He trotted up to his father, and said, “Evening Father. I’m sorry for bothering you, but there’s something I wanted to ask.”
Later on in the evening, Pharynx at last returned to the estate of his master, The Count. He told Garble, and Striking that he had important information for The Count, and he needed to hear it at once. So with only a tiny hint of delay, the changeling and dragon entered their master’s chambers. The respectfully called for him in the dimly lit room. The only real source of light was the candle next to the Count’s bed. When no reply came, save for the groggy moans of a pony who was just waking up, they moved on over to see what the deal was. To their surprise, they saw the Count: but he was on the floor with his sheet, and pillow, and some drink beside him. He rubbed his hoof over his muzzle as he awoke, noticing his 3 servants looking at him oddly. Much to his own confusion. “Iiiis...something the matter?”
“No, it’s just,” Garble said, a might confused, “did you fall out of bed, Zatarra?”
The Count sighed at this, as he turned around to get a drink ready for himself, saying, “After spending over 13 years sleeping on a hard, stone floor.......I don’t think I can ever sleep on a regular bed anymore.” Not realizing he was exposing his back to them. They both winced as they saw the uncaring, vile marks which branded him forever. He mentioned how he’d been whipped once a year in prison, but none of them thought it was THAT painful to look at. “Oh, man!” Garble exclaimed. “Boss.. ........does that hurt you in any way?”
The count, however, was uninterested in sympathy, or as he considered it pity, and impatiently asked, “Was there something you 2 wanted?”
They all snapped out of their thoughts, and returned to the matter at hoof. “O-oh, yeah! Yeah: Pharynx has some new information for you, boss.”
This got The Count’s attention, and he sat up to look at his trusted servant. “What did you find out?”
Pharynx cleared his throat, and said, “Alot, actually: Mondego and Danglars are finally working together, as you wanted. But it seems as though that psychotic centaur might be planning some kind of coup against the royal leaders.” The count’s expression hardened, and Garble actually seemed pretty concerned. “When is this taking place?”
“In a week, your grace.” Pharynx said. “During a celebration of the Lunar Empire’s defeat that’s gonna be hosting a massive entourage. The leaders of the other nations are supposed to be there, too. And from what I heard him say, he might have plans to overthrow THEM, too.” Instead of looking concerned, or worried, however, The Count actually seemed quite pleased. Like he was hoping for something like this to come up. And now, at last, he had what he wanted. “Excellent! Now we can put this information to use, as we prepare to bring him down.” He smiled almost with sinister intent. “He’ll see all of his great plans, and goals stripped away before he even has a chance to see them come true. Just like those other scumbags.”
“Uh, sir? There’s also something else. Something important to you, i think.”
The count’s ears perked, and his expression turned to curiosity. “What?”
“...........Mondego has a son, your grace.”
And once more, as his expression fell, and his eyes widened.....the Count found the world he once knew shattered once again.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Meanwhile, at the Mondego household, Sombra was currently looking over the bills which had begin piling up. Bills, and debts being called in, that he had no idea were even in effect. Already his wealth was getting increasingly slim. And until the shipment Tirek promised to have prepared set out to deliver his cargo, he was unable to deal with them. All he could do was stew in his growing irritation. He swore he could FEEL the grey hairs forming in his mane, already. Sadly, that was the moment Mercedes entered the room. “Mondego: Albert wants to talk to you about something.”
“Sorry, Cadence, but you need to tell him i’m busy.” He said impatiently. “As you can see, i’m trying to keep his inheritance going.”
“And, what? You think a few minutes of conversation is going to hurt?”
“Maybe it might!” He exclaimed angrily.
Cadence, however, would have absolutely none of it. “He is your son, Sombra Mondego! And you know how much he admires, and looks up to you! All you have to do is give him a few moments of your time, and nothing else! I didn’t think you were afraid of your own child!”
“..........” He sighed in aggrivation. “Alright. Send him in.”
Cadence did so, and in but a moment an alicorn stallion of a teenager. His coat was silver, and his mane was yellow and blue striped. His eyes, however, were a deep, ocean blue that almost shined like a pair of sapphires. And his cutie mark was a blue heart with two swords in a cross behind it - a single star in the middle of the Heart.
He trotted up to his father, and said, “Evening Father. I’m sorry for bothering you, but there’s something I wanted to ask.”
“Well, make it quick, please.” Sombra said, keeping his patience firm. “I have alot of work ahead of me, you know.”
