At first, James had simply called his name. He had not gotten any answer with this method and thus, had been tempted to simply let his son blow off some steam. After all, he had seen the look on his face when Linda had made that remark.
It had been a look of pure pain, of the emotional variety.
That he had holed himself up wasn’t all that surprising. Tom would have done the same and, despite the protests from one or the other of his sons, they were quite similar.
“Sammy?” He asked again, knocking gently.
There had been a bit of muttering, muffled by the locked door. Thus, James hadn’t been able to make out his son’s words, but there was a certain rhythm to them.
Sam was probably listening to a bit of music. If so, then the chances of his words being heard were slim.
“Please Sammy, can we talk? I really think we should.” He had sounded hopeful, even timid if one would be willing to believe.
His eldest son had remained unresponsive. With a sigh and a bit of disappointment running through his mind, James had left him alone for the rest of the evening. If he wasn’t willing to try, then little could be done to convince Sam to open up.
Perhaps a good night of rest would defuse him somewhat.
Shoulders slumping, the father had decided to go to bed early, not having the heart to stay awake much longer.
Linda was already asleep too.
Ever since Tom’s… Tom’s… d-disappearance… their household had lost all its energy and liveliness. It seemed as if everyone of them had broken off their bonds with one another. Linda had appeared to be the taking it the worst… at first. Now he couldn’t tell which one of his remaining family members would break.
Sleep did not come easily. It was a fleeting thing these days. Too long to come, too quick to leave, and sometimes showing him images too horrible to think upon once awake.
Tonight was no exception and he woke up with a hazed mind. His morning routine went on slowly, lacking any innovation that would require enough concentration to make him gather his wits.
It was only when he walked passed his son’s still locked door that he regained his senses.
“Sammy?” He asked, slowly turning the handle around.
It barely moved.
Worry gripping at his heart, James knocked more strongly against the wooden door, hoping to annoy his son out of bed. Without any answer of some sort, the fear grew and soon, he found himself struggling against the handle frantically. It would not give out, but he forced his grip to tighten, becoming painful to maintain. Calling for him more loudly, James finally attempted to kick the door down.
He succeeded and was presented to a sight he wished was nothing but a nightmare.
Sam’s room was devoid of human presence. There wasn’t even a sign that the bed had been occupied for the night.
And so, without even the need to make a few calls to confirm it, the father knew that one more son was lost.
James’s bitter chuckle filled the room, as he thought to himself that, for once, he would have liked for his children to be a bit more different.
--
“Now, now, where is she?” The entity muttered, taking out a giant watch out of a bushel of fruits. “I believe it is tea time.”
With a hit of his claw, he forced the locked door of the cottage open, enjoying the horrified realization on his rival’s face.
Scowling like no other before him, Angel threw the first object to fall in its paw, namely a carrot.
That made him chuckle. “Oh oh, I believe, my dear Angel, that it has been at least seven thousand years since I was last assaulted with veggies. And even then, there had been no killing intent behind it.”
Shrugging aside the insignificant pet, the visitor set foot into the cottage, intent on finding Fluttershy. Oh, he could have simply flashed right by her side, but that tended to get an irritated squeak of shock every time. Normally, that would have been reason enough to do it again, but this was his friend. He supposed there had to been downsides to friendship.
However, when he could not find her in her own home, he began to grow impatient.
And as such, he closed his eyes to feel the veins of magic. Those current of natural energy that ran through the fabric of their universe always helped channel energy and, as luck would have it, every type of pony left their signatures into these currents.
Discord did not predict what he would see.
“Well… isn’t that interesting?”
--
The search had taken the better part of the afternoon. Applejack had been the one to find him, holed up in the ground somewhere outside Ponyville. It was lucky she had, Tom might not have followed another pony. He seemed pretty mad at Rainbow Dash about a chase, if I understood Twilight’s explanation right, and Pinkie Pie… well… he was probably still ashamed of what had happened.
When I saw him on her back, red lines coursing in his eyes from his own sadness, my mouth dried up and words of relief could not be pronounced. I was trying, and failing, to see eye to eye with him.
He turned around when Applejack got closer. At this, Rarity winced, looking pained for me. Why? I don’t deserve that.
“Well,” she said, gathering the attention of us all, “I believe the guards are waiting in front of the town hall. It would be best not to let any further delay derail our task, wouldn’t you say?”
The other mares nodded in agreement, even if Pinkie seemed to narrow her eyes at me.
