Lucca sighed as she walked around the castle. James had gone off to his private research lab to copy the plans for a replica sword of light from the only piece of the Claire Bible he had been able to salvage before Xellos destroyed the temple it had been in. He had gone to learn the Giga Slave, but had been distracted when he located the tablet he did eventually take with him.
Since then James had worked on improving the design with magical elements from other worlds. His experiments with the sword were probably the most dangerous ones he conducted as they were responsible for half of the explosions listed in his testing logs. Even though his experimentation had brought him closer to a true replica. Hopefully this time he would stick to the plans, now was not the time to perform experiments.
Then again she wasn’t one to argue that point as she intended to do some experimentation with the designs herself to create a weapon she was more comfortable with. If it came to a fight with Xellos they needed every edge they could get. More than likely it wouldn’t, but there was always the chance.
She couldn’t just wait around while James was working, she had to do something. She quickly walked out of the shop throwing the door closed behind her in her impatience. Not more than two steps away her head jerked back suddenly. She took a step backwards and opened the door to let her hair out, and not for the first time. No matter what else she did she knew what she was going to do first. She was done with long hair. She'd had it for over twenty years and there weren't so many political events she needed to attend now. She'd just have to deal with the wig when they came up.
***
Apple Bloom ran through the orchard looking desperately for a hiding spot. Fortunately there was a nook between the trees just big enough for her that was mostly out of sight, and with the night’s darkness she could easily remain hidden. Without a moment’s hesitation she slipped inside and tried to breathe quieter. She saw the shadow first, off in the distance. From here it didn’t look threatening but she knew better.
The creature was tall, not so tall as James but he was much taller than any normal pony. But this creature was no pony, neither was it a dragon or even changeling. It was a human, at least she thought it was. It flew by again, she knew it was searching for her.
She saw it’s silhouette more clearly now, it led with a staff with a large red jewel held in it’s forked top. It moved silently, it’s cape and long dark hair making it’s figure harder to distinguish for anyone who didn’t already know what they were looking at.
“Apple Bloom.” It called. It’s voice was calm, almost friendly. “You didn’t tell anyone, did you Apple Bloom?” It asked just as calmly.
She was terrified but couldn’t bring herself to call out for help. If she made any noise it would find her.
She silently watched as it came into full view feet from her hiding spot. “You haven’t told anyone, have you?” It asked as it looked around. It’s eyes appeared to be tightly closed but she knew that didn’t stop it from seeing what was around it. It’s face looked completely passive, as if nothing were wrong and it smiled pleasantly, if mischievously.
“I’d better ensure that she keeps her silence.” It said as it dissolved away.
The moment it was gone she heard the terrified and pained screams of Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo.
“Help us!” Sweetie Belle cried.
“Anypony!” Scootaloo called.
Apple Bloom couldn’t stay here as she heard this, but she could barely bring herself to move. Once she did however, she found that the space was tighter than she thought and she couldn’t get out. No matter how she pulled, no matter how her friends cried she was helpless to go to them.
Applejack was the next to scream, then Big Mac. Even Twilight cried out in agony.
Then everything was silent. Her heart raced, wondering what the silence meant as she renewed her effort to escape the nook.
Without warning the nook loosened and she flew forwards, rolling through the dirt until she came to a stop.
“I am sorry Apple Bloom.” Came a gentle, kind voice. The forest lit up with the glow of the full moon moments before Princess Luna arrived. “With the return of King Sombra, even as short as it was, I find myself uncommonly busy tonight.”
Luna approached the foal and offered her hoof to help her stand.
Gratefully, Apple Bloom accepted and smiled awkwardly as she looked up to the princess.
“What bothers your sleep this night?” Luna asked as the two began to walk through the orchard. Apple Bloom was still frightened to say anything, but she realistically knew that only Luna would know what she said in a dream. “I never made it to New Guardia like James asked. That creature, Xellos, said he’d hurt my friends if I told anypony.” She let her head fall as she spoke, not wanting to look up as she was afraid of what Luna was going to say.
“You did a brave thing Apple Bloom.” Luna calmly said. “But it is not on you alone to protect your friends, give them the choice to face the danger with you. And do not be afraid to ask for help, you are fortunate to be so close to six very special girls who have helped us all many times before.”
Apple Bloom nodded as they continued to walk.
“Perhaps you would like some company in your dreams tonight.” Luna offered as her horn glowed and an open door appeared in front of them.
***
Apple Bloom smiled and looked up as she heard Scootaloo happily laughing.
They were now just outside Canterlot and Scootaloo was flying alongside Rainbow Dash fighting King Sombre and beating him back. No matter how many magical blasts he shot into the air he was simply too slow to hit either pegasus as they swooped and dove. Rainbow Dash would make a strafing run and knock him one direction while Scootaloo came in from behind to knock him down.
It continued for a few minutes like this until King Sombre lay defeated on the ground while Scootaloo and Rainbow Dash did an aerial victory dance. It was then that Scootaloo noticed Apple Bloom and came in to land nearby.
“Didja see that Apple Bloom?!” She excitedly asked as her wings folded up.
Apple Bloom laughed as she could feel the happiness in the dream. “That was awesome.”
“I know, right?! Hi Princess Luna …” Scootaloo’s joy dropped a bit as she saw the dark alicorn. “Oh, I’m dreaming.” She eventually said. “Well, that’s how things would have gone if I could fly.” She said almost defensively.
“Scootaloo.” Luna calmly said. “I believe Apple Bloom could benefit from yours and Sweetie Belle’s presence tonight. While her nightmare is over there is still the fear behind it that she must confront.”
Scootaloo looked to her friend who was now staring uncomfortably up at Luna.
Luna smiled down at Apple Bloom. “Nopony can blame you if you happen to accurately dream about something.” She then closed her eyes as her horn glowed to open up a new doorway into a representation of the CMCs clubhouse. Sweetie Belle was already there with dream representations of both Apple Bloom and Scootaloo, though they faded the moment she saw the real ones.
“Oh, hi again Princess Luna.” Sweetie Belle said as she bowed.
“And unfortunately good bye again. I’m afraid my night is only truly beginning.” Luna said before walking out the door.
“Wait, so she can just leave us in each other’s dreams?” Scootaloo asked.
“I guess.” Apple Bloom said as she looked around. “I mean, she is a princess after all.”
“I wish I could move between dreams like that.” Sweetie Belle said. “It would so cool to see what other ponies are dreaming about.”