“Alright: My friends from Princess Twilight’s school heard a grand party was going to be taking place in Rome. And since they’re visiting Paris with their teachers for the Anniversary Ball next week, they came to me wondering if i’d like to go. So, I was wondering, can I go, Dad?”
“To Rome?” mercedes asked, feeling a might bit uncomfortable. “And are you going with a chaperon?”
“Mmhm: Professor Rainbow Dash volunteered to go with us.”
Mercedes merely rubbed the side of her head in aggravation. “Please say you aren’t serious! As much as I care for Twilight’s friends, I know Rainbow Dash doesn’t have the best track record for watching out for others on her own. What on earth was she thinking? Rome if one of the most dangerous places in Equestria, and I don’t want you going there without more adults to look after you.”
“Mom, it’ll be alright, I swear!” Albert defended, turning back to his father, “And dad: this could be your birthday present to me. It would save you alot of trouble, i’m sure.” Sombra gave his son a single look, which was returned with a desperate, pleading gleam. In the end, he just couldn’t resist. He could NEVER resist his son’s adorable, puppy look, and he caved. “Alright, my son. Just be careful, and listen to your professor. Also.....don’t you need a permission slip for us to sign? ‘Cause I don’t see.......”
“Oh, don’t worry, Dad: it’s not like an actual field trip, or anything. You just need to give the word, and it’s a go.”
“Very well: the word is given.”
“Mondego!” Mercedes exclaimed in indignation.
“It’s alright, dear. Our boy isn’t a foal anymore, and he can take care of himself.” He smirked humorously. “And besides: it’ll give us a little peace, and quiet around here, finally.” He then laughed in an extensive, loud tone of amusement, feeling some of his stress fade away. When he turned to see the bemused looks of his family, he quickly cleared his throat as he calmed, saying, “Just joking, you two. As I said, Albert: be careful, do as you’re told.......and have fun!”
“I will! Thank you, father!” he exclaimed happily, and began to trot out to the front hallway, leaving a frustrated Mercedes with Mondego, who only resumed his work. As angered as she was with him, she knew that now there was absolutely no way to speak with him again. As far as he was concerned, an issue had been dealt with, and he was now free to take care of another. So, with a light huff, she exited the room, and left him - quietly praying for her son to be safe, above all else.
As for Albert’, he couldn’t have been more excited than he was now. Also, he knew, would be his friends once they heard. He eagerly ran to the railing overlooking the hall to see seven figures waiting down below. Two were ponies, the familiar cyan and rainbow mane of Rainbow Dash making it obvious, and the bright green coat of an Earth Pony young stallion named Sandbar, while the rest were actually different creatures: Gallus was a teenage Griffon with blue fur and a yellow underside, Yona was a Yak with pretty braids tying her hair together, Silverstream a nice, pink-furred and blue maned Hippogriff who was super giddy with anticipation, and then there was Ocellus, who was a sweet, gentle, aqua and red changeling with a wondrous sparkle in her eyes, and a young dragon named Smolder, with a coat of orange scales, and a purple frill on top of her head. All looked up to him, awaiting his answer.
“Off to Rome!” He happily shouted, earning more cries of excitement from his friends.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Of all the places in the world, Rome remained one of the most exquisite, and amazing places in the world. Structures so ancient, and unique had been carefully preserved over the millennia, for the respect that was held over this grand city. Though it was no longer an empire, Rome remained a prestigious city to all who knew its name. And one thing which always seemed to remain the same was the carnival they always held to celebrate the days of old. Creatures far, and wide would come together to join in on this fantastic celebration: enjoying the fine masquerade parties which made up this event. Masquerade was always an entertaining practice, and one the student seven, as they had been so nicknamed, found they were also enjoying. All of them were laughing, and dancing with either each other, or other ponies and creatures who were fully immersed in the festivities.
“How awesome is this?” Smolder asked rhetorically, but with excitement while flying through the air. “Even though it’s run mostly by ponies, this place sure knows how to party!”
“Yona always love to party!” Yona exclaimed. “Yak best at party! WOO-HOO!”
“Among the many other things Yaks are good at apparently.” Gallus laughed. “But you guys are right: this IS the best! Sure beats anything that happens at Griffonstone!”
“It definitely IS an experience!” Ocellus said cheerfully. “Maybe I could ask King Thorax if we could maybe do something like this at the hive. I’m sure everyling would enjoy throwing parties where disguising ourselves is part of the fun.”
