//------------------------------// // Chapter Six: Sunbeam // Story: Cure For a Toxin // by RadBunny //------------------------------// Toxic Shield couldn’t tear his gaze away. His body was wracked with shakes as the stallion slid against the wall of the hospital room, sheer panic and horror making his hooves limp. The occupant of the bed was turned away from him, Toxic never seeing her face. It didn’t matter though. It was her. He who she was, knew every time this nightmare returned. No mental trigger ever worked, no trick to make it stop… “Why did you do this to me, Toxic?” the creature asked in pain. “I trusted you, and look where that got me.” No words could be said from the pony’s mouth, Toxic’s tongue feeling bloated and useless as tears began to trickle from his wide green eyes. “I loved you more than anything and you killed me. How could you? Why did you do it?” As the creature in the bed turned over, the eyeless corpse of the mare from the lab stared at him, and Toxic couldn’t even scream. “ENOUGH!” The scene was burned away by a harsh white light, Luna glaring at the retreating nightmare. She seemed to be focused on some of the shadows that lingered, subjecting them to another magical blast before the dreamscape turned to a peaceful meadow. All that remained was Specialist Shield, the once-stoic stallion curled into a ball with his eyes tightly closed. Luna had no words that could ease his pain, instead sitting next to the stallion and letting him cry on her shoulder. Of all the creatures to understand the torment and fears nightmares encompassed, no better was the Princess of the Night. Yet her continual failure to protect the pony who continued to aid Equestria made Luna’s heart sink within her chest. With the knowledge of the past few days still weighing on her mind, it made this stallion’s challenges all the more painful. There was no evil creature creating these nightmares, not this time at least. However, unlike the year’s past, Luna now saw a glimmer of hope. If not a solution at least it was another creature who could understand these fears and burdens. And such a personal understanding was worth than a room of gold. Emperor Nacreous Thunderwing sat on the empty Canterlot Castle battlements, the area cleared for a time. Celestia hadn’t told him much but not much had needed to be said. His answer had been immediate, heart aching in empathy as Luna also relayed a similar, simple request. Apparently, the past week had been weighing heavily on the mind of a certain stallion. One who clearly had no idea how vital his duties were to Equestria, a certain project coming to mind. Even now the Emperor had deployed some of his closest guards to shield the pony in question from what little Windigo magic they knew remained. Toxic Shield. You have been one of the vanguards of Equestria against a hazard so few know about and yet suffer from pain even Luna cannot aid you in. And now you are targeted by an evil we know nothing about? Perhaps I can give you another shoulder to lean on. I know not of the specific nightmares of which you suffer, but I am no stranger to such fearful apparitions. Seeing the stallion in question trot up to the empty battlements Nacreous waved him over. It didn’t take his eagle eyes to see exhaustion leaking from every pore of the pony, Toxic Shield sitting down next to him. “Thank you for coming Specialist Shield,” Nacreous began, letting an easy-going smile slide onto his beak. “I wanted to meet with you regarding an issue Luna told Celestia, and then passed on to me.” He saw the pony’s shoulders slump, the stallion nodding. “Ah, I suppose I did give them permission to do so,” he muttered, amulet relaying the tiredness in his voice. “How specific were they if I may ask?” “Not at all,” Nacreous immediately countered. “Luna holds the privacy of dreams and nightmares above all else. She only said that you were having nightmares disturbing enough to affect your daily life and that she was powerless to help. That is all I know. She and Celestia, thought I could help. If anything, I’d like to offer some words of encouragement if nothing else.” Toxic nodded slowly, taking a deep breath. “I appreciate the gesture, Highness-” “Just Nacreous, Specialist Shield.” The pony’s stern line of a nonexistent smile lightened ever so slightly at that. “Well, just Toxic for me then.” “Fair enough.” “While I appreciate the gesture, I’m not sure how you can help with this. I know you’re a doctor beyond compare, and…” he paused, and Nacreous’s eyes widened ever so slightly. Even with the amulet’s spell, the stallion’s voice abruptly choked. “I wanted to thank you, before all else. Your Kingdom’s healing technology is giving my baby brother hope that had otherwise left his life. For that I cannot thank you enough.” Making a mental note to pursue that lead further, Nacreous nodded once. “You are most welcome. I’m just glad that I’m able to utilize the fortunes I’ve developed in life for good.” Those words seemed to make Toxic sit up a bit straighter, a few more details about the stallion creeping to mind. Hmm. I didn’t consider your subtle but rather widespread efforts in that respect. “But Toxic, while I may not be able to cure you of such nightmares, I may be able to provide at least an empathetic ear,” Nacreous explained, the hippogriff’s voice lowering in volume. “I suffered from them for a very, very long time. Celestia continues to have them as well.” The pony’s head snapped up, green eyes wide in surprise. “She gave me permission to tell you as such. Nightmares are no alien thing to Celestia or myself. We’ve had a bit longer to develop our personal demons. If I knew the specifics, maybe I could make some recommendations, but it is not my business to ask if you have any