A sweet smell wafted through the air as Vice, Enzo, and Blitz stood outside a towering building. The construct was crafted out of what seemed to be pastries. The sugar frosted roof sat pleasantly atop a beige colored exterior with intricate designs flowing towards the bottom. A cupcake tower erected from the base of the building, short purple candles protruded unlit from the top. “Damn that smells good! Ahem, uh, so we’re all ready. We know the plan right?”
“No.”
Vice snickered as Enzo and Blitz disagreed with his statement in lighthearted unison. “Right, right. Well then, let’s just wait on Clyde, eh?” Vice said as he peered into the night sky. Luna’s moon was just rising as Celestia’s sun was just disappearing under the blackening horizon. Several clouds drifted mildly in the pale blue sky. Strangely, no breeze or wind had occurred in the presence of the trio. Only Luna’s shining grace affected the ponies. “Yeah, this is boring stuff,” Vice chimed in. He peered at the other two silent ponies before making a remark. “So, Blitz. You’ve made all these shenanigans about ya leg being broken. Looks brand new to me.”
“The same could be said about your wings,” Blitz replied back with a grin.
“Clever girl,” Vice said. Blitz raised an eyebrow.
“I’m not a gir-”
“It’s a reference, dude. Well, maybe you wouldn’t get it.” Vice lost his energy and received a sharp blow from Enzo on the back. “Yeah, I get it, Enzo.”
Blitz just stood once more confused at the two ponies’ conversation. 'Again, I sit in the dark unable to understand what the heck these two are talking about,' Blitz thought with aggravation. He looked at Luna’s bright moon and sighed. 'Come on Fuzzy, you love parties. Where are you?'
“So about that leg, eh?” Vice said breaking Blitz’s thoughts of Fuzzy Fry.
“Fine, if you insist. I guess it’s something to talk about since Twilight is amazing with her magic,” said Blitz appraisingly. “We spent some time looking for this book. I forgot what it was called, but she was able to cast a sort of healing spell on my leg.” Blitz paused at Vice’s doubtful face, but continued telling his story despite his countenance. “Let’s just say her magic encircles my bones.” Another pause as Vice gave a grumble of confusion. “What I meant to say was that she put a sort of invisible cast on my leg. It’s like magic, but you can’t see it.”
“Good lord you sound so baked,” Vice concluded. “Like, damn, I’m not following, but okay. I guess that makes sense, magic and all.” An awkward silence followed with Vice’s words. The trio continued to wait in the solid nighttime. A faint breeze finally rustled past the ponies and rested cool air on their backs. The breeze started to get louder and more intense until Vice put up a hoof to block the wind.
“Sorry boys,” a heavy voice broke in from above. “Landing isn’t always easy.”
“Especially for a big guy like yourself,” Vice said with a malevolent smile.
“Yes,” Clyde said with an upset tone. “Anyway, since we’re all accounted for, why don’t we have ourselves a party?” Clyde motioned the trio to enter. Vice quickly strode behind Clyde followed by a bubbly Blitz and hesitant Enzo. As the chocolate looking door opened, blasts of music and odors of pastries assaulted the senses of the posse.
“Welcome to Sugarcube Corner!” a high pitched voice squealed in front of Vice in particular. “Where all the cool ponies come to party!”
“Cool ponies, eh? That’s me!” Vice said proudly. He eyed the pink pony in front of him with curiously. She had an undying smile and kept staring right into Vice’s eyes. “So, uh, what are we doing?”
“Partying!” Pinkie Pie said redundantly.
“Yeah, I got that part, but-”
“Miss Pinkie Pie!” Clyde shouted the pony’s name as he came rushing over in delight. “I’m sorry to delay; I’m to blame for out lateness. I had to take care of some guard duty.” Clyde wrinkled his mustache in embarrassment.
“That’s okay Clyde! All that matters is that we’re all here. So let’s get to jammin’!” The pink pony said as she bounced away into an endless sea of ponies.