“Agreed.” Twilight took the lead, taking the direction of the center of Ponyville.
I walked at the back of the herd, hardly able to keep up my head hung high enough to see in front of me. A gnawing shame was feasting inside my heart and I could not make it shrink.
I… those words… they had been true. I wouldn’t have lied to scold him of all things, but really, did that matter? I had sworn to protect him, yet I had been the one to hurt him the most.
Argh! Distractions! I need distractions! I really did not want to think about this anymore.
For a second, I thought about making small talk with the girls, but that required me to be a little less nauseous. The idea slipped out of my mind quickly anyway. A simple examination of my surroundings managed to do it for me.
This… this place is amazing… The show did not translate half of the atmosphere of Ponyville. Now that the small storm had passed, the sun had started to shine again on the town. To add to the experience, with the remnants of the rain, everything seemed to take on a new light.
Vibrant, so vibrant with life was the town of the heroines. Many ponies were still barricaded inside, waiting for the rain to subside, but as it stood, there were already quite a few making late errands and greeting the Mane Six as they passed us by.
A few glanced Tom’s ways, curious as to the little colt’s apparent lack of energy, for once, but a lot more were sending inquisitive looks in my direction.
Pushed by some weird impulse at the back of my mind, I acknowledged each one of those with a gracious nod and smile. Why? I seriously had no idea…
I kept these thoughts to myself however, as Rarity had finally broken the awkward silence we had been bathing in. Inaudibly, I breathed a sigh of relief at the diminishing tension.
The subject discussed had little importance to me – fashion, what else? –, but anything was a nice break from the constant accusations thrown at me.
A few times, I caught the glance Twilight sent my way. The first two times it happened, she averted her gaze quickly enough. So much that I could not gather much from just these fleeting scarce seconds. The third time however…
Our eyes met. They truly did. For a brief moment, the rest of the world stopped existing, as there were just the two of us, seeing each other. Nothing but her own judgment of me and I was struggling to keep up, as fear had started to freeze my legs. Surely, this would end up in one more disaster.
Unaware of my internal dilemma, she kept it up for just a smidgen longer. Then, her lips formed a small smile and through it, she managed to carry a simple, yet comforting message: “Everything will be fine”.
To say I was shocked was an understatement. Only through an extreme exercise of will did I manage not to stare with my mouth hanging.
Her attention returned to her friends quickly, but it left a lasting impression.
A small flame of hope had been lifted in my chest, spreading a little warmth to the rest of my body. It even allowed me to look up at things with a slightly less pessimistic nature. All too naturally, my gaze went from the mares to my brother.
Just wait, Tom. I promise things will get better between us again.
We stepped into the town square at about that moment. That, in itself, was fine, as was suddenly finding myself in a much more open space than the narrow alleys we had gotten ourselves out of, following Tom’s locating. No, what disturbed me was the sight of four chariots attached to eight winged ponies. Each one of them were wearing golden armors, leaving little doubt as to their allegiances.
My guts twisted with newly born anxiety. They were going to take Tom and me in front of Celestia. How would she react?
Rainbow Dash sprinted forward, making the first contact between the stallions and the mare being part of our escort. “’Sup, dudes?”
Typical Rainbow Dash.
To my amusement though, I caught sight of Applejack rolling her eyes as well.
“Greetings, Miss Dash. Are you and your friends ready for departure?” A stallion whose left cheek was decorated by a scar spoke with a calm and very firm voice. No doubt the captain of that small group of soldiers.
“Yeah, we’re good.” Dash nodded. “We just had to catch the little guy first.”
“Very good, then we will depart immediately. Take a seat ins-” He stopped.
Looking straight at me. With his eyes struggling not to flicker toward either my forehead or my back. That’s my cue.
Clearing my throat, I stepped forward, doing my best to put on a show of regality. “Pleased to meet you. My name is Ventus Vinco and I am the older brother of the colt the Princess requested the presence of. Princess Twilight Sparkle thought it judicious that I accompany them, as my presence could solve mysteries that would otherwise plague that meeting.”
Well, that was the most pompous I could manage. I just hope that’s enough.
“I… see…” He said slowly, narrowing his gaze at my alicorn attributes. If he hadn’t connected the dots, then I was a dog. “Then, as I was saying, please take place in a chariot, in groups of two.”