hesitations about that. However, Luna did say that she suspects you are being targeted by another force in her dream realm to try and incapacitate you. Any assistance I can offer in that respect I’m more than willing to provide.” The Specialist remained quiet for a time, finally letting out a slight huff. “It’s odd. I dream of losing that which I haven’t come close to obtaining.” Nacreous stayed silent, offering a sincere listening ear. “I don’t know how much you are aware of my ability, Highn-erm, Nacreous. But I am essentially immune to all known poisons, toxins, irritants, chemicals; all of that. I can breathe in mustard gas without flinching, use pepper-spray as a mouthwash, or take a swim in pure sulfuric acid,” Toxic explained. “Even low doses of nerve agents have no effect on me, same with extreme biotoxins. But while I’m immune to such things, everyone else isn’t. So, if I come out of situation and don’t remove every trace of what I came in contact with…” “You could hurt somecreature, a very special somecreature,” Nacreous finished quietly as Toxic’s voice trailed off. “Are you married, or have a special-somepony?” “Neither.” “Regardless, may I assume your nightmares combine those two aspects of your life?” Silence was the pony’s answer at least for a time. When he did speak, the single whispered word carried the full burden of fear and genuine pain that his station demanded. “Yes.” Nacreous didn’t respond immediately, the Emperor finding himself in the extremely rare position of not being able to relate in a close sense. A thousand years offered him a great deal of experience to draw on for empathy. Yet in this case, the Doctor was truly stumped. How can I imagine that? The fear that if I was to make a mistake a kiss could kill the one I love? That is a fear that could break a soul. “You know, living for a thousand years doesn’t get rid of such fears either,” Nacreous said softly, “In fact, I’d say it makes it worse. May I be so bold as to say you could use some encouragement right about now?” Nacreous saw that had the stallion’s full attention as the pony nodded slightly, eyes flicking to his hooves briefly at the admittance. “I can’t lie to you, Nacreous, you’d see right through it,” Toxic whispered. “But I’m starting to fracture, I think. I don’t know how long I can keep this up. There have been times like this before, but this is different. Years of having weekly nightmares at best, knowing that if I stop to rest for too long creatures will die. There is no creature else who can survive the things I can. But if I continue, it might break me. But I couldn’t live with myself if I stopped. I have plans to try and shift that responsibility even a portion, but when it comes down to it, it’s just me.” The King shook his own head, surprised at the stallion’s honest words. To have a creature know their limits and admit to such honestly was an increasingly rare thing indeed. He twirled his claws, a golden staff spinning into existence. “For one thousand years, Toxic Shield, I have helped creatures. Gryphons, Ponies, Kirins…and I have watched them die. I can sympathize in the burden you bear. Creatures like us, like Celestia, Luna, Shifting, we can’t stop, it’s not in our nature to ignore the pain,” he said quietly, looking over the staff. “To fear the death of the one you love most even in a dream is not an odd thing in the slightest, but I admit I cannot fathom the weight your calling bears, even if I can understand it logically. That said, in concern to your fears, I can relate very closely. I worried about the same fate for Celestia in a similar manner. The fear of potentially losing someone I love after waiting a millennium to find them? I know that all too well.” The hippogriff saw the pony’s eyes widen ever so slightly at his blunt words, the Doctor continuing. “Even before I knew it was her, I had the same nightmare for what must have been decades. My love trapped inside a burning building and who I could never save. No matter where I ran, what medicine I used, no matter how hard I tried, she always died. It was the nightmare of any doctor, any creature with a soul,” Nacreous remarked quietly. A smile then tugged at his face, the mood lightening. “How appropriate that my fiancé can’t be burned by any fire known to this world.” The hippogriff fished out three crystals from the large satchels adorning his side, the simple clear teardrops holding a spinning snowflake pattern of pink magic within their depths. “I do not have any immediate remedies for you, Toxic,” Nacreous admitted. “At least outside the usual recommendations of mediation and herbal teas. But these are made by Luna, and they will help in time.” “In time?” Toxic asked, accepting the items curiously. “Celestia had some nightmares, ones darker and more potent than my own,” Nacreous explained. “The same spell within those crystals allowed me to enter her dreams and destroy the root of the nightmare.” The Emperor reached over and gave the stallion a reassuring nudge on the shoulder with his wing. “Whenever you find a creature you can trust, be it a special somecreature or otherwise, that spell may indeed help. It’s the best solution I can offer.” Toxic accepted the crystals, brow then furrowing in thought. “I do have a question. How do you do it, how did you do it, Nacreous?” “Hmm?” The pony gestured to the staff, the unicorn’s shoulders tensing ever so slightly. “You ruled your kingdom once before now, a thousand years ago. How did you shoulder that burden? How did you carry the weight of a doctor for a millennium? I save lives, but in a different-” “No,” the King interrupted, waving a set of claws. “Saving life carries a unique burden across professions or situations. While different in aspects, it is the