Chapter 1: Andante
It was big. Probably bigger than the fine gentleman helping folks onto the train had ever seen. The tie dye patterns on it only helped to draw attention to the piece of luggage. The owner casually grinned as he left it with him to place onto the baggage cart. Tipping his fedora casually, the owner of the bag stepped onto the train, leaving the diligent employee to stare at the eyesore, contemplating several things. How in the sun and the moon did he manage to carry it around so easily? The thing looked like it had to weigh at the very least one hundred pounds, not telling what could be stuffed in it. What if there was a body? What if he was transporting a hit to verify the finishing of a job? Was it better to not ask questions or be concerned? Not paying attention, the line of people that were waiting for him to let them onto the train grew, and some were definitely becoming more agitated than others. Snapping out of his current delusion, which made the owner of the bag into some sort of secret agent, he quickly guided folks onto the train. One of them looked at him, tipping his own fedora.
"You should pay a bit more attention! This is my first vacation since ever, and I don't want it to be ruined." he spoke to the gentleman, holding his small bag against his chest to make it easier to slip through the doors when he finally entered. The man nodded, letting him pass to help others who needed it.
Holding his bag against his chest, Catacomb looked for a seat. He was originally offered a private room, but he traded that down so he could enjoy the presence of others. The others that made their way onto the train quickly found seats to call their own. According to a brochure Catacomb picked up in a gift shop at the station, many people traveled to this small town quite often, between the freshest foods around, brilliant dresses, or just the overly friendly and subtle scenery that Ponyville had to offer to the world. Definitely different than just being in the crowded city, Catacomb could feel the lack of tension in the air, only the simple joys of happiness. He just closed his eyes and laid back, deciding to sleep through the ride. Being awake would only make him anxious to get there. What he would do, the people he could meet. It makes the thought of who his roommate would be all the better...slightly.
---------- ---------- ----------
A slight sneeze escaped the tired man sitting at a subtle table in a decent sized house. The kitchen was fairly plain, having only the essentials. The drapes were opened slightly, as to not make it too bright, but provide a lack of desire for artificial light to fill the room. He lifted up the edge of his odd looking mask to take a sip of coffee, natures get the hell up button for grown folks who's only desire was to sleep all day. Not saying that his desire was to sleep, but sleep was definitely the prevalent force here, holding him back from getting dressed normally. Setting the cup down and his mask back into place, designed with sleep in mind itself, the happy smile painted on it completed with eyeholes that looked like they were closed as well. Only due to the tinted see through material was the wearer able to get a good look out of them. He got up and made his way to his room, deciding it was as good of a time as any to get put together. As much as white with red and green polka dots were nice, pajamas were not social wear under any circumstances. His new business partner had given him his new task the night before, a surprise V.I.P. was making their way into Ponyville today, and the letter, being sent through Princess Celestia herself, made it all the more important. He would be damned if he showed up for his first official day of work in sleeping garb.
The closets diversity was lacking, the shirts consisted of all long sleeved, covered in flashy red, white, and green diamond patterns, meant to draw attention to the wearer. The pants that had hung next to the shirts were a beige color, made of a resilient material meant to take whatever the day had planned. Actually taking time to decide as if it actually mattered, he finally decided on a diamond shirt and beige pants. Reaching into a dresser drawer, he pulled out a white ceramic mask, made of sterner stuff than his current mask. The eyes were a plus shape, still using the same tinted material used on the other mask. The painted blue smile made the masks creepy stare complete, but that's the way he liked it, and honestly didn't see why others thought it was strange. He took off his sleep shirt slowly, taking care not to reopen the stitching on his chest. He had only been released from the hospital a few days ago, so he would prefer not to go back if at all possible. He took less care removing his sleep pants, throwing both to the side and got on his clothes for the day. Removing his current mask, he quickly swapped it out for the more sturdy one, taking care to keep his slightly long brown hair out of the inside. He gave himself a thumbs up in the mirror, admiring his distinguished tastes in fashion. He quickly threw on his boots and made his way to the hospital. He figured his boss would be all right if he took a detour, knowing the circumstances.
