//------------------------------// // Chapter Seven- Will You? // Story: Gems I: The Sun Princess // by Pen Dragon //------------------------------// Chapter Seven- Will You? Watcher couldn’t believe he was bringing her along with him. Sure, he could have left her at the library since no pony actually knows she’s living there, but he didn’t want Midnight and Stardust to get suspicious about anything until he could figure out what is wrong with the mare. Also he didn’t want to go alone. “Alright Tia, I’m going to level with you now. Since you have… problems... I want you to be on your best behavior.” “I have been very honest and patient with you, Watcher, why can’t you just believe me?” She asked quietly. “Like I said, I don’t believe in fairy tales and you need actual proof if you want me to believe you’re a multi-thousand year old alicorn,” he rebutted as they were able to make their way to the city. He couldn’t believe that she was the only one he could bring with him, which made him realize that he doesn’t have many friends and needs to make more sometime soon. “So where are we going again?” Celestia asked as the charcoal unicorn groaned at her. “I’ve told you NINE TIMES ALREADY!!! We’re going to Dragon Corporation for the job offer, remember? And since there’s nopony else available you’ll have to do me a solid and help me get the job.” He explained as his eye twitched a bit. It has been almost two weeks since the attack on Mr. Pen Dragon’s company by White Talons. Celestia and Watcher were getting along with each other… Mostly. “Well excuse me for asking...Jerk.” She uttered quietly as Watcher growled at the mare like a common animal. She has dealt with all kinds of stallions in her long, long, long life, but she has never met one that treated her like she had committed a crime. “Call me names if you want… I didn’t realize that I was taking an immature child to work with me!” He growled as he flared his nostrils as Celestia gasped at his response. “Who are you calling immature! At least I’m not acting like some dog!” She countered as he stared coldly at her. The tension between the two was like fire and ice as they argued the entire way to Dragon Corporation. Meanwhile Pen Dragon and Stencil Guide waited patiently for the arrival of the two unicorns they requested to come. After the attack the two were still shaken by what they witnessed that day, but Pen had something more important on his mind, but wanted to wait till after work to speak with Stencil. “Stencil once we’re done here I want to ask you something important…” “Oh, of course sir!” She answered nervously as she fidgeted with her hooves, noticing this Pen wrapped his hoof around her to try and calm her nerves a bit. “T-Thanks.” Earning a little praise was enough for Pen, seeing as he didn’t have to wait long for his guests to arrive. He noticed a two unicorns arguing with each other, one was a stallion who had a charcoal coat and the other a mare with a pure white coat. It was clearly obvious that the two despised one another, but he had ways to fix problems like this and seeing how Stencil was giving him that look not to do it. He was going to do it. “If you two are done arguing why don’t you kiss and make up?” He stated in front of the two who suddenly turned their attention towards him before blushing intensely. “Pen, Sir you didn’t have to do that, you know...” She faced hoof as her coltfriend chuckled at the confusion the two unicorns were having. “Do forgive me, but you two seemed to be so wrapped up in your argument that I thought that was the best way to break it. Anyways, I’m Mr. Pen Dragon, CEO of this outfit... and this lovely mare standing beside me is Stencil Guide,” he introduced her as she blushed at the compliment. “Oh, uh sorry, forgive our rudeness… I’m Watcher and this annoying girl beside me is Tia. She has a few screws loose if you know what I me-” Before he could even finish Celestia smacked him on the back of his head as she growled in response. “Ignore whatever he’s saying… Whatever he’s saying it’s most likely insulting either way. For the past week I’ve received nothing but insults from this half-witted buffoon, Pen Dragon,” she said, growling, “and no matter how hard I try he won’t listen to me.” “Well I certainly think you’d make a more effective team if you’d slow down and start giving each other a chance,” suggested Stencil, “she is supposed to be your helper after all. Why would you pick her if all you’re going to do is insult her?” Watcher was well aware that “because I don’t want her going nuts while I’m away”, was going to lead to a circular discussion with the CEO and Stencil, so he knew he was going to have to give up and convince them things were ok. He didn’t want to lose the massive pay he was being offered after all, and maybe “Celestia” would be quiet if she got her stipend too. “I guess you’re right Stencil, I’m sorry Tia,” he lied with a fake smile, “I picked you to be my helper because you’re smart, not because you’re cute. Maybe you could cut me a break on being a bit blunt?” “Now we’re getting somewhere,” she