same.” he paused, Nacreous’s brow furrowing. “Toxic, you speak of two different things. Shouldering the burden of rule for a hundred years nearly broke me,” he admitted. “I made a promise to myself after that, refusing to take up the crown again until I could have someone at my side to lean on, to help me face the challenges in life a casual friend could not.” “So, with Celestia…” A smile couldn’t be kept from Nacreous’s face at that, the King continuing. “Yes. The burden I share, that she also shares, it is not so daunting knowing that there is a shoulder to lean on in times of need. If you are to ever rule, to command, to direct, lean on your friends and your loved ones. That is how I was able to shoulder that specific burden.” The Doctor didn’t elaborate further, the sharp-eyed hippogriff picking up a flicker of pain in the stallion’s eyes. You hurt, Toxic Shield. Perhaps I can help you harness it. Let me show you the power you have, and I do not mean magic or physical strength. “However, Toxic, that is the burden of rule, that which you not have. While applicable to your situation, my answer to the burden of saving life is different, to see your success and failure time after time,” he explained. “You likely know that I am a Paladin but I doubt you know that is only part of my title. I would ask you not to speak of what I’m to tell you to anyone. Only a few outside my kingdom know the full extent and details.” The Emperor stood up with a heave, golden armor spinning into existence around his frame. Three symbols glowed brightly on the metal breastplate, the pony in front of Nacreous looking on in awe. A sun, a moon, and a heart. “A single word is what helped me live through a thousand years of saving life, and of watching as my efforts sometimes failed,” the Paladin explained, a warmth blossoming in his chest as he spoke. “Before I tell you, Toxic, why do you save lives? Why do you go on, day after day? You are a mortal given a task that would strain the heart of myself or Celestia. Why do you do it?” Standing up and looking at the armored hippogriff proudly, the uneasy demeanor slid off Toxic like water, green eyes shining bright with determination. “Because nocreature else can,” he stated, meeting Nacreous’s gaze, a slight smile now flickering at the tired stallion’s features. “Because if I do not help, creatures die. I didn’t survive Oakbark to ignore this gift, this talent. I couldn’t live with myself if I sat idly by while others died knowing I could have saved them.” “Ah, there it is!” Nacreous exclaimed, gesturing to the pony. “That is how I felt when I came to terms with my long life, how I tried to process the idea of living without time! What began as a curse I now saw could be a gift, and regardless of the circumstances, I could use it to help others. That is what pushed me to seek out those who trained me to be a Paladin.” Could that be a path for you, Toxic? Seeing the stallion at his side watching with rapt attention and a growing fire behind his eyes made Nacreous all the more confident that may indeed be such a possibility. “I took test after test, and while I have some lesser titles, eight times the leylines and mentors said I was to be the Paladin of a single trait,” the King crouched down, putting himself almost eye level with the pony. “It was agonizing. I was to embody, protect, and be that which I could never have, at least that was my thinking. I thought I’d never be able to understand my title until I met my dear Celestia, and yet I was so wrong in that train of thought.” “Love, Toxic. That is what I am a Paladin of. For one thousand years, I embodied and spread that which I could not have due to my curse. That could have destroyed me, but here is the advice I give to you. I will not ask the yearnings of your soul, but know this. Whatever pain you have, the suffering you endure with your calling, it can be lessened through others. For me, it was the love I had for life, for saving it, for protecting it. And eventually, in a much more intimate sense with Celestia. Help them, Toxic. As you are doing, lose yourself in relieving others pain. While there must be a balance in your mind, make that a focus. Do not expend yourself more than you are able, but aid those who cannot help themselves.” Nacreous sat down, his armor vanishing on the wind as he sighed. “Despite the lives lost, the failures, the trials, the pain; being able to help others, lifting their burdens makes your own seem lighter somehow. It doesn’t fix everything, but it makes you a better creature, the world a better place. That is how I endured, Toxic, and is the best advice I can give you. It helps fill the holes in your heart, whatever the cause.” he paused, then letting out a slight huff. “In your case, what may be as simple as throwing a few switches can spare hundreds of lives. I only wish at times it had been that easy for me. In my travels I met another doctor, one who healed more than the body, and he put it rather simply. ‘Sometimes the best way to solve your own problems is to help someone else.’ And that is how I continued on for a thousand years. I hope this advice is of some use, and apologize if it was rather long-winded.” Toxic stood up a bit straighter, nodding in thanks. While an exhausted pony still stood next to him, the stallion seemed proud, the beaten-down posture long since vanished. “Not long winded at all. I’d be a fool to not accept advice from somecreature more experienced than myself in so many things. I honestly had not thought of it that way, Nacreous. Thank you. I think that will help; I just need a bit of time to think on it.” The Paladin bowed his head in reply, sending the staff in his claws spinning away into golden dust. “You are most welcome. If you need any additional suggestions or even a listening ear, just let me know,” the hippogriff paused, meeting the gaze of Toxic for a moment. “All of us; myself, Celestia, Luna, and Commander Sands know what it is like to see life snuffed out in an instant, to fear that same fate for those we love. Do not think you are alone battling such nightmares. Don’t ever think you’re alone. Both Celestia and I are guilty of that same mistake, and it is still a challenge for us to realize how wrong that thought is. So please, take that advice from your very, very elder…well, elders.” The stern but amused reassurance of Nacreous’s last sentence made a ghost of a smile once again flicker on Toxic’s features, the stallion not having words for a few moments. “Thank you.” “Any time. Do you need a teleportation rune?” he asked, the stallion shaking his head. “I should be alright. Always good to practice long-distance spells once in a while.” “Take care, Toxic.” “Likewise, Nacreous.” As the stallion vanished with a magical flash, Nacreous couldn’t help but chuckle. While many would have thought their exchange had been a bit cold and unfeeling, the hippogriff knew otherwise. The turmoil of emotions behind those green eyes, the subtle shifting of the stallion’s posture and sharp intakes of breath at times, the determination and pride in his duties… And a deep pain that Nacreous had seen far too many times in a mirror. There was indeed a sensitive pony underneath the monotone of that amulet, even after all he had seen. And that, Toxic Shield, is something that you must protect. I know that all too well. If you were a Paladin, what would it be of, I wonder? Has it come time for my titles to be passed to another? Perhaps that is a path I can offer you. The fire, the raw will behind Toxic’s eyes even now made the Emperor smile, a different thought springing to mind. No. Perhaps not a Paladin. Perhaps another ancient station, the first in this age. A starry sky. A gentle breeze through the trees surrounding a simple grassy meadow. She never saw him, a simple mercy, in many ways. Never even his figure, nor his face, in the rare times she had this dream, or variations of it. The sound of somecreature walking through the meadow, two forelimbs then wrapping around her feathery torso in a tight hug. A soft voice always made a lump rise in the gryphoness’s throat and spill from her eyes, the figure hugging her close and nuzzled her headfeathers. Whoever he was. A steady heartbeat thundering in her ears, like the steady cadence of a waterfall hitting rocks. Soft fur that tickled her cheek as she pressed against his chest. Inside, a heart beat steadily only for- Waking up with a pillow clutched under an arm, Gelliana closed her eyes, damp as they were. A few more minutes of that feeling was all she wanted. She never could remember the words he said, but for a few moments after waking, Gelliana always remembered how the brief dream made her feel. Four letters described the emotion perfectly. Icait shifted nervously on her spectral hooves, running through the inventory of the shop a fifth time. The week…or had it been longer? Nine days? Maybe? They blurred together, the Windigo quickly soaking up everything Gelliana was willing to teach. Surprising enough, it was fun! Of course, Icait wasn’t sure why, it just was! New plants, new ways to help them grow, new uses for the plants, ways to create helpful potions, so much to learn! It’s. So. AWESOME! The Windigo let out a soft squeal of excitement as she hopped up in down, lost in thought. Despite the few customers that had been rather negative towards her, the majority seemed more curious than anything. Such a positive wave of creatures had been most unexpected. And then there was Onyx. Such an odd grump. He’s always reading in those books, but is fine hearing how my day went. I come home, and he always asks- Wait. He asks how my day is. When did that become normal? Four days? Why does he do that? Why would- The chime of the shop rang, Icait taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly. Gelliana was in the greenhouse, so it was up to her to handle new customers at least for a few minutes. An interesting blue unicorn was looking around the shop, an amulet firmly clasped around his neck and an empty package held in a magical grip. Biohazard. Dangerous chemicals. Right. The symbol on some of the containers Gelliana has in the greenhouse! But a cutie mark with that symbol? Neat! Deep breaths. “Hello! Can I help you find anything?” Icait asked, trying her absolute hardest to not let her nerves show. The unicorn looked up, head tilting slightly as he observed the Windigo curiously. There was no flash of anger on his features, no annoyance, only a guarded interest, eyes flickering to the two Legionnaires not-so-subtly standing at the rear of the shop. “Perhaps,” he said, or rather, voiced. The odd amulet around his neck did the talking, quite unique indeed. He doesn’t hate me? Not even a remote pang of dislike? “My name is Toxic Shield, by the way. I heard a few rumors a unique individual was working here, have to say I’m a bit surprised.” Icait swallowed nervously, nodding once. “Yup! My name’s Icait, I work mostly here and otherwise help re-organize one of the small libraries in town. I’m a Windigo, or was. Uh, sort of? I am but aren’t at the same time? I’m working on that; life’s a bit weird.” Her ears perked up as the stallion chuckled, the pony trotting around to look at the various items on the shelves. “That is a very good way to describe life indeed. ‘Weird.’ I’m actually here looking for a mare named Gelliana. I owe her some thanks.” Icait blinked, gesturing towards the back room. “Uh, she’s not-” “Hey Icait! I- oh, hello!” the afore-mentioned ‘mare’ replied, the gryphoness walking in with a bag slung over her back. “Didn’t I say to ring that bell at the back to let me know if someone was here?” Gelliana asked with a good-natured grin, the Windigo rubbing a forelimb in embarrassment as the gryphoness slung the bag onto the ground. “Sorry, I forgot. Nervous and all that.” “It’s fine. But what can I do for you? I’m the owner of the shop, Gelliana. I think we’ve already met, sort of.” Both mare and gryphoness watched as Toxic’s left eye twitched, the stallion then smacking a hoof to his face with a groan. “Now I see why Luna was so amused; whoops,” he grumbled, trotting forwards and levitating an empty package to the counter. “I’ve been referring to you as a mare this entire time. Sorry about that, I thought your voice was different,” he remarked, Gelliana smiling slightly. “Sorry to disappoint, but definitely a gryphon!” the gryphoness admitted, the stallion letting out a very soft laugh. She paused, her keen purple eyes tracing over the stallion’s features. There was a certain ‘look’ Gelliana watched for when meeting individuals. Thus far, it hadn’t let her down in terms of a judgement of character in the long term. On seeing a gryphoness looking up at them, a good chunk of ponies she had met seemed almost condescending, gleefully happy that they could finally physically look down on gryphon and treating her as such. A smirk, a barely-contained laugh… Yet nothing changed. If anything, Toxic perked up slightly, a confident, kind interest shining in his green gaze that made Gelliana’s over-active feathers fluff a bit. “Disappoint? Never said I was,” he replied, “I wanted to thank you for your help in that control room. That was-it was bad, so, thanks.” Toxic then let out a frustrated huff. “That sounds rather lame, but I’ve never-yeah.” “I’m just glad I could help,” Gelliana replied, finding her usual anxieties about meeting new creatures was banished to the backburner of her mind. Perhaps because he isn’t ‘new’? “I think we both know that ‘bad’ is about as descriptive as we should go.” The gryphoness watched as the stallion nodded, swallowing a lump in his throat. He seemed grateful? And his heartbeat is only a bit higher, and definitely not scared of me or even the situation we’re talking about. That’s really weird. “I agree,” Toxic finally said, then seeming to snap out of his stupor and shift the empty package closer. “Also, thank you for the prescribed teas,” he added smoothly, eyes flickering ever so briefly to the Legionnaires and Icait. “They helped, but I was wondering if you have any stronger herbal teas.” Ooooh. I get it. I don’t blame him. “I think so. Icait, can you check the plants in the back-left corner of the greenhouse?” Gelliana asked briefly. “If they’re in full leaf, we can use those.” “Yup!” As the Legionnaires and Icait vanished, Toxic’s eyes widened in surprise, and then understanding. The stallion’s demeanor shifted again, becoming almost vulnerable. One of the many things you could notice as a gryphon. Or by just paying attention a bit more than usual. “Thank you, Gelliana,” Toxic said softly, green eyes meeting her own gaze for a brief moment. “Really. I was in serious trouble in that lab.” “I’m j-just glad I was able to help,” Gelliana managed to say, her nervous stutter breaking through. A brief recollection then came to mind, something that definitely made her cheeks puff out a bit. “Least I could do, especially since I apparently have a nice voice?” The gryphoness didn’t realize the complete satisfaction of making a stallion blush from her words until that point, but oh did she enjoy it. Of course, his thankful green eyes that flickered up from his hooves to look at her certainly repaid the gesture. “Back!” Icait crowed, levitating a bag of dried herbs in a light-blue grip above her head. “The leaves weren’t full, and I found a spare bag to refill the commonly-used stuff up…here….what?” she asked, Gelliana staring. “I didn’t know you could levitate stuff,” the gryphoness stated, the mare then blinking in surprise. “Huh. I just did it,” she murmured. “That’s neat.” “Legionnaires? I assume you guys have that in your report?” the gryphoness asked, one of the earth-pony stallions nodding once. “Well, congratulations, I think?” Icait shrugged, going on to refill the afore-mentioned container as Toxic trotted over to look at the two elite guards casually, a sly grin forming on his features. “Hmmmmmmmmmm,” he mused. Acting as though he was about to turn away, the stallion then whipped around- “HELMET!” To Gelliana’s surprise, one of the guards’ forelimbs shifted upwards a short distance- and then stopped as the pony scrunched up his muzzle, brown eyes glaring at the other stallion. “Ah hah! I knew it was you. How are you, Hammer?” Toxic asked as the Legionnaire sighed in frustration. “That was mean, Toxic. You know I’m on duty.” “They talk?” Icait whispered to Gelliana in surprise. “I mean, I know they’re ponies, but like, super-duper-scary-trained ones.” “They’re not really supposed to be relaxed when on duty, more-so than royal guards. That’s all I know,” the gryphoness replied quietly. “Yes, but I couldn’t resist, and I’ve had a doozy of a week,” Toxic replied, bumping hooves with the Legionnaire. “I know you aren’t supposed to socialize, so I’ll stop bothering you. Just wanted to say hello.” “Well, hello, Toxic,” Hammer Strike replied with a chuckle. “I’m off duty in a few days, so perhaps we can chow down on some hayburgers then?” “Sounds good; I’ll leave you to it,” Toxic replied, then levitating the empty package up again with a shake. “Could, uh, I get some-” “OH! Right! Uh, I think the best herbs would be the fresh ones. I don’t think you know the right combinations yet, Icait. So, let me know if someone else