“Ooooh! That sounds so fun!” Silverstream said excitedly. “And for changelings, I think a dress-up festival would be perfect! Best part is you wouldn’t have to even wear masks! You can be anything - or anyone!” Ocellus merely giggled in response, as she found her friends statement both true, AND funny. “I think you’d be right on that, Silverstream. Maybe we could even make a contest out of it: the best one to “dress up” wins a prize!”
“Did friend-changeling say prize? Yona like prize! Yona want to win prize!”
“Easy, Yona.” Gallus said, placing a paw on his friend’s shoulder. “Maybe we can get a prize from one of the vendors around here. What do you guys think?”
“I’m game!” Sandbar said while the others made sound of agreement. “Buuuut maybe we should find Professor Rainbow Dash, first. Last thing we want is to end up lost in this place.”
“Ah, what’s to worry?” Smolder asked. “If we get into trouble, i’m sure we could all handle it, no sweat!”
“Maybe,” Ocellus said, “but it might be better safe, than sorry.”
“I agree.” Albert’ said. “But I think I should go look for her. You guys can go on ahead.”
“”Albert, no!” Silverstream said sounding perturbed. “You made this trip possible, so you should get to enjoy yourself, too! We can all look for her, together, and make things easier!”
“I appreciate it, Silverstream, but I insist.” Albert said, smiling. “You guys deserve a chance to see an epic part of pony culture more than me. Besides, I won’t be long - and i’ll find the professor before anyone can even finish one of the first vendor games.” While, of course, the kids were unsure on if it was a good idea, especially with such a large crowd, they eventually relented. “Okay, Val,” Sandbar said with mild hesitance, using the nickname they all shared with him (using part of his full name “Valiant Albert Hope”.). “Just try, and be careful, okay?”
“Hey, come on, guys! This is me we’re talking about!”
“Yeah: THAT’S why we’re worried.” Smolder quipped, before they waved him off and went on their way. Leaving their alicorn friend to search for their professor. A task he knew would be all-too impossible if he stuck to the ground. Knowing Professor Rainbow Dash, she’d be flying around in the air, doing some of her aerial performances just to have a good time. With that in mind, he opened his wings, and took to the air. The space above had a few fliers who all had been aerial dancing among each other during carnival. It took a bit of effort to maneuver around them without being bumped into, or even crashing. But Albert’ did a good job for the most part. All the while, he scanned the area in the air, and on the ground for any signs of his professor. Sadly, after several minutes of looking, his search was proving fruitless. Which was beginning to startle him a bit, given that while Rainbow Dash was often times brash, easily distracted, and like to boast.....she was not THIS irresponsible. She would’ve caught back up with the students by now as soon as she saw them on the move. Could it be possible something had happened? He didn’t want to think about it - but in a grand city as this, and with so many creatures inside, anything was possible.
“Hey, Val!”
The sound of his friend’s voice called his attention. And only a few seconds passed before he landed in front of Sandbar. A look of confusion evident as he landed. “Sandbar? What are you doing here? I thought you’d be with the others.” The pony in question shrugged his shoulders a bit as he answered. “Yeah, but I figured you could use a little extra help finding our professor. I told the others to meet us at the vendor I left them at in ten minutes. Figured it’d be enough time for us to find the prof before it gets too late.”
“Sounds good.” Albert smiled, and nodded. “Now let’s get moving. If we don’t find the professor soon, who knows what-” But then, suddenly, his attention was drawn to something unexpected. Or rather, somepony. A beautiful mare in a red, frilled dress was giving him a rather seductive look. Approaching him slowly, and with gentile the young stallion had never seen before. And as a teenage unicorn just about to reach his adult years, his senses were difficult to control. Even Sandbar couldn’t help but be enthralled by this mare. Her fur was blue as a sapphire, and her eyes as red as rubies. A gentle caress across the alicorn’s jawline made his skin tingle with exhilaration. She then made an approach for what appeared to be a kiss. Something Albert’, in his enticed state, was all too willing to return. But before their lips could even touch, she bolted. But not so fast as to leave his sight. And for some reason, Albert was far too interested in this mare, and wanted to know more about her. So he immediately took off after her, almost leaving Sandbar behind. “Albert’, wait!” he shouted, chasing after his friend. The two were immediately caught up in a game of chase. The mare only stopping to look back for just a moment, making sure the two males were following, before taking off again. All the while, as Sandbar called out to Albert’ to stop, the latter kept trying to call out to the mare, asking her name. Their little jaunt took them through the streets of Rome, and into a rather dark passageway. One which the mare quickly vanished into, just as the two young stallions entered the tunnel. “Where did she go?” was what Albert’ wondered aloud. “I have no idea,” Sandbar replied, suddenly growing nervous as he looked around, “but.......I think we should go. I don’t think this place is safe.”
