//------------------------------// // Chapter 2 // Story: Vacation in Ponyvile // by Chaos_Silver //------------------------------// Fragment of correspondence between Green and Blue hives royal offices. Top Secret. My dear Yaria, I am not quite sure , what to think about your new toys. Their increased physic capabilities surely came at cost of mental ones. How else could you explain that all of them managed to die at the first opportunity? Despite that troubling side of current operation, I shall notice that your 'specialists' performed quite well. Surprisingly well, I might say. Work at both projects shall be continued. Chrysalis. This was how death looked like? Black nonexistent void? Endless ocean of black without body and ability to move? And silence, complete silence, so he could spend eternity recollecting mistakes of his life until every last bit of sanity left him. But why the void was so warm? And why did death smelled like herbs? Then Thunderclap heard loud snoring right beside him. He definitely was alive. Seconds later sharp pain in his chest prove it completely, satisfied smile from muzzle of half-asleep pegasus. With moan pegasus opened his eyes. White walls. Small table near the head of his bed. Second bed was standing near the opposite wall, where somepony hidden under thick blanket was sleeping. Rather loudly sleeping. Thunderclap tried to get up, but another flash of pain quickly made him to change his mind. With annoyed hiss pegasus tried, at least, to move a little and lay comfortably - his back was numb and his wings felt like they were made of solid rock. He also noticed stiffness in his movements. Something beside the pain was hindering him. Pegaus threw his blanket away and lowered gaze. His chest was wrapped in several layers of bandages, covered with sticky blue substance, which was the source of pleasant herbal aroma. Thunderclap exhaled as the memories of one hard-dying changeling came to the surface of his mind. "I guess, that happens then you get impaled by the sword." He was alive. This realization relieved the pain, filled his body with warmth even course the pony to giggle a little. As weak as this giggling was, it was followed by strange new sensation. Satisfaction. In the end, pegasus was victorious. No matter how strong changeling had became because of his blue aura, no matter how skillful he was with his blade or how close to death Thunderclap himself had walked. His ears twitched, as the snoring suddenly stopped. Was he really that loud? Bandaged foreleg appeared from beneath the blanket. It reached to the table and began searching it's surface, if trying to find the alarm. Thunderclap heard his mysterious roommate grumbled like a bear, disturbed during the hibernation. Familiar red muzzle appeared from under the blanket. Red Delicious shook his messy mane as his sleepy eyes moved around the room. He appeared to be in that funny state, when you're technically awake, but your brain is steel slow and refuses to work. Stallion sighed, scratched his back and yawned loudly. Then Red's gaze finally landed at pegasus. "Oh. Hi, Thunder", said erathpony and began to rub his eyes, whilst wincing every time he had to move his damaged leg. Then he froze, with disbelief printed on his muzzle. "Thunder? Thunder!" "I do remember my short name, thank you." Pegasus nodded, small smile on his muzzle widened a little. "You're alive!" exclaimed Delicious almost jumping from his bed. "You too." Thunderclap was trying to look as unpurturbed as it was possible, but was unable to shook that goofy grin away. The more he smiled, the more frustrated Delicious became, his face turning redder and redder. "This," said Delicious while pointing at his bandaged foreleg, "This is nothing. It wasn't even broken. But you... YOU GOT A SWORD IN YOUR CHEST!!" " 'Tis but a scratch." Pegasus was smiling like a mad while staring at his friend outrage. Very fake outrage, as a few moments later walls crumbled at the sound of their roaring laughter. Though, loud coughing interrupted it rather fast. Thunderclap breathed sharply in attempt to calm burning pain in lungs. "At least that's good enough reason to visit Vanhoover. I mean, beside wasting bits on cider and alluring mares. That do you think?" Said Thunder after catching his breath. "I guess, you can put it that they." Delicious replied, still looking at his friend's bandaged chest. "But there is a problem - we're in Canterlot." "What?!" Pegasus turned to the window. Where wasn't any reason for Red to lie. Nevertheless, Thunderclap hoped that it was a joke of some sorts, that he would see familiar sight. Sight was familiar, indeed, but not in the way he was expecting. Vanhoover had a port and was the closest developed city to the changeling border. Hospital used by Royal guard happened to be located near the coastline. Not beautiful touristic one, like in Manehattan, though. Vanhoover's coast was filled with docs, warehouses and shipyards, it smelled of the sea along with a stink of burned coal. Cry of seagulls and the noise of the steamers filled city's days. Instead pegasus saw the most recognizable building in all Equestria. Its elegant forms were towering over the ancient city's skyline. White walls were covered with flags featuring the image of two alicorns, sunlight was playing on violet roofs. Royal Castle of Canterlot. Thunderclap exhaled, with mix of confusion and worry on his muzzle. Mostly fist, actually. He wasn't afraid of meeting has relatives, who were probably still residing here. He was sure of it. It would be unpleasant and uncomfortable meeting, but nothing truly frightening. Pegasus even nodded to himself, to make a point. However, Delicious might felt otherwise after their last proper talk. It was yesterday, yes? That brought one very interesting question. "How long I was out?" "Five days, I think, more or less. After the fight we were teleported here." Delicious replied. "By whom?" Thunderclap knew little about unicorn magic, but he did knew that teleportation was complex skill and was pretty much sure that none of the squad unicorns was powerful enough. That wasn't part of guards training, after all. Unicorns serving in Royal Guard were only required to know basic telekinesis to wield their weapon more effective. Even many of high-ranked officers