huffed in return, “fine, I’ll be nicer since you’ve agreed we should behave for our new… leader.” “Hey now I’m just your manager, this is a job, not the force!” chuckled Pen Dragon, holding up a hoof, “but I’m glad you guys are going to put a better effort into getting along. Can’t have you fighting near the machines.” “So, this is our interview I guess,” mumbled Watcher, “what do we do?” Stencil took out a small red crystal, a lozenge in shape, and tossed it magically to Watcher, who grabbed it with his own aura quickly. The small gem looked strangely familiar, but it was a bit too crystal-clear to be something from within Equestrian borders. “Try turning on that power crystal,” the secretary said softly, “this is the kind of thing you’ll be working with.” Watcher focused on the gemstone in front of him, turning it over a few times in mid-air before closing his eyes and pouring his magical energy into it. The red crystal started to spark with electricity, a ring of energy surrounding its middle. Pen Dragon watched in curiosity, hoping that the stone would hold together as massive amounts of energy flowed around it. When Watcher opened his eyes, the electric ring had stabilized around the stone, and it did not fade away when his horn stopped glowing. “Congrats, you’ve passed the test,” said Pen Dragon, smiling, “you’re both employees now if you want it!” “Really?” Watcher asked, startled, as he had been asked hundreds of times in class back at the campus to turn on and off power crystals all the time. They were somewhat rare materials considering where they came from was mined within rebel territory… but the school had a large stock and used them to train in the art of building magical power sources. “Yeah, really!” he answered, interrupting Watcher’s disbelief, “All you have to do is sign the contract in my office, it’s on the table. Stencil and I will wait right here for you.” Celestia looked at the door to the office and nudged Watcher, who had been staring at Pen Dragon with a mistrustful look. The two unicorns entered the office to sign the paper, while Stencil and Pen Dragon stayed behind. “That crystal is an artificial one forged on our side of the world,” he told Stencil sternly, “it only reacts to dark magic, and can’t produce power without that kind of a magical catalyst. Watcher has no idea he’s mixing dark magic into his regular spellcasting, and that’s why he’s perfect to help us build our power source. Most dark magic users turn on the public in a matter of years, but he’ll stay loyal to us as long as we keep the bits coming. I want you to make sure he gets at least double their salaries by the end of this fiscal quarter, so you’ll have to disguise them as merit raises. Can you make it happen?" “Yes, of course,” she answered, nodding, “and the assistant?” “Just make sure she’s not unhappy,” he answered, smirking, “we don’t want her convincing him to leave.” “Understood.” But before she was about to take off Pen had grabbed her front leg before giving her a note. “The note will explain everything… I have something I want to ask you later.” He said, sweating a bit as he scratched the back of his neck while Stencil had a feeling that it was going to be special and simply gave him a kiss on the cheek before heading off to meet Watcher and Celestia at his office. “How could a guy like me end up with the most amazing mare ever?” He still could remember the day they first met. Three Years Ago It was Pen’s first day as CEO and even though he was doing fine on his own, his father Scissor Dragon had insisted that he hires a secretary to help him with his schedules and important paper work. Normally he wouldn’t have a problem with it if his parents hadn’t placed his picture on Equestria Models for the sexiest stallion of the year contest, which may or may not have attracted many mares to apply for the job. He thought it was very embarrassing and what’s worse is that the mares thought it was true. “Father do I seriously need an assistant? I’m perfectly fine with taking care of my own paper work and meetings. I don’t need somepony slowing me down.” He stated before his father patted him on the back and gave a light chuckle. “Son you may think that now, but trust me it’s a lot harder than it looks and a little help from time to time never hurt anypony. Are you worried having a very attractive mare by your side could lead to something scandalous?” He replied with a smirk as Pen rolled his eyes. “If you ask me it’s a waste of time… Most of the mares waiting downstairs are probably gold diggers or some crazy fan girl that only wants to get in bed with me or kidnap me like in those weird Tv shows that ponies are making nowadays.” Pen explained while his father thought it was a bit of an exaggeration, but he did understand that some ponies are like that, but he had a feeling one of those mares would be willing to help his son out. The had soon exited the Elevator only to see a line of beautiful mares lined up with papers to apply for the job. Many of them had very long, elegant dresses on, and lots of fresh makeup