'
Sterling entered the armory, perusing the weapons on display. It didn’t take Sterling long to find what he was looking for, as he picked out a simple crossbow, and with it, a single clip of bolts.
He made his way to the counter, where the vendor, a middle-aged, blue-coated Pegasus stallion with a black mane and goatee and teal eyes.
“Just a crossbow and the bolts today, sir.” Sterling said curtly and politely, setting down some bits from the funds he earned back in Dodge Junction.
“Okay.” The vendor nodded, taking note of the items… and frowned, “Just one clip? Most ponies that come through here usually buy more.”
"I'll only need the one, thanks." Sterling shrugged.
"just that good, are you?" The vendor mused.
"You could say that." Sterling declared.
The vendor glanced at Sterling intently.
"...Say, don't I know you from somewhere?" The vendor asked. "You look so familiar. Can't quite place the face, though..."
"I get that a lot." Sterling shrugged. "Just one of those faces, I guess."
"Yeah, I suppose." The vendor shrugged back, “Well, thank you, come again.”
'That was close.'Sterling thought as he exited the building.'Good thing I've been gone for so long, or I might be more easily recognizable around here...'
Sterling stopped by more stores. His stops included a florist, where he bought a bouquet bluebells, and a newstand, where he bought the day's newspaper.
After all the shopping, Sterling soon found himself standing across the steps to the Cairode Palace. As he stared at the home of the royals, he couldn’t help but think of Black Thorn and the events that had ultimately lead to his demise (as he was told by others when he returned to the Forefathers).
’I imagine the Prince must be doing real well for himself now that Black Thorn is gone.’Sterling mused. ’And I doubt the Forefathers miss him much. Never really liked that guy much myself...’
Sterling continued his trek through his hometown, leading him to happen by Brody’s house…
'Brody...' Sterling thought, great guilt building up in him. 'My oldest friend, the pony I'd count on to help me forget my troubles... and I used him, made him into a pawn...'
Sterling slowly approached the house, looking through the front window. He saw Brody with his mother, happily singing along to a song on their radio.
A part of Sterling wanted to knock on the door and greet his old friend… but he knew that he couldn’t.
’No… I know if I do, the Forefathers will find out about it and they drag him further into their world.’ Sterling thought sadly. ’...Besides, I caused him enough grief… I don’t expect you to forgive me, Brody… but you were the best friend I ever had...’
Turning away, Sterling made his way to the edge of town. There was the local cemetery. Hesitant at first, Sterling entered, and made his way over to a specific grave. Once he arrived, he stopped, and glanced down at the headstone intently…
On the headstone were inscribed the words:
Gold Cross
A treasure to us all
Sterling knelt down, and pulled out the flowers he bought, setting them down on the grave.
“...Hey, bro.” Sterling said softly, “Sorry I haven’t dropped by too often. I know it’s been a long time since I’ve been back. I could say that I never had the time… but that would be a lie. The truth is, I had many chances to come and see you… but I didn’t. Because I couldn’t bring myself to face you… because I thought, deep down, you would be ashamed of me, and the awful things I’ve done.”
Sterling sniffled a bit.
“All I ever wanted in life was to be the pony you always thought me to be.” Sterling admitted. “But I could never be that pony. Just a coward and a fool. It's only recently that I've managed to finally get my head on straight. But even, it took a lot of good ponies suffering a lot of pain for me to finally see the light." He sighed deeply. "...Anyway, the reason I’m here now is so I can finally face Crystal… better late than never, right?” Sterling gave a small chuckle… which faded into a harrowing sigh, “...If only I’ve done this sooner… maybe you would still be here…”
The saddened stallion placed a hoof on the headstone.
“Wish me luck, brother.” Sterling declared, “...Maybe once the day is through, you will have some sort of justice…”
As Sterling walked away, he set his eyes on a nearby house. It was a house he knew well, for it was where his father, Green Cross, lived. Following the burning down of their old house, Sterling's parents had moved there to be closer to the cemetery, as he learned from Brody back when he was still looking for Nightcrawlers. As far as he knew, Green lived there alone, having retired from being a doctor.
'Looks like today's the day for family reunions.' Sterling thought.
Sterling made his way to the house. After knocking a few times and receiving no answer, Sterling surmised that his father was out.. So he picked the lock and let himself in.
