"Hey Logey... "
"No... "
"Looooogey...
"I said no."
"Looooogeeeeeey!"
"I swear... "
"... Would you like a cupcake?"
"No!" Logan hissed, "For the last time I do not want one of your nasty looking cupcakes! I don't even know where your hooves have been. So STOP irritating me!"
"Aw, come on! Somebody has a bad case of grumpy-itus... " Pinkie huffed before spinning around. Logan watched her bound to the gathering of her friends on the couch before letting out a stressful sigh.
"Think about my offer, Logan."
Luna's voice was echoing through his head like a constant drum beat. It had been two nights since the encounter in the gardens and he couldn't think about anything except her proposal. Sure this world was downright dumb and girly but he was there now and there was no stopping it. But he didn't want to give in to the princess... scratch that, he didn't want to give in to any one. Or as they would say... anypony.
"Now I'm starting to sound like them... " Logan muttered under his breath. He shot a glance at the six mares spending their time in his room. None of them ever seemed to be bored when the others were around and they only left for food and for bathroom use. He was positive that they were having fun just irritating him.
A random question suddenly popped into Logan's head.
"Hey Sparky," he called, "I have a question for you."
Twilight's ears twitched as she looked questionably at Logan. Whenever he spoke to her it would either be something insulting or asking her for food. Her friends noticed this as well and grew silent as the attention shifted to the human.
"Yes?" Twilight asked with genuine interest.
"Tell me... Luna's knights... what do they do?"
"Luna's knights... oh! You mean the lunar guard." Twilight blinked at the peculiar question, "Well, they... um... they're the royal servants of Princess Luna. They do whatever she wants them to I believe... "
Logan raised an eyebrow, "So you don't really know."
"Well they guard the princess obviously!" Rarity stated, "I mean, what else would they be for?"
"Are ya sure there, sugarcube?" Applejack asked, "I mean, I only see Celestia's guards doin' the protectin'. Only time ah've actually seen the lunar ponies was during Nightmare Night... "
"Hm... do you think they're like secret agents or something?" Rainbow Dash asked with a puzzled expression, "Now that I think about it, it's weird how we never hear about them or SEE them at all."
So what she said was true... what they do is completely kept secret from everybody else... Logan thought to himself.
"Why the question?" Twilight asked as she cocked her head, "I didn't think any of us really brought them up to you before... "
"It's nothing, Sparky. Just leave it at that." Logan sighed.
"Oh!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed, cutting of Twilight's small investigation, "Did you guys hear about who arrived last night?!"
"Um, no... who?" Fluttershy asked, cocking her head in question.
"Its that one pony Rarity was with at the Grand Galloping Gala that one time!" Pinkie began hopping up and down, "Oh, what was his name?? Bluegills? Blue Jean? Blue Boxer? Blue Oyster Cult? Oh wait, I remember! It's Blue-
"Blueblood... " Rarity seethed, a fire igniting into her eyes as her expression contorted to a face that resembled an angry manticore. The small bronze cup she held in her hooves began to screech with the pain of being squeezed while her friends could only watch in slight terror.
"Oh, haha... I forgot about him... " Twilight scratched the back of her head with a nervous chuckle.
"Bad date?... " Logan asked with a shallow smile.
"He's only the most selfish, thick-headed arrogant son of a mare that I have ever met!" Rarity growled, "How DARE he come back here?! If he does so much as LOOK at me I'll sew his face to his cutie-mark!"
"Wait... cutie mark?... " Wolverine asked, feeling a bit of his masculinity leave him with the term.
"Cutie mark, you know? The markings on our flanks?" Twilight smiled, turning so he could see the marking on her purple coat.
"Oh... you mean the tramp stamps. I was wondering why they were in the wrong place."
"What are you saying?!" Rainbow Dash called, her wings fluttering as she stood in front of him, "Cutie marks are magical symbols that appear when you discover your true talent!"
"Oh, " Logan grinned, "So what is yours? Breaking wind?" Pinkie couldn't help but chuckle at the sarcasm, leading to a harsh glare by Rainbow.
"So humans don't have cutie marks?" Twilight asked, "For us that's... odd. How are you supposed to discover your true talent then?"
