//------------------------------// // Three Little Fillies (Pt1|Ch3) // Story: My Little Argonian: Family is Sacred // by Warren Peace //------------------------------// Chapter Three: Three Little Fillies “I...I need a breath of fresh air,” I said, pushing myself to my feet faster than I should have, causing my head to swim. Making my way over to the bed with a hand at my forehead, I grabbed my belt. I double checked my twin knives and slipped the belt around my waist, buckling it in front. “Would you like me to open some windows?” The pegasus replied, hopping over to a window and opening it. She repeated the action on another window before turning back to my retreating form, “Oh...um, where are you going?” “Get some fresh air,” I replied, limping towards the door, “Outside.” Don’t you think putting on a bit more clothing is a good idea before going out? My mind asked. All I have is my armor, one of the most recognizable sets of armor in all Tamriel... Except that we aren’t in Tamriel, My mind cut in. Just shut-up, I replied, I need...I need some alone time. “But you really need to get your rest so you can get better!” The pegasus exclaimed from behind me. I didn’t bless her with a reply, instead making my careful way down the stairs in silence. She followed me down, right behind me every step. “Please come back,” she tried again. “No,” I replied, “I’m going out to get some fresh air.” “I can open more windows in your room if you like,” the pegasus tempted. At the bottom of the stairs now, I spied Twilight eyeing me curiously past a book held in that magenta glow. I glared back at her as I made my way towards the door, my right palm against the pommel of my right knife just in case. “Is everything okay, Fluttershy?” Twilight asked, switching her gaze from me to the pegasus. And we finally have a name for that one, My mind commented. “Oh...well, I guess so...” Fluttershy replied, stopping a few feet from the bottom of the stairs, “...but he really should be getting some rest.” Twilight looked over at me as I opened the door and stepped out, if she said anything then I missed it. Outside, cold air bit at me like a wolf. It wasn’t the worst I’d ever felt; being in the middle of the Sea of Ghosts with only my armor was still at the top, but it was still uncomfortable. Fortunately enough, the sun had risen and my black scales began to absorb the sun’s heat. I stared over the surroundings as I took a deep breath, filling my lungs with fresh air. A single path led away from the cottage, towards what appeared to be the town, Ponyville as Fluttershy had called it. Towns always spelled unease for me and despite the fact that I was no longer in Tamriel, this one felt no different. A wild assortment of animals frolicked around the general area, few sparing me any look and those that did only briefly doing so. I was surprised that none of them fled as wild animals usually do. Perhaps they’re tamed? My mind offered. This many animals? I replied, I doubt it. I moved up the river, away from the bridge and cottage. Limping alongside the bank of the river until I found a flat spot in the grass, I took an awkward seat. Out of habit, I drew my left knife and stabbed it into the ground behind and off to the side of me, placing my hand next to it and using my left arm as a support to lean on. This way my left hand could be used as support and still be near my weapon in case I needed it. I looked back at the house and saw that Fluttershy was standing just outside her door, fixing me with a worried look. I turned back and ignored her, staring at the water as it rushed by, an occasional leaf being carried like a small boat downstream. The constant effect that the crystal clear substance gave had a trance-like effect that drew me away from the world, letting me alone with only my thoughts. Now I can think, I thought, reviewing the talk with Sithis again, going over every little detail in my head. The part about the visitor confused me, not in the sense of what to do, which was clear, but in whom the visitor’s identity would be. In the times of old, back before the Brotherhood’s steady decline until recent years, a speaker would visit a potential brother or sister in their sleep when they showed potential. So did that mean that there were already Dark Brotherhood members in Equestria? Then again, if that were the case then why did Sithis need me to spread his unholy light? Couldn’t the present family members do it themselves? Seems to me you should be taking our friend Fluttershy’s advice and have a little nap, see about this ‘Visitor,’ My mind said, Then you’ll know for sure who it is. No, I replied. Well why not? Bringing the dread father’s unholy light to a whole new land? You being the bearer of this light? I’m certain most of our former family would give their right hands for such and honor. True, I conceded, but I don’t like being manipulated against my will... Well maybe you should have... My mind cut in, only to have me do the same back. Yes, killing the Listener was not the best thing I could have done, and this is fair punishment. Perhaps I deserve to be manipulated