“But....that mare.” Albert said in bewilderment. “Just who was she? I wish I could find out. She seemed so-” But the alicorn’s words were cut off when he felt a pair of hands close around his mouth. Sandbar was also restrained by the mysterious figures who appeared out of nowhere. And it was only when their struggles slowed, and their worlds began falling into black they realized they were being knocked out.
“Now, let’s join them with the other one. The captain will be pleased with this.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“I don’t like this!”
“You said that eight times already, Silverstream.” Smolder said with a hint of annoyance.
“I’m sorry, but I can’t help it! Albert’ and Sandbar should’ve been here by now - with Professor Rainbow Dash!”
“I hate to say it, but.......I think Silver’s right about this.” Gallus admitted. “Sandbar said ten minutes - but it’s been over an hour, already!”
Ocellus gasped with fright. “You don’t think something bad happened to them, do you?!”
“Oh, no!” Silverstream exclaimed. “What if-....what if they ended up getting lost? Or kidnapped? Or eaten by flying barracudas! OR TURNED INTO FREAKY POLYPS BY A SEA WITCH IN DISGUISE!”
“SILVER!” Gallus shouted, getting the hyperactive hippogriff’s attention. “Just relax, and breathe.” After she did as he said, finding herself relaxing a bit, Gallus then said, “While some of things are too incredible to actually happen......it’s obvious something must have happened. We can’t just wait here any longer.”
“Gallus right!” Yona stomped. “Yona and friends look for friend Sandbar and Valiant! Friends no leave friends behind!”
“You got that right, Yona!” Smolder proclaimed. “Come on! Let’s go!”
“But........where do we even start?” Ocellus wondered aloud. “Rome is a huge city, and....they could literally be anywhere right now!”
“Maybe I can be of assistance, then?”
The group of students turned around to see a rather sleazy Griffon, wearing a black vest, who seemed half condor, and was scarred over his right eye, leaning against the railing of the bridge the group was standing in front of. The look of this creature was very concerning, as he looked like he could be an outlaw trained to kill others with ease. His eyes glaring with a devious glee for causing trouble. And that vile smirk alone was enough to make the student five glare at him. “Hey, now, what’s with the looks? I’m just a messenger here. Sent to give you kids a little something.”
“Whatever it is you’re selling, we aren’t interested, sleaze!” Gallus retorted rudely.
“Heh. From one Griff to another, I ain’t sellin’ anything. BUT......you might find this important.” the griffon remarked, pulling out an envelope from his vest pocket, and holding it out to them. Smolder flew over, and grabbed the envelope, before taking it over to her friends. When they opened the envelope, all of them were startled to see a White, and Cyan feather, along with a rainbow, cerulean blue, and ocean blue tuft of fur each. All of them gasping as they recognized these as pieces of their Professor, and friends. When they angrily turned to the Griffon, Yona stomped her hooves threateningly, steam blowing out of her nostrils, and shouted, “WHAT GRIFFON DO TO FRIENDS, AND PROFESSOR?! IF HURT, YONA SMASH MEAN GRIFFON!”
“Relax, you overblown hornhead.” The Griffon said with more annoyance than intimidation. “The ponies are alive - for now, anyway.”
“What does that mean?” Ocellus asked with a great bit of restrained anger.
“It means they’re all our bargaining chips for a ransom.” the griffon said. “My crewmates, and captain already recognized the alicorn as the son of Count Sombra Mondego. But the REAL kicker was seeing one of the prize students of Princess Twilight Sparkle’s school of friendship. Both parties I assume will pay an enormous amount to get them back, safe and sound.” He then made a devious smirk. “Maybe if you inform the both of them, they might be able to save your little friends in time. Ransom demands begin in at least 3 hours - though I can’t guarantee the ponies will be in one piece by then.”
“But...how are we supposed to get back in time?” Silverstream exclaimed. “And you better not lay a claw, hoof, or talon on our friends, or you’ll be sorry!”
“YOU’LL be sorry if you don’t do as you’re told, kids.” The griffon said, opening his wings to take off. “Either get to Mondego, and Princess Twilight and tell them of the ransom......or we have no more use for the ponies. That’s the only offer you’re ever gonna get.”