Obediently, the mares all moved as one toward the vehicles, with me following Applejack closely. My eyes were transfixed on Tom, who had taken to sulking in silence. It was one of those rare occurrences.
Not good… I gulped down nervously, mind filled with terrible scenarios.
Nonetheless, I made my way to the nearest chariot. Obviously, I wanted to sit in the one that Tom was going to be in.
Not… everypony saw it that way.
“What?! No way! He’s not sitting with him.” I turned, recognizing Pinkie’s voice. She was talking to Twilight… vehemently. “He said all those mean things to Bladey!”
My ears drooped down. I’m aware, yes.
“Pinkie, this is truly not the right moment for this.” Her friend sighed in annoyance. “And really, as far as we’re concerned, he is Calx’s legal guardian.”
“Blade…” Tom mumbled, proving he, at least, was hearing some of this. That he did not protest on anything else was just a little disheartening.
“Ah dunno, gals. Aren’t you afraid the kid’ll try to fly away ‘soon as he gets the chance?” Applejack looked between Tom and me, trying to gauge each of our reactions.
Good luck, I’m putting on as much of a poker face I can and Tom is sulking.
“I… must object as well.” Fluttershy took a step toward Twilight and Pinkie. “T-that scolding just wasn’t right.”
That one was a blow to my guts. Again.
“Oh darling…” Rarity sighed in the most overly dramatic fashion. “We do not even know context and they were clearly overjoyed to see each other the first time. No, I believe we are blowing this issue out of proportions.”
I almost chuckled at that. To hear that from a drama queen must really put things into perspective. Also… Whoa… girls fighting over me. I just wish there was more jello. Even though I did think that, I was all but amused OR casual about it. None of the mares were backing down.
“Ladies.” The older of the guardspony stepped forward. “We must go back to the Princess’ castle as soon as possible. There is no time for disputes on riding partners. If he is the colt’s guardian, then they will ride together.”
And, just as Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie opened their mouths to protest, he added: “No backtalking allowed.”
“Alright, Pinkie Promise not to scream like that again!” She bounced back to me, eyes narrowed.
Something about that really pissed me off. Yes, I had screwed up, but she was starting to make it sound like I had enjoyed it. If she kept it up, the only thing I would be enjoying was giving her a black eye.
My tone was unnaturally cold when I answered. “I made a vow to protect and help my brother to the best of my abilities the moment he was born. Do not imply I am only waiting that your backs are turned to reduce him to tears!”
Though the others flinched, Pinkie kept up her glare. Neither of us were backing down. In the end, Applejack had to step in and direct Pinkie to a carriage she would share with her.
This settled that. My heart was still boiling with fury, but I forced my face to show little resentment and a great deal more calm than I felt.
Carefully, as if it was natural, I lifted Tom with my magic and gently put him into the chariot.
The fact that I was apparently an expert at this unsettled me. Specifically, it felt as if my body controlled my brain and not the opposite. Impulses felt as if they had been born into my horn rather than my brain. Really, that was exactly like me picking up a guitar and pulling off the hardest song I could think of, with the impression that a ghostly force was moving my hands. Creepy…
Shivers running down my spine, I took a few steps and sat down, finally letting the whole gravity of our predicament crash down on me. I barely noticed the yank that went through me as the guards took off.
We were stuck in another world. A whole new world. We weren’t humans anymore, not in the physical sense, maybe not even in the mental sense if all those weird rewiring were any indication…
Heck, Tom was a blue foal sulking on the bottom of a carriage pulled by two sentient pegasus. The only two words that made sense together in that sentence were “Tom” and “sulking”.
A little chuckle escaped my mouth, reminded of times when an ice cream cone would make me his best friend forever again instantly. Of course, he had been about five at the time, so the tactics weren’t quite the same as today.
Case in point, Tom sent me a glare for that. I could see that he thought I was mocking him.
The second I opened my mouth, he turned away, preferring to look at the other carriages transporting the girls. I was left at a lost. I didn’t know how to mend that. I never screwed up so badly with him before…
Silence passed and stretched between us. By now, we were well over the clouds. At this altitude, the wind was completely stroking our fur. The sensation was surprisingly pleasant, like the gentle touch of a mother comforting her child.
