//------------------------------// // Chapter Thirty Five: Fire // Story: Cure For a Toxin // by RadBunny //------------------------------// “NO!” The metal platform cracked as Pick slammed his hoof down onto the floor, tears springing to his eyes. The stallion on the viewscreen hung his head, shaking it slowly. Hammer’s own jaw was clenched as he spoke. “I’m sorry. We are en-route back now.” “Use the emergency recall portals,” the Fleet Commander hissed. Hammer’s eyes narrowed, the stallion’s mouth turning up into a determined smirk. “Yes, Sir. And our orders?” Pick’s limbs began to tremble with rage, a dangerous glint now in his eyes. “Return and re-arm!” “Yes, Sir!” As the screen shut off, Pick’s right ear flickered as he heard a soft *pop* of magic, Fide appearing next to him. “Is my brother still safe? Gelliana?” he asked, the entity not meeting his gaze. “I cannot say. You know this.” Fide drew back slightly as the fearless unicorn turned towards her, meeting her gaze without a hint of fear. “Fine, then help me. Help us!” the unicorn-golem’s eyes narrowed to slits, “Or at least give me permission to use your leylines!” To his surprise, the mare’s mouth twitched upwards. “Now, that I can do.” Fide reappeared in the underground lab, a spike of emotion making her heart ache. It was a common thing around her friend she had found. These…waves of emotion for a mortal. “Yes, Fide?” Varti’s voice was unchanged but his fur was still damp from angry tears that had leaked from his eyes. Three viewscreens were smashed, a large battle-axe embedded in a fourth. The sight caused Fide’s eyes to widen ever so slightly. “Tell me, did you know about all of this?” Varti asked, Fide immediately shaking her head. “About the trap? Those…things?” Varti nodded. “No. I had no such knowledge, not in full,” Fide affirmed. “I knew He had been creating monstrous things, but I was not aware of how deep his abominations violated our rules. I had no knowledge of the trap either. It is why I am aiding Pick Shield directly. Well…not directly.” Managing a smile, Varti nodded in approval. “Thank you, Fide,” he admitted. “I know there are rules you most operate under so we can win this war. But to know you were caught off guard as well makes me feel a bit less inadequate.” The Yak’s shoulder’s slumped, a cloven hoof stamping down in frustration. “I can’t go there myself,” he whispered, “as much as I want to. I can fight, but we can’t leave the island completely empty. Besides, this is my battlefield.” The Yak gestured to the viewscreens, the ones that were not shattered at least. “Pick Shield intends to be on the front lines. He is…unique for a unicorn,” Fide mused. “You just now are realizing this?” Varti chuckled. “With his history, I’m surprised you didn’t anticipate his response. He’s not about to let Toxic go without a fight.” The Yak paused, slowly beginning to unplug and replace the shattered screens with spares brought in by the ever-present security golems. “I don’t think you understand how driven Pick is,” Varti said softly. “Are you aware of what happened? The specifics of how he knows Toxic?” “I know they are brothers, so I assumed they know each other well. My sister is the one who monitored the specifics,” Fide replied, ears perked up in curiosity. “Brothers, yes. But it’s not just that. The attack that would have killed Pick a decade ago? Well, perhaps you already knew this, but it was the same organization that we now fight. Back then, it was a crude, early version of the gas they now use,” Varti explained. “But the fact they used Pick as bait. They wanted to see if Toxic would be affected or killed. They cared little for collateral damage. They knew he would be the first to respond when the initial aid creatures collapsed. And they knew he would be the one to hold Pick as he struggled for breath. They’ve been trying to get rid of Toxic for some time, and not just with a physical attack.” Fide’s jaw clenched ever so slightly at that. If not for Gelliana’s intervention, she wasn’t entirely sure what mental state Toxic would now be in. Her sister must have been working rather hard indeed to keep the balance. “Pick is one of the few creatures who knows what Toxic is truly going through. How his work is killing him,” Varti said, the last few words forced out between clenched teeth. “And to realize he was used to bring harm to Toxic? I cannot fully grasp how Pick must feel. He and I are some of the few who have seen Toxic get worn down. Luna knows a bit about this, but it