“Actually, I can think of a better offer.” Said someone from behind the griffon, before he was unexpectedly wrapped in chains by a magenta aura of magic which held his wings together. He was the hauled up by said aura to the magic caster behind him. All who were present were quite surprised when they saw it was none other than the now famous Count of Monte Cristo’ himself, with a rather menacing glare that could turn a cockatrice stone cold. “I’ve already listened to your little discussion with these fine, young children, and I've heard your demands. Now, you’re going to hear mine.” he then lifted the now fearful griffon over the river, holding him as though he were a feather weight as he began making his ultimatum. “Either you lead us to the location of the abductees - or I drop you into the river, and see how well you can float with those steel chains wrapped around you. I assure you, it will NOT be very well, given their weight adding to yours. You’ll go down like a rock - then it’s feeding time for the fishes.” He smirked. “That sound good to you?”
The Griffon squawked as he struggled in his bindings. “ALRIGHT, ALRIGHT! I’LL SHOW YOU! I’LL SHOW YOU THE WAY!”
“That’s what I like to hear.” The Count said, turning to the amazed students next to him. “See what you can do with the proper motivation?”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Val! VAL! Wake up, bud!” Sandbar shouted desperately, trying to wake his friend, who had been tied to a stone pillar next to him.....and the restrained Rainbow Dash. Finally, after what seemed like forever, Albert’ finally began to stir from his forced nap. Nervously, he began to survey his surroundings, seeing that he was tied up, in some manner of underground chamber. The silhouettes of several menacing figures visible to his eyes. But immediately after, he began looking around for his friend. “Sandbar?”
“Right here, man.” Sandbar said. “And I think the Professor’s here, too!”
“Professor Dash?”
“Right here.” Rainbow spoke from Albert’s right side, sounding rather glum. “And i’m sorry for getting you two into this mess. I’m supposed to be the chaperone, and I end up getting foal-napped coming out of the restroom. SO not cool!”
“It’s not your fault, Professor.” Albert’ said genuinely. “We chose to look for you. None of us imagined we actually get abducted.........though now i’m beginning to think mom was right all along.”
A loud, threatening voice cleared their throat, revealing themselves to be male, to gain the trio’s attention. “If you’re all done, now maybe we can get down to business.” Rainbow only snarled as she struggled in her bindings to get loose. And probably clock the owner of the voice. “Just you wait! When I get out of this i’m gonna buck you harder than ANY buckball i’ve ever hit before! You’ll make more sonic rainbooms than I could in a single sprint!”
The voice made an uninterested humming, before saying, “Anyway, to business. It appears my crew, and I have had our good fortunes delivered to us on this night. And it’s all thanks to the 3 of you ponies arriving in this city. Only figures it takes a carnival to draw out the most prestigious of figures.”
“Whoever you are....we’re not scared of you.’ Albert’ said, attempting to sound brave. This just made the figure chuckle, before he replied with, “Oh, but you should be: we are NOT good folks, by any means.”
“What do you want with us?” Sandbar questioned.
“Both of you are affiliated with two of the most influential figures in Equestria: both students of Princess Twilight Sparkle, but one the son of Count Sombra Mondego. Not to mention the little rainbow-headed maggot whose supposed to be your teacher-” “HEY!” “-AND one of the famed Elements of Harmony. There is no price those two would NOT be willing to get the 3 of you back. Which is why we are holding you all for ransom. Only if they pay our price will we consider letting you 3 live, and go free. However.....there’s the issue of getting their attention, given they are very busy ponies.”
“Just write a letter to them!” Sandbar offered. “I’m sure they’ll get it as soon as possible-”
“Maybe your Princess, but Mondego is a stallion who is difficult to convince. We would need for substantial proof that we have his son help captive before we can work our ransom with him.”
“Send him my pendant, then.” Albert’ himself offered. “It has my own personal seal. He’s sure to recognize it easily.”
“With your severed horn attached to it?” the voice laughed, “and maybe those ponies ears mailed along side them?” Now the ponies were REALLY getting nervous, and quite fearful. “Even a worthless father as Mondego cannot ignore such an obvious mark, and will know better than to ignore us. Perhaps we’ll even cut off Mondego Jr here’s wings, and tail for further proof.”