"Well... " Logan thought for a moment, "Some people go their whole lives without finding theirs. Some people don't even have a talent." Twilight frowned at Logan's cynical view.
"Then... what's your talent?" Rainbow asked as she cocked her head, "Making other ponies angry?" Wolverine couldn't help but laugh at the remark.
"My talent?... You sure you wanna find out?" Logan asked with a slightly demonic smile.
"N-nevermind that... " Twilight sighed, "I'm sorry for the whole Blueblood thing, Rarity."
"I'm more worried about him finding out about Logan... " Fluttershy stated, "He's not the most... accepting pony."
"Far from it." Rarity snorted, "But the mare has a point. I'm sure he's heard the rumors of a strange monkey creature terrorizing the citizens of Canterlot."
"Aunt Celestia, I want to confirm the rumors of this strange monkey creature terrorizing the citizens of Canterlot." Blueblood stated with a light stomp of his hoof, "I also heard that you are trying to cover up what is happening. I want to know exactly what is going on!" Blueblood was ranting to Celestia in the throne room without the presence of Luna. The lunar princess had been smart to not be there.
"I am sorry Blueblood but there is nothing I can tell you." Celestia replied as her headache began to soar to a height of new pain, "It is not important right now. Canterlot and this castle are safe."
"But am I safe?!" Blueblood asked, "I am the rich nephew of Princess Celestia and Princess Luna! For all I know that monster could be out there waiting for me to walk out into the open!"
"Prince Blueblood, I PROMISE you that you will not be in any sort of danger. My royal guard is posted for twenty four hours and you know that they are the best trained soldiers in all of Equestria." Celestia had to resist rubbing her temples with her hooves.
"Hmph!" The prince snorted, "I'm sorry, Celestia. But I don't trust the ponies that YOU assign to me. I have decided to take my safety into my own hooves with the best protection money can buy!" As if waiting for that cue, a dozen or more crudely armed nasty ponies strolled into the room. Large steel armor was clasped around their frames and their bodies were built well with fighting muscle. Weapons of all sorts were littering their bodies and many of them had horrid teeth and a bad smell. Celestia had to fight off her gagging.
"My mercenaries have been paid well to ensure my own safety. You ARE going to give them clearance to the castle, correct?" Blueblood's arrogant smile made Celestia's skin boil. She was able to keep her calm and sighed deeply.
"Blueblood, there is no need for this! You are in a castle with TWO immortal powerful princesses in a castle with the greatest fighting force Equestrian can muster. Why are you being so-
"Need I remind you of the changeling attack?" Blueblood asked with a grin, "How well did the two immortal princesses with the best protection fair?"
Celestia's eyes narrowed, "Blueblood-
"And how about Discord? Where were you when he broke out of his prison? It's almost like you are relying on the elements of harmony for everything! How can I trust YOUR protection if you can't even protect yourselves?"
Celestia kept her gaze locked onto Blueblood's before sighing, "Blueblood... I hate the thought of having dirty mercenaries in the castle. I almost feel like its promoting violence. "
"Promoting violence? Trust me, Aunt Celestia, these mercenaries won't hurt anything unless I tell them to. If it makes you happy they will only be posted around my quarters and escort me throughout the castle whenever I decide to take a nice little stroll." Blueblood smiled.
Celestia was about to reply when an idea struck up in her brain. She stared at Blueblood as the gears moved in her head before giving him a strangely radiant smile, "Very well, Blueblood. They have clearance as long as they only stay around your quarters and are at your side during escorts."
"I knew that you would see it my way." Blueblood chuckled in arrogant victory, "Well, Aunt Celestia, I'll see you at dinner." Bluebood turned to the door with his mercenaries close behind him.
"Until then, Blueblood." Celestia replied, unable to hide her grin.
Logan breathed a sigh of relief as the last brightly colored pony left the room. He barely had any time to himself nowadays and there usually was at least one or two ponies with him. One of them was always Twilight and each day she would probe him with questions. He made sure not to tell her anything in detail. Especially anything about him being a mutant or his abilities.
Logan took a quick look of the room and realized how clean it was. Whenever those ponies came and went they always made sure that his room was all neat and tidied up before they left even if he was the one to make the messes. Frowning, he seated himself by the couch as he stared that the book on the table.
