//------------------------------// // Chapter 5 // Story: Home Again // by drnkntst //------------------------------// Chapter 12 Rick was woken up by a pair of guards, “Mr. Rhinestone, it’s time.” Rick groaned as he rolled onto his hooves and stood up off the straw, it was fresh, not comfortable. He was given an apple and some water for his breakfast, the apple wasn’t one of Applejack’s and he decided that the day was going to be bad if it continued like this. The guards led Rick down the stone passage through the bowels of the castle. “Where are we going? Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy to be out of that cell, I’m just curious.” “You are going before the princess. She will hear your case and determine your fate.” “What, again?” “Pardon?” “Nothing, nothing, let’s just get this over with.” Rick had already decided that he would not fight, he was not ashamed of standing up for Rarity. She was a friend, she was family and lately she, and all the other mares, seemed like they were more, almost like… “We’re here.” The lead guard said as he magically opened a large, foreboding door. The sudden increase in light forced Rick to squint as he walked through the indicated doorway. When his sight returned, he saw Princess Celestia seated at a throne, not her beautiful one he had seen before with the drapes and cushions and water pools, this one seemed more official and less grandiose. The walls were lined were plain white marble and lined with guardsponies. The windows, while very fancy looking, served purely as a light source, not decoration. And standing near the throne… was them, Jet Set and Upper Crust. “Good morning, Princess.” Rick bowed slightly to the majestic ruler who only a few days ago was singing his praises at a memorial in his honor. “Good morning, Rick. Do you know why you’re here?” She replied. “Yes, I assaulted both these ponies yesterday.” Jet Set and Upper Crust looked a little disappointed that he didn’t deny the act, they wanted this rough looking, country pony to pay for the indignity he had bestowed upon them. “So you admit it? Honest as ever I see. Why did you assault them?” Celestia asked as she raised an eyebrow. “Because they’re bullies. They insulted Rarity and made her cry. I cannot sit idly by while someone hurts my family.” “Is this true?” The sun princess turned toward the snobbish pair. “Did you insult Rarity?” “I-I-I… I suppose that might be true.” Jet Set begrudgingly admitted. “And was that before or after this stallion assaulted you?” “…before…” “SPEAK SO I MAY HEAR YOU!” The sudden intensity of her voice made even Rick nervous. “Before, your majesty.” “I see. So would it be fair to say you started the fight?” “Bu… we… he… I…” Both Jet Set and Upper Crust seemed unable to handle the tidal change in the court room and simply hung his head. “Very well, Rick Rhinestone, I find you guilty of assault.” Celestia said as she turned to face him. “Yes, Princess.” “Ha! Justice.” That voice was really irritating and had begun to offend Rick’s ears. “I believe an apology is in order, Rick.” “If you wish it, Princess.” Rick walked over toward the ‘offended’ party, “Sir, I apologize for my actions. It was uncalled for.” He could almost feel the enamel on his teeth crack from the grinding. “I should certainly say… ” Jet Set trailed off. One glance at Rick and he could tell this large stallion was only just barely resisting ripping his throat out. “Uh, I-uh mean, apology accepted, good day.” The pair walked out of the court room as quickly as their dignity allowed. “Now,” Rick turned back to face the princess as she addressed him, “for your sentencing. You shall-” “WAIT!!” came a shout from the main entrance along with the sound of slamming doors. “PLEASE STOP, PRINCESS!!” Rick and Celestia both turned their attention toward the newcomers. Rick’s heart lifted instantly. The six mares he had come the think of as his family came rushing to his side and surrounded him, some were in defensive postures but Rarity and Fluttershy had pressed in against him. Twilight alone approached Celestia. “You have something you wish to add, Princess Twilight?” “Please don’t punish him. Rick was just protecting his friend. You can’t punish him for that.” “So I should forget his crimes simply because his cause was noble? Is it not still stealing even if it is to feed a starving family?” “Well, I… ” Twilight wanted so desperately to defend her friend, but when she was faced with Celestia’s logic, she couldn’t think of a reason he shouldn’t be punished. “It’s okay, Twilight, I’m not ashamed of what I did but that doesn’t change the fact that it was against the rules. Assault is assault, no matter the reason.” Rick hung his head in defeat. “I’m ready to accept my fate.” “Very well, I will now sentence the prisoner,” the mares closed in on Rick to show their support. “I sentence you, Rick Rhinestone, to life,” the collective gasping should have been sufficient to empty the air from the room, “of community