Chapter 6
The Ultimatum.
It’s been two months since their date and Twilight couldn’t be happier as she sat in the pastry shop with her five friends gossiping. Ink trotted into Sugar Cube Corner with a dreary look on his face. Rainbow waved him over with a smile on her face. Ink sat down next to his mare friend and let out a groan as he rested his head on the table.
“Something wrong dear?” Rarity asked as she sipped her drink.
“Ugh. I haven’t had a customer in days and the rent is due next week. I either need one massive client or find a different place to live.” Applejack patted him on the back and gave him a drink. “I have no idea what to do.” Twilight scratched her chin for a moment, her eyes enlarged and a massive grin appeared on her face.
“I think I have the perfect client for you.” She said with a smile.
“Who?”
“Princess Celestia told me that she was looking for a painter to paint her portrait. Her personal artist is out of the country on tour. I could throw in a good word for you if-” He grabbed the mares head and kissed her on the lips.
“Thank you so much! You just saved my flank Twi!” Twilights face was now bright red.
“No problem. I’ll send Celestia a letter telling her I found an artist.” She said as she summoned a quill and parchment. As she finished she handed it off to Spike who sent the letter to the Princess immediately. The ponies waited in anticipation for the return letter. Soon the purple dragon burped out a rolled letter. Twilight read it aloud to her friends.
Dear Twilight,
I would love to have one of your friends paint for me. It saves me the trouble of going around Canterlot looking for somepony who would fill in for Gustav while he is away in the Griffin Kingdom. Tell your friend Ink Blot to be in Canterlot by this afternoon. He is free to stay at the castle.
~Princess Celestia.
Ink smiled and hugged the lavender mare.
“Awesome! This could be my big break! Thanks again Twilight. You’re the best mare friend ever!” He finished his drink and got to his hooves. “I’ll see you guys later I gotta get packing!” Ink said as he galloped out the door. Twilight sat in place frozen at what the stallion did. She looked over to the other five mares sitting next to her with smiles on their faces.
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Ink made his way to the train station with is art supplies on his back. As he galloped to the train he saw a familiar white unicorn mare waving him over.
“Hey Ink, I haven’t seen you in a while. Where’re you going?” She asked as she looked at his over stuffed bag.
“I got a gig painting Celestia’s portrait.” Vinyl’s jaw dropped at the information. She slapped him on the back with a smile on her face.
“No way!”
“Way!”
“How did you manage that?”
“Twilight sent a letter to the Princess and-” He noticed that Vinyl had a massive grin on her face, Ink narrowed his eyes and met the mares stare.
“Oh don’t look at me like that.”
“Last time I checked I can’t.” He said in a flat tone.
“You know what I mean!” She said as she narrowed her eyes.
“Yeah, yeah I know.”
“Does she know about....ya know?” She said as she pointed to her eyes.
“No. I only told her that my parents are dead and that I’m your adopted brother.” Vinyl shook her head at him.
“Ink you need to tell her soon! You’ve been dating for like what? Two months? The longer you wait the more painful it’ll be for both of you.”
“I know Vi. Every time I try I either get interrupted or I get a flash and clam up. It’s a defense mechanism. I can’t help it.” He said in a low tone. Vinyl put a hoof on his shoulder and let out a sigh.
“Did you tell her about your-”
“NO! I’d rather tell her I’m blind then about ‘that!’” He said in a scoff.
“I understand. It’s just that you’ve never told anypony about it and I’m worried about how you’re handling it. If you really like her then you need to tell her soon.” She said as she put a hoof on his shoulder.
“It’s more than that Vi, I love her. I’m just scared.”
“Of what?” She said as they continued walking.
“If she finds out then not only wreck our relationship but my business goes down the crapper.” He said in a low tone.
“I understand, I’m sure she’ll accept it.”
“I know, you’re right. I’ll tell her when I come back from this job.” Ink said as he let out a sigh. “So on another topic, how are things going for you?”
“Great, Tavi and I are going out tonight.” The white unicorn said with a wide grin.