“This is one of those awkward parties where you know no one and you don’t know what to do so you end up sitting on the couch or something drinking-” Vice stopped mid sentence as he realized no one was listening to him. He noticed that Clyde, Blitz and Enzo had already disappeared and cursed to himself. As he did so, he cursed himself even harder. 'Holy shit, I don’t have my trench coat'. Vice frantically craned his head back and forth, but subsided the effort. He looked ahead at the happiness flowing from the crowd of ponies, the tables lined with sweet desserts and pleasant music flowing through the air. 'Screw it, I’m handicapped,' he thought with feigned pride.
“…over here!” Vice heard and recognized the extremely masculine voice and headed to the origin. He spotted a tall white figure and trotted eagerly towards it. As he reached Clyde, he stopped dead in his tracks and let his mouth fly off his face.
“You!” he called in fury.
A rainbow pegasus looked strangely at Vice before doing a double take and dropping her mouth as well. “What the-”
“We’ve got a score to settle! Me and you, outside, race!” Vice said quickly. This initiated a genuine laugh from the other pegasus.
“Another race? You’re-”
“Not on.” A voice cut in and instantly shut down both ponies. A purple mare stepped forward and gave both ponies an unamused expression. “Pinkie didn’t throw this party just so we can all get into trouble.”
“INDEED!” Clyde boomed in agreement. “This is a time of repose and enjoyment, not fighting!” Clyde calmed himself before continuing. “Now, if you boys will listen up-"
“These young ladies must be the Elements of Harmony,” Vice blurted out just noticing a select group of mares in front of him. He also just noticed Blitz and Enzo on standby behind Clyde.
“Erm, yes, that is correct,” said Clyde with a bit of surprise.
“Ohhh, snipe! Boom, chick-chick.” Vice made a gesture of pointing his hoof in the general direction of the two groups and pulled it back sharply before releasing it like punch.
“But, you don’t snipe with a shot-”
“I understand. Bear with me, Enzo,” Vice said forcibly cutting off Enzo’s dialogue. “Now then, let me introduce myself to all of y’alls.” Vice gained a huge grin as he posed with pride. “Name’s Vict-uhh, Vicer!” Vice stumbled a bit forward as he corrected himself once more. “Vicer, but you can call me Vice. Pleased to meet you ladies,” he said with more confidence.
“Uh, what was that?” Applejack said sternly.
“My name is Vice,” said Vice as slowly and clear as possible.
“What was that earlier? You said-”
“Vice is a weird guy,” Blitz said with an awkward laugh. “Sorry.”
“Ahem, I think I’ll do the introducing,” Clyde stated firmly. No one objected to the idea and Clyde coughed to clear his throat. “Boys, as you know, the Elements of Harmony are well known for stopping certain evil and-”
“Cut the BS, Clyde, just tell me who’s who," Vice asked.
“Hmph, what a rude pony.” Vice looked up meekly and noticed that a white mare had said the statement. Her mane was flowing purple with pristine curls on the end. She spoke in a very stately manner, her sapphire eyes looked coyly at Vice. Her similarly coiled, violet tail wagged teasingly as Vice stared at the captivating white mare.
“Holy as-” Vice stopped himself as he realized he was thinking out loud. “Right, Clyde, continue.” Clyde sighed and pointed at the white mare.
“That is Miss Rarity.” The pony known as Rarity brushed he hair aside and smiled brightly.
“Thank you, Clyde. At least some stallions have manners around here.” Vice shuddered as he was insulted by the mare.
“Indeed. Now, over there is Miss Rainbow Dash.” As Clyde announced her name, the rainbow mare jumped up into the air and did a swift, short loop-de-loop before returning to the ground.
“That’s me, the best flier in all of Equestria,” she boasted gracefully. Vice was apt to protest, but was shut down by Clyde with a hoof on shoulder reminder.