"What... am I doing?" Logan asked himself, "There hasn't been one day that's gone by that these ponies haven't annoyed the hell out of me... "
I hate their cheerful attitudes. I hate how they never leave me alone. I hate how they keep checking up on me and seeing how I'm doing. I hate how they always try to be friends with me. I hate how they always try and see the best in any situation. I hate how I can't get away.
Logan tightened his hand into a fist.
But sitting here hating everything isn't going to do me any good. It's time for me to take an action. It's time for me to do something about my situation.
Luna's face flashed in his mind and his thoughts drifted back to the offer.
She wants me to fight some monsters that are threatening her country, eh? I'll never be her willing servant or slave like that... but I'll be protecting something again. Maybe saving people again. Maybe I'll actually come to terms with this world...
Logan shook his head with a snarl.
No. I'm not meant to be in this world. I doubt I'll actually get along the ponies here and I'll doubt that I'll ever find a place... but that doesn't mean that I can't stop looking for my reason to be here. I'm a killer and I'm a mutant... but at one point, maybe... I was a hero. What would you tell me to do, Charles?
Wolverine sat on the couch in silence as though he was waiting for a reply. The was no answer, but the human couldn't help but smile a little.
"Right... " Logan said aloud, "It's time to move on." Wolverine grabbed the book on the table and began to flip through its contents.
"Manehattan?... Trottingham?... Fillydelphia?... " Logan asked with a cocked eyebrow, "I'm starting to think that Charles really DID make me think like a five year old girl. I better not take up an interest in ballet anytime soon." As he mindlessly scanned pictures and names something finally caught his eye.
"Everfree Forest?" He read. As he read the descriptions he couldn't help but smile.
"Dangerous creatures, poisonous plants and mysterious powers, eh? Sounds like fun."
A strange yet familiar scent caught the attention of Logan's nose. Sniffing the air, Wolverine turned his attention to the window. The sky was already darkening and he could see the outline of a dark figure behind the glass. He made his way over and peered into the outside world.
He was met with the familiar face of Princess Luna who was giving him a blank stare. Sighing, Logan unlocked the window and pulled it open. The barrier wouldn't let him leave the room, however.
"Oh look, the princess has come to my window." Logan smiled, "Here to take me on a date?"
"I'm here for your answer on my offer." Luna replied with a frown, "Not a date."
"Oh, silly me." Logan mocked, "Of course you didn't want a date. You didn't even bring flowers.
"Look... " Applejack sighed, "Rarity, ah know that you really don't want to see this Blueblood character but you don't have to moan and whine about him right now!" The six best friends were on their way to the dining room where they would have the unfortunate chance to meet the arrogant prince himself. They were not thrilled, but in Rarity's case, she was horrified.
"Every time I think of him I just get so... Ugh!" Rarity growled loudly as she waved her hoof, "Honestly, I never thought that I could ever loathe somepony so much... It's ridiculous!"
"Chill out, Rares!" Rainbow sighed, batting her wings to hang in the air beside her friend, "It's not gonna be the end of the world! Even if he did try to touch you my hoof would be embedded in his face before he could reach for you!" Rainbow punched the air with a smirk on her face.
"Don't worry, Rarity." Twilight smiled, "With us around, I'm sure you won't have any trouble. We'll be with you every step of the way!"
Rarity smiled brightly, "Oh, I know. A mare couldn't ask for better friends." The holders of the elements finally reached the large golden doors. With a flash of Twilight's horn, the large obstructions swung wide.
Seated at the dining table were four ponies. Celestia was at the head of the table with Shining Armor and Cadence to her left. Luna's seat was taken by none other than the prince. Blueblood turned his head to see the visitors and immediately grimaced.
"Aunt Celestia, why are there commoners in the dining room?" He asked, "They are dirtying our royal tile floor!" Rarity began to heave in anger but a quick pat on the shoulder by Applejack calmed her down. A little.
"Blueblood, " Celestia began, "They are the elements of harmony and have saved Equestria on multiple occasions. They deserve our utmost respect."
"If you say so." Blueblood rolled his eyes. It was then that he met the angry gaze of Rarity which made him cringe with the memory of the last Grand Galloping Gala.