“You mean your roommate?” Vinyl nodded. “Awesome, I’m happy for you two.” He said with a smile. The two continued to walk in silence towards the train station. Ink bought his ticket, gave Vinyl a goodbye hug and walked into his train car. Vinyl waved goodbye as the train left the station. The white mare trotted back down the road to see Twilight and her friends trotting towards her.
“Hey girls what’s up?”
“Have you seen Ink?” Twilight asked.
“He just got on the train to go to Canterlot.” She said as Twilight turned around and began to leave.Vinyl grabbed the mares tail and pulled her back towards her and gave her a stare that could kill a manticore. Vinyl closed the gap between the two and pressed her forehead against Twilights so that their eyes were inches away from each other.
“Let’s just get one thing straight here Sparkle. If you do anything to hurt Ink then so help me I will blast you out of my bass cannon so hard so that you’ll be able to hoof deliver the next letter you plan on sending to Celestia. Got it?” She said as she took a step back.
“Y-yeah I got it.” Twilight said with a gulp. She had seen Vinyl angry before but never like this.
“Great!” Vinyl said as her mood shifted back to her usual cheery self.
“Wait! I need your help. I like Ink but I still don’t know that much about him and since you’re his sister maybe you know somethings that can help me.”
“Sure I don’t mind.” Vinyl said with a smile. The mares looked at her in surprise.
“Wait, I thought Ink was just your friend.” Rainbow said in confusion.
“My parents adopted Ink when his parents died.” She said in a low tone. The other five mares lowered their heads in sadness. “He didn’t tell you did he?”
“I thought that it would be best if I kept quiet about it.” Twilight said as she scratched the back of her neck.
“Good call. Ink doesn’t like ponies meddling in his personal life, not even me.” She said as they continued to walk down the road.
“Was Ink always like he is now?” Rainbow asked.
“No. He used to be even more timid than Fluttershy.” The mares looked at her in surprise.
“What? But, he’s so confident and cocky.” AJ said in confusion.
“That was my doing, my parents made Ink look out for me to make sure I came back in one piece whenever we were out in the city. When we were in High School he’d sometimes act as my body guard when we went to parties.”
“Body guard?”
“Yeah Ink may not look it but he can hold his own in a fight. He managed to take down two muggers without a scratch.” Vinyl added. Twilight gulped and looked at the white mare with bead of sweat. “Manehattan was a tough neighborhood and Ink had the worst of it growing up.”
“How do you mean?”
“He was tormented nearly all of his foal hood. Everypony picked on him, called him names. Hell, even threw things at him.”
“You defended him right?” Twilight asked. Vinyl bit her lip at the question.
“Eventually yes.” She said in a low tone. The mares looked at her in confusion while Twilight and Rainbow narrowed their eyes.
“YOU picked on him?” Rainbow said as she stared at the unicorn.
“I was stupid and young. I felt like I needed to be part of the popular crowd. I’ll regret those days for the rest of my life.” She said as the cyan mare backed off.
“So what changed your mind?” Twilight asked.
“When we were foals he defended me from some punk colts.”
“He beat them up right?” Rainbow asked with a smile.
“No, Ink got his flank handed to him. I carried him four blocks to the nearest hospital. He had three bruised ribs a concussion and minor internal bleeding.” The mares eyes began to water. “After that we became friends.”
“Why did he defend you after you were such a bitch to him? No offense.” Rainbow asked.
“None taken. I honestly don’t know why.” She said with a shrug.
“Wait, if he could take two stallions easy how did he get his flank kicked?”
“That was when we were foals, Ink was still very shy and weak. It was when he could still-” Vinyl shut her mouth as she almost gave away the dark stallions biggest secret.
“Back when he could still what?” Applejack asked.
“Back when he still...considered himself a nobody. He had a lot of self esteem issues.” She lied.
“He’s better though right?” Twilight asked.
“Yeah. You’ve seen him.”
“Yeah, but I still don’t know that much about him.” Vinyl bit her lip at the next part.