Once inside, Sterling looked around. The place looked as well-furnished as their old home, with Abyssinian rugs, marble stairs, and a golden chandelier in the living room.
“Hmm, not too shabby.” Sterling mused, “I guess I should be thankful mom didn’t leave dad hanging.”
Sterling took a look around, inspecting the kitchen (which was well-stocked with food), the bedrooms, and even the basement. He found a number of old family relics down there, such as hiss blue ribbon from his first school sports day, but mostly, it was stuff honoring Crystal and Gold's achievements.
'Nice to know some things don't change...' Sterling thought bitterly. 'Mom and dad never were proud of my accomplishments...'
Soon after, Sterling took a seat in one of chairs to give his hooves a break, having been walking all day. The stallion took a moment to get comfortable, noting how soft and comfy the chair felt.
As he rested, Sterling’s eyes was caught by some photos on the wall. They were mostly family pictures, from when Sterling and his brothers were younger. Sterling was admittingly surprised to see any, considering the last time he saw them, they were in the house he set on fire. Looking at the fake innocent smile on Crystal's face, and the false motherly pride on Silver's face, filled Sterling with revulsion.
'Look at them.' Sterling scowled. 'How could they pretend to be nice and normal like that? ...Why couldn’t they been like that in real life?'
Suddenly, the front door opened, as Green Cross came in, his saddlebags full of groceries., He had aged considerably, being completely bald, his pale blue coat even paler, and through some impossible feat, looked much more feeble than he did all those years ago.
It only took Green a second upon entering, after setting down his saddlebags, to register Sterling’s presence.
“Gah!” Green nearly jumped out of his skin, “...S-Sterling?”
"...Hi, dad." Sterling said pleasantly.
Green stared for a moment, as if he has seen a ghost. He then glanced over at the phone that sat between the two chairs, one Sterling was in, and for a moment, it seem like he was about to lunge for it.
“I wouldn’t bother, if I were you.” Sterling said nonchalantly, “I pulled out the plug about ten minutes ago.”
Green froze, terrified.
“Why don’t you take a seat, pops?” Sterling suggested, patting the empty chair. “You must be tired from your shopping trip. A stallion of your age needs to rest.”
"No, I-" Green started, almost ready to run out the front door.
"Please." Sterling said firmly. "I insist."
"... Okay." Green said timidly.
Hesitantly, Green walked over to the other chair, and shakingly lowered himself.
“So… how have you been, dad?” Sterling asked.
"F-fine." Green trembled. "Can't really complain."
“That’s good.” Sterling smirked, “You seem to be doing well, what with mom being gone...”
“Oh, it hadn’t been easy.” Green shook his head. “But I took it one day at a time. With all the time I have to myself now, I’ve been taking up a little crochet, and playing some checkers.”
"I suppose a hobby is good for keeping your mind sharp." Sterling noted. "Staying active..."
"It helps." Green shrugged.
“...So…” Sterling frowned, “Aren’t you going to ask me what I’ve been up to? Or even where I’ve been?”
“I… I don’t have to.” Green murmured, his voice quivering, “I’ve heard all about you in the news, Sterling. How you have been involved with these ‘Forefathers’ and how you were involved int that attack on Canterlot… you’ve hurt ponies, Sterling.”
“...You’re right, I did.” Sterling nodded solemnly.
“I almost didn’t want to believe it when I read your names in the paper.” Green frowned, “After you disappeared from the juvenile correction facility, we all thought you were dead. That these ponies who abducted you had done something awful to you . But to learn that all this time, you’ve been taking part in these acts of terrorism… it scares me. It scares me that a son of mine would commit such awful crimes.”
“I know… and I don’t deny it. I have made some mistakes.” Sterling admitted… before giving a cold glare towards Green, “Then again, that seems to run in the family.”
"What's that supposed to mean?" Green frowned.
"Oh, please." Sterling scowled, causing Green to lean back against his chair. "You know exactly what I mean. And have you forgot what life was like back in the old days?"
“Sterling, please…” Green muttered weakly, “Things weren’t that bad…”
“You’re right… they were awful!” Sterling yelled, causing Green to flinch, “You know full well how much mom hurt me and Crystal. Tormented us. Made us feel worse than worthless.”
