//------------------------------// // Chapter 2: Ponyville // Story: Bolt of Love // by Silentpegasus //------------------------------// Chapter 2 Ponyville “Last stop Ponyville!” The conductor said over the speaker. Splinter got to his hooves and saw that it was fairly early in the morning. He walked out of the train, threw on the dark cloak he had packed and threw it over his white body. He threw the hood over his head and made his way through the small town undetected. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Inside the Golden Oaks Library Twilight Sparkle was working at her desk until her dragon assistant Spike came up to her with a letter in his claw. “Twilight, I just got this letter from the Princess.” He said as the mare took the letter from him. “Thank you Spike.” She unraveled the parchment and skimmed the message. “Spike get the girls, they need to hear this.” She said in a stern tone. “On it!” He said as he raced out the door. Twilight looked back at the message with a raised eyebrow. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Splinter and noticed that a small purple dragon was running towards the library with five mares in pursuit. Shinning mentioned that Twilight had a dragon assistant. He followed the mares to a hollowed out tree in the center of town. He took of the coat and stuffed it inside his bag. Splinters horn glowed and his body and items became invisible. As the mares made their way inside he snuck in right behind the cyan mare and stood as still as a board. Splinter saw five multi colored mares standing in front of a lavender unicorn. “What’s going on Twi?” The orange one asked in a southern accent. “I’ve just been informed that my brother has commissioned a guard to.....well, guard us.” She said as the cyan mare let out a groan. “Why? We don’t need some babysitter.” Rainbow said as she rolled her eyes. “I don’t know why either, but he says it’s important.” “Does it give his name?” Pinkie asked. “No, nothing. Just says that it’s only one guard.” She said as she looked at the letter. “We don’t need some stuck up Canterlot dweeb, I can take care of myself just fine and I can see a threat coming a mile away.” Rainbow boasted. “Oh really?” The mares looked at one another and jumped back as they saw the white stallion appear beside them. “Who are you?” Twilight yelled as her horn flared. “The stuck up Canterlot dweeb as your friend put it.” He said as he stared at the mares who looked at him in confusion. Rarity’s eyes shrank as her brain made the connection. “Splinter?” Rarity said in wonder. “Rarity? What are you doing here?” The stallion asked in confusion. “You two know each other?” Twilight asked. “I bumped into him while I was leaving Canterlot. I didn’t know that Twilight was the VIP you were talking about.” Splinter looked at her and then over to the purple mare. “I take it you’re an element of harmony then.” “Correct.” The stallion let out a sigh and looked at the mares. “My name is Splintered Lance and I’m under direct orders from the Princess to protect you in anyway I can.” He said with a nod. The orange mare trotted forward and shook his hoof. “Nice to meet yah Splinter. Ah’m Applejack.” She said with a smile. “I’m Pinkie Pie!” The pink earth pony said as she popped up in front of the stallion. “I’m F-Fluttershy.” The yellow mare said in a timid voice. “So you must be good if you’re the only one they sent.” Rainbow said as she eyed the stallion. “I’m the best soldier the Princess has.” He said in a flat tone. “Thanks for the offer pal, but we don’t need protection.” She said in a cocky tone. “I agree. I’m sure this is only a formality to reassure Shinning.” “Why would he need reassurance?” Twilight asked. “Shinning is your brother. It’s his job to worry about you. Since he’s the captain of the guard and the Princess being your teacher, it makes you a prime target.” The ponies looked at him in shock. “Just imagine if you were to fall into enemy hooves, you would be one hell of a bargaining chip.” Twilight looked at the stallion at the realization. “I see, anything else?” Twilight asked. “One last thing, hold still.” “Why should-” Twilight was cut off as six streams of light shot out of his horn and connected with the mares foreheads. Causing the mares to recoil their heads in pain. “What was that?” Twilight asked as she rubbed her head. I opened a telepathic link with you six. If you need my help just think it and I’ll be there as quick as I can. The voice