“Look Twilight, it’s not my place to tell you his life story. Ink will tell you when he’s ready.” She said wit a reassuring smile. “Now if you guys will excuse me I’ve got a hot date tonight.” She said as she continued to trot down the road. Twilight looked back at her friends with a concerned look in her eye.
“Wow, I had no idea he’s been through so much.” Applejack said in a low tone.
“Me either.” Twilight said as she hung her head.
“Let’s not dwell on it dear. Let’s get you ready for when he comes back.” Rarity said as she took her friend by the hoof and dragged her towards her boutique.
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Ink’s eyes snapped open as the train pulled to a halt. He wiped the sweat from his brow and sent out another pulse and outlined his path. The dark stallion breathed a heavy sigh and made his way to the castle. He kept his head low and mad his way through the busy street. Ink sent out another pulse and saw two familiar ponies waving him over. A white unicorn stallion with a flowing blue mane, white coat and wearing a monocle over his right eye. While the mare was white with a pink hue as was her mane.
“Ink, how are you old boy?” The stallion said as he shook the dark stallions hoof.
“Great. A pleasure to see you again Fancy. You as well Fleur.” Ink said as he gave her a nod.
“Likewise.” She said with a warm smile.
“What brings you to Canterlot?”
“I’m heading up to the castle. I got a job painting Celestia’s portrait.” The two ponies jaws dropped at the news.
“That’s spectacular! How did you manage that?” Fleur asked as she sipped her wine.
“I’m her students’ colt friend.” He said with a blush.
“Oh yes, she’s good friends with Rarity.” Fancy said as he looked at his wife.
“You’ve certainly made good connections.” She said with a grin.
“Thank you.”
“Don’t let us keep you. We’ll have to chat over some brunch sometime.” The stallion said with a smile. Ink made his goodbye’s and continued towards the massive castle. As he entered the grounds he was stopped by two guards.
“Halt! State your name and business.” The white Pegasus said as his horn glowed.
“My name is Ink Blot and I’m the painter the Princess hired.” Ink said as the stallion withdrew a clip board and scanned the list.
“Ah yes, the painter from Ponyville correct?” Ink nodded and the guard opened the gate for him.
“Thank you.” Ink said as he trotted inside. He sent out another pulse outlining the massive hallways. He quietly made his way towards the grand hall, as he slipped inside he saw the outline of three Alicorns sitting and talking to one another. Celestia saw the stallion and waved him over. Ink bowed to the three Princess’s and smiled.
“You must be Ink Blot.” Celestia said with a warm smile.
“Yes, milady.” Celestia looked the stallion over and rubbed her chin with her hoof.
“You seem somewhat familiar. Have we met before?” Ink’s eyes shrank at the question.
“No, I haven’t had the pleasure. Twilight has told me so much about you that it feels like I know you.” He lied as he threw on a fake smile.
“According to Twilight’s letters she’s quite fond of you.” Cadence said with a small giggle.
“Sh-she’s told you about me?” He said with a gulp.
“Only that you’re extremely talented.” Luna interjected.
“I wouldn’t say I’m extremely talented. I’m just as good as the next pony.” He said with a blush.
“Tell me, was it you that painted Fancy Pants’ portrait?” The dark Alicorn asked.
“Yes, why?”
“We recently had an outing with him and his wife, he was kind enough to show us his portrait.”
“Really?”
“Yes, it was wonderful and you claim to be average.” Luna said with a smile.
“He’s just being modest Auntie Luna.” Cadence said with a chuckle.
“I don’t like to draw attention to myself.” He said as he scratched the back of his mane.
“Understandable, but we will credit you with this whether you like it or not.” Celestia said with a chuckle.
“Fine by me, I figured it was time I branch out. Whenever you’re ready to get started ma’am.” He said as he ‘looked’ around the room.
“Does it matter where we do it?” Celestia asked.
“Where ever you feel most comfortable.” He said as the other two Alicorns got to their hooves. “Feel free to bring music.”
“Won’t that be a distraction?” Luna asked.
“No, music is a part of art. I work a lot better with it to tell you the truth.” He said with a smile.
