//------------------------------// // Chapter 2 // Story: Horror At Sandstone Manor // by WinterStormed //------------------------------// The air was sterile of smell quite possibly and thoroughly filtered by that robot pony the doctors and nurses here call " Janitor". Anemo scrunched his nose, the thick smell permeating at close range, his hooves drenched with sanitiser liquid. Maybe he used bleach instead ? Though slightly miffed when the stallion immediately barked at him for not cleaning his hooves before entering the hospital Anemo admired his dedication to his job. Extremely commendable. The four walls of the room were unbelievably white giving the room a well-lit appearance despite the only light source was the resultant of a single massive window pane which was accepting the sun's early rays. The single bed was professionally adjusted with the prose of a skilled artist, it's direction facing the crystal clear pane which in turn faced the vast ocean. The blue duvet, at the front right corner was folded in a neat triangle with the inner blanket in the same pose but proportionately smaller. Anemo examined the triangular folds, perceiving the exact inch difference spacing between the two folds. Anemo gave a slight nod, impressed by the uttermost degree of perfection. The pony responsible could easily be qualified to work in the blades family mansion. This hospital was first class. Anemo set forth a hacking cough, his eyes watering. There were no windows to bring in the soothing sea breeze. Only the ventilated air circulated within the hospital was needed to give oxygen. Anemo stood still in his ' guard ' posture by the bedside. He already bored himself with the notes of details of the room, waiting already for an hour since her majesty, Queen Haven, informed him to wait for her here. Her majesty did say that she would arrive in one hour, no doubt wanting to see Princess Zipp first. Anemo closed his eyes, replaying the scene that unfolded at the lighthouse. He never experienced such feelings before. The way the princess looked at him. Helpless to do anything but give in as his oath engraved in stone states. To obey the command of the Royal family without a hesitant second. The royal guard and the elite guard principles were not based on morality but stability. Stability of the nation, of the monarchy. At first it did not bother him. He knew the Royal family well enough. They were morally correct. But for the first time, after Princess Zipp, he felt something stir in his heart. Rebellion ? Anemo perked his head slightly higher as he heard the creak of the painted door. Hmm-mm. It seems they need to oil the hinges. Emerging from the door, as expected, was Queen Haven and two royal guards flanked by her side. Anemo recognised the two. They were the ones bickering about Princess Pipp's security before he left for Maretime Bay. He refrained from glaring at them, they faces painted with an ugly smirk. The green Pegasus sighed inwardly. It seems I will be having an audience, watching how the Queen berates me. "Leave us." Her tone was surprisingly neutral but her eyes were telling a different tale. She was furious. The guards left, still plastered with their stupid smirks, knowing full well that he might be executed or worse , demoted. There was silence. He dared not to look at her Majesty. He almost swore her earlier and left Princess Zipp, her daughter, unattended in the morning and not to forget that she was drugged and hypnotised. "I am disappointed Venti Anemo Blade." Her voice was concise and clear, edged with anger. Anemo felt his chest constrict. A simple sentence to make him feel absolutely pathetic. "You have failed to prevent any harm coming to Princess Zipp and left her, disregarding my absolute instructions I briefed you before you departed." The Elite guard felt something else, something he never felt for a long time. Shame. "As punishment, you are hereby stripped from your captaincy of the Elite Royal guard and the Royal guard as a whole" Anemo was shell shocked. His posture breaking as lifts his head up at the furious Queen. "Your citizenship has been revoked and you are hereby banished from the Pegasus kingdom" Anemo could not believe what he was hearing, his eyes wide. "Y-Y-Your High-" Anemo felt the blow as it came across his cheek, spilling blood. The Queens metal horses hoe peppered with droplets of blood. He saw it coming. But did not stop it. "I know what you did." The Queen growled, her voice shaking with anger. "Zipp told me everything." Anemo gave a confused look. "Personally, I wanted to execute you but that would reveal to the public that you molested my daughter !" Another blow came, connecting to his cheek. Anemo was speechless. "I-I-I-I would never-" "Remove you armour and your wing blades." Queen Haven said coldly. Anemo looked at her Majesty, painful emotions swirling around him. Did Zipp lie ? "Venti Anemo Blade, are you refusing a direct order from the monarchy ?" Anemo removed his wing blades and slowly took of his single neck armour piece, his pride and joy. He gently placed it on the floor. Anemo picked his head slowly as he returned to his standing state. Anemo peaked his head to see the Queen staring at his neck. He looked down. The bite marks. They were still very visible and a slight pain every time he moved his neck. Anemo wanted to speak, to clear his name but he thought better. A word of a princess is higher than that of a no-pony, as of now. The Queen opened her mouth to speak only to be interrupted by the sound of a rushed creaking noise, The door slamming upon the entry of two ponies. "Hey Anemo ! See, I told you we would find him here." Sprout scowled at the Sheriff. "Yeah, whatever." Sprout looked at Anemo's bloodied face and then at Queen Haven. "Hey, old mare did you hit him in the face ?" Anemo stared in shock as he saw Sprout blatantly and casually call the Queen of an Empire, an old mare. Hitch hooved his shoulder. "Owww ! What was that for ? Are you not surprised how this mare manage to punch the elite royal guard ?" Anemo sighed. "I am no longer a guard, Deputy Sprout" Hitch's and Sprout's eyes widen. "What ? How !? " Sprout pointed at the wound on Anemo's neck after frowning at the Queen. "Is it because the Royal family is scared what ponies would think if they found out Zit tried to ra-" Before I could shut him up, Hitch beat me to it. "I am so sorry for disturbing you Queen Haven" Hitch said, apologetic as held a struggling Sprout, not noticing Haven's shell shocked expression. "If you do not mind I need Anemo, since he is no longer in your service I really do need him in mine." Hitch motioned Anemo to follow him as he and Sprout disappeared through the door. Anemo gazed at the Queen who was in turn staring at him. He could see the dawn of realisation but it was too late. If word got out that the princess did such an act. It would destabilise the whole nation. Either way, he was going to pinned with the blame. Anemo stared at the door before making his decision. He never looked back once as he left the room.