Chapter 6
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“It seems like every day I make mistakes, I just can't get it right. It's like I'm the one you love to hate, but not today.
So shut up, shut up, shut up! Don't wanna hear it. Get out, get out, get out, get out of my way. Step up, step up, step up; you'll never stop me. Nothing you say today is gonna bring me down.” – Simple Plan, Shut Up! (Still Not Getting Any)
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Hawkfeather stood by at the barracks, finishing some paperwork, more than ready for the shift to end. It was bad enough he was on duty when Bluestreak and his crew accosted Gemstone and Freewind, but Breakwater’s attempt at arresting Verdigris made him quiver with anger. The only consolation was the Princess had intervened, probably saving a few lives in the process.
He had no idea what had made Full Sail think bringing in Rus ponies from Stalliongrad was a good idea, and was glad they were gone. A few had started in on their old tricks, including organized criminal activities. Verdigris had taken out a few ring-leaders, and that had convinced them leaving that very afternoon was better than fighting. The beating they’d taken was severe by their standards, which was saying something.
Just a few more minutes, and I can go home, relax and forget this day happened, he thought. Right. Nopony will forget today. He signed the last sheets and set them in the tray with a sigh, then put his head in his hooves. I’ll be so glad to see Gemstone.
Dad, get to the hospital. It’s time, Verdigris’ voice said in his head. He snapped upright, then groaned. He swore under his breath, then bolted outside after grabbing his saddlebags.
“Hey, Hawk, what’s going on?” Birchbark called as he passed.
“It’s all yours! Gemstone’s gone into labor! I’m out of here!”
The lieutenant watched as he leapt into the air and sped away, wondering, How does he know?
(((())))
Doctor Blackhoof made his rounds, doing his best not to think about what one colt had done. If anypony had asked him if he’d thought Verdigris would turn out to be such a power-house, he’d have asked what they’d been drinking. Now, he looked at the four stallions in the ward, wondering if he’d be seeing more broken ponies in the coming years. Sweet Celestia, I hope not. I’d have never believed it if I hadn’t seen it. He sighed and returned to his office.
He’d just turned a corner when a flash of light emerged from the lobby, and a voice thundered, “I need some help here!” It sounded like Verdigris, but … no, it couldn’t be. Blackhoof trotted back and saw his former patient, who had his sister on his back, and was supporting his mother. Oh, that’s what it is. Time to go to work.
“We have a delivery, stat!” he called. Ponies began moving immediately, and soon Gemstone was on her way. Blackhoof stayed with the colt and filly, both of whom appeared nerve-wracked. He understood; they’d been through a lot, and it wasn’t over. “Here, sit down,” he said quietly, steering them to a couch. Verdigris collapsed onto it with his sister wrapped in his forelegs. “Are you all right?”
“I don’t know. Ask me when it’s over, if I’m still conscious. And sane,” the Alicorn groaned as Freewind clung to him. “Dad’s on his way; should be here in a few minutes.”
“Right. We obviously weren’t expecting your mother here for a few days. The stress?” Verdigris nodded. “All right. I’ll have someone waiting to escort your dad. Do you want someone to wait with you?”
“The ponies I’d want – no, wait.” Verdigris sat up, looked at the reception desk and concentrated. Parchment and a quill appeared in his hooves, and he began to write. After a minute, he tore the sheet in half, sending each one. “Okay. I don’t know if they’ll come, but Sea Grass and Honey Bunch know.”
Blackhoof kept his face still, but was surprised at how easily Verdigris had performed the magic necessary. “I take it this is from earlier,” he said.
“Yeah, and it’s all Celestia’s fault,” Verdigris replied sardonically. “And I’m going to thank her a lot.”
“Is mommy gonna be okay?” Freewind asked in a small voice.
“She should be,” the doctor replied. “Mares having foals is normal, even if stress starts it sooner. I’ll be right with her, so you don’t need to worry.” He brushed her mane back gently, reassuring her. “She’ll be fine.”
The doors burst open as Hawkfeather charged in. He looked around, saw the small gathering and trotted over. “Where is she?”
“She’s in Delivery. This way.” Hawk dropped his saddlebags and followed.
Verdigris watched them go, and began to laugh softly. “So much for your presentation, Free,” he said.
“That’s okay.” The filly smiled and laughed. “I’ve got better for tomorrow.” She settled into his side, wrapping her wing around him as far as it would go.
It was too much. “Wake me up when something happens, okay? I can’t keep my eyes open,” he murmured as he settled down. He looked at the clock. It was barely one. “Ugh. The day’s not over, either.” He laid back and closed his eyes. He felt Freewind snuggle in against his side, and couldn’t help smiling. You’re the greatest, Free, was his last coherent thought.
Freewind laid by her brother, watching the activity as she laid a wing over him protectively. It’s okay. I’m here, she thought. Her attention was drawn back to the doors as Honey Bunch and Sea Grass walked in. “Over here,” she said quietly, waving them over. “He’ll be glad to see you two.”
Honey Bunch settled gently onto the other couch as Sea Grass carefully brought over a chair. She looked at him, and watched as the haggard lines left his face. “How is he?”
“Tired,” Freewind replied as she looked at the pendant she wore, then glanced at Verdigris’.
Honey caught the look and smiled sadly. “Yeah. He probably talked about that.”
“It’s not fair,” the filly pronounced. “My dad said I’d make my own life. Why can’t you, Honey Bunch?”
The young mare’s lips pressed together with annoyance. “My dad has plans for me, and he thinks I’ll go along with them, Freewind. Your brother isn’t part of those plans.”
“That’s just dumb.” Freewind looked at her for a few moments. “Are you gonna leave?”
How can she see right through me? Honey Bunch wondered. “Yeah. We talked about that, too. We can’t be together here. Too many ponies who think they know what’s best for us won’t let us.”
“What about your mommy? Doesn’t she get a say?”