“Yes! I just got a new record player the other day.” Cadence said with a smile. Ink followed the three Alicorns to a comfortable furnished study.
“Okay, Princess Celestia what’s the message of the portrait?”
“The message?” The white Alicorn asked in confusion.
“What do you want the image to portray? Is it authority? Hope? Kindness? Something that describes who you are as a pony and as a Princess.” He said as he set up his supplies. The Alicorns looked at one another in surprise.
“Um....I suppose my love towards my subjects.”
“Okay, just look how you feel and don’t force a smile. If you do that then it ruins the whole image.”
“My usual artist says that a smile is always art.”
“Then he’s an idiot.”
“I’ll have you know that Gustav has been knighted.” Celestia said in a stern tone.
“That makes it official then.” He said as he lined up his bottle s of paint in a circle around him. The two young Alicorns looked at the arrangement in confusion, while Celestia struck a pose. “Perfect, now hold still.” Ink said as his horn flared and sent out a pulse of magic. The three mares felt a small shiver move down their spines as the pulse washed over them.
Ink imprinted the image onto the canvas and began to levitate the different colors of paint he moved his hooves to the sound of the music that Cadence had put on. The ponies watched in amazement as the streams of paint filled blank canvas with vibrant color and life. Ink could feel his forehead beginning to sweat from the concentration he was putting into his work. “Just a few more minutes.” Ink said as he switched the bottles and continued to manipulate the paint into it’s proper place on the image.
Luna and Cadence looked over his shoulder to see the image becoming clear. Ink cut the stream of paint and gave it a small blast of magic and levitated the paint into their bottles. He took heavy breaths and felt his heart beating fast. “Done.” Ink said with a grin. The ponies looked in amazement at the picture before them. The three were speechless at the photo. The dark stallions smile disappeared and he lowered his head. “You don’t like it, do you?”
“I love it!” Celestia said as she closely examined it. “It looks almost alive and the eyes, such detail and precision.” Ink let out a sigh and smiled.
“I see what you mean, if I didn’t know any better I’d say it was a mirror image.” Cadence said with a smile.
“That’s because it is alive or at least as close as you can get.” Ink said with a smile.
“What are you talking about?” Luna asked. Inks horn glowed and the picture began to shine. The ponies watched in amazement as the image of Celestia stepped out of the portrait and onto the tile floor.
“Greetings.” The picture said. The Alicorns jaws dropped in amazement and shock. The stallions horn flared and the image returned to it’s proper place. Ink let out a sigh and staggered in place.
“How did you do that?”
“I infuse my paint with my own magic. With it I’m able to manipulate the painting.” He said as he let out another sigh. “One drawback, it taxes my energy substantially.”
“OH! That must be the spell Twilight mentioned.” Cadence said in excitement. Celestia stared at Ink in amazement.
“Ink Blot. I remember you now, the blind artist from Manehattan.” Ink felt his stomach jump into his throat. The other Alicorns looked at him and the white Alicorn in confusion. Ink looked at the Princess in pure fear and started to back away from the three Alicorns. Celestia trotted over to the dark stallion with a saddened look on her face. “I apologize for that. I didn’t wish to cause you any hardship.”
“Auntie, what did you mean by-”
“I’m blind.” Ink said as he lowered his head.
“Surely you’re joking.” Luna said. Ink took his glasses off and ‘looked’ at the three Princess’s. Cadence and Luna let out a gasp at the sight. Ink quickly put his sunglasses back over his eyes. “I-I’m so sorry. I thought that-” She was cut off as Ink raised a hoof.
“It’s fine, you didn’t know.”
“How are you able to paint?” Cadence asked. Ink explained how his pulse worked and how he is able to see. “Oh my.”
“It’s worked so far and I’m begging you all to please keep this to yourselves.” He said in a pleading voice. “If you tell anyone I’ll lose my job.” He said as he hung his head. Cadence stepped forward and put a hoof on his shoulder.
