//------------------------------// // Ch.3-Birds and Books // Story: Chronicles of Arche // by Spellbounder //------------------------------// Ponyville, one of the rather small towns in most of Equestria, yet somehow manages to find trouble once or twice every month. Arche hoped to make his stay here short, then quickly return to Canterlot for updates on possible changelings still lurking within the alleys of the royal capital. To avoid any unnecessary attention among the resident, Arche switches his usual military attire for a common dark blue jacket. He also combed his mane over the red gem casing of his right eye. Ridiculous as it may be, Arche simply wanted to avoid the slightest chance of any pony noticing his presence. Canterlot was bad enough for him as it is. How Princess Celestia could handle such attention, he could never quite understand. “Sir, if I may say, we’re more than willing to obtain the book for you. There’s no need for a disguise.” Arche valued his soldiers above his own life. He smiled knowing their loyalty was forever in to his cause. “I appreciate your concern, but the book I need for a more in-depth understanding to the anatomy of changelings is one of a kind, and the royal library in Canterlot claims it was sent here quite some time ago. Shouldn’t take more than ten minutes to obtain.” Arriving at the station, Arche slowly trots out, looking around at the large amount of ponies within the town. The last time he entered Ponyville was over two decades ago, and the place was always quiet. It may seem the constant events occurring around here have made Ponyville quite the popular tourist attraction. But Arche wasn’t in town on vacation, he needed that book. “I won’t be long, just keep an eye around the place. This town is always busy.” He had heard of a pony sent by Celestia herself to protect this town, but it seems to be happening rather the opposite of what he intended. Another issue for another day, Arche had to remain focused on getting that anatomy book. He made his way to what appeared as a huge tree. There was a sign saying welcome by the door, as he entered. The inside of the tree was surprisingly very clean, row after row of books. Strangely, this place seemed much more organized than the entire Canterlot Royal Library. “Impressive……this is really….most impressive. I wonder..” The hoot of an owl is heard, flapping its wings down on a small perch in front of Arche. “Oh….hello there little one. You’re a kind sight for this pony’s good eye. Don’t suppose you know where I can find my book?” The owl responds with another hoot. “He can try, but I think you’d be here awhile.” In front of him was a young purple mare, with a kind smile, and a book levitating beside her. Like Arche, she was also a unicorn. “I take it this is your library? I must say, I’ve never seen a place so organized and clean.” The mare happily smiles at his comment, seemed a little too happy. “Oh this? It’s nothing, I just tidy a little here and there is all. I haven’t seen you around before. Are you new to Ponyville?” “You could say that, it’s been a long time since I last came here.” “Well…let me be the first to welcome you to Ponyville, sir. My name is Twilight, and you’ve already met Owlowiscious.” Arche forms a small smile, petting the owl. “I always loved birds as a filly. My father was worried one would swoop me up one day.” For the first time in months, Arche lets out a small chuckle. Twilight joins in, setting her book down to pet Owlowiscious as well. “Well unless you’re a mouse, you have nothing to worry about mister…” Oh no, he was so busy with the disguise, Arche never thought of a name for it. “Oh….I…I’m….I’m Jack…Jack Pot.” Hopefully his older brother wouldn’t mind using his own name. “Nice to meet you, Jack Pot. Is there anything I can help you find?” “Yes, I’m looking for…well I may be just wasting your time, but you wouldn’t happen to have the book ‘Equestria’s anatomy of magical creatures’ by Colombo Shine, would you?” “Oh wow, that’s such a fascinating book! I read that book all the time at the Canterlot Library!” “Yes! I tried there but they claimed it was moved here in Ponyville.” The mare forms an embarrassed smile, walking over to one of the many book shelves and grabs the book using her magic. “I’m sorry, I requested a few books to be transferred from the Canterlot Royal Library for my studies. They do have the best books in all of Equestria after all!” Arche could tell something was off about this pony when it came to books, but that was for some pony else to deal with. He just nodded in agreement as she handed the book over to him. “Just promise you’ll take good care of it, also bring it back the minute your done. I wouldn’t want to have this book……” There’s a slight pause, then a huge gulp. “Overdue.” Again, he nods in agreement, preferring not to ask why. “You have my word, Ms. Twilight. I’ll have this book back before you even miss it.” “Thank you, Jack Pot, and I hope you enjoy yourself in Ponyville.” He pets the owl once last time, then makes his leave. “It’s a lot better than I hoped.” As he left the library, he immediately opens the book, flipping its pages to the section on changelings. Their appearance on paper was still all it took to make him shiver. As he left the town square, he began to read all he could about the creatures. Nearing the train station however, he heard a loud shout. “Uncle!?! Is that you? Uncle Arche!!!!” That voice, he had recognized it. Out in the distance on a small green hill was a huge yellow cart, and beside it was a young blue mare, waving to Arche with delight. Yet seeing her made Arche sigh. She gallops over to him and embraces the unicorn with a hug, as Arche formed a small smile despite his current mood. “I just knew you’d be here! You don’t know how happy I am to see you!” “Hello…….Trixie.”