Oh, Celestia, that was the wrong thing to ask, Grass thought as Honey’s ears flattened. “She left when I was about your age, Freewind. She’s from Manehattan, and ‘mares don’t matter’ doesn’t fly there. She wouldn’t put up with it. Sky’s my half-brother. His mom is from here, and I don’t listen to her. She doesn’t say much, because she’s not supposed to.” Freewind’s expression of shock made her smile sadly. “You won’t have to deal with that. Your parents lived in Canterlot for years, and Princess Celestia told everypony in hearing what she thinks about that attitude. It’s all over town, by now.”
“Are you all right, Freewind?” Sea Grass asked.
The Pegasus looked down. “I dunno,” she replied, almost too softly to hear. “It’s over, but I’m still scared. They might come back.”
“They won’t dare,” Honey contradicted, nodding at Verdigris, whose face was now peaceful. “He’ll make sure, and if they do, he’ll hurt them. He won’t let them touch you again.” Her eyes went hard. “And neither will I.”
Freewind smiled, until a yawn surprised her. “Oh, I’m so tired.”
Sea Grass moved the chair closer as Honey Bunch said, “Get a nap. It’s been a rough day. We’ll keep an eye out.” The filly smiled gratefully, settled against her brother’s side and was asleep almost instantly. “She’s going to have nightmares over this. I’d kill my father if it would do any good, Grass.”
“You don’t mean that, and he’d turn on you if you did,” Sea Grass replied. “You know that.”
Her friend sighed and lowered her head. “Yes, I know.”
(((())))
“Verdigris, wake up,” Honey Bunch said as she gently shook him. She smiled when his eyes blinked open, and he looked at her groggily. He looked so good with his mane tousled. And I’d love to see him wake up looking that way beside me, she thought.
He carefully sat up and shook his head. “Oohh, what time is it?”
“It’s about three. Your mother’s resting, and she’s waiting to see you.”
“And?” he asked anxiously.
“Your brother’s a fine-looking Unicorn, and he’s good.” His relief was almost comic. “What?”
“You can’t tell me you don’t know what teleporting could do,” he said with an almost challenging tone. “I know it’s on the curriculum. Well, they may or may not teach it,” he said as Freewind woke up. “Hey, Trouble. Mom wants to see us.”
“I’ve got another brother?” she asked happily.
“Yep, a little one you can spoil, when he’s old enough.” He stood and stretched. “Let’s go see them.” He lifted her up, set her on his back, and walked into the hospital with the nurse, who had waited patiently.
Sea Grass smiled as she watched them leave, but it faded when she turned to speak to Honey Bunch, who watched them with an unreadable expression. “Oh, now I get it. Sky’s relationship with you is nothing like that.”
“Not even close. Dad wouldn’t let that happen. He taught him well,” Honey Bunch replied angrily.
Sea Grass hugged her gently. “I’m sorry. I wasn’t thinking.”
“Prevailing wisdom is we’re not supposed to,” her friend said bitterly.
“Okay, I know you’re going to leave, but why tear yourself up over losing him? You won’t, Honey Bunch. You can’t,” Grass countered, tapping her pendant with a hoof. “He’s yours, to the end. I’m almost jealous, if you want to know the truth.”
Honey chuckled softly. “Almost?” she asked significantly.
Sea Grass rolled her eyes and blushed. “Gah, we know each other too well.”
(((())))
Verdigris paused at the door, waiting until his mother saw him and waved him in with a smile. She made an exaggerated shush motion as he came closer. Freewind leaned forward curiously, holding on to his mane. “Ow. Hang on, we’ll get there,” he said.
When he reached the bedside, Virdigris looked at the foal his mother held in her forelegs, and smiled. His coat was a deep red, tinging towards orange on his back. His tail was orange streaked with dark yellow, while his mane was orange with medium yellow tips. His horn was a bright yellow, with a white tip. “Wow, he’ll break hearts,” he said. “What’s his name?” He stopped, then said, “No, I’ll tell you. Firelance, right?”
His parents did a double-take. “How’d you know?” Hawkfeather asked, tilting his head to one side.
Verdigris looked to the nurse. “Could you ask Sea Grass to come here, please? She can explain it better.” The nurse looked at them curiously, then nodded and left. “That’s not true, but I didn’t want her to hear this. Firelance was the name of a Unicorn, who was the father of a gold colt named Sunblur about a hundred fifty years ago. His mother was a Pegasus who had a familiar name, too,” he said, nodding to his sister. “Sunblur had Trotmund-Hoofson.”
“But – we didn’t know. The names just seemed right,” Gemstone replied. “And why Sea Grass?”
“She and Honey Bunch did the research. I’d have asked them both, but I don’t want to make Honey Bunch more uncomfortable.”
Hawkfeather looked at his son steadily. “Full Sail doesn’t approve.”
“No, he doesn’t. Why rub her nose in it?”
“How?”
“Dad, you’re not a dummy. Think about it.” Verdigris watched his father as he worked it out, then as the anvil hit. “Yeah. Why show her what she can’t have? Well, not if he gets his way.”
“I’m no dummy, either,” Freewind said indignantly. “I asked them a few things, and they told me. I can keep secrets, too.”
Verdigris looked back at her with a smile. “Just don’t do that to me too much, okay?”
She leaned forward and hugged him, then looked at Firelance. “Why’s he a Unicorn?” Verdigris face-hoofed. “Oh. I sorry.” It was obvious from her smile that she wasn’t.
Hoof-steps announced Sea Grass’ and the nurse’s arrival. “Okay, I told them the basics, Grass. His name’s Firelance. Care to take it from there?”
Grass looked at the nurse for a few seconds, then asked, “Are you sure?”
“It’s out there, if they want to find it. Celestia mentioned her blood in front of a crowd, so let’s get the story straight.” He moved over and nuzzled her. “You did the work; you’ve probably got it memorized.”
The mare nodded, and explained what she’d dug up at length. Verdigris’ parents listened, wide-eyed; Freewind’s expression was rapt. “I didn’t believe it at first, but after I did the work, I didn’t think Verdigris was crazy for wanting to know,” she finished.