Mom… My heart constricted. I… I had abandoned her, hadn’t I? Her and Dad, they were back home… and they had no idea where we were…
A powerful urge pushed at me, willing us to just go back already. The impulse reached at the core of my being, I felt it course through my veins, this desire to be reunited with my whole family…
And it led to nothing, except more heartache. We couldn’t just disappear like this, I doubted I would have the time to perform the ritual with them looking for us. I had no idea what could go wrong with that thing if it was interrupted. No… we had to do our best to fit in until the right moment to leave presented itself.
Until then, I had to keep our family from falling apart, starting with the one and only little brother I had.
“Tom?” I nudged him, hoping to get him to stop sulking already.
As I took a better look at his face though, I was shocked to realize his traits expressed more sorrow than petulant anger.
He turned to me, shaky on his hooves and looking up hesitantly. When he opened his mouth to speak, his voice came out as weaker and much quieter than usual.
“I-is it true that Mom and Dad are really sad because of me?”
For a moment, my own voice failed me, stuck in my throat. I did not want to make him feel this sort of guilt. It wasn’t my role. I was supposed to help him.
But maybe this was the kind of help he needed at the moment.
Nonetheless, a weight pushed down on my mind when I nodded.
His lips started to quiver and he took a step away from me.
“I-I’m sorry,” he squeaked with a tiny voice.
The way he twisted and squirmed on his hooves, I could tell he was terribly ashamed. He even refused to meet my gaze, which triggered something inside me. Obeying my first instinct, I pulled him closer, into a hug.
A part of me died when he flinched, exactly like he would if he had been burned.
I did my best not to let it filter through my voice. “It’s okay, Tom.”
I held him, in silence, hoping that this small reprise would not end so badly. Alas, my little brother had other insecurities.
“D-do you really think I’m selfish?” Had I not been so close, straining my ears to catch any sign of trouble, I wouldn’t have heard him at all.
Tom truly feared he had been just as I had told him: a selfish brat.
“I think…” I bit my lower lips in my hesitation. “You didn’t think ahead, not long enough…”
He understood it as the admittance it was. His hooves squeezed me harder and he showed no desire to break out of my hug at any time soon. So I let him, I made myself a rock for him to rest against, to absorb his tears and his fears, to allow him a chance to grow. Whispering some comforting words in his ears, I closed my eyes and folded my wings over him.
“I love you, Tom. I promise I’ll never leave you.”
“I’m sorry,” he said again, sobbing.
“Shhh.” I patted his back and nuzzled him a bit more, chest warming up with the strong feelings of love coursing in my veins. “Don’t worry. It’s already forgiven.”
This moment would forever be engraved into my mind as perfect.
We were together, truly, for the first time since this had started.
It felt right.
--
Things weren’t quite right.
“Dear, are you feeling fine?” Rarity’s voice came to her ears.
“Oh, it’s… nothing, Rarity. Really.” Even to herself that sounded very unconvincing, so to her perceptive friend…
“It’s about Ventus and his little brother, right?” Dead on.
Twilight sighed, knowing she could not put off this conversation much longer. Besides, perhaps it would ease her worries to share her thoughts with her friend.
“Yes. I find them… intriguing, Ventus especially.”
To her surprise, the white unicorn smiled coyly. “Well, he certainly isn’t a bad looking stallion, with his lustrous white flowing mane or his turquoise eyes. Oh, and don’t get me started on his mu-”
“No, it’s not like that!” Twilight quickly interrupted that sentence, before her cheeks could start coloring with embarrassment.
“Is that so?” Rarity gave her a knowing look, and the way she had pronounced her words managed to worm itself through her barriers.
Well, she thought, he isn’t bad looking, fine, but that is really not the point!
“Yes. My interest has nothing to do with attraction,” the lavender alicorn said, perhaps with a little bit too much conviction to be truly believable. She had to ignore her friend’s expression of skepticism to continue. “There are a few details I could not explain.”
Rarity rolled her eyes, almost scoffing. “A few? He knew us by name without introductions, though that could be explained if he had heard us interact, I have never heard of nicknames such as Tom or Sam, his tone of voice is off whenever he speaks like royalty, I noticed him stumbling on thin air once or twice already and he sometimes hesitate before replying with a vague and non-committing answer.”
The complete list made Twilight’s jaw drop and she stumbled upon her words, in a mix of indignation and shock. “B-but… you…”
“I was simply teasing you, darling.” The unicorn placed a hoof on her friend’s shoulder.
“Oh.” Twilight breathed a sigh of relief, but before she could continue, Rarity laughed quietly.
“The fact that it let me express my opinion of this handsome alicorn was simply an added bonus.”