has been going on since before her return.” Varti tapped a few keys, the replacements screens flashing as security feeds were pulled up. “And now, some Shadow-King wants to kill Pick’s brother once and for all,” Varti said calmly, voice carrying a knife’s-edge, “and just laid a trap, expecting a rescue. Pick’s plan was used as bait to draw out Toxic. From the brief transmission I got from the SMAL unit, their location was compromised before it went silent. We don’t know if they are safe. I know that we don’t have much time. We may have given them some more resources, but they’re still in grave danger.” “Varti. Begin pre-flight diagnostics,” Pick’s voice called out from one of the many speakers, Varti tapping another set of keys. “Diagnostics started. We should be fully loaded as they finish baring any issues.” “Perfect.” As Varti began to type various commands, Fide noticed how the furry Yak’s shoulders began to shake, his hoof movements slowing. “We were so close,” he whispered, head hanging in defeat. “And now a final gamble. If this fails, I do not know what…” The Yak stiffened as a limb draped over his shoulders, Fide giving a decent, but tad awkward side-hug. He didn’t respond at first; gears grinding to a halt. Of the things he expected from her, this wasn’t one of them. He also hadn’t realized how much he had needed such a simple gesture of comfort. “Thank you, Fide,” he finally said. “This is what friends do, yes?” she asked, withdrawing the limb and actually looking a bit unsure of herself. Varti couldn’t help but chuckle, nodding once. “Indeed, they do. I just wasn’t expecting it.” The leyline entity smirked at that. “Mortals are so predictable.” Fide was forced to promptly eat her words as Varti moved with surprising speed, wrapping her up in a brief hug. For a creature made of energy, she felt surprisingly real; the armor not having a metal-like texture at all. Perhaps it was cosmetic most of the time? “So, I assume you saw that coming?” he teased, releasing the armored mare and turning back to his screens. The leyline mare was rendered genuinely speechless, mouth working as words failed to materialize. Varti didn’t miss that her cheeks were markedly pink, Fide finally letting out a frustrated huff between pursed lips. “Naturally,” she said calmly even though Varti heard her voice waver a bit more than normal. “I will go check on the preparations.” Fide didn’t vanish immediately, instead seeming to look over Varti to make sure he was alright. The fact he caught her doing so immediately made her vanish, eyes widening briefly. Varti couldn’t help but now laugh. It was a secret he would take to his grave (at least for now,) but he had confirmed one of his hypotheses. Hypothesis: Fide was not as removed from the usual mortal experiences as she appeared; primarily, emotions. New data: The soft squeak she had let out during that hug had been one of the most adorable sounds Varti had ever heard, second only to his daughter discovering the taste of cotton candy. Conclusion: Certain Leyline entities were, underneath the armor and scowling, still creatures with feelings. Hearing a soft *pop* of magic, Varti couldn’t help but smile, even amid all of the tense preparations. “Back so soon?” he asked without looking. “I am more efficient at checking things than most. There is not much change from the previous update,” Fide grumbled. “So, translation, you got bored?” Fide seemed to shift uncomfortably, the Yak noticing how one of her forelimbs reached over to rub the other as if nervous. She had been much more open with such gestures since they had been talking; something he appreciated. “I…” No, not bored. The Yak realized as Fide’s words trailed off, trains of thought coming together with an obnoxiously obvious conclusion. “You’re worried,” he said softly, Fide not meeting his gaze. The usual confidence she radiated was subdued, her ears flat against her skull. She didn’t respond to his words, eyes darting across the floor as she tried to process her emotions. Varti simply nodded to himself as he typed. “Well. We can be worried together then.” Varti saw her glance up at his words, a surge of emotion behind her eyes for a brief moment before she averted her gaze again. It was a simple message behind the look, spoken from someone who didn’t know how to process life with all its emotions. As a result, they had distanced themselves from it; that was Varti’s thought at least. But the look in Fide’s eyes was a familiar one, and so Varti hoped his guess was