---------- ---------- ----------
Catacomb sat back in is seat, watching the scenery pass by from his window. He hummed happily, counting the trees as they all passed by. A women, pushing a beverage cart down the isle went up to him, about to ask him if he wanted anything. Before she could speak, though, he held up a hand, causing her to remain silent for a few seconds. "No thank you." He finally spoke, putting his hand down. She stared for a few more seconds, before finally asking the question on her mind.
"Umm if you don't mind me asking, what are you doing?" He didn't turn around, just continued to stare out the window. He did, however, respond to her question after a few more seconds passing.
"Counting trees." It was a simple response, but one that definitely gave rise to more questions than answers for the woman. Catacomb seemed so in depth at his self imposed job. He just continued to stare out of the window, ignoring the odd look from her. She soon snapped out of her stare when another passenger started to complain. She smiled apologetically as she continued to push the cart. Giving a quick glance back, she couldn't help but feel a sense of deja vu.
---------- ---------- ----------
Quickly making his way to the towns bakery, Sugarcube Corner, the masked man was jumping around all happily, like he had just won a million bits, though cake would have done just the same. Finally arriving, he spotted his boss, tending the counter for the bakery. She wore her favorite pink frilly dress, decorated with colorful streamer and balloon designs. Her bright, pink, and poofy hair finished the look, making her capable of standing out from any visible distance. She bounced up happily as she watched her new partner enter the building. Catching his breath slightly, he finally gave a bow to the woman. "Perry O'te, party planner extraordinaire, at your service." He started speaking, earning a happy squeal from her. "Just tell me where you want me, Pinkie, and I will be there." She quickly ran up to him and gave him one of her famous hugs, causing Perry to let out a groan of pain. "Pinkie...chest...pain..." He let out slowly as air left his lungs.
"Ohmygosh!" She yelled quickly, dropping the aching Perry onto the ground. "Sorry, I kinda forgot. I'm just so excited that I finally have help to prepare for my parties. This is an important person so we are going to need..."
"Lots of music!" Perry chimed in.
"And cake!" Pinkie started to add in.
"Streamers!"
"Balloons"
"Games!"
"Explosions!" Both Pinkie and Perry were jumping up and down happily, the ideas flowing between them. Anyone witnessing the display would only think of the horror and terror the two could cause on a daily basis. One Pinkie is tiring, two, is just madness.
"So, what is the plan exactly?" Perry asked, calming down slightly. Pinkie stood there, scratching the bottom of her chin while she tried to remember the details. Finally, she snapped up and looked at Perry.
"We get the party ready here, while Twilight and the others go and greet him at the train station. They will show him around first, before making their way here, and then we party all night long!" Pinkie rose her fist into the air in a celebratory manner. Perry thought back to his arrival, almost sounding the same as his, minus the showing around bit, but that was his fault anyways.
"Well, what are we waiting for? The show must go on!" Perry said as he scurried into the closet to drag out the supplies. Pinkie nodded and ran into the kitchen, whipping together the party treats in almost an ungodly fashion, going at speeds which should be inhuman. The two were a dynamic duo in every sense of the word. The owners of the bakery watched on from a distance, almost with horrified expressions at the pair working. The man, yellow apron over a classic baker uniform, and his wife, wearing the same uniform, but with a blue apron, slowly went upstairs. Deciding that a day off at this point might be a good idea.
---------- ---------- ----------
"So who do ya think it is?" Ask one of four girls on a bench, as they sat at the train station. She wore a blue tank top and runners shorts of a matching color. Her light blue wings seemed to match the outfit itself, though the highly distinguishing feature had to have been her hair, which seemed to hold every color of the rainbow within the short locks.
"Can't say Rainbow," another girl spoke. "But I do hope they are as dashing as our last guest." She giggled slightly, her luxurious purple hair falling over her face. She wore a white summer dress, the bottom consisting of alternating diamond patterns. She had a more mature look than the others. It may have just been the way she presented herself, or just the gratuitous amount of makeup.
"I don't get it Rarity." the third spoke. She wore a simple pair of blue jeans and a white tee shirt. Over the tee was a nice orange colored flannel shirt, all slightly worn from hard work, but none-the-less clean looking. Atop her long blond hair, was a large Stetson hat. She was almost never seen without it on, as she treasured it like it was a family member.