on their faces, jewelry, and fancy perfumes that would burn out one’s nose just by trying to breathe. By the time they saw Pen they immediately began to crowd the grey earth pony. Each of them was trying to shove their paperwork in his face… or something else. The smell of the perfumes as he was mobbed by the eager mares choked out his lungs and he felt like he was going to suffocate to death right there in a mountain of paperwork and unwarranted hugs. “Easy son!” laughed his father, “You’re biting off more than you can chew.” “Y-you don’t say?!” he gasped as he struggled to collect all the paperwork without being crushed. Eventually he managed to get all the “resumes” in order, most of which reminded him of prenuptial agreements as opposed to a decent work history! How was he supposed to choose a decent assistant and secretary when none of them were really interested in his line of work? The defeated earth pony retreated into his office with the stack of papers, well aware he was going to be choosing a wife… not a new helper. The line of mares came in one at a time, each of them doing many things Pen Dragon found uncomfortable, at least in the sense that he’d never met or known them before. One of the mares explained to him how each and every day, he would have his suit nice and ironed in the morning for him if she was chosen for the “job”, and a hot breakfast ready to go. Another was already a rather wealthy mare with her own oil industry, clearly looking for a trophy husband and uninterested in doing any work. Nothing creeped him out more though, than that one pegasus mare who, despite answering the interview questions correctly and trying to pay attention, would not stop playing with the pencils on his desk, knocking them off his table… going to pick them up… slowly. But there was nothing that could compare… to HER. His door had squeaked open again, just like with the other mares. But this one had been very different. She was a pink coated unicorn mare, with long light blue mane, A green and orange dress clad on her body, and gray eyes that tracked his every move, beaming brightly as the smile on her face. She bounced up to her chair in front of his fancy desk, and took her seat, but she could not stop fidgeting no matter how hard she tried. “So… um, which one are you again?” he asked, sweating profusely from all the other mares he had interviewed. “I’m Bubblegum Wishes,” she squealed, “I’ve heard so much about you Pen Dragon! I really love your work and I wanna be a part of it!” “Oh, ok…” he said slowly, praying she wasn’t as crazy as her enthusiasm seemed to indicated, “so let’s get started. What are you going to bring to the company?” “Weeeeeeeeell,” she said, blunt as a stone, “for starters, I’m gonna be your marefriend!” “Wait what.” Before he knew it, she was already on his desk, leaning over to grab at him, “I’m gonna do the best job I can while giving you all the sugary goodness you want, babe!” “Hold on, this isn’t part of the…” he shrieked, but it was far too late for that, he was already getting unwanted cuddles from Bubblegum. “Pen you’re so great,” she said, falling off the table as he stood up and tried to back away, dragging the mare with him, “we’re gonna be the best couple in Baltimare! Photo shoots, news stories, and I’ll help you advertise for all your best products! All ya need’s a hot mare!” “Miss Bubblegum, please!” he begged, shaking his legs in hopes of losing her, “It sounds like you want to work unlike the others, but I can’t have you doing this right now!” “Don’t be shy darling, come kiss your new girl!” She ignored his cries for help and opened her mouth slightly before burying her lips into his, forcing him into the most awkward game of tonsil hockey he’d ever participated in. Pen Dragon shut his mouth as tightly as he could to get her out of it, but he was pinned by the pegasus and he wasn’t going anywhere, no matter how hard he kicked. Soon his tie and shirt were disheveled, and he only managed to get away when she grabbed his sport coat for a moment instead of him. Pen Dragon ran out of his office, crying for his security team. His father saw his son, face covered in lipstick, and laughed at him for failing to enjoy the “free attention”. Bubblegum Wishes didn’t make it very far after that, having been escorted out by the facility security for such a stunt, but not before she promised she’d try to find her sweetie Pen Dragon again, which terrified the poor earth pony. As soon as she was gone, Pen Dragon went to the restroom to wash the lipstick off of his face. Pen’s dad entered the small, tile floored bathroom behind him, and he walked up to his son, a smirk on his face. “Boy,” he whistled, “that mare was nuts. Sorry about that, son. I thought my boys had done a better job screening them. Turns out she’s been obsessing over you for over a year, hope she doesn’t take the rejection too harshly.” Pen Dragon turned around, water running down his face, possibly some of it his own tears. He was miserable about everything, how he’d been forced into that stupid male beauty contest of a