“Uh-huh.” Scootaloo agreed. “Though I could do without the nightmares.”
“Right.” Sweetie Belle said, her happy tone dropping slightly. “There is that.”
“Oh, anyway. What’s wrong Apple Bloom?” Scootaloo asked, turning to her friend.
Apple Bloom nervously looked away as she rubbed the back of her head. She didn’t want to do this, but it was what Luna had told her to do. “It’s just … I know something that could get us all hurt if I tell, but if I don’t then nopony can fix the problem.”
“What is it?” Scootaloo insisted.
“Yeah, if it is something that can be fixed we have to try or it could get worse.” Sweetie Belle said.
“But I don’t want anypony getting hurt because I said something.” Apple Bloom reiterated.
“Well, this is a dream so you’re not actually saying anything.” Scootaloo said.
Apple Bloom gave a half smile at her friend's reasoning. She took a breath then began to explain what had happened to her inside Twilight's castle the other day.
“Yeah, this is more than we can handle.” Scootaloo said as Apple Bloom stopped talking.
“We’ve got to tell Twilight about this as soon as we wake up.” Sweetie Belle said.
“But what about Xellos?” Apple Bloom said.
“Has there been anypony yet who’s been too much for our sisters and their friends?” Scootaloo asked with a wide grin.
“I guess you’re right.” Apple Bloom said as she began to smile again. “Okay, first thing in the morning we all meet at Twilight’s castle so we can tell her.”
***
As Apple Bloom tried to leave after breakfast Applejack stopped her. “Where do you think you’re going?” She asked, stern but still nice. “You’ve got chores to do.”
“I know, but I have to get to Twilight’s castle.” She answered before trying to leave again.
“Now what for? Yer flank’s not glowin’. Is somethin’ wrong sugar cube?” Applejack calmly asked.
“Princess Luna said I should talk to her.” Apple Bloom said.
“You had a nightmare and Princess Luna said you should talk to Twilight about it?” Applejack asked, wondering why it would be just Twilight. “I’m comin' with you. You know, just in case I’m needed there too.” She wanted her little sister to tell her, but even if she didn’t she was still going to support her.
***
Sweetie Belle was already waiting outside Twilight’s castle when Scootaloo arrived. “Big Mac said that Apple Bloom was here already.” She said as she ran up.
“I know, he told me that she came here with Applejack first thing this morning.” Sweetie Belle said as she opened the door into Twilight’s foyer.
“Do you think she told her without us?” Scootaloo asked.
“All she’s told us is that she’s waitin' for you two.” Applejack said as the foals walked in. “Now can y'all tell me just what in the hay is going on? Apple Bloom’s terrified of somethin' and won’t tell me anythin' about it.”
“Yeah.” Sweetie Belle said. “We agreed last night that we’d talk to Twilight first.”
“Y'all know I’m just gonna hear about it anyway, right?” Applejack said evenly.
“Yeah, but part of why Apple Bloom isn’t saying anything is because she’s worried you’ll get hurt if she talks.” Scootaloo quickly said.
“Scootaloo!” Sweetie Belle chastised. “That’s what we’re going to talk to Twilight about!”
“Oh, right.” Scootaloo said nervously.
“That’s sweet an all, but I’m her big sister. She doesn’t need to worry about protectin' me.” Applejack said with a smile and chuckle. “If it’s really that kind of problem then I’m gonna help solve it, no matter what. Come on girls.” Applejack led the way to the hall where Twilight was with Apple Bloom, still looking frightened.
“All right Apple Bloom, yer friends are here. But I think that maybe I should stick around to hear this.” Applejack said as she sat by her sister.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to say anything.” Scootaloo said, embarrassed.
“I’m glad you did.” Applejack said. “Apple Bloom y'all don’t need to worry yourself about me, I can handle myself.”
Apple Bloom nodded weakly as she remembered the threat, the pain, and Xellos’ smile. “I … never made it to New Guardia.” She quietly said. “Somecreature grabbed me when I got into the castle and hurt me, said he’d hurt all of you too if I said anything.”
Applejack immediately turned Apple Bloom around and looked her in the eyes. “Who?! Who hurt my little sister?!” She demanded.
“Let’s calm down a moment, Applejack.” Twilight started to say before Applejack interrupted.
“Calm down?!” Applejack roared. “Somecreature hurt my baby sister and you want me to calm down?!”
“I’m trying to say that maybe we should get everypony together. That way we can all offer our help. She’s afraid he’ll hurt you too and we’re at our strongest when we’re together.” Twilight explained.
It wasn’t long before everyone was gathered in Twilight’s throne room and Apple Bloom felt even more uncomfortable.
“Go on Apple Bloom, we only want to help you.” Twilight gently encouraged.
Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo approached Apple Bloom and offered her their support. With a nod Apple Bloom stepped forward, looking at all of the ponies here for her. “Well, the other day when I said that I had talked to Lucca and she was going to get what James asked … I lied. I was stopped just inside Twilight’s castle when a creature picked me up. He threatened to hurt all of my friends and hurt me just to make his point.”
Applejack smoldered angrily as she once again thought about someone hurting her sister. “I’m sorry about that Sugar Cube.” She said, forcing her voice to remain calm. “But y'all haven’t told us anything about who it was yet.”
“Yes dear. We can’t help you if you don’t tell us.” Rarity offered.
Apple Bloom looked down for a moment as she remembered the pain of the magic coursing through her, and just how calmly the creature spoke after causing that much pain. “He said his name was Xellos.” She eventually said.
“Whoa whoa whoa whoa.” Rainbow Dash put her hooves on the table and stood up from her throne as she heard the name. “Did you say Xellos? As in tall human with hair the same color as Rarity’s, his eyes always closed and always smiling?”
“Yeah, exactly.” Apple Bloom said astonished.
“Okay, we’ve got to tell James immediately.” Rainbow Dash got off her throne and used her wing to gesture to the door.
“What do you know about this Xellos creature?” Rarity asked.
“He’s a really strong demon that even James hesitates to mess with.” Rainbow Dash explained bluntly as she headed towards the door. “Now come on!”
“James already knows.” Apple Bloom said quietly, stopping Rainbow Dash cold.
“He does?” Twilight asked as Rainbow Dash walked back over to the table.
Apple Bloom nodded. “That’s why he was at our home yesterday when y'all got back from Canterlot. He and Lucca wanted me to feel safer.”
