The golden towers of Canterlot glowed in the warm hues of sunset and everywhere ponies bustled about in a last minute rush. Parents herded their mewling children towards home, restaurants were setting up their alfresco dining tables and the lamplighters were lighting the street lamps.
Among the bustle and hubbub of the busy city, the piercing whistle of an approaching train signaled its imminent arrival. The lumbering machine slowly ground to a halt with a squeal of steel and a vent of steam like a heavy sigh of relief after its taxing hill climb.
Ponies crowded around the carriage doors eagerly waiting to be reunited with friends, family and lovers. The crowd parted suddenly with a commotion as three ponies bolted from the car as soon as the door was unlocked.
“C’mon let’s hurry, it’s been more than a day since we last saw Faolan,” said Remedy, yelling over her shoulder.
Sunny beat her wings, keeping only a few steps behind. Tradewind followed close behind her, equally determined. They barrelled into the busy streets and hurtled down the cobblestone road with little regard for dignity or etiquette, earning more than their fair share of lofty noses from the affronted gentry in the process.
Faolan panted heavily. His legs trembled, sweat beaded on his brow and stubborn tears stung the corners of his eyes. His coat was ragged and singed. The collar around his neck ticked slowly as the metal cooled. An acrid smell still wafted from its joints but the purple gemstones glowed as keenly as ever.
Big Top drew his hoof across his brow, flicking the excess sweat from his face. “I’ll admit, your determination is admirable, but the longer you resist, the more painful it will be for you. Is it really worth it?”
Faolan smacked his lips – they were so dry. He tried to wet his nose, but his tongue just felt like old leather. He took a deep wheezing breath. His piercing blue eyes, though squinting through the pain, still burned brightly with unrelenting defiance. “I will not yield,” he mumbled to himself.
Big Top stretched his aching neck. A knot had been developing and he made a mental note to make a booking for a remedial massage. He growled at Faolan, frustration evident in the angry red flares of his aura. “Now, once more. Sit!”
Faolan growled.
Big Top swung the dreaded lash and unleashed the gem studded tendril at Faolan. The crack of the tip heralded another wave of fire burning through Faolan’s body and forced a pained howl from between his lips. The gem-studded collar crackled loudly with angry, malevolent magic.
“Thanks Mr. Bearing, this is great!”
Scarlet ran around the factory floor. Ducking and weaving, cutting in, then juking back. The little cart holding her legs was impressively stable with the new cambered wheels. “It’s amazing you could do this for me so quickly.”
“My pleasure little one, I’m just glad you weren’t seriously hurt. You were very lucky that dog saved you.”
“Wolf,” she corrected, “He was brave and kind and strong and huge.”
Axle Bearing chuckled, remembering his own overactive imagination at that age. “Well isn’t that something. Now you let me know how this new rig handles. It’s a new design so you’re testing it for me. But don’t take that as permission to be reckless.”
“I will, thanks,” said Scarlet. She clattered out through the workshop door and onto the cobblestone street.
Axle poked his head out and looked around. “And where’s Miss Grace? Is she picking you up?”
“Nah, She’s still got some chores to do - we weren’t really planning to come to Canterlot, so she’s made a whole day of it. I’m meeting her later with the others at that new donut shop.”
“Oh, that’s a shame,” said Axle with quiet disappointment. He brightened his smile, leant down and tussled the filly’s mane. “OK, well you take care, you hear? And avoid any rampaging food stands.”
Scarlet giggled and swatted his grease stained hoof away, “I will. Thanks again for the new wheels.”
He bid her farewell and closed the door to his shop.
Scarlet turned and stepped out into the road only to be nearly trampled by a trio of rampaging ponies. She squeaked and back-peddled, the little cart handling the maneuver far more gracefully. Remedy shrieked and slid to a halt.
“Oh hey, it’s you! Where’s your wolf?” Scarlet asked, brightly. She peered behind them and further down the street, but frowned when she found no lurking predator behind.
Remedy blinked at the unexpected encounter. “Oh hi, Scarlet right? I’m glad you’re back on your hooves - ” Sunny elbowed Remedy in the ribs, “ - uh, what I mean is...”
Scarlet raised an eyebrow.
“Oooh you must have been that cute little filly Remedy told me about,” said Sunny, rescuing Remedy from her faux pas. “The one Faolan saved.”
“Yeah, that’s me,” said Scarlet, her cheeks blushing. “But I didn’t get hurt and I got these swanky new wheels - so everything turned out pretty good.”
“Sorry, Scarlet, I don’t want to be rude but we’re in a bit of a panic. That wolf, Faolan, he’s missing,” said Remedy.