magazine, how none of his applicants were really trying for the job, nothing. “Dad… I don’t want a secretary anymore. I’m done,” he sobbed. His father sighed, then rolled his eyes, “Pen… you can’t give up just yet. I can always find a new batch of possible assistants, but you gotta have somepony, it’ll really help you learn how to run the company. Now there’s one more out there, take care of her, and we’ll be done for today, ok champ?” “Fine,” answered the younger pony, wiping away the rest of the water, “one more.” Pen returned to his office, turning the chair back up and cleaning the area from the crazy mare’s rampage. He felt like crying again, but he pushed back the emotions and sat there quietly as he waited for the final one. The door opened slowly, and in strolled a gray coated unicorn mare, wearing a purple suit with tan dress pants, like a schoolteacher. Her hair was long and light orange, messy at the top, with a blonde stripe running throughout it. She had a gentle amount of makeup on her face and eyelash extension, but it wasn’t enough to complain about, and her perfume was a gentle mint without any asphyxiating fumes Both of her light blue eyes were on the floor, not him, but she gave him a glance and a weak smile as she stepped forward, a bundle of papers floating in front of her in her graceful light blue aura. “I’m sorry I’m late,” she said, “I had a hard time getting in, and I forget my resume in the lobby.” Not paying attention to her steps, her shaggy, lengthy mane caught her hoof, and down she fell, shrieking as she collapsed on the floor, papers flying everywhere. “Are you ok?” gasped Pen Dragon, getting up and helping her to her hooves. “I’m fine, thanks… I just tripped,” she said, laughing nervously. Pen Dragon led her to her seat and returned to his, as she stepped off the chair again to go collect her paperwork. “Oh forget the CV,” he sighed, “look I just want to get this over with… why do you want to work here?” He braced for the inevitable offering for marriage, a relationship, or even a “romantic evening”, before relaxing when she coughed gently and retrieved a single piece of her papers from the floor magically. “Well I think I’m very qualified for the job, I’ve researched many magical sciences and arts for about four years since graduation, and I’ve completed two theses on magical tool design.“ He gave her a startled look, not expecting she’d actually take things professionally. She looked back at him with a raised eyebrow, wondering if he was ok, and cracked a silly joke. “I can also do your taxes if you want.” “W… what’s your name?” asked the stunned earth pony. “I’m Stencil Guide,” she answered, smiling, “it’s on the resume you said you didn’t want.” “Oh… right, I’m an idiot,” he chuckled, taking the surviving bit of the document from her, “oh… you really do have all that experience.” “Of course,” she said, “this is a job interview, right? Those other mares didn’t have any experience?” “Not the kind I was looking for,” he said, pulling at his collar, the taste of Bubblegum still in his mouth. “Oh, well, I guess it’s a secretary job, I can’t really… um… compare that way,” she said, her ears falling back, “I guess I’ll just answer any other questions you have then.” Pen Dragon relaxed his collar and looked back at her. She had the job qualifications, sure, but she had one other quality that made him want to choose her for the job. She wasn’t crazy, but she would get his father of his back, and as an added bonus, he wouldn’t be dragged into any unwanted advances. “Yeah…” he answered confidently, “when can you start?” Stencil Guide perked up, “Really? That was fast.” “Well you have everything I need for this job! Congratulations, you’re hired!” he answered, smiling back. “Oh… thank you!” she squeaked, “I’ll be in this Monday, promise!” “Sounds good Stencil, I look forward to our… partnership.” She bounced out of the room, happier than ever with her brand new job, and Pen Dragon slowly sank down into his chair in relief. Now he’d be left alone by his father, and he’d have somepony sane to work with. Present Day Pen Dragon finished reflecting upon his meeting with her. Stencil Guide hadn’t been love at first sight, something only true in storybooks… but she had been the first mare interested in what he liked to do. In a way, he was thankful his father had gone to the trouble to get all those applicants. He may not have been able to patch over his relationship with his dad, but he did learn how to be happy on his own with someone else who truly cared. ‘Now the hard part... is asking her.’ He thought deeply about his future as he pulled out a small black box and opened it to reveal a golden ring with a white diamond. Outside the Library Watcher was actually happy after his incident a few weeks back. True he had to start working with Celestia if he was going to make this work, but with the amount of bits the two were going to make was all worth it. Not to mention that the two would be riding in a limousine everyday to work, for a moment Watcher thought he was dreaming. “I still can’t believe that we’re working for Mr. Pen Dragon. If this is a dream then please pinch me!” He said, before he could rant on he felt somepony pinch his flank. “OW!” “You said to?” Celestia said sheepishly, Watcher could only groan as he faced hoofed himself. “You really need to read up on sarcasm because I was being sarcastic!” He stated, rubbing his flank as a pink blush appeared on his cheeks. Noticing this Celestia couldn’t help but giggle as she passed him, entering the library. There is a time in everypony's life where they feel like killing somepony they really despise. “One of these days I’m going to throw you out the window Celestia.” He whispered before following after her. Of course he wasn’t going to let anypony ruin his day as he began to think of all the bits he’ll make on the job. He wasn’t greedy but… “Did you... call me Celestia?” she said softly, hope in her eyes. “Huh, I guess I did… Well nopony is around so I guess when we’re at home it’s okay to call you by your real name.” Watcher explained before coughing. “Anyways, I’m still going to throw you out a window one of these days.” “You know it’d be nice if you could show a princess a little respect?” She asked, pouting at the stallion as he rolled his eyes. He still thought she still had a few screws loose, but she was a little fun to have around. “I’ll be going to bed now, we’ll have to celebrate some other time.” He said, heading up the stairs as Celestia went to her pile of blankets and pillows by the fireplace. “Good… Good night Celestia.” “Good night, Watcher.” She replied, before she laid down atop of her pillows and blankets and drifted off to sleep, praying that someday she’d be reunited with her sister. Part de Gâteau (Piece of Cake Restaurant) Pen was nervous as he waited for Stencil to arrive at the party he was holding. It wasn’t something he would do normally but he was willing to do anything to impress Stencil. He invited several of his friends and family to this and a few employees to this, hoping she’d be comfortable with meeting them. He continued to wait near the entrance until he felt a pair of hooves grab his torso and began to squeeze the life out of him. Turning his head to see who it was it was someone that he thought wasn’t going to make it. A tan mare with a cherry red mane and tail continued to suffocate him as she smiled in response. “Cherry! Let me GO!” “Oh come on is that anyway to treat your sister?!” Releasing him as he gasped for air, she couldn’t help but laugh as she patted him on the back. “I thought you weren’t going to be here?” He said before smiling at her. “Oh come on you didn’t think I’d miss your little proposal did you?” She winked at him as she bounced up and down as Pen rolled his eyes at her. “T-thanks for coming… I’m really nervous about this and I hope she’ll say yes.” He said, blushing as he scratched the back of his neck. “I can’t wait to see how surprised she’ll be!” She said, giddy at the thought of having a sister-in-law. “Well don’t say it or it won’t be a surprise! You did read the invitation I sent you right?” He asked. “Yeah, yeah keep the proposal a secret and wait for the signal… I pretty sure everypony got the message.” She answered, her brother sighed in relief as he took a sip from his cup, she couldn’t help but giggle at him until a very dirty thought came to her mind. “Anyways brother… Did you sleep with her yet?!” His eyes widened as he did a spit take and stared at his little sister, blushing intensely as she smirk at him. Pen’s sister was always the naughty one of the two as she tried to pry into his love life and dig up anything naughty that she could use to mess with him. “That’s none of your business Cherry! Why can’t you go one day without sounding like a pervert?!” “What? Oh, I am wounded! How could you say that about your angelic, little sister?!” She said dramatically as Pen gave a blank stare. “Cherry you ain’t fooling me… You and I both know you like being dirty about that kind of stuff. I really don’t get that honestly!” He said, rubbing his forehead as she gave a wink at him. “Hehehe… Guilty as charged! Anyways if you won’t tell me then perhaps your marefriend would like to provide some details?” She said, pointing at the front entrance, turning his head he could only freeze at the sight the sight of Stencil. She was wearing a beautiful red gown with roses, and with a gold necklace that had a green gem stone. He couldn’t find any words to describe her beauty. Everything was going swimmingly for him at least until Cherry rushed over to her. “So your Pen’s marefriend right?” She asked as Stencil smiled before nodding in response, shaking her hoof. “Anyways I’m curious… Did you do anything with him in bed?” “W-WHAT?!” “I kinda want to know if my brother’s keeping you happy, so to speak,” she giggled, amused at the shock. “That’s a pretty disgusting question, don’t you think?” gasped Stencil, “I… I don’t know if I should even answer!” “Just ignore her… She’s just joking aren’t you Cherry?!” He said, glaring at her as she stuck her tongue out and winked at the two before running off to a