“This is Miss Fluttershy,” Clyde continued with a point towards the pale, yellow mare. She sheepishly stepped up and gave a short nod and smile before returning to her position, looking away from the wandering eyes. Clyde continued to introduce the Elements, each with their own unique introduction. The trio of Vice, Blitz and Enzo observed soundlessly as they awaited their own turns to announce themselves. “Now then, as you mares know, I’ve been travelling and assisting a few select ponies. These stallions are excellent ponies full of energy and I am delighted that I met them the way I did.” Clyde gave a wink to Vice in particular.
“Riiight, so yeah as you know, I’m Vice.” The pony emphasized his name with vigor.
“Oh, oh, oh, what are those metal thingamajigs on your wings?” Pinkie Pie asked with bouncing excitement.
“Yeah, what exactly are those things?” Rainbow Dash added with playful suspicion.
“I’m handicapped, I need ‘em to survive. They’re my saving grace, my pride and my glory.” Vice said the words passionately and with force. “They’re a part of me that I need.” Vice poked around his head and noticed Enzo almost scurrying away. He laughed maliciously and went to grab Enzo by the scarf. As he did so, Enzo put up little resistance. The black stallion found himself being dragged towards the center of the circle. All eyes went on him as he helplessly shivered with fright. “This, this is Enzo.”
“…”
“He’s a shy guy, so go easy on him.” A lulled quietness followed as Enzo stood frozen in place with a dozen eyes staring into his soul. He let countless seconds tick away before gaining a tinge of confidence.
“…hello.” Enzo kept his cardinal red eyes glued to the wooden ground as he started to feel cold sweat slide down his head. He gulped hardly and looked up only to find himself staring right into the bright blue eyes of Fluttershy. At this point, his whole body went into shock and he jolted upright. Hard tightness filled Enzo’s chest as his pounded faster than he could think. A reassuring hoof of confidence settled his body down.
“Yeah, he’s not the best at introductions, but that’s Enzo for ya!” Vice chuckled as he lifted his hoof off Enzo’s back and ushered him towards Clyde. The duo talked in private and Blitz took the opportunity to speak up.
“Hello, everypony. Um, I’m Blitz and I-uh, I-” Blitz shut himself down as he realized he didn’t even have a plan, let alone explain what his talent was. He concluded that he had no talent. “Um.”
“You control the element of ice,” a pony answered for him. Blitz, as well as every other pony in the vicinity, turned towards Twilight. “Isn’t that right? At least from what I’ve seen.”
“Yeah, I guess you can say that,” Blitz agreed with a short burst of doubt. 'I don’t control ice, I control maybe snowflakes,' he thought sullenly. He watched Twilight give him an approving nod and smiled. 'You know what, maybe I do control ice. I’ll have to talk to Twilight about this.' Blitz looked around at the mares before comfortably retreating back to his spot next to Clyde. As he did so, the circle dispersed and Blitz ran up to Twilight. “Hey, thanks for that.”
“No problem,” Twilight said delightfully. “I think it’s important to have a talent that’s suited for you. I know you may not be comfortable with that term, but maybe it’ll give you something to work towards.”
“Yeah.” Blitz didn’t know how to respond.
“How’s that cast holding up?”
“Good, uh, its working wonders?” Blitz didn’t intend for his response to be in the form of a question.
“They don’t call me the Element of Magic for nothing,” Twilight claimed jokingly.
“Right.” Blitz decided to leave it at that. He couldn’t comprehend why it was difficult to talk to Twilight at this moment so he called off the conversation. 'At least things are peaceful for once.' He eyed Vice and Enzo talking with Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy. He then observed Clyde laughing with Pinkie Pie and the mare known as Rarity. He rubbed the back of his head and lowered it. 'C’mon, Fuzzy, everyone’s waiting for you to arrive. The ponies here are the most welcoming I’ve ever seen. It’s so peaceful and enjoyable, the most fun I’ve had in years. Wherever you are, whatever shenanigans you’re up to, please hurry up.'
~~~~~~~~~~
Vice sulked and let his entire body drop as Rainbow Dash tried to suppress a giggle. Enzo and Fluttershy watched as the two ponies went at each other. “I told you, I let you off easy.”