“Missing? Here?” said Scarlet, worried. She looked around as if he might be hiding behind a trundling wagon, or a pair of ponies consulting a restaurant’s sign board.
“Actually, I think he may have been captured. Have you seen the circus in town?”
“I saw some posters over there,” Scarlet said, pointing to a lamp post a half a block down the road,”I think they said it was being held in the lower ring park.”
Remedy gave Scarlet an exasperated smile. “Thank you. C’mon everypony, let’s go.”
Trade followed immediately, but Sunny paused long enough to give the filly’s cheeks a squeeze between her hooves. “Oh you're sooo cute. We’ll catch you around, ok.”
She rubbed her abused cheeks as they galloped away. “Geez, I hope Faolan is alright.”
Faolan’s legs trembled under him and he whimpered. His eyes were clenched as he endured the pain. It would be so easy to sit. He WANTED to sit. He was so tired.
NO, I can’t let him win, he chastised himself. Drawing another long steady breath to firm up his stance.
He focused his mind away from his pain, drawing strength from memories of the forest he loved, of Kerena, their plight, and his mission. Faolan breathed deep and exhaled slowly. Forging his will in the fires of his pain into a cold, steely resolve.
Big Top screamed, spittle flying from his mouth. “You damnable creature! This dome won’t come down until one of us gives in. So for the last time. SIT!”
Another lash soared over the gap. Faolan bore the now familiar pain. The collar crackled fiercely and his muscles quivered as the sensations of fire wash over him but his breathing remained slow and steady.
“Aaaaaugh! SIT, YOU BASTARD!” Big Top screamed in exasperated fury and sent another whip crack, then another and another. Lashing over and over again. Each time the collar responded, and each time the fire washed over Faolan – but he no longer flinched. The fire was now a constant feeling, and he accepted it. He reasoned with it and placed it somewhere deep and primal. Ever present, but no longer relevant. The convulsing of his muscles reduced to a mere energetic tremor.
Big Top panted heavily with his own exertion and cracked the whip, sending another lash, but his strike was sloppy and the tip flew too close. Amongst the heat and stench of burning hair and ozone, a trickle of bright red blood oozed down from the freshly opened cut on Faolan’s cheek and wet his tongue with its iron tang.
A low, slow growl rekindled from deep within the wolf’s throat. His aura once dark with fear and hate flashed with fiery red tongues of rage.
“Don’t you show your teeth at me,” Big Top growled back.
He released another lash. Sweat dripped from his brow, and foam gathered at the corners of his mouth.
Faolan pushed away from the shield wall and stepped towards the ringmaster.
Long thin flags flapped slowly in the cool night breeze. Each one positioned as a sentinel on one of the large circus tents that loomed ominous in the dark shadows of the lower ring. Only a few perimeter lamps had been lit; the circus, clearly not yet open for business. The main tent was enormous and two ponies stood guard at its entrance.
Remedy bounded down the wide staircase leading from the tier above. Tradewind and Sunny glided down behind her. They cantered up to the large canvas entrance. A colourfully dressed pegasus mare stood chatting to a similarly gaudy unicorn stallion.
The circus mare turned to face the trio and smiled. “Sorry folks, We’re still getting ready to put on a big show. Come back tomorrow to see the wonders of the big top. It’s going to be better than ever.”
“We’re not here to see the act,” said Remedy, panting. “We’re here to rescue a friend. A wolf that was captured yesterday.”
The circus mare started blankly at Remedy, “A wolf? You can’t be friends with a wolf. That’s silly.”
The other unicorn stepped in front of Tradewind who had crept forward, peering into the dim tent.
Remedy narrowed her eyes at the mare. “That’s not for you to decide. He was travelling with me and I demand his release.”
The mare raised an eyebrow, and with a glimmer of a smirk leaned over to her fellow carny. “Oh my this sounds serious. Have you seen any wolves around here?
He tapped his chin in contemplation. “A wolf? This far from the forests? No. That can’t be right,” he said with a smirk.
“Well, you won’t mind me checking for myself then?” Remedy declared and stepped around the mare.
The mare quickly moved to block her. “I’m afraid that’s out of the question. But if you’d like to make an enquiry. You can make an appointment to see the Ringmaster. He’s a bit busy right now, but I’m sure he would love to make some time to see you tomorrow.”
Remedy gritted her teeth and let out a frustrated growl. “Listen you. I’ve just spent all day tracking my ponynapped friend. I haven’t eaten. I haven’t slept at all for 2 days and barely for a whole week. So forgive me, but my patience is running a little thin.”
The unicorn stallion stepped forward, “Are you with the guard?”