correct. Such a simple phrase that spoke volumes as Fide scooted a bit closer to sit next to the Yak, the two of them looking over the security feeds. Thank you. The Bringer chuckled, looking out over the forest as a shadowy figure smirked in the darkness of the cave. “They are on the run. We will have them soon enough. They cannot hide forever,” the Shadow King stated. “Even with their countermeasures; those annoyances will not last.” “We know their general location. The Organization will no doubt attempt another rescue,” the Bringer cautioned. “Of course, but that is when we crush them. Take as many creatures and resources as you need to make sure they don’t bother us again, and deploy the gas at maximum concentrations,” the King remarked dismissively, the other gryphon grinning. Letting him have any asset was a widespread order indeed. It had been hours. The rain had stopped, and Gelliana hadn’t seen the creatures for about two hours, as best as she could check. Darkness still shrouded the streambank, a damp mist taking place of the previous rainstorm. Gelliana’s eyes flickering over to where Toxic was. He had begun to shift slightly but thankfully the restraints made sure he couldn’t move too much. Most likely for the better; he still appeared to be unconscious. Having an idea, Gelliana carefully snaked a set of claws through the mud until she could feel his hoof, the gryphoness promptly holding it. Thankfully, there wasn’t any response from the pony. As the night wore on, Gelliana felt her eyes becoming heavy, exhaustion replacing the adrenaline that was now leaving her system. As she was starting to nod off, a shifting of movement brought her back to full wakefulness. Toxic’s breathing quickened, the stallion abruptly moving as he tried to see- then stopping as Gelliana gave his hoof a tight squeeze. His hyperventilating slowed, but the gryphoness could feel his limb trembling as he gripped her claws back. Of all the times for him to wake up; blind, deaf, and buried… Over the next few minutes, she gave her stallion’s hoof a squeeze, and he’d return the gesture in kind. Moving wasn’t an option, not for a while. The creatures would be searching, and SMAL still hadn’t come back. Without her anti-tracking spells, the creatures would easily follow muddy footprints. Thankfully the rain had washed away any scent or other prints long ago. So, here they stayed. But Gelliana had an idea to stay at least a bit busy, now that Toxic was awake. They couldn’t communicate; even magic was out of the option lest they be discovered, and that was outside of Toxic still wearing the inhibitor around his horn. Over the next forty or so minutes she shifted her body this way and that, slowly creating a larger hole in the mud behind the initial wall of material. During the process, she wondered how to get the armor to go back into just a breastplate and helmet; and apparently that had been the key for it to do so with a soft *pop* of blue sparks. Her limbs now having traded metal for mud, were more easily manipulated to create a larger and larger hole next to the gryphoness’s body. Slowly but surely, Gelliana increased the wall of mud in front of them and under the tree roots, giving them a space to at least breath. It wasn’t big enough for either of their bodies; but it didn’t have to be. Reaching over with a limb, Gelliana carefully tugged Toxic closer. Only a few small movements at a time, making sure the wet mud had time to backfill and create a natural layer. But after another twenty minutes or so, she had pulled the stallion’s head into the newly-created space next to her right forelimb. The final movement had been quick, making sure his nose and mouth weren’t covered completely by mud. Using her dexterous rear paws, Gelliana pulled her pack up to her side, fishing out a muddy but manageable canteen. Wiping off the majority of the mud on her claws, the gryphoness carefully lifted Toxic’s cloth eye guards to see if he was himself, their heads nearly touching in the small space. A familiar clear green eye looked back at her, palpable joy and relief emanating from the simple gaze, the stallion nodding once, the message clear. ‘I’m me. Sane at least.’ Still not saying anything, Gelliana took out the muddy gag from Toxic’s mouth and offered the canteen, the pair sharing some sips of water silently after the gryphoness removed Toxic’s forelimb restraints. As she stowed the muddy item away, Gelliana abruptly found Toxic resting his head on her claws, the pony shivering slightly. The pleading look in his eyes was enough for the gryphoness to understand; reaching up her claws to rest against his cheek comfortingly. The stallion’s quivering sides were another reminder that even her brave knight had his limits; and those had been reached long ago. I can’t imagine how scared he must have been… The stallion’s muddy ears twitched, Gelliana hearing something as well. Her silent pleas for a reprieve went unanswered as a familiar creature slunk along the river bank. The gryphoness’s only comfort was that its multi-eyed gaze drifted clearly across their muddy hovel and continued on without so much of a second thought. Toxic reached over to grab the gag, shoving it into his mouth as his sides began to shake. His eyes began to cloud, the stallion trying to put his forelimbs back into the metal restraints. Gelliana helped him get the devices locked back in, her heart crying out in pain at the horrific situation of it all. Taking out the gag briefly, she washed it with a bit of water before carefully affixing it back, Toxic’s hoof shaking as she held it tight. Bound, gagged, and having to hide… As her stallion’s usual gaze faded into the cloudy never-never land of hallucinations, Gelliana managed to reach over and rest her forehead against his, hoping the message would get through. I’ll be here when you wake up. It was only after Toxic drifted off that Gelliana took out two items from her pack, wiping the containers at least somewhat clean. Now that SMAL wasn’t here they couldn’t take any chances. Her helmet was giving a warning; something about the air. It was a simple symbol, but it was slowly getting brighter. It was a simple matter to affix the gas mask to both herself and Toxic, the latter still carefully having a gag in place. Gelliana wasn’t sure if her armor’s helmet would filter the gas, and she couldn’t take a chance. She could smell cleaner air with the Organization’s mask; so that must be a good thing. The muddy space was silent aside from their silent breaths. It was perhaps a boon that it continued to rain; the mud around their shelter would stay cool and damp. The last thing they needed were those creatures having heat-sensitive vision. Gelliana shivered at that thought. She didn’t even want to linger on that, lest she tempt fate. Silence pervaded their area once again, but after about fifteen minutes, the air definitely looked darker, any ambient light being drowned out. The toxic gas now visibly flowed across the ground, easily pooling in their shelter but not seeming to be heavy per se. It flowed in and out with every slight gust of wind. From what she learned, that wasn’t either a good or bad thing. The good news is that it wouldn’t pool in lower places like their makeshift mud-hole. The bad news is that it meant the gas just spread everywhere. Gelliana forced herself to take slow breaths, trusting in the heavy filters of the mask of which they had ample backups. Toxic had helped her practice using the equipment; she at least knew what not to do. Mainly, hyperventilate and panic. The filters worked, they knew this, and the gryphoness knew when and how to change them thanks to a simple spell. But now, all she could do was wait. The gryphoness held on to her unconscious stallion’s hoof tightly, wishing he could wake up. Her silent please were only met with silence. They tried to rescue us once, they’ll try again. I just have to hold out until then. SMAL watched as the creatures fled past her in the gaseous air, following a carefully-laid false trail that would eventually split into two directions. Carefully hidden in the top of a tree, the golem breathed a mental sigh of relief. After hours of running, hiding, and, in one unfortunate case, blasting the face off one of those things, she was free. She had to monitor the horde’s progress lest they turn back, however. They seemed to follow the highest concentrations of gas, definitely strengthened by it. The more time she could give the Director and Gelliana the better. Questions flowed from her various adaptive programs, questions and thoughts she didn’t have answers to. Internal dialogues to which she had never been programed ebbed and flowed. Are they safe? What is the status of the rescue ships? Did the emergency transmission get through? Could I have done anything more? The last question made the entity pause, her transparent brow furrowing. There it was again, the use of ‘I’. She was programed to imitate life and emotion. Why was this so difficult to understand? That