The sound of soft rustling leaves in the light breeze slowly woke me up, not to say that the gentle prodding of a hoof into my side didn’t help in the process as well. Opening my eyes, I found Twilight attached to my side. Her smile only helped brighten up the morning and was contagious, as one grew upon my face. The past few weeks have been nice, waking up in peace; nothing wanting to kill, torture, or maim myself or anyone I know. Strange, knowing that after being so close to death in the recent months, that I was now the farthest thing from it.
“You really should be getting up now.” her smooth honey voice whispered. “We really have a big week ahead of us and you,” poking my chest to accent her words, “have an appointment with Rarity today.”
“Because obviously a simple bow tie just won’t cut it,” rolling my eyes playfully. “I thought just a black bow tie and top hat would be perfect.”
“You know that will simply will not do for the Grand Galloping Gala,” she rolled off of me and stepped off of the bed. “Also, besides your appointment with Rarity, I need you to run to the market and pick up a few things for dinner tonight.”
“Dinner tonight?” Slowly, my memory was beginning to return, “The Dinner, the one with your parents, right?”
“Yes, that would be tonight!” She smiled again, “My brother even said he might even stop by for a little bit. You didn’t forget did you?”
“Oh no! No, of course not!” I began, but she began to stare me down, “Well, maybe. Only a little bit though.
“Toby, you did promise.”
“Yes, but I didn’t take into account my poor memory and one of Pinkie’s parties. Not my fault!”
She sighed, “ I suppose so, so come on,” she gently tried to rouse me from the bed, “get up, you’ve got a few things to do today and you can’t stay in bed.”
“But it’s Monday, anypony knows Monday is the best day for sleeping,” I rolled over, wrapping the blankets tightly around me. Though no sooner that I had done that, I found myself tossed to the floor, looking up at the giggling unicorn.
“You really enjoy doing that, don’t you?”
Patting my head gently, “Every day,” she said with a smile. Planting a quick peck on my forehead before she continued, “Now on your hooves, Spike’s been waiting on you long enough.”
* * *
Trotting down the main street of Ponyville with a love-struck dragon on my back wasn’t really on the list of the things I had planned for today, but what Twi said; went. Call me whipped, but it keeps the mare happy. And besides, without her late nights editing, (I don’t understand why she stays up late to edit, The Princesses said we could take our time) my first volume of the book the princesses requested would not be finished.
I say first volume only because slowly repressed memories from forever ago seem to reappear everyday. Somehow, I could be staring a leaf and out of nowhere a memory of a childhood friend and I taking a leak in some backwoods stream would appear. From there it would spawn off a web of adventures, which is why I was glad to have Spike near me to write down the next five to ten minutes of ranting I would spill. Of course, in turn, I would spend most of the time we were together listening to him go on about one thing or another. Though, I really didn’t mind it, I more or less saw it as a bonding experience. My life stories for his, simple really.
“…And after all that destruction I caused,” the Dragon animatedly explained from my back. “I found myself falling from the sky!”
“Yeah, been there a few times myself,” I said, pausing for moment to gather my thoughts. “Except the concept was to jump then cause the destruction, but I never had a combat jump nor did I free-fall till I was inches to the ground.”
“That’s not the point! Going from the biggest, baddest thing ever to straight free-fall.” He said, his sentenced accented with an embarrassed laugh. “Though Rarity was with me all the way down and…”
“Funny how being near death, we seem more alive,” I give him a small smile, “Trust me, been there. And I’m not trying to sound like a broken record of ‘been there, done that,’ I’m just trying to relate to you in some way. And I really don’t have much experience here to give you related stories from here.”
“You’re doing fine, these are actually quite interesting stories. But...” He paused, giving me a light spur with his feet. “...could you hurry it up please? I… Uh, we’re going to be late to see Rarity.”
I shot the dragon a brief look, then said “You do know we are nearly thirty minutes early and it’s only right down the street. I doubt it’s going to take us thirty minutes to walk less than 100 yards.”
“I know,” Spike awkwardly chuckled. “But, it’s Rarity. Even being thirty minutes early is being thirty minutes too late!”
“I think you’re over dramatizing the situation here just a tad, Spike. She wouldn’t kill us for being even thirty minutes late.”