“What? No.”
“Then sod off. Because no one except circus staff is allowed in here tonight.”
Tradewind stormed up into the unicorn’s face. “Hey! You’ve got some nerve talking to a lady like that!”
Soul Song stepped out from the entrance, alerted by the rising voices.
“Oh Soul Song. Thank goodness you’re here,” said the circus mare with relief. “ We’ve got a couple of unhappy customers. Say they’re looking for a stolen wolf!”
Soul Song raised an eyebrow. Then nodded.
The mare turned back to the three angry ponies who by now were all yelling at the unicorn at the same time and making many colourful promises that would require the royal guard if kept. She waved to get their attention. “Now folks, looks like you’re in luck. We have one of the ringmaster’s personal assistants here. I’m sure she can straighten out any complaints.”
Remedy shoved the unicorn aside with the courtesy befitting a mouldy bag of wheat. “Good! I want to know where my friend is. And I want to know right NOW!.”
Soul Song considered Remedy’s proposal then nodded with a smile.
“Finally, now we’re getting somewhere,” said Remedy. Sunny and Tradewind joined her alongside.
Soul Song pulled out her hideous instrument and pressed it to her lips.
“Uh, that’s not a wolf,” said Sunny with a quizzical tilt of her head.
“Does he come when you whistle or something?” asked Tradewind.
“I have no id…”
Soul Song fixed them all with a coy smile and a light, jaunty, little melody frolicked through the air.
The trio’s eyes widened in wonder. Their pupils dilated and their jaws slackened. Slowly their heads began to bob in time, and their bodies swayed to the music.
CRACK!
Another lash.
“What is wrong with you! Do you enjoy pain? SIT DAMMIT!”
Faolan took another breath. His head hung low, but his eyes remained focused. He took another step. He paused as another lash wheeled overhead. More pain washed over him but he no longer winced. He took another step.
The ringmaster panted and wheezed. His leg trembled, exhausted from the labour of his efforts. He winced as the gem studded tip of his whip now buzzed angrily, occasionally spitting out arcane sparks. A siren call to its miserable sister.
Big Top’s back hoof smacked against the dome wall. He glanced back, surprised that he had been driven back and suddenly realised Faolan now stood in the middle of the arena.
Big Top swallowed. “Fine! We’re done for the day. Go back to your cage and I’ll call it your victory.”
Faolan stepped closer. The same low growl harmonizing with the permanently crackling collar. Arcane arcs danced along its rim and blackened the fur underneath.
“I SAID BACK!” shouted Big Top.
He sent another lash. Faolan took another step. Big Top’s aura bruised.
The confident blues and angry reds melded into a deep purple fear. He unleashed a panicked barrage of strikes. Each time he lashed, Faolan took another step, and each time Faolan stepped closer, the sister gems sung louder and louder; their cackling wailing horror.
Big Top winced as his own whip lashed out at his hoof with it’s arcane lightning. He dropped the whip and bolted around the edge of the dome. His pudge knocking over one of the lantern stands in his haste to escape. Faolan howled and gave chase.
“You Win! You Win! I Submit!” yelled Big Top.
The shield cracked.
Brumby sat on a hay bale and watched a white crack fracture the shield. Then with a pop the shield burst and dissolved from the top down.
A strangled, gurgling scream shattered the silence. The dome vomited out a cloud of black smoke and lit up the canvas ceiling with flickering yellow and red firelight.
Brumpy jumped to his hooves. As the last of the shield dissolved, he saw that a lantern had broken and a hay bale had caught fire. But that was a minor concern.
The wolf stood over an unmoving mound, growling. His powerful, hackled shoulders heaved with heavy breath and trails of wispy smoke drifted off his back. His silhouette stretched across the ground till they licked at Brumby’s hooves. Vibrant crimson glistened around the wolf’s jaws.
With a pop, the collar snapped open and fell to the ground with a heavy thud, steam and smoke rising from the blackened ring around his neck.
Faolan glared at the hunter, then flicked his head back and swallowed. Brumby watched a lump slide down Faolan’s throat.
Brumby reached for his rope.
From the opposite side there was a barely audible gasp, like a silent scream. Soul Song stood petrified.
Faolan’s eyes snapped towards the mare and instinct delivered him an immediate decision. He snarled and raced at the songstress. Brumby watched the wolf pick his target. “NO!” He chased after the wolf but there was no way he could intercept in time. She backpedalled, clumsily trying to unwrap her flute. Faolan covered the distance with feral haste. She fumbled the flute to her lips, but gasped as Faolan bore down on her. Soul Song stumbled backwards. The wolf barreled into her, slamming her on her back. His jaws clamped around her flute, narrowly missing the tender flesh of her neck, saved only by the bulk of her scarf.