“What about the names?” Freewind asked.
“Uncle Wolf said something about certain souls staying together. I thought if the names were back, the ponies might be. I used to be Sunblur. Who are Freewind and Firelance, here and now?”
“That’s a slippery slope,” Blackhoof’s voice said from behind them as he walked in. After dismissing the nurse, he said, “I read the whole story in the Equestrian Journal of Medicine during my internship.” He shook his head. “It’s not pleasant.”
“No, it’s not,” Sea Grass confirmed. “The Princess gave them a full vial each, and it killed them. I think that’s why she’s the way she is: Distant, cool and aloof. She didn’t want to make another mistake like that ever again.”
“That’s what she told me,” Verdigris added.
Gemstone looked at him for a few long moments, then at the door. “She’ll spread the word.”
“Buck the gossips,” her son replied scathingly. “The truth might as well come out. It should stomp the rumors flat. I haven’t lived my life to suit them, and I’m not going to start now. They don’t want me, unless they want something from me, and I don’t expect that to change. If it does, no thanks.” He smiled thinly. “I don’t know why I’m here, but I’m not here for them.”
Gemstone stifled a yawn. “Oh, I’m sorry. It’s been a long day.”
“That’s probably true for all of you,” Blackhoof said. “It’s still not over, yet. Hawk, take your foals home and get some rest. If everything goes as I think, Gemstone will be home by tomorrow evening.”
“Good idea. I think we’re all nervous wrecks, or will be,” the Pegasus replied. “Can you keep this to yourself, Grass? If it does get out, you might have to set ponies straight.”
“I gave Verdigris a copy of what I put together. I can publish that, if you think it’s necessary.”
Verdigris looked at his father. “Might?” He turned to Grass next. “If? Come on, it’s Oceanside. Publish it, before the rumors get too far out of control,” the Alicorn said as his father rolled his eyes.
“Yeah, that’s true. If it’s even possible,” she replied with a smile.
“Okay, let’s go.” Hawk led them out after kissing his wife, and Verdigris and Freewind hugged her. They arrived in the lobby, and Verdigris pointedly walked over to Honey Bunch, put his wing over her back and ushered her outside. “Yeah, I can see it,” he murmured to himself as he retrieved his saddlebags.
“Hey, no mushy stuff,” Freewind said with exaggerated disgust.
Honey glared at her. “You sound like my pain-in-the-flank little brother,” she replied in kind. “If you don’t like it, get another ride. We need to talk,” she said as she shifted her gaze to Verdigris.
“Come here, Trouble,” Sea Grass said as she moved alongside Verdigris. “We can make faces, and they can’t touch us.”
“YAY!!” Freewind said as she scrambled over onto Grass’ back.
The couple made a face, then ignored the pair. “What’s up?” Verdigris asked.
“I was at your house after you left the scene. I wanted to make sure you were okay. The Princess left about that time, and I watched. I think she knew I was there, because she smiled, and one of her primaries just happened to drop off before they teleported back,” Honey murmured as they walked along. “You talked to her, right?”
“Told her in a letter, but yeah,” he replied.
“I thought so. I took that as a big hint, so I’m out of here at fourteen. I don’t dare stay any longer. Dad’s making noises I don’t like – no, they creep me out. He’s going over lists of eligible stallions.” She shivered. “A few are twice, almost three times what my age will be.”
“He can’t, not unless he wants a run-in with Celestia. The law is very plain that if you say no, it stops there, and everypony heard what she said about her laws, as well as the attitude. If he forces you, he stands to lose everything, and I’ll remind him of that every time I see him.” His face went grim, and she didn’t like it. “You’re not a pretty trinket, Honey. I won’t let you be treated that way.”
“He’ll try to get you sent away.”
“He’ll try. I already told him if I decide to fight it won’t be pretty, and after today he knows I can’t be beaten. Plus, what happens when Celestia hears about it? She told me if she ever got really angry, bad things could happen.” He sighed. “I never wanted to use my relationship with her, but I might not have a choice.” He stopped, and she stopped with him. “Honey, she said the happiness and safety of her ponies is her most important job. I’m just doing the same thing, but for you and anypony I care about. I won’t start any trouble, but I won’t stand back and just let it happen.”
She looked at him for a moment, then hugged him tightly. “Thank you. I don’t want you to do anything if you don’t have to, but it’s good to know. We’ll just go on as we have. He can’t do anything about that.”
“All right.”
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Freewind and Sea Grass watched as Verdigris and Honey Bunch talked. “What’s going on?” the filly asked.
“What, now you’re interested in the mushy stuff?” her companion asked with a grin. “Make up your mind.”
“Okay, it’s not like that. I love him, and I guess she does too, just not the same.” Freewind sighed. “Guess I have to share him.”
“He’ll still be your big brother,” Grass said. “That won’t change. Like your mom and dad love each other, but they're still your mom and dad, and they love you, right?”
Freewind’s expression was almost comically thoughtful. “Yeah, okay. I get it.” She looked at them as they stopped and embraced. “That happens to everypony, huh?”
“Yep.”
“What about you, Grass? You love him too, don’t ya?” She got a nod. “That’s gotta hurt some.”
“Yeah, but I’m not stingy, Free. She’s my best friend, and so is your brother. I’m not going to do anything that would hurt them.” Her smile was lost on the filly. “And who knows? Some ponies share.”
“Share?” Freewind gave her a confused look.
“You’ll understand. But that’s later.” Freewind nodded and snuggled down. “So, are you okay, now?”
“I still dunno. Hope so.”
So do I. Bluestreak’s going to pay for this.
(((())))
Two days later Verdigris was out and about, once he finished his school work.
He escorted Freewind to school and spoke to the Principal, making his displeasure clear. He wanted – and got – teachers who’d watch for trouble, and take action. There was a weak protest from the Council, but the Constabulary ignored them. Some had foals in school, and everypony who knew her thought the world of Freewind.