“And would I be overdramatizing a situation if I said Twilight would if she didn’t if we forgot to do the things on her list?”
“Spike, you and I both know we wouldn’t even come within twenty feet of the Library without feeling the lecture that was brewing. Besides you don’t share the same bed as Twi, I do. So I don’t really fear Rarity as much I as I do Twilight.”
The dragon shrugged, “I dunno, she can get pretty scary when she wants to be. You shouldn’t underestimate her.”
“Whatever you say, Spike.” I shook my head. We continued the walk to Rarity’s in silence. Though, it was less than a few yards anyway. Spike hopped off my back and took place next to me as we approached the door. Raising my hoof in preparation to knock, I turned my head to the dragon next to me, “Any final thoughts?” He shook his head, so I knocked.
We didn’t have to wait long before the white unicorn opened the door. Rarity’s mane was pinned back, with a measuring tape hung around her neck. She looked a bit overworked, but to Spike, she was beautiful as ever. How do I know that? I caught him drooling.
“Oh lovely, you’re both here!” Rarity’s face lit up with excitement. “I simply cannot wait to get started. Especially with you, Philosopher. I have yet to make any garments for you, so this will be quite fun!” She turned to enter her boutique, implying for us to follow. “Now, do you have some sort of idea of what you would like to wear?”
“Personally?” I started, trying to remember something. “I like a nice tux; black, classy, and with a bow tie. Also, since you’re making Twi’s dress, something that matches. That would be perfect.”
“Oh, stallions.” She sighed in despair. “Having such little idea for fashion, but I am at least happy that you’re on the right track.”
She gestured to a small stage surrounded by mirrors, then said “Hop up, please. I need to do some quick measurements.”
Upon getting onto the small stage, Rarity began her work while softly humming to herself. She slowly took measurements with her measuring tape, pausing intermittently to write them down.
The unicorn stepped back for a moment, trying to gather a picture in her mind with me as the canvas, prodding her chin lightly with her hoof. “Spi-“ she began.
“Yes, Ms. Rarity?” the dragon appeared at her side with such speed that astounded me, and might put Rainbow Dash to shame.
“Spike, would you be a dear and go into the market?” She smiled lightly, handing the dragon a small list. “There are some things I need before I work on Philospher’s and your suit.”
“It would be my honor, Ms. Rarity,” Spike saluted then sped off out the door with another burst of massive speed.
I stood there stunned for a few moments. Usually I had never seen him move that fast unless he accidentally caught Twilight and I being our usually corny-couple-selves.
Thankfully, Rarity was the first to break the silence as she went back to work, “Now that he’s gone, the adult ponies can talk, but first work.”
She brought a formal jacket over, implying that I try it on. After putting it on, she began to make adjustments, marking alternations that needed to be made.
“So,” she began coolly, “how are you and Twilight?”
Half sighing, half chuckling, I said, “You know, if I knew this was going to be an interrogation, I could’ve waited till Shining Armor was over later, because I know that’ll be a bucket of fun.”
“It could be worse, you could be in the Canterlot dungeons, tied to chair, and having a nice one on one chat with Shining.” She paused for a moment, “That was supposed to be a joke,” she laughed nervously.
I returned the nervous laughter with some of my own, “And you think I haven’t worried about that? I’ve done my fair share; I’ve had my life on the line more than a few times, yet why am I nervous about facing her family?”
“Fear of rejection, or of failure?” The unicorn spoke quite quaintly. “Everyone has those feelings. Maybe because it’s a challenge you have yet to face? I’m only spouting out ideas.”
I shrugged lightly, “You may be onto something, that’s for sure.” I gave her a glance, “What about you and your love life? I mean if you wanted to talk about that, I can see why you wanted Spike to leave.”
I could see the weight gather on her shoulders as she sighed. “May I ask you a question about you and Twilight? Nothing that isn’t too personal.”
“Well, shoot.”
“How did you two meet? I’ve heard the story from Twilight more than enough times, I would like to hear your perspective.”