"You... " He seethed, "How DARE you show your face to me?!"
"How dare YOU show your face to ME?!" Rarity shot back as she took a seat next to Princess Cadence. Her friends seated themselves next to her, leaving all empty chairs on Blueblood's side.
"Yeah!" Rainbow nodded, "What she said!"
"Now now, my little ponies, " Celestia stated, "please do not argue over the past at the table. Set your differences aside just this once." Blueblood and Rarity complied silently but glanced angrily at each other every other moment.
"Hey, " Twilight blinked as she looked around the table, "Where's Princess Luna?"
"I'm afraid she can't join us tonight, " Celestia replied, "She has... a few things to catch up on."
"Yes, I'm sure... " Blueblood answered as he eyed the elements cautiously, "I'm sure this has NOTHING to do with the strange monkey creature, yes?" Each of the ponies froze for a moment at the mention of the creature, and it wasn't hard for Blueblood to pick up on it.
"Blueblood, I have told you many times that there is nothing of the sort." Celestia sighed, her ears twitching as the waiters began to set the dinner plates, "The elements of harmony are simply visiting me at the royal castle. Nothing more." The six mares nodded, silly grins upon their faces. Blueblood frowned at the display.
Twilight felt extremely awkward and tried to focus her attention elsewhere. She noticed two strangely armored ponies placed near the doorways next to the guards. Their armor was spiked and dented with use and they wore what appeared to be dozens of weapons strapped all over their bodies. The cold gleam in their eye was spine chilling.
"Um, Princess... " Twilight cleared her throat, "What is with those... strange guards?"
"Ah, those are my mercenaries I hired." Blueblood smiled, "I just can't trust in the protection of my aunt much anymore due to recent incidents."
"Hey!" Rainbow growled as she pointed an angry hoof at the prince, "Don't insult the princess like that or I'll-
Fluttershy clasped her hoof gently over her friends mouth as she hid behind her mane, "Um... please don't yell, Rainbow... " Blueblood gave her an angry glance, making the yellow pegasus eep and shrink back into her chair.
"Prince Blueblood, " Cadence smiled nervously, "I know you want to feel safe and such but... are they really that necessary?"
"Indeed, " Blueblood smiled as he looked over at Shining Armor, "You can't expect too much from the royal guard all the time." Shining Armor gritted his teeth but said nothing. Twilight was beginning to fume but managed to keep herself in perfect control.
The group sat in a painful silence as they watched the waiters go to work. They smelled the wonderful aroma of the freshly cooked meals when the food was placed gently onto the table and were all grateful that it seemed to ease the situation.
"That smells soooooo delicious!" Pinkie clapped her hooves as the food was uncovered before her. Freshly baked pies were steaming before them along with dishes of hay fries, pasta, and soup made from the finest roses from the garden. Pinkie reached for a large pie.
"WHAT do you think you're doing?!" Prince Blueblood growled angrily, slapping her hoof before it could touch the pie, "Commoners like you have to wait for us nobles to be served!" Pinkie's eyes shrunk as she gave a sad frown, her mane beginning to lose some of its puffiness.
"Blueblood!" Rarity snarled, "Don't you DARE hurt my friend like that!"
"Commoner!" Blueblood growled back, "You must not speak to a noble in such a way!"
"Maybe if you weren't such a selfish pig she wouldn't have to yell!" Rainbow shot back, her wings extending in anger.
"Don't speak to me in such a way you dirty pegasus!" Blueblood snapped, "I can have you grounded for life!"
"Don't talk to my friends like that!" Twilight gritted her teeth, "You have no right to treat them this way!"
"I can do what I WANT! I'm a Prince!" Blueblood shrieked.
"Don't yell at my sister like that!" Shining Armor bellowed as he stood up from the table, "Your words are as filthy as your personality!"
"Quiet, fool!" Blueblood yelled back, "I don't take orders from a pathetic low-life stallion! I can't even believe you made captain of the guard!"
"Hey! Simmer down, now!" Applejack smashed her hoof onto the table, "What is your problem!"
"A farmer like you has no business with me!" Blueblood glared, "You can't tell me what to do!"