“No! Leave him alone!” Sandbar angrily shouted, trying to break out of his bindings with Rainbow Dash. Oddly enough, Abert’s own fear was beginning to go away. And it was instead replaced by disgust, and disdain for these outlaw thugs attempting to terrify him into submission. He would not give them the satisfaction. His words, following soon after, made his pony friends stop struggling, and turn to him with shock, and amazement as he spoke. “Do your worst, you insufferable thug! I don’t care what you do to me: but noone insults my father! He’s a greater soul than you’ll ever be, and I couldn’t be any prouder to have him! So do whatever you want - I will not give you the satisfaction of giving into your threats! And neither will he!”
Both Rainbow, and Sandbar were truly impressed by how brave Albert’ was showing himself to be. Then again, it shouldn’t have completely surprised them, given who his parents were. For better, or for worse, either way. It made a moment’s hesitation on the kidnappers end. And apparently, it was enough time for an unknown figure to incapacitate a Changeling at the door, before he revealed himself to be none other than The Count of Monte Cristo. A fearsome look was in his eyes as he stared down the multiple enemies in his way. A determination to not let a single one of them get in his way. A griffon, and a dragon tried to cut him down, but he easily brought them low with his blade, and magic. A minotaur, and a pair of yetis tried for it with their swords and spears. To the amazement of the young stallions - and frustration of Rainbow who was AWAY from where the action was - The Count showed he was as agile as he was skilled with a sword. Easily evading their blows, and delivering non-fatal ones that incapacitated them. Once more, he attention turned to the group in the chamber, and his horn ignited. “Now.....kindly release these 3 ponies, or I actually WILL begin cutting you all down. One. By. One.” he left the threat to hang in the air for a minute, until a Parrot finally untied them. The 3 of them hurried out the exit, with The Count urging them to go, and insisting he’d follow. But once they were out of sight, and earshot, The Count turned back to the criminals.......and smiled graciously as he pulled out a rather large money pouch from his pocket. “Excellent work, my friends. I’m thankful for your help, again.” He threw the pouch to the leader of the group before heading out.
“The pleasure’s all ours........your grace, Zatarra.” said the figure who revealed himself to be none other than Luigi Vampa, the Storm King. Smiling proudly that this little scheme of their friends had actually worked out so well. And all involved were allowed to profit in one way, or another. Well, when in rome, as they say.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The trio of ponies soon exited the tunnels to see the other students waiting for them. All of them chattering in relief, and excitement for their pony friend’s safety. Yona even getting emotional, and embracing them in a mighty Yak hug. “Yona so happy pony friends safe!”
Sandbar laughed in her embrace as he lightly squirmed, “And we’re happy seeing you, too!” before Yona finally let go.
“But you would not believe who just saved us from a band of blood-thirsty foalnappers!” Rainbow Dash said excitedly.
“Considering we just met the guy, we actually can.” Gallus said, making Rainbow’s expression flatten. “One of the foalnapper’s told us what happened to you, and tried to threaten us. Then suddenly, The Count of Monte Cristo - THE Count of Monte Cristo - showed up out of nowhere, and put that dumb pigeon in his place! It was so awesome!”
“Then we all followed him to where the Griffon said you’d all be, and then he told us all to wait outside!” Smolder added.
“For which I am quite grateful, my young friends.” said the illustrious Count, who stepped into the light of the city streets. A charming smile that even made a few of them blush. “If anything unfortunate ever happened, I couldn’t live with myself. If there’s one thing I could never handle, it’s the endangerment of the young. Life is far too precious, and short to waste, and deserves to be cherished. Take it from someone who knows.”
All of the creatures were extremely excited to see the Count, standing right in front of them, after he had performed a daring rescue of their friends, and teacher. As far as all of them were concerned, he was now the most awesome thing in the whole, entire world. Even Rainbow Dash thought so, but then very quickly realized the severity of the situation. If it hadn’t been for the Count, she and her students - her current charges who Twilight entrusted her to protect during this trip - would most likely have been tortured to death. As such, in her mind, she made herself out to be anything other than a miserable shame. When she approached The Count, her expression was a bit down, and her head was lowered. But she managed to give a grateful smile to the large stallion in front of her. “Thanks for what you did back there, sir. If you hadn’t shown up when you did, then.........well, I hate thinking about what could’ve happened to Albert, and Sandbar. Especially since i’m in charge of watching them. So again.......thanks for the save, Mr. Count, sir.”