echoed through the mares heads and looked at the stallion in fear. “Relax, I can’t read your minds. I can only hear things you want me to hear.” “How do we turn it off?” Rainbow asked. “All you have to do is say my name and a private channel will open. Only use this in an emergency!” He said in a stern tone. “This spell causes a lot of stress on my brain.” He said as he rubbed his head. “Now, any questions?” “Yeah, how long is this guard thing gonna last?” Rainbow asked. “Until I get orders from the Princess that tell me otherwise.” “What about Twilight’s brother? Don’t you work for him?” Applejack asked. Splinter let out a laugh at the statement. “No, I don’t take orders from Shinning. I’m here because I’m his friend and he trusts me.” Twilight looked at him in confusion. “He never mentioned you to me.” “Then he was doing his job.” He said with a smile. “If you need me I’m going to go find a place to stay.” “I have a spare room you can use.” Rarity chimed in. The other ponies looked at her in confusion. “You don’t have to do that. I can-” “I insist. Think of it as a thank you for helping me in Canterlot.” She said with a warm smile. The mares looked at their friend in surprise at the offer. “Well....okay. If you don’t mind that is.” He said as he raised an eyebrow. “It’s no trouble at all. I’ll show you around after we’re done here.” Rarity looked back at the mares who had looks of surprise and shock strewn across their faces. “What?” “What happened in Canterlot?” Twilight asked as she raised her eyebrow. “Nothing, I just helped your friend out of-” “He defended me from two unsavory stallions while I was on my way to the train station.” The mares looked at the white stallion. “I was just doing my job.” He said in a flat tone. “I still feel that I owe you something.” She said in a light hardy voice. “Suit yourself. Thank you.” He said with a nod. “So you have to do what we say?” Rainbow asked with a smirk. “I’m not your butler, I’m your bodyguard. Call me if you’re in danger and I’ll be there to help you out. That’s it.” He said in a stern tone. Splinter looked over at Pinkie who could barely control her excitement. “Neat! A new pony! This calls for a party!” She zoomed towards the exit, only to have the door being slammed in her face. “Hey what gives?” “Nope, no parties for this stallion.” “Why not?” “The key in this mission is stealth and a party is sure to draw attention to me.” He said in a stern tone. Splinter looked back at the Pink mare who had a sad look on her face. “However, Shinning told me about your party habit. So it would seem strange if somepony noticed me and I didn’t have one. Throw one, just don’t tell them who I am or why I’m here.” Pinkie grinned and gave a slight nod. “So you want us to lie?” Applejack asked. “Don’t worry I’ll handle the details.” He said in a calm tone. “Before we go any further how about we get a little back round on you.” Twilight said in a stern voice. “Worried about my qualifications?” He asked as he raised an eyebrow “I just want to see what you can do. How long have you been in the guard?” “About as long as your brother.” He said in a flat tone. “What kind of missions have you done?” She asked as she raised an eyebrow. “Classified.” Splinter said in a blank tone. “Why?” “That’s the way it is.” His face was devoid of any emotion. “Why can’t you tell us?” Rainbow asked. “It’s one of those ‘If I told you then I’d have to kill you’ deals.” The ponies looked at him in shock. “I will say this, theres no one in the guard that can beat me.” He looked over at Twilight who’s eyes began to narrow. “Your brother can get a few good hits on me, but I always won when we sparred with one another.” “What type of spells can you use?” Twilight asked. “Mostly offensive spells, some protective spells and a few of my own personal ones.” “Like?” “Invisibility.” He said as his body vanished from their sight. “This is my personal favorite, allows me to sneak around without being noticed.” The stallions said as he reappeared “Cool!” Pinkie said with a smile. “I can also make other things invisible too.” His horn flared and the orange mare disappeared. “What in tarnation?” She yelled as her image returned. “Not to shabby.” Rainbow said with a raised eyebrow. “Anything else?” Splinter asked as he looked back at the mares. “N-no. I think we’re good for now.” Twilight said in a shaky voice. “Splendid. Follow me Splinter and I’ll show you to where you’ll be staying.” Rarity said as she walked