“I understand. We won’t say a word.” Cadence said with a smile. “How does Celestia know you?” The white Alicorn looked at the dark stallion who shook his head.
“It’s a private matter Cadence.” Celestia said in a low tone. “I’m happy to see that Twilight is able to look past-”
“She doesn’t know.” Ink said in a flat tone. The Alicorns looked at him in surprise. “I’m begging you three not to tell her. Please.” He said as he was close to tears.
“You have been dating my student for months and you haven’t told her?” Celestia asked in a stern tone.
“I just don’t know how to tell her.” He said in a defeated tone. “I’m planning on telling her when I go back to Ponyville.” He said in a stern tone. Celestia trotted over to him and put a wing on his shoulder and let out a sigh.
“Very well. I will honor your request.” Celestia said with a smile.
“Thank you Princess.” He said with a bow. Ink faced the other mares and let out a sigh. “I suppose you don’t want me to do your portrait’s correct?”
“No, the fact that you’re blind and are able to produce such art it even more amazing!” Cadence said with a warm smile.
“Really?”
“We agree with Cadence.” Luna said with a smile.
“Okay then. Who’s first?” He said as he pulled out a fresh canvas.
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Twilight was sitting in Carousel Boutique with her other five friends drinking some tea and gossiping until Rainbow finally chimed in. “So Twilight, have you and Ink....you know?” Rainbow asked as she waggled her eyebrows.
“Have we-....THAT IS NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS!” Twilight yelled.
“Hey calm down. I’m just curious.” She said as she rolled her eyes.
“You shouldn’t ask such personal things Rainbow.” Rarity said as she narrowed on the mare.
“Show some decency Dash!” AJ yelled.
“Okay, sorry I asked. But seriously Twi how are things going with Ink?”
“Great, but I can’t shake this feeling that he’s hiding something from me.”
“Like what?” Pinkie asked.
“Well, he talks about his mom freely but whenever I ask him about his dad he either starts up a new conversation or stone walls me.” She said as she scratched her chin. The mares looked at her in surprise.
“Maybe his dad was a diamond thief that stole all these diamonds and is hiding out in the Griffin Kingdom.” Pinkie said with a serious look on her face. The ponies looked at her with a raised eyebrow. “What? It could happen.”
“I’m not even gonna respond to that.” Twilight said as she looked at her friend.
“What has he told you about him?” Rarity asked as she refilled her cup.
“That he was a doctor and-” She was cut off as Spike entered the shop with a letter in his claw. Twilight opened the letter and skimmed the message. “Sorry girls, orders from the Princess. I gotta head back to the library.” She said as she got to her hooves and walked out the door, leaving the other five mares with a confused looks on their faces. As Twilight started to trot down the road she took out the letter and read it again.
Meet me in the park in ten minutes. Come alone.
~V.
Twilight did as instructed and saw a familiar white mare sitting on a park bench feeding some pigeons. Vinyl looked up at the mare and smiled. Twilight walked over to her and sat down next to the mare. “Hey Twi, glad to see you got my message.”
“Yeah, what did you want to talk about?” Vinyl made a quick motion with her eyes to a nearby tree. Twilight looked out of her peripheral vision to see a rainbow tail quickly hide itself in a tree branch. “Rainbow!” She said under her breath. Twilight turned back to the DJ who had raised an eyebrow. “She must have followed me here. Got any place else where we can talk?”
“Yeah, my place.” She said as the two got to her hooves. The two unicorns exited the park and made their way through the busy town.
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Ink sat down to eat in the palace kitchen when a white stallion with a flowing blue mane sat down next to him. “Can I sit with you?” He asked.
“Sure.” He said as he offered him a seat.
“You must be Ink Blot.” The white stallion said as he sat down.
“The one and only.” He said as he took another bite of his food. “You are?”
“We haven’t been properly introduced. I’m Shinning Armor.” Ink almost choked on his food at the name. “It’s come to my attention that you’re dating my sister.” He said as he looked at the dark stallion.
“Twilight has mentioned you a few times.” He said as he tried to remain calm.
“Odd, she’s never mentioned you.” He said in a stern tone.
