//------------------------------// // A book by its cover // Story: Brown Note: An Off-Color Love Story // by Starlitomega //------------------------------// Clockwork’s eyes were bloodshot, screaming for moisture. Her mouth yearned for something, anything to drink, having finished her bottle of milk hours ago. “And so, with Ahuizotl defeated and the Sapphire Statue secured, the world was safe and sound once again, thanks to Daring Do.” Clockwork closed the book, her mouth agape. That... was amazing! Snatching the empty milk bottle, she galloped into the kitchen and filled it with some water from the tap, gulping it down quickly. I just… the crocodile and, and… why haven’t I read this before? Suddenly, images of ponies wearing pith helmets and whips swam through her head. Oh. Yeah. That’s why. A shaft of light crept under her drapes in the kitchen window. Like a detective drawing closer to a truth she didn’t want to confront, Clockwork bit her lip and threw them open. The result made her squint and look away in pain. It’s morning already? I read that book all the way through the night? A pang of fatigue hit Clockwork hard. All at once, her eyes drooped like sandbags, and her hooves felt like they were leaden weights. Now that she was free from the book, it seemed like her body decided now was the time to crash. I’m going to cheat and say that seeing the sun come up should count as rising early. I think I’ll just drag myself back to bed… this time to actually sleep.   Like a shambling zombie, Clockwork stumbled back to the bedroom, her footwork unsure and her mind even less so. Somehow she found her way into the soft, ill-fitting sheets and draped them over herself. A contented sigh escaped her lips as she drifted off to sleep, the adventures of a young pegasus mare still echoing in her head. At some point, Spike knew this would happen. He had long resigned himself to the eventual battle that would take place: the battle between he and his caretaker. His saucepan helmet offered meager protection during his struggles, but he donned it anyway. More for the feeling of being secure. “Go—hnnng!—back to bed—urf!—Twilight!” He pulled on the alicorn’s leg. He pulled on her tail. He pulled everywhere he could get his claws, but his efforts were in vain. Twilight simply huffed at him. “Spike, I have a schedule to keep, runny nose or not.” She punctuated this statement with a snort, clearing her nasal passages once again. The young drake shook his head, willing himself to be the unstoppable force he wished to be. “Twilight, your schedule can wait until you’re better! Now, am I going to have to get serious, or are you coming back to bed?” Sitting at her desk, Twilight continued to drown him out. Spike was officially out of options. He didn’t want to use the big guns, but he had no choice. Working his claws back and forth, he planted them in her flank and pulled. “Ow! Spiiike!” In a flash, Twilight shook him off sending him crashing into the wall behind him. His makeshift helmet shifted, covering his entire head. Twilight gasped, turned on her hooves and knelt down next to him. ”Spike! I’m so sorry! Are you okay? I can’t believe I let myself get carried away like that!” “It’s okay, Twilight,” he muttered, his voice echoing from inside the pot. She shook her head frantically. “No! No it isn’t! I nearly hurt you!” “I know you would never hurt me Twilight,” he said, lifting the saucepan slowly so he could look into her eyes. Spike saw the conflict in Twilight’s eyes. Her rational mind was at war with her emotions. It was only a matter of time, really. Alicorn or not, she was just a big old softie after all. “I’ll go back to bed, alright?” she relented with a sigh. “I know you were just trying to help.” “Really?” Spike asked, his eyes brightening. Twilight nuzzled him close. “Yes, really. My schedule can wait.” Spike watched her march back to bed and allowed himself a quick victory pose. Score! The old guilt trip strikes again! Spike watched eagerly as Twilight nestled herself back into bed. He reached for the cover and draped it close to her neck until her head was the only part exposed. “Just sit tight. I’ll go make you some tea, and with some rest, you’ll be better in no time.” Spike turned to leave only to be held in place by a hoof. “Thank you, Spike. I know I can always count on you. Listen, when you’re done with the tea, take a few bits out of my pouch and go get yourself something from Sugarcube Corner while I sleep.” Spike’s eyes lit up. Double score! “Okay, Twilight. You just sit tight, I’ll be right back with the tea.” Spike took off toward the kitchen just as Twilight let out a contented sigh, her eyes drawn to the imperfections on the ceiling. A chime echoed through Carousel Boutique as Rainbow Dash barged through the door in her usual Rainbow Dash way. “Hey, Rarity! Sup?” The unicorn’s eyes remained transfixed on her stitching. The quiet whirr of her sewing machine was the only clue that somepony was even around. Undeterred, Rainbow walked over to Rarity, scrutinizing