“You tricked me! I saw you, you were lying around...and stuff. I was going to have the upper hand,” Vice defended weakly. “And besides, you still haven’t agreed to a rematch.”
“That’s because I don’t wanna embarrass you anymore,” Rainbow Dash said harshly. “I mean, well, I didn’t mean-” The ego of the rainbow mare disappeared as she stopped abruptly from going any further.
“No need to sympathize with me. Trust me, I’ve heard much worse.” Vice waved off the remark with his metal wing and grinned. He proceeded to slide his body next to Enzo and whispered in his ear. “Yo, you look like a sad statue.” Enzo still kept still and motionless as Vice eagerly spoke to the black stallion. “It’s pretty obvious that you two are being quiet. Why don’t ya say something? I mean, it won’t hurt anybody.” Enzo creaked his eyes and looked at Fluttershy who was equally as intimidated as Enzo. He could tell that she was fidgeting unevenly and that she was avoiding all eye contact whatsoever.
“How?
“Just go up to her and say hi. It’s not rocket science, buddy, just say hi, how are you,” Vice said wrapping his hoof around Enzo. The stallion gulped timidly and nodded slowly before releasing himself. He made his way towards Fluttershy, his heart pounded with triple the normal rate it usually did. He started to feel warm around his ears as he neared the yellow mare.
'Okay, just say hi, just say hi,' Enzo thought certainly. 'Hi, hi, hi-oh!' Fluttershy sheepishly raised her head as Enzo walked up to her. He forced a smile against his own will and spoke. “Hi-”
“Well, lookie what we got here!” a voice sneered. Both Enzo and Fluttershy turned their heads to see a large, dark brown stallion striding towards them with a viscous smirk. His cream mane covered his harrowing blue eyes as they stared menacingly at the two ponies. “If it isn’t Fluttershy, or should I said Klutzershy. Who’s you’re boyfriend?” The mammoth stallion bellowed a sick laugh as both Enzo and Fluttershy blushed in speechless helplessness. “Hey boys, get over here! I found us some entertainment.” On cue, two more equally large stallions placed themselves on both sides of their leader.
“Oh, Fluttershy, yeah you’re a clutz!” one of the ponies repeated. His dull orange body bobbed along with his brown mane as he chuckled obnoxiously. Revealing no eyes through his thick hair, the pony simply withheld a malicious grin as he pointed and laughed at Enzo and Fluttershy. An equal counterpart in build and mane simply laughed along, his gray coat and black mane resembled that of the other pony.
“Shut it, Hoops. You too Score, quit your laughing,” the ringleader said. “Oh I’m sorry there, buddy, I didn’t introduce myself.” The pony puffed out his chest and held his head up high arrogantly. “Name’s Dumbbell.”
Enzo gave Fluttershy a glance of despair as he helplessly watched the gang of bullies harass her. He tightened his jaw and clenched his teeth. With narrowed eyes and a racing heart, Enzo stepped forward and looked Dumbbell directly in the eyes. “Stop this.” The words came out weaker than he anticipated and in a wobbly mess. “Leave her alone.” Enzo’s voice cracked and he lost all hope.
“Ohoho, boys, look at this. Looks like we got ourselves a hero here!” Dumbbell initiated a collective laugh amongst his cronies. “This is too good. Fluttershy, when did you pick up yourself a real superhero? I didn’t think that you needed that much help in life.” Dumbbell teased with full enthusiasm. He shook his head and sighed dramatically. “Geez, Klutzershy, you really let yourself go.”
“…stop.” This time the words were clear and assertive. Enzo looked Dumbbell directly in the eyes. Blue eyes met red eyes as the two stared each other down.