against my will for my heresy, but that doesn’t mean that I have to go along with it like one of these many leaves! I gestured towards yet another leaf being carried downstream with my right hand, then went back to fingering the pommel of my right knife. The sound of grass being quietly tread underfoot reached my ears and I snapped back to reality, turning. My left hand went to my left knife as my eyes met Twilight’s. She froze for a second, giving an awkward smile, before taking another few steps closer and plopping down on the grass, facing the water as I was. “Counting the leaves as they go by?” She asked in a friendly tone. I offered only silence for a count of ten before replying with, “No. Thinking.” “About what?” “Nothing that concerns you,” I replied, not taking my gaze from her, “What do you want?” “Well I just wanted a little polite conversation; maybe get to know you better,” she replied defensively, “I mean, for instance, what are you? Fluttershy says that you aren’t a dragon, but if that's the case then I don’t know what...” “A dragon?” I growled, turning towards her with fire in my eyes and a memory taking my vision... 0 . o . 0 “Hey, lizard!” called a voice behind me. I took a sip of my drink, hoping that the bastard would go back to his own drink and knowing that wasn’t going to happen. Locking eyes with the table I was sitting at, I took another sip from my dirty mug. Clumsy footsteps hurried over to the table and the maker of the steps crashed into the table I was sitting at, intoxicated with drink. The foul smell of his breath berated me as the man spoke again. “I’m talkin’ a’ you, lizard!” The man slurred, I didn’t need to look at him to tell that he was a nord. I took another sip of my drink, still holding onto the false hope that he’d go away. “What you doin’ in Windhelm, lizard? You some kinda spy like them greyskins? Or maybe some a priest with that fancy black robe?” You could say that we are...a priest of Sithis! My mind said. “No, Rolff,” Another voice said, this one to my front right, opposite the first man, “He ain’t a spy fer the greyskins, he’s a spy fer the dragons!” The two foul-smelling bastards found this very quite hilarious, seeing as they were overcome with laughter for some time. I looked into my mug before turning slightly to look around the room. The few other late night patrons seemed to engrossed in their drinks, the lone bard playing a quiet tune on a flute. My twin knives were stuck deep in my pack, already bloodied not a few hours ago, and my bow wouldn’t do the trick at this range. I shouldn’t have stopped for a drink, not in Windhelm. But you did, and now you have to deal with these whoresons, my mind commented. I looked down into my mug, seeing that there wasn’t much drink left. Waste not, want not, I thought, drinking down the rest in a big gulp. “That’s it, ain’t it, lizard, yer a stinkin spy fer them dragons! Heh, maybe you’re some kinda dragon...” My mug retorted by connecting with the side of the brute’s head, the wood splintering as it made impact. To deal with the other ugly son of a bitch, I stood and thrust the table at him, hitting him in the gut and sending him backwards with his friend. The first to go down was the first to begin getting up. “I’ll kill you, you filthy...” My reply cut him off as I stomped on his hand and he let out a cry. I retorted then with a kick to the head and another stomp to the gut to keep him down. Stepping over him, I planted my fist into the second man’s forehead, putting him back down on the ground. As a final touch, I planted my left foot just below the joint of his right leg and delivered a harsh kick to the joint, dislocating his leg and causing him to cry out in pain. “Fornicating nord drunks,” I hissed. Turning to go, I happened to look up at the rest of the room again. The music had stopped and all eyes were on me. Two of the patrons had risen from their seats and looked ready to draw their weapons if the need be. I glared back at those who gave me the same treatment before moving towards the stairs and descending them. “What’s going on up there?” The barmaid asked as I came down, all eyes looking towards the stairs. “Couple of drunks,” I replied, pushing my way past the door and into the frigid cold of Eastmarch... 0 . o . 0 “What in Sithis’s name makes you think I’m a fornicating dragon!” I growled angrily. There was no more ignoring racist bastards, this pony wasn’t going to get the chance to walk away quietly, I'd had it. Calm down, Aram. I’m sure... No, you be quiet! I had enough insults from those filthy nords, I’m not going to be insulted by a talking unicorn! Twilight opened her mouth to reply, but I wasn’t finished, “Does it look like I have wings? Do I look like I’m the size of a damned building?” Ready to attack, I stared at Twilight, who appeared, of all things, confused. “I’m sorry if I offended you,” she said, leaning away slightly, “That wasn’t my intention, it’s just that some of the dragons I’ve seen don’t have wings, some aren’t even all that big. I think that even some of them might confuse you for one of their own if you ever met one.” I continued