comes in, ok?” Gelliana instructed, the Windigo saluting with a smile. “Will do!” Toxic followed the gryphoness to the greenhouse, Gelliana looking around at her plants. “You seemed a bit more at ease without the guards and Icait. So…” The stallion winced, shoulders slumping. It was only now that the gryphoness noticed how exhausted the pony was, dark circles visible under his eyes. The stallion’s movements were visibly dragging, Gelly not understanding how she hadn’t noticed before. “I’d rather not explain various things to them,” he replied softly, shaking his head. “Less questions, the better. You saw what I saw, more or less. They didn’t.” “I get it,” Gelliana replied sitting down next to a few plants. “These are what you want. I can pick them now, or have them ready for pickup, or…” her voice trailed off, the stallion looking at her curiously. “May I ask you something?” he voiced softly. “Of course.” “Why weren’t you frozen like the others? What I saw, what you saw, it froze even Legionnaires. I assume Celestia or Luna asked you to speak with me since nopony else could.” Gelliana was quiet for a moment, finally letting out a long breath. “If you ever visit Griffinstone in the winter, or any gryphon settlement, you see death,” she finally replied. “Sometimes it’s hidden or overlooked, but it’s there. So, there’s that. And the whole ‘being a gryphon’ thing. I actually don’t eat fish or rabbits but I’ve caught and skinned my fair share. I just can separate it, a sentient creature into just, well, not.” A nice way of saying I can look at bodies the same way I see a gutted animal, but it works. “That makes sense,” Toxic replied, shaking his head as though cobwebs were brushing across his face before looking up. “Well, I’m glad you were there.” Gelliana felt her face heat up, two surprisingly gentle green eyes meeting her own as she stammered a reply. “J-just glad I was able to help.” The fact a slightly amused smile flickered across the exhausted pony’s features did not help the odd fluttering in the gryphoness’s chest. “So, um, herbal tea stuff?” Toxic suggested, gesturing towards the plants. “OH! Right. Uh, let me see,” Gelliana replied and giving herself a mental smack over the head. “For falling asleep and staying asleep, right?” “Temporarily, yes. I imagine a different plant would be for a more permanent measure.” Gelliana stared, the stallion shrugging awkwardly. “Bad joke?” *Snrk* The gryphoness barely stifled a giggle, waving a set of claws. “Bad, but also good, and correct,” she finally said, picking out a wide selection of leaves. “Temporary sleep it is. Let me see here…” A few minutes later, and Toxic had a large bag stuffed full of various herbs and leaves grasped in the gentle white light of his magic. “So, steep them for a while longer than before and it should maximize the effects,” Gelliana instructed. “That should last you for a week or two at the very least, and that’s using generous portions.” “Huh, interesting,” the pony mused, then looking around at the greenhouse. “I really don’t know much about herbal teas and the like, so this is all new to me. Are most things in here herbs then? Or have a use?” Gelly nodded, sitting down and gesturing at a certain selection of bush-like plants off to their left. “Yup! Everything in here is either edible or used to make some sort of herbal tonic, salve, or potions if I can find the specific arcane crystals that have been enchanted correctly,” she gushed, wings flaring as she pointed to what looked like some small trees. “Like these are super hard to get to grow, but the berries make some of the best antibiotic salves I’ve ever come across!” The gryphoness’s mouth finally caught up to her brain, an embarrassed blush burning her cheeks as she turned her violet eyes away, almost nervous to look in Toxic’s direction. “Sorry,” she mumbled, a familiar dreary weight lurking at the back of her mind. “I just, really like what I do.” “Then why be sorry about it?” Toxic asked softly, even the artificial voice conveying a sense of sincerity. On looking up, the only thing Gelliana saw was him waiting patiently, the stallion’s ears perked up and watching her. “It’s nice seeing creatures passionate about things,” he paused, smiling awkwardly with a shrug. “Even if I don’t really know much about it.” The gryphoness felt her heart skip a beat, thrown off by the answer. “I u-um…” Clearly seeing her flustered state, Toxic briefly looked around the shop, then waved a hoof her directly and took the initiative in the conversation. “I am curious though, if I may ask, how does a gryphoness end up running an herbalist shop? I haven’t seen really any of this sort of thing in Griffinstone or surrounding areas when I’ve visited. It’s odd since I think they’d probably make the most use of it,” he mused. “That’s true, b-but gryphons really just don’t care about herbal teas and the like,” Gelliana explained with a slight hitch, but quickly finding her voice again. “They’re more…blunt. Get a cut? Just keep it clean and it’ll heal on its own. Can’t sleep? Suck it up and deal with being tired. It’s rather obnoxious. But that said, I actually grew up in Equestria. Parents are two earth pony stone and metal smiths south of Luna Bay,” she added. “Oh, that must have been interesting!” Toxic replied, letting out a soft chuckle. “If I recall, there’s just a few small mining towns there, clustered around the marble veins and then some metal deposits, right?” “Yup! My parents own a few of the mines actually. It was kind of nice growing up away from a big city, never really liked it, at least not without being able to get away,” Gelliana agreed, finding herself more and more at ease as they talked. I like this. It’s been a while since I’ve just talked to somecreature