didn't bother to learn something beside it. "Pure luck and coincidence..." Mumbled the earthpony, as if he didn't hear the question. "You remember that rumor about... " Red was interrupted by clang of metal. Both ponies immediately turned to the front door in instinctive reaction at armored hoofsteps. Along with sound of metal they heard parts of conversion. "Yes I will... Laughter is good indicator, isn't it?.. No... They are able to talk and that is enough." It was clear that owner of this voice was talking with somepony else, whose words weren't quite understandable. Thunderclap only managed to notice hint worry in them. The door shut open as unicorn stallion walked in and instantly closed it in front of somepony in medical uniform. His coat was white, his mane - mix of dark and light blue. Blue eyes were studying lying giards. Shining Armor, former Royal Guard captain and current Crystal Guard captain, one of the happiest husbands in Equestria, prince-consort and prince brother, was looking right at them. Thunderclap and Red raised their hooves in salutation. "At ease." Captain said and walked to the window, looking outside. "I suppose you are surprised to see me, soldiers?" "Our presence in Canterlot is surprising, sir." Pegasus was first to respond. "You got very lucky guards. Twice. Firstly because of me choosing 'Blueberry' outpost for sudden inspection and that I had proper trained wizard in my entourage." Claimed Shining, unintentionally almost quoting Delicious. Captain was visibly troubled about something, which was unsurprising for Thunder. Stallion of his caliber had to by very busy and, as surprising as it was for captain and prince to visit two injured guards personally he simply must had a good reason for it. "And what else, sir?" "You've survived." "Sir?" "Ten." Captain's muzzle turned grim, his eyes frightening in their lack of emotion. "Ten good ponies died at 'Blueberry'. Combined with results of other attacks what had transpired that day, it is the highest one-time loss Equestria suffered in decades. Maybe even centuries." "Other attacks..." Both guards whispered at the same time, giving questioning stares to Shining Armor. Glare that he give them in response was carrying enough information. To put it simply, it stated: "None of your business." Making sure that they understood, unicorn continued. "I have already received reports of other survivors. Now I need yours. That and you two are sustained from duty during the ongoing investigation, along with other survivors, who were already sent away. Doctors were already ordered to put both of you back on hooves in three days. After that I'll escort you to the train station." "Investigation?" It was Red who asked this time. "As you two might imagine, princesses are not were pleased by recent events." "Shouldn't we be here then? Like witnesses and..." Captain raised hoof to stop him. "Politics" Shining Armor spat the word, his muzzle oozing with disgust. Though he regained his composure fast and continued in official tone. "I am going to pick you up in three days and escort to the train station. Then my work can continue without distractions." Having said all this captain left the room, finally letting in pretty but visible angered nurse. Rest of their stay was uneventful. Doctors were visiting them regularly. As it was expected majority of their attention was on Thunderclap. He was put under healing spells twice per day and by the time captain came to pick them pegasus could stand. He was still slow like an old snail when it came to walking and was forbidden to fly for a two weeks. Shining Armor appeared at the morning of the fourth day right after the breakfast. He wasn't in a mood for talk and looked like pony in need of long nap. Bags under his eyes were big enough to hide an ambush and his lips were repeating his thoughts in barely noticeable whisper. Captain brought some papers with him. Looking at official order to "Have a nice time. " put smile on Thunderclap's muzzle. It reminded him that he was living in Eqestria after all. And life in Eqestria was good. Huge paychecks which both of them received were truly a surprise. Official papers from Royal Treasure held much stoic tone, but still were pleasant. A little shocking even. "Ten thousands bits. " Thunderclap didn't believed his eyes when he saw the sum for the first time. Truth to be told, he got two times more than Delicious due to near-death experience. Guards also received their payment for the last month, but compared to the 'bonus'.. Heh. In silence captain Armor lead then trough morning streets of Canterlot. There were a few ponies outside, mostly shop owners, who were preparing for the opening. Having brought them to one of the train stations, the Shining said goodbye and hurriedly leftleft still muttering to himself. "Looks like my planned holiday suddenly become unplanned. That means, I can visit more of my family. Who shall it be, who shall it be... " Earthpony began to slipping to his thoughts. "I would like your problems.." "Meaning? You still don't want visit yours?" Pegasus' cutiemark itched again. "For that wish to appear I need to be stabbed straight to the brain. " "So you don't have any idea there to go?" It wasn't true. Thunderclap did think about possible destinations. Manehattan was leading now. Central Park will give him a lot of time to spend with cute little creatures. And as any pony after almost two years near the wasteland he missed something cute. In that case camping seemed as a logical pick but guards had enough of it at their job. He also had heard that new Daring Do book was published. And bars. They were always an option. The problem was that pegasus didn't have time to tell any of it to his bud. "You see, I'm thinking about visiting one.. place before taking train to Appleloosa and I think you might like it." Delicious said slowly, watching carefully for Thunder's reaction. Pegasus tilted his head, encouraging Red to continue. Manehattan could wait for a few days, he thought. "So... How about a little trip to the friendliest town in Equestria?" "Which is? " From the look that Red gave him, Thunderclap felt like he said something dumb. He followed his friend as earthpony trotted to the nearest ticket office. "Morning, ma'am. Can you give us two tickets to Ponyvile? "