her work carefully. “Huh. Looks like you got your sewing machine back.” Rarity looked up from her dress. “So you heard about that nasty business. Not one of my finer moments, I admit. However, watching somepony abscond with an heirloom required for your livelihood has that effect on even the most elegant of ponies.” Rainbow laughed. “That’s why I fly. Ain’t nopony strong enough to take these babies away,” she said, flapping her wings. “Nopony except Discooord,” Rarity teased in a sing-song voice. “Yeah, yeah. Don’t remind me. So what’d you think of Clockwork? You girls have a little bit of an... accident?” Rainbow snickered. Rarity shook her head, tsking quietly aloud. “The poor dear, can you imagine growing up mute? Of all the things we take for granted, our voice has to be one of the most important.” Rainbow stared, tilting her eyebrow in confusion. “Uhhh, mute? Who said she was mute?” “Twilight did, of course.” Rainbow cackled. “Hah! She’s not mute! She can talk.” Raising her eyebrow, Rarity turned a skeptical eye toward the pegasus. “Rainbow Dash, don’t be silly. Why in Equestria would Twilight lie to me?” “Why? Maybe she didn’t want to admit she had an accident.” Rarity narrowed her eyes. “Why do you keep saying that?” “Because anytime Clockwork talks, Ponies crap themselves! Duh!” Rarity huffed and stood up from her machine. “Honestly Rainbow Dash! Why do you have to spread such beastly rumors? Can’t you just leave the poor pony alone?” Hopping back on her rear hooves, Rainbow placed a hoof on her chest. “Hey! Hoof on heart, I swear it’s true! It happened to me and Twilight.” Rarity stared at her, studying the pegasus carefully. “You’re serious, aren’t you?” “Of course! I wouldn’t admit to crapping myself for no reason. C’mon, we should go find out more about her.” Rarity sighed and returned to her dress. “I doubt that would be a worthwhile use of my time. Besides, if what you say is true, we should give the poor thing some space.” Slowly, on the other side of the table, Rainbow Dash emerged with a smile. “I hear she’s from Canterlooot.” Rarity’s heart skipped a beat as she looked up from her work yet again. “Yes, I remember Twilight telling me as much.” Rainbow nodded. “Could you imagine it? Owning a shop in the middle of Canterlot? All those important ponies just waltzing in? All those secrets she’s heard over the years?” Rarity bit her lip. “C’mon, you know you want to find out more. I know you love gossip.” Finally the unicorn left her seat. “Very well. I’ll play along. But this had better be worth it.” “Now you’re talking! Let’s go!” Rarity watched as Rainbow took off. A sudden chill shot down her spine. “Maybe this isn’t such a good idea.” Having a rainbow mane and bright blue coat did Rainbow Dash no favors when it came to stealth activities. Luckily, her job was simply to be the lookout. Her wings buzzed in anticipation as she swiveled her head in every direction. “C’mon, Rarity. Hurry up! We’re sitting ducks out here,” Rainbow whispered. The unicorn grumbled her dissatisfaction at being rushed. “Puh-lease Rainbow, I’m not a skilled mage like Twilight. I’m afraid lockpicking is still new to me,” Rarity explained. The front doorknob glowed in an ethereal blue as she calmly worked her magics upon it. Rainbow groaned and returned to her guard duties, which basically consisted of hoping nobody walked by at this particular moment. Fate smiled upon them, though; the metallic click of the door’s lock ringed in their ears. Rarity smiled and pushed the door open quietly. “Bingo.” The door swung open without a sound. Two heads popped through the doorway, scanning every direction. No lights were on in the house, no gramophones, no noise whatsoever. Both ponies locked eyes and smiled. “Nopony’s home.” Trotting through the kitchen, Rarity turned her nose up. “Her décor certainly leaves a lot to be desired.” “I thought you’d been here before,” Rainbow said, opening the fridge, curiosity getting the better of her. “I was. However, I was far too focused on rescuing my sewing machine to critique the décor, or lack thereof,” Rarity explained. She pushed open the door to Clockwork’s workshop and motioned for Rainbow to follow. After a quick glance around the room, Rarity made for the filing cabinets and Rainbow flew to the assorted mechanical parts on the table. “Why… these are all customer records. She’s kept meticulous notes about each of her clients,” Rarity said, flipping through the folders. “She did strike me as some sort of egghead.” Rainbow swiped through the scattered parts, taking care to keep the piles together. Nothing interested her though.  