//------------------------------// // Chapter Four : Flint // Story: CoH (Book Two) : Of Ancient Castles and Soldier Hassles // by Diespitris //------------------------------// What a welcome... Flash huffed a tired sigh. Giving credit where credit was due, Ponyvillians sure knew how to have fun. As if the abundance of sugary food wasn't enough, the Elements “volunteered” him for a multitude of games: Pin the Tail on the Pony, charades, Mad Libs, Blind Mare's Bluff... It was well after noon, a quarter until one, yet there was still no sign of Twilight Sparkle. He groaned as he rested his cheek on the table. Due to his inability to just say no, his assimilation into the town's energetic populace was pretty much complete. That was far from a problem, of course, but the one mare he wanted to see more than anypony had yet to show her lovely face. “Looks like Miss Pinkie has claimed another victim.” Flash started. “Huh?” An elderly earth stallion stood before him. His coat was as gray as stone; his mane was a dull brown, with streaks of white from age. More important, however, was the other stallion's uniform: a blue short-sleeved shirt, a black tie, and a black-brimmed blue hat. “Is... Is there a problem, officer?” he stammered. A grin manifested on the stranger's wrinkled face. “Of course not, my boy,” he retorted. He didn't wait for an invitation before he promptly seated himself next to Flash. “Why? Feelin' guilty about something?” “Uh—” Barking a laugh, he clapped the pegasus on the shoulder. “Kidding! Kidding!” he chortled. “I'm here for your party, Mr. Sentry. Nothin' more.” “Oh, please, just call me Flash.” The stallion simply nodded, then held out his hoof. “Name's Flint.” Flash shook it without hesitation. “It's nice to meet you.” “Likewise, my boy.” As the older stallion leaned back against his chair, a golden glint on his shirt caught Flash's attention. It was a badge, he noticed. His interest peaked, for he wasn't close enough to read what was engraved on its shiny surface. As such, it didn't take long for Flint to figure out why the pegasus kept glancing at his uniform. “Ah, you caught that, huh?” he muttered, tapping his badge. “Well, I was hoping to save this conversation for later, seein' as you just got here and all, but I guess there's no helpin' it. I'm Ponyville's police chief.” Flash's eyes grew wide. “You mean...?” “Yep. I'm your new boss.” Rubbing the back of his neck, Flash chuckled. “Well, in that case, it's really nice to make your acquaintance, sir.” Flint scoffed. “Take it easy. I'm not some uppity big-city captain. There's no need to butter me up.” “Sorry, I didn't mean to cause offense.” “Don't worry about it. Really. Worry only about enjoying yourself.” “Am I free to ask questions?” “If that's what you want.” As Pinkie Pie bounced by, she left a glass of punch in front of him. He didn't even bat an eye as he lifted it to take a long sip out of the twisty straw. “But,” he added suddenly, before Flash spoke, “just be warned, not much happens around these parts.” He shot a glance at Pinkie, whose puffy pink tail bobbed in the air as the rest of her body disappeared into the crowd of revelers. “Let me rephrase that... Not much happens here that we, as the police, have to deal with ourselves. You've met them, right? The Elements?” Flash nodded. “Excellent. Good mares, that lot. They attract a lot of trouble, like Fate's got it out for 'em, but they've done a lot for Ponyville over the years.” “And for Equestria as a whole,” Flash interjected. Smiling, Flint raised his glass. “True, true.” He sighed. “It's easy-going for us, my boy, so you better get used to a nuance of boredom now and again. Drunks are a common problem. This party is all for you, Flash, but get used to them. Pinkie Pie is Ponyville's self-proclaimed Party Pony.” He deadpanned. “Sweet Celestia, try saying that five times fast...” For the first time that afternoon, Flash laughed. “I think I'll manage! You won't believe where I was stationed before I decided to move here.” The older stallion arched a brow. “Try me.” “The Crystal Empire.” Flint nearly exasperated his drink. “Get outta town!” he exclaimed. “Hoof to Princess Celestia, I swear.” “Well, I'll be... How the hay did you end up all the way up there?” “The place was gone for nearly a thousand years. It needed a little extra help and my squad was more than available.” He paused, for there was a full glass of punch before him he just noticed. While he was certain it wasn't there a moment before, the timing couldn't have been more perfect. Only then did he realize he was thirsty. He didn't hesitate to take a swig. “Anyway,” he continued, “that was where I first met them, the Elements. That was awesome, but it went downhill from there. Some crazy unicorn showed up, wanting revenge on them for something they supposedly did to her, and brainwashed the entire populace—me and my squad included!” A low, flat whistle escaped from between Flint's teeth. “Good gravy. Must've been some serious magic they were packin'.” Flash shrugged. “She had some super-magical necklace on her. I heard she stole it, but whatever. It was destroyed in the battle between her and Miss Twilight. Unfortunately, I don't remember any of it. I didn't come around until the fight was long over.” He, intentionally, left out the bit about how he woke up in a utility closet. “After that, we were called back to Canterlot. They offered me a paid vacation after what I went through, but I didn't take it. All I wanted was a transfer.” “I can't say I blame you. Although, I can't say I understand your choice. We're a simple little community, but we have our moments. Like I said, the Elements are a magnet for all sorts of trouble. Not that I blame them for any of it, mind you. It's just how things work around here now—the new normal.” Flint cleared his throat. “But, enough about that. When can you start?” “Uh, I can start tomorrow, if you want.” “Good, good. I'll have one of the guys drop off a few uniforms for you later today. I'll set up a simple patrol route to get you started. Sound good to you?” “Yes, sir.” “I'll see you at seven sharp, got it?” “Yes, sir.” Grunting, Flint hopped off his chair. “Then I'll see you in the mornin', my boy.” He tipped his hat. “Enjoy your party.” Flash merely nodded, then he watched as the police chief vanished into the crowd. What a nice guy, he thought, taking a long sip of punch. Despite what Flint thought, however, his choice to move to Ponyville was far above an upgrade for the pegasus. There was more free-time in his future, though, that much was certain. Oh, well.