“Now, now.” Green admonished, “I know your mother was real strict at times, but I believe you’re blowing this way out of proportion…”
“Am I?” Sterling glared, “Putting us down all the time, denying us meals, and those were just the minor things. How about when she used corporal punishment us? Like the time I broke a window playing catch, and she beat my hooves numb with a yardstick? Or when Crystal accidentally broke her favorite vase, and she hit over the head with the biggest piece? He had to go to the hospital afterwards! And the worst part is, you let all of that happened!”
“Okay… maybe there were times Silver went a little too far.” Green grimaced, “But your mother did love all of you… she just had trouble showing it sometimes.”
“Is that so?” Sterling scoffed, “Well, maybe if mom didn’t have so much ‘trouble’, maybe Crystal wouldn’t had turned out the way he did.”
“Crystal? What are you talking about? He didn’t turn out that bad.” Green frowned.
"You're kiddin' right?" Sterling asked incredulously, "Mom was bad, but Crystal was worse! He insulted us constantly, broke my and Gold's belongings, even beat the crap out of us just like mom did. He made my and Gold's life a living hell Especially Gold!"
“If I recall, you weren’t so kind to Gold yourself.” Green grunted.
“Oh, come on, you didn’t believe for a moment that I would've intentionally hurt Gold, did you?” Sterling snorted, “It was all Crystal! He forced to do all these things to him! Because he was a monster!”
“Look, Crystal was a problem child. Me and Silver knew that.” Green declared, “Just like you, he too made his fair shares of mistakes in life.”
“Yet somehow, he never paid for them.” Sterling snarled, “All these years, Crystal managed to get away with doing all these awful things to me and Gold. And whenever he did those things to somepony else, mother would cover it up, just to save a little face.”
"That's not how it happened." Green insisted.
"Yes, it is." Sterling scoffed, "You have no idea how terrified I was of Crystal. He was angry, cold...and filled with so much hate. Hate towards anypony around him. Hate he directed towards me and Gold. Everytime he did those awful things to us, I can never forget the look in his eyes. There was something... dark... in those eyes. And I wasn't able to protect Gold from it."
“Now you’re going too far.” Green retorted, seeming to get agitated from Sterling's words. “Yes, Crystal was deeply troubled. And maybe we covered for him more than we should have. He wasn’t so bad when you got right down to it. He was just extremely troubled, especially after Gold was murdered...”
“Oh, forgive me if I have… trouble…” Sterling’s anger faded, turning to confusion, “Wait… why did you say Gold was murdered? Everypony else had called it an accident. You and mom said it was an accident.”
"I... er..." Green spluttered. "Did... did I say 'murder'? Because I meant..."
Sterling was horrified. He had long suspected that Crystal was the one who killed Gold, but there was never any solid evidence to support his beliefs. In fact, there was a small part of him that humored the thought that maybe he was wrong, that it was an accident after all…
Until now.
“...You knew.” Sterling whispered, growing visibly outraged, “You and mom knew! knew that Crystal killed Gold!”
"Sterling, p-please calm down..." Green stuttered.
"How did you find out?" Sterling demanded. "And how long have you known? Tell me!"
"Well… it was after you have disappeared from juvie all those years ago." Green said awkwardly, a bit cowed by Sterling's anger, "...Crystal had become more and more out of control. He's been getting into fights with other kids, engaging in very serious vandalisms, hell, he once put a teacher who gave him detention in the hospital! We were going back and forth trying to mitigate damage. It wasn't long till Silver suggested giving him hypnotherapy. We thought it would help curtail his violent tendencies… but instead, the therapist told us that while Crystal was under… he said he pushed Gold down into the well. That he killed him… your mother and I were mortified… it cost us dearly to buy the therapist's silence on the matter."
“...I don’t believe this...” Sterling declared, disgusted, “You knew Crystal killed Gold, and none of you did anything about it?! You just covered it up like everything else, and went about things as normal?!”
“We had to.” Green frowned, “If word got out that one of our sons killed the other, it would had have eroded the family reputation even further. The scandal alone would had been enough to finish your mother’s career!”
“Her career?! You and her let Crystal get away with murder, over her career?!” Sterling snarled.
“No, it was more than that, Sterling.” Green growled, “You don’t know what it was like, being in our position. We had already lost Gold. You were gone, doing Faust knows what. Crystal was all we had left. We couldn’t bear any more heartbreak. Because no matter what, Crystal was our son!”