“I don’t know how much you know, but seeing as you were there when we arrived... Well, you know that I came from Earth, and I was not pony to begin with.” She nodded so I continued. “I was in a bit of rut, not sure what to do with myself. I was drinking myself into depression. One day, I decided to make a trip to the library; trying to gain hold of something of sanity, then she and I reached for the same book, and I knew something was up. Personally, because I never meet cute girls with such luck and poorly executed grace. However, she helped me back onto the track of sanity.” I shrugged trying to remember more, “From there, most of it is history. Though, I’m curious why you’d ask that.”
“I was simply just curious, that’s all.” She continued in her work a bit slower than normal. “Though, I have another question.”
“Then I probably have another answer, go ahead.”
“What is your opinion of Russia?”
“Rus-what?” raising an eyebrow at such an out of nowhere question. “How do you know about that place?”
“Just answer the question, dear. Please, just behoove me just this once with an answer.”
“I uh… cold? Vodka? Communism? I really don’t have a well formulated response to that. We stopped fighting Ivan back in the 90s, so they stopped teaching us about him.”
“Okay, you’d be mostly right. And your answer means you probably do not know much about Siberia then.”
“Rarity, you’re losing me. None of those places I have mentioned, ever. Nor has Twi. What are you getting at?”
The unicorn sighed again, “You stallions, so naïve with the answer staring them right in the face.”
“Are you implyin-.”
“Yes, I am implying just that. There was a… mishap when we were teleporting Twilight to your world. The magic required to even begin the process of sending her needed so much concentration, even more to change her form and provide some materials which were even more demanding. I… slipped and faltered…and went into the void after her.” The fashionista’s voice stammered. “I guess I was lucky enough that I found… he found me.” Her work stopped, as I turned to face her.
“Rarity, what happened?” Placing a hoof on her shoulder, her head sinking lower. “Tell me please, I only want to help. Who did you leave behind?”
“I remember it being cold, and white.” She smiled lightly, returning back to her work “Very cold and white. I should count myself lucky that I had a nice thick coat, ”
* * *
* * *
I don’t quite remember when Spike arrived during Rarity’s story, probably sometime in between on the run while leaving Siberia and arriving in Alaska. She worked diligently through her story, making short work of my suit then Spike’s, though the little guy seemed a bit at unease when she talked about her savior. I could understand his displeasure; Rarity voice also shared some pain in revealing her savior to the purple-lover-dragon. Though, I’m not sure what the pain in the story was: that she was telling it to Spike, or because she still had feelings to this savior. My suspicion was that it was more toward the latter than the former.
With a bit of relief she finished her story over a cup of tea, leaving me a bit stunned at what this mare had accomplished in her journey. Didn’t know the unicorn had it in her, though I’m probably right to say that the story would have been told in a much different way if her savior were telling it. I’m sure the word whining would have been tossed around more than once.
We bid Rarity goodbye, at least until Spike and I had to pick up our suits. I gave Spike a subtle nod and I stepped outside to let the dragon have a minute or two alone with the unicorn. It wasn’t much, because as much as I deeply hated to say it, this deep (albeit one sided) relationship wasn’t going anywhere. Though, I could spare them a few moments and see what happens.
Ten or so minutes later, one glum looking dragon walked out of the boutique. He sighed and stopped next me. “Mares,” the dragon muttered under his breath.
I nudged him playfully, “Come on, Spike. Two things: it ain’t the end of the world, and I’ve got a special job for you.”
Spike’s expression lightened up a bit, “What kind of job? It better not be a job where you send me off to find something like elbow grease, which by the way doesn’t exist, so you can have a few minutes with Twilight.”
I laughed a bit, “Oh no, it’s nothing like that, trust me. Besides I haven’t sent you to get headlight fluid. So, with that, let’s just say that in these next few days, things are going to be a bit hectic and I’m going to need your help. Simple as that. You with me on this?”
He contemplated this offer for a second, “What’s going on and what’s in it for me?”
Smiling, with a half laugh, “Spike, I’m giving you the chance to have the best seat in the house to one amazing show.”
“What show are we talking about?"
“We’ll figure it out when we get there, but first we need to get the things Twi asked us to get, then I have to survive dinner.”