“I think you're right Rainbow Dash, this sounds like it’s in James’s purview.” Twilight said. “If he's already faced this Xellos creature, then it must be a threat from outside Equestria.”
“He hurt my sister! I’m not gonna to sit on my haunches while he’s out there keepin' her scared!” Applejack said defiantly.
“And James did ask us to help him with these problems.” Rainbow Dash added.
“Alright then, let’s go see how we can help.” Twilight said as they got up and started to walk towards Twilight’s door to James’s castle.
Before getting to the door Applejack stopped and turned to the CMCs. “Alright girls, y’all should stay in James’s castle while we’re there. I know Truce is safe and all, but I’d rather you stay close to those who know best what’s going on, and if they tell you to come back don’t ask questions and just do it.”
Rarity hugged Sweetie Belle briefly before nodding and whispering in her ear. “Stay with Apple Bloom, dear. She must be so worried right now.”
Rainbow Dash held her hoof up for Scootaloo to smack. “And if anything does happen, find Liara or Tenyo, they'll keep you safe.”
The CMCs nodded as they went to New Guardia Castle with the others.
It was an all too familiar sign that things were not well when the castle was silent. Fortunately this time it wasn’t accompanied with an unnerving sense of dread, just an uncomfortable empty feeling. As they checked James’s study they found a woman that none of them recognized.
The woman faced away from them and was searching James’s cabinets. Her almost shoulder length dark violet hair moved slightly as she looked around, she wore tan shorts and a long sleeved shirt with a messenger bag over her shoulder. It wasn't until she turned around that any of them realized that they were looking at Lucca.
“Hey.” Lucca said as she looked over the group. “Everything alright?” She adjusted her glasses as she spoke, noticing all of the ponies that were there.
It wasn't until the shock of Lucca's dramatic haircut passed that Twilight actually spoke. “We came to see you and James.”
“It’s about Xellos.” Applejack added, clearly still upset about what happened to Apple Bloom.
Lucca bit her lower lip a moment before nodding. “We didn’t want to tell you about him right away. James’s at the Sorcerer’s Guild right now, follow me and I’ll explain once we’re there. Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle; stay close to me. … I’m sure we’re safe, but in case Xellos is watching I’d rather keep you in sight.”
“Is it really that bad?” Apple Bloom asked, her voice wavering.
“Not likely, but better safe than sorry.” Lucca said as she walked out of the study. As they left the Castle Lucca began talking again. “Sorry why we didn’t mention anything. Everyone’s been in good spirits since Sombra's defeat and that’s one of the best defenses against Xellos you’ve got right now. Pinkie Pie being another.”
“Really?” Pinkie asked, excited.
“How is Pinkie better against him than James?” Rainbow Dash asked. “James is a total beast when it comes to a fight, and he's got that other world magic.”
“Yes he does, and with two notable exceptions his magic is nothing compared to Xellos.” Lucca said. “But you all have something that is especially effective against him, something Pinkie has in excess: Optimism. Xellos is a Mazoku and needs miasma. While he could survive in Ponyville for a while he’d constantly be getting weaker from that boundless cheer. There’s just not enough trouble to sustain him.”
“So just being around us hurts him?” Twilight asked.
“Not exactly. He gets weaker around you. Pinkie Pie could probably disable him completely if he didn’t get her out of the way first.” Lucca explained. “But he’s also merciless. Though not cruel unlike other Mazoku.” Lucca sighed as they walked into the forest near the Sorcerer’s Guild. “We don’t even know why he’s there. As strange as it seems he could actually want your help.”
“If that’s it he’s sure got a funny way of askin’.” Applejack growled.
“He’s evil.” Lucca said by way of explanation. “But he also has a purpose. We find that out and we know where we stand.”
“James said that he doesn’t lie. Maybe we could just ask him.” Twilight suggested.
“Just because he doesn’t lie doesn’t mean he tells you anything.” Lucca clarified. “His favorite answer is,” Lucca closed her eyes and held up her finger as she smiled. “That’s-a-se-cret.” She said in a singsong fashion before letting her face go back to normal.
Lucca’s short hair that so closely resembled Xellos’ at the moment made Apple Bloom shudder as she saw Lucca’s face. Sweetie Belle nudged Apple Bloom and smiled as they walked.
They eventually found themselves at the Sorcerer's Guild, Lucca signing most of them in as guests as many of the ponies were unlikely to come again. It was after it's listed hours so the place was likely mostly, if not completely, empty.
“James is probably in his lab here.” Lucca said as she brought up a map on her omnitool.
“James has a magical lab?” Twilight asked, astonished that in all her time coming here she had never heard of it.
“He calls it a workshop, but lab is the best description.” Lucca explained, leaving out that James had somewhere that he called his lab as she couldn’t even begin to guess where it was. Xellos being the reason for keeping it absolutely secret.
“Oh.” That Twilight had heard about.
Everyone stopped at the shock of an agonized scream tearing through the guild hall.
Fluttershy recoiled and looked around, wondering just what could have happened. The CMC’s quickly crowded around Lucca who begun checking security reports and James's transponder. Rainbow Dash immediately flew in the direction of the scream followed closely by Applejack and Pinkie Pie while Twilight looked around for anyone that resembled the description of Xellos that she had got. Rarity stayed by the CMC’s her horn glowing as she was ready to defend her sister.
“It was James.” Lucca said as her omnitool blinked out. His transponder was once again off though she could still use it to locate him. That meant he at least wasn’t trying to hurt himself. He had probably burned himself working with molten metal again.
Apple Bloom went pale as she looked up to Lucca. “Was it …”
“No, we’d have known sooner if it were Xellos. It’s probably just another lab accident.” Lucca said as she stepped around the ponies and rushed towards James’s lab.
Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie had knocked down the door by the time Lucca got there with the rest of the ponies. They flowed into the room and found James sitting at his desk. He was in his alicorn form, wearing only a pair of gray sweatpants and hunched over with his face almost pressed against the surface of the workbench, shakily breathing.
Lucca’s omnitool once again blinked to life as she began it’s diagnostic procedure. What none of them expected was Scootaloo’s scream of terror as she hurried and backed away from something no one else saw.
“What’s wrong Scoot?” Rainbow Dash asked as she flew over and held the trembling filly.
“It’s, it’s, it’s …” She stammered before being cut off by Sweetie Belle screaming just as Scootaloo had.