"What don't you get, Applejack? Last time we were here, Fluttershy found someone that makes her happy. Oh it must be a dream come true, finding romance from the arms of a handsome and mysterious stranger." Rarity said, sighing slightly as she dramatically leaned into Applejacks arms. Applejack simply dropped the daydreamer, causing her to slip and fall of the bench with a thud. Rarity quickly got up and brushed herself off, giving Applejack nasty stares. The two said nothing as she sat back down, a bit further from Applejack than before. Rainbow's snickering caused the tussled woman to simply 'hmph' and cross her arms, looking away from the two.
"Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash!" The forth girl finally spoke from behind her book. Her long dark blue colored hair, with its usual dark pink stripe going down the side, was pushed out of her face as she glared at the others. She wore a long purple skirt, going down past her knees, and a subtle white dress shirt, giving her a slightly scholarly look. "Please, this could be the most important person besides the Princesses. We have to be on our best behavior." The offending women stared at her as she spoke, Rainbow letting out a light chuckle.
"So you bring us along? Seriously, Twilight, do you even know me?" Rainbow laughed, causing the other two to unwillingly snicker as well.
"What if it was Spitfire making her way to Ponyville." Twilight grinned as she spoke to Rainbow. Rainbow stared for a few seconds before starting to laugh again. Twilight raised an eyebrow at the reaction. "What, you don't think it's possible?"
"Good one, Twi, but I have the entirety of Spitfire's schedule for the next two years." Rainbow said, finally calming down.
"Rainbow, not gonna lie sugarcube, but doesn't that make you a stalker?" Applejack asked.
"No way, total difference. I'm just the Wonderbolt's number one fan. I don't watch them as they sleep or anything weird like that." Rainbow said, chuckling innocently. Applejack nodded at her response, having always been good at figuring out if others had been lying.
"Twilight, Rainbow, Applejack. I can see the train! Oh I am so excited!" Rarity squealed with delight. They watched as the train pulled into the station, containing the guest of honor.
---------- ---------- ----------
Catacomb stretched out happily as he watched the station grow ever closer. He grabbed his bag and got up, waiting his turn as the folks started to leave their seats and head for the exit. Before he left the train, he turned to the nice lady who offered him beverages. He smiled and said one thing to her, but that one thing caused her to need to take a seat, grab some water, and take a few deep breaths. "137." He grinned and walked off the train and into the bright sunny day that his new vacation spot had to offer.
He just stared, seeing them almost immediately, as they looked around for their intended guest. Smiling happily, he simply turned around and into the sky. Mouthing a simple, 'Thank you Celestia,' he walked to the four girls sitting on the bench, all four of them a vision of purity and beauty in their own way. Catacomb's last visit wasn't under the best of circumstances, and he doubted they would remember him. Still, the ladies that resided in this town made the trip all the more worth it. Rainbow Dash, as he recalled. Her body toned from exercise, but no less attractive for being so. Applejack's build was strong and muscular, easily able to take down most men a notch. It was this that made her sexy. Catacomb always had a thing for women who could kick his ass, or at least try. Now the Princesses personal student was a different story. Slim and small, yet her figure was definitely not lacking. It was hard to imagine such a well endowed genius. Finally was the diamond amongst the gems. Rarity was beauty in every superficial sense of the word. Her long hair, the curves on her body, and that mature glow that shined from her face. For just about any man, she could easily personify perfection in the female form. It was hard for Catacomb to behave himself, but getting to know a group of lovelies like them would take time, and if experience is any indicator, patience and cunning had always paid off.
"So, what is a nice group of ladies doing out here?" Catacomb asked approaching from the side and leaning against the light post next to the bench. His sudden appearance startled them all as they looked over at him.
"It's none of yer business, partner." Applejack said defensively. Catacomb chuckled slightly as he watched them eye him curiously. It wasn't long before Rarity came to the conclusion.
"Oh dear, how in the name of Celestia could I have forgotten such a nice outfit!" She got up and walked over to Catacomb. "You are one of Perry's friends, am I right?" Rarity asked. Catacomb gave a simple thumbs up and a grin. The other girls finally figured it out as well, as one by one, they started to remember him, as he used that form on his last visit.
"You wouldn't happen to be the V.I.P. that Celestia has sent here?" Twilight asked.
"That would be me! Name's Catacomb, but my friends call me Cata for short, and you ladies most definitely qualify as a friend to me." Catacomb said to them, grinning happily.