to glare at her, unable think of anything to reply with. Much like when she didn’t attack me in the cottage, I was caught off guard. I’d never had someone concede wrongdoing, only push even harder once they knew it got under my scales. See, she didn’t know any better. Be quiet. In an attempt to fill the silence, Twilight continued, “So...what are you exactly? I can’t say I’ve read about anything like you in any of my books.” “It doesn’t matter what I am,” I replied, still angry but calming down. Twilight made a confused look for a second before asking, “Why not?” “Because I say so,” I explained. “Well why do you say so? Do you have a secret or something?” Twilight asked, annoyance rising. “I don’t need to tell you.” “But...ugh!” Twilight groaned, “Just...can you tell me anything about you?” “No,” I replied, anger at her insistence growing, “I want to be by myself. Now go away,” My eyes stuck to her a moment longer before I turned back to the running water to be alone with my thoughts. My hand remaining on the hilt of my left knife; I doubted that Twilight was of any threat to me but I’ve been wrong before. Annoyed mutterings under her breath, Twilight gave up and left after a few more seconds, trotting off towards Fluttershy’s cottage. As she retreated, a question of my own entered my head and I turned back towards Twilight. “Wait,” I said, halting her in her tracks. “Yes?” Twilight replied, turning her head back towards me. “You have not heard of men, mer,” I asked, "or betmer?" “I...can’t say I have,” she admitted, “Is that what you are?” I struggled over an answer for a second before replying, “Betmer, yes. But men, elves, orsimer, khajiit, argonian, none of these are words you’re familiar with?” Twilight squinted in thought for a set of seconds before shaking her head, “No. Can you tell me, by any chance, what those words mean? I’m always up for learning new things, for instance there was this one time...” “Creatures of my homeland, Tamriel,” I cut her off, simply wanting her gone now, “I’ve told you enough. Now leave me in peace.” With that, I turned my head back towards the water. For a short time, Twilight stared at me, unsure of whether or not to push for more information. Having dealt with asking me questions already, she eventually came to the conclusion to not push any further, at least for now, and she headed back up the hill towards the cottage. 0 . o . 0 . o . 0 Fluttershy’s cottage... “Fluttershy, you’ll be okay alone with...well whatever he is?” Twilight asked. “Hm? Oh yes, I think I’ll be quite fine. With some tender, loving care he should be right as rain in no time,” Fluttershy smiled, the smile faded and she added, “Well...so long as I can get him to rest and take some medicine if he gets sick.” “I mean...” Twilight threw a glance towards the door and lowered her voice, “What I mean is...do you think it’s safe? He looks dangerous and he’s none too friendly to us ponies. I have to get back to the library for now, but I might be able to start a shift with our other friends so that at least one of them is here in case he tries something.” “Plenty of creatures look scary, Twilight,” Fluttershy reasoned, going about her daily feeding routine to the animals that had remained inside the cottage, making sure that the sick creatures got their share, “But that doesn’t make them bad. I’m sure our friend outside is just grumpy or scared, he’s probably still in pain too. “All he needs is a little kindness,” Fluttershy turned to her friend, “and with some rest, I’m sure he’ll be in a much better mood...do you remember when we had to go searching for the Elements of Harmony? That poor manticore who had a thorn in his paw...” Twilight chuckled nostalgically, “I do. I guess if there’s one pony who I can trust to take care of a...whatever he is, it’s you, Fluttershy.” 0 . o . 0 . o . 0 Back outside, bushes giving a clear view of a certain argonian... The event of a black-scaled creature turning up outside of Fluttershy’s cottage hadn’t been kept a secret from the Ponyville populace, it simply didn’t register much interest for the most part. It had been the topic of comment for a few days and the reason for the creation of a certain cupcake, but aside from a very small group, it wasn’t very interesting. But about that small group... The three young heroines had been tracking the monster for days now. They’d finally caught a glimpse of the fabled creature as it rested by a stream and were now observing it. Although their rations of celery sticks (with peanut butter) and juice boxes was running short, they dared not risk heading back to town lest they lose sight of the great beast...well at least not until their elders came looking for them. “Anythin’ yet?” Apple Bloom asked, looking back towards her flank. “No, sorry Apple Bloom, nothing,” Scootaloo answered, “How about me?” “No,” Apple Bloom confirmed sadly. “Has he done anything yet?” Sweetie Belle asked, poised to take notes on the monster’s behavior via crayon and construction paper. The two lookouts went back to peeking through the bush that was currently their cover. “Nope, still hasn’t moved a muscle,” Scootaloo reported. “Maybe we ought to move closer,” Apple Bloom reasoned, “Get a better look at him.” Scootaloo nodded in agreement, not living up to being a chicken. “Well I guess,” Sweetie Belle agreed, tucking her crayon behind her ear and getting up. With that, the two lookouts lifted their bushy cover and began to discreetly inch up closer to their target. Of course, in this case, discreetly was a rather subjective term. 0 . o . 