“I … need … a senzu.” James quietly breathed.
Rarity hurried to her little sister and held her. “Darling! What’s the matter?” Sweetie Belle had her eyes tightly closed as she gagged.
“It’s James’s … It’s his …” Scootaloo tried to say.
Twilight gasped as she looked the direction that Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle had. Laying on the floor was James’s horn, broken at the hilt. “Oh no. Oh no. Oh no. Oh no. Oh no. Oh no. …” Twilight began to repeat as she hesitantly used her magic to gingerly lift the lost appendage, flying over to James to try looking at his bowed head.
Sure enough there was a jagged stump where his horn should be, occasionally through the deeper cracks she could see something black and solid. She nearly fainted as she realized she was seeing the Demon’s Blood Talisman through his head.
“I can’t … grab my senzu … without hands.” James quietly said.
“Will a senzu reattach this?” Twilight asked as she held up James’s horn, resisting the urge to vomit.
James waved his hoof in front of his face as if batting away the horn. “No. I just need … a senzu.” He weakly said.
Lucca didn’t wait as she reached into James’s bag of holding, hanging on a hook by the door, pulled out one of several beans and held it to his mouth as Twilight hurried to hold the broken horn to James’s forehead. Once again James swatted in front of his face, this time actually knocking the horn free from Twilight's magic, before he carefully took the bean from Lucca.
His breathing steadied as he swallowed the bean and from the jagged stump, bone once again grew out into the familiar appendage that Twilight still held the mirror of.
Clearly not needing it Twilight didn’t hesitate to drop the broken horn as she came to land by James, placing her hoof on his back.
“What happened?” Rainbow Dash asked, not understanding at all why his horn had been broken off.
James looked around to the group gathered. His mind still swam from the pain he had just been in, unfortunately he had to act quickly. “I needed material components. Could I have a moment alone please.” He said as he began to register what still had to be done.
“Come on dears.” Rarity said as she lead the CMCs out.
“I want to know what happened first!” Twilight insisted.
“Just give me a minute, you’ll know when I’m ready to explain.” James said, clearly irritated.
“Seriously …” Twilight started to say before James interrupted.
“Give me a minute!” He growled.
The girls all looked to him in shock for a moment before turning for the door. “Okay. But we’ll be back and we want to know what’s going on.”
“I know. I’ll explain once I’m done.” James said as his new horn glowed the recognizable gold fringed darkness and moved the broken horn to the table.
The room emptied slowly but the girls didn’t go far. Rainbow Dash carefully looked in and saw James bring out another Senzu and place it on the table as he rubbed his horn with his hooves. After a moment he stopped rubbing and held his hooves at the base of this horn and leaned forward so she couldn’t see anything more.
It was Rainbow Dash’s turn to scream in terror as she heard the gut churning snap and James’s agonized shout.
Twilight raced in and saw the second horn laying discarded on the ground as the first one had been and James hunched over, his chest heaving as he took deep controlled breaths, his head almost against the workbench as he held himself up only by his fore-hooves. She couldn’t hold herself back as she clearly saw the glint of the gem that resided beneath James’s horn. This was more a crater than a stump and she would never forget as she looked and saw a speck of gold inside the faceted black gem held in place by small irregular outcroppings of off white bone. Twilight turned and flew out of the room, desperate for a garbage can to vomit in, there was no way she could prevent it this time.
James carefully used his lips to take the senzu from the workbench and eat it, grateful that they had gotten to him the first time. He could feel the growing bone slowly work it’s way to it’s point as the pain subsided.
“What the hay are you doing?!” Applejack shouted as she ran in again and held James’s left foreleg back, Rainbow Dash taking his right. Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy both lay passed out on the floor behind them as Scootaloo began to hyperventilate. Rarity did her best to remain calm as she blocked the sight from the fillies.
“You can let me go now.” James said as his mind began to clear.
“Oh no. You’d better give us a damn good explanation as to just what you’re doing.” Rainbow Dash said, clutching James’s foreleg tighter.
“We’ve dealt with some messed up stuff from you James.” Twilight said as she used a nearby paper to wipe her mouth. “We’ve even let you get away with everything you’ve done to hurt yourself. But we can't keep looking past this.” She added, crumpling up and discarding the paper as she stormed into the lab.
Lucca silently walked in and began examining the blueprint paper hastily tacked to the wall as the girls continued.
“You’re our friend dammit! I know you hate yourself but what could doing this possibly accomplish?!” Twilight angrily said as tears began to well up in her golden eyes.
“What about your daughters?!” Applejack continued. “What would Sara say to find out her pa’s in here snapping off his horn for Celestia knows why?”
“Goln Nova …” Lucca said as she turned to look at the scene beside her. “Do you think this might work? You’re not a real alicorn, or even a unicorn.”
“Pardon my lack of decorum, but will somepony please explain just what in Celestia’s name is going on?!” Rarity shouted.
“I’m trying to perfect the design of a weapon. A replica of the Sword of Light as powerful as the original if not more so. One of the material components it calls for is a unicorn’s horn. Obviously I wasn’t going to hunt a unicorn.” James explained to the horror of everyone present but Lucca.
“Again, do you really think your substitution will work? You’re not a unicorn.” Lucca asked.
“True Polymorph.” James said as Applejack and Rainbow Dash released his forelegs.
“You really used True Polymorph?” Lucca asked, astonished that it would have even worked to transform him into an Equestrian Alicorn.
James sighed. “Yeah, as far as components are concerned I should be the real deal. I’ve about half an hour left before the spell expires.”
Twilight began to feel sick again as she thought about what he was doing, and what this weapon called for just to create it. “Don’t you think the price is just a tad too high?” She asked, barely containing an unfocussed panic.
“Again, that’s why I was collecting my own horn. Then the price is just a minute or so of … astonishing pain.” James said.
Rainbow Dash flew up and got nose to nose with James. “Stop hurting yourself!” She shouted, her eyes showing a mix of rage, terror, and sadness.
James shook his head as he placed his foreleg on Rainbow Dash's shoulder. “I’ll hurt myself to save others pain and worse. It’s simple math, my project isn’t worth someone else’s pain or life. My pain for my project is negligible. And if my minute of pain can create a weapon that will prevent the destruction of others I will endure it”
“That’s not simple math!” Twilight argued.
“Hello everypony.” Maude said in her monotone as she walked up from behind the group. “James, I’ve finished processing the Dreamstone like you asked. I’d like to study more sometime, it has fascinating magical properties.”