“I like to lay low.” He said as he sipped his drink.
“That includes not telling my sister that you’re blind?” He said in a hushed tone. Ink spat his water out in surprise. Shinning handed him a napkin and glared at the dark stallion.
“How did-”
“Cadence told me. The real question is what are you going to do about it?” Ink gulped and started to sweat. “Relax I haven’t told Twilight or any one else.”
“Thank you.”
“That doesn’t mean I won’t.” Shinning said as he stared at the artist. “I did a standard back round check on you. Nothing bad, no drugs, no crime and no acts of violence of any sort. Remarkable considering you came from Manehattan.” Ink gave him a slight nod. “You seem like a good stallion Ink and I’m happy my sis found one as nice as you, but if you don’t tell her about your eyes then I will.” Ink was suddenly filled with fear.
“I’m going to tell her when I go back to Ponyville tonight.” He said as he tried to calm down.
“Good and if you break my sisters heart then I’ll go public with this info. Got it?” He said as his eyes narrowed on the dark stallion who was shaking.
“Crystal.” He said as he calmed down.
“Good and for what it’s worth, good luck.” He said as he got to his hooves and trotted away from the stallion. Ink picked up his tray and disposed the rest of his food. Ink made his way back to the study where cadence was waiting for him.
“Sorry about that Princess.”
“It’s perfectly fine. Even I can’t work on an empty stomach.” She said with a smile. Ink laid out his art supplies and took a moment to collect himself.
Calm down. You’ve done this a million times. He thought as he sent out another pulse and outlined the pink mare. He let out another breath and started his work.
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Back in Ponyville Vinyl led Twilight inside of her home and down into her music studio. A small room with a chair and table in the center and a small refrigerator in the corner. Twilight looked at the white mare in confusion as she closed the door behind them. “This is my studio, it’s sound proof so we don’t have to worry about anyone walking in on our conversation.”
“What did you want to talk about?” Twilight asked as she took a seat.
“It’s about Ink. I know you have questions about him and I’m going to answer the ones I’m able to answer.” She said as she sat across from the mare. “So ask away.”
“Ink told me about his mom, but he’s told me next to nothing about his father.” Vinyl bit her lip at the statement.
“What has he told you about him?”
“That he was a doctor and he became an alcoholic after his mom died. That’s it.” Vinyl nodded in agreement.
“That’s half the story.” She said as she bit her lip. “Ink’s dad resented him.”
“Why?” Twilight said in shock.
“Ink told you that he wasn’t born on purpose right?” Twilight nodded. “Well, he was considered an accident. His mom wouldn’t stand to have an abortion, while his father wanted her to or at least put him up for adoption. She didn’t care, she always wanted a foal of her own and she was determined to raise him with or without his help.” Vinyl trotted over to the mini fridge and withdrew an energy drink. “Want one?”
“No thank you.” Vinyl shrugged and opened the can. “So Ink’s father didn’t like him?”
“Yeah, he considered him ‘dead weight’ and a pest.”
“So why did he stay?” Twilight asked in confusion.
“Guilt mostly. He cared more about his work and status as a doctor.” She said as she took a swig from her drink.
“So why didn’t she leave with Ink?”
“You didn’t grow up in Manehattan Twi. Foals that grow up without a roof over their heads are either dead or become a criminal.” Twilight put a hoof to her mouth in shock. “It’s sad but true. Ink’s happiness was more important to her then her own.”
“But from what you’ve told me his life was miserable.”
“Yeah, it was. Ink never told his mom that he was being picked on. He didn’t want to worry her, she had her own problems.”
“What problems?” Twilight asked.
“Inks’ mom and dad fought constantly.” She said as she let out a sigh.
“Over what?”
“Almost anything. Some times the fights would get physical and Ink would show up to school with fresh bruises.” Twilight looked at the mare with tears in her eyes.
“You mean that he....His dad...” Vinyl nodded.
“Eventually my folks called Social Services and they launched an investigation. Ink and his mom were relocated and full custody went to her.” She said in a low tone.