random stallion. “A-anyways I just… Wanted to say that you look very lovely tonight Stencil.” “Am I?” she laughed, appearing by Stencils side with an eager smile. “Cherry, please don’t talk like that,” cried Stencil. “Oh ignore her… how are you Stencil?” He asked as his sister once again left the two. “I’m doing great… So you said you wanted to ask me something?” She asked as she blushed a bit. Pen couldn’t help but try to straighten his bow tie. “In a bit, we have a few moments, so let’s try to enjoy this party,” he said, pointing to the various things available in the establishment. As the name implied, a massive chocolate cake topped with white icing and frosting flowers of all colors and sizes was in the center of the room, with a chef carving the cake for each guest. Food and drinks were on the surrounding tables, blue tablecloths on each one soon to be ruined by the barbeque hay stacks, and even the fancier foods available drenched in different flavored sauces. Much conversation was being had at the tables where many of Pen Dragon’s employees were sitting, although a few quiet whispers were definitely being had. Pen Dragon tried to keep Stencil and Cherry away from each other by filling up the table he and Stencil were at, but it didn’t stop his nosy sister from coming around several times and attempting to ask the same lewd questions. After another round of probing and awkwardness, a stallion in a yellow dress shirt and tie came over to the table. “So, who’s that girl bothering you and Stencil?” he asked. “Oh hey Voltage,” said Pen Dragon, acknowledging him, “that’s my sister… embarrassingly enough.” “Your own sister? What’s her problem?” he asked. “She’s kinda always been there for me, but once I became an adult, that kinda turned into finding a… um... “ “Oooooh I see,” chuckled Voltage, smacking the roof his mouth with his tongue, “she’s out for helping you that kinda way? I kind of like that.” Pen Dragon had always known his ace mechanic Voltage as a bit of a typical bachelor, but he’d never actually seen him go out with anyone before. Maybe it was just an act, but no matter what, the mechanic never failed to smile at work or off duty, truly a pony that was fun to be around. “Voltage, where are you going with this?” asked Pen Dragon, a bit afraid. “Well, not trying to be a jerk since she’s your sister, but how about I get rid of her for a bit, hmmm?” he chuckled. “That’s disgusting,” whimpered Stencil. “Aw come on, I’m just going to get the DJ to turn on the music and get her dancing with me, that’ll give you two enough time to talk,” he laughed, “you can’t take me too seriously.” “All right Voltage, give it a go,” agreed Pen Dragon. As he walked away to go find the silly mare, his boss couldn’t help but sit back down and think about the situation. ‘Don’t know what to think about this. Voltage is a great guy but… Cherry is crazy. Would they…? Nah.’ A few minutes later and some pop began to play and Voltage approached Cherry and offered his hoof to the mare, who gladly took it with glee. Pen and Stencil could only laugh sheepishly as they looked at the two. “Well at least we’ll be alone for a bit.” “Yeah, anyways Stencil come with me? I have something to show you!” He asked as he began to lead her outside. The back of the restaurant was a beautiful flower garden featuring dozens of species of roses, and many of the colored petals fell slowly down as the afternoon wind plucked them from their blooms. He didn’t know why, but it felt like butterflies were flying everywhere in his stomach. Stencil gave him a curious look as she leaned closer to him. “It’s very beautiful tonight, don’t you think Pen?” She asked, fluttering her eyes, causing his heart to skip a beat. She truly was the one for him. “It is… but it’s not as beautiful as you Stencil.” She blushed at his compliment, but before she could say anything she saw Pen pull out a small black box. He was soon on his knees before looking up at her and opening the box to reveal a golden ring with a pure white diamond. “Stencil… For the past three years you’ve been by my side, helping me… dealing with me everyday even though I can be an idiot. I love you Stencil and I want you to be mine… “… Will you marry me?” He asked, waiting for a response, but instead he was tackled to the ground and was smothered with kisses from her. “Yes… A thousand times yes!” Things were going their way finally, and it felt like nothing could go wrong, as was with all bliss. Stencil finally released her new husband to be, and stood still with her heart ablaze as he placed the ring carefully over her horn, a sense of completeness quickly formed between them. “I can’t believe I did it,” whispered Pen, so happy he could barely speak, “want to go inside and tell the others?” She nodded, a tear running down her face. The mare turned around and made her way back to the door, so eager to spread the good news. Pen Dragon stood by himself now, ring box empty and heart full of joy. He wanted to give her a few minutes to talk with the others while he spent time reflecting. But he wouldn’t get the