was a question SMAL had the answer to at least. The answer, however, was more unsettling than the question. I can feel. She wasn’t sure when or how it happened. Perhaps the repeated interference from the leyline mare had destabilized her core more than she thought. Perhaps the weeks of being activated were making her processes over-adapt. Whatever the case, programmed responses for stimuli were now replaced with something else. A nudge towards what would be ‘correct’, and then another option. In short, SMAL summarized, she had developed the ability to choose. Would she utilize the programmed response, or the other option or options? Time would tell ideally. But for now, she had to ensure the safety of the Director and Gelliana. That was her primary purpose and directive. And I do not know if they are safe. I must circle around t- Her entire body flashed red, the entity stumbling as SMAL’s crystal core bounced in her ethereal chest. Errors clouded her thoughts as a horrifying sense of sickness washing over her. There was no other word for it; a wrongness in every fiber of her programming. She continued to move at a steady pace; such a feeling wasn’t new to her. Errors had been slowly accumulating, far past what SMAL was able to purge herself. The strike from the chaos-creature had done something to her energy matrix, throwing everything out alignment. The energy-charged gas they were immersed in seemed to accelerate the process. The usual self-diagnostic and repair programs were unresponsive. The errors continued, the destabilizing of her entire core quickly accelerating. Will I even be able to make it back? Her form nearly invisible she trotted through the undergrowth; the mare staggered once again. Another overwhelming feeling, one she couldn’t pin down. It resonated the most around what Gelliana had said last. I had a friend. Her simulated emotions had long since been a dedicated core process, but they now activated on their own. Senses of something disrupted SMAL’s thoughts. No, she knew this emotion. Longing. Ever since the errors had begun, this sensation had occurred many, many times at increasing intensity. On every inquiry to her database, every lesson to Gelliana, every moment at seeing the gryphoness and the Director together… It was a constant reminder to the entity that she was unique, a prototype that was likely broken beyond repair. That thought alone sparked many feelings, most of which SMAL couldn’t name. She focused on one thing, however. Her primary purpose was to help them; she was the only one who could. And yet there was no-one to help her. SMAL’s own self-supportive systems had long since failed, overwhelmed by the errors and new code. Self-repair protocols were completely useless against the mountain of errors she found herself buried in. But now she hadn’t been alone, even for a moment. I made a friend. The entity continued to walk, but now her visual mediums began to blur. I am programmed to cry to simulate an empathetic response. But I did not activate that code? Why… A friend. A simple concept that SMAL understood logically but at the same time, did not. And yet Gelliana’s words had eased that sense of longing. It was fascinating to SMAL how such a relationship between individuals could work. Gelliana and the Director were of completely different species. And yet the gryphoness thought nothing of defending Toxic with her life. And now she called SMAL a friend. I may be unique, but I do not have to be alone. That is a nice thought. Another stumble, her core flashing a soft red. All of SMAL’s inputs became flooded with errors, the world turning black for a moment. She forced her way through the cacophony of disruptive code, moving each limb step by step. Eventually, however, that became impossible. I am sorry, Gelliana. Her processes began to shut down, the core crystal now falling to the forest floor with a soft ‘thump’ as her ethereal form vanished. All SMAL was left with was an encroaching darkness and the waterfall of error codes. And yet there was a strange peace as she looked down at her hooves, a virtual ‘self’ that was present when residing in her core and not projected outwards. A massive, barely-visible room of grey and black darkness. Is this what it is like to die? To not just cease but slowly fade? There was fear; she could categorize that emotion as her final peripheral sensors went offline. But there was something else, a warmth that somehow made some of the errors clear. I helped my friends as best as I