“Why didn’t he tell me any of this?”
“It’s painful for him to remember.” She said as she took another swig. “And Twilight.”
“Y-yes?” She said as she wiped the tears from her eyes.
“Don’t tell any one about this. Don’t even let Ink know. He’ll know I told you and he hates it when I talk about his past.”
“Why are you telling me this then?”
“Ink’s happier then he’s ever been when he’s with you. I know how much you guys like each other and-”
“I don’t like him Vinyl. I love him with all my heart.” She said as new tears formed in her eyes. Vinyl leaned over and put a hoof on her shoulder.
“Then tell him. That stallion has been through hell and back. He deserves some happiness.” She said with a smile. Twilight wiped the tears from her eyes and hugged the white mare.
“I won’t say a word.” Twilight said as the DJ opened the door to the studio and the two mares walked out of the sound proof room.
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Ink was trying desperately to concentrate on the painting but the guard captain’s words were making it difficult to concentrate on the portrait. “Are you alright Ink?” Cadence said as she noticed the nervous unicorn.
“I-I’m fine your majesty I just-” He lost his concentration and the stream of paint increased, making the paint splatter all over the canvass. Ink tore it off and crumpled into a ball next to five other mistakes. Cadence trotted up next to him and put a wing on his shoulder.
“Ink, it’s my job to help ponies. What’s wrong?” She asked in a sweet tone.
“Nothing I’m just scared.” He said in a defeated tone. “I’m scared how Twilight will react to ‘this’” He said as he pointed a hoof to his eyes.
“You really care for her don’t you?”
“Honestly, I love her. I don’t want her to pity me. That’s the one thing in this world I can’t stomach.” He said in a low tone.
“I think it’s time you told her.”
“Your husband made that abundantly clear to me earlier.” He said in a stagnant tone.
“What are you talking about?” Cadence asked in surprise.
“He said if I don’t tell Twilight then he will and if I break her heart then he’ll reveal my secret to everypony.” He said in a defeated tone.
“HE DID WHAT?” She yelled.
“Wait Princess don’t do anything!” He said as he put a hoof on her shoulder. Cadence looked at him in surprise. “I know that what Shinning Armor is doing is considered unfair to me, but he’s doing it to make sure Twilight is happy and if it means that we can’t be together...so be it.” He said in a low tone. Cadence put a hoof on the stallions back and gave him a reassuring nod.
“I think it would be best if we postpone my portrait to a later date. When your head is cleared and you can concentrate.” She said as she levitated his supplies into his bag.
“But-”
“Go to her Ink. Tell her everything and all will be well.” She said with a warm smile. Ink nodded and quickly ran out the door with his bag strapped on his back. “Good luck!” Cadence let out a sigh and her horn began to glow. The pink Alicorn vanished in a cloud of smoke.
Cadence teleported just outside of Shinning Armors office and barged in. The two guards saluted her as she entered. Shinning looked up in surprise as he saw daggers in his wife’s eyes. “Leave us.” She said to the two guards who quickly made themselves scarce.
“What’s wrong Cadence?” Shinning asked in surprise.
“How dare you threaten Ink like that! Threatening to tell Twilight his most precious secret? I thought you were better than this Shinning!” She bellowed. Shinning had a weak expression on his face.
“I’m only looking out for my sister and-”
“Don’t give me that! What about going public with his secret. It would ruin his business and reputation!” She said as her mane slowly started to turn into an inferno. Shinning had never seen his wife this angry before and felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end.
“Y-you’re right. I shouldn’t have said that to him.” He said as his wife calmed down and took a deep breath. “I was just looking out for my little sister, she’s growing up so fast I’m just trying to keep up.” He said in a low tone. Cadence let out another sigh and looked at her husband with a less intense glare.
“Ink is on his way to Ponyville right now to go and tell Twilight. I talked to him and I can tell the guilt was eating away at him. He loves Twilight and I can sense that Twilight loves him.” She said as she put a hoof on her husbands’ shoulder. “I understand your feeling Shinning but you have to learn to let Twilight live her own life and if need be, make her own mistakes.” Shinning nodded and let out a sigh as the Alicorn hugged him.