Faolan wrenched the instrument from her hooves, tearing the scarf away in the process. He stood over the mare, a large paw pinning her on her back. Soul Song cowered behind her hooves, protecting the ugly pink scars that criss-crossed her throat. Her flute no longer in her possession.
Faolan glared into her eyes, his own blazing with blue fury. He tensed his muscles and the flute gave a sickening crack. She desperately tried to grab the flute, but he clenched his jaws and the wicked instrument shattered.
“NOOO!” – The lasso sailed through the air. Faolan spun away and skirted under it.
Brumby charged past. The wolf snarled and snapped at him but he dodged and landed himself between the beast and the songstress. He reached for the rope with his magic, but didn’t expect the unbridled savagery of the wolf’s attack.
Faolan’s focus was reduced to pure, single-minded, bloody, instinct. He snapped repeatedly at the hunter. Pushing into him. Brumby parried, but he couldn’t dodge, no time to focus his magic. He stumbled backwards, tripping over Soul Song and fell back against her with a frightened yelp. He howled as the wolf’s jaws clamped around his foreleg.
Faolan shook his head vigorously, trying to separate the pony from his limb.
Brumby cried out, clumsily kicking at the wolf while his body shook violently. Blood ran in rivulets down his foreleg. There was a sickening crunch of shattering bone. Brumby screamed.
At the sound of the rising commotion, no less than a dozen circus ponies run into the arena.
Brumby groaned through clenched teeth and Soul Song cried and cowered silently under him, the wolf towered above as blood flowed from around his jaws and Brumby’s mangled foreleg.
The circus staff quickly formed a mob and armed themselves with whatever weapon they could grab: mallets, torches, pitchforks, juggling clubs and one unfortunate clown with a bucket.
Faolan growled at the new arrivals. He released the injured unicorn and stepped away. These ponies could do him no more harm. He gave an eerie howl, and bolted for the back door – disappearing into the night like a shadow.
The lamp light flickered softly on the side of the path. Dozing on the grass underneath, a pile of ponies quietly snored. Remedy slept better than she had in days. Her head rested gently on Tradewind’s side. He too, was fast asleep and lying on the grass. Lying on her back, Sunny snored not so quietly. Her head using Remedy’s barrel for a pillow. Her nose was pointed straight up, and her mouth hung open – a trail of drool dribbled down one side.
An unfortunate moth fluttered close, drawn to the lamp light. With a snort, it was quickly sucked in and Sunny woke in a coughing fit.
A few unseemly, hacking coughs dislodged the bug, and it flew off in a limping daze.
Sunny blinked, trying to recognise the unfamiliar surroundings or remember why she was there. She sat up and rubbed her eyes. She stared up at the looming tent a little ways off.
“THE CIRCUS!”
Sunny jumped to her hooves. She Grabbed Remedy by the shoulders and shook. “Wake up you two.”
Remedy groaned. “Just 5 more minutes.”
“Get UP! “ Sunny yanked a tail hair.
“Ouch. I’m up,” Remedy complained. She stopped and looked around.
Tradewind stirred.
“Faolan, remember? We were looking for him,” said Sunny.
“Faolan! What happened?“
Tradewind sat up groggily and rubbed his head. “Last thing I remember was music.”
Remedy’s eyes widened. “The pony with the flute. She must have done something to us.”
“Look, the door isn’t guarded anymore,” said Sunny, hovering into the air and pointing over to the tent.
The three scrambled to their hooves. Trade stumbled for a few steps, one of his legs still asleep. He kicked away the pins and needles and quickly caught up.
They quietly stalked around the side of the tent and approached the unguarded opening. A mournful chorus of quiet sobbing and whimpering grief rose as they peered into the tent. They slipped inside and snuck towards the inner ring.
A large group of ponies stood in a circle. They were huddled in groups, holding each other. Some were crying and others were whispering quietly to each other. A tan stallion lay on a gurney talking to some guards while a medical pony unpacked bandages from a first aid kit. His foreleg cradled gingerly in his hoof.
“This doesn’t look good, Remedy.” Trade hovered slightly above, surveying the scene.
“W-we don’t know anything yet,” said Remedy, but her breathing was already short and sharp.
The crowd parted suddenly, and another gurney rolled out with two more medical ponies flanking it. A bloody sheet covered an unseen figure.
Sunny gasped and tears welled in her eyes. She grabbed hold of Remedy’s foreleg. Tradewind landed next to them with equally dark concern.