"I was your son!" Sterling roared. "Gold was your son! A son who was killed by his own brother! Did you ever stop to think of what Gold and I would had wanted?! I’ve tried telling you Crystal was responsible! All those years ago, I had tried telling you! But instead, you had me sent to military school, while you two sheltered a monster!”
“Sterling, please, it wasn’t like that.” Green shook his head.
“Of course it was!” Sterling retorted, “Then again, what would I have expected?! You two were lousy parents to begin with. This is just another chapter in your book of bad parenting!”
"Don't take that tone with me." Green retorted. "Despite what you think, I'm still your father!"
“Father?! You don’t have the right to call yourself that!” Sterling growled.
"I-" Green spluttered.
"You can't even call yourself a stallion!" Sterling rose from his seat.
"Sterling-" Green tried to retort.
"You just stood aside, and let mom and Crystal do whatever they wanted!" Sterling retorted. "What kind of stallion does that?"
"That's not-" Green frowned.
"Face it: As a father, you failed!" Sterling spat.
“I did the best I could!” Green shouted, rising to his hooves to face him.
Sterling paused. He had rarely ever seen his father get angry over something, having always leaving that to his mother.
"I tried my best to take care of all of you!" Green yelled. "But your mother... your mother..." He shook his head, "She frightened me. She was always a intimidating mare, from the very day we met. And if somepony crossed her, even a smidge, she would go out of her way to make them suffer. I felt the fact alone that you and Crystal were her sons was enough to shelter you from the brunt of her wrath. But me, her hapless, timid husband?" He shuddered in silent agony, "She would had destroyed me. That's why I only stepped in when it was absolutely necessary..."
"Oh, is that it?" Sterling said coldly. "Then what kept you from stopping Crystal from hurting me and Gold?"
"The fact I was even more afraid of him!" Green yelled.
"...What?" Sterling gaped.
"Don't act so surprised." Green scowled. "You know better than anypony how twisted Crystal was. Well,I knew too. There was always something off about Crystal. The boy clearly shows signs of mental unstability. And when I learned he murdered Gold... I was afraid for my life. Before he left, I would lock his bedroom door, as well as mine at night, terrified that he would smother me in my sleep... or worse."
"You locked his door at night." Sterling scoffed. "That really made a difference, didn't it?"
“I did all I could, despite the circumstances...” Green frowned, “It was not my fault you or Crystal turned out the way you did.”
"Wasn't it?" Sterling sneered, getting close to Green. "You were a coward… you were supposed to protect us! All of us! But you did nothing! You turned a blind eye, letting me and Crystal suffer while mom was free to do what she wanted. And whenever she broke us, you would just glue us back together! And what mom did unto me and Crystal, Crystal did unto me and Gold...”
"Son, I-" Green started.
"I'm not done." Sterling interrupted. "You know… before, I thought it was just mom and Crystal who were the awful, terrible ponies in this family. But I was wrong. Looking back, I can see it now: You were no better than either of them. You were as much of an awful pony as they ever were."
Green's face fell. He was visibly wounded by Sterling's words.
“...Sterling… I know you feel like our life together wasn’t all that great.” Green said quietly, “...But, in spite of everything, there was a time that the five of us were a family once. A time that we were truly happy.”
“...Yeah, maybe there was…” Sterling lowered his head, before glaring at Green, “But that was when Gold was still alive. Those days are long over. And you let that happen. You were just as responsible as mom. If you'd actually done something, maybe Crystal wouldn’t be so bucked up, and Gold would still be alive today."
“...Perhaps, you’re right.” Green sighed, “Maybe things might had been different if I had been a better father.”
“There’s no ‘maybe’ about it.” Sterling growled. He pulled out the crossbow he had bought earlier.
“Sterling?!” Green gasped, “W-what are you doing?”
“You destroyed this family as much as mom did...” Sterling held up his crossbow.
"St-Sterling..." Green gulped, eyes full of fear. "Please... don't..."
"Shut up." Sterling said menacingly.
As Green stood there, frozen in fear, Sterling raised his crossbow, and opened fire.
"Ahhhhh!" Green screeched, dropping to the floor.
Seconds later, Green looked up, realizing that Sterling hadn't been aiming at him. Instead, Sterling had shot the photos, shattering some of them.
"What? ...why did you shoot all the pictures?" Green whimpered, well aware of the one remaining bolt in the crossbow (and of the wet patch on the carpet beneath him).