Afterwards, he went to the hospital and made arrangements to cover the treatment of the ponies he’d injured, and their transport back to Stalliongrad. A few questioned his motives, and he replied, “I don’t want you here, and this will get rid of you. I don’t need the expense of funerals.” His blunt, no-nonsense statement bothered the hospital staff, but impressed the Rus, who respected his reasons.
Later, he paid a visit to Breakwater in his office. The Magistrate received him with obvious displeasure. “What do you want now? Isn’t it enough my colt’s a laughing-stock?”
“You really don’t want me to answer that.” Verdigris looked at him for a moment, then took a bag from his saddlebags and dropped it on his desk. “There’s five hundred bits. Use it to send him to stay with his relatives in Manehattan, and maybe get him started working.”
Breakwater opened the bag and looked inside, then gazed at Verdigris curiously. “How’d you know that?”
The Alicorn gave him a sour smile. “He brags about it at school, and makes sure everypony hears him. Freewind told me.”
“Why?”
“Oh, come on. He lost every time we butted heads, and it keeps getting worse,” Verdigris explained. “It’s going to come to killing, eventually, and I intend to be the pony who walks away. Then there’s his games in town. Sooner or later, somepony’s going to decide they’ve had enough, and pay him back, and then some. Don’t forget there are ponies who think you’re incompetent, and bought your way into this job; some are in the Patrol, and I’m not telling you who.” Verdigris walked to the window and looked out. “Getting Bluestreak out of Oceanside isn’t just for my peace of mind, it’s for everypony’s. He’s mean and he’s trouble, and he likes being a problem. You can’t ignore it any more. Sending him to Manehattan won’t just keep him alive, it might teach him a lesson. I’ve heard they’re tough up there, and they’ll show him just how good he really is, maybe enough to make him figure out he’s better off not being a donkey.” He turned and faced the Magistrate. “You don’t need that. Everypony heard Celestia. If she doesn’t send somepony to check, I’ll be surprised.”
Breakwater looked at him for a long, silent moment. “Okay, I can see that, but what’s the real reason? Altruism?”
“Not even close. I want him out of my mane. I’m starting to make friends, and I don’t want him messing that up. If he’d been the one who grabbed my sister, I’d have probably killed him, and I think everypony suspects it. He’s not worth my trouble, Breakwater. I’ve got a life, and I’m tired of him trying to buck it up. I don’t know why he hates me – like he’d tell me – and I don’t really care. If he even knows. Getting him out of here makes everypony’s life easier, even his. That’s fine with me. Just so he’s gone.”
“That’s pretty cold-blooded,” the Magistrate said after a little thought.
“You don’t know the half of it. You didn’t see me after the fight was over, but the Patrol and Constables looked at me like it was Celestia standing there. All I had at that moment was contempt for those donkeys I’d beaten, and I couldn’t feel anything else. I know she was surprised by what she saw.” He snorted angrily. “If you’d been on the ball, you’d have seen it, but you were only interested in getting me, not finding out the truth.”
“That’s enough.”
“No it isn’t. I’ve put up with his games all my life, and this is how it ends. Not with a bang, or even a whimper. It just ends, here and how, or like I said, he’s going to die. Is that what you want?”
Breakwater looked at him, then at his desk and replied softly, “No.”
“Then take the offer and do something with it. It beats sending him to the moon.”
“Isn’t this close enough? It’s exile.”
“He can come back from that. Is banishment better?” Breakwater shook his head, sighing in defeat. “I’m not happy either. I’m doing this as much for me as him. I’d like to know why he hates my guts, but I don’t think I’ll find out without another fight, and I’ve had enough.”
The Magistrate nodded. “Okay, I’ll take care of it.” He paused. “I heard you’re covering the hospital bills. How, and more importantly, why?”
“Beach-combing’s paid pretty well for the past few years. I’ve been collecting rewards for stuff that was lost at sea, and washed up here. I’m not rich, but I’m not hurting. As for why, I put them there, and it wasn’t really their fault. Bluestreak was behind that, and he got them hurt. He won’t pay for his fun. He never does.” Verdigris nodded at the bag. “But this is it. Anypony else who gives me grief is on their own, just like me.”
Breakwater shivered. He’d never heard a more dispassionate delivery, but he couldn’t blame Verdigris. He’d been more or less on his own since coming back from the hospital nearly five years ago, and Bluestreak had made that time unpleasant, at minimum. Breakwater was still stinging over his colt saying Verdigris had dirtied Oceanside by going to the store. He put a hoof to his forehead and leaned on his desk. How could I have been so blind? He looked up to see Verdigris watching him, his expression unreadable. “Okay, you’ve got a deal. Oh, speaking of that, Full Sail’s been trying to sue you for – ”
“Why doesn’t that surprise me? Honey Bunch isn’t his any more, and I took away his crew, too. My only question is will the Council let him get away with it, like they have with him strangling Oceanside? He’s not doing us any good.”
“That’s off-topic; we’re still discussing it. We’re not going to let him, but he won’t stop trying. You ruined all his plans, to hear him tell it.”
“No, Honey Bunch did, but he won’t punish her. She knows what she wants, and everypony knows how she is. Full Sail has plans for her, and I don’t want to be there when the argument starts. It won’t be pretty.”
Breakwater smiled slightly. “No it won’t; that’s one thing we can agree on.” He sat up straight, stood and shut the bag. “I’ll get him on the first carriage, first thing in the morning. It’s probably better if you stay home for a couple days.”
“I can live with that.” Verdigris held out his hoof, and Breakwater slowly took it. “Maybe we can’t be friends, but that shouldn’t stop us from working together for Oceanside, Breakwater. We all have to live here, don’t we?”
“Yeah, mostly.” He sighed. “Let me take care of this. You should finish any business you have and go home.”
Verdigris nodded. “Thank you. I don’t think we’ll regret this, even if it doesn’t go well. Good day.” He turned and let himself out, and Breakwater watched him trot down the street.
“As much as I hate to say it, lad, you made a lot of sense, and solved a lot of problems. I just wish it didn’t have to be like this.”