Her eyes wandered to a framed photo sitting on the desk. “You recognize this pony, Rares?” Trotting over from the cabinet, Rarity looked at the photo, scrutinizing it closely. “No. Given the age, I doubt they’re any part of Canterlot’s elite. Although, he’s quite a charming young stallion... maybe a relative?” “Maybe.” “Oh, but listen to this,” Rarity said, clearing her throat. “Clara Corset is a no-nonsense pop singer from uptown Canterlot. Her favorite colors are red and black, and her acts usually involve flower motifs. With this information in mind, I should be able to prepare a watch that would seamlessly fit her wardrobe. Any mechanics I make for her should hide its working pieces as much as possible. Possibly design it to have the outer appearance of a rose?” Rainbow scrunched her nose. “Well, that just sounds weird.” Her statement earned a swift swat on the butt from Rarity with the folder. “Clara Corset is one of the premiere pop singers in Canterlot! With this knowledge, I could design an ensemble that would catch her eye for sure! I mean—” “Are you two about done?” Rarity froze in place. That voice didn’t belong to Rainbow Dash. In addition to being more feminine, it had a rough, scratchy quality to it, as if it were being spoken through a speaker. Both ponies slowly turned to face the new voice. “Oh, uhhh, hi there... Clockwork. Uhh, how are you?” Rainbow asked as she started to hide behind her own wings with a guilty smile. Rarity looked to Rainbow, who was clearly not going to be much help, and then back to Clockwork. “Hello there, darling. I was rather under the impression you couldn’t... speak?” Clockwork pointed to the complex device on her face. “I couldn’t, but Princess Twilight made this special mask for me. Now I can talk all I want.” Rarity smiled and put her hooves together, her eyes brightening with enthusiasm. “Why, that’s wonderful! I so want to talk to you about your time in Canterlot! All those ponies you met, the grandeur of having your own shop downtown—it must have been marvelous!” “I agree, we should. When you two are not, ya know… breaking into my home.” Despite Rarity’s excitement, Clockwork kept her glare trained on the intruders. Rainbow coughed, getting everyone’s attention. “Maybe another bag of chocolates are in order?” she offered with a broad grin. Clockwork seemed unfazed. “Fine, fine. How about a deluxe gift set? Ya know, the one with the cocoa, the peppermints, and all that stuff?” The earth pony finally smiled around her mask and gave an agreeable nod before turning back to Rarity. “Oh! Uhh, your second dress is on the house?” Rarity suggested. Another quick grin and nod, and both ponies were ushered to the front door. “Just one more thing,” Clockwork started. Rarity halted in her tracks. “What was that?” Clockwork’s smile faded as her gaze fell to the floor. “I actually wouldn’t mind if either of you came over to visit now and again. Just, you know, without the breaking and entering? I brew a nice cup of lemon tea...” For a moment, Rarity’s smile softened. “Of course, darling. I’d love to.” Without another word, Rarity stepped out the door, closing it gently behind her. She turned to glare at the pegasus hovering outside. “I cannot even believe you could be so insensitive, Rainbow Dash.” “What? Rarity, do you even know how expensive Lady Guinevere chocolates are? A deluxe box is like a quarter of my payday! Besides, you came along with me.” Rarity sighed, letting her head fall forward. “You’re right. I believe I ‘suck’, as you or Applejack might say.” The pegasus landed and threw a supportive hoof over Rarity’s shoulder. “Aahhh, cheer up, Rares. Besides, you heard her. She wants us to visit, so I’m sure she’ll talk to you about Canterlot. Clocky seems like a real forgive and forget type pony. I bet you two will be fast friends in no time.” With a smile, Rarity trotted off towards her boutique. “Come along, featherbrain. You have some chocolates to purchase.” Shooing away the two would-be criminal masterminds left Clockwork wide awake. Unfortunately, it also meant her mind was free to wander and think about Daring Do and her incredible adventures. I can’t believe I agreed to do a book club thing! Now it’ll be days before I can start the next book! With not a lot going on at her home, and a burning desire to talk about the book eating up so much real estate in her mind, Clockwork practically ran from her house. After a quick jog, she found herself panting through her mask on the steps to the castle. I really need to get back into jogging... Gathering her strength, she pushed the double doors open enough to squeeze inside.  Clockwork trotted along to Twilight’s lab. Her gaze traveled across the room, looking for any sign of the purple alicorn. Hmmm. That’s strange. Closing the door behind her, she stared at the rest of the doors lining the grand hallway. Her hoof fell upon the next door in line, preparing to throw it open. Wait. This might be her bedroom. As comfortable as she seems to be with me, I doubt she would be very happy to see me barge into her sleeping chambers. Clockwork’s amber eyes fell upon the last door at the very end. The throne room. Might as well.   