//------------------------------// // Chapter 9: The Stroll // Story: The Missing Bard // by Kiniro //------------------------------// The Missing Bard Chapter 9: The Stroll No words could properly explain how happy I was to finally become apart of something greater. To know that everything I've done thus far has never been in vain. To know that I was finally recognized for who I was, and what good I could do. Not just another tool, another pawn for someone to use. I would stand ready to defend this land that gave me a second chance, and gave me a new home. I felt myself tearing slightly at the thought. Considering how much I've been through. The scars of my past would never go away, but knowing what I had achieved, and knowing that I had my friends to thank. It just felt amazing to be on the right side of things. To know that I was being looked after just as I would be looking after them. The six ponies and I had been navigating through the castle grounds attempting to reach Canterlot Square. During our journey mostly hearing remarks of support about my inclusion into the Elements of Harmony. I even found myself tearing several times, and being comforted by Twi along the way. "Its ok Kini, I know you're happy." Twilight commented on my slightly emotional state. "I know... it just means a lot to me." I tried to smile back, fighting back the tears of joy. "Now now sugarcube, no need to get teary eyed. This is a time for celebrating." Applejack added in. "Did someone say party?!" Pinkie shouted out. "Yes Pinkie, I think Kiniro has earned it." Rarirty agreed. "Oh my yes, he has." Fluttershy squeaked. "Heck yes he deserves a party! He did amazing!" Rainbow Dash stated while putting on her sunglasses. "Agreed everypony. We should throw him a party!" Twilight agreed with the other five. "That would be awesome! When's the party start?" I asked Pinkie as I wiped the tears from my face with my hoof. "Well I'd say we could right now, but a lot of my emergency party supplies have been used up! So we might have to wait till we get back to Ponyville! I could get everything together from Sugar Cube Corner!" Pinkie replied. A collective "Aww." Had come from all of us in response to Pinkie. "But think if it this way! I'll have access to the big guns for parties when we get back home! I could even get Vinyl to DJ if she's not busy!" Pinkie answered. "That would be awesome if you could." I commented, knowing that seeing Vinyl perform again would be a treat. I just wish I could tell her and Octavia the good news about what happened. But I doubt they'd understand or could comprehend what was going on. "Well now come to think of it. I could probably pick up some party supplies here in Canterlot before we head back home!" Pinkie responded with a sudden loud gasp. "There are things here that I can't get back in Ponyville! I must go get some! I MUST PREPARE!" With those last words Pinkie Pie was off in a flash and disappeared. "Uh... how does she does that?" I asked the five remaining ponies. Only to get shrugs as a response. "You know, come to think of it. I think I recall seeing one of the fabric boutiques we past earlier when we arrived was having a sale on exotic materials. Maybe I should get some before we go back home." Rarity questioned. "Go ahead Rarity. We have some time before the train leaves back home, and even if you miss it. Just tell them you know me and they'd be more than happy give you a ride home." Twilight explained. "Oh goody!" Rarity stated. "I'll meet you all back at the platform!" Rarity stated as she ran off. "Uh... now that I think of it I should go keep an eye on Pinkie just to make sure she doesn't get into any trouble." Applejack commented and chased after Pinkie. "That might be a good idea." Rainbow Dash agreed. "Hey, you guys have fun riding the train. I'm going to fly back, I need to stretch my wings out! Can't let myself get lazy if I ever want to get into the Wonderbolts!" Rainbow Dash yelled as she took off leaving a rainbow streak behind her. "I think I-i'll stay here with you two." Fluttershy squeaked. "Are you sure you don't want to head out like the others and maybe get some things from here in Canterlot?" I asked. "N-no, its ok. I don't need a-anything. I'll just s-stay with you t-two. If that's ok." Fluttershy said with a receding voice. "We'd be glad to have you with us. Unless Twilight has something planned" I responded looking at Twilight. "I don't have any plans, other than just look around town until the next train arrives." Twilight responded. "There you go Fluttershy, you can stay with us!" I commented. "Yay!" Fluttershy squeaked. " I just don't like being l-left alone in the b-big cities." "I get it, safety in numbers. I was the same when I was a young traveler, especially if I ever traveled to cities like Lighthalzen or Einbroch back in Midgard." "Einbroch?" Twilight asked. "I've never heard you mention that city before." "Oh! I'm sorry, Einbroch was another city that belong to The Swartzvald republic. A big dirty city, due to a lot of industrial pollution." "Um... Kiniro. What's p-pollu-tion." Fluttershy asked. It had just occurred to me. These ponies have never experienced what pollution was or even understood the concept. Considering I've never seen any of it during my stay here in Equestria. Granted I didn't travel much, and mostly limited myself to Ponyville and my few trips to Canterlot. "Uh... pollution is a side affect of when people burn things to try to create something else. Its not always clean, but it created the things we need, at least back in Midgard anyway. But I don't think you guys have that here since you usually use magic to create what you need." I tried to explain. As I finished my very sad excuse of an explanation, we had found ourselves at the courtyard gate leading into Canterlot square. As we arrived in the square I began to look around seeing the beauty of the surrounding buildings and the castle behind us. Remembering that I hadn't gotten a good glimpse at the square from this angle. Admittedly I was still fascinated by the whole, "I missed this the first time here due to my worry or I don't remember seeing this area from this perspective." I guess still just reminiscing on the idea that I was a pony and I was able to stay. But as I looked further around, I saw several ponies talking in the square, but I noticed one that there was one stallion all by his lonesome holding his head down low with a guitar strapped to his back, just like I had been carrying mine. A dark brownish orange earth pony with a blond mane, slightly light green eyes, and a guitar for a cutie mark. I had wondered if I should approach him, considering he was the only pony I have ever seen with that cutie mark before. End of Chapter 9.