(((())))
Full Sail stood at the gangway to the Mare Imperium, a fast schooner that was his pride and joy, supervising cargo loading. His crew was making good time, despite being short-hoofed, thanks to that dratted Alicorn. What am I going to tell Bronyiev? I swore I needed those ponies, and they’re either laid up or going back. How dare that over-powered foal do that?
“Good morning, Sail,” the voice of that same pony said. He turned to see Verdigris standing beside him, watching with interest, ignoring the dark looks the deck-hooves gave him.
“You’ve got a lot of nerve, coming here,” the Pegasus replied.
“You had a lot of nerve bringing in Rus thugs,” the Alicorn countered. “If they were yours, how’d Bluestreak suddenly become their boss?” Sail glared at him for a moment, unable to answer. “I thought so. Who’s really in charge of them?”
Sail gaped, then mumbled, “A mare named Horshkov. She came here a year ago, and told me I could get crew through her.”
“And of course you jumped at the chance and didn’t check on them. Stupid. I thought they looked like ex-cons, and I guess I was right.” Verdigris finally looked at him, his eyes gleaming unpleasantly. “You might want to check your inventory. Some things you want might be missing, and there might be some extra stuff you really don’t want.” At Sail’s questioning look he amplified, “Seriously? Contraband. Drugs. Junk listed as quality goods. Other, less pleasant stuff. The Rus mob is using you, and you didn’t know, it looks like.”
“How do you know this, if it’s even true?”
“‘There's none so blind as those who will not see’,” Verdigris quoted. “I heard it through Driftwood, among others. He told me a lot, and I did a little looking of my own. They’re not just using you, they’re sabotaging Masthead and Freeboard’s businesses. He said they’ll turn Oceanside into Filly or Stalliongrad inside a year, if they aren’t stopped. Good thing they did something stupid, right?”
“That’s a lie. You’re just saying that to confuse me.”
Verdigris snorted with amusement. “It’s hard to confuse the clueless, Sail. I’ll bet they’re saying you have to cover their injuries, which is bull. That’s been taken care of by yours truly. I want them out of this town. They’re not going after my mom and sister again, and you’re not going to help them ruin Oceanside. I’ll see you in Tarterus first.”
“Is that a threat?”
“Threats are for foals. Ponies make promises.” He reached into his saddlebags and took out a roll of parchment. “It’s all here, if you want to see how bad it is, and could be. You really should secure your warehouses better. I had no trouble getting in and looking around. Imagine what they might be doing.”
Full Sail took the roll and said, “Okay, fine. Suppose you’re right. What can we do?”
“Start changing with Equestria. The old ways aren’t working any more, and you’re taking risks you shouldn’t, like bring in the Rus. Once they get in, they don’t leave, and they start taking over. I’ve heard it’s getting bad in Filly, and they’re right in the middle of it, along with the Neighples gang. You don’t want them coming here.”
“Hoshkov said they already were,” Sail replied, unthinking. He was unsettled by the fact the young stallion had discovered all this, and could be so self-assured.
“Horse apples. Strangers stick out like starched manes, and you know it.” Verdigris grinned. “So do some locals.”
“What are you doing, making yourself into a target?”
“If you think I’m going to wait until they try their luck with Honey Bunch, you’re crazy. Yes, I know what you said, and what we agreed to, but I’m not just going to stand by and do nothing because she’s not going to be mine. If I could do that, what else could I do?” He glared out to sea. “I’m trying to save Oceanside – from itself, if I have to – before something bad happens. Even if nopony else gives a damn, this is still home.”
Sail looked at him for a long moment, then sighed. “Okay, I’m sorry. Maybe I was hasty.”
“Oh, you didn’t want me for a son-in-law before, and now you do?” Verdigris looked at Sail sourly. “I’m not going to say ‘No thanks’, but our agreement stands. I’m out of the picture.”
Full Sail looked away briefly. “Okay, maybe I deserved that. You have no idea what it’s like trying to keep your business afloat, and your competition’s leaving you behind.”
“You’re right, I don’t, but like I said, Honey Bunch does. Would it hurt to let her try?” Verdigris watched as Full Sail thought about it, then shook his head. “Okay. I know what I’m doing looks bad, but you’ve got to cut your losses to keep what’s still good. You can still turn it around, but you can’t cut corners or take crazy risks. Even I know that. You think the perfumeries just toss bags of bits our way? Don’t I wish.”
The Pegasus couldn’t help chuckling. “Okay, I’ll let her. You’re sure she can?”
“She told me how to raise my share of the profits without hurting anypony else, Sail. She knows what she’s doing.” Verdigris looked at the sun. “I’ve got to get out of town. Breakwater’s going to deal with his colt, and it won’t be fun. I’ll go talk to Horshkov, and that’s it.”
“She’s not going to be easy to deal with,” Full Sail warned. “She’s tough.”
Verdigris smiled, and Full Sail didn’t like how cold it looked. “So am I, Sail. So am I,” he said as he turned and trotted away.
(((())))
As he half-expected, Horshkov waited for him outside the Post Office. The Rus were predictable, the rumors went, and they were right. He stepped outside to find a terra cotta Earth pony mare waiting. A few other Earth ponies waited nearby, trying to be unobtrusive and failing. “I wish to speak with you,” she said.
“You are now, Horshkov. Get on with it. I have other, more important things to do.” Verdigris watched, and his tone irritated her, as he intended. “So, what is it?” he finished impatiently.
“You do not know your place,” she replied with a huff. “You are the outcast, yet you interfere with the interests of your betters.”
“And who might that be? You?” He snorted with amusement. “Typical Rus.”
“This is your only warning. Stay out of what does not concern you, and your family and friends will not pay for your insolence.” He stood there, his expression unreadable. Horshkov smiled to herself. Ah, so he finally sees reason. Good. We will have no more trouble. His laughter was like a slap in the face.
“I didn’t think you had a sense of humor, but it’s a good one,” the Alicorn replied with a smile, which vanished almost instantly. The Rus backed away almost instinctively. Only boss ponies did that, and the faster it happened, the angrier – and more dangerous – they were. Horshkov stood her ground. She knew she had the advantages.