"Because they were nothing but lies." Sterling scowled, his eyes nearly welling up with tears, “All those years of pain and suffering, and I was never allowed to show it.” He glanced down at his father, who let out a gasp of horror, cowering in fear. "...Relax, I'm not going to kill you."
"Y-you're not?" Green asked.
“No.” Sterling shook his head, holding in hidden anguish, “Honestly, I could care less whether you live or die. Either way, I got what I came for.”
“W-what do you mean?” Green stammered, “Y-you broke into my house. Said all those awful things. And you shot at our family photos…”
“To be fair, I came here only wanting to talk.” Sterling admitted, “I wanted answers for why our childhood was so awful. And you pretty much hit that nail on the head. So this is where I leave you.”
With that, after wiping his eyes, he turned to leave.
“Wait… s-so you just gonna leave again?” Green asked, “After being gone all those years?”
“There’s nothing for me here. You, mom, and Crystal made sure of that.” Sterling stated coldly, glaring back at his father, “Even if there was… I wouldn’t waste my time on you.”
“But Sterling-” Green protested.
“I don’t care what you do with the rest of your life, dad.” Sterling said firmly, a mix of anger and sadness in his voice, “But I won’t be a part of it. You won’t see me again. And everytime you looked at these broken photos, you’ll know why. You’ll know why we are no longer a family…”
Sterling continued towards the door, before stopping once more.
“Oh, and by the way, I never actually pull out the phone’s plug.” Sterling admitted.
“You didn’t?” Green gaped.
“Didn’t feel I had to.” Sterling shook his head, “Because I knew my presence alone would've stopped you. Like I said, you were always spineless…” He then opened the door, “...Goodbye, dad.”
Sterling departed, leaving his father alone. The poor old stallion was devastated, and broke down in tears, adding more liquid to the already soaked carpet.
Outside, Sterling, oblivious to his father's misery, continued on his path.
'Time to stop stalling.' Sterling thought, setting his eyes on the senate, far in the distance. 'Time to finish things...'
Hours later, as the sun began its descent, Crystal Cross was walking into his office. He had spent all day and the day before preparing for his trip to Equestria to take part in the manhunt for his brother, whether it was briefing his men or reading up on what little Equestria had on file regarding Sterling.
As of now, he was on the mirror, talking to somepony.
"I'm sorry, hon." Crystal apologized. "I'll try to make it home this weekend, but I have some business with the RDL in Equestria. Very important."
He listened for a moment.
"Thanks for understanding. Love you, honey." Crystal smiled.
Crystal tapped his mirror, hanging up. He then noticed a package on his table. Lighting up with glee, he tapped his mirror again, and called somepony else.
"Hey, it's me." He announced. "Good news. I'll be comin' over to Equestria soon."
"Are you, now?" A sultry female voice giggled on the other end.
"That's right." Crystal nodded. "And guess what I'm bringing with me..."
Crystal too a seat and opened the package, pulling out a see-through night gown. His face formed into a lecherous grin.
"Only the finest shear nightgown for the finest lovely lady." He chuckled.
"Lemmee guess... see-through, right?" The voice purred.
"Of course it's see-through." Crysta nodded. "That's the point. I want to be able to see your curves."
"And how long will you have to wait for that?" The mare asked.
"It won't be long." Crystal answered. "Once me and some of my guys make our presence known over at the RDL, I'll meet you at the summer estate." His face suddenly lit up. "Ooh, before I forget, I should bring some of that beechwood wine along for the ride."
"What's the occasion, might I ask?" The mare inquired.
"The occasion?" Crystal began looking through his drawers. "Oh, let's just say that sometime in the near future, a problem of mine is going to be solved."
"What kind of problem?” The mare mused.
"Oh, nothing to worry your pretty little head about." Crystal grinned. He then whispered "Come on, where is it..." before returning to the mirror. "I cannot wait to get you on that bed and give you a very special-"
Crystal suddenly froze, as he saw something that made his blood ran cold.
"Babe, I'm going to have to call you back." He said bluntly.
Crystal hung up, and set the mirror down as he pulled out... what appeared to be a remnant of a crystal trombone. A remnant he remembers all too well.
"Detail..." He said in a panicked tone. "Detail..." His voice rose to a glass-shattering pitch "DETAIL!"