0 . o . 0 Riverbank... From my top peripheral, something moved, distracting me from my thinking. I looked up and could have sworn that I saw a small bush move. Squinting suspiciously, I glared at the bush and the rest of the area before looking back to the river. I let my mind calm, sorting through the many thoughts as I got back into a meditative state of... Another flicker of movement drew me out of my trance and again I looked up. I wasn’t entirely sure, but I could have sworn that the small bush I had spotted earlier had moved. I fixed the bush with a look, daring it to move. Did you see it move? I inquired. Can’t say I did, my mind replied, But unless you’re losing it, I can’t see why a bush would move. Examining it told me that the bush was too small to hide an average-sized, based on the ones I had seen so far, pony. That either meant that the bush wasn’t moving or it was being moved by something else. I turned around and searched the area behind me, making certain that the bush wasn’t a distraction for someone to slip a dagger into my back. From the look of things, it wasn’t. I looked back at the bush to see that it was sitting where it had been the last time I’d looked at it. It took some time, but eventually I set my gaze back on the flowing water. This time, however, I waited with a clear mind instead of trying to meditate, keeping the bush in my upper peripherals. I waited a time and, to my unease, there was movement in my upper vision. This time I only moved my eyes, flickering them up so as not to move my head. Now I had a clear view of the bush, which was moving at a slow pace towards and to the right of me. Watching the bush as discreetly as I could, I found both my knives with each of my hands, setting a palm on each hilt. I cursed myself for not bringing my bow. Then again, with my right arm the way it was, I wasn’t so sure it would be of any help in the first place. Further study of the bush gave me a look at what appeared to be small legs at the bottom of it, two sets of what looked like four. I couldn’t be sure at the distance and angle, but it was a good guess as any. Steadying my breathing, I calmed my heart and waited to see what was going to happen. 0 . o . 0 . o . 0 The bush... The small trio of grand adventurer’s hearts were racing. Just recently, the great monster that they were deftly stalking had almost spotted them. The first time they had almost certainly been seen, but the other time they had been ready and were able to get down without causing any noticeable alarm. Two pairs of eyes watched carefully through the brush, on edge for any sign of movement from their target. “Has he moved at all?” Sweetie Belle whispered, not daring to make much noise for fear of alerting the beast. “Negative,” replied Scootaloo, “He’s still staring at the water.” 0 . o . 0 . o . 0 Back on the riverbank... The sound of a door opening behind me drew my attention from the moving bush and back towards the cottage. The bush dropped the second I moved my head, turning back into a normal bush. I noted that the bush was now only a series of yards across the riverbank from me. My gaze found Fluttershy, now outside of her cottage. The animals I had seen earlier gathered around her as she took to feeding them. So they are tamed, this Fluttershy must have quite a way with animals. Indeed, I agreed, turning to find the bush a yard closer than before. I glared at it for a few seconds, swearing that I could see two sets of eyes staring back at me, before looking back at the water and watching it from my peripherals. 0 . o . 0 . o . 0 The bush again... The monster went back to looking at the water and the three crusaders gave a collective sigh of relief. The black-scaled monster that was now no more than a set of yards away still hadn’t noticed them. The added player of Fluttershy on the board made things slightly more difficult. They would have to watch two different creatures if they wanted to keep their disguise. That said, the trio decided to wait out Fluttershy’s stay. Hopefully she’d either go back inside, go into town, or... ...or head towards the monster! “Uh-oh,” Commented Scootaloo. “What?” Squeaked Sweetie Belle. “Fluttershy’s headin’ towards the monster!” Apple Bloom whispered in reply, “We gotta do somethin’ before it gobbles her up!” “But what?” Scootaloo asked. Apple Bloom pondered for a moment before an idea popped into her head. “Listen up, y’all. Here’s what we’re gonna do...” 0 . o . 0 . o . 