“Now, it’s my turn to speak, and you will listen,” he growled in reply. “Your pathetic attempt to intimidate me fails on so many levels. I’m not just another townspony, and I’m not going to knuckle under to anypony as некультурный as you. Maybe you think somepony was exaggerating when you heard I’d pummeled nine of yours into the ground, but it’s true. Those who could left in a big hurry, too. Maybe you should ask the ones who are in the hospital.” He stepped forward, and her eyes showed the slightest touch of fear before she stepped back.
“Such big talk from a colt,” she sneered.
“My actions spoke for themselves, and I know you heard what the Princess said. Leaving that out, taking me on would be a mistake you won’t recover from,” he said, stepping forward again. She backed away, looking uncertain. When he thought she was about to order them to attack, his horn lit, and two of the biggest ponies lifted off the street and hung twenty feet in the air, flailing their legs. “All I have to do is drop them. I didn’t lay a hoof on them, and I don’t need to touch you, either.”
“Somepony would notice bodies,” Horshkov said, trying to regain some control of the situation. Those two weigh nearly two hundred pounds each, and he’s holding them as though they were toys while talking to me, she thought with a chill.
“Near the ocean? The currents take anything away, and I wouldn’t have to go near them. They. Would. Just. Disappear. One by one, leaving you all alone, Horshkov,” he enunciated very clearly. “I imagine that wouldn’t look good to your superiors in Stalliongrad.” His eyes hardened, and he stepped forward again. “Are you willing to take the chance?”
Their eyes locked, and they stood there for a few minutes. Finally, Horshkov blinked and looked away, her posture changing from commanding and imperious to meek and subservient almost instantaneously. “N-no, I am not.”
“Then go back and tell them Oceanside isn’t worth it. Tell them I will make it not worth it, and I know how.” She nodded and turned, but stopped when he added, “You will leave tonight. I’m not interested in excuses, Tatiyana.” She blinked in shock when he spoke her name. “Yes, I know many things I shouldn’t. You might not want it told to the Constables, and I doubt the Princess would be pleased.”
“I - I – All right, you’ve won, damn it! Stop it and let us go!”
The two suspended ponies floated down to their hooves, and stood there, shaking. Verdigris remained where he was, then tossed his head imperiously. “All right, it stopped. You can go. Don’t ever come back, Horshkov. What awaits you won’t be pleasant.” He simply stood there, waiting. They gathered and trotted away. More than once a few glanced back, making sure he wasn’t following with something horrible. They turned a corner and disappeared.
Verdigris let out the breath he was holding, and began to tremble with nerves and reaction. “Wow. I can’t believe I pulled that off,” he muttered to himself. “Time to get the buck out of town.” He looked, and Greylock’s store caught his eye. “After a few purchases.”
(((())))
Gemstone heard the front door open and close, and she called, “Is that you, Verdigris?”
“Yeah, mom.”
“Some books arrived for you. They’re in your room,” she said as she walked out of the kitchen, and stopped dead when she saw the crossbow. “What’s that for?”
“I’ve got good news and bad news. The good news is I made peace with Breakwater, and a deal with Full Sail. The bad news is I just rousted the Rus. They might come by later. That’s why the crossbow.” He looked away. “I’m sorry, mom. I had to do something, so I put the fear of Celestia into them. I hope.”
Gemstone stood there, then exploded, “What were you thinking! How could you do that?”
“I took the chance they were already intimidated by what I did two days ago, and one of Uncle Wolf’s books gave me some ideas of how to use that. It worked, but I’m not sure how well.” He checked the crossbow with a sigh. “I guess I’m not going to get much sleep tonight. I made the mess, so I’ll clean it up.” He sighed with relief when Freewind came out of her room. “Okay, that was my only worry.”
“You should be worried. I heard about them while I was in Canterlot. They’re rough customers, and they play for keeps.”
“I had to do something, mom. I wasn’t going to let them think they’d be okay after they got over the shock.” His ears flattened against his skull as his eyes flashed angrily. “They’re not going to pull another stunt like that again, if I have anything to say about it. I can’t expect somepony else to do what I had to, mom. Dad can’t be here all the time. Celestia said it herself: In the end, family’s all you’ve got.”
Gemstone stopped, took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “All right. I understand, but I don’t approve. You can’t push ponies around and expect them to like it, even if it’s for the best. You said you were like Bluestreak and hated it, but now you’re – well, I don’t know who you are.”
“You said if I let any of them walk over me once it wouldn’t stop. Well, not exactly, but it’s the same thing. Things are turning around, for me and Oceanside. I’m not going to let anypony ruin that. I’ve got some friends in town, and the others are just starting to respect me a little. I don’t want to let that go. Can you blame me?”
Gemstone shook her head sadly. “No, I don’t, but please be careful. You can get away with only so much before somepony’s had enough.”
“Don’t worry. I’m staying away from town for a couple days until everything settles down again. All I can say is, if everything works out, Oceanside’s going to be a better town, even if it’s not for me. I’m kinda used to that,” he said with a lop-sided grin.
“One of Wolf’s books. Which one?”
“The Prince, by somepony named Niccolo Machiavelli. Strange name for a pony. Must be from Neighples. It’s full of advice on politics, including dirty politics. One thing Wolf added, though. Something about a show of force, deception and playing on their fears was sometimes better than fighting. All I know is it worked. All I’ve gotta do is stay out of sight, and let the ponies I talked to take the credit. It’s easier to keep a low profile than drop back out of sight. Uncle Wolf was clear on that.”
Gemstone shook her head. “I sometimes wonder if anypony knows anypony. My colt’s turning into a politician.”
“No, I’m done with that, mom. Now it’s time for action, not talking. I’m just making sure it doesn’t come back at us.” He shivered. “I need a bath; I feel really dirty.”