The Count chuckled gleefully, and said, “Just sir, or your grace is fine, Ms. Dash. And it was nothing special. I was only fortunate one of my attendants was in the area to see your abduction, and then the abduction of your students. It certainly pays to have literal eyes in the sky.” He then looked up, with everycreature also following suit. Up above, they saw none other than Garble J’acapo flying through the air in circles, high enough noone could fully see him. Smolder, however, couldn’t help but feel like she recognized the red, and orange visage of that dragon. But the Count’s voice cut off her thoughts, and drew everyone’s attention. “Please, allow me to pay for a carriage to send you back to your residence. I trust you have a lodging somewhere in town?”
“A hotel, yeah.” Gallus answered.
“But are you sure you want to do that, your grace?” Ocellus asked respectively. “We wouldn’t want to be a bother to you, or anything.”
“It’s no bother, my dear.” The Count smiled, raising his hoof. “It’s the least I can do, given the trouble you’ve had to go through this night during carnival.”
Rainbow felt a bit hesitant, at first. Maybe when it was around the time she’d first met Twilight, she’d have instantly accepted the offer just for the ease of things. But in the face of The Count’s gracious generosity, and his heroism earlier, she felt a little guilty about this. She could see the others kinda felt the same, but all seemed to agree that it would be rude to turn him down after what he’d done for them. “Thanks, Sir.” She said politely. “And I promise i’ll make this up to you soon.” The Count simply pulled out a pouch of bits, and happily said, “No need. Generosity is a virtue one should always follow. And i’m more than happy to provide for those in need.” Before he hoofed over the bits, however, he asked, “However, I have one request: may I have a few words with young Albert, and Sandbar? I’ll provide transportation to your place of residence once our discussion ends.” The two colts had excited faces as they turned to their Professor, silently pleading to say yes. She was a little hesitant, again, to say yes - if only because she knew nothing about this stallion aside from his name. But she had a good feeling about him, for reason’s she couldn’t understand. She felt he could be trusted, and so she relented. Giving him the address for the hotel they were staying in for the cab later. He accepted it graciously, and then handed Rainbow the bag with the money. After saying their goodbyes, the group left the trio alone. Albert, and Sandbar turned to The Count, unsure of what to completely feel at the moment due to burning through their excitement. The Count smiled, and ushered them towards a nearby park. Both followed as he lead, with a question entering Sandbar’s mind. “Uh.....Sir, or your grace? Just out of curiosity: how did you know our names?”
“How funny you should ask, my young friend.” The Count said. “I believe there are few who don’t know of Princess Twilight Sparkle’s wondrous School Friendship in Ponyville. An institution meant for many different creatures of many differing species, not just pony: six of whom have been proving to be quite the prodigies in friendship.” He turned to Albert. “Or perhaps I should say seven: counting the son of the famed Count Sombra Mondego, and Lady Cadence “Mercedes” Mondego. A prestigious family i’ve heard many great things about.” Both ponies had their mouths hanging open from amazement. “Plus the crooks and your professors spoke your names aloud down in the catacombs.” This earned a round of laughter from the two young stallions. But then, their expressions fell a bit, as they remembered their ordeal, and just how much in danger they were. Clearing his throat, Albert earnestly said, “Thank you again, your grace, for saving us. I wish I knew how we could pay you back for that, but........for now, let’s just say you have our immense gratitude.”
Sandbar agreed highly, as the trio came upon a park bench. The wind gently blowing by, sending a few leaves passing by as The Count took a seat, and ushered the two to sit beside him. “I appreciate your feelings, my boys, but I was only doing what was right. Just any good fellow should do for others. Though I do wonder how you both came under such a predicament in the first place.” This made Albert blush a little bit in embarrassment. “It’s....it’s stupid.”
“Maybe I should be the judge of that, Young Albert.” The Count said with humor in his voice, but with no sense of judgement. This made Albert weaken his discouragement, and he spoke. “We were......chasing after a mare.”
“Oh! A mare, you say?”
“Yeah.” Sandbar said. “And a very pretty one, too.”
“Eyes as bright as rubies......and fur as deep as Sapphire.” Albert said in wonder. “She was quite an alluring sight, and she made me feel.......”
“Incredible?” The Count asked while he smiled.
“Yeah.” Albert’s smile lessened into a small frown. “I should’ve known better than to just trounce after her like that. In a place like this, crooks will use any means to get the drop on you. Apparently, that includes mares, too.” A gentle hoof touched the left side of his foreleg, and Sandbar was offering a reassuring smile to his friend. “It’s okay, man. You had no idea. It could’ve happened to anypony-er...anyone, I mean.”