* * *
Before I knew it, the whole Sparkle family was sitting around the table, laughing and enjoying each other’s company. Twilight Velvet (Twilight’s mother) was laughing at an offhand comment that Night Light (Twi’s Father) had made. The new captain of the guard, Shining Armor was smiling at his parent’s antics, coolly sipping his drink. Twilight was giggling in the spot next to me. It was a picture perfect Norman Rockwell family moment, at least a pony version of it.
Then there was me. I was doing everything in my power to not outwardly show how nervous I was. Here again was the smooth under pressure operator nearly having a nervous breakdown of the fear of not being accepted by her family. Which one part of my brain was confused by; I had made this far, why worry? I hadn’t had said much through most of the dinner, except the standard greetings and responses. I had tried to stay in the kitchen, helping Spike cook while Twi caught up with her parents and brother. Eventually I had to face my fears, which brought me to the table laughing nervously at the jokes and whatnot. Felt like I was having dinner with the company commander back in my “old” life. Not sure what to say for fear of those words being used against you or offending them by accident. I knew that eventually there were going to be questions, and I didn’t have to wait long.
“So, Mr. Philosopher, my daughter speaks quite highly of you,” Night Light spoke, his wife nodding her head in agreement. “Tell us a bit about yourself, because I feel like we’ve been leaving you out.”
“Well,” I chuckled nervously. “Recently, I was discharged from the Royal Guards,” this spiked Shining’s curiosity, drawing him away from his drink. “Some complications and whatnot. Apparently I didn’t make a good statue,” that brought a small round of laughter. “But now, I write for both princesses, and I guess I make a better writer than a guard.”
“You write?” Twilight Velvet seemed interested. “What do you write about, because I would love to read what you have.”
I scratched the back of my head, “Afraid not. Something that Princess Celestia wants to keep under wraps for the time being. Don’t know why, but that’s not my call. If need be I can write something for you, albeit I’m not sure how good it would be.”
“Oh, I’d hate to ask that of you,” Velvet waved off my offer, “I will just have be content and wait.
“The offer still stands if you want it.”
“And how about where you came from before deciding to settle here in ponyville?” Night Light asked again, clearly curious.
“In, uh… Manehattan.”
“Really?” Mr. Sparkle smiled, “Do you happen to know the Oranges? They’re relatives of the Apple family.”
“Um, I can’t really say that I do,” I returned a nervous smile. “Manehattan is a big city. I Must’ve missed them.”
“Well that’s just too bad,” Mrs. Sparkle spoke up, “They’re wonderful ponies. Just as kind and caring as their Apple relatives.”
Somehow I could feel a cold stare coming from Shining, but he didn’t show it. The newly appointed captain kept a neutral mask on as he listened and sipped at his drink. I could almost see the gears turning his head for his next question out of the corner of my eye.
“Alright, I’m just dying to know how you two met, and I’m sure my parents are just as curious” Shining chuckled from behind his cup. “I know how hard it can be for my sister to get out and meet anypony some days. So how did you break her bookworm shell?”
“Well… I,” somehow both Twilight and I answered at the same time and proceeded to blush as well.
“Twily, please tell me you didn’t put a spell on the poor Stallion.” The captain chuckled. “I need not remind you how well that turned out the first time you tried that.” The purple unicorn blushed.
Ignoring the comment I continued, “It’s a bit of long story,” going through the thoughts in my head, trying to spill too many beans in the process of telling them that Twilight was on Earth. Then, I realized the story I could tell that was true, but a half-truth. “I was told by Princess Celestia to help Twilight out on an assignment. You know, one of these friendship assignments had her going into not the safest places. I was simply just a guide and overwatch of her safety. At first it was strictly just business…”
* * *
The night had finally worn down, my storytelling had kept the Sparkle family entertained and I had managed to survive with my head still attached to my neck. Somehow I lived through the experience, somehow I did it. Yet, it will probably not be the last time this would happen. In celebration, I found myself alone on the balcony for a quick breather while Twilight and her mother cleaned up a bit.
As much as I wanted to help, I just felt the need to avoid more questions. Especially those that I could answer with half-truths, it was tiresome to lie to such good ponies. I wanted to say the truth, but I didn’t know if they would believe me. They might’ve just thought I was crazy and send me off to some loony farm. Looking up at the night sky, I could almost hear the moon asking its own questions.