Trotting to the end of the hall, she placed her hoof on the large crystal door, and pushed until it gave beneath her strength. Dear Celestia! It seemed no expense was spared on the throne room. Huge windows lined the walls, letting precious light shine and sparkle in the chamber. In the middle of the room sat a huge table surrounded by six crystal thrones, with another smaller throne next to the one adorned with Twilight’s cutie mark. Each chair bore a different symbol, some of which she could have swore she’d seen before. On the table itself seemed to be a large holographic map. What it was, she couldn’t tell from her spot at the doorway, but it had to be quite important. Above the map was something else altogether unusual. Hanging from the ceiling was what looked like the roots from a giant tree. Branching out and twisting off in every direction, they sprawled across the ceiling with specks of light dotting them. Among this stately room full of pomp and circumstance was a now-familiar princess of friendship, her frowning face drooping on the table as she stared wistfully at the map. “Princess Twilight?” The alicorn looked up just enough to make eye contact. “Hey there, Clockwork. I said you don’t have to call me ‘Princess’ anymore.” Twilight sniffed, clearing her sinuses. Clockwork blushed. “Sorry. Force of habit. Still haven’t gotten over being sick yet?” Shaking her head, Twilight rested her cheek on the table. “No. I’ve been sleeping pretty much non-stop. I told Spike I’d rest up, but I can only stay in bed so long.” “I know what you mean,” Clockwork said. “Sometimes when I get sick, I don’t actually start feeling better until I get out of the bed and do something. So what are you up to?”   Twilight motioned for Clockwork to step forward. “See this? It’s a map of all of Equestria.” Clockwork knocked on the top of the map. Nothing seemed to change. It looked like some sort of projection, yet everything seemed like they were real miniature models. “Geez. This must have cost quite a few bits to build,” she said, looking beneath the map for some sort of mechanism. “It’s not a machine, and it didn’t cost anything. It sorta… came with the castle.” Lifting her head back above the table, Clockwork scrutinized every inch of it carefully. “Sooo, magic then?” “Yup. It seems to be capable of detecting friendship problems and assigning the proper pony to go solve them. I still don’t know how, or why,” Twilight admitted. Clockwork saw above some sort of city two familiar symbols spinning in the air. “Wait a minute. Aren’t those cutie marks?” “Yup. That’s Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy’s cutie marks. The map says they’re needed in Fillydelphia.” Leaning in, Clockwork’s eyes focused on Canterlot. “Hey, look! I can see my old shop from here! This map thingy is amazing! I bet you feel like some sort of general, overlooking your battlefield!” she enthused, steepling her hooves like a supervillain. A long, low, ponderous sigh escaped Twilight’s lips. “Yeah, I guess…” “You don’t seem too excited about it.” Twilight pawed at the map wistfully, her cheek still laying on its top. “I guess I’m not. It’s just… I want to be out there. All these places I’ve read about in my studies, so much history just waiting to be learned… and here I am, stuck in this castle.” Clockwork stared at the downtrodden alicorn. Wow. We spend all of our time looking up to royalty. It’s so easy to think they’re happy sitting in their castle, never wanting for the bear necessities like us regular ponies. And yet, here she is, moping over a map. I guess it all really is a grand illusion. “H-hey, I uhhh, read that Daring Do book,” Clockwork spoke up. Instantly, Twilight’s eyes brightened. “Overnight? Really? What did you think? Oh wait, better save that for our book club meeting, right?” “Rrright... the book club meeting. About that,” Clockwork started. Twilight grimaced. “Oh. You don’t want to do it after all.” “No, no! I mean, yes, I do!” Clockwork said, waving her hooves frantically. “Actually, I’d like to see about moving it up to tomorrow.” Everyone Clockwork had met warned her about Twilight’s strict adherence to schedules.  Her only exploit more legendary than saving Equestria like a billion times was her organization. The alicorn’s well kempt mane seemed to stretch like a rubber band. Several strands twisted and popped out of its orderly state. “T-t-t-tomorrow? I don’t know… I haven’t even sent out flyers for the book club yet! What about my schedule?” Clockwork nearly fell back as the alicorn teleported abruptly, appearing in front of the calendar on the far wall. Uh-oh. This might have been a mistake. “Gah! I thought I wrote tomorrow’s schedule on the calendar! My day planner!” Abandoning the calendar, Twilight galloped to a nearby table and pulled out a large black book. Flipping through it like a caffeine crazed mare, her eyes danced across the page. “Twilight, it’s not that big of a deal, we could jus—” “But it is!” the alicorn cried out. “I have a meeting at ten tomorrow with the mayor. After that a short brunch with Applejack. I suppose I could fit it in later… but who would come? This is why we planned for a week!” Before Twilight could panic any more, Clockwork grabbed and pulled her head to face her. “Listen, don’t you know anypony who read Daring Do?” Twilight nodded. “Then ask them today or tomorrow if they want to come talk about it. We don’t have to make it a huge gathering,” Clockwork said, trying to give a reassuring smile. The tension in Twilight’s shoulders faded. “I… I guess we don’t.” Giving a tentative smile, Clockwork let Twilight go. “See? Nothing to it. Even if it turns out to just be you and me, we can have fun together.” Like a boiler letting off steam, Twilight finally let out a haggard sigh of relief. “You’re right. Tomorrow afternoon it is! But next time, I’d like to wait a week so we can get as many ponies as we can. Deal?” Twilight stretched out her hoof. Clockwork shook it firmly with a smile. “Deal!”    