“You’re right. I’ll apologize to him next chance I get.” Cadence smiled and gave him a light peck on the cheek.
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Back in Ponyville Rarity Applejack and Twilight were sitting in the library at the kitchen table. “So AJ, you can take Spike tonight?”
“No problem we have a guest room at the farm and ah don’t mind if he spends the night.” She said with a smile.
“Are you sure about this Twilight?” Rarity asked as she cocked an eyebrow.
“Yes, I love Ink and I want to be there for him.”
“What did Vinyl want?” Rarity asked.
“Rainbow Dash?” Twilight asked as the two mares gave her a weak nod. “Sorry girls it’s personal.” She said in a flat tone.
“Ah get it. I won’t pry.” Applejack said with a smile. A knock on the door startled the group of mares. Twilight trotted over to the door and was surprised to see the dark stallion standing before her smiling.
“Ink! What are you doing here?” She said in surprise.
“Princess Cadence had to reschedule so I came home early.” He then noticed the two mares with smiles on their faces. “Listen we need to talk in private and-”
“I’ll just get Spike and we’ll be on our way.” Applejack said as she trotted upstairs to find the purple dragon. Rarity gave Twilight a wink who blushed at the gesture. “Okay c’mon y’all lets give these two some privacy.” She said with the small purple dragon and white mare walking beside her. After the door closed Twilight looked at the confused stallion with a blush on her face.
“C’mon we can talk in my room.” Twilight said with a warm smile. Ink cocked an eyebrow and trotted upstairs behind the mare.
“Mind if I use the restroom? It was a long train ride.” Twilight nodded and went into her room. As Ink entered the restroom he felt a familiar doubt creep up on him. No! Not this time, she has to know! It’s now or never! He thought as he splashed water in his face. He took a few deep breaths before exiting the bathroom and trotted into the lavender mares room. He looked inside to find it deserted.
As he sat down on the bed Twilight teleported on top of him and pressed her lips against his. Ink almost lost himself in the moment, he broke the kiss and ‘looked’ back at the mare in surprise. “Twilight please, I need to tell you something!” He said as the mare got off of him.
“So do I.” She said as she took a deep breath and hugged the stallion. “I love you.” Ink felt his heart jump into his stomach. The dark stallion felt tears form in his eyes as he began to pace around the room. Twilight looked at him in confusion. “Ink? What’s wrong?”
“I’ve been keeping secrets from you Twilight. I’ve lied to you and it’s not fair.”
“What are you talking about?” Ink slammed his hoof against the wall in frustration.
“I don’t know how to tell you.”
“Ink, you’re my colt friend. Just look me in the eyes and tell me!” She said as tears began to well in her own eyes.
“I can’t!”
“Why? Is your secret so-”
“You don’t understand! I literally can’t!” He yelled. Twilight looked at him in confusion. Ink turned around and removed his glasses to show a massive horizontal scar stretching across his eyes. The iris was not a crystal blue that Twilight had seen instead they were white as the snow and the pupil was distorted “Twilight, I’m blind.” He said as the red tears began to flow.
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Back across town Spike was nestled between the covers of the guest bed at Sweet Apple Acres. He was awoken as a bright red flame erupted a letter from the dragons’ mouth. Spike rubbed his eyes and skimmed the letter. Spike’s eyes shrank at the letter and charged out of his room. He barged into the orange mares room and nudged her shoulder. “Applejack, wake up!” He yelled. The orange mare shot up in surprise causing the dragon to fall on his back.
“What in tarnation?” She said as she looked at the dragon. “What’s wrong Spike? It’s three in the morning.” She said as she looked at her clock.
“Never mind that, Twilight is in serious danger!” The farmer looked at the dragon in surprise. “We need to get the others! Go find Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash I’ll get Rarity and Pinkie. Meet me in front of the library and bring your rope, we might need it” He said as the mare grabbed her hat and charged after the dragon.