new without being a stuttering mess. “I agree with you there. Obviously, I can’t really escape big cities due to work, but I try to get out and camp whenever I can. Clears the head and all that. Too much loud noise is a bit overwhelming.” The herbalist nodded in agreement, gesturing upwards to the glass roof. “Toooootally agree. I love looking at the stars. Not really too great an option here, but when I go hunting for wild cuttings or seeds it’s just freeing,” she sighed. “I need to do that again, actually…” A soft chime echoed through the greenhouse, Toxic frowning as he levitated a crystal communicator out from a small attachment on his amulet. “Hello? Ah, alright. Yeah, I’ll take a look, thank you, Varti,” he relayed, stowing the device and shrugging. “Guess I need to head out. I forgot I was supposed to call him later.” “Oh! We’ve, uh, yeah. I probably need to check on Icait,” Gelliana admitted as they began to walk towards the shop. The stallion then paused, letting out a slight huff as he turned to look at the curious gryphoness. “Hey, Gelliana?” he asked, the herbalist’s ears perking up. His heartbeat is speeding up. “Hmmm? Just Gelly is fine, Toxic.” “Would…” Toxic paused, the pony hesitating as he seemed to be in thought. “I hope this is appropriate, but would you be interested in getting lunch sometime? Maybe day after tomorrow?” he asked, clearly a bit nervous as a hoof scratched at the floor slightly. His posture changed, a confidence still present, but not overpowering. Instead, the stallion seemed just gently sincere. “If I may be blunt, I think you’re quite an interesting gryphoness, and would really like to get to know you more, if that’s appropriate. If not, I understand. I don’t wish to overstep or cause any raised feathers with anycreature else.” Looking up, Toxic blinked as Gelliana let out a squeak, her overactive fluffed-out feathers having made her figure appear as though she had been hit by lightning. Of course, the blush didn’t help things. He…wait…lunch? When was the last time a genuinely nice stallion asked you out? Especially one you just feel comfortable talking to about things? Say yes! Say something! “N-no, you’re-” DON’T SAY THAT! Gelliana let out a frustrated groan, smacking a set of claws to her face as she took a deep breath. “S-sorry, Toxic. I just w-wasn’t expecting that. No, you’re not overstepping or anything, I’d love to,” she said, a warmth fluttering in her chest carrying the stutter away as if on a gentle breeze. She managed to look up, and the excitement in Toxic’s green eyes, his heartbeat still increasing. He’s happy. “It’s not inappropriate at all. No special somecreature here, if that’s what you were implying,” she added, the stallion nodding. “I, uh, was trying to not be too blunt,” he admitted, scoring the wood with a hoof in a bashful gesture, “I didn’t come here planning to ask that, for the record, but I wasn’t about to leave without at least trying.” Awww. Gelliana felt something rising up in her throat, managing to nod as she forced herself to meet Toxic’s gaze, nerves and all. “Just t-to clarify, is this a date?” she asked, the pony letting out a soft hum. “Yes? Sort of? Maybe we can address that question over lunch?” Toxic suggested, and it was now that Gelliana definitely saw his blue cheeks radiating a pink hue. “A trial first date?” “A diet-date?” Gelliana suggested, prompting a genuine chuckle from the stallion as he nodded. “I mean, I could stand to lose a bit, but you look great...um…” Toxic blinked, gesturing with a hoof towards the counter. “I think I’d better pay before making a fool of myself, if that’s ok.” Stifling a very blush-ridden giggle, Gelliana nodded and walked into the store briefly. “Icait! Can you ring him up please?” she called, looking over as Toxic paused on his way towards the register. “So, I’ll see you day after tomorrow? Meet here at noon?” he asked, Gelliana nodding. “Y-yup!” Toxic’s slightly nerves seemed to slip away, a rather confident smile stamping itself onto his features, one that did not help Gelliana’s blush in the slightest. “I’ll see you then, Gelly,” he said softly and out of earshot of the Windigo or nearby guards. “If I may be so bold, I did mean what I said about your voice in that lab.” And with that he trotted off to the register to pay, leaving a gryphoness looking more like a feathery ball of grey cotton candy than anything. She barely registered the high-pitched squeal until Icait was hopping up and down in the air above the counter after the stallion left. Oh, right. Sensing emotions. “Don’t. You. Say. Anything,” she growled, pointing a talon at the Windigo who made a zipper motion with her hoof, still grinning widely I just, I need to process all this. I do have a question for that guard though. Knowing full well her feathers were still partially sticking out, Gelliana walked over to one of the legionnaires, sitting down in front of him. “Well, now that I know you guys can actually talk when on duty,” she said, gesturing towards outside. “May I ask a question? Hammer, was it?” “Of course, Miss Gelliana,” the stallion replied, prompting a huff from the gryphoness. “Even if I tell you not to call me ‘Miss,’ you will, won’t you?” she asked, both legionnaires now having the flicker of a grin on their faces. “Perhaps.” “What can you tell me about Toxic Shield?” Hammer blinked, raising an eyebrow and then shaking his head. “Very little. He has a security clearance the same level as our own if not higher. Most of his work is classified.” “That’s not what I asked.” Hammer let out an unamused grunt, Icait letting out a soft giggle. “He likes dodging questions. I found that out pretty quick,” she added with a whisper. “What can you tell me then? Outside what I already know?” “May