“Maude?!” Came the surprised shout of the conscious ponies.
“Hello.” Maude evenly repeated before she walked over to James and got nose to nose with him much as Rainbow Dash had despite not being able to fly. “Why is Pinkie Pie unconscious?” Her tone giving no indication to her feeling on the subject.
“She was … disturbed by how I had to collect some of the material components.” James said as Maude slowly moved back.
“You mean when you ripped your horn off.” She corrected, emotionless.
“I needed the component.” James calmly said.
“Stop calling it a component!” Twilight shouted as Maude calmly walked over to her sister. “It’s a horn! Your horn!”
“Twilight. Please bear with me here. The pain’s already passed, my horn is back until I’m back in my normal form. This wasn’t a depression thing, I just couldn’t morally justify the cost of obtaining the component any other way. Here I have a chance to finally perfect the Sword of Light without hurting anyone.” James explained.
“You’re hurting yourself.” Rainbow Dash said as she hovered beside James. “And don’t you dare try saying that you’re not important, because even if you don’t think so, you are!”
“Thank you.” James quietly said. “I appreciate your concern, but this was strictly about getting components. I used a local anesthetic to dull the pain as much as possible. There’s a nerve cluster at the base of the horn that surgically cutting through would have been drawn out and excruciating. And most likely longer than my spell would last for. This way it only lasted a few moments. Also why I got two, I don’t want to ever have to do that again.”
“So we don’t have to worry about you going crazy like that again?” Applejack asked, her anger and revulsion finally beginning to subside.
“No.” James said as he shook his head. “If it works I’ve got everything I need, if it doesn’t there’s no reason to ever do it again.”
“Thank Celestia.” Twilight sighed as James climbed down from the chair.
Rarity was stone-faced as she calmly walked over to James and looked him in the eye. Her magic surrounded his head, dragging him down to look her in the eye. “I have just one thing to say to you.” Her voice filled with fury.
A resounding smack sounded as without any warning she raised her hoof and smacked James as hard as she could across the face. “If you ever hurt a friend of mine like that again, yourself included, I shall be very cross!” She announced before turning to walk away in a huff.
James looked to where the two horns were resting, one placed on the workbench the other more recent horn on the ground beneath the workbench, both oozing a small amount of blood from the jagged end. As he focused a gold fringed darkness lifted them both as a metal tray flew over from one of the cabinets. James placed both horns on it before relocating it to the table itself. “Let’s get out of here for a bit, I can’t really keep working until I revert back to my normal form.” He said as he left the room to attend to the unconscious ponies.
Maude was fanning Pinkie Pie while the CMCs fanned Fluttershy. Pinkie’s eyes were the first to open. And she smiled as she saw her sister.
“Maude!” She happily said. “Boy am I glad to see you. I had the weirdest nightmare where James ripped his own horn off.” She laughed as she described what she remembered.
“That wasn’t a dream Pinkie Pie.” Maude calmly replied.
“Oh.” Pinkie said with a smile before swooning back to unconsciousness.
“Maybe we shouldn’t tell ‘em right away about what just happened.” Applejack suggested moments before Fluttershy began to stir.
Fluttershy’s eyes opened slowly as she looked around the room at her friends. “Oh I’m so happy everypony’s okay.” She gently said. “James didn’t really …? You know.”
“Yes, he did.” Maude said.
“Oh.” Fluttershy squeaked before passing out again.
“Maude!” Several of the ponies chastised.
“Technically, she already knew.” Maude said, thinking of Mud Briar and smiling as much as she ever did.
James shook his head as he moved over to the unconscious ponies. “Let’s get them somewhere more comfortable.” He said as he used his magic to lift them both onto his back as they walked to the white magic section of the guild where their testing rooms often had beds and basic medical supplies.
“So Twilight.” James calmly said as they walked. “This was the first time I’ve ever heard you swear.” He gave her a sly grin as they walked. Twilight blushed as she turned away, vividly remembering the taste of the soap her mother had used on the occasions she swore when she was a filly.
“I’m sorry to say, dear, but you’ve had it coming for a while now.” Rarity said, not looking James’s direction either. Though she did so because she was still angry with him. “We do our best to be patient and polite with you but you can really test that.”
“I’m hardly polite company.” James calmly said. “No need to hold back for my sake. Swear as much as you like if it makes you feel better.” He paused a moment as he looked to the CMCs. “This doesn't apply to you though. I don't mind, but listen to your sisters.”
“So what’s this Gorn Nova, Lucca.” Twilight asked, hoping to change the topic away from her rare swearing.
“Goln Nova.” Lucca corrected. “It’s his longest ongoing project. Recreating the Sword of Light. He’s had several near successes and has been constantly adjusting his designs to improve on it.”
Now that she wasn’t focused on more disturbing matters Rainbow Dash finally caught on. “You mean like Gourry’s sword?” She asked.
“Exactly.” James said calmly.
“But that was a demon. And that guy who messed with that city, who’s names I can’t remember, sent it back to Darkstar.” Rainbow Dash continued.
“That’s why I’m making a replica.” James said as they entered a clean, comfortable room with several available beds. He magically placed Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie each on their own bed before tucking them in.
Lucca looked at James for a minute as she began to wonder something. He had used True Polymorph, while the pony form was different enough that he couldn’t keep the form, for all intents and purposes he was currently as much a real alicorn as Twilight. “James, can we talk in private for a moment?”
James shrugged before following her off into another connected room. Once alone Lucca sat on the edge of a bed. “Okay, take your pants off.”
James’s face contorted in confusion as he looked to his wife. “Uuuhhhh.”
***
Rainbow Dash was having trouble ignoring the laughing coming from the joining room that Lucca had just dragged James into and carefully approached.
“Rainbow Dash?!” Applejack said sternly. “Just what the hay do you think you’re doing? Lucca wanted to talk to him in private.”
“They’re laughing.” Was all the reason she gave as she reached her wing out and opened the door just enough to peer inside.
Lucca was sitting on the edge of a nearby bed, her omnitool blinking out as she continued to laugh. Her face turning redder as she fought to breathe again. “You have got to show the girls!” Lucca laughed.
“No. I don’t.” James growled.
“Scootaloo! At least Scootaloo has to see this!” Lucca continued.
“No, no one has to see this. Once I revert it’s gone and not coming back. And don't you dare show that picture to Sara or Amber.” James answered.
