//------------------------------// // Reception // Story: The Best Poker Face // by Chemtest //------------------------------// Slender quietly exits from the castle, seeing instantly the party being thrown for the wedding. He looks at it, thinking it over, but decides to walk towards the edge of Canterlot instead. Nopony stops him, not even able to stop him as he walks away. He climbs up onto the walls, deciding to look to the south, where Ponyville lays. He turns his head around, looking all over the nighttime landscape. A cool breeze comes, slightly catching itself in his clothes. He takes a deep breath, enjoying the first moments of peace he’s had in a while. No Slenderman whispering in his ear, no Celestia hunting him down, no need for more fear. Energy fills his body from cake and tea, and the muted sounds of the party barely reach his hearing. He can barely hear the sound of hooves walking along the wall towards him. They stop five feet away from him, “Well, hello there, Mister Slender. I suppose you also enjoy this gorgeous view?” He looks over to see the white one of the Elements standing there, “The Princess told us all about you earlier today. I have to admit it, I looked forward to us talking ever since I first laid eyes on you. I mean, not many creatures walk around in such a dapper choice of attire.” Slender nods, “You are Rarity, correct?” He looks back out, “Your sister and yourself must be quite similar.” She shakes her head, “Sweetie Belle? Well, she is such a dear at times, but I feel like we aren’t all that similar in the end.” Slender looks back to her, “You aren’t like her? Well, that’s too bad.” He stands up from leaning against the wall, “Your sister has to be one of the most exceptional ponies I have ever met. Brave, kind, smart, passive and reserved.” Rarity picks up one her her eyebrows, “Sweetie Belle? Passive and reserved? Are you sure we are talking about the same filly? Because in all my days being her sister, she has always been very active and outgoing.” Slender shrugs, “I don’t really know much about her. We only had a short conversation last night. She came to me in order to help her friend, and she talked without a hint of fear in her voice.” Rarity smiles, “Well, I was unaware you two had conversed in the past. If that is how you see her, then I would have to say yes to the question. Oh, and if I may make one of my own.” She motions to me, “Where on Equestria did you get such a fine suit?” Slender looks down at his clothes, and considers them, “Well, not on Equestria. I don’t really know, I didn’t study up on Slenderman’s history before I was forcibly fused into his body. I know it is very old. And not very fine, anyway. You just can’t see the red stains near the sleeves.” Rarity walks closer, “Red stains? What from?” Slender looks down at her, “Slenderman was a monster. One who would sometimes use his hands.” Rarity balks, “Oh, oh no. Perhaps I could try and get it out?” She motions to herself, “I have pricked myself with a needle before, so I know how hard it is to get blood out of white. The experience was-“ She suddenly stops speaking, and begins choking instead. Her hoof travels up to her neck, where it ends up hitting the end of a knife going all the way through. Her fur starts to slowly turn red, and Slender rushes towards her to catch her as she is falling. He makes sure the knife doesn’t get moved around at all, using his little knowledge of first aid. He looks up and shouts, “Medic!” A guard comes rushing from down the wall, and his eyes widen upon sight of Rarity, “I’ll get the Princess!” He turns to rush off, only to have a knife be caught right beside his face. Slender throws the knife to where it came from, “Run and get off the wall!” The guard jumps down to the ground, Slender having to catch another knife in his way down. He barely manages to catch a third knife, now able to see the alley they are coming from. He uses his personal experience, knowing that the positioning of the alley would make it so the thrower could continue to throw at the guard for too long. If nothing is done, then the guard will eventually get hit, and help will not arrive. He then looks to Rarity in his hands, and a low growl escapes his throat. He sets her down, and moves to the alley instantly. He catches a knife from his new position, one intended for the guard. He throws the knife aside, and charges into the alley. The thrower inside runs as he sees Slender appear. Enough of a headstart to stay just ahead. Slender watches as the bipedal creature turns a corner, and he chases right after him. The man throws a knife behind him, aiming perfectly even as he runs. Slender rounds the corner, one arm moving up with the momentum. A knife comes and stabs into his suit, pinning that arm to the wall. He reacts as quick as he can once he realizes what’s happened. He tugs at the knife, barely managing to get it to come out. The strength needed to throw a knife that far into a cobblestone wall is impressive. He turns back to try and chase the thrower, only to see that he has disappeared. Slender quickly moves back to Rarity. He arrives at the same time as Celestia. Celestia lights up her horn, and Rarity disappears in a golden glow. Celestia looks at Slender, “Find who did this, and stop them!” She yells down as the guard runs back to the wall, “Sergeant, you are now an Officer! Close the city gates, do not let anything in or out!” The brave guard salutes, “At once, your majesty!” Celestia then also teleports away, leaving Slender alone. He jumps down to the ground, picking up one of the knives. He examines it, looking over every detail. We need to talk.