Minutes later, Crystal was quickly walking through the Cairode Senate building, flanked by two guards. He was utterly panic-stricken at this point. Detail was desperately trying to keep pace with him.
"Sir, please try and calm down!" Detail urged. "You're overreacting!"
"Like hell I am!" Crystal yelled. "Somepony was in my office! Sterling was in my office!"
"Sir, we don't know that!" Detail retorted.
"That was Gold's broken trombone! There are only three ponies alive, including me, that knew about it! And you and I both know my dad is too yellow to try and buck with me!"
"But that doesn't make sense, sir!" Detail pointed out. "Sterling was last sighted in Equestria! He wouldn't have been able to get past security at any docks or airfield without us knowing about it!"
"Oh, like how he shouldn't have been able to get out of juvie?" Crystal retorted. "Out of prison? That brother of mine has his ways! He knows I'm coming for him, and he's coming after me before that happens!"
"Look, it will all be okay, sir." Detail said in a calming tone. "I already took the liberty of calling a carriage. We'll take you to a safe house over in Gizaddle. Once you're there, we'll have Cairode put on lockdown. If Sterling is here, we won't let him get to you."
"But what if he does?" Crystal trembled. "I'll be done for!"
"Right now, you should try to remain calm.” Detail urged, “What if somepony sees you like this? Your reputation-"
"Will mean nothing if Sterling gets his grubby hooves on me!" Crystal yelled. "You know what he's been up to since he left Haygypt. The things he's done..."
"Deep breaths, sir." Detail urged. "Sterling won't lay a hoof on you if I can help it."
"Somehow, that doesn't exactly fill me with confidence." Crystal scoffed. "It's not like when we were kids, and Sterling was just this scrawny brat. He's different now. Stronger, tougher... a cold-blooded killer!”
“Sir, please...” Detail declared, “I’ve handled worse. You’re going to be fine.”
"Oh, for your sake, I’ve better be." Crystal glared coldly at him.
Detail felt himself flinched a little. He was no stranger to Crystal’s anger… but seeing him this agitated… it unnerved him greatly.
Crystal and his escort exited outside the rear emergency exit of the senate, a carriage waiting for them. There were no pullers, as discretion was key. So the two guards would attend to those positions.
"Allow me, sir." Detail opened the door to the carriage.
"Yeah, yeah, let's just make it quick." Crystal growled.
Once Crystal climbed inside, Detail closed the door.
"Come on, get this thing moving!" Crystal yelled, still agitated.
"Okay, you heard the stallion." Detail told the guards. "Let's get this thing moving!"
The two guards moved to the front, taking their positions. Detail was about to climb onto the perch, when...
"Wow, Detail. Twenty years later, and you're still Crystal's lapdog?" A voice suddenly asked. "Nice to know some things haven't changed."
Detail and the two guys froze, surprised.
"Who's there?" Detail asked.
As the three of them turned to face the origins of the voice, their faces contorted in horror...
Meanwhile, Crystal was still waiting in the carriage, irritably so. He had never been a particularly patient stallion, and the current situation wasn't helping matters.
"What's the hold up?!" He yelled. "Why aren't we mov-".
He was interrupted by dull thuds and cries of pain coming from outside the carriage.
"Oof!"
"Ugh!"
"Arrgh!"
The last scream definitely belonged to Detail. Crystal went still with terror.
"I won't let you- Ugh!" Detail grunted.
As Crystal listened, terrified, he heard more sounds of battle, grunts from Detail as he threw punches. The other guards had stopped making sounds; Clearly, they hadn't been able to put up most of a fight, but Detail was still going.
Crystal was too scared to look outside, as grunts from the unseen attacker faded out, replaced by more grunts of pain from Detail, as the carriage shook with each thud, somepony being slammed against the carriage.
"Ugh!"
"Arrgh!"
"Urrr!"
"Yarrh!"
"Ooof!"
Then there was the sound of a body hitting the ground, and all was silent.
"...Detail? Guys?" Crystal gulped. "Anypony out-"
Suddenly, Detail was slammed through the door of the carriage, shattering the glass.
"Gah!" Crystal yelped.
"Oh..." Detail groaned, his face a bruised mess and his sunglasses busted.
The door opened, causing Detail to slip out of the window and fall to the ground, passed out.
To Crystal's abject horror, Sterling leaned inside the carriage, and gave him a cold grin.
"Hey, big brother." He announced. "Heard you were looking for me..."