“Thought I’d find you here,” a cool voice came from behind me. I didn’t have to turn around to know that Shining had silently infiltrated my small sanctuary. “Twilight said you were here.”
He stopped next to me, looking up at the night like I was, “Peaceful, ain’t it?” He paused, waiting for a response, but I couldn’t answer him. “Look, I’ve read your file.” Again, another pause, “I have never seen a guard’s file so small and covered in so much black ink.”
“That somehow doesn’t surprise me,” expressing a bit of amusement. “The princess didn’t want too much information getting out. I’m surprised there was even a file.”
“What’s your story then? Lunar Special Forces? Celestial Swords? They’re about the blackest groups we may or may not have. But I don’t think that.”
“Phoenix Team, actually, sir.” I chuckled. “You know with the two other guards that are happy to have their jobs and sit around a bit. I’ve served with better, but not many, sir.”
He chuckled lightly, “Oh those two: Painter and Player. Good colts, though a bit on the more rambunctious side. Though I don’t see how being on Phoenix team would grant you black ink. They barely do any tier three works.” He paused, taking a breath of the cold night air. “And there’s no need to refer me as sir, you nor I are in uniform and, even more so, you aren’t a guard anymore. Think of this as more of a friendly conversation.”
“With all do respect, sir, there’s a line of thought saying you respect the rank, not always the one with the rank. Sometimes it’s a bit of both.” I shrugged, “Also a bit of force of habit.”
He smirked, “I’ll try to remember that. Though you haven’t even answered my first question. Why is your file so black?”
“I respect you, sir, but I’m afraid the best honest answer you’ll get that is I’m not exactly from around here.”
“What? Are talking about far out where the griffons are? Maybe past where the Dragons migrate to?”
“Sir, it’s quite the walk.” I sighed at his persistence. “And if I told you, I’d might have to kill you.” I looked at him with the best stone cold face I could muster. The look must’ve been believable because there was a slight flinch of fear. “That’s only a joke, sir.” I broke down and laughed which was followed by nervous chuckles of Shining. “Besides,” I thought aloud, “I love Twilight too much to kill off her brother.”
“I guess I’m the lucky one then in that aspect.” He paused, “You’re good to her, to Twilight I mean. If I had to share my LSBFF wi-.”
“Your what?”
“Oh, sorry. My Little Sister Best Friend Forever.” Shining paused again and chuckled to himself. “If I had to share her with anyone in all of Equestria, I’m glad she’s in the right hooves, sir.”
“I’m nowhere even close to being your superior officer, Shining.” I scoffed a bit, “And I’m nowhere close to being a sir. Not by any definition of the word.”
He held his hoof up, “When you respect someone, you make sure they know you do. If you’d like, I’ll see if I can get you an advisor role with the guards. I would sure like you on board. It’s nothing big, just a lot of talking and not a lot of action. Besides, you can’t write forever.”
I took his hoof, shaking it, “Your offer is very gracious. I’ll think about it, sir.” I released his hoof, “Now come on, let’s go help your parents and Twilight clean up.”
* * *
Collapsing into the bed head first, I could hear Twilight’s giggling next to me, “Just be happy they like you,” The unicorn smiled, rubbing my back slowly. “That could’ve gone over ten different ways badly. But you held your own. What’s your secret?”
“I cannot confirm or deny the sources of my ability to resist interrogations,” I mumbled from out of my pillow. “Even if I divulged the name of these sources, they would likely deny my existence. So for the time being we’ll refer to them as Ex #1, #2, and #3. Good enough?”
She laughed, “Yes that will be good enough.” She kissed me lightly on the cheek, “Make sure you get your sleep, alright? We have big things coming up soon and you need to be well rested, no need for you to fall asleep at the Gala.”
“At the Gala?”
“At the Gala.”
“I sure hope you two don’t break into song!” A tired Spike hollered from the next room. “Because I really want to get some sleep.”
Both Twilight and I laughed openly before getting comfortable under the covers. The unicorn slowly put her head on my chest, sighing in happiness. I could only smile, thinking how everything was slowly falling into place. At that thought, I lightly tapped the wood headboard and drifted off into sleep.