I be blunt, Miss Gelliana?” the Legionnaire asked, now definitely messing with her despite his stern expression. “I would appreciate such.” “Is this taking into account current context? To which it doesn’t take a mastermind to understand why you were both so flustered?” Gelliana blinked, Hammer’s words taking a few seconds to register before she glanced away with a mumble, a very smug legionnaire still staring at her. “I will take that as a yes. And if I may be frank, I technically am not supposed to converse this much when on duty. However, you asked. And Toxic is one of my best friends.” The stallion’s tone definitely softened halfway through speaking, catching Gelly’s attention. “Miss Gelliana, it is not my business to say more than this. Toxic is a good pony, and I’d trust him with my life. I have trusted him with my life, and I’ve known him for more than a decade through thick and thin.” A rather sly, smug grin now began to spread across Hammer’s features. “And you don’t have any competition for him, if that was a question.” There was an audible *THUNK* as Gelliana planted her head onto a counter with a groan. “I DID NOT ASK THAT!” she hissed; the two stalwart legionnaires barely able to suppress their laughter. “But did you want to?” Icait chimed in, dodging a cup thrown her way with a grin. “What? I’m just being helpful! I’m learning more social cues!” “Wrong kind of helpful!” Hammer seemed to be thoroughly enjoying her discomfort, but finally settled back into his usual ‘at ready’ stance. “Does that answer your questions, Miss Gelli-” “YES! At ease. Or go do whatever you’re supposed to do.” “Doing so, M’am.” Gelliana let out a groan as she meandered back towards her greenhouse, going to double-check the watering systems that began their timed cycle. As she looked at the crystal device that kept her plants green and healthy, the gryphoness couldn’t help but smile. “He asked me on a date? Sort of? I haven’t been on a date in ages,” she whispered. Yet the anxiety and nervousness such a statement produced faded away rather quickly as a few different words came to the forefront of the gryphoness’s mind, accompanied by two piercing green eyes. “I did mean what I said about your voice.” The fact her answer made Toxic happy, his entire posture and eyes having radiating excited joy made the long-awaited lump rise in Gelliana’s throat. She sat down and wrapped her arms around her feathery torso, sniffing slightly despite the tender smile on her beak. A stallion who could talk about the worst hazards imaginable without blinking, and I made his heart speed up, just before asking me out on a sort-of-date. He thinks I’m interesting, and wants to get to know me. He wants to know more about me… Even the general implication from what she learned made the gryphoness’s chest glow with warmth. Her next thought made genuine excitement flood her frame, the gryphoness collecting herself to go back out to the shop. And I want to know more about him. Unbeknownst to the herbalist, a certain blue unicorn was currently sitting at his desk and staring at the bag of herbs, then promptly plopping his head down on the package with a groan. “Where in the world did that come from?” Toxic muttered, shaking his head. “Note to self. When exhausted, I become very bold. Oh, stars above I have a date. A sort of date! Still a date!” The stallion stood, walking out of his large, multi-bedroomed apartment in Canterlot and sat outside on the balcony in thought. It had been a whimsical chance. He hadn’t really thought she’d be available, let alone say yes. That thought made his ears flick downwards, a hoof reaching up to poke the amulet on his chest. She didn’t stare either, just talked to me like any other pony, despite knowing what I do, what I’ve seen. A gentle smile twitched at his mouth, Toxic taking a breath and letting it out slowly. Even if things didn’t go further than a nice lunch with a new friend, he’d count that as a success. A new friend was a new friend, and he wasn’t about to shun that possibility. Of course, ignoring the possibility of something more was now looking in the stallion’s mind. I didn’t think I’d get this far; I’m not exactly a dating connoisseur. But I have a date with a lovely gryphoness who is absolutely adorable when flustered. So puffy… Adorable. Oooooooooh my, that was easy to say. Think. Whatever. And I guess it’s ok to think like that now, at least a bit. The slight wind that blew didn’t feel so cold as it ruffled through the stallion’s blue coat, the words from a certain yak coming to mind. While the conversation earlier about funding had been hardly along this vein, the caring scientist had once made a rather blunt observation after both a budding relationship and subsequent relations with whom he thought were ‘friends’ had gone down in flames years prior. ‘You can’t barricade your heart forever, Toxic. I did that before I adopted my daughter and it drove me to a dark place. You have to open up eventually, or open up to the idea of opening up. Take your time, grieve, but do not give them the time of day. If I had listened to all of my naysayers I wouldn’t be here; happy, with my daughter and helping my best friend build a dream.’ ‘Thank you, Varti, but that was quite a speech,’ ‘Oh, don’t get me started! Toxic, if you remember anything, just take this advice from your barely-elder. You have helped so many creatures. Me, Equestria…countless lives. Let others help you, ok? Even if it takes time and some more hurt. You’re not alone in this.’ The stallion smiled, finding his eyes becoming clouded with an annoying bit of dampness. “Even if it’s just a new friend,” he whispered to himself, “maybe it’s time I let myself think about having more of those again.” And maybe something more.