service. You shall spend the rest of your time as a citizen of Equestria serving as Protector of the Elements of Harmony. You are to protect these six mares with your life and spend your days seeing to their well-being and happiness.” Rick stood staring at Celestia, mouth agape, trying to grasp what had just been said to him. The girls enclosing him took less time on the uptake and wrapped him in the tightest group hug anyone involved had ever experienced. “Does-does that mean I’m going back to Ponyville?” Celestia closed her eyes and nodded grinning. “Yes, as I said, you are to return with these girls to Ponyville and protect them for the rest of your days. You will of course be given a salary for your trouble. So long as they will allow, you are to care for the bearers of the Elements of Harmony.” “I… don’t know what to say. Thank you, Princess.” Rick bowed as deeply as the group hug would allow. “Oh, that reminds me, you may resume calling me Celestia. After seeing the lengths you are willing to go for your friends as well as the honesty and modesty you displayed here today, there is no doubt in my mind that you are indeed the true Rick Rhinestone.” “Thank you again, Celestia.” The already tight hug was tightened even more. Celestia once again nodded toward Rick then turned and left the court room. “Now… ladies,… what… do… you say… we… go home?... ” he wheezed. Chapter 13 “How could you just give in like that? You know you only assaulted those two because of me. What if Princess Celestia had decided to keep you locked up? What if we never saw you again?” Rarity had been berating the poor stallion since they left the royal city on the train. “Rarity, would you let him be?” Twilight glared at her while her forelegs were wrapped around Rick in a half hug, half defensive hold. “Celestia even said she only trusted him because he was honest and upfront.” “That’s right, honesty is the best policy.” Added the Element of Honesty. “Yes, I suppose that’s true. I just… if Princess Celestia hadn’t released you… it would have been all my fault.” He could almost hear a tear in her voice. She was surprised when a hand appeared under her chin, lifting it as another formed and wiped the tear from her eye. “This was my doing, not yours, besides; everything worked out in the end so no tears, okay.” Rarity couldn’t help but smile and lean into the magic hand. She nodded her concurrence. Rainbow Dash, who was sitting next to her, smirked in gently elbowed her ribs. “We’re all just so glad you were able to come home with us.” The quiet voice of Fluttershy offered. “To be perfectly honest, I had almost given up hope when you all busted through the door. I had an apple for breakfast that didn’t come from Sweet Apple Acres and it went downhill from there.” “Ya’ll mean ya could tell the apple wasn’t one of mine?” Applejack perked up at this revelation. “Of course, your apples are the best. Having to eat that other one seemed like punishment in itself.” Applejack blushed and lowered her hat over her eyes at the compliment. “When we get back, we got have a party!” “Sounds good to me, Pinkie, but I don’t want a Coming-Back-From-the-Dead party. How about… a First-Day-On-the-Job party instead?” She appeared to consider this, “okay!” “But wait, what job did you get?” Rainbow asked. “Weren’t you paying attention in the court room? I am now your protector. Celestia has charged me with protecting all six of you. Better still, she said I would receive a salary so I won’t have to beg for handouts anymore.” “But, Sweetie, we never thought of your outfits I made, or the apples Applejack gave you as handouts. We are all dear friends and would do anything to help each other out.” “That’s right. Besides, after ya saved Twi three times, Apple Bloom twice and Pinkie Pie, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle once, there’s no way we’d ever think of asking ya for anything in return,” AJ reassured. “You girls are just too good to me,” Rick’s smile was so wide, the top of his head was in danger of coming off. He spread his forelegs as wide as he could as two orange, magic arms sprout from his back and pulled all six mares in for a hug. It was hard to be certain with his eyes closed, but for just a second, he thought he felt a small, furry peck on his cheek. He was less concerned with that and more concerned with a light, tingling sensation on both thighs. Chapter 14 When the train pulled into the station, they were greeted by Spike, the Crusaders and Big Macintosh. “What are you four doing here?” Rick asked as they exited the train. “We were so worried about you when Rarity told us what happened; we just couldn’t wait to welcome you back to town.” Sweetie Belle squeaked. “Eeyup.” “Well thank you all for this. I can’t tell how much this means to me.” Rick said as he patted rubbed Apple Bloom’s head when she nuzzled his foreleg. “You’ll all have to join us for a party. How ‘bout it, Pinkie, can we make room for four more?” “Of course! I’ll rush