"Um... please... don't yell at her... " Fluttershy said quietly, "Um... if-if you don't mind... "
"And who are YOU?" Blueblood roared, "Pathetic little pony, go crawl back into the dirty cave you came from!" Tears welled up in Fluttershy's eyes, her lower lip beginning to tremble.
"ENOUGH!!!" Celestia screamed, the table vibrating from the shock of her voice. The room rumbled with its echo and a few cups spilled over from the mini earthquake that shook the room. The ponies all froze in fear and surprise.
Celestia took in a deep breath, "I am VERY disappointed... " She took a moment to collect herself, "Dinner is over for tonight. I would like you all to return to your rooms and think about what just happened here."
"But-" Blueblood complained.
"NOW!" Celestia ordered, her eyes staring daggers into Blueblood. The prince nodded hesitantly before getting out of his chair and scuffling to the doors. The other ponies looked at each other before following afterwards, sulking with each step. Celestia sighed deeply before dropping her head onto the table.
"Now I've done it... " She sighed to herself, "I'm so sorry, my little ponies... "
Luna and Logan were facing one another in a large circular room. Book shelves framed the walls around them along with interesting trinkets and a few desks that were covered in messes of papers. A single large window peered out over the rest of the castle and Canterlot, and one could see perhaps as far as Ponyville. The sun had dropped completely beneath the horizon and the moon was the only source of light in the room.
"Okay... " Logan began, his wrists still cuffed by magic, "Why did you teleport us all the way over here again?"
"I wish for us not to be disturbed." Luna replied, "I believe you know why I came for you."
"Yeah, and it's definitely not asking me out for coffee or anything." Logan grumbled, "So you want me to give you an answer on your offer, right?"
"Correct." Luna nodded, "I wish to know if you will accept or not. Shall I repeat the conditions for you again?"
"No." Logan stated, "Basically you want me to serve under you for as long as you need me and you will give me freedom, right?" Luna nodded in response and Logan sighed.
"Here's the thing... " Logan began as his eyes gleamed like knives, "I'm not going to accept your offer."
Luna's eyes narrowed, "But-
"I'm not finished." Wolverine interrupted as he lifted his hands and jabbed a finger at her, "I'm not going to accept your offer. YOU are going to accept MY offer. You got that?" Luna blinked, her jaw practically hitting the floor. She then cleared her throat with a small smile.
"Go on." Luna urged.
"Look... " Logan said, "Yes, I have killed before. I know what it is like to take a life and I'm used to the feeling. But I will NEVER harm an innocent. And as far as I can tell, all of you ponies are the most innocent creatures I have ever met. Trouble always finds a way to get to me and those involved with me, and none of you deserve to live the life I have lived."
Logan took a deep breath before continuing, "Here's my offer. I will not serve under you or do your bidding but I will fight your enemies and keep your citizens safe. In the meantime I want to be as far away from any of your kind as possible and in a place where no one would look for me. I don't want to bring any trouble to any of you and I don't want you to be near me. You have my word that I will never harm any of your ponies as long as they don't try to attack me. If they do... they will be sorry."
The two powerful figures stared at each other for what seemed to be an eternity. Silence was buzzing in their ears as they stood still with neither of them backing down. Luna's mind was wrapping around Logan's offer, and she knew that there was no way she could convince the human otherwise. With a sigh, the princess smiled.
"Okay, Logan." She chuckled, "Deal." The princess moved over to Logan and began lifting a hoof.
"What are you doing?" Wolverine asked as he took a small step back.
"I'm not harming you. I'm sealing the deal. Hold out your arm." Luna stated, the bottom of her hoof glowing a light blue. Logan hesitated but complied as he fully extended his left appendage. The princess rested her hoof onto his skin while her horn sparkled a glorious blue. In a quick flash she pulled back her hoof. A marking of a crescent moon was present and shining softly on the side of his arm.
"This mark links us." She stated, "It allows me to know of your whereabouts and works as a signal for when I need your assistance."
Logan growled as he watched the moon mark suddenly disappear, "Yeah, I know that I wouldn't be given full freedom yet. Fair enough."
"Now, I hope you know what happens if you break the deal." Luna's eyes narrowed.
"Yeah, yeah... " Logan grumbled, "I can guess. You going to throw the moon at me?"