Remedy stared at the gurney as it trundled past. Shaking her head in disbelief. “We don’t know for sure. It could be unrelated – an unlucky accid…” The sheet snagged on a railing and was ripped away.
Tradewind gasped and recoiled in shock. Remedy clamped her muzzle shut to stifle a shriek. Sunny threw up.
The medic ponies quickly gathered up the sheet and placed it back over the body. But not before the full trauma of the carnage was exposed in graphic horror.
A fat circus pony, still dressed in red coattails, had died horrifically. His eyes were stretched wide open, screaming. His tongue lolled out the side of his mouth. And his throat was just a bloody meaty mess. Large chunks appeared to be missing and there was the distinct pinkish-white of vertebrate visible.
The medic gave an apologetic look and quickly pushed the gurney away.
Sunny sobbed between her retching. “It can’t be. Not this. Not this.”
Remedy still held her hoof across her mouth, choking back bile while tears streamed down her face.
Tradewind watched the retreating medics with a disgusted, dark, glare.
Sunny grabbed Remedy by the shoulders and shook her, gasping, “Remedy, please, tell me it’s not true!”
Remedy tried to smile, but it was fragile and broken. “It’s my fault…” she said quietly. She stared vacantly while tears continued to run down her face. She sobbed.
Sunny hugged her. “No. No. This isn’t your fault. Never your fault.”
“If I hadn’t teased him. If I had escorted properly…”
“This isn’t your fault,” said Tradewind. He circled his forelegs around the pair. And rested his chin on Remedy’s head. “He’s the wolf.”
The trio sat in a group hug for a minute and Remedy buried her head in the huddle and sobbed.
“I know it hurts,” said Tradewind eventually, “but we still have to find him before… anything else happens. That pony over there will probably have the most information.” He nodded towards the other gurney.
Remedy took a deep breath and stilled her tears. She sniffed and wiped her eyes and nose.
Tradewind rubbed her back, “I’ll go and ask, you stay here with…”
“No,” Remedy interrupted. Her eyes were puffy and red, but the set of her jaw was determined.
“He was my responsibility. Trade, you stay here with Sunny.”
Tradewind blinked in surprise, then gave her a slow nod. “Ok, just remember we’re here for you.”
Sunny looked up, bleary eyed, tear stained and even a little snot dribbling from her snout. She snorted it back in and nodded with fierce determination. “You don’t have to do any of this alone ever again.”
Remedy smiled and hugged them both.
The guards had stepped away to consult with the rest of their unit. A medical unicorn pony was busy strapping a bloody limb, dictating to a second pony who was taking notes.
“Oblique fracture of right metacarpal, complicated by multiple deep lacerations with bone on view. Shoulder has been relocated. Multiple contusions. Neurovascular compromise evident. Significant blood loss. Patient remains conscious, alert and, contrary to lack of head trauma, jovial. Could be due to the blood loss.”
“Geez, you make it sound worse than it is,” said Brumby.
The medic snorted, “We could amputate if you’d prefer. You’re just lucky you didn’t bleed to death.”
“Pffft – I’m fine. Stop fussin’ ”
The medic rolled his eyes.
“Excuse me?” said Remedy, delicately weaving between the other ponies, “I’m hoping you can help. What happened here?”
Brumby rolled his head over to look at her, a silly grin on his face. “Aww don’t worry luv. Just a little accident. Occupational hazard. The circus will be up and running again soon.”
"It was a wolf, wasn’t it?”
The grin faltered. “It might be best if you stay indoors for a while. At least until the guards can track him down.”
Remedy’s eyes widened. “The guards!”
Brumby’s grin fell into a frown. “After tonight, I don’t think there’s much hope for the little blighter.”
Brumby turned away, “Wasn’t really his fault you know. I knew he wasn’t ready. I shouldn’t have allowed Big Top to start training.”
“Sir? Sir! I need you to stay awake now.” The medic gently tapped him on the cheek.
“Is it just me or is it chilly in here?” mumbled Brumby.
“Miss I’m sorry, but we need to get him to a hospital. He’s lost a lot of blood.” They nodded to Remedy and pushed the gurney towards the exit.
“Wait, where did he go?” Remedy called out.
Brumby turned his head slowly and gave her a delirious smile. “Dunno, he ran off into the city. Don’t worry luv – the guards will find him.”
The medics loaded him into the back of a pegasus chariot. Soul Song rushed to him, abandoning her comfort blanket, and personal medic.
Remedy, Sunny and Tradewind slipped back into the city before anypony could ask any questions.
Scarlet sat in a booth of the donut shop and sipped a hot cocoa, covered in floating marshmallows. A plate sat on the table with a chocolate-iced donut covered in sprinkles – one bite missing.