"So Cata, what are you doing here in Ponyville?" Rainbow asked. Catacomb looked to the sky, and took a deep breath. The girls listened on intensely for his response.
"I needed a vacation." He stated simply, causing the group to groan. Catacomb looked back to them, giving him a less than amused look.
"No need to be a drama queen about it." Rarity said. Rainbow couldn't help but laugh at her response. Rarity glared at her, but before she could speak Rainbow laid back down on the bench.
"Oh dear," Rainbow started, trying her best to mock Rarity's proper accent. "I can not seem to find a ribbon. This is the worst...possible...thing!" She acted as if she fainted, causing everyone but Rarity and Catacomb to laugh. Catacomb was clueless and Rarity was furious. She tried to storm off the platform, but was stopped by the strong yet gentle grip of Catacomb. He simply grinned, and looking around for any others, decided that a little show was necessary. He casually walked past the light post, quickly taking the shape of Rainbow Dash. He chuckled as he started to speak, perfectly copying Rainbow's voice.
"My name is Rainbow Crash! I make it a habit to cause at least one hundred bits of property damage each time I practice a trick." Rarity and Applejack couldn't help but burst out laughing at the transformation. Rainbow was less than amused with his antics, glaring at him.
"Quit...being me. It's creeping me out." she said to Catacomb. He chuckled and went back to his preferred form. Twilight watched curiously as his shift was fairly quick.
"I have to ask, Mr. Catacomb..." Twilight spoke to him. He shook his head rather quickly, interrupting her question.
"Please, Twilight, just Cata. That formal stuff makes me feel all old and stuff."
"Alright then Cata, do you think I can ask you a few personal questions about changelings in general?" Twilights question was innocent, but Catacomb had a fairly sour look on his face. Twilight noticed and started to frown. "If you don't want to, that's fine. I am sorry if I am bothering you."
"It's no big deal. I just don't like talking about that. It is all people seem to be interested in when they find out what I am. Tell ya what, get to know me a bit better and I might just let you interview me, but for now, I would rather not spend such a great afternoon on a train station platform." The girls nodded and they all started to make their way towards the town.
---------- ---------- ----------
The tour of the town went surprisingly well. He already knew a good portion of the town, but he never got to learn about it from his brief stay prior. The townsfolk were also really nice, especially since they were not driven mad with fear. Most waved at the group, some even stopping to talk to them. It was just all around friendly, unlike the busy streets of Canterlot. Taking a few minutes, Catacomb closed his eyes and took in the emotions of the surroundings. He could feel the good nature this town had to offer, and wondered why he had not come here before. As the seconds turned into minutes, the rest of the girls noticed that the person they were in charge of had suddenly zoned out somewhere far away. In an almost curious fashion, Twilight found herself repeatedly poking Catacomb in the forehead, trying to get a responce from him. After a few, she got grunts which in turn became peeved snarls.
"Can I help you?" Catacomb asked, slightly annoyed. Twilight jumped back, a slight blush on her face as she chuckled lightly in embarrassment.
"Sorry, sugarcube, but we all thought you decided to take another vacation." Applejack said, causing Catacomb to raise an eyebrow.
"What she means, darling, is that we were wondering why you suddenly stopped moving." Rarity spoke to the confused Catacomb, giving him the insight that he needed.
"Ahhh, ok. I was just tuning into the emotions." he said happily. This simple response only created more questions than answers. "Well, what are we waiting for? Isn't there more to go see?" Twilight and the others looked towards the clock tower, and then at each other with a nod. Catacomb watched this odd display, and was going to ask, but didn't have the time as he was practically dragged over to Sugarcube Corner. "Hey, I can walk you know!" Catacomb yelled out slightly, but was given no reprieve. In his mind, he was being dragged around by four beautiful woman, so why actually complain. Just sit back and enjoy whatever was coming to him.
The entirety of Sugarcube Corner looked edible, almost like a life size gingerbread house. The real treat was beyond the door to the building, though. As he opened it, Catacomb was greeted to a large group of people with a huge banner hanging saying 'Welcome to Ponyville!' Catacomb was shocked, but not nearly as shocked as another individual in the room. The two made eye contact, staring at each other for what felt like eternity.
"...CATA?!" The other man yelled out, in almost complete shock.
"Heh...heh...sup Perry?"