to the door. The white stallion gave the group of mares a nod and turned to follow the mare. Twilight trotted over to her desk and withdrew a quill and paper. “What are ya doing Twilight?” Applejack asked. “I’m going to get some more information on him. My brother would surely know more about him.” She said as she began to write. “Good idea, I don’t know about you girls but I don’t trust him.” Rainbow said as she looked at her friends. “He doesn’t seem so bad.” Fluttershy said in a timid voice. “Yeah, he probably needs to get settled in.” Pinkie chimed in. “I dunno sugar cube, something felt...off.” “I got that vibe too.” Twilight said as she finished the letter. “Spike send this to Princess Celestia at once.” She said as she handed it to the dragon. “On it.” The dragon said as he breathed a ball of green flames that enveloped the parchment. “I’m sure Celestia will be able to explain” Twilight was cut off as Spike burped up a rolled piece of parchment. “See, I knew she would-” Twilight’s jaw dropped at the message. “What is it Twi?” Applejack asked. Twilight showed them the message and their jaws hit the floor. Twilight, I understand that you want to know more about Splinter, but for his and your protection he must remain secret. Splinter may seem a little....extreme, but he is without a doubt the best we have and will protect you with his life. I know that Rainbow Dash is rolling her eyes at this whole situation. This is so that Shinning will feel reassured about your safety. I will say this, Splinter has had a long hard career. Please do not ask him about things he doesn’t wish to talk about, and DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES MENTION THE CHANGELING ATTACK! He lost some friends and it’s a VERY sensitive topic to him. It’s why I assigned him to you, he needs to relax and unwind. I’m sorry, that is all I can tell you about him. I will see if I can find anything else from Shinning. Until then, help him feel welcome. ~Princess Celestia. Twilight read the letter again in confusion. She looked at her friends in bewilderment who shared the same expression. “Not even the Princess can tell us about him.” Twilight said as she sat down. “Who is he?” She asked as she made the letter vanish. “I say we find out the old fashioned way!” Rainbow said as she cracked her hooves. “Ah don’t think that’s a good idea Rainbow, he’s a Canterlot guard. I’m sure he can handle you without breaking a sweat.” The orange mare said as Rainbow let out a grunt and calmed down. “I still think we should confront him.” “We’ll talk to him after he gets settled. Maybe he’ll tell us when he’s ready.” Pinkie said with a smile. “Maybe you’re right, until then I suggest we at least try to help him feel welcome.” Twilight said with a sigh. “Who knows? He could be useful.” Twilight said with a shrug. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Splinter followed the white mare to a very posh shop filled with fabric thread and gowns of almost every color. “I take it you’re a tailor then?” “Yes, I make custom suits and dresses for ponies all over Equestria.” “Nice, did you design anything for famous ponies?” “Yes, I made a custom outfit for Sapphire Shores.” She said with a smile. “Ah, I recall her mentioning a dress maker from a small town that designed her jeweled outfit.” Rarity’s jaw dropped at the info. “You know Sapphire Shores?” “Yeah, I was hired to guard her while she was on a fashion tour a few years ago. Very nice mare and always had a funny story up her sleeve.” He said with a laugh. “Nice to know some famous ponies that aren’t complete jerks.” “Like who?” “Blue blood.” He said as he let out a groan. “I’ve wanted to clobber him so many times I’ve lost count.” “I understand your feelings.” She said as the Gala memories came rushing back. “You’ve met him?” “Unfortunately yes. I have never met such an inconsiderate stallion in all my life!” She yelled. “I’m with ya on that one, you couldn’t pay me enough to guard him again.” He said as he narrowed his eyes. “Once in awhile I would ‘accidentally’ sneeze in his food.” Rarity let out a giggle at the thought. “You don’t even want to know what the chefs did to it.” He said with a laugh. Rarity was in hysterics as she approached the boutique. “Here we are.” She said as she opened the doors to the posh boutique. Splinter noticed the large rolls of fabric and outfits put on display. “Sorry about the mess. I had to get started on an outfit for a client.” “No problem. I’m