Whew. Disaster averted.   “So, how’s the mask working for you?” “I can’t thank you enough, Twilight. You’ve given me something nopony else has. Thanks to you, I can talk and have normal conversations with anypony. It’s still a little difficult to put in, but it’s a lot easier than before.” “Well, I suppose it's only natural that your body would fight it less and less as you become accustomed to it.” Clockwork nodded, just as something shined into one of her eyes. Though it was brief, she could have sworn she saw three ponies in a silhouette. “What… was that?” Twilight turned her head. “What was what?” “I saw something… it was like… a picture flashed in my eyes for an instant.” A puzzled look crossed Twilight’s face briefly. “Oh wait! I know what you’re talking about!” The alicorn’s horn lit up in a purple glow. Reaching up to the ceiling,  she grabbed one of the shiny lights from one of the strings hanging off of the tree roots, and held it close to Clockwork. “Wha… what in the world?” Up close, she could see it was some sort of ornament or something. Inside it, she saw a group of six ponies, most of whom she had met by now. Each of them were locked in a group hug, clinging to one another like precious comrades. “This is…” “—a memory from my old home. The Golden Oaks Library,” Twilight finished. “When I first moved into the castle, I was a bit… lonely. So many memories were made in that tree. All of it vanished in the blink of an eye. My friends dug up the roots of the old tree and… I’m still not sure how, but they hung it from the ceiling. Rarity used her magic to imbue these jewels with photos from when I lived in the tree. It hurt, losing it all in an instant, but anytime I wish, I just need to grab one of these jewels and I can see them once again.” “You have very good friends,” Clockwork said, her voice wistful as she stared at the memory, frozen in time.   “Ponyville is full of ponies just waiting to make a new friend. I’m sure if you just put yourself out there, you could make some friends of your own.” “Yeah, maybe. I’ll see you at the meeting tomorrow, Twilight,” Clockwork said, heading for the door. “Hope you feel better.” Twilight smiled. “Thanks. See you tomorrow.” With the setting sun at her back, Clockwork finally made it home. The first thing she noticed after stepping inside was a letter on the floor, no doubt left by the mailmare while she was out. Huh. It’s a letter from Mom. She ripped the paper envelope into shreds, extracting the letter inside. Hello, dear. I hope you’ve settled in at Ponyville. Everyone tells me it’s such a quiet and relaxing town. I hope you don’t end up bored out of your mind! Clockwork could only roll her eyes. Mom, if you only knew… I’m going to miss not having my little Clocky here in Canterlot, but Ponyville isn’t too far away. I hope you’ll find many reasons to come see your dear mother as time goes on. Clockwork held the letter to her chest. For months she’d debated on whether or not she should leave Canterlot. For all her life, she’d felt like she never really moved out. After all, her mother’s house was just a block away. Which brings me to the reason I’m writing in the first place. You told me you would be back for your books, and it’s been weeks now! I’ve been wanting to set up a space in the office for my sewing. You know, ‘old pony’ stuff! What I’m trying to say in my usual, subtle way, is that you need to come get these books! And while you’re here, we can catch up and have a nice dinner. Sound good? With lots of love, Mom PS: I hope you’re making lots of new friends! Folding up the letter, Clockwork couldn’t resist another eyeroll as she placed it on the table. Yeah, they’re practically knocking my door down, or at least breaking and entering. Walking to her bedroom, the soft clip-clop of her hooves echoed through the house. The utter silence of her home brought on an unwelcome bout of loneliness she never could quite get accustomed to. Her heart sank as she curled into bed, feeling the coolness of her sheets on her legs. Next, she undid the straps on her mask. Carefully, she slid the tube out and placed the apparatus on her nightstand. She worked her jaws back and forth, relishing the freedom to move her jaw freely once again. Laying her head down on a pillow, she sighed as she prepared for another night by herself.