The evening had proceeded, and mother was late. Scarlet wasn’t too worried however, she had enough spare change for a few more donuts. She could panic when that ran out.
The bell above the door chimed and a pair of well dressed ponies walked in.
“Can you believe it, you’d think the city was under attack. I hope this doesn’t make us miss our dinner reservation,” said one of the pair. The unicorn mare was dressed in usual Canterlot chic. Which is to say, a lot more than anyone in Ponyville wore.
Scarlet wrinkled her nose at yet another display of Canterlot fashion. She’d had to wear dresses on the odd special occasion, and had always hated them. They would inevitably end up tangled around an axle. Ridiculous things.
“Oh, I know, filly. You’d expect they’d at least let us hide in a restaurant of our choosing,” said the other, equally pampered, unicorn. She looked around the humble stylings of the donut shop and frowned.
“Welcome to Donut Jim’s,” said the well built stallion behind the counter. Despite his unusual name, Jim was a rather plain pony with a cream coloured coat and a short, light brown mane. His taste in donuts and other deep fried confections, however, was second to none. The mares looked him over with hesitation. One of them wrinkled a nose at the chocolate stains on his apron.
“Coffee for two. Cream and sugar please. We won’t be staying long – just until the guards let us out.”
Jim placed two mugs on the counter and filled them with fresh coffee. “Let you out!” he laughed. “Are you prisoners in my shop now?”
“It would seem so. Apparently there’s some creature or something running around causing a disturbance. The royal guard are emptying the streets and telling everyone to remain indoors - the closest doors,” said the first mare, levitating a few coins from her saddlebag. The other mare took a seat behind Scarlet’s booth and wiped down the already clean table with a napkin and her magic. As far away from the counter as possible.
The other mare scattered her coins on the counter and picked up the freshly made coffees. She walked back to their booth and eyed Scarlet on the way. Scarlet narrowed her eyes back suspiciously.
“Hrmph, it’s rude to stare you know,” said the mare, sticking her nose in the air. Her front hoof smacked into Scarlets cart which had been tucked under her table. The mare tripped and her magic faltered, sending one mug into the adjacent booth and her friends lap. The other splashed onto the floor in front of her, right as she fell into the freshly steaming puddle.
The mares shrieked and squealed in unison, hopping around hysterically. The one in the booth started crying.
Scarlet crawled to the edge of her bench seat and poked her head around the booth. “And you should watch where you’re going,” she said, grinning slyly.
The mare whinnied. “You tripped me on purpose.”
“I did not! You tripped on my cart.” Scarlet shot back, pointing at the dislodged cart poking out from under the table.
The mare huffed, “Well why wasn’t it put away. It’s dangerous. Where’s your mother I want to have words with her.”
Scarlet glared back.
“Not to worry ladies. No point crying over spilt coffee,” said Jim, arriving promptly with a mop and bucket. “I’ll even replace the coffee – free of charge.”
“Wha – Free of charge!? This is silk you dough-brained lump. Freshly STAINED silk.” She shook the soggy garment angrily in his face.
Jim smiled as serenely as ever. “Well in that case, donuts on the house.”
“That’s it!” she yelled. “Monster or not, we are not staying in this dump any longer. Come on filly, this place is full of idiots and cripples.”
“Hey!” yelled Scarlet. She picked up her donut and went to throw it, but Jim arrested her assault with a frown and shake of his head.
The mare dragged her blubbering friend from the booth and they quickly spilled out onto the street in a gibbering mass of mild hysteria and weak insults.
Scarlet threw down her donut, pouted and crossed her forelegs.
Jim hummed happily and busied himself with cleaning up the spill.
“How can you keep smiling? They just called you an idiot,” Scarlet whined.
“What!? I thought they called me a cripple!” he roared. Scarlet scrunched her nose in confusion, then burst into laughter. Jim grinned and sat opposite her.
“I suppose that makes me the idiot then,” she said, wiping away a tear.
“Listen, kid. Plenty of unhappy ponies out there – all frowns and self-righteous judgement. I figure I’ve got smiles to spare, so I’m all about sharing them. You can’t make somepony smile by being angry at them – or throwing donuts at them.” He booped her on the nose and she giggled. “If they want to call me an idiot, that’s their problem. They don’t know what they’re missing out on. Same with you.”
Scarlet smirked. “Thanks, Jim.”
“Don’t mention it. Here –” he produced a triple chocolate donut with raspberry jam filling from, seemingly thin air “– for my favourite customer.” Scarlet cheered, and clapped her hooves. Jim winked and got up. “I’ll clear away these broken cups. You sit tight.”
