//------------------------------// // Arc IX Episode I: A Helping Hand? // Story: Family Begins With You // by Jmaster49 //------------------------------// Keiji dropped down to the floor, landing on his feet. “Looks like my tenacity for hanging is still there. Just wish I could still fly…” “You friggin’ idiot!” Tiara grumbled and grabbed him by the arm to pull him along, “You nearly scared the crap outta me with your antics.” “Jeez--sorry,” he rolled his eyes, “I thought you said you were unable to scare because you’ve seen everything at this point.” Diamond Tiara pulled him into the elevator and huffed. “That doesn’t mean I’m just gonna casually brush off seeing a human hanging upside-down like Dracula.” Keiji was quick to point something out with a smug grin on his face as the elevator door closed.. “But I’m not human, though.” “Gah! You--just shut your stupid face,” Tiara muttered as she turned her head, flipping her hair in the process, “Anyway--dad said you can stay the night. I have a few movies that we can watch and I asked some of the servants to make you some snacks. Do you mind blood sausages?” “Hey, so long as it’s got blood in it, I can feed off of it,” Keiji said as he leaned against the wall of the rising elevator. “...I appreciate that, though,” he added candidly in a more relaxed tone, “Back home, our food was obtained in…much more violent ways.” She turned her head back towards him, giving him her attention. “Oh…I can imagine it was pretty difficult.” “Yeah. Especially since the ponies of Trotsylvania feared the hell out of us. I almost felt bad taking their blood…so I’m glad I don’t have to deal with that anymore. Thanks.” “You’re welcome, KK.” “Damn,” Tiara thought to herself as the elevator took them up, “The people of his home were afraid of him too, huh? We have more in common than I initially thought. Maybe it was a good idea to ask him to sleepover. He might end up being a good friend after all.” “Blech. Here I was thinking I’d be navigating this world on my own because they hate magical creatures. Guess I was wrong. And I suppose it doesn’t hurt to have a…companion or two. But this is all for Lady Rich’s sake.” Ding. The pair exited the elevator, and started walking towards Tiara’s bedroom when she popped another question. “Oh yeah. You live at the condo-complex across the street from the manor, right? The one mom owns.” “That’s right, yeah,” Keiji nodded, “Why?” “How is it over there? Nothing’s out of place or malfunctioning is it?” she asked earnestly, trying to find out how he was doing in their family’s land. “If anything’s wrong, let me know so I can make a call.” For a moment, her concern caused him to stutter. “Huh--er, nah. Nothing’s wrong at all,” he replied, “But that’s kinda the whole reason I’m here working for your mom. She’s gonna pay off my rent until I can find a new job.” “Hm…I bet my dad can help with that…” Keiji stared at her for a second and held up his hands. “Eh? No way, Tiara. I’d feel like shit if I went to your father for help after your mother had already graciously extended her hand…” “Well I’m not just gonna watch a friend fall to ruin and suffer to the elements,” Tiara said as she kept walking and eventually flopped down on her beanbag chair in her room. “So if you ever need help, lemme know, alright?” “Understood,” Keiji replied begrudgingly through his teeth as he flopped down on the beanbag chair that was next to hers. “Good. The chefs should be done with our snacks soon,” she picked up the TV remote and started flipping through icons on the screen. “Now where’s that movie with the city of talking animals…” A few hours later… Nighttime would soon fall upon the city. Everything was quiet and relaxed as always as the entire population was fast asleep in their beds. However, there was something stirring near the edge of town… “Master Blueblood. I’ve found the professor’s home,” Wendy explained over the phone as she made a turn onto the street which Aidon lived, “So…I guess this is goodbye, huh?” “I suppose so,” Blueblood replied, “But don’t worry. I’ll be there to clean up right after you. Your sacrifice won’t be permanent.” With that in mind, Wendy was able to rest a bit more easily even if she didn’t entirely agree with it. “...Thank you, Master. I’ll see you again soon.” “You too.” Little did she know… “Not.” Blueblood was sitting in his car just down the street where Wendy couldn’t see him. Once he hung up the phone, he smirked to himself. “Just another stepping stone to greatness. Sorry, Goetia, but I can’t waste time coddling along my weaker summons. As soon as you die…it’ll be time.” And so, without a care in the world, Wendy slowly began to activate her magical aura. “You’re going to regret everything you’ve done, professor…” Then, in a flash, she started to whimper and sob while running up to the door and knocking furiously. “Help! Are you in there, Professor?! Help me!” she bawled. It took a moment, but Aidon would soon answer the door in his all-black pajamas. “...Wendy? Wait a second…why are you here?” He balled one of his fists behind his back preparing to fight if need be. But to his surprise… “No! I’m…I’m sorry, I just…” Wendy put on her best act and pleaded while down on her knees. “Blueblood’s been hurting me and I need a way back to Equestria. Please help me so I don’t have to deal with him anymore…” With tears rolling down the sides of her face and her hands clasped together, she made a convincing display of helplessness to gain the shadowman’s sympathy. And unfortunately…it worked. Unable to stand by and let a fellow Equestrian fall to ruin, Aidon responded. “...Look. I don’t know how to get back, but I’m sure Sunset Shimmer does. However…were you really being manipulated the entire time? Do you truly wish to return home?” “Yes, please!” Wendy screamed, pleading even more, “He’s a horrible person and I realize my mistakes now. Please, just give me this one chance…and I’ll leave from this world permanently.” “...”