“Why should I, I’m just trying to have fun,” Dumbbell defended. “It’s not like I’m trying to be a poser and look cool in front of this mare. Besides, isn’t she a little out of your league?” Enzo let a blush erupt along his cheeks. His eyes flared up fire red and stamped his foot. “Woah there, buddy, getting angry? Upset that I’m taking this girl from you?” Enzo’s heart was crumbling into bits of hardened iron. He kept calm, but his body was shaking furiously. “With that lame red scarf and wussy wristband, no wonder she-”
“Excuse me, am I interrupting.” Heads turned to see Vice slowly making his way towards the group. He slid between Enzo and Fluttershy and positioned himself right in front of Dumbbell. The towering stallion looked amusingly at the smaller pony. “That’s quite enough out of you sergeant douche bag. Why you gotta be the stereotypical asshole, huh?” Silence fell at the swears thrown by Vice and everyone in the room was now paying attention to the scene. “What, scared of a few bad words?" Vice waved his hooves menacingly with his words. "I can do much worse, bro. Don’t test me.” Dumbbell gritted his teeth, but kept his cocky grin.
“Alright, tough guy. Come here to protect your weakling friends?” Dumbbell said with fierceness. His two comrades watched in intimidation at the scene before them. Fluttershy was now whimpering and Enzo was on the verge of letting his emotions out. Vice’s eyes narrowed and he spoke with a deathly tone.
“Don’t make fun of my friends. Don’t insult my friends and don’t mess with my friends.” This equated a mocking bellow from Dumbbell and his two other stallions followed up on the laugh.
“Can you believe this guy?” Dumbbell seemingly asked the whole room.
“Yeah can you believe him,” Hoops repeated with less force.
“Woah, what’s wrong with your wings? Handicapped?” Dumbbell kept the jeers going. Vice merely grunted in amusement.
“Yep, I’m handicapped.”
“Really, are you serious? So a cripple is going to defend this guy?” Dumbbell said obnoxiously.
“Hey, guys, really? Quit it!” Rainbow Dash suddenly joined the fray and floated above the two rivaling ponies.
“Stay out of this Rainbow." Dumbbell yelled which sent the rainbow pegasus back in shock. "This is between me and him. If this guy wants to play hero then I’ll turn him into a zero!” Dumbbell said with confidence.
“Cool, so you can rhyme.” Vice extended his metal wings and let them gleam from the lighting around the room. He lowered them in a fighting position and flapped them lightly. “But, can you dance?”
“What-” Dumbbell staggered as Vice suddenly launched himself towards the larger pony. With his metal wing, he managed to pound Dumbbell square in the chest area. A painful grunt emitted from the bully as he fell back.
“Tip number one, keep your guard up!” Vice taunted as Dumbbell growled in pained fury. “Tip number two-” Vice positioned his body and swung one of his metal wings in the direction of Hoops. In a whimper, the stallion’s face met solid wing and Hoops was sent flying into a nearby crowd. “Expect everything bad to happen. Number three-” Vice tilted his head mechanically at Score and smiled. The pony readied himself for an attack. “Screw you!” Vice took flight just a few inches off the ground and dashed for the surprised pony. Vice kept his pace as he flew straight for Score.
“Get him you idiot!” Dumbbell called now with a wrathful look on his face.
Score raised his hooves and feebly parried them in attempt to block Vice. The two were in imminent impact when Vice jerked forward and tucked his wings over his head like a spear. Millimeters away from the ground and still moving, Vice swung his wings upwards in front of Score and managed to wing uppercut the stallion, sending him falling on his back. Vice back flipped in the air and landed back on his hooves before resuming a fighting stance. “Come on, fellas, this is child’s play,” he taunted once again. “Not so tough now, even for big guys like yourselves. Sure that ain’t all fat?”
“Vice, dang, you sure know how to fight. Keep going!” Rainbow Dash cheered from the growing audience. A spark twinkled in Vice’s eye as he grinned widely.
'Oh shit! That’s just the motivation I need! A girl telling you to keep fighting, to beat the hell out of the bad guys. This feeling is-'
“Pfft, how barbaric. I wouldn’t want a stallion like that near me,” Rarity said opposite of Rainbow Dash’s statement.