“Now that I know that, you’re getting it tattooed on later.” Lucca said.
“No I am not!” James countered, even though he laughed he was genuinely pleading with Lucca.
“Even if I don’t tell the girls, do you honestly think you can stop Tali, Liara, Tenyo, and myself. I will drag in Airi and Seto if I have to to make this tattoo happen. Washu will be the one to put it on!” Lucca threatened.
“Lucca, no. Please no!” James's tone was still argumentative as he continued to plead.
It took a moment for Rainbow Dash to realize that Lucca was holding the pants James had been wearing when they walked in. From her angle she only managed to get a glimpse when he turned his flank towards her momentarily as he tried to wrestle his pants away from Lucca. Even still what she saw was unmistakable.
James had a cutie mark!
“Everypony!” Rainbow Dash whisper shouted. “You have got to see this!” She turned away as she eagerly used her wing to urge them over.
Cautiously they approached as Rainbow Dash grinned, still trying to urge them faster. “Come on, come on. Hurry.” Twilight was the first over and carefully peered in the room.
James was once again his normal shape and in his usual outfit. He was stretching as Lucca tossed his other pair of pants away.
“Okay, now get those pants off. I need to double check.” Lucca said quickly.
“Oh come on!” James groaned through another helpless laugh.
Twilight quickly looked away before turning to her friend who was eagerly smiling at her. Twilight blushed as she awkwardly smiled back and cleared her throat. “I've seen that a couple times. Never on purpose before.”
Rainbow Dash was floored, how could she not have said anything about James having a cutie mark?! She’d be the first one to make a huge deal over it! Rainbow Dash hurried and looked back into the room only to see Lucca pulling at James’s pants.
“Too late now, but can you describe it? I only saw it for a second.” Rainbow Dash asked as she turned to her embarrassed friend who only turned a darker red. If anyone could describe a cutie mark from seeing it for only a brief moment it would be Twilight.
“Describe it?!” She nearly shouted. “I wasn’t looking for details, I just happened to walk in at the wrong time.” How could Rainbow Dash ask about this? And in front of everyone too! “If you want to see so badly maybe just … ask … him.” She awkwardly offered, more uncomfortable about this than she had been about anything before.
“He seemed super embarrassed even to show Lucca, there’s no way he’d just show me if I asked.” Rainbow Dash explained.
“Just what the hay are you talking about?” Applejack asked as she walked to the door herself, though Twilight was quick to magically close the door and hold it shut.
“James’s … I mean his …” Twilight stammered as her entire face turned to a dark red. She couldn't bring herself to say it, even with Rainbow Dash's strange and sudden interest. And there was absolutely no way she could say it in front of the CMCs. “his … his …” Maybe there was a word she could use that the CMCs wouldn't know but Applejack would.
“His cutie mark!” Rainbow Dash blurted out, frustrated that it was taking Twilight so long to just say it.
“His what?!” Twilight asked astonished.
“Cutie mark.” Rainbow Dash repeated confused. “Uhm … what did you think I was asking about?” She gave Twilight a cockeyed glance as she realized they were thinking very different things.
“But James isn’t a pony.” Scootaloo said as she approached. “I thought only ponies could get cutie marks.”
“I have to know!” Twilight said as her magic surrounded the door and flung it open just in time to see James adjusting his pants after Lucca’s inspection.
“Okay …” Lucca said as she heard the announcement. “Here I had actual money on Rainbow Dash.”
James shook his head and blushed as he heard Lucca’s jab at him.
“Do you really have a cutie mark?” Sweetie Belle excitedly asked as she ran in with Scootaloo and Apple Bloom in tow.
“No.” James said sternly.
“Yes.” Lucca said at the same time with a grin.
“No, I do not.” James said as he looked directly at Lucca.
“I have to know! If a non-pony really got a cutie mark this is huge.” Twilight raved as her magic began pulling at James’s pants.
“Oh for crying out loud!” James groaned while he desperately held onto his pants. As he fought to keep them on he heard a camera shutter. Just from the corner of his eye he saw a small drone composed of light vanish.
“This is so worth it. Tenyo and Airi are going to love this!” Lucca said to herself, barely keeping herself from bursting into laughter again.
“Come on James.” Scootaloo said. “Cutie marks are awesome.”
“I do not have a cutie mark!” James bellowed before he went on at a more normal volume. “And if I had one, it was only because of True Polymorph. The whole point was to actually make me a pony so I could collect the material components necessary for the Sword of Light.” Even before he looked at the girls he began to feel terrible about this. These were his friends and he just snapped at them … again. Why did they ever put up with him? … And that wasn't even the worst of it.
Twilight immediately released him and cautiously backed up. He was clearly in a bad mood with them bursting in and apparently the implication that he could have a cutie mark only made it worse. “I’m sorry.” She quietly said.
“It’s not like cutie marks are a bad thing.” Apple Bloom said, slowly backing up. “Everypony wants to get theirs.” This was very confusing, but maybe it could be something like Rumble's problem with cutie marks.
“They're so awesome that even a griffon wanted one.” Scootaloo said, not understanding his apparent anger with cutie marks.
James took a long breath to compose himself. He dropped his head as he spoke. If anyone could have looked him in the eye they would have seen his disgust at himself. “That’s alright. But remember, I’m not a pony.” The room slowly began to empty as he spoke, Lucca punching his arm hard as she walked past.
James groaned as he was gradually left alone. Looking up he saw Scootaloo sadly turning away to leave. “Hey Scootaloo.” He quietly said. Scootaloo stopped and looked his way for a moment with tears in her eyes. “Come here, I’ve got something important to tell you.” He said as he sat on the floor, Lucca’s insistence that at least she get’s to know stuck in his mind.
“Okay.” Scootaloo said as she approached and sat near James.
James looked over and gently brought her closer to him before leaning over to whisper to her. “What I’m about to tell you is a secret. We won’t even tell Rainbow Dash.”
Scootaloo looked to him confused. “Why not?” She asked.
“Because I can’t tell you if we don't keep it a secret.” James answered.
Scootaloo thought for a moment and decided it was worth hearing him out at least. “Okay, just between us.” She said eventually.
“It looked a lot like yours.” James said briefly before patting her back and standing up to leave. “Alright, let’s get going. I’ve got work to get back to.” Why couldn't he bring himself to apologize?