“Indeed.” The count said, in an understanding, and whimsical tone. “For a stallion can never resist the allure of a beautiful mare. One who holds such radiance, and beauty is a wonder to behold for any male in the world to be charmed, and enticed by. That you both could recognize such beauty shows you are beginning to show the true signs of aging into adulthood. For only true stallions can appreciate the magnificence of mares......or as some might refer to them: Women.” Both teenagers were quite taken by their host’s words, and felt quite flattered by his complimentary words to them. Still, what he said got the both of them quite curious. “Women, your grace?” Albert asked, which earned him a look of benevolence and a hint of lament in The Count’s eyes. As though he were reminiscent of something very special. And as he said before, it involved women.
[The Count]
Ah women,
elusive, and secret...
[Albert and Sandbar]
Like magic...
[The Count]
See their hooves as lithe as willows
gesturing at stars and setting tables
Buried in their hair lies
the intoxicating fragrance of romance!
[Albert]
See the way their eyes will dance
like moonlight on a lake
[The Count]
Feel the way a giddy breeze will flutter in their wake!
It's more than any man can take...
[Albert]
Ah, women...
[The Count]
Ah, women...
[Sandbar]
Skin as smooth as satin sheets and
honeyed lips on faces made for smiling.
[The Count]
Softer than the whispers that they send you
on a breath as light as lace!
[Albert]
Everything goes faster deep inside you when they're near
[The Count]
Even when they're far away, their voices somehow clear
Repeating words you long to hear...
[Albert]
They love you...
[The Count]
They promise...
[Sandbar]
See them when they linger with the afternoon
Gossiping about the setting sun
[The Count]
Flickering like moonlight when there is no moon
Launching the dreams you dream, when day is done...
[Albert]
You should see my Valentine...
[The Count]
I know, I know! There'd never be another
For you see, when I was young,
I felt the same way as you feel today!
[Albert]
I can't eat or sleep and I can't concentrate at all...
[The Count]
Women make you get that way the minute that you fall!
[Albert]
I love her anyway, need her night and day
[The Count]
That's why we all sigh and say...
ah women...
[Sandbar]
Ah, women...
[Albert]
Ah, women...
[All 3]
Ah, women...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A little while later, The Count finally decided it was time for the young stallions to reunite with their friends, and teacher. He hailed a carriage driving down the street, and gave the address for their hotel the two were meant to head for, before paying the pony driving the carriage. Sandbar got in first, and was followed by Albert. Just before they left, however, The Count placed a hoof on the alicorn’s foreleg, and asked, “If it isn’t too much trouble, would you perhaps care to come to my estate for breakfast tomorrow? I would very much wish to get to know you better, and I feel that’s the best opportunity for me to do so.”
“Oh, of course!” Albert said excitedly, before he turned to Sandbar. “But....would it be alright if I invite Sandbar, and the others?”
The Count smiled, and nodded, “Of course, my boy. The more the merrier. To be frank, it has been quite some time since i’ve had the opportunity to dine with those I can consider “friends”.” This took the pair by surprise. “You.....think of us as friends?”
“Indeed. You, Albert, and your friends have proven quite fearless, and bold in the face of danger. Unwilling to stand down even when things appear to be at their worst. I feel we are kindred spirits, and I consider you more than worthy of being considered a friend.” This made the two smile fondly, as Albert said, “Then consider us there, your grace!”
“Excellent!” The Count said proudly, before handing them a small parchment. “Here is my own address. You should have no difficulty finding me tomorrow.”
“Thank you again, sir. Take care!” Were Albert’s final words before he, and his friend took off in the carriage. Shining was thus left alone in the streets, watching as the carriage disappeared into the night. At the moment, he had to admit to himself that Albert.....and even his friends, were quite interesting. But Albert especially proved to be resilient, courageous, and strong-willed. Not to mention eyes filled with such love, and compassion. Eyes that actually sparkled in the night air with a familiar sense of wonder, and joy. It actually reminded him of Mercedes. Those very same eyes he would see in hers every time she was happy, and they shared a tender moment together. In Albert’s eyes, he saw the mare he loved so dear.
And thinking about it is what made his anger surface once more.
Just another reminder of the life which had been stolen away from him. Not only had Mondego imprisoned him in a living hell to die all alone - he also took away any chance Shining had of making a family of his own. All of those thoughts were now nothing more than dead dreams on the road to revenge. A part of him DID feel bad about what he was about to do. But he knew that manipulating the young stallion like this was the way he would make Sombra, and his cursed companions pay for what they did to him. It was only a matter of time until that happened.
It was just a shame Albert may be forced to suffer because of it.