“What? But-” Vice protested and distracted himself. It was enough for Dumbbell to take a strike and he successfully landed a punch to Vice’s face. The pegasus went tumbling into a pastry covered table. Wood and food went flying as a loud crash was heard and dust filled the area of impact.
“Hoops, you’re with me. We’ll take down this punk in no time. Score, get the pipsqueak and make sure he pays for talking to our Fluttershy,” Dumbbell said without fault. He packed his hooves together tightly and stomped over towards Vice’s askew body.
“Hehe, that was a nice hit, big man.” Vice slowly got up and cracked his neck. “Too bad it’s going to take a lot more than that to put me down.” He raised his wings in his typical fighting form and tilted them forward. “Especially since you’ve really pissed me off now. You don’t own her and Enzo did nothing wrong. You guys really are first class dumbasses.”
“Keep insulting me, I’ll just beat you down-” Vice took the moment to dash forward and get a solid hit in the chest area once more. Dumbbell howled in pain and fell flat on his flank.
“You talk too much. How about you?” Vice turned to Hoops and brought both his wings upon his head before the stallion could react. A clang was heard as both iron hard wings closed in on the ponies face in a satisfying crunch. Hoops dropped and let his tongue roll out his mouth as he hit the ground. Vice mentally celebrated, but was interrupted as he felt shock and pain filter through the side of his body. He was sent rolling on the ground and deftly hopped back to his feet. He noticed that his opponent was gray in color. “They swapped with-Enzo!”
Enzo faintly heard his friend calling him, but was forced to drown him out as he dodged and blocked Dumbbell’s punches and bucks. “I’m tired of playing games, kid. Just give up, you’re outclassed.” Enzo kept his determined face and continued to defend against his opponent’s onslaught. “You don’t deserve that girl!”
“Hold on Enzo, I’ll be there in a-dicks!” Vice barely dodged a swipe from Score’s hook to the left. Vice readied himself for a counterattack, but stumbled as pain heated within his side. He was sent rocketing down onto the floor as Score landed a solid hit on Vice’s head. Grimacing and coughing, Vice prepped his wings and performed the same attack he did on Hoops. The target ended up being Score’s foreleg and the pony plummeted his body forward as Vice enclosed his wings brutally on the soft flesh. He took the chance to get up and smashed down Score’s head into the ground with his wings building off the falling momentum of the stallion. “Enzo!”
Enzo noticed his name being called once more, but ignored it quickly. He couldn’t risk being hit by the much larger stallion. “Come on, wuss, hit back.” Dumbbell managed to land a hit on Enzo’s exposed shoulder and the black pony winced. “I can do this all day. Once I’m done I’ll be taking Fluttershy with me and-” An incredibly loud thwack rand throughout the room. Dumbbell’s eyes directed themselves to the ceiling as he fell face first into the ground. Standing behind him was an enraged Vice breathing heavily.
“That’s three.” Enzo stared at Vice with worry. Vice’s right side was badly bruised and his head was splotched red with swelling. The crowd of ponies still sat quietly watching Vice standing triumphantly over an unconscious Dumbbell.
“Boys!” Both Vice and Enzo eyed Clyde who was walking forth bewildered. “What is the meaning of this? Why did you-”
“They were making fun of me,” Fluttershy peeped.
“Again?” Enzo unintentionally said.
“Hmm.” Clyde rubbed his mustache with intrigue. “I see.” The guard turned to Enzo and gave him a peculiar look. “Then, I commend you boys for protecting miss Fluttershy. No further words need to be said.”
“Good, I'm glad everyone is happy with me beating the dicks out of these guys. That's the kind of pe-ponies I like. Now then, I can rest in peace.” With that statement, Vice let his body hit the ground and he lay with a smile on his face.
“Oh my goodness.” Twilight came running with Blitz limping behind frailly. “What happened?”
“I’ll explain,” Enzo said looking solemnly at Vice’s unconscious body. “Although, I won’t like it.”