Scarlet hummed contentedly and munched on the super sweet confection as she stared out into the dark streets. Another patrol of guards quick-marched past. Occasionally a confused or irate citizen would wander into the street and be quickly escorted back off again.
A flash of silver caught her eye behind a parked wagon. Another patrol of guards quickly trotted down the street. As soon as they passed, the silver blur slipped dexterously from behind the wagon cover. It slunk quick and low, keeping to every bit of shadow and cover as it swiftly darted down the street. You’d be hard pressed to notice it if you weren’t looking for it. For a brief moment, lamp light cast the figure’s silhouette against a stone wall. A distinctly canine silhouette.
Scarlet pressed her face against the glass. The silver shadow vanished down a narrow street opposite.
She leant down and positioned her cart. She rolled onto her stomach and slowly slid off the bench, dangling her legs into the waiting nest of straps. With a quick pull on the belly strap she quietly wheeled out of the shop while Jim was still out the back.
She paused on the street and kept low until there was a gap in the guard patrols, she trotted across the road and into the alley.
Scarlet cautiously peered around the corner. A lone lamp on the street outside provided the only light to the alley. It was obviously only used as a service lane for the surrounding shops and cafes. Empty crates of goods and bins filled with refuse crowded the lane way and littered it with thick black shadows that pooled in the many nooks and crannies. It was also a dead end. The back of another shop serving to terminate the little lane way.
Scarlet stepped forward and felt something cold and wet underhoof. A few little specks of red glistened on cobblestones.
She looked around – no guards. Slowly she walked into the alley, her little cart towed behind her, clattering over the cobblestones. A particularly dark corner behind a stack of crates shifted slightly and from deep within the inky black, a dangerous green-blue eye glinted in the pale moonlight, and a low menacing growl reverberated.
Scarlet hesitated. “F-Faolan? Is that you? It’s me, Scarlet. You saved me remember, back in Ponyville.”
The growling stopped, then the glint moved. Slowly Faolan revealed his face from the shadow. His coat disheveled and charred, his muzzle still stained red with the life of his victim, and the cut from the lash still livid on his cheek.
Scarlet gasped. Faolan whimpered.
“You’ve been hurt.”
Faolan whimpered again and flattened his ears.
Scarlet wheeled closer. She reached into one of the pockets on her cart, and pulled out a silk handkerchief. She reached up to wipe his cheek. Faolan hesitated but gingerly bowed down. She gently patted the blood from the lash on his cheek.
“What are you doing here little one?” Faolan grumbled.
“Shh, it’s alright. You’re safe now.”
“I’m safe! What about you?”
Scarlet hugged him around his neck.
“Do you understand? I’m a wolf, and you’re a pony. One of the stock species. I’ve killed one of yours today, and a spirits lifetime ago, we would have hunted you.”
Scarlet stood quietly for a moment then she gently touched the scorched fur around his neck.
“Beware the scarlet murmurant and scent whose mind takes hold.
Collect instead the widow's tears that doubtless share the fold.
For one will grant a vision sweet, but in sweet embrace your doom.
The other offers life and love in dark and bitter bloom.”
She looked up at Faolan. “An old traveling zebra once told me this poem after learning my name. Everypony else was too afraid to even talk to him. I don’t really understand it, but I think I know what he meant. Sometimes things that look beautiful and good, are actually bad. And sometimes things that look bad and unpleasant are actually good.”
Scarlet stepped back and looked away, rubbing a sudden chill from her shoulder. “For years after the accident people treated me differently. They only looked on the outside. Saw what I couldn’t do, instead of what I could. I was my disability.“
She gave Faolan an apologetic smile. “A bad habit of some ponies unfortunately, especially in Canterlot. Ponyville is much nicer.”
She reached out and patted Faolan on the leg. “I think you’re kind of going through the same thing I was, except – instead of having only half of you broken; you’re a wolf from head to tail. Some ponies can’t see beyond that.”
Scarlet glanced at the dried blood around his muzzle and looked away. “I know you’ve probably hurt somepony tonight, but I also know you saved me. So no matter what, I’ll trust you.”
Faolan hugged her. “I don’t know if you’re as wise as an ancient owl, or just a naive filly, but thank you.”
Scarlet squeaked and giggled from the sudden hug attack, then gently pushed him back. “Ew. No, your muzzle…”
Faolan winced.
“It’s ok.” she smiled. “You just stay hidden here while I find Remedy. I’m guessing the guards …”
“Hey! What are you doing down there?” Scarlet spun around to see a young unicorn guard peering from the end of the alley. “What are you doing down this dark alley alone? Where are your parents? It’s dangerous to be out tonight there’s a monst…”
The guard stopped, and peered past the filly. A silver white tail slipped into the shadows. The guard slowly approached Scarlet, his eyes still fixed on the dark corner.