chance. “Pen,” came a stern voice from behind him. Pen Dragon turned around to see one of his closest employees, his financial advisor and head manager, Cobalt Banks. He was a tall, strong earth pony stallion, bigger than him and better dressed at the moment, wearing a white tuxedo and black bowtie over his light gray coat. His dark blue hair was slicked back with gel, but only for this occasion, as he normally left it in a combed-over mess. Cobalt was his father’s best friend, and had helped Pen Dragon set up his finances since his dad left the company to him. The older stallion was normally a friendly mentor of his. But now, the happiness he’d known in his teacher was gone, a subtle anger taking its place. “Cobey!” said Pen Dragon, using the nickname he’d been accustomed to calling him, “Thought you weren’t coming.” “I changed my mind,” he said, “we need to talk, Pen.” “I’ve got time,” answered the CEO nervously. Cobalt stepped forward, “I see you’ve proposed to Stencil. You’re both awfully young, Pen, do you ever think about how much responsibility being a husband is? How hard it’ll be to raise foals?” “Hey, I really appreciate your concern, but I’ve had a while to think this over,” answered Pen Dragon, “and she really is the one for me. We’ll cross the bridge of having foals when we come to it.” “You know I’ve got two of my own at home,” sighed Cobalt, running a hoof through his dying mane, “and it’s been hard to explain to them why daddy has to pack a crossbow and ammo for work every morning now, because some demons came in and killed some of the ponies he worked with. They saw it on the news, and my wife made me sit down with them and tell them what had happened.” Cobalt’s eyes went to the ground, then back up to Pen with piercing anger, “I had to tell them that some foals were never going to see their mommy or daddy again. Do you know how that feels? Oh, and while I was busy explaining death and hopelessness to my foals years before they needed to know, you planned a dinner to propose to your own secretary. Great company leadership, Pen.” Pen Dragon tried to defend himself, “Cobalt, I… I didn’t know. The party was just a distraction and a way to celebrate our new partnership with The Order’s students. I didn’t mean to act like we should all just forget about the attack, it’s just....” “Pen, I want you to shut up and listen,” interrupted Cobalt, shouting over him, “I let you get away with a whooooole lot of horsefeathers because your papa and I were buddies, but he’s not here anymore.” “What are you talking about?” he growled back. “Here’s what I’m talking about,” Cobalt said as he continued to lecture him, “this morning Apex Defense Solutions sent a representative to let us know they were terminating their contract with us and opening a lawsuit for endangering the lives of their workers. ADS is a rent-a-cop operation, Pen, not a mercenary firm, and when you told them you were working on low security weapons manufacturing, they expected you were making something that nopony more dangerous than a cat burglar would want to take.” “We’re being sued?” gasped Pen, his ears drooping. “Oh yes, we’re being sued. By ADS, by their families, even some of our own employees. They know those guards didn’t die trying to stop the White Talons for profit… they did it because they knew if they didn’t stop them, we’d have all been slaughtered, shot like animals against a wall. Our lawyers haven’t slept in three days.” “No, no, this can’t be happening, not right now,” cried Pen Dragon. Cobalt stomped his hoof, “And it gets worse, Pen. The company share price has dropped four hundred points this morning. Half those investors you saw at that board meeting last time are no longer owners, they’ve dropped our stocks like live bombs. There’s footage of you out there killing White Talons, which has totally divided the authorities opinion on you between hero and dangerous vigilante with a factory full of weapons.” “Why are you telling me all this?” he whimpered, color draining from his face, “Why do you have to ruin this for me, Cobalt? I thought you were my friend.” Cobalt Banks stepped one inch in front of Pen Dragon’s face, “I was never your friend. Your father was my friend. He had what you didn’t, a spine, a mind for business, and a sense of reality. You’ve got a month to turn this company around, or the board and I will be voting you out.” Without another word, Cobalt turned around and walked away, saying nothing more. The happiness brought by proposing to Stencil had been stomped out by the financier's cold words and hate. Pen Dragon felt overwhelmed by the trouble he was now in, having to try to save his company so soon. But there was still one way he could come out on top, and it was his most recent project. “The power source is my last chance,” he said slowly, “if it doesn’t get the company back up… we’ll lose everything. What a way to start my life with Stencil...” Slowly, Pen Dragon turned to go back into the restaurant, and considered whether or not he should tell Stencil what had happened. It was going to be a long month.