over to Sugar Cube Corner right now and get some cupcakes and punch!” “And me and Big Mac’ll run out to Sweet Apple Acres and get some treats fer tha party as well,” Applejack added. “Apple Bloom, why don’t you stay with Rick fer now? You and the other Crusaders can help set up fer the party.” “Alright, Big Sis.” “Okay, I’ll see you back at my house. Bye ‘til then.” He waved to AJ and Big Mac. The remaining seven, minus Fluttershy who went to retrieve Paul, headed toward Rick’s house. When they arrived, they rushed to get the party set up. Plates were set, drinking glasses were readied and placemats were… placed. As soon as Pinkie arrived, the table was loaded with cakes and candies as well as punch. Applejack brought along apple pies, fritters and candy apples. Thanks to Pinkie Pie and something she called a party canon, which did exactly what it sounded like it did, the party became pretty lively. There were games and stories and even a little dancing. But the evening was fast approaching and so the Crusaders were sent to their respective homes, Big Macintosh left so he could wake up early to work on the farm and Spike returned to the library to get some sleep. The others were not about to let their celebration end just yet. They had lost a friend, twice, and he was back. Things really kicked off when Rick found a bottle of cider that Applejack had given him six months prior. He had first arrived in the spring and had missed Cider Season, but the Apple’s always hung on to a little for themselves. This particular bottle was nearly a year old and Rick could smell something special in it. Fermentation. Through sheer luck, Rick had a mason jar full of hard cider. He was tempted, very tempted, to pour a glass for each pony there, but thought the better of it. Without knowing if there even was alcohol in Equestria, Rick didn’t want to be the one to introduce it. He tried a sip and this stuff was potent, so he added just a dash to his punch. It wasn’t much, but it was enough to get him pretty tipsy. “Rick, are you alright?” Twilight asked with an air of concern. “Hmm, oh yeah, I’m jusht great. Why do you ashk?” “Well you are slurring, Dear.” Rarity observed. “Ya’ll sound a might sick, Sugarcube,” AJ added from the kitchen. “Ya haven’t been drinking this cider have ya? It doesn’t keep for this long.” Rainbow Dash shot up from the couch she was sitting on. “CIDER?! GIMME SOME!” “Rainbow, no don’t!” Rick tried to stop her. “I never get any when it’s Cider Season, so I’m gonna get some while I can!” To Rick’s amazement and Applejack’s horror, Dash rushed into the kitchen, snatched the jar from her hooves and took a big swig. “This oughta be good.” Dash swallowed and smacked her lips, “it tastes a little off, but not bad.” Applejack eyed Dash then the jar suspiciously and then took a swig herself. “Hmm, it has a slight burn to it, but it is pretty good.” “Shee, nothing to worry about. Why don’t the rest of ya join us?” He magically took the jar and seven glasses and poured a fair amount in each then floated one to each mare and himself. It wasn’t long before they all were feeling no pain. The girls were all having a great time and because of this, Rick was enjoying himself to no end. Girlish giggles filled the house. Games were taken to a whole new level of difficulty, pinning the tail on the pony was a lot more dangerous when there was a very real possibility that said pony could be you. Every time one of them tried to move about the room, they would wind up face first on the floor or cartwheeling over a piece of furniture. As the night rolled on, there was less and less of the hard cider left in the jar and more and more slurring and tumbling going on amongst the seven friends. After a while, things were being said that without the alcoholic assistance would never be said. “I jesht wan say that I love yoou.” “That sho saweet uh yoo. I luv you too.” “Whud bout me? You luv me don yuu?” “Uv coursh I doo. I love allya.” “Why than yo…zzzz… ” “Ha, she fellsleep. Les write on her! That wud be…zzzz… ” Within short order, they were all asleep. The next morning, Rick woke up to several strange discoveries. The first was that someone had broken in and smashed his brain with an apple flavored brick. The second was that he had fallen asleep in his living room. The third and most surprising, he had not fallen asleep alone. He was on his side and saw that Twilight had slept with her face just a few inches away from his own. Rarity had passed out draped over his barrel. AJ and Dash had curled up so close together, that they were nearly on top of each other. Pinkie, somehow, managed to sleep inside a kitchen cabinet. Fluttershy was the only one who had slept on a couch, however she was upside down with her head on the seat and her hindlegs over the back. His first thought was, “I could get use to this.” His second and slightly louder thought was “why is the sun so loud?!” But the loudest thought was, “when did they all get so damned cute?”