Scarlet, ran up and tugged at the guards leg. “Oh thank you Mr. Guard, I was so lost, can you help me find my parents. I think they went this way.” she said desperately, pointing back towards the main street. The guard ignored her plea and poured a mote of energy into his horn. A bright green-white light glowed and banished the shadows. Illuminating the hulking, coiled body of Faolan.
“Holy flanks!” The guard backpedalled.
“Wait, it’s not what you think!” Scarlet squeaked.
Bright green magic surrounded Scarlet and lifted her off the ground. She shrieked in surprise.
Faolan lurched out of his hiding place. “Let her go!” he barked.
“Back! Back! You filthy mongrel.”
The guard raised his horn to the air and fired a bright green blob of magic high into the sky. It exploded and left a lingering green contrail as a beacon. In the distance, shrill whistles echoed and the sounds of shouting and hoofbeats clambered over the rooftops.
“I’ll be fine. Quick, get away!” shouted Scarlet
Faolan whimpered and darted towards the alley entrance. The guard drew a blade with his magic, and slashed at the wolf. Faolan jumped back just as the glowing metal sparked against the cobblestones.
Scarlet slapped the guard with her tiny hooves to little effect. “Stop it, you big meanie!”
“Filly! That isn’t a pet dog there.”
“ I know that! But he’s…”
The thunder of hoofbeats grew louder and two more earth guard ponies arrived at the end of the alley. Removing any hope of peaceful escape.
The unicorn guard levitated Scarlet around the corner of the alley and placed her on her back like a turtle.
“Hey! That’s not fair!” cried Scarlet.
“The captain is on his way with backup,” said one of the new arrivals.
“No time, there are civilians nearby. We finish this now, while he’s trapped. Back me up.”
The guards leveled their spears at Faolan.
The unicorn guard advanced, two more dancing blades joined his floating arsenal. Now three deadly hiltless blades swirled and bobbed before him.
Faolan barked and snapped, backing away. Searching for an opening that couldn’t be found. Each of the three blades operated independently, but in perfect sync. This guard was well practiced in the art of multitasking death.
“DON’T TOUCH HIM!”
The lancepony didn’t have time to finish his sudden, curious thought before Remedy galloped in from the side. She swiveled on her forehooves at the last moment and landed a powerful buck into the side of the first guard pony. His body collected his comrade on its way to the opposite side of the alley.
The unicorn glanced back to see what the commotion was, stunned to see a young mare racing at him, and his two backup guards collapsed in a tangle of limbs and broken spears.
He instinctively pointed one of his weapons to defend himself from the deranged mare.
Entirely without provocation – an empty garbage can clanged over his head. Tradewind gave it a swift kick, causing a brain numbing BONG. The unicorn dropped his blades and staggered back.
Remedy slapped the can on her way past, and the unicorn spun around and fell back on his haunches, his head lolling about on his shoulders.
The other guards staggered to their feet, and pointed their mostly-spears again. They gaped in disbelief.
More hoofbeats resounded, and another contingent of guard ponies rounded the corner. One of them, a larger stallion, stepped forward into the alley surveying the scene.
The guard ponies saluted, although one winced when he tried to bring up his hoof. Cracked ribs had little regard for proper protocol.
Six guard ponies blocked the alley way’s entrance. A golden maned earth mare and white pegasus stallion stood, boldly, facing off against them; apparently protecting a large silver wolf who looked almost as confused as the guards.
Sunny flew down and scooped up Scarlet behind the crowd.
The guard captain stomped his hoof and shouted at Remedy and Tradewind. “What in Tartarus are you doing? That’s a wolf, you fools. He’s already killed one pony tonight!”
“I don’t know the full story of that yet. But I do know he’s my... He’s an emissary from the Carnivore Tribes of the Everfree Forests. And he’s here on a diplomatic mission. I’m responsible for taking care of him. There will be no more bloodshed on my account tonight. So if you want to kill him you’ll have to start with me,” said Remedy defiantly.
Tradewind nodded at Remedy, pawing the ground beside her. “Us!”
“We’re here to see the Princess on urgent business,” she continued. “And I won’t accept any compromise. I don’t care if you throw us all in prison for it.”
Tradewind smirked and whispered into her ear. “My father is going to kill me.”
Remedy stepped forward, her head held high. Tradewind stood, just as defiant, by her side. Faolan’s shock gave way to an impressed smirk. The Captain of the Guard looked at them all and scowled.