no neat freak.” He said with a shrug. The door opened to reveal a small white unicorn filly. “Hey Rarity I was wondering if-.” She stopped when she noticed the stallion. “Sweetie Belle, it’s rude to barge in like that.” Rarity said as she looked at the filly. “Sorry.” She said as she rolled here eyes. “You have daughter?” Splinter asked as he looked at the two ponies. “Oh no, Sweetie is just my little sister.” She said with a small laugh. “Sorry, I just assumed.” He said as he looked away from the mare. “It’s alright darling. You’re not the first pony to assume that.” She said with a warm smile. “Who’s he?” The filly asked. “My name is Splintered Lance and I’m a friend of your sisters from Canterlot. She’s allowing me to stay here while I get my new business up and running in town.” He lied with a smile. “Oh that makes sense.” She said as she continued on her way. Rarity looked at him with a raised eyebrow. “What?”
 “You just lied to my sister. Why?” “The less she and you know, the safer it will be while I’m guarding you.” He said in a flat tone. “Still, I’m surprised how you can do it so easily.” “Let’s just say I’ve had a lot of practice at it.” He said in a flat tone. Rarity gulped and led the stallion up the stairs and into a fairly large room with a pristine white desk, large bed, a large dresser and a massive window that let the sun in. “Here we are. Home sweet home.” “Looks great, I really appreciate this Rarity.” He said with a grin. “Think nothing of it darling.” Rarity said with a smile. “Mind if I use one of these mannequins?” “Of course darling. Whatever you need.” Splinter smiled and his horn began to glow. A suit of armor appeared on the mannequin. Rarity inspected the armor with a raised eyebrow. The armor was deep red with white trim. Unlike the traditional golden armor she had seen so many Canterlot guards wear. “Why is your armor a different color?” “I’m a different branch of the guard.” He said in a flat tone. “So a special guards man?” “Sort of.” He said with a shrug. The armor vanished from the mannequin with a small poof of smoke. “Where did it go?” The stallions horn flared showing the armor on the stallions body. “You always wear it?” “Yeah, but I usually keep it invisible. I don’t like to draw attention to myself.” He said as the armor vanished. “Why?” “I won’t be able to guard you if ponies are asking me questions every minute of the day.” He said with a sigh. Rarity smiled and left the stallion to continue unpacking in peace. Splinter rifled through his things and levitated a small photo with him and two other ponies in it. He set the photo on the night stand and let out a sigh. He instantly felt a small pain rip through his body. He quickly found his toiletry bag and pulled out a small bottle of pills. The stallion put one in his hoof and popped it into his mouth. The stallion let out a sigh and made his way over to the bed and laid down to rest. Splinter awoke hours later and let out a yawn. He trotted downstairs to see the filly coloring in a children’s book. The filly smiled at him as he gave her friendly nod. Splinter walked out of the boutique and back onto the street. As he made his way down the dirt path he was approached by the cyan mare from before. “Hey!” She yelled. “What?” “Just making sure you’re not trying anything funny.” The mare said as she eyed him. “Like what?” “I don’t know. We know nothing about you and we’re just supposed to trust you?” “You’re cautious.” The mare nodded. “Good, better to be safe then sorry.” “So what do you do for Celestia?” The mare asked. “Like I said-” The mare suddenly jumped in front of the stallion and narrowed her eyes. “Are you a spy?” “I’ve been called that yes.” He said with a smug grin. Rainbow instantly took a few steps back. “I’m usually a Recon pony.”
 “A what?” “I scout out the area before Celestia’s main army gets there.” He said in a flat tone. “So what can you tell me about this town?” “Quiet for the most part.” She said with a shrug. “So how do you know Rarity again?” “She was cornered by two stallions in Canterlot. I intervened and walked her to the train station.” “What were the two stallions doing?” “They were upperclass plot holes mostly berating her. How she was unfit to walk in Canterlot or some stupid reason like that.” “Jerks.” “Tell me about it. Most Canterlot stallions are like that safe for a few.” He said with a shrug. The two then made their way into a pink colored building that smelled like frosting. The