could; I only wish I could have done more. Take care of the Director, Gelliana. I am happy to have had you as a friend. All of her senses now began to register errors, her thoughts fading one at a time. And yet one still remained, one that SMAL clung to as an odd, drowsy sense made her virtual sense yawn. Am I alive? Perhaps she had finally discovered the answer. Time lost all sense of passage. The slow shutdown of systems became slower and slower, a triage from various systems to preserve SMAL as long as possible. She was drifting in and out of what must be a form of sleep, her virtual pony form curled up on a floor of black nothingness. At least it doesn’t hurt. The odd ‘sky’ above her began to flash with errors, a static-ridden message punching through in red text. Automatic shutdown commencing. Ten minutes remaining of cohesive processing. Re-activation not guaranteed. Nine. Eight. S-s-seven. Sixsixsix. Fi-i-i-ve. Fourrrrrrr. Th- SMAL’s peaceful departure was abruptly shattered. All of her senses ignited with a bright, white light that flooded out all else. There were no thoughts, no errors; just an abrupt awareness. I am not gone? She thought, SMAL’s program registering a massive energy spike throughout every core system. I’m alive? The same drowsiness from before returned. Yet accompanying it was the oddest sense of safety as a voice echoed through her programming, her mind. It was heard in all of her senses; both exterior sensors and internal data feeds. In a way, it was an answer to her question. The voice was comforting, smooth and reassuring. It matched no data records and yet it seemed familiar. At the same time, SMAL picked up emotion within it. Not simulated like her programing, but wavering with every syllable on the subliminal level. And whoever it was, they were happy. “You’re not dying tonight, SMAL.” SMAL felt her physical core being picked up and carried at a rapid pace, her systems beginning to slip into a healthy standby status. The error codes were gone; an odd sense of peace pervading SMAL’s mind. She had no idea how clouded her thought processes had been until all of it was clear. Gelliana…the Director. They must be warned. She thought. But her communications were offline; how could she warn whoever this was? Were they a threat? Toxic and Gelliana were still out there, they needed to- “Please let your systems go into standby. We are en-route to assist the Director and Gelliana. I cannot enact additional repairs while you are active.” The words forced SMAL to react, the mare pushing through the standby status and activating a portion of her form outside of the crystal core. Looking up, a flurry of sensations stirred in SMAL; ones she couldn’t place. All she knew is that the sight made her simulated emotions run wild. Carrying her core in a magical grip, an armored gryphon blurred through the undergrowth, bright silver eyes looking down at her. What shocked SMAL the most was that a crystal core floated in the gryphon’s chest, identical to her own. What? “My name is CESAL,” the gryphon said softly, voice echoing through both her auditory sensors and SMAL’s mind. “I am here to help,” the masculine voice then paused, eyes narrowing in determination and an excited grin. “I chose to help.” The entity’s final words bounced around SMALs’ mind as her systems would not be refused any longer, sending her into standby. CESAL last words had SMAL both utterly perplexed, but at the same time, ignited an odd sense of hope. ‘Chose’ to help? “Anything else?” Celestia asked, the mare then taking a deep breath and letting it out as slowly as she could. “Very well, thank you.” The messenger departed, leaving Luna, Shifting and Nacreous staring at the tabletop map with furrowed brows. “There has been activity, but the Organization is still not answering our inquiries,” Shifting muttered, “and, as we just heard, there was a disturbance within the Shadow King’s claimed territory.” “They are trying to rescue them.” Luna’s words made everycreature turn to look at the mare, the tired princess shaking her head. “They will not tell us unless all else fails. Equestria cannot be drawn into this, not with the threat against us.” “To which end….?” Celestia began, Shifting then raising a hoof. “We have various plans in place for that. We are trying to fortify our infrastructure, but if I’m being honest, I don’t even know if we can trust the individuals who run the water treatment plants with this information. So, we have to be discreet.” “I assume you have a