0 Riverbank again... I chanced a glance back at Fluttershy, seeing her headed my way. Keeping eye contact caused her to look away from my eyes, but keep coming towards me. “What is it?” I asked her. Fluttershy halted a yard or two away, “Oh...well, um...I was wondering if you were...” “Charge!” Interrupted a young voice, causing me to snap my head around. The bush exploded as three small ponies charged from it. Each galloped forwards full tilt and I knew that I wouldn’t be able to get up in time to stop them from...tripping over a rock and splashing into the water of the river. Fluttershy hopped back with an “Eep!” of fright while I stared at the rather comical spectacle before me, a ghost of a smile crossing my face. “Fluttershy! Watch out!” An orange pegasus called, getting to her hooves and pointing one at me, “The monster’s gonna eat you!” “Oh my, where’d you three...” Fluttershy’s eyes grew wider as she registered what the smaller pegasus had just said, “M-m-m-monster!? Where?” “Right there!” Squeaked a small white unicorn, adding her hoof to the first pointed at me. “Don’t ya see him?” A yellow pony with neither horn nor wings asked. Fluttershy traced the hoof to the source, meeting my eyes for a moment before looking back at my three would-be assailants. “B-but he’s not a monster...” she said, slightly dumbfounded and very much confused, “...He’s a...well, a...” “I’m an argonian,” I addressed the three younglings with a smile, who upon making their way over to my side of the riverbank had shook themselves dry. “What’s that?” The pegasus asked, tapping the side of her head to get some unwanted water from her ear. I threw a glance at Fluttershy, who looked just as curious as the three younger ones. She’d find out eventually anyways, My mind commented, Just tell the little ones. “We’re reptilians from a land called Argonia, or Black Marsh,” I replied, turning towards the three little ponies. Guessing their next question, I continued, “It’s a land that’s very far away from here.” “Oh,” The yellow pony said, “So yer not a monster?” I shook my head. “So you don’t want to eat Fluttershy?” The pegasus asked, aiming a hoof at the pegasus in question. “No,” I chuckled, “I don’t want to eat Fluttershy, I don’t eat meat.” You eat fish, My mind put in. Fish aren’t meat, shut-up. “Aww,” the three chorused, all looking downtrodden. I stared confusedly at the downcast trio, what did I say to make them sad? “I guess we won’t get a monster hunting cutie mark, then,” the pegasus said. “What’s a cutie mark?” I asked, trying to change the subject. I hated seeing sorrowful children. This was a time of joy and discovery, one last breath before the real world hit them with full force. A time that I had far too little of before the real world struck me... 0 . o . 0 Flame and smoke in the cold Eastmarch air, heat in front of me with cold at my back... 0 . o . 0 I shook my head, not wanting any memories now. The trio perked up at my question. “Ya don’t know what a cutie mark is?” The yellow one asked. “No,” I replied, looking interested more for their sake than my own, “What is it?” “It’s a mark you get on your flank when you find your special talent,” the unicorn replied, pointing to her own flank. “Yeah,” agreed the pegasus, “Everypony else in our class already has their cutie mark, but no matter what, we never get ours.” “But that’s why we’re...” the yellow one began. “The Cutie Mark Crusaders!” The trio yelled, almost knocking me onto my back. “I see,” I said, rubbing an ear. “I bet you didn’t see us sneaking up on you!” The pegasus boasted proudly, “We were super-duper sneaky!” “You’re right, I didn’t,” I lied for their sake, “You three were very sneaky.” “Hey!” the unicorn cried, “Maybe our special talents have to do with sneaking!” “Yeah!” the pegasus agreed, “We could be spies!” “Or...maybe secret agents!” the yellow one said. “Or saboteurs!” the unicorn chimed in. Or assassins! My mind added, causing me to flinch, a memory of the assassin at the orphanage...the splash of blood...the sight of Grelod collapsing into a pool of her own blood...the day I knew my destiny... “What’s a sabotoor?” the pegasus asked, confused as her yellow friend. “A saboteur,” the unicorn corrected before explaining rather smartly, “Is somepony who commits sabotage.” “Oh...wait, what’s sabotage?” The unicorn went on to explain what sabotage was, but I wasn’t listening as Fluttershy got my attention. “So, um...are you hungry? I could make you another nice warm bowl of broth if you’d like,” She offered quietly with a smile. Maybe she’s going to put poison in it, My mind teased. Shut-up, I replied, “Yes.” Where are your manners? Can I hear a... “Thank you,” I added before my mind could finish. Fluttershy, having taken my order, turned to leave. I was more looking for please, but that works too, I guess. “Play nicely, you three,” Fluttershy requested as she left, “Mister...argonian isn’t feeling his best now.” “Okay, Fluttershy,” The Cutie Mark Crusaders chorused cheerfully, looking like a trio of little angels for a moment. “So what are your names?” I asked, looking over the three little ponies. “Ah’m Apple Bloom,” the yellow one answered. “My name’s Scootaloo,” the pegasus replied. “I’m Sweetie Belle,” the unicorn squeaked. “So what’s your name, mister?” Apple Bloom asked. “I’m Aram Falíe,” I said.