Gemstone sighed. “Okay. Just be careful. You’re getting what you wanted, so make sure it doesn’t blow up in your face.” She walked back into the kitchen, muttering.
Verdigris lowered his head before smiling at Freewind. “Mom doesn’t get it, but it’s not her fault, Free. Sometimes, to do good, you’ve gotta do bad. You’ve gotta know the difference, though.”
Freewind smiled briefly, then shivered. “What happened to my brother?”
“Nothing. I’m still here, but sometimes you’ve got to do what you really don’t want to. That’s basically what the book was all about.”
Freewind nodded and hugged him. “Okay, but if you do that again, I’ll never talk to you again.” He could see she really didn’t mean it, but he made a show of contrition, and it wasn’t exactly faked. “Okay.” She looked at the crossbow speculatively. “Could you show me how to use it?”
“Dad’ll have a heart attack. Better ask him and mom first, ‘cause you can’t always get forgiveness instead of permission.” Freewind nodded, hugged him again and went back to her room. Soon, he could hear her singing softly. “Okay, time to get upstairs, and that bath.”
(((())))
Midnight, known to some as the dark hour of the soul. Nothing moved, save the breeze off the land.
Verdigris waited, perched on the flattest part of the roof, which wasn’t, really. The slope was just enough for him to stand, if he paid attention to his hoofing, and little else. This was a really bad idea, he thought with a sigh. At least I can see them coming, if they do.
He’d flown to his current location shortly after sunset, and the strain was beginning to show. His legs trembled from having to stand for hours at an awkward angle. I’ll need to ask dad about building a platform. Maybe a balcony outside my window, too. Be nice to come and go without having to wake anypony. He resisted an urge to face-hoof. I’m an idiot. I can teleport, for Celestia’s sake. Well, Honey and Grass can’t.
“Verdigris, you’ll fall, if you’re not careful,” Celestia’s voice said, startling him and nearly precipitating him to the ground. She chuckled softly as she hovered nearby. “Come on. Nopony’s coming. Most of them have left.”
He nodded, and followed as the Princess glided majestically – How else would she? he thought – to the ground and walked to the edge of the bluff. He landed roughly, stumbling on slightly numb hooves as he followed. “Ow. I’m not doing that again,” he said. He bowed stiffly. “What brought you here, Celestia?”
“You, of course,” she added with a mildly teasing smile. “I’ve been watching, and you continue to amaze me. Whatever Michael taught you, I didn’t think politics was one of the subjects.”
Verdigris continued to work and stretch his legs, relieving the stiffness. “He didn’t. He sent me a few books, and one had all the tricks I used in it. The author’s and his,” he said, grimacing as his hocks and fetlocks began punishing him for abusing them. “I never heard of the author.”
“Niccolo Machiavelli, perchance?” He looked at her in surprise, then nodded. “Michael isn’t always forthcoming, or honest, god-son.” She seemed to be holding an internal debate, then sighed. “Please keep this to yourself. Michael isn’t a pony. He’s something else, and he appears as an Alicorn because no other body will contain the power he has. Much like us,” she said quietly. “I’m not entirely sure what he is, but I’d trust him with my life, because he trusted me with his.”
“What? He never mentioned that.”
“He wouldn’t, because it wouldn’t be on the agenda. I found him one day, battered and bleeding, outside Canterlot’s gardens. I couldn’t tell how he’d gotten there, but I brought him inside and helped him recover. That took considerable time, as his power was depleted, and our magic and his aren’t compatible. He had to learn.” Celestia looked out to sea, watching the moonlight dance on the waves. “We talked, and told each other our stories, but I know he didn’t tell me everything.
“What he did tell me was funny, sad, infuriating, tragic and triumphant by turns, and I began to understand how old he truly is. Thousands of years over hundreds of lives. I felt like a filly again, and that amazed me. I hadn’t before and haven’t since. When daily life seems to be a chore, I remind myself of what he told me. Two thousand five hundred years doesn’t seem like much, compared to that.”
“What is he?” Verdigris asked, incredulous.
“At first impression, I thought he was human, but now I’m not sure. He’s more, and that’s all I’ve been able to determine from his short visits. I know his life is very hectic, and Equestria is something of a retreat. Beyond that, I have no real idea.
“I do know that book comes from his home. It’s essentially a primer on how to be a successful ruler, not necessarily a popular one. I imagine it opened your eyes,” she said, turning to look at him inquiringly.
He nodded. “It sure did. I didn’t think I’d get away with what I pulled. I’m not sure I like the methods, but they worked.” A pained expression crossed his face. “Mom wondered who I was after I told her. So did Freewind. I’m not really sure. I know I didn’t like some of what I did, but I had to do something about Oceanside. We were beginning to slip into disaster.”
Celestia nodded. “Yes. I didn’t tell you before, but I can see and hear everything under the sun. What you’d see or hear in line of sight. All things have limits, even Princesses.”
He looked at her in surprise, then nodded. “If you didn’t, I guess we wouldn’t be having this conversation,” he said. Celestia smiled briefly.
“Yes. Now, about your worries. You have nothing to be concerned with. The Rus left this evening; you put the fear of me into them, though I’d be inclined to say they’re more afraid of you after the display of power. They respect physical power and ruthlessness more than anything else. I’m far away; you’re right here. I tend to be hooves-off; you’re anything but. I don’t dare use much of my power. You can, but you still have to be careful. It helped that you fight physically more than you do magically.”
“It’s not instinctive, yet, and I’m not sure I want to use much. I could cause all kinds of problems if I lost control,” he replied as he adjusted the crossbow’s sling.
“Yes, there’s always that. Everything worth-while takes time.” They stood side-by-side, watching the waves for a while. “I want you to know I’m proud of you. You could have fought them, and lost everything, even if you chased them out. Implying harm is actually worse than a demonstration. All you did was plant a few seeds of doubt.” She smiled at him. “What you did about Bluestreak was very good, too.”
“As I told Breakwater, if we kept butting heads, only one of us would walk away, eventually. Everything’s starting to go my way a little, and I don’t want to lose what I’ve gained. Convincing Breakwater was a lot better, and I was surprised how easy it was. I thought he’d fight, horn and hooves.”