solution?” “Well, usually contractors handle security and any upgrades, be it construction or otherwise,” Shifting said innocently. “And as a matter of fact, I believe there are some lesser-known companies definitely not operated by a certain Organization that could aid us in pest removal. Our deal with the Shadow King speaks nothing of what we do within our own borders to our infrastructure.” Celestia couldn’t hold back a smirk at that. “Do what you have to do, Commander. Just get our infrastructure clear of any pests. Aggressive and permanent removal is preferred.” “Understood, Highness.” After Luna and Shifting began to discuss ‘pest control’ options, Celestia and Nacreous took their leave for a bit of a break. Meandering the halls, the Princess forced herself to have a moment of actual joy in the day, relaxing in the arms of her fiancé. “You haven’t been saying much,” she whispered, a deep chuckle making her head vibrate as Celestia leaned on Nacreous’s chest. “I haven’t had much to say,” he admitted. “This is more your fight than mine. My province is still cleaning up the mess from the Windigos and we are not equipped to fight this sort of war. They are still trying to shift our production to non-windigo weapons, but that takes time.” “I know, but I meant in general.” Nacreous let out a huff at that. “This is one of those times that anything I say may not necessarily be helpful, outside of interjecting ideas and opinions. You have enough creatures telling you things. There aren’t nearly enough who are staying quiet and listening to what you need,” he paused, hugging the Princess a bit tighter. “And I think right now, you need moments like this more than ever.” Celestia had to force herself from dozing off. Nacreous’s feathers were obnoxiously soft. Gloriously soft. “And if you need a pillow for a nap, I’m here for that purpose too.” She couldn’t help but draw back with a roll of her eyes, poking his chest with a hoof. “You are far too good at knowing when I need a hug,” she admitted. “Thank you, Nacreous.” “Anytime, Sunspots.” Feeling a bit more like herself, Celestia and Nacreous finally separated, making their way out of the empty hall and back towards the war-room (or rather, war rooms,) of the castle. Opening one of the doors, the entrance caused a stallion to let out a startled squeak, magical grip spasming and sending papers scattering as he struggled to pick them up. “Ap-p-pologies, Princess! Emperor!” Wire Strip stammered, the flustered pony finally collecting the items enough for a brief bow. “No worries at all, Wire. How are you doing?” Celestia asked kindly, the jumpy pony managing a shrug that didn’t really match his nervous demeanor. “I mean, I still get magical scans every week, and the interviews weren’t t-that bad,” he admitted. “Just, it takes some getting used to. The fact I could be influenced by some freaky shadow.” The stallion then gestured to the papers held in a magical grip. “I don’t mean to be rude, but the communications have been spotty, I’m trying to get the frequencies to align…” “Of course, we won’t keep you,” Celestia replied, “I’m glad to hear you are doing alright.” Wire paused, his ears then drooping. “May I ask if we know if Toxic is alright?” he ventured. “We usually play chess. Not too often, but he is…nice to talk to.” “I wish I could tell you, Wire,” Celestia admitted. “All I can say is that we’re trying to make sure he gets home safe and sound.” Wire nodded, seeming a bit despondent as he then trotted off. As the pony continued on his path, the Princess shook her head sadly. The close call Wire had, along with the subsequent scans and interviews to ensure he wasn’t continually affected clearly put the poor pony on edge. Of course, Celestia couldn’t blame him. That, along with losing clearly a friend… “C’mon, Sunspots. Now isn’t the time to dwell too deeply on things,” Nacreous said softly, his sides bumping Celestia’s. “Caring for others is one of the many things I love about you. But remember to keep a bit of a distance.” “I did tell you to remind me of that, didn’t I?” Celestia sighed. To her surprise, as soon as they were alone, Nacreous quickly reached over to wrap her up in rather passionate kiss; one that made the flustered mare’s wings flare. “Mmm. But not too much distance I would hope,” he grinned, then sauntering off down the hallway as Celestia glared at him, a smile quickly dawning on the mare's face as she made her way to another meeting. You always know how to brighten my day...Thank you, Nacreous.