inside was dark and silent. The guard pony got in a defensive stance. The lights flicked on to reveal a group of ponies. “Surprise!” The group yelled. The stallion relaxed his stance and let out a sigh. The pink mare appeared in front of him with a wide grin on her face. “Are you surprised?” “I wouldn’t have this job if I was.” He said with a deadpanned look on his face. The Pink mare grumbled but let out a sigh. “Oh well, can’t surprise them all I guess.” She said with a smile. The white stallion trotted over to where the six mares were sitting. Splinter gave them a nod and sat across from the dressmaker who gave him a smile. The pink mare trotted up to them with a platter of drinks on her back. “Here ya go guys, six sarsaparillas.” “Thank you Pinkie.” Rarity said as she took her glass. “Want anything Lancey?” Pinkie asked. The stallion looked at her with a blank expression on his face. “Let’s get a few thing straight here; One, NEVER call me that. Two, don’t try to surprise me. The last stallion who did ended up in a body cast for six months and had to eat through a mechanical straw. Three, I’ll just have a cranberry juice.” He said as he sat back. The pink mare gulped and gave him a nod. The other five mares looked at him in shock. “You hospitalized a stallion?” Twilight asked. “It was his fault for trying to jump me.” He said in a relaxed tone. “What happened?” “I was working with this hot headed guard. Thought he was better then everypony else. Idiot thought he could catch me by surprise when my guard was down.” He said as Pinkie handed him the drink. “He tried to prove that he could take me. That’s what you get when you mess with a fully trained guard stallion.” Splinter said as he sipped his drink. The ponies looked at him in amazement. “So you’ve been in a lot of fights?” Rainbow asked. “Yeah.” He said as he sipped his drink. “You can’t be in the guard if you don’t know how to fight.” The mare then eyed his glass. “Why don’t you order a real drink?” Applejack asked. “I don’t drink while I’m on duty.” He said as he looked at the mare. “We don’t mind.” Rainbow said as she pushed a glass over to him. “I said no.” He said in a flat tone. The mare looked at him in confusion. “C’mon partner. Loosen up, have some fun.” Applejack said with a smile. “No. Even if I wanted to I can’t.” He said as he pushed the drink away. “What do you mean you cant’t?” Twilight asked. “I’m on medication for an injury I got in sparing practice.” The stallion rated the fur in his chest to reveal a healing wound. The ponies cringed back at the sight of the scar. “That’s what happens when the new recruits spar with swords.” He said as he let go of his chest. “I come off the med’s at the end of the week.” The mares nodded and started to talk amongst themselves. Splinter noticed that a cream colored mare with a grey mane made her way over to their table. “Can I help you?” “I’m Mayor Mare and I just want to welcome you to our town.” “Nice to meet you I’m Splintered Lance.” He said as he shook the mares hoof. “Likewise, tell me what is your occupation?” “Farmer.” The mares looked at him in surprise. “I’m from the mid west and I figured I’d try farming out here.” “I see. So you must be working with Applejack.” “Ummm....well.” The orange mare tried to say as she put on a sheepish grin. “Yup, she was kind enough to offer me a job while I’m in town.” He said with a smile. “I see. Well, if you need anything feel free to ask.” She said with a smile before returning to the party. He looked at the six mares who looked at him in surprise. “Yer pretty good at lying. Even ah couldn’t tell if you were telling the truth.” The farmer said as she sipped her drink. “Comes with the territory.” He said with a shrug. “I’ll see ya bright and early then.” “Why?” “No way, no how am I gonna let you make a liar out of me.” Splinter rolled his eyes and let out a sigh. “Fine. I’m up by 5:00am anyway.” “Why so early?” Rainbow asked. “I like it early.” He said as he got to his hooves and trotted out the door. The mares looked at one another in surprise. “He seems.....interesting.” Fluttershy said in a timid voice. “I don’t know. He seems...off.” Rainbow said. “Settle down Sally. He seems genuine.” AJ said with a shrug. “Let’s just keep an eye on him.” Twilight said as she sipped her drink. Splinter entered the boutique and made his way up to his room. He trotted over to the bed and turned off the light.He took one lat look at the photo and drifted off to sleep.