“Whatever else he may be, he’s still a practical, hard-nosed Oceanside pony, just like you. That doesn’t make you the same, of course, but you have that in common.” She looked at him with a small amount of pity. “I’ve given thought to what you asked, regarding Honey Bunch. I wish I could change the situation so you could be together, Verdigris, but the impression I got of Full Sail is he’s no less stubborn than she is.” She paused. “I don’t know if such an independent mare would want to be a hoof-maiden, unless to myself personally. Perhaps Luna, upon her return. She appreciates honest opinions and non-conventional thinking.”
He stared at her for a moment. “Then I was right?” Verdigris looked out to sea, his eyes wide as he mulled over the implications. “When did you know?”
“Two days ago. The banishment is weakening, and should break in ten to twelve years. I’ve begun searching for – and I think I’ve found – Wielders for the Elements, but it’s going to be some time before they’re ready, and I’m missing one. He’s definitely not ready.” She sighed. “I’m eagerly and reluctantly awaiting it. I have no idea what she will be like, but I doubt the Nightmare is broken.”
“Can I help?”
“No, I want you to stay clear of this, god-son. She’s nothing to trifle with. We fought all-out to a stand-still at the last, and the damage was horrendous, in all meanings. Everything you find in the Everfree today came out of that confrontation, and I might have lost if I hadn’t banished her. She was that powerful, and even wilder than I’d ever seen previously.” Celestia looked at him imploringly. “Even if it costs me greatly, please stay out of it, Sunblur. I … I don’t think I could stand to lose you again.”
“I wish you wouldn’t call me that. It’s the past, and I don’t remember being him.” He looked at her curiously. “Does this mean what I think it means?”
“Of course I love you. You’re one of my ponies, but you’re also my recompense and restitution, Verdigris. You’re proof that I can make good on my mistakes, and at my level, they can be horrific. That’s why I’ve pulled back. Luna was bad enough, but what I did to you and your parents was a completely inexcusable lapse of judgement.” She looked out to sea, her expression forlorn. “I’ve lived with that since your great-grand parents were born. It’s my shame, and you’re my penance, Verdigris. Nopony can punish you like you can yourself.”
He couldn’t stand her disconsolate tone, and gently laid a wing over her shoulders. “Stop it, Celestia. It’s okay, now. You solved my problem, and I’m sure you’ll solve the next. With the Elements’ help, of course.”
She leaned against him gratefully. “Thank you,” she murmured. “Maybe I can forgive myself after I have my sister back, and we’re reconciled. I need her forgiveness, too. Not just for the banishment, but my contribution to her becoming the Nightmare. If I’d only made more time, paid better attention, and agreed to a few of her requests – well, hindsight is always perfect. It’s easy to see the smoking crater in the ground than its cause.” She put her head alongside his and nuzzled him. “That’s why I’m so concerned with you. Once you’re past the dangerous parts, I can consider myself worth forgiveness. The road – ”
“To Tarterus is paved with good intentions,” he finished with a thin smile. “Good thing my intentions aren’t, eh?”
“Oh, that was terrible, though true.” She leaned away and looked at him. “Hmm, if I didn’t know better, I’d say you and Michael were related. You have that same wry, sardonic sense of humor.”
“Oh, good. For a moment I thought you were going to say we were Prince material. What a relief.”
The Princess chuckled. “Oh, yes. Before we got diverted, I was going to say I think I can find work for Honey Bunch. How well does she know her father’s business?”
“Practically all of it. She sometimes does the books, and I’ve heard her discuss the pros and cons of this or that supplier with him.”
“Ah, good. I think I can get her started, but she’s on her own after that,” Celestia replied.
“Truth be told, she wouldn’t want it any other way, and neither would I or Sea Grass. I think she was right; we were all born in the wrong place.”
“No, I disagree. This is the right place for you. None of you would be who and what you are, otherwise. It hasn’t been easy or pleasant, but you’re prepared, and more importantly, mentally tough enough for whatever may come, god-son. As Michael told me, What doesn’t kill us only makes us stronger. He’s right. Growth comes through adversity.”
“I wish I could talk to him,” Verdigris said wistfully. “I could use his advice. I’m sorry, but you’re still a mare, Celestia.”
“No need to apologize. You’re right, only stallions can advise each other. Most of the time,” she finished with a wicked smile.
He made a face, then smiled. “I guess we deserve that. At least I don’t pretend to have all the answers.”
They stood for another few minutes then the Princess said, “I have to go. The sun won’t raise itself. I’ll see you again, but probably not before a few years go by. I can’t just drop by on a whim – well, I can, but I shouldn’t. You have to live your life. Nopony can do it for you, and you wouldn’t let them.” She nuzzled him. “Sometime again, Verdigris.”
“Sometime again, Celestia.” She leapt up, soared high, and vanished. “I’ll be okay,” he said to the wind.
He walked back to the house, then looked at his window. “Shouldn’t be too hard.” He concentrated, picturing his room in his mind, and the view he’d have when he arrived. His horn glowed brightly, and he vanished, appearing where he wanted to be. “Great – oooohhhh – Ooff!” He crashed to the floor, his chest, neck and chin taking the worst of the impact. Verdigris raised up slightly on his fore-hooves and looked to see his back hooves still on the bed, tangled up in the sheets. If he didn’t have a horn, he’d have face-planted on the floor, but he still face-hoofed. “Ah, horse apples. I’m an idiot. I’m sitting when I have that view.” He carefully and quietly untangled himself, blushing furiously. I only hope I didn’t wake up mom and dad.
(((())))
The noise woke Hawkfeather from sleep, and he looked around groggily. “What was that?”
Gemstone didn’t seem to wake up, and said sleepily, “Verdigris fell out of bed. Go back to sleep.” She wrapped her foreleg tighter around his chest and snuggled closer.
Hawk looked at her and shook his head, then laid back down again, dropping into sleep.