"Something like that... " Luna smirked, "Sending you to the moon is also another option."
"Okay, I got it. So what now?" Wolverine felt the magical shackles disappear from his wrists and looked at her questionably.
"I have a request, Logan." Luna chuckled softly, "This isn't an order or anything but just a simple favor. A favor I'm sure you're going to like to fulfill."
"Okay?" Logan crossed his arms, "I'll consider it."
"Well... " The princess smiled, "Would you like to meet another member of the royal family?"
Logan stared blankly at her and then cleared his throat, "Um... what?"
"Let me fill you in with the details. Hehe."
Blueblood's eyes shot open, his gaze turning to the familiar sight of the ceiling in his room. He blinked curiously before sitting up on his bed and gently pushing down his covers. His fabulously soft mattress creaked softly with his weight as his eyes began to adjust in the dark. The shiny trinkets and golden objects that rested on his desks and dresser were reflecting the moonlight splendidly along with the wonderful reflection of his treasured mirror.
"Moonlight... " He shivered, "I thought I closed the curtains... and the window... " With a questionable gaze his attention turned to the curtains that were flowing with the icy breeze.
"Did one of the servants sneak in here?" He frowned, "Blasted commoners. I shall have them found and fired first thing in the morning." His horn glowed a vibrant blue and his window shut itself stiffly. The curtains returned to their former positions and Blueblood rested his head back onto his impossibly comfortable pillow.
The closing of his eyes was interrupted by the sound of the curtains drawing back.
"What?!" He growled angrily, "That isn't funny-
There, standing next to the window and bathed in the glory of the moon was a tall, dark figure. It's arms and legs were long and it wore strange garments over its fleshy body. He couldn't see its face, but its imposing form was more than enough to make him feel the blades of fear jab into his heart.
"No... " Blueblood blinked, his eyes widening, "You can't be... "
The creature cackled, its shoulders rising.
"Get away... get back you demon creature! Guards! GUARDS!"
"They can't hear you... " The creature chuckled, its voice sending shards of ice up Blueblood's spine, "Nobody can... "
Blueblood pulled himself away too far off the bed and dropped onto his overly expensive violet carpet.
"What... what do you want?!" Blueblood shrieked, his eyes wide as his horn began to glow, "I'm... I'm a prince! I-I can have you-
"You can't hurt me... " The monster rumbled, "Nothing can. You're not safe here... You will NEVER be safe here... "
"Nononononono... " Blueblood panicked, "Get away... get away!" He scooted back onto the carpet, his body trembling uncontrollably. The creature gave out a throaty laugh and chipped away whatever courage Blueblood ever had. He watched it take slow footsteps towards him, its claws closing together to form a fist.
"I've never eaten royalty before... " The creature laughed in the dark, "Should I have you grilled? Stewed? Boiled?... Or should I have you... RAW?... RAW and ALIVE."
"No!" Blueblood cried out, "PLEASE! DON'T KILL ME! I'LL GIVE YOU ANYTHING!"
"I know... " The creature chuckled, "You're going to give me... DINNER." Blueblood watched as three sharp blades emerged from the creature's fists. He sat terrified as the creature opened its jaws, seeing its horrid eyes and its sharp canines. The creature let out a growl like no other and the room shook with its voice.
"AAUGUAHGUAGHAHAHAAUGHAUHUAHAUAAGUAHUAHAUAGHAUAHGUGHAUAGHAGU!" Blueblood screamed, his large doors thrusting themselves open as the stallion sprinted down the hallway with pure white foam emerging from his mouth, his eyes rolling around in their sockets. The mercenaries that had been stationed outside of his room watched as the prince smashed into the wall at the end of the hallway before taking a direct left. Their mouths gaping, they quickly rushed over and took a look into Blueblood's room.
"Um... " One of the mercenaries scratched his head, "Did... anything happen in here? I sure didn't hear anything out there... and I can't see anything weird either... " His glanced up to see the closed windows and curtains of Blueblood's room.
"Yeah... " Another said, "Only odd thing is that strange wet patch on the floor. It smells kinda like- OH CELESTIA'S HOLY FETLOCKS THAT IS DISGUSTING!"
This won't be the last we see of Blueblood.