“Wait. What do you …” Scootaloo started to ask as she ran after James before catching a reflection of herself in a floor length mirror. She understood what he meant as she saw her shield cutie mark in the reflection and happily ran out of the room.
“So what can you tell us about Xellos?” Twilight asked as James sat back at his workbench and began examining the box of refined Dreamstone that Maude had brought him.
Six perfectly round and crimson marbles rolled around the box, these would be inlay into the weapons as he worked. Maude had done amazing work especially given her lack of experience with the stone.
“Below the Mazoku Lords are their priests, among them Xellos is the strongest as his lord only made him so he had a greater share of power. He’s a master manipulator as he will never outright lie and still get others to work against their self interest.” James said as he began weighing out several metals.
“His primary purpose is to find copies of the Claire bible and destroy them, particularly any part concerning the Lord of Nightmares and anything else that can be used against the Mazoku. Whitch often put us at odds a few years ago.” James went on as he inspected several smaller pieces of metal before separating them into piles.
“He’s ruthless but that comes from his lack of concern for others, a trait shared by all Mazoku. But like all Mazoku he has weaknesses that we can exploit: The Sword of Light for example, which concentrates will power into a blade. This weapon would be unstoppable in the hands of Simone if I were able to ever find him.” James stopped briefly as he looked for something in his cabinets. “Let me guess I’m all out of pure silver again.” He mumbled as he inspected another box.
“A good defense you have is optimism. Pinkie Pie alone could probably bring him to his knees if she were especially happy. There was the Tree of Harmony, that would probably have been an amazing boon to us but unfortunately that’s not the case. … Let’s see, where did I put that orihalcon?” James said as he looked through another cabinet.
“Do you have any idea why he might be in Equestria?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“None. There’s literally nothing there I can think of to interest him and far too much that could hurt him. It doesn’t make sense. And it’s not like your world is part of the four so the Mazoku in general shouldn’t care about Equestria either.” James collected a wax mold for the hilt of a sword from another box along with a wooden form and a large bag of black sand-like material. “Twilight could you get me that crucible behind you?” James asked pointing to a small footlocker behind the surprised alicorn.
Twilight lifted the crucible and it’s stand out of the footlocker and levitated it to James’s table. “But there has to be something or Xellos wouldn’t be there.”
“Exactly.” James calmly said. “We find that out and the hardest part is done. We can either help or oppose depending.”
“If he want’s our help he should just ask.” Applejack complained again.
“That's just now how he thinks.” James calmly said. “He manipulates to get what he wants, it’s often only at the crux that he divulges information, and usually only when whoever wants to know already knows.” James brought out his omnitool and looked at the time. “And Pinkie’s done for the day so I’m not going to bother her for silver.”
“If you need silver, darling, I’ve got plenty. Let me just pop back to my shop and I’ll get you some.” Rarity offered.
“Thank you. Do you know it’s purity? The more pure it is the … better …” James’s voice trailed off.
“Are you all right?” Applejack asked as she looked to James.
James nodded before rushing back to his blueprints and tearing them down to rework their design. Twilight flew over to the workbench as James worked, examining the plans over his shoulder. Had she not deliberately taken the time to learn James’s written language she would be lost in what she saw, however she had and was only lost in the areas where his handwriting became uncommonly sloppy.
James crossed out parts and rewrote others, even going so far as to completely change volumes of other components as he began to work. He growled as he pulled out a new sheet of blueprint paper and began writing everything out again and hastily drawing the schematics. The drawing was horribly sloppy but it got the impression across, James had increased the length of the item and was working entirely new equations as he frantically wrote down statistics and measurements.
Twilight noticed that among the statistics he had wrote were; Uni~~-- horn: 2800 mgcJ focus (My horn (i~~itation alicor-): ???? mgcJ focus) Crystaling ~-~--~~~: ???? mgcJ capacity.
James looked over his work again and made several small corrections before he tossed the pen onto the table and stepped back. “Best I can do for now.” James said to himself as he scratched at his beard. He turned around to look at the girls there. “I need to get to the Crystal Empire.” He announced suddenly. “Can I get your help Rarity?” He asked just as abruptly, bringing out his omnitool.
“Yes, of course.” Rarity said moments before the both of them violently melted away. “Oh for Celes …”
“Sorry.” Lucca said. “You know James, once he hits his groove he’s going all out until he hits a wall.” In all honesty she hadn't seen him acting quite like this since before they were married. While he was certainly happy about their wedding and vastly more so about the births of Sara and Amber. This was a side of his that Lucca had thought to be dead.
She remembered times when they would both latch onto an interesting theory or piece of equipment and feverishly work on it, bouncing ideas off each other and talking in a way that only they understood. It had been so long that she had genuinely forgotten how badly she missed those times.
“Twilighting.” Rainbow Dash calmly said as she folded her forelegs over her chest and nodded.
“Eyup.” Applejack said with a chuckle. “Bit more intense though.”
“Of course! This is exciting. He's recreating an awesome weapon of legend!” Rainbow Dash added.
Twilight groaned as once again her name was being used as a verb.
“Oh my, is James Twilighting again?” Fluttershy asked concerned as she walked into the room.
“Ooh! I wonder what it’s about this time.” Pinkie Pie said, over excited as usual. “Think it'll be as fun as the last time?”
Lucca continued to look over the schematics as she tuned out the ponies and their excited conversation. Was this really happening so often that they could so casually accept it? She didn't know just how to feel, happy was part of it though.
After a few minutes they clearly heard Starlight speaking. “…ive me a minute to prepare!” She said, frustrated.
“Sorry darling.” Rarity said as she approached Starlight. “He’s Twilighting.”
Starlight shook her head as she sighed. “Yeah, I can tell. What’s it about this time?” She asked, resigned.
“He’s trying to recreate the Sword of Light.” Rainbow Dash eagerly explained.
“Uh-huh.” Starlight said with a nod before the statement actually registered. “Wait. Like the Sword of Light? The blade that defeated the demon beast Zanifar?”
Twilight's jaw dropped. “How do you know about this?”
“Have you not been taking advantage of the Sorcerer’s Guild library?” Starlight asked, astonished. “There are books on Mazoku and ways people tried to destroy them.”
“I just haven’t gotten to that section yet.” Twilight said defensively. “There’s worlds of information to go through here.”
“I even had to wait for my books to be translated to Ponish, you can read English.” Starlight countered.
“Starlight, would you be so kind as to use your magic to phase the Crystalling Crystal into the center of this hilt.” James said as he held up the wax mold of the weapon. “I also need it lengthened by six centimeters. The wax is in the box behind Twilight.”
“Alright.” Starlight said as she took the mold and turned to look in the footlocker behind Twilight.
“Rarity, may I get that silver now?” James asked as he began resorting materials from his various boxes.
“Yes, of course. Here’s the necklaces.” She said as she floated several chains to his table.
“Pure is best, but sterling is more than sufficient.” James commented as he began weighing out the metal.
“A-a-and – done.” Starlight said as she held up the wax mold.
“Thank you. Now could you please put three of these marbles in the grooves on the crosspiece.” James said, not looking her way.
“Okay … Uhm …” Starlight had never really cared about swords and didn’t know which part was which. She assumed the whole thing was a hilt as that’s what James called it. She didn't realize there were different parts to the hilt.
“The top part, right there.” Rainbow Dash pointed out.
“Thanks.” Starlight said as she carefully fixed three Dreamstone marbles where she had been instructed.
“Wonderful.” James commented, still not looking back from his work. “Now would you please pack that in the black sand to make the mold.”
“So just place it in the box and fill it?” Starlight asked.
“No.” James said as he got ready to do it himself.
“I’ve got this darling.” Rarity said as she took the hilt and examined it before placing it in the wooden form. She gave the form a consistent gentle shake as she slowly added sand until she nearly covered the wax form. “Let’s see, I just need something to make the hole for you to pour into.” She mumbled as she looked around his lab. Eventually finding a ceramic funnel. “Here we go, this will work wondrously.” She finished the mold carefully before placing it on the table.
“Thank you both.” James said, as he finished weighing the metals and placed them in separate cloth bags each embroidered with intricate designs. “Lucca, can I get your help now?” James asked with a grin.
“Sure.” She calmly said. “Downstairs, right?”
“Of course.” James answered as he tossed one of the bags to his wife.
“What’s down stairs?” Applejack asked.
“Reinforced rooms to resist magical punishment. To get these metals to the right temperatures to properly make the necessary alloy we need either sustained dragon fire, or James and I have to use magic. Either way we need to use those rooms for safety’s sake.” Lucca explained.
“And I like to control the heat.” James commented.
“Can I take notes?” Twilight eagerly asked.
“Of course.” James grinned, an excited spark in his eyes.
***
The ponies watched as James and Lucca began the preparations. Lucca rose off the ground as she quietly chanted as James appeared to radiate power. Fluttershy ducked and looked around as what distinctly sounded like the roar of a dragon was heard and massive plumes of flame leaped from the couple's outstretched hands.
Eventually the never fully died down and James began shouting instructions to Starlight while they worked. All of the ponies watched, nauseated, as Starlight hesitantly lowered one of James’s horns into the bubbling molten concoction releasing an acrid stench that nearly sent them all running.
After letting it bubble for a few minutes the flames cut out abruptly and James hurried to collect a massive pair of pliers which he used to lift the crucible and carefully poured the alloy into the mold.
“Alright, now I just have to wait a few days for that to cool then it’s time to test.” James said with a grin that faded as he looked over the group. With a sigh he nodded to them. “Look, about earlier … I’m sorry I blew up about the whole cutie mark thing. There’s still some cultural hangups I grew up with that apparently stuck around. And I was embarrassed.”
“What cutie mark thing?” Starlight asked.
“James used a spell that actually made him a pony and he had a cutie mark!” Scootaloo happily said, cutting herself off just before she spilled the secret that it in some way resembled hers.
James visibly winced at the comment. “Y-yeah. I had one for the duration of the spell.”
“What was it?” Starlight eagerly asked.
“Give me some time.” James quickly said. “I’m still not exactly comfortable with it.”
“What’s the big deal 'bout you having a cutie mark or not? Howzit a cultural thing that you can’t have a cutie mark?” Applejack asked, frustrated at the whole situation.
“Like so many things with you Applejack, it’s just how I was raised. Like my difficulty with expressing my emotions, particularly any that could be a sign of weakness.” He hesitantly said.
“Wow.” Lucca quietly said. “Here I thought I was going to have to chew you out over this.”
James nodded. “It may be slow going, but you girls are helping me be better than I was.”
“You’re still getting that tattoo.” Lucca said with a laugh.
“No I’m not.” He answered with a smile.
***
It was well past dark when the group finally left the guild and returned to New Guardia castle, Scootaloo shivering even with Rainbow Dash’s wing around her. Fluttershy was no braver. With a shout and a jump Scootaloo hid behind Rainbow Dash as she saw a pair of glowing blue rings in the distance. Fluttershy flying up to the branches of a nearby tree, not having seen anything.
“W-w-w-what’s that?” She stammered.
The group stopped as they looked in the direction she had pointed. Everyone seeing the blue glowing rings in the distance, followed by a large pair of yellow eyes.
“We’re in New Guardia Scoot.” Rainbow Dash said casually. “There’s nothing for you to be afraid of.”
“I wish they wouldn't be so scary though.” Fluttershy quietly said from the branches of a nearby tree.
“I knew there were umbreon in the area, but I wasn’t expecting a rare one like that.” James commented with mild interest.
Fluttershy was shivering as much as Scootaloo as she looked at it. “Are they friendly?” She hesitantly asked.
Lucce smiled. “Most of them, I mean anybody can have a bad day. They’re one of Eevee’s grown up forms. They only become an Umbreon at night and when they’re particularly happy.”
“Don’t know if it’s friendly, but it’s probably not aggressive. Great find kiddo.” James said as he watched the eyes turn away and the blue rings fade as the pokemon ran further into the forest. “Probably the last we’ll see that one. One in a million is pretty accurate.”
The sight of the Umbreon had unnerved Apple Bloom too, reminding her of her dream that brought them there. “So we’re safe back in Ponyville, right?” She cautiously asked.
James slowed as he thought. “Apple Bloom, as long as you greet the day with a smile, find the good in every situation, and don’t let yourself give into fear … you’ll have nothing to worry about. And if you see Xellos again tell him how good of a day you’ve had and how much you love your family and friends. Happiness like that will send him running.”
He wasn't strictly telling the truth, but she needed something to help her feel better.
Once the ponies had left